With The First Pick
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2020 NFL Draft: Dream scenarios for teams with multiple firsts

By Nicholas McGee

DAVIE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins answers questions from the media during a season ending press conference at Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southern University on December 30, 2019 in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
DAVIE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins answers questions from the media during a season ending press conference at Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southern University on December 30, 2019 in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers celebrates as the time is ticking away during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers celebrates as the time is ticking away during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings – Jefferson lasts until 22

Minnesota needs to find a replacement for Stefon Diggs after trading him to the Buffalo Bills for the 22nd overall pick.

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To put it more emphatically, the Vikings need to nail that selection. Questions will be asked about the decision to trade a receiver coming off a season in which he racked up a 1,130 receiving yards – his second straight 1,000-yard campaign – if they cannot replace that production.

The likes of Lamb, Jeudy and Ruggs are unlikely to be on the board at 22, but LSU’s Justin Jefferson could still be there, and his skill set compares well to that of Diggs. Jefferson demonstrates nuance as a route-runner and has shown an ability to adjust to the football and make plays in contested-catch situations.

It would be a surprise to see Minnesota go in another direction if Jefferson is on the board when they are on the clock at 22. They select again with pick No. 25, where they would surely like to be able to choose between the top edge rushers in the class.

There has been some talk about the Vikings potentially bringing back Everson Griffen. If the Vikings can select either A.J. Epenesa, Yetur Gross-Matos and Zack Baun, they would have a young edge rusher under their control for five years and no need to spend any cap room on Griffen.

The Vikings have long since had one of the better defensive lines in the league. Replacing Griffen with one of the class’ premier edge rushers would help that position group maintain that status.

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