The Vikings have the eighth pick in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday. Here are 10 players who could be available and tantalizing:
ANTHONY BARR, outside linebacker, UCLA
A converted running back, Barr is an explosive athlete who could punch up the pass rush.
AARON DONALD, defensive tackle, Pittsburgh
Not a position of need for the Vikings, but Donald is a disruptive pass rusher in the Geno Atkins mold.
MIKE EVANS, wide receiver, Texas A&M
Sure, they have Cordarrelle Patterson, but this big wideout would add a different dimension.
KHALIL MACK, outside linebacker, Buffalo
Mack, a projected top-three pick, could be the dynamic playmaking linebacker the Vikings lack if he falls.
C.J. MOSLEY, middle linebacker, Alabama
He is the rare three-down linebacker who can defend the run and cover in the nickel package.
BLAKE BORTLES, quarterback, Central Florida
He might not be ready to play right away, but he has upside and would fit coordinator Norv Turner's offense.
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, quarterback, Louisville
Some have soured on Bridgewater after a sloppy pro day. Are the Vikings one of those teams?
HA HA CLINTON-DIX, safety, Alabama
Clinton-Dix and Harrison Smith would give coach Mike Zimmer a pair of rangy and versatile safeties.
JUSTIN GILBERT, cornerback, Oklahoma State
You never can have too many corners, and many consider Gilbert to be the best of the bunch.
JOHNNY MANZIEL, quarterback, Texas A&M
Johnny Football should be long gone by No. 8. If he isn't, would the Vikings roll the dice?