The NFL scouting combine is now a few days behind us, which means the draftniks have had sufficient time to update their mock drafts to reflect what was learned in Indy.
It is still more than two months until the actual draft, and future events — none bigger than free agency — will shape how the first round of the draft actually plays out.
But if the draft were to take place today, it seems as if there is no consensus about which position the Vikings will target first. Sure, a number of the mock drafts I pulled up still had them taking a wide receiver, a popular pick the last time I did this roundup. But now we are starting to see some new names linked to the Vikings in these premature projections.
One in particular keeps popping up. That would be Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes, who helped himself by running one of the fastest forty times down in Indy. The Vikings could use another quality cornerback, especially in this division, so the connection does sound logical.
Anyway, check out which prospects are being mocked to the Vikings in these notable mock drafts:
Pat Kirwan, CBS Sports: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia. "After White's performance at the combine the Vikings will be lucky if he is still on the board when they pick," Kirwan wrote. "White is big, fast and productive and is a perfect fit in Norv Turner's offense. Teddy Bridgewater could have AP behind him and White and Patterson out wide which puts this team on the map."
Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville. "Reunited and it feels so good for DeVante Parker and his college quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The two Louisville Cardinals need each other — Teddy needs a legitimate No. 1 receiver and Parker will step into an NFL offense begging for his ability in the red zone," Miller wrote. "With freakish size, game speed and the ability to post up in the end zone, Parker has the skill set needed to open up the Minnesota offense with speedsters like Jarius Wright and the big-play potential of Cordarrelle Patterson."
Todd McShay, ESPN: Waynes. "I think this pick could come down to Waynes and Louisville receiver DeVante Parker, who was Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's favorite target at Louisville and is a top-10 player on our board," McShay wrote. "But Minnesota really needs help at corner, so I'll go with Waynes. He really helped himself at the combine by running a 4.31 40-yard dash, which eliminated any concerns about his speed after showing a little bit of tightness on tape. He is a technically sound cover corner with good instincts and football character. Plus, he plays hard and isn't afraid to show up in run support."
