How will the Vikings use their eight draft picks?

Because the Vikings gave up their 2017 first-round draft pick in the Sam Bradford trade last September, they have been absent from the semiweekly mock drafts pumped out by all the national draftniks. We are here to pick up the slack, though, with a full seven-round mock draft. Sure, these pick projections are slightly-educated-but-mostly-wild guesses, but this exercise will give you an idea of how the Vikings might attack this year's draft.

First pick: Round 2, No. 48

Dan Feeney • G, Indiana

Instead of reaching for the top offensive tackle left in a poor class for that position, the Vikings grab one of the top guards in Feeney, who is a smart, tough and athletic blocker.

Other possibilities

Alvin Kamara • RB, Tennessee

This is not too early for Vikings to grab a back like Kamara or Oklahoma's Joe Mixon.

Malik McDowell • DT, Michigan State

He's disruptive in the interior, but questions about his toughness could turn off coach Mike Zimmer.

Second pick: Round 3, No. 79

Antonio Garcia • OT, Troy

Garcia may need to add size and strength to play at the NFL level, but the Vikings appear to be intrigued, having been one of about a dozen teams to send someone to his pro day.

Other possibilities

Samaje Perine • RB, Oklahoma

The Vikings met with Perine, Mixon's bruising backfield buddy, at the scouting combine.

Curtis Samuel • WR, Ohio State

Versatile speedster has drawn comparisons to former Vikings WR Percy Harvin.

Third pick: Round 3, No. 86

Kareem Hunt • RB, Toledo

Slippery and surprisingly powerful for a 5-10, 216-pound running back, Hunt has a combination of skills that could help him become a three-down back in the NFL.

Other possibilities

Jourdan Lewis • CB, Michigan

Undersized but feisty, he could duke it out with Mackensie Alexander for the nickel role.

Davon Godchaux • DT, Louisiana State

Another potential replacement for Sharrif Floyd, Godchaux notched 5 ½ sacks in 2016.

Fourth pick: Round 4, No. 121

Elijah Lee • OLB, Kansas State

Long and rangy, Lee is an athletic linebacker who could excel in coverage if he were to win the competition at Chad Greenway's old weakside linebacker position.

Other possibilities

Jamaal Williams • RB, Brigham Young

Williams is one to watch if the Vikings wait until Day Three to draft a running back.

Jalen Myrick • CB, Gophers

Myrick might be too short at 5-10 for Zimmer's liking, but the Vikings know this kid can play.

Fifth pick: Round 4, No. 129

John Johnson • S, Boston College

Some analysts believe Johnson, who made starts at safety and cornerback at BC, has the ability to line up in center field and in the box, making him a possible fit next to Harrison Smith.

Other possibilities

Isaac Asiata • G, Utah

The cousin of ex-Vikings running back Matt Asiata can line up at a few different spots.

Dede Westbrook • WR, Oklahoma

Zimmer recently said the Vikings want to add a deep threat. He definitely fits the bill.

Sixth pick: Round 5, No. 160

Rodney Adams • WR, South Florida

He struggled with drops in college, but his ability to gain yards after the catch could make him a fit in Pat Shurmur's scheme. Plus he was a good returner in college, too.

Other possibilities

Zane Gonzalez • K, Arizona State

Kai Forbath is under contract for 2017, but the Vikings have worked out this top kicker.

Jake Butt • TE, Michigan

If Butt, who tore an ACL in January, is available this late, he would be worth stashing.

Seventh pick: Round 6, No. 199

Charles Walker • DT, Oklahoma

Having passed on the position early in this mock, the Vikings in the late rounds take a chance on a high-upside three-technique in Walker (or Tulane's Tanzel Smart).

Other possibilities

Jerod Evans • QB, Virginia Tech

The Vikings haven't drafted a QB since Teddy Bridgewater in 2014, but they could this year.

Will Likely • CB, Maryland

Likely, who is coming off a torn ACL, is arguably the top kickoff returner in this class.

Eighth pick: Round 7, No. 232

Brendan Langley • CB, Lamar

Langley, a small-school standout, is a raw prospect. But his combination of size and athleticism makes him somebody whom Zimmer might be able to mold into a player over time.

Other possibilities

Bryan Cox Jr. • DE, Florida

The son of ex-NFL defender Bryan Cox has some tools but inconsistent game tape with the Gators.

Worth Gregory • P, East Carolina

The signing of veteran Ryan Quigley doesn't necessarily mean the Vikings are content at punter.