
The Vikings focused on the perimeter during Thursday night's first round when drafting receiver Justin Jefferson and cornerback Jeff Gladney. Now it's likely time for the trenches.
General manager Rick Spielman has three picks on Friday night — No. 58 (second round), No. 89 (third round), No. 105 (third round) — to further the Vikings' roster repair. It's unlikely they stay put, however, since the Vikings have 12 picks left and can trade up for desired players.
"There's a lot of depth through this second and third round," Spielman said Thursday night. "Hopefully look forward to manipulating the board to go get some more significant players."
Here's a quick rundown of the top players available in areas of need.
C/G Matt Hennessy (Temple) — The Vikings need at least one new starter on the offensive line after cutting right guard Josh Kline. Hennessy (6-4, 307 pounds) could step into that role after he was a finalist for the nation's best center in 2019.
OT Josh Jones (Houston) — Jones (6-5, 319 pounds) is one of the top offensive tackles remaining after six went in the first round. He was projected to get first-round attention, and the Vikings met with Jones over videoconferencing this month, so perhaps the athletic big man is still on their radar.
OT Ezra Cleveland (Boise St.) — Cleveland (6-6, 311 pounds) caught some buzz with a strong combine in February, when he paired a 4.93-second 40-yard dash with 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Scouting reports claim he needs to add strength, but would immediately fit a zone run game like the Vikings.
OT Matt Peart (UConn) — A rare combination of size and athleticism while needing to add strength and refine his play — sound familiar? The Vikings took a similar swing on Brian O'Neill in the second round a few years ago. That was viewed as a reach then, but Peart (6-7, 318 pounds) has similar upside given time to develop.