Spielman wanted to wait to address the offensive line later in the draft

The Vikings waited until Day 3 of the NFL draft to add depth on the offensive line on Saturday. And they took more linemen than expected.

Out of the 10 picks made over the past three days, the Vikings used three on offensive linemen. With a need at left guard, they picked Pittsburgh's T.J. Clemmings with the 110th overall pick in the fourth round, Oklahoma's Tyrus Thompson with the 185th pick overall in the sixth round and Alabama's Austin Shepherd with the 228th pick in the seventh round.

"We knew looking at our board there would be some good offensive linemen sitting there," Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said. "I think when we took T.J. Clemmings, you saw a run on offensive linemen right away. For the rest of that fourth round, all the rest of those big guys started coming off the board."

Spielman projects Thompson as a swing tackle with the ability to play guard, while Shepherd will be used as a guard despite playing tackle in college.

"As a tackle you're more on an island, so as a guard you have to learn how to work with the center and the tackle," Shepherd said. "You have to work with both people on a lot of plays and pretty much the whole being by yourself part is different. There is always something you have to do now."

Despite the additions, Spielman said the Vikings aren't counting out guard David Yankey yet. Yankey was a fifth-round pick in last year's draft.

"We're very excited about how David came back, and I think we're going to have great competition on that offensive line," Spielman said.

"If they have the tools that these coaches can work with, they don't have to come in and become an immediate impact player right away," Spielman said. "Some of these guys may not make our roster but be great practice squad guys and guys that we have time to develop."

Hunter could project as either a defensive end or a linebacker in coach Mike Zimmer's defense, while DuBose played both defensive end and tackle in college. Pruitt can play H-back, fullback and line up in the slot for offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

They all likely won't be immediate impact players but have the athletic ability and potential that the Vikings would like on their team.

"As long as they have the traits and the athletic skill set that can play at this level, may not be totally polished on where they want to be and they have upside, I'll take those guys every day of the week," Spielman said. "That's how much belief I have in this coaching staff."

Maryland wide receiver Stefon Diggs, selected by the Vikings in the fifth round, already has a good friend on the team. The athletic wideout is good friends with safety Antone Exum, who spoke to Diggs after he was picked with the 146th overall pick.