NFL mock drafts: Vikings could trade up or hope to get lucky

The Vikings addressed several issues in free agency this offseason and will attempt to fill any remaining holes in this week's NFL draft.

Vikings beat writer Matt Vensel wrote in our special draft preview, "General Manager Rick Spielman and Co. need to deliver a strong, impactful class to get this once-promising squad heading back in the right direction."

The Vikings sit out of the first round and make their first pick in the second round with the 48th overall pick. They'll pick twice in the third (No. 79 and 86) and fourth rounds (No. 120 and 128) and have one pick in each of the final three rounds pending any trades.

So how will Spielman use the eight draft picks?

With mock drafts making final edits just days before the draft, here is round-up of how the Vikings might pick:

CBS Sports predicts the Vikings will trade up in second round and acquire the No. 39 overall pick from the New York Jets. With this pick, the Vikings will select Florida defensive tackle Caleb Brantley. In the third round, the Vikings will add depth at running back with South Florida star Marlon Mack.

"They swing a deal with a Jets team who should be happy to trade down as much as possible to build up picks," CBS Sports reporter R.J. White wrote. "Brantley is probably the second-best defensive tackle in the draft behind Jonathan Allen, and he gives Minnesota a starter inside with Sharrif Floyd's future in question. The Vikings end up taking Nos. 39 and 107 in exchange for Nos. 48, 86 and 199."

However, ESPN added the team's dream scenario would be snatching up a standout lineman that falls into the middle of the second round. Indiana's Dan Feeney and Temple's Dion Dawkins would be ideal candidates.

Fox Sports expects the Vikings will get lucky and land Feeney with the 48th pick. Dieter Kurtenbach identified five prospects the Vikings should target in the draft led by Pittsburgh guard Dorian Johnson.

"The Vikings don't have a first-round pick, but that shouldn't be an issue if they start their draft with a guard," Kurtenbach wrote. "There are several tackles who could slide to guard at the pro level, but the best true guard (meaning he won't be playing tackle) is Johnson.

Other targets the Vikings should pursue, according to Kurtenbach, are Texas running back D'Onta Foreman, Clemson defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, Iowa tight end George Kittle and USC offensive tackle Zach Banner.

Sports Illustrated has Ohio State offensive lineman Pat Elflein as the second-round pick. The Vikings' third-round picks are Texas A&M safety Justin Evans and Alabama defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.

Bleacher Report also has the Vikings drafting Johnson in the second round.