2020 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings stockpile defense in 7-round mock

Round 6, Pick 185: J.R. Reed, S, Georgia

Anthony Harris is a free agent but should be re-signed. The Vikings also have Harrison Smith, so safety isn’t a need. They do add some depth still with J.R. Reed from Georgia. Despite being just 194-pounds, Reed plays in the box more than in deep coverage.

He’s a solid tackler but struggles in coverage. He could find a role on this team playing special teams and as a sub-package defender.

Round 7, Pick 196: Francis Bernard, LB, Utah

Minnesota is also strong at linebacker with players such as Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, and Eric Wilson logging plenty of snaps. Ben Gedeon and Cameron Smith offer solid depth as well. Here, they use their first of two picks in the final round on a player who will continue to breed competition at the bottom of the roster.

Utah linebacker Francis Bernard is a former running back who understands blocking schemes and what the opponent wants to do in the run game. He does have some red flags to be concerned about but at this point, it’s worth taking a flier.

Round 7, Pick 216: Terence Steele, OT, Texas Tech

With their final pick in this mock draft, the Minnesota Vikings grab Terence Steele from Texas Tech. A 6-foot-6. 312-pounder, Steele looks the part of an NFL offensive tackle. However, he needs to improve his strength if he wants to find success.

So far, he looks to be decent in pass protection but can be bullied in the ground game. In Minnesota, he will have to improve quickly to make the roster but could provide much-needed depth should he be able to do that here in the 2020 NFL Draft.