The Minnesota Vikings have hit on a few of their recent draft picks, especially defensively, helping them build into a contender. However, this group still fell short in the playoffs and they're looking to add a few more impact players in the draft this year to help them get back to the postseason. However, striking out early could send them in the wrong direction. Here are three players the Vikings should avoid in the first round of the draft:
1) Connor Williams, OT, Texas
Williams missed most of his junior year with a sprained PCL and MCL, and the jury is out on how Williams will recover from those injuries. He stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 315 pounds, which is great size for a lineman but he battles in the trenches with some of the strongest players in the league and hasn't been able to stay healthy. Williams is talented, but the injury concerns should scare the Vikings away, especially in the first round.
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2) Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
Leonard became a legitimate NFL prospect this season in which he racked up 113 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, eight sacks, one pass batted, two interceptions and one forced fumble. He has good size and athleticism, but it will take him some time to adjust to the NFL level coming from South Carolina State. Minnesota needs players who can contribute right away, which Leonard may not be.
3) Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Minnesota doesn't have many needs offensively but does want to add depth at the tight end position. There are no great tight end prospects in this year's draft, but Gesicki is probably the closest to one due to his size and great athletic ability. However, he was extremely inconsistent at Penn State and often got lazy with his routes and on blocks. He could be an option in round two, but not if they keep the No. 30 pick.
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