Minnesota Vikings: 2018 draft predictions

We are only moments away from the first pick being announced in the 2018 NFL draft, let’s borrow Mike Zimmer’s crystal ball and try to predict what the Minnesota Vikings will do with the 30th pick

The mock drafts have all been released, the inevitable pre-draft prospect controversy has already taken place and the Commish is about to be booed at the podium. Draft night is here and it is shaping up to be one of the more eventful and unpredictable drafts in a number of years. We still don’t know who Cleveland is going to take with the first overall pick but we are going to try to predict what Rick Spielman and the Vikings will do at 30.

PREDICTION: The Vikings will trade out of the first round

Rick Spielman has stated previously that he prefers having ten picks per draft. The Vikings currently sitting at only eight picks, combined with the fact that their biggest need (starting caliber OL) could be found in the second, third and possibly fourth round, makes it seems likely that the Vikings will trade out of the 30th pick. Unless someone the Vikings really like at one of their other needs falls to 30, expect them to make a deal to move down.

PREDICTION: The Vikings will draft two, starting caliber OL

After the top two or three offensive lineman from this class are taken in the first round, the rest of the class are very similar in talent level, according to Pro Football Focus. After seeing what the Vikings have been able to do in previous drafts, including 2017 in which they drafted a starting Running Back and starting Center in the second and third rounds, Spielman and company will be able to select multiple times in the second and third round and will fill out the offensive line.