The Minnesota Vikings have nine, yes, nine picks on Day 3 of the draft, including four sixth-round picks and three sevenths. Can they package some of those picks to move up and attain one of the best remaining players on the board? Let’s see who they are.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S/NB, Florida
There’s no way you could’ve told me this kid would be passed up by all 32 teams three times! IF Darnell Savage can go with the 21st pick than Gardner-Johnson should be long gone with his similar playmaking ability around the line of scrimmage. Throw in the fact he’s a big time potential talent as a nickel cornerback and he should be the first player off the board on day three.
Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
Nine interceptions and 20 pass break ups. That’s an insane amount of ball production. I understand his tape is up-and-down and he didn’t start until his senior season, but he’s got the length and match-up verticality to be a lockdown cornerback in the league.
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
This big-bodied wideout is at the top of a long list of receiving names that I’m shocked are still lingering around. Butler, Kelvin Harmon, Riley Ridley and Stanley Morgan Jr. to name a few. Butler may struggle with drop issues. However, his ability to beat defenders up high reminds you of Randy Moss’s deep skills. He’s also got a ton of reps logged in the slot, giving new NFL offenses major versatility.
Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas
I always felt that 40-50 was a good range for Omenihu to go, yet here we are over 50 more picks later. He’s got awesome length and a great first pop to jolt defenders, and like the guys above I love his ability to line up in multiple spots and be equally impactful. Omenihu is built like a base 4-3 end but was impressive inside with surprising pass rushing moves.
Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
What is going on here!? Hooker is an absolute stud underneath with a feisty attitude in constant survival mode on the prowl. His instincts underneath in zone schemes is lights out, making him a great player around the line of scrimmage because of it. With himself and Gardner-Johnson still available, a pair of teams will get quality back-end help in the late rounds.
Browse the rest of the Zone Coverage Draft Guide.
TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION
