4 Players The Minnesota Vikings Should Target In The First Round Of The 2018 NFL Draft

The Minnesota Vikings have hit on a few of their recent draft picks, especially defensively, helping them build into a contender. 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. As such, here are four players they should be targeting in the first round of the draft:

1) Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide

The Vikings have a major need at defensive tackle, which is the direction they're expected to go with their first-round pick. With Tom Johnson heading towards free agency and Sharrif Floyd also unlikely to return, Minnesota has a hole they need to fill. Payne would step in and be the starter right away and has plenty of upside due to this athletic ability.

2) Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

Terrance Newman can't play forever (we don't think) and even though Mackensie Alexander could see a bigger role next year, this is a group that needs to add depth. Enter Davis, who is a starting-caliber cornerback who figures to be available late in the first round.

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3) Billy Price, OL, Ohio State Buckeyes

Minnesota would also like to sure up the offensive line - particularly the guard spots - and while there isn't a lot of top-end talent at the position, Price's versatility could cause him to sneak into round one. 

4) Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State Cowboys

If the Vikings look for a quarterback late in the first round (if they don't think Keenum is the long-term answer), Rudolph could be the guy they target. He has the size NFL teams covet, checking in at 6-foot-5, 235-pounds with functional mobility. He doesn't have the best arm in the class, but it's more than strong enough and he's best deep ball thrower in the group. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 4,904 yards, 37 touchdowns, and nine picks.

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