2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

The Minnesota Vikings have found a franchise quarterback in former Washington Redskins star Kirk Cousins. That move will define Minnesota’s offseason, however, as Cousins is widely regarded as a player who can put this team over the top.

If the Vikings are going to win with Cousins under center, however, then they must be able to protect their franchise player in a more consistent manner than they did in 2017.

The options here are admittedly limited, as a vast majority of the coveted offensive linemen are off the board. The Vikings could certainly stand to improve at center, however, where there are multiple players who are worth considering.

No player has a higher ceiling than Ohio State Buckeyes center Billy Price, however, whose Scouting Combine injury shouldn’t hurt his draft stock.

Price is a rabid competitor who plays with a mean streak that Cousins can certainly relate to. The former Ohio State star can operate at either center or guard, which is the type of versatility that Minnesota will need in order to establish the run and protect the quarterback in 2018.

There are other options at No. 30 overall, but finding an anchor for the offensive line should be viewed as an unequivocal win—and Price certainly fits the bill.