Vikings Predicted to Trade Down in First Round of NFL Draft With AFC Contender

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter released his latest seven-round mock draft as he has the Vikings making a first-round trade with the Buffalo Bills. Minnesota would receive the 30th overall pick and two fourth-round picks while Buffalo would move up to the 24th overall pick.

Minnesota would use the Bills' original pick to select South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori. 

"Emmanwori and Harrison Smith would form a nice safety duo for the Vikings. The rookie could play in the box, over slot receivers and cover the back end when called upon."

Emmanwori was a first-team All-American last year after leading the Gamecocks in tackles with 88 and added three tackles for loss, four interceptions with 2 returned for touchdowns, and two pass deflections. He scored the highest grade among safeties at the NFL Combine with a score of 85, according to NFL Next Gen stats. At the combine, he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, jumped 43 inches at the vertical jump, and did 20 reps on the bench.

The Vikings were able to pick up two more picks, bringing their total to six in the draft. Here's how Reuter believes the rest of the draft would go for the Vikings:

• Round 3, Pick 97: Jaylin Smith, CB, USC
• Round 4, Pick 109: Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia
• Round 4, Pick 132: Tyler Batty, Edge, BYU
• Round 5, Pick 139: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
• Round 6, Pick 187: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson

Jaylin Smith was a third-team All-Big Ten selection after racking up 59 tackles and tying for a team-high two interceptions. He would pair well with a cornerback the Vikings could develop into a starter to work alongside Byron Murphy Jr. over the next year or two.

Two other notable picks from Reuter were Fairchild and Brashard Smith on offense. Fairchild has been linked to the Vikings as a good fit for a day-three pick. Smith would be a good third back in the backfield behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, as he would give them speed with his 4.39 40-yard dash.

Watch for the Vikings to make moves on draft night to get more selections, and a draft like Reuter has predicted would make an ideal outcome.