Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest mock draft on ESPN, and he has the Vikings filling some important positional needs in the first round.
The Vikings selected Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims and Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa in a recent mock draft.
Mims was the No. 22 overall pick. Here’s some of what Kiper Jr. said about the choice:
“Minnesota got this pick by trading Stefon Diggs last week, and they could use it to find a direct replacement. Adam Thielen is the clear WR1, but there’s not much else on the roster that should excite Vikings fans. Mims is one of the biggest risers from the pre-draft process.”
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa was the No. 25 overall pick. Here is some of what Kiper Jr. said about him:
“We know Mike Zimmer is always thinking about his defense, and that unit could use some help with one of Minnesota’s first-round picks. Epenesa could be a capable replacement for Griffen as a defensive end with a big frame (6-foot-5, 275 pounds) who is good against the run and has room to grow as a pass-rusher.”
I think these two would both be good matches. If Mims and Epenesa are the first two players the Vikings select, expect both to earn serious playing time in 2020-21.