2019 NFL mock draft: Minnesota Vikings select Christian Wilkins

The Minnesota Vikings may have to nail the draft this year. They stretched every last penny of little cap space they had this season, and all they were were able to do is mostly retain players and pick up a single starting guard.

After a disappointing 2018 season, the Vikings sit 18th in draft order with eight overall picks in the draft.

In our Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, commenter Matthew Hanczewski is charged with being the Vikings’ general manager. And with the 18th pick in the POD Community Mock, Matthew has selected Clemson DT Christian Wilkins. Here’s his explanation.

“With the 18th pick I decided to draft Clemson defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins.

Minnesota needs help in two main areas, along the offensive line and interior defensive line. I was hoping the versatile Jonah Williams would be available but he was drafted just a few picks prior. I considered Cody Ford or Garrett Bradbury here, leaning more towards Bradbury. He would have fit Minnesota’s zone scheme nicely while being able to play all three interior positions. Ford has met with Minnesota at the NFL Combine and had a private 30 visit. Being able to play tackle and guard, it was yet another difficult pass on fixing the offensive line early. I couldn’t ignore Wilkins was still on the board. He fits an area of need and is arguably the best player available.

Christian Wilkins had a dominate year at Clemson. Finishing with a 90 or higher PFF grade in run-defense, pass-defense, and overall. Wilkins was so impressive, PFF ranked him third in their top-101 college players of 2018. He backed up his strong season with a quality showing at the combine. Posting an elite RAS with solid testing in all areas.

With Sheldon Richardson leaving for the Cleveland Browns and Linval Joseph turning 31 soon after the season begins, I expect Wilkins to step right into the rotation at defensive tackle while playing a much bigger role in Minnesota’s future.

Plus any man over 300 pounds that can do this… Yikes!”

Catch up on all of the picks with our Community Mock Draft Tracker