NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers makes a reception against the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have two first-round picks and a litany of needs to fill. It’s going to be a challenge for general manager Rick Spielman.
NFL free agency wasn’t kind to the Minnesota Vikings.
While general manager Rick Spielman brought defensive tackle Michael Pierce in and retained safety Anthony Harris via the non-exclusive franchise tag, the losses were considerable.
Minnesota parted with guard Josh Kline, receiver Stefon Diggs (via trade), defensive tackle Linval Joseph, defensive end Everson Griffen, and cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander.
Now, with 12 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, Spielman gets to work on revamping his roster without taking a step back.
22
Tee Higgins
WR Clemson
Higgins is Diggs’ replacement. Over the past two years, the three-year start for the Tigers has been one of the country’s best receivers. In 2018, Higgins caught 59 passes for 936 yards and 12 touchdowns on the national champion. Last year, the receptions were the same but his yardage ballooned to 1,167 with 13 scores. Despite sitting out the NFL Scouting Combine so he could rest, he’s a first-round prospect with fantastic potential.
25
Bryce Hall
CB Virginia
Hall is going to be one of the better values in the draft at corner. While Jeffrey Okudah of Ohio State is the consensus top cornerback in the class, Hall has an argument for second-best. At 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, Hall has the size to give larger receivers problems while still having the athleticism to deal with the shiftier pass-catchers.