32 for 32: NFL Draft Predictions for the Vikings

The Vikings made the playoffs in 2019 on the back of a stellar performance by Dalvin Cook. The question is whether he can stay healthy and repeat that performance in 2020. Also, can Kirk Cousins rebound in fantasy after being left for dead with his sparse production last year? Will the NFL Draft also welcome in talent to further this team's potential?  Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.

The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.

As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.

2019 Review

The Vikings became a team heavily dependent on the run game in 2019. They were fourth in the NFL in run percentage (49%) based on the strong play provided by Dalvin Cook. His RB5 finish was very impressive considering he missed two games on the season. But on the strength of his 13 TD and 53 receptions, he remained one of the more steady options in fantasy football. He was the centerpiece of the Vikings offense and led the league in carries from inside the five yard-line with 21.

Even with all the opportunities at scoring, the lack of receiving touchdowns is cause for concern. The receptions were there, but the team opted for Cook to run the ball in as they got close, or the scores went to others. This could lead to a regression in scoring in 2020 and something that fantasy should keep in mind as they look to make Cook an early first-round pick.

As the ground game moved to the forefront for the Vikings, Kirk Cousins seemingly took a backseat in the offense. His 444 attempts were his lowest in years by far. This was the first time he has been under 500 attempts since 2014, limiting his fantasy potential and leading to his QB17 finish. The hot-and-cold performances from Cousins were headaches for fantasy owners that tagged him as their QB1 in drafts last year. He limited the turnovers (six INT) but the yardage (3,605) left a lot of bonuses off the table for fantasy scoring.

After losing a talented wideout like Stefon Diggs, Cousins' potential may be even more limited. It seems as though his days as a fantasy QB1 are behind him as the Vikings' focus on offense is a strong run game. Cousins will be viewed among the tier of mid-level QB2s with a low amount of upside.

With Cousins and the passing game having a down year, of course, the receiving group also turned in subpar performances. Both were highly drafted receivers a year ago, but Stefon Diggs (WR21) and Adam Thielen (WR65) were massive disappointments. Thielen battled injuries all season, leading to his low production totals (30 catches for 418 yards in 10 games) but the six TD were encouraging. Aside from a four week stretch during Weeks 4-8, Diggs was relegated to consideration as a bench player for much of the season. There were several owners even contemplating trading Diggs after Week 3 with his poor start to the season. He bounced back in a way, but with the limited opportunities that this passing attack was seeing, they weren't providing much excitement for fantasy owners who were having to plug them into their lineups.

Looking ahead for the Vikings, the fantasy potential will once again be tied to the running game and the health of Dalvin Cook. If he stays on the field for 16 games, he should return the value of his lofty draft status. But of all the backs that are going to be the first-round pick, I am worried about his regression the most. With Diggs gone, Thielen should see a bump in production and is currently being somewhat undervalued in early drafts. Look for his ADP to get corrected through the summer. The potential sleeper on this team could be an emerging Irv Smith as I expect him to take a big step forward in this offense as the primary tight end.

As for the draft, the Vikings head in with needs in a few areas. The departure of Diggs leaves a large hole opposite of Thielen that the team will need to fill in a deep receiver class. The team also let go of Xavier Rhodes, making cornerback a big need as well. Look for the team to also focus on the line interiors as upgrades on both offense and defense are needed if the Vikings want to get back into playoff contention.

Minnesota Vikings - 2020 Outlook

TEAM GRADES
Offense: 78.0 (11th)
Defense: 84.6 (4th)
Overall: 90.5 (6th)

TEAM NEEDS
CB, DL, WR

First Selection (1.22)

K'Lavon Chiasson, LB LSU

Chiasson may be labeled as a linebacker coming in, but expect fro him to be utilized more as an edge rusher. He is a long-limbed prospect that has the fluidity and agility that allows him to dip and change direction in tight spaces to get to the QB. He can easily convert his speed to power and bull rush smaller tackles on the outside. His intelligence on and off the field is a characteristic that the coaching staff will fall in love with because it will translate to work ethic and perhaps become contagious with others.

He's a slight liability in the run game which may keep him off the field in certain packages early in his career, but with adequate coaching that will be corrected. Chiasson should become a solid pass rush specialist for the Vikings and keep this defense as one to count on among fantasy owners.

Second Selection (1.25)

Kristian Fulton, CB LSU

With their second pick in the first round, the Vikings look for a Xavier Rhodes replacement in Kristian Fulton. He is a press cornerback that should thrive in the NFL. He has good size and is consistently looking to make plays on the ball. If he is put in off coverage, he can tend to be late to the ball and usually stays behind at that point as he lacks long speed and recovery burst.

If he can make plays early on in games it can only help him as he struggles at times with confidence on the field. Overall, he has above-average athleticism and foot agility and is very scheme dependent. Look for the Vikings to line him up in press coverage to better utilize his skill set.

Third Selection (2.26)

Raekwon Davis, DT Alabama

Davis has the elite physical traits that you look for in a player on the inside of a defensive line. He plays with ruggedness and power and it allows him to impose his will on his opponents. He has rare leverage for a player of his stature and can hold his position against double teams and allow linebackers to flow freely. He has all the right moves at the point of attack whether he uses and punch-and-shed technique or a simple bull rush.

His ceiling may not be too high and his maturity is something to keep an eye on, but Davis has all the tools to be a force in the middle of this Vikings Defense. Just another integral piece that will keep this defense at the top of the fantasy rankings.

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