2020 NFL Draft: Potential trade-up targets for Minnesota Vikings
By David Glancy
The Minnesota Vikings have a total of 12 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. Should the Vikings look to trade up in the draft and what players would be targets?
The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2020 season with their sights on a second straight postseason appearance. After finishing the season 10-6 and losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round, the Vikings are yet to address multiple departures via free agency. The Vikings are looking to address the departure of multiple defensive starters and Stefon Diggs through the 2020 NFL Draft, while also adding players to improve their play at the line of scrimmage.
The Vikings acquired three picks from the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 NFL Draft along with a fourth-round selection in the 2021 Draft as part of the Diggs trade. With two selections in the first round, two selections in the third round, two selections in the sixth round, and three selections in the seventh round, the Minnesota Vikings have the capital to trade up and add impact rookies to the roster.
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After extending Kirk Cousins‘s contract this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings are left with $12 million in cap space which could still be used towards one-year plug deals to notable free agents such as Jason Peters or Logan Ryan. Everson Griffen remains unsigned but is unlikely to return to Minnesota after his farewell Instagram post four weeks ago.
Given the multiple positions to address and the quiet free agency period, it appears the Vikings are planning to hold onto their draft picks and address the roster through the draft. As COVID-19 has impacted how teams prepare for the 2020 NFL Draft, there has been less time to meet with and perform typical due diligence over prospects which may result in players falling later than projected or teams may look to move back.
Given the Vikings 12 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, General Manager Rick Spielman is in a position to move up in the early rounds. With needs on the offensive and defensive lines, the secondary, and receiver we will take a look at potential trade-up targets for the Minnesota Vikings.