Minnesota Vikings 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft after Stefon Diggs trade

With their highlight pick from the Bills trade, the Minnesota Vikings waste no time finding a suitable replacement for Stefon Diggs as they take advantage of a talented wide receiver draft class by selecting Justin Jefferson. Jefferson was Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow’s favorite target in 2019, and rightfully so. Jefferson dominated from the slot during LSU’s National Championship run, catching 111 balls for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Jefferson showed that he was a solid route-runner with a tremendous ability to catch the ball in contested situations with aid from his physicality and catch radius. He arguably has the best hands in the 2020 NFL Draft. His route tree is highly developed for a slot receiver. That being said, I think he has the ability to play anywhere.

Jefferson has amazing ball tracking skills and demonstrates reliability on a weekly basis. Jefferson has the attributes makes his quarterback better and is special with the ball in his possession, fighting for those extra yards. For the cherry on top, he was able to surprise many with his 4.43 40-time at the combine.

Due to Diggs departing, and possibly Laquon Treadwell, Jefferson will inevitably inherit a vital role on day one and could serve as the next man up for Adam Thielen, who missed half of last season due to injuries. Kirk Cousins would certainly adore the additional weapons. This Minnesota Vikings offense has to remain intimidating and adding Jefferson helps them do so.

Speaking of suitable replacements, the roads are wide open for the No. 1 cornerback spot on the Minnesota Vikings depth chart (see what I did there?). Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavier Rhodes was released after a mediocre 2019 showing and 2015 first-round pick Trae Waynes, as well as Mackenzie Alexander, are both expected to depart in free agency.

Needless to say, the position is hurting big-time. It’s essential it gets addressed, especially when you consider that the  NFC North has a handful of elite wide receivers with Kenny Golladay, Allen Robinson III and Davante Adams.

That’s were TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney comes in. He excels in man coverage, something the Vikings utilize a lot on the outside. I also love his mirroring skills. Gladney uses his rapid feet to stay square and maintain coverage with opposing receivers and is aggressive at the line with his press as he displays optimal strength.

The 191-pound cornerback benched 17 reps at the combine, making the 73rd percentile for cornerbacks. Simply put, Gladney is a talented player who would help fill a massive position of need for Minnesota.