Full list of Minnesota Vikings 2020 NFL draft capital, needs, dream pick

The Minnesota Vikings finished second to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North in 2019, finishing with a 10-6 record. Kirk Cousins struggled early in the year, causing the receiving corps to grow frustrated. But Dalvin Cook put together a career year by rushing for 1,135 yards and 13 scores while also tallying 519 receiving yards. The team has some major changes ahead though.

Minnesota has dealt Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, and both Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph has chosen new teams in free agency. The Vikings’ 12 draft picks will give them a chance to replace these critical pieces.

2020 Draft Picks

Round 1, pick 22 (No. 22 overall): Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Round 1, pick 31 (No. 31): Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Round 2, pick 26 (No. 58): Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Round 3, pick 25 (No. 89): Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Round 4, pick 11 (No. 117): D.J. Wonnum, DE, South Carolina
Round 4, pick 24 (No. 130): James Lynch, DE, Baylor
Round 4, pick 26 (No. 132): Troy Dye, ILB, Oregon
Round 5, pick 24 (No. 169): Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
Round 5, pick 31 (No. 176): K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami
Round 6, pick 24 (No. 203): Blake Brandel, OT, Oregon State
Round 6, pick 26 (No. 205): Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
Round 7, pick 11 (No. 225): Kenny Willekes, DE, Michigan State
Round 7, pick 30 (No. 244): Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
Round 7, pick 35 (No. 249): Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
Round 7, pick 39 (No. 253): Kyle Hinton, OG, Washburn

Team needs

Offense

Minnesota needs a wide receiver to pair with Adam Thielen now that Diggs is gone, as Kyle Rudolph and Bisi Johnson aren’t desirable second options in the passing game. Cousins could revert back to being hesitant without more productive targets at his disposal, so it’s important that this need is addressed.

Defense

The Vikings lost some star power on the defensive line, so edge rushers would help keep their pass rush strong. They also released Xavier Rhodes, leaving a vacancy at the cornerback position. Minnesota could experience a major decline if these positions aren’t filled by capable starters.

Dream first pick

Trading Diggs got Minnesota a second first-round pick, and that could change its priorities in the draft. The team would surely suffer without another reliable pass catcher, and the Vikings have a chance to get one in a draft class that has great depth at wide receiver. Getting a late first round prospect like Clemson’s Tee Higgins makes a lot of sense. His ability to secure jump balls would give their offense a new dynamic.