EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have a different outlook on the draft now that Minnesota has a pair of first-round picks.
The Vikings now have the 22nd overall selection, which was recently acquired in a trade with the Bills for wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Minnesota originally had the 25th overall pick, meaning the Vikings are now slated to pick twice within four spots in the first round.
The 2020 NFL Draft will be held April 23-25. We found a dozen recent projections from draft analysts around the league projecting what the Vikings will do with two selections on opening night.
Here's a look at our fifth Vikings 2020 Mock Draft Tracker:
ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr.
March 24, 2019
The predicted pick at No. 22: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Yes, this is another team that has a need at wide receiver, and this is the draft to get one. 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, as he was tremendous at the Senior Bowl and then blew up at the combine, running a 4.38 40 at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds and testing well in the other workouts. He had 28 touchdowns over the past three seasons at Baylor.
The predicted pick at No. 25: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
This has to be corner or defensive end, right? Free agent Everson Griffen has already said his goodbyes to Vikings fans, while Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and Xavier Rhodes all departed this offseason. 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.
Click here for Kiper's full mock draft.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein
March 20, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
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.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
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.
Click here for Zierlein's full mock draft.
Will Brinson of CBS Sports
March 20, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Adding a cornerback will definitely be a priority for Minnesota but they can wait a few picks with the options on the board. Here, they focus on replacing Everson Griffin and/or improving their defensive line and getting better against the run.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
The Vikings not only love drafting cornerbacks but they actually need to draft a cornerback now. No one's better at finding talent there than Mike Zimmer.
Click here for Brinson's full mock draft.
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports
March 23, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander are now in Cincinnati, and Xavier Rhodes, who struggled for much of the season, was released earlier this month. Adding help at cornerback will be a priority this offseason. Igbinoghene quietly had a strong 2019 season, followed it up with a great combine and has shown the ability to match up with NFL WRs.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Stefon Diggs is now in Buffalo, and Jefferson was a monster out of the slot last season for LSU. He would quickly become a favorite target of Kirk Cousins in Minnesota.
Click here for Wilson's full mock draft.
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports
March 17, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Minnesota uses the pick it got from Buffalo in the Stefon Diggs trade to add a small, quick, downfield speedster at wideout.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Josh Jones, T, Houston
The Vikings re-invested in Kirk Cousins, so they get him an upgrade at the left tackle spot in Jones.
Click here for Trapasso's full mock draft.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports
March 20, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
After dealing Stefon Diggs to Buffalo, Minnesota selects his brother to fill some needs at cornerback. Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander have either agreed to terms with another team or have been released. It is a big position of need.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Minnesota needs to start preparing for the future. They have a highly paid linebackers room, and some changes need to be made if they hope for any future flexibility.
Click here for Edwards' full mock draft.
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports
March 17, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Johnson might not have the ideal size that the Vikings are hoping for, but he's not afraid to mix it up in run defense. He's physical and can jam opposing receivers, all while having the necessary athleticism to cover.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
The Vikings should be on the hunt for more help on the defensive front after cutting ties with Linval Joseph. Gallimore's a disruptive player in the middle of the defensive line.
Click here for Fornelli's full mock draft.
Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated
March 20, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
One of the youngest prospects in the draft (he turns 21 in August), Queen played his best football down the stretch of LSU's title run. Queen is a three-down linebacker with outstanding speed that excels in coverage. If this is the pick, the trio of Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks and Queen would be locked up through the 2023 season.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Of the four cornerbacks to play 500-plus snaps for the Vikings last season, three of them — Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and Xavier Rhodes — are no longer on the roster. The younger brother of (former Vikings receiver) Stefon Diggs, Trevon Diggs has ideal length for the position, outstanding ball skills and led Alabama in pass breakups (eight) last season.
Click here for Hanson's full mock draft.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report
March 23, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
The predicted pick at No. 25: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Click here for Knox's full mock draft.
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report
March 22, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
The predicted pick at No. 25: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Click here for Moton's full mock draft.
Dan Kadar of SB Nation
March 23, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Minnesota's cornerback play last season was a mess. Now with two first-round picks, the Vikings can address the position. Fulton is a good fit in Mike Zimmer's defense.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are locked up for the next few years, but the Vikings could use another linebacker. Ben Gedeon has been an underwhelming fourth-round pick. Queen's ability to chase down the ball would give the Vikings a good young linebacker to complete that unit.
Click here for Kadar's full mock draft.
Jordan Reid of The Draft Network (three rounds)
March 23, 2020
The predicted pick at No. 22: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
After losing key core pieces in Xavier Rhodes, Linval Joseph and soon to be Everson Griffen, no one really knows what's happening in Minnesota right now. The trading of Stefon Diggs took many by storm, but it can be boiled down to a receiver unhappy in his former situation. With Adam Thielen and Bisi Johnson being the only dependable options, the team selects Justin Jefferson. He brings a certain type of confidence, swagger and upside as a potential playmaker in the Vikings' offense.
The predicted pick at No. 25: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
A mass exodus has happened at cornerback for the Vikings. With Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander signing with Cincinnati and Rhodes still looking for his new team, Minnesota chooses the high upside option in Noah Igbinoghene. He's firmly placed his name into the first-round discussion. While he's not as ready right now as some other options after only playing the position for two seasons, his upside is just as good as any cornerback in this class not named Jeffrey Okudah.
The predicted second-round pick: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
The predicted third-round pick: Ben Bartch, T, St. John's (MN)
The predicted third-round pick: Jabari Zuniga, DE, Florida
Click here for Reid's full mock draft.
