Predictions with a Purple tinge

The Vikings return most of the key contributors from a 13-3 team that went to the NFC Championship Game and opened their proverbial wallet to fill two of their biggest needs in free agency when they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. • But with depth questions looming at several key spots on the roster and several core players in the final years of their contract, the 2018 draft is as important as ever. • Questions remain on the offensive line, and the Vikings could use more depth along the defensive front. They could look for another trustworthy cornerback, an athletic tight end, a safety with range or a linebacker with versatiliy. • As the Vikings head into this weekend's draft with eight picks, here are our predictions for how they will spend all of them.

GOESSLING'S MOCK DRAFT

The Vikings finished last season one game away from the Super Bowl. It's been a busy offseason, and the next step is filling their needs through the draft. Back in the first round after trading away their top 2017 pick, the Vikings can go several different directions at the top of their draft.

Round 1No. 30

Round 2No. 62

Round 3No. 94

Round 5 No. 167

Round 6 No. 213

Round 6 No. 218

Round 7 No. 225

TEAM NEEDS

Guard: With Joe Berger retiring and Jeremiah Sirles heading to Carolina, the Vikings need a starter at right guard and some depth in the middle of their line to go with free-agent pickup Tom Compton.

Tackle: Riley Reiff's impressive first season in Minnesota helped solve the Vikings' left tackle problem, but they could still use another young player to develop at the spot.

Receiver: Of their top three WRs, only Adam Thielen is signed beyond this year. The Vikings could look to add another receiver with size.

Tackle: Signing Richardson gave the Vikings their new starter at three-technique, but they need more depth, especially with Shamar Stephen gone to Seattle.

Cornerback: It's never a bad idea to invest here, especially when the Vikings could benefit from using a high pick on a corner who could play in the nickel.

Linebacker: With Anthony Barr hitting free agency after this season, the Vikings certainly could look for another starter to play next to Eric Kendricks.

The Picks

Round 1 • Pick No. 30

Round 2 • Pick No. 62

Round 3 • Pick No. 94

Round 5 • Pick No. 167

Round 6 • Pick No. 213

Round 6 • Pick No. 218

Round 7 • Pick No. 225

Maurice Hurst DT, Michigan

Richardson is only signed for one year, the Vikings need more standout players in the middle of their line and Hurst, if he's still on the board, could make an immediate impact.

The Chanhassen native might already be gone, but if he's there, he's polished enough to start at center or guard.

Jaire Alexander CB, Louisville

A guy who can play the nickel spot would be a good investment, with 39-year-old Terence Newman debating his future and the jury still out on Mackensie Alexander.

Billy Price C, Ohio State

Pat Elflein's former college teammate could fall because of the pectoral injury he suffered at the NFL combine. If the Vikings get him here, he can line up at guard next to his friend.

He'd give the Vikings the athletic tight end they seem to be seeking to pair with Kyle Rudolph.

Lorenzo Carter LB, Georgia

Vikings brought Carter to town on a visit before the draft; he stands 6-6, weighs 250 pounds and runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash.

Dante Pettis WR, Washington

The Vikings had him in on a top-30 visit; he'd give them an athletic young slot receiver who also posted impressive numbers as a punt returner in college.

Another player the Vikings brought in on a visit, Turay is an athletic edge rusher in the mold of Anthony Barr.

Nyheim Hines RB, North Carolina St.

Hines is an explosive running back, though he's only 5-8 and would need some work as a receiver. Still, his speed (a 4.38 40) and ability as a return man could be intriguing.

Tony Brown CB, Alabama

He's a physical corner who'd immediately help in run support from the nickel position, while also contributing on special teams.

The Badgers linebacker, who visited the Vikings before the draft, is coming off an ACL tear, but could be worth the gamble.

Tre Flowers S, Oklahoma State

The 6-3 safety could be worth a look, especially if the Vikings believe he can improve as a tackler.

Alex Cappa T, Humboldt St.

The 6-6 tackle from the Division III school has good footwork and eventually could be a versatile backup who can play several spots.

He came back from a shoulder injury to post 6½ sacks and 10½ tackles for loss as a senior.

Greg Gilmore DT, Louisiana State

The Vikings have enjoyed good luck with LSU defensive line prospects (Danielle Hunter and Tashawn Bower) in recent years; Gilmore could play either tackle spot.

Troy Fumagalli TE, Wisconsin

He could be the Vikings' answer to what John DeFilippo had in Trey Burton in Philadelphia: an athletic tight end who runs good routes and has solid hands.

This might not be a bad spot for a developmental QB, and Ferguson could have potential if he refines his mechanics.

Justin Jackson RB, Northwestern

Vikings might need another running back after losing Jerick McKinnon, and Jackson could be a fit on third downs.

John

Franklin-Myers DE, Stephen F. Austin

Tray Matthews S, Auburn

He had some strong moments during the week of practices at the Senior Bowl and could step in on special teams for now.

Jeff Badet WR, Oklahoma

The Vikings had him in town for their top-30 event this month; his immediate impact likely would be as a returner.

Michael Joseph CB, Dubuque

Quentin Poling LB, Ohio

The Vikings met with him before the draft and could target him as an undrafted free agent if he isn't selected.

Matt Gono G, Wesley

He's another player the Vikings met with before the draft, and this might not be a bad spot for another lineman who could develop.