National Football League

Vikings draft preview: 3 players Minnesota could take with the No. 11 pick

Published Apr. 3, 2015 11:00 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

The Minnesota Vikings hold the No. 11 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

The national focus surrounding the Vikings this offseason has surrounded the future of veteran running back Adrian Peterson. It's unknown what -- if anything -- will happen regarding the franchise running back. Aside from that drama, there is growing optimism in Minnesota.

Entering Teddy Bridgewater's second season, the Vikings have begun to surround him with some playmakers. General manager Rick Spielman traded a fifth-round pick for wide receiver Mike Wallace. With a proven target in tight end Kyle Rudolph, an emerging talent like Charles Johnson and Cordarrelle Patterson's playmaking abilities, Bridgewater should have the outlets to make a significant leap in production in Year 2.

The weak link lives on the offensive line, however. Left tackle Matt Kalil, entering the final year of his rookie deal, has struggled significantly and the team could look to add competition.

Head coach Mike Zimmer may want to add another impact defender early, though. The two players who led the Vikings in solo tackles a season ago were safeties Robert Blanton and Harrison Smith. Zimmer may want to add an athletic inside linebacker who can drop in coverage and tackle the ball carrier. Veteran linebacker Chad Greenway restructured his deal to remain on the team, but has slowed down in recent years.

Despite signing cornerback Terence Newman to a one-year deal, the Vikings also might want to add another blue-chip defender to start opposite Xavier Rhodes.

Positions of need: CB, OT, LB

Three options to consider

Trae Waynes, CB: Michigan State's Thorpe Award semifinalist has plenty experience, playing in 36 games during three seasons in East Lansing. Waynes' 6-foot, 190-pound frame fits the mold of the lengthy cornerback and flourishes in man-to-man competition. Waynes ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, displaying his ability to recover at the next level.

La'el Collins, OT: The LSU senior has plenty of experience blocking for a long list of productive running backs headlined by Jeremy Hill, Alfred Blue and Leonard Fournette. Collins, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound monster, was named a second-team All American and is very versatile. During his sophomore season, Collins started 13 games at guard. During his junior and senior seasons, he played left tackle. Collins could start right away at left guard and eventually transition to left tackle if/when Kalil hits the open market.

Shaq Thompson, LB: Questions regarding where Thompson will play at the next level are because of his light frame. Despite weighing in at less than 230 pounds, Thompson is a playmaking defender who has a nose for the ball. Thompson does a great job playing in coverage and is a heat-seeking missile when it comes to tackling. Thompson's production included four defensive touchdowns and forced three fumbles during his final season at Washington.