The Vikings now have two first-round picks after trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills.
While having two first-round picks is nice, the Vikings are in now in desperate need for a receiver. Along with that, the team also lost cornerbacks Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes and Mackensie Alexander in free-agency.
Michael Renner from Pro Football Focus put together a post-free agency mock draft and he has the Vikings addressing both of those positions in the first round.
With the 22nd pick, Renner has the Vikings drafting TCU receiver Jalen Reagor.
Here’s what Renner wrote about the pick:
The Vikings can’t lose the deep threat Stefon Diggs posed to opposing defenses and not expect the offense to take a significant step back. Reagor’s explosiveness could at least replace that threat, even if no one is going to completely fill Diggs’ shoes in Year 1.
Even after signing Tajae Sharpe on Wednesday, a receiver in the first round of the draft should be the plan.
With the 25th pick, Renner has the Vikings drafting Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Here’s what Renner wrote about the pick:
Mike Zimmer loves nothing more than drafting cornerbacks in the first round. This time, Minnesota actually needs one. Johnson has the all-around type of skillset and instincts that can succeed in Zimmer’s defense. He’s earned a 90.1 coverage grade over the past two seasons.
Right now, Mike Hughes is the only cornerback on the roster who has established himself in the NFL. If the Vikings want to compete (and they do), they are going to need plenty more help. Johnson would be a start to this, but the hope is the team signs a corner in free agency before the draft even takes place.
You can check out Renner’s full mock draft here.