Chicago Bears: Comparing 2019 NFL Draft to NFC North rivals

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings ended up with a whopping 12 total picks in this draft. They were picking 18th overall, and they made a great pick by selecting Garrett Bradbury. The Vikings have struggled with their offensive line for too long and Bradbury should definitely help secure things in the trenches.

Bradbury should walk in as the Vikings starting center. He has great tape, even against the coveted Clemson defensive line. He is very fluid and has quick feet. He is slightly undersized, but he knows how to use his body for power. Bradbury is a sound technician who should anchor the Vikings line for many years to come.

The Vikings have a decent tight end in Kyle Rudolph, but he has a somewhat limited ceiling. Not to mention, he is going to be a free agent after this season. This is why selecting Irv Smith in the second round was perfect. As I stated earlier, rookie tight ends hardly make big impacts in their rookie seasons, but like T.J. Hockenson for the Lions, this pick helps build for the future.

Smith is also similar to Hockenson in that he is a solid all-around tight end. He has good blocking skills, which means he should see early playing time. He is also a versatile route runner who can line up almost anywhere. He lacks breakaway speed but knows how to create separation.

In the third round, the Vikings picked up Alexander Mattison. He was a back linked to the Bears, but not as high as the third round. Running backs started coming off the board this round and I think the Vikings wanted to ensure they got their guy. I can respect that, and Mattison should fill in for Latavius Murray as the Vikings backup.

Dru Samia in the fourth was another great pick as the Vikings are really focused on building up that offensive line. They allowed a fairly NFL average of 40 sacks in 2018 but struggled to push defensive lines around in the middle to create running room for Dalvin Cook and company. Samia will fill a need and he and Bradbury should be multi-year starters.

Armon Watts is the last guy the Vikings drafted that I thought filled a need with solid talent. Watts should be able to help the Vikings defensive line as a rotational guy after losing Sheldon Richardson to the Browns in free agency.

The Vikings did the opposite of the Lions in the draft for me. They did great the first four rounds and then I did not love many of their mid to late round guys. Talent wins though.

Grade: B+