Minnesota Vikings

Potential Vikings Day 2 picks in 2018 NFL Draft

Published Apr. 27, 2018 11:59 a.m. ET

Minnesota perhaps surprisingly took a defensive player, cornerback Mike Hughes, in the first round of the NFL draft.

The Vikings have one pick each in the second and third rounds, and not much draft capital to acquire another selection on Day 2. Minnesota has no pick in the fourth round, No. 167 in the fifth, three picks in the sixth -- Nos. 204, 213 and 218 -- and No. 225 in the seventh.

Here are a number of players who are available and expected to be drafted in rounds 2-3 (listed in alphabetical order):

Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma: A big pass catcher, Andrews could step in immediately. Concerns about his quickness and run blocking are valid, but Kirk Cousins leaned on Jordan Reed for years in Washington, and Andrews gives him an even larger frame to target.

Lorenzo Carter, DE, Georgia: Another thing Zimmer likes? Versatile pass rushers. If the Vikings determine they can't afford Anthony Barr or Danielle Hunter in the future, Carter could be a savvy pick in the second.

James Daniels, C, Iowa: One of this draft's best run blockers, Daniels moves well and is a strong pick for a team looking to rebuild its running game around Cook.

Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn: Picking cornerbacks with your first two picks might be a bit out of the ordinary, but in a passing league why not add more depth? At 6-foot-1, Davis has good height and possesses good -- but not great -- speed.

Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State: Another big target who won't do much for the run, Gesicki has the ball skills to make a major impact in the passing game.

Dallas Goedert, TE, SDSU: The Vikings have whiffed on a few tight ends in recent years, and could supplement Kyle Rudolph with one of the draft's most talented pass catchers.

Derrius Guice, RB, LSU: If the Vikings are after an insurance policy on Cook's rebuilt knee, there's a lot to love about Guice, who thrived in the same system that produced Leonard Fournette. Guice was originally tabbed as a first-rounder, and would probably require some major movement.

Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama: Yes, Minnesota is set at safety for now, but could be looking for Andrew Sendejo's eventual replacement. Harrison is a solid safety, but also has decent coverage skills and could perhaps play the slot.

Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP: An exceptional run blocker in college, Hernandez fits the Vikings needs with Kirk Cousins in town and Dalvin Cook on the mend. Plenty of people were expecting this pick on Thursday night.

Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan: If Sheldon Richardson either doesn't work out or doesn't re-sign after this year, the Vikings could replace him with Hurst, an undersized but exceptionally quick three-technique defender. There are health concerns, however, as well.

Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa: A converted wide receiver, Jackson emerged as one of the game's premiere ball-hawks down in Iowa City. He's got some developing to do, but never count Mike Zimmer out on a skilled defensive back in the early rounds.

Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M: Kirk could replace the ever-dependable Jarius Wright in the slot, and would give the Vikings' return game a boost.

Harold Landry, DE, Boston College: Originally projected to go in the first, Landry could be a steal for the Vikings in Round 2 despite their glut of quality pass rushers.

Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan: Okorafor has the physical tools and size (6-6, 320) to play in the NFL. However, he'll likely need some time to learn and improve to be a factor at the pro level. Could be worth a look in the third round.

Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado: Oliver has a lot of upside but the general consensus is he needs some time to develop -- so Minnesota, with its deep secondary and first-round cornerback, might be a good place for him to land and learn how to be a pro.

Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh: O'Neill is big (6-7) and tough, but likely more of a project than a Day 1 starter, but the Vikings certainly could use some depth along the offensive line.

Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford: Known more of a run-stuffer, although the 6-3, 307-pound Phillips did have seven sacks to go with his 102 tackles and 16.5 TFL in 2017. Could be a rotational DT in 2017 before moving into a bigger role later.

Justin Reid, S, Stanford: Thought by many to go late in the first round, Reid is a thumper who can also cover (4.4 speed).

Braden Smith, G, Auburn: With the starting offensive line still in flux, Smith (6-6, 315) is someone who could come in and possibly start as a rookie. A four-year starter who was a first-team All-American in 2017.

Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU: Spielman and Zimmer used a first-round pick on a notable receiver a few years back, but if they're ready to cut bait on Laquon Treadwell already, Sutton could make for an exciting replacement.

James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State: While he doesn't possess top speed, Washington is still a vertical threat who does a great job of tracking deep passes. Could be a nice weapon for new QB Kirk Cousins.

Kyzr White, S, West Virginia: Big safety who is adept against the run (94 tackles, 7.5 TFL in 2017). Does not possess the speed to be a good cover guy, however.

Connor Williams, G, Texas: Once thought to be a surefire first-round pick, Williams struggled a bit in 2017, in part to missing time due to injuries, but nevertheless many mocks had him going in the first round. A tackle in college, guard might be his best spot in the NFL and the Vikings have an opening.