The Vikings need major upgrades on their offensive line, and they don't have a first-round pick in 2017 because of the Sam Bradford trade.
That would seem to be a recipe for trouble. But in a bit of fortune, not having a pick in the top 32 this year is not as devastating as it might normally be. Dane Brugler, a draft analyst for CBS Sports, joined the Access Vikings podcast Wednesday to explain why.
"It's not a strong class of offensive linemen," he said. "We might have two or three offensive linemen drafted in the first round, and even that is a stretch."
That stands in contrast to 2015 and 2016, when seven offensive linemen were taken in the first round.
"That's where it works to the Vikings' advantage. You're probably not going to get your guy in the first round this year," Brugler said. "In the second and third rounds I think there are some quality depth guys at both tackle and guard."
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
