The Odds-On Favorite for Vikings Pick in 1st Round of Draft
Dustin Baker
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Note: This article originally appeared on our flagship site, VikingsTerritory.com.
Mystery surrounds the Minnesota Vikings thought process with the 12th overall pick in April’s draft. Why? Because Rick Spielman is no longer in charge of the organization and draft tendencies, among other football operation items, are difficult to predict.
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The Vikings could select the best player available at #12 — like a wide receiver or interior defensive lineman, even though that isn’t a roster need — or the franchise could cater to its weaknesses. For example, Minnesota needs help at cornerback, interior offensive line, and perhaps the safety position.
Per oddsmakers, though, there is a favorite to land with the Vikings on April 28th — Derek Stingley Jr.
According to Bookies.com, Minnesota is trending toward selecting a cornerback, partnering with Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler, Chandon Sullivan, Nate Hairston, Harrison Hand, Kris Boyd, Parry Nickerson, and Tye Smith on the active depth chart.
After Stingley-to-Vikings, the favorites, in order, include Ahmad Garnder (CB), Jermaine Johnson (EDGE), and Tyler Linderbaum (OL).
By most accounts, Stingley Jr. would merge the choice of best player available and roster need. And truth be told, he and his CB counterpart, Garnder, may not be available to the Vikings at #12 if their respective draft stocks continue to rise.
Too, the Vikings could trade the 12th pick, fortifying draft stock for later in the 1st Round and potentially an additional 2nd or 3rd-Rounder. Like Rick Spielman used to utilize, trading down is a sensible option.
Otherwise, the Vikings could take a swing on Stingley Jr. if Vegas is correct, making him the seventh LSU product drafted in team history:
- 2020 = Justin Jefferson (WR)
- 2015 = Danielle Hunter (EDGE)
- 1987 = Henry Thomas (DT)
- 1980 = Willie Teal (DB)
- 1970 = Godfrey Zaunbrecher (C)
- 1962 = Roy Winston (LB)
The only knock on Stingley Jr.? Health. He played just one full season — back in 2019, his freshman campaign. Since then, in 2020 and 2021, Stingley Jr. played in just 10 total football games.
The NFL Draft occurs on April 28th in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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