The Minnesota Vikings are getting themselves set up for the NFL draft by bringing in players at multiple positions and it could lead to a true best player scenario option at 23rd overall.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believes that could be the case as he sent them TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston in his latest mock draft.
I’m switching gears a bit for the Vikings, as I had projected a cornerback here in my first two mock drafts. They could still go that way, as adding Byron Murphy helps fill their immediate hole. At receiver, though, with Adam Thielen gone, I love the idea of Johnston playing on the other side of Justin Jefferson, helping take defensive backs away. The 6-foot-3 Johnston will be an immediate red zone threat in the NFL, and his skills after the catch mean he will break a bunch of tackles and score long touchdowns. I know K.J. Osborn has earned a bigger role in the Minnesota offense, but there’s room for Johnston too.
This is a pick that I have been clamoring for over the course of the offseason. Johnston has a lot of potential and giving him ideal surroundings, especially when he would be the third or fourth option on the Vikings offense, will be key to helping him develop.
He has the play strength and foot speed to grow into both a full route tree and a tactitian during his routes. This would give the Vikings something the wide receiver room doesn’t have: size.
