By Matt Eurich Posted on March 5, 2016 The Minnesota Vikings earned their first NFC North division title since 2009 after going 11-5 last season, but the team fell to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Vikings made big strides on both sides of the ball last season, but they will be looking to find an impact starter in this year’s draft. The team is set to select 23rd overall when the draft opens on April 28th, and the Vikings could be in the running to take a WR, OL or LB when their time on the clock starts. Who are some of Minnesota’s best options to take with the 23rd pick late next month? Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State The Vikings struggled to protect second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater last season, and the team could be looking to add a reliable offensive lineman in this year’s draft. The team has needs at both tackle and guard, and Ohio State’s Taylor Decker could be an option in the first round. Decker spent his career with the Buckeyes playing both left and right tackle, but he may not possess the necessary athleticism to protect a quarterback’s blindside in the NFL. He has a strong frame and anchors well in the running game, but he has a tendency to play too tall and needs to improve his technique at the next level. While he could eventually develop into a solid right tackle in the NFL, Decker may be a better fit on the inside at guard because of his strength. Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State Guards are not often viewed as first-round picks in the NFL, but Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair is the consensus best interior offensive lineman in this year’s draft. He began his career with the Wildcats as a guard before moving to tackle for his final two seasons. While he had success at tackle, he is better suited to play inside at guard because of his wide base, strong first step and success in the running game…
Continue Reading: Analyzing the Vikings’ best options with the 23rd pick
