At long last, the Minnesota Vikings are up for a pick in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft.
2017 NFL mock draft: Dan Feeney the choice for Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings finally get to make a pick and they get a key offensive line piece.
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For the past several seasons, the Vikings have had to fix their offensive line. That happened this offseason with the addition of tackles Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers. Hopefully. That leaves guard as an area of improvement for the Vikings, but not their only need.
The team brought in running back Latavius Murray, but he never consistently performed like a lead running back in Oakland. Would the Vikings take someone like Joe Mixon? They also need to find a defensive tackle because Sharrif Floyd’s future is undetermined.
Christopher Gates of Daily Norseman is here to make his determination for Minnesota.
48. Minnesota Vikings: Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
Gates: Hey, we actually get to participate in this draft? Awesome!
With the Vikings having made an attempt to solidify the tackle spots on an offensive line that could best be characterized as a tire fire inside of a dumpster that is also on fire, they now turn their focus to the interior of the line. Earlier this offseason, Mike Zimmer said that the team likely had four of their five starting offensive line spots figured out, with the lone exception being the right guard position. Feeney is a player that would step directly into that spot and be the starter on day one.
Feeney is, arguably, the best guard in this year’s draft class, and is flexible enough to play either guard spot in the National Football League. For now, he slots in at right guard for the Vikings, filling the last immediate need on the offensive line and allowing Rick Spielman and company to focus on other positions throughout the rest of draft weekend.
Analysis: Feeney is a rock solid player, and should be a guaranteed quality player in the NFL. It’s not a fun position to draft, and it doesn’t provide the talking points like Mixon, but it just makes sense. Feeney started 41 games at right guard for Indiana, and as a pro he shouldn’t miss a beat. He’s a technically sound blocker who can dominate in the run game. In a pinch he can play tackle, too.
Dan’s top five players remaining
- 26. Tim Williams, LB, Alabama
- 39. Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
- 41. Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
- 45. Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
- 46. Chris Wormley, DL, Michigan
Washington and Hogs Haven are back on the clock for pick No. 49, coming up tomorrow at 9 a.m. ET.
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