The Vikings are now equipped with two first-round picks after trading wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Bills.
Minnesota will have Buffalo’s 22nd pick, along with its own 25th pick.
In Lance Zierlein’s recent mock draft at NFL.com, he has the Vikings addressing the defensive line with both picks.
With the 22nd pick, Zierlein has the Vikings taking Penn State defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos. This pick is under the assumption that Everson Griffen leaves in free-agency.
Here’s what Zierlein wrote about the pick:
With Everson Griffen exploring free agency, the Vikings could look to fill the void here. Gross-Matos is an ascending defensive end with traits and rush potential waiting to be developed.
With the 25th pick, Zierlein has the Vikings taking TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock.
Here’s what Zierlein wrote about the pick:
The Vikings know they can find receiver talent outside of the first round, but finding an interior pass rusher like Blacklock won’t be as easy.
The Vikings cut Linval Joseph in free-agency, but found his replacement in Michael Pierce. Even so, the Vikings could use an upgrade next to Pierce, where Shamar Stephen started last season.