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NFL Draft Day Preview: FanSided Experts Draft Takes

By George Stockburger

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) against the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Rams 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) against the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Rams 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Wide Receiver 

Minnesota desperately needs to improve their passing offense, which was the second worst in the NFL. To do so, finding a better, more reliable target for young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater should be the top priority. With the emergence of Stefon Diggs, there are still questions about Charles Johnson coming back from his rib injury as well as whether or not Cordarrelle Patterson has done enough to earn more playing time going forward.

2. Safety 

The signing of Michael Griffin shouldn’t be considered any kind of answer for the starting job opposite Harrison Smith. The Vikings need to find a ball-hawk to compliment the hard-nosed style of Smith to grow and develop. Last year’s starter Andrew Sendejo can’t be trusted as a starter, but could be an adequate backup and special teams player. For a defense with very few holes, finding a capable starter will likely be a priority during the first two days of the draft.

3. Offensive Line

 While most of the major holes and depth spots were filled with free agency signings, there are still some big issues remaining. A majority of the offensive linemen on the Vikings roster have one year deals, are close to retirement, are dealing with major injuries, or have questionable futures. For a team built around the running game and hoping to improve the passing game, the franchise can’t afford to gamble in the trenches when it comes to the health of their quarterback and running back.

Mock Draft 1.0 Selection – Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, please check out The Viking Age for all the latest news and analysis.

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