22. Minnesota Vikings- Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
The Minnesota Vikings are a team that wants to win with defense and steady offensive production. They have built one of the better defenses in the league, but have a hole at defensive tackle. This is mainly because of the uncertain health of Shariff Floyd.
His ability to create pressure up the middle of the defense makes life miserable for quarterbacks. With him out of the lineup the Vikings rely solely on the edge rushers to create pressure.
Michigan’s Maurice Hurst is an emerging prospect who has flashed the ability to create havoc in the backfield. He features a quick first step that allows him to penetrate the pocket. Hurst also shows the raw strength to generate a push.
Florida State’s Derrick Nnadi is another penetrating defensive tackle that could fit the Vikings. There’s a long way to go until the 2018 draft so either one could jump ahead.
Minnesota’s offensive line is still a question mark despite the free agent signings of Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers. Both players are average at best and could create some buyer’s remorse. The 2018 draft features more offensive tackle talent than we saw in the 2017 draft.