NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown after the 2018 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Best Pick: OT Brian O’Neill, Pittsburgh
Like the Jaguars and Saints, the Minnesota Vikings didn’t have to worry about landing immediate-impact players in this year’s NFL Draft.
Instead, their biggest acquisition came in free agency, landing quarterback Kirk Cousins to helm the offense. As such, there’s no changes in our NFL power rankings.
Protecting Cousins might be the Vikings’ biggest priority, as the offensive line wasn’t quite where it needed to be a year ago. Especially now, with right guard Joe Berger retiring. Therefore, adding Pittsburgh offensive tackle Brian O’Neill was a pretty smart move. He’s fast and agile, although there’s a reason he wasn’t selected in Round 1.
The Vikings used their first pick, No. 30 overall, on Central Florida’s Mike Hughes — a slot-type cornerback with some question marks but plenty of upside.
Even if he takes some time to develop, Minnesota’s defense is good enough not to worry about it right away.