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- Mar 19, 2019
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In the lead-up to the 2020 NFL Draft, Vikings.com is taking a position-by-position look at prospects who have garnered a range of attention from national outlets. The series will include rankings by national outlets, stats and background information for multiple prospects. We'll also include comments that experts shared during interviews.
EAGAN, Minn. — The 2020 NFL Draft is just over two weeks away, and the countdown is on to one of the league's most crucial offseason events.
The Vikings currently hold 12 total picks — including the 22nd and 25th overall selections — and are poised to add a handful of young talent to the roster.
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger believes tackle could be a priority for Minnesota on the first two days of the draft, opining that the Vikings need to keep adding pieces to improve their offensive line.
"I think there's depth in this draft, for sure," Baldinger said. "Whether it's tackle or guard, they've got to get better blockers up front with guys who can move the line of scrimmage.
"Whether it's Brian [O'Neill] or Riley [Reiff], they have to get better. They're going to be a tight end-based team like they were last year. They brought back their fullback. That's what they want to do," Baldinger said. "I think they have two really good backs, and one of them is great. I think [Mattison] is going to be better this year. They want to run the football and pound you, and I think it starts up front."
O'Neill and Reiff each started 15 regular-season games (both were held out in Week 17), and the pair of Vikings playoff games. Minnesota recently re-signed swing tackle Rashod Hill. The Vikings also have Aviante Collins and Oli Udoh on the roster.
Here is a look at tackles who could make sense for Minnesota in the draft.
Position Rankings
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah currently has six tackles in his overall Top 50: 7. Mekhi Becton, 10. Jedrick Wills, Jr., 13. Tristan Wirfs, 17. Andrew Thomas, 28. Austin Jackson and 39. Josh Jones.
ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., has four tackles in his overall Top 25: 7. Becton, 8. Wills, 11. Wirfs and 18. Thomas.
PFF included 10 tackles in its overall Top 100: 8. Thomas, 9. Wills, 13. Wirfs, 16. Jones, 67. Becton, 78. Lucas Niang. 81. Jack Driscoll, 83. Matt Peart, 88. Ezra Cleveland, 90. Trey Adams
Positional rankings by NFL.com's Bucky Brooks, ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., analytics site Pro Football Focus and The Athletic's Dane Brugler impacted the players listed for this series. Rankings by each are noted under each prospect.
Offensive tackles