There is no doubt that the Minnesota Vikings need an infusion of youth on the defensive side of the ball. With Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith getting older, the Vikings may look to address their replacements sooner rather than later.
On Monday, Nate Davis of USA Today did just that when he released his mock draft that had the Vikings selecting Georgia edge Nolan Smith.
“One way to address the NFC’s worst pass defense? Infuse more juice into its pass rush, and Smith can do just that – especially if he’s allowed to start out with a focus on sub packages and passing downs.”
Smith is a physical specimen with a relentless motor. While he is not the most finely-tuned prospect in this draft class, he’s got all the traits you would want from an edge rusher. If the Vikings choose to select him in this year’s draft, they’d allow their coaching staff to develop him as a rotational pass rusher and eventually have him replace either Smith or Hunter in the future.
