Saturday Blitz
Fansided

2019 NFL Mock Draft: How high will Kyler Murray go in projected first round?

By John Mitchell

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners walks off the field after the game against the Army Black Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Black Knights 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners walks off the field after the game against the Army Black Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Black Knights 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
19 of 33
Next
(Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

OT/OG. Oklahoma. Cody Ford. 18. player. 60.

Minnesota’s top priority this offseason should be to upgrade an offensive line that struggled to open up running lanes and struggled to protect QB Kirk Cousins.

The Vikings ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing offense, and Cousins was sacked 40 times on the season, which ranked tied for the 10th most in the league.

Minnesota’s most pressing need on the offensive line is at guard, with Tom Compton becoming a free agent. Taking a player like Cody Ford, who has the versatility to play across the line, makes the most sense with this selection.

Ford headlined an Oklahoma offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award this season for the nation’s best offensive line. Ford blocked for Heisman Trophy-winning QB Kyler Murray, and opened up holes for two 1000 yard rushers and a third that finished just over 50-yards shy of the mark.

Ford is a mauler in the running game while also holding up well in pass protection. Adding him to the offensive line could help open up holes for standout running back Dalvin Cook as the Vikings hope missing the playoffs is just a one year reprieve as they look for a big bounce-back in 2019.

The Vikings ranked 4th in the NFL in defensive DVOA this season, but they could be in the market for a defensive tackle or an edge rusher in this class. I think they’ll seriously consider Clemson’s Christian Wilkins with this pick, as well as keeping an eye on edge rushers such as Brian Burns and the ultra-productive Jaylon Ferguson from Louisiana Tech.

Home/NFL Draft