Minnesota Vikings

2017 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings Post-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:28 p.m. ET

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If GM Rick Spielman can pull off another win during the 2017 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings could be well on their way to the playoffs this upcoming campaign.

It's been a wild last year or so for the Minnesota Vikings. They put together a strong 2016 offseason, looked like a serious contender, and then watched injuries and inconsistency hand them a 7-9 finish. Maybe an impressive showing during the 2017 NFL Draft could turn things around?

I would go as far as saying that would be the case. Realistically, the Vikings aren't that far from contending for a Super Bowl next season. As long as they can make some key additions during free agency and put together another strong draft class, they could be well on their way to a playoff appearance.

Before we can start planning the celebration, though, Minnesota has plenty left on their to-do list. The signing of Riley Reiff was a start, but the offensive line still needs major work. A new starter at running back would be a valuable investment. The Vikings could also benefit from some added depth on the defensive side of the ball.

Either way, big things are in order for the Vikings in the coming months. It started with free agency, but it'll end with the 2017 NFL Draft. With that in mind, let's take a look at how the Vikings could spend their eight current picks with this seven-round mock draft.

Note: The Vikings traded their 2017 first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Sam Bradford. They also received the Miami Dolphins' 2017 third- and fourth-round picks as part of a deal for Minnesota's 2016 third-round pick.

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Dan Feeney

Guard, Indiana

Even after the addition of Riley Reiff, the Vikings' offensive line must improve. The left guard spot is fairly secure with Alex Boone as the starter, but Minnesota simply can't rely on Willie Beavers to get the job done on the other side.

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Another guard may be added during the early stages of free agency, but Dan Feeney still makes too much sense in the middle of the second round. The Indiana product is one of the top guards of the 2017 draft class, earning praise for his athleticism, movement skills and toughness at the point of attack.

More than anything, this pick provides the Vikings with another quality body along the front five. They quickly ran out of those in 2016, so finding more capable contributors should be a top priority this offseason. It helps that Feeney can step in and upgrade the right guard spot from Day 1.

Even without a first-round pick, the Vikings can make considerable progress on the offensive line during the draft. It's unfortunate they likely won't get a shot at someone like Forrest Lamp or Garret Bolles, but Feeney would be an excellent consolation prize.

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Pat Elflein

Center, Ohio State

Again, things could change if the Vikings continue to add front five talent during free agency. However, as of my writing this, only Reiff has been signed. That means only one of the numerous questions has been addressed. Hence, the selection of Pat Elflein in the third round.

The former Buckeye is a tremendous center prospect with the potential to surprise at the next level. While not an elite talent at this point in his career, Elflein wins with tremendous power, awareness and tenacity. He spent last season anchoring an outstanding Ohio State offensive line, and should keep that momentum rolling into 2017.

Not only is Elflein an outstanding on-field talent, but he's an exceptional leader. His effort and passion can be contagious in the locker room, which fits perfectly with the type of character Spielman looks for in his draft picks.

Overall, Elflein is a dominant run blocker with the athleticism and footwork to hold his own in pass protection as well. On top of that, he's versatile—the 2016 Rimington Trophy winner moved to center last season after starring for the Buckeyes at guard previously. If he's still on the board in the third round, the Vikings need to jump at the opportunity to draft him.

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Larry Ogunjobi

Defensive Tackle, Charlotte

Heading into 2017, the Vikings need an influx of pass-rushing ability along the interior of the defensive line. Linval Joseph fills the run-stuffing role with the best of them, but Sharrif Floyd can't be counted on after missing almost all of 2016 with a mysterious knee injury.

With Floyd still an unknown, Minnesota will be looking to add an impact three-technique via free agency or the draft. One mid-round talent who I believe could develop into the next star along the Vikings defensive line is Larry Ogunjobi, a small-school prospect who has earned significant interest from the scouting community.

Ogunjobi earned a scholarship when Charlotte started their football program in 2013. Four years and plenty of big plays later, he looks like a legitimate NFL talent. There are going to be some hurdles due to his average size and general rawness. However, the natural athleticism, motor and quickness in close quarters should allow him to win at the next level.

It's a gamble—there's no doubt about that. Ogunjobi still has a lot of work to do before he's ready to start in the NFL. With that being said, the progress he's made in four years with the 49ers proves the sky is the limit for him as an impact interior pass rusher.

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Kareem Hunt

Running Back, Toledo

In the near future, the Vikings could have a significant need at running back. Adrian Peterson may not return, Latavius Murray has had a quiet market and Eddie Lacy is far from a guarantee to be an effective starter if signed. Even if one of those three is playing for Minnesota in 2017, the team will likely draft a mid-round talent to hedge their bet.

They should be jumping for joy if Kareem Hunt is available at the middle of the fourth round. The Toledo product is an underrated asset with the natural tools to develop into a starter in the NFL. While not a complete prospect like Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook, the upside is overflowing with Hunt.

He's a big-bodied back with enough speed and explosiveness to rack up big yards in a hurry. Tie in his vision, toughness and power, and it's easy to see him stealing a starting job and staying there for years to come. Unlike Peterson, he's also a capable option out of the backfield.

Is Hunt going to be a star? Maybe, but it's far from guaranteed. Can he be a more effective back than the aging Peterson? It's not as crazy as it sounds. Another intriguing stat that should interest Vikings fans—in 856 career touches at Toledo, Hunt fumbled once.

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Travin Dural

Wide Receiver, LSU

The future looked bright at the wide receiver position heading into 2016. Stefon Diggs was primed for a breakout season, Laquon Treadwell was ready to unleash his imposing size and power on the NFL, and guys like Adam Thielen and Cordarrelle Patterson were ready to provide quality depth.

While the overall outcome wasn't completely disappointing, things haven't panned out well this offseason. Diggs and Thielen are back, but Patterson is a free agent and Minnesota opted not to tender Charles Johnson. The Vikings' unexpected pursuit of Alshon Jeffery (via NFL.com's Ian Rapoport) only furthered the fear that Treadwell isn't ready to contribute.

That's why the team must take a look at some mid-round receivers during the 2017 NFL Draft. If he's available near the end of the fourth round, Travin Dural would be an intriguing, high-upside addition to the Minnesota passing game.

Dural failed to light up the stat sheet during college, but LSU's miserable play under center didn't help. In terms of natural talent, though, there's a lot to love about the Tigers' pass catcher. He's got great speed, reliable hands and underrated after-the-catch abilities. There's a very good chance he finally gets the opportunity to shine in the NFL with some quality quarterback play.

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Conor McDermott

Offensive Tackle, UCLA

The addition of Reiff obviously helps on the left side of the Vikings' miserable offensive line. It doesn't, however, help the right side, which is currently manned by Jeremiah Sirles. I don't know about you, but that isn't the most comforting of situations for Minnesota to be in heading into 2017.

It wasn't long ago many folks (including myself) saw McDermott as a Day 2 prospect. However, after subpar showings at the Senior Bowl and Combine, there have been some questions raised about his potential to be a starting tackle at the next level.

Still, it's easy to see why an NFL team would be intrigued by the UCLA product. Just looking at his 6-8, 307-pound frame tells you he has the size you want in this league. It also helps that he spent his college career playing a pro-style offense. Successfully protecting the blindsides of Brett Hundley and Josh Rosen can certainly build some hype as well.

However, as we've recently seen, there are some holes to his game. McDermott lacks the athleticism to protect the blindside, but must get stronger to win at right tackle. If he can add strength and work on his technique, though, he could eventually take over on the right side of the Minnesota offensive line. The potential is there, but so is the possibility of a bust.

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Jeremy Clark

Cornerback, Michigan

With Captain Munnerlyn (free agency) and Terence Newman (free agency/retirement) potentially leaving this offseason, the Vikings could use an influx of talent at cornerback. Unless they opt to address the position with a veteran, I'm guessing they'll spend a Day 3 pick on a cover man.

While I don't think Jeremy Clark would make an immediate impact, the ceiling is sky-high for the former Wolverine. On top of that, he fits the mold of the big, physical cornerbacks that Mike Zimmer likes to put on the field. Put simply, the 6-4, 206-pound Clark seems like a solid option here.

Now I must mention that he did miss most of Michigan's 2016 campaign with a torn ACL. However, prior to the injury, he was looking like a quick riser with shutdown potential. The lack of film and a rehabbing knee will obviously make teams wary, especially if he can't put any pre-draft workout numbers on paper.

This pick is more based on potential than previous production. Clark is still a relative unknown with limited film to go off of. His length, upside and apparent instincts in coverage, though, could land him an extended opportunity in the NFL.

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Keith Kelsey

Inside Linebacker, Louisville

As you probably know, Spielman is very fond of adding developmental linebackers in the seventh round. As a matter of fact, he's done so every offseason since taking over as Minnesota's GM in 2012. Why stray away from the status quo now?

Linebacker isn't exactly the Vikings' biggest need in the coming months. However, with Audie Cole an unknown at this point, a new backup inside linebacker and special teams ace could be needed in Minnesota. I'm confident Keith Kelsey could fill the role admirably if taken here in the seventh round.

While not an amazing talent by any means, Kelsey stands out with smart, instinctive play. He's more than capable of reading and reacting quickly, filling gaps efficiently and finding a way to take ball carriers to the ground. More than anything, he's a capable playmaker evidenced by his 310 tackles, 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles during his time at Louisville.

The former Cardinals star may never be anything more than a backup in the NFL. At this point in time, though, that's what the Vikings would need him to be. If he can step up when injuries occur and make plays on special teams, he'd be an excellent seventh-round addition for Minnesota.