5 Players from the NCAA Championship the Vikings should Consider
Kirby O'Connor
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Offensive Tackle, Jonah Williams-
Class: Junior
Age: 21
Projected Pick: Top 3-5
The Vikings would need to make some moves to get Williams, as he is projecting to go in the top 3-5 picks. Williams anchored the Alabama line for three seasons at Left Tackle, winning multiple awards, including unanimous All-American this season. Williams is the kind of player that you can build an entire offense around, and if Rick Spielman was able to make a move to get him, it would really cement his commitment to building a better offensive line for the future. He could come in and be the day one starter at either tackle position, surplanting Riley Reiff or Brian O’Neill. However, for the Vikings to move up that far, from the 18th pick to about the 3rd to 5th, they would need to give up significant capital. A trade of that magnitude would probably include a 1st this year, a couple more picks this year, picks next year, and a high caliber player like Xavier Rhodes. It’s unlikely that this happens, and who knows if it would even be worth it in the end?
Defensive Tackle, Christian Wilkins-
Class: Graduate Senior
Age: 23
Projected Pick: Mid-late 1st
Wilkins had 4 tackles and 0.5 sacks in last night’s national championship game, but what Wilkins brought to Clemson all year was his tenacity and emotional leadership. Wilkins does not have a large amount of length to him, something that I’m sure Mike Zimmer would note as negative, but what he doesn’t have in wingspan, he makes up for in tenacity and effort. Wilkins has been at Clemson since 2015 and in that time, he has become a unanimous All-American and won the William V. Campbell trophy, which is awarded to the player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance. Right now, Wilkins is projected to go in the early to mid first round, and it wouldn’t be crazy to suggest the Vikings move up to get him, or that he falls to them at 18. I don’t really want it to happen, as I think their first round pick should be spent somewhere other then the defensive line, but if Wilkins is the best player available when the Vikes make their first pick, it could happen, especially if they choose not to re-sign Sheldon Richardson.
Defensive Back, Trayvon Mullen-
Class: Junior
Age: 21
Projected Pick: 2nd-3rd round
Mullen was the defensive player of the game in the National Championship, collecting 6 tackles, one sack, and one interception. This season he was named to the All-ACC 2nd team, while collecting 36 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 passes defended. At 6’1” and 190 lbs, Mullen is a long guy who has the ability to play either safety or cornerback. We all know how much Zimmer loves defensive backs, and with a bit of polish, Mullen could become a great one. His performance in the biggest game of the year can not be ignored, and although it’s possible that he doesn’t declare this year, he is only a Junior, his draft stock after this game rose significantly. Even with this performance, he projects as a 2nd-3rd round talent, and if the Vikings go with a lineman with their first pick, Zimmer could get his way and get another defensive back in the 2nd.
Tight End, Irv Smith Jr.-
Class: Graduate/Senior
Age: 20
Projected Pick: 2nd-3rd round
Smith had 4 catches for 43 yards in the National title game. This was not his best showing of the season, but Smith has shown the ability to have big games. He went for 123 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas earlier this season. Smith also caught 7 touchdowns total this season. His 6’ 4” 241-pound frame makes him a big target, and he has the ability to stretch the field as a receiver. Smith could be a matchup nightmare, and is one of the top tight ends available in this year’s draft. Should the Vikings want to look for another receiving tight end, Smith could be on their radar in the 2nd-3rd rounds. If Smith falls to one of these rounds, the Vikings could have their next big target after they decide to move on from Kyle Rudolph, who will be 30 next November.
Offensive Guard, Ross Pierschbacher-
Class: Senior
Age: 23
Projected Pick: 3rd-4th round
Pierschbacher started 57 games for the Tide in his four 4 years on the team, which ties an NCAA record . At 6’ 4” and 309 lbs, he has the prototypical size to play the guard position. His ability to play both guard and center makes him more valuable. Pierschbacher shows concern with his ability to move as a blocker, and would suffer if asked to pull too much, but with his size he should be able to hold his own at the next level. He doesn’t project out as an especially high round prospect, and should not be relied on as a day one starter as he will need time to develop. He could be of great value if picked in the 3rd or 4th, where the Vikings have historically drafted a lot of lineman, to add young depth to that unit. Don’t be surprised to see this guy in purple next season.
(Bonus) Wide Receiver, Hunter Renfrow-
Class: Graduate Senior
Age: 23
Projected Pick: 4th-5th round
I was only going to put 5 players in this article, but I wanted to include Hunter Renfrow here because of who he is as a player and person. Renfrow, a former walk on, is a bit undersized, but makes up for it with quickness, great route running, and incredible hands. I know the Vikings already carry some guys who came out of school underrated, and if Renfrow falls to them in the 4th or 5th round, it could be a good opportunity to add a new third wide receiver, to replace Treadwell. Also, Renfrow went on the record last year, when asked about if he would return for another season at Clemson, “I’ve got too much golf and hunting to do in the spring to leave early.” Renfrow is a guy who has a mentality that many Minnesota fans can understand. Underrated, undersized, hard working, and loves to golf and hunt. I, for one, would be thrilled if the Vikings ended up in Minnesota. Let’s just hope Bill Belichick doesn’t draft him before Zimmer gets the chance.