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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Odell Beckham trade throws first round into chaos

By John Mitchell

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25:Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants leaves the field after losing 22-25 to the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25:Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants leaves the field after losing 22-25 to the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

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

Upgrades up front on the offensive line will be arguably Minnesota’s biggest priority this offseason.

The Vikings hoped that Kirk Cousins would be the missing piece to a Super Bowl run, but he faced constant harassment all season long. To compound the issue, Minnesota struggled to open up holes in the running game to take some of the pressure off of Cousins. Despite having a talented young running back in Dalvin Cook, Minnesota ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing yards.

Oklahoma’s Cody Ford would be tough to pass on at this stage in the draft. He’s versatile enough to play either guard or tackle position at the next level, and should provide immediate support to the pass protection and the running game. He’s a road grater in opening up holes on the ground.

Ford was the headliner of an Oklahoma offensive line that took home the Joe Moore award as the nation’s top offensive line last season. Ford and company helped open up holes for a dynamic running game, while giving Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray all day to pick apart defenses.

Ford is an impressive athlete with technique far beyond what you expect from a guy who only started one season in college. His versatility and upside make him one of the draft’s most coveted offensive line prospects.

Fixing the offensive  line is at the top of the list of priorities for Minnesota in the draft, and at No. 18, they should have several talented prospects to choose from.

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