USA TODAY Sports Weekly

2019 picks

- NFLDraftGe­ek.com staff

Minnesota’s interior offensive line play has hamstrung its offense for several seasons. The Vikings have failed to protect their franchise quarterbac­k, Kirk Cousins, or open running lanes. Pat Elflein is a solid piece and guard Josh Kline was a good signing but upgrades are needed around them. Elflein’s ability to play center or guard gives the Vikings versatilit­y. Rd 1: 18 Rd 2: 50 Rd 3: 81 Rd 4: 120 Rd 6: 190 Rd 6: 209 Rd 7: 247 Rd 7: 250

Brian O’Neill exceeded expectatio­ns at right tackle but Riley Reiff has been just decent on the left side. O’Neill has left tackle potential, so the Vikings could bring in a tackle at either position and pair him with O’Neill to form a long-term tandem.

Defensive tackle

The departure of Sheldon Richardson leaves a hole next to Linval Joseph. Shamar Stephen is a run stuffer in the same mold as Joseph. Recent middle-round picks at the position have not contribute­d much, and adding an interior pass rusher would be beneficial.

Wide receiver

Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs make up one of the top duos in the NFL. After those two, the Vikings have failed to get much production. The starters’ versatilit­y gives the Vikings the ability to add either an outside threat or a slot man.

Tight end Interior offensive line Offensive tackle

Kyle Rudolph is still serviceabl­e but is not a dynamic downfield threat. Finding a complement and future replacemen­t to him would be wise, especially with the depth of this tight end class.

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