With The First Pick
Fansided

2019 NFL Draft Do-Overs: NFC North

By Bryan Perez

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 4: Running back Alexander Mattison #22 of the Boise State Broncos runs through the tackle attempt of linebacker Lawson Hall #30 of the Nevada Wolfpack during first half action on November 4, 2017 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 4: Running back Alexander Mattison #22 of the Boise State Broncos runs through the tackle attempt of linebacker Lawson Hall #30 of the Nevada Wolfpack during first half action on November 4, 2017 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are poised to make a run at the NFC North crown a year later than many expected after signing Kirk Cousins in 2018 to a massive guaranteed contract. In order for a deep playoff push to happen, they’ll need a balanced offensive attack that will rely on RB Dalvin Cook to remain healthy and produce the way he flashed early in his rookie season.

Unfortunately, Cook hasn’t proven he can stay on the field for a full 16 games and Minnesota took what they thought was a necessary step in solidifying the depth chart with the selection of Boise State RB Alexander Mattison in the third round. Good plan, bad execution.

Oklahoma State’s Justice Hill was still on the board when the Vikings called Mattison’s name and Hill, simply put, is a better prospect. He’s a more dynamic weapon as a runner and receiver and profiles more closely to Cook than Mattison does. And if the goal is to make sure the offense doesn’t miss a beat if Cook gets banged up, having a player who can do the things he does would’ve just made sense. That player is HIll.

Home/NFL Draft News