The 2017 NFL Draft is where the Minnesota Vikings will do the bulk of their remaining work to reset their status for this season. The draft order is set, but the Vikings could do some negotiating with their eight picks.
NFL draft 2017: Vikings' draft picks, strategy, needs
The Vikings don't have a first-round NFL Draft pick, but they'll be busy throughout the week.
March 30, 2017 at 4:20PM
They enter the draft without a first-round pick, having traded that to the Philadelphia Eagles to get quarterback Sam Bradford. And in free agency, Minnesota addressed its two biggest team needs — offensive tackle and running back. But the moves to sign Latavius Murray, Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers don't garner wholesale confidence — especially not after Murray had to undergo ankle surgery.
With no timetable set for Teddy Bridgewater's return and veteran backup Shaun Hill contemplating his future, the Vikings could target another quarterback for security in the draft if they don't look for a suitable veteran in free agency. It won't be their only area of interest, though.
The last time the Vikings were without a first-round pick was 2010. Their first picks that year were second-round selections cornerback Chris Cook (No. 34 overall) and running back Toby Gerhart (51).
What you need to know:
When is the 2017 NFL draft?:
The draft is April 27-29 in Philadelphia
— Round 1: Thursday, April 27, 8 p.m. ET
— Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. ET, Picks 33-107
— Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 29, Noon ET
How can I watch the draft?:
NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds
What is the Vikings' draft order?:
— Round 1: Pick No. 14 traded to the Eagles
— Round 2: Pick No. 48
— Round 3: Pick No. 79, Pick No. 86 (from Miami)
— Round 4: Pick No. 121, Pick No. 129 (from Miami)
— Round 5: Pick No. 160
— Round 6: Pick No. 199
— Round 7: Pick No. 232
What are the Vikings' biggest draft needs?:
Coach Mike Zimmer is really impressed with this year's running back class, so it would come as no surprise if they pick up one early. The Vikings need depth at offensive tackle, defensive tackle, cornerback and safety. What are the first-round picks for other NFC North teams?: Chicago Bears (No. 3); Detroit Lions (No. 21); Green Bay Packers (No. 29).
Who are the Vikings' last 10 first-round NFL Draft picks?:
2016: WR Laquon Treadwell (23)
2015: CB Trae Waynes (11)
2014: QB Teddy Bridgewater (32); LB Anthony Barr (9)
2013: WR Cordarralle Patterson (29); CB Xavier Rhodes (25); DT Sharrif Floyd (23)
2012: S Harrison Smith (29); OT Matt Kalil (4)
2011: QB Christian Ponder (12)
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
