Niner Noise
FanSided

2019 NFL Draft: Complete two-round mock for every team, New Year’s Day version

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 27: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs with the ball as Jeffery Simmons #94 and Mark McLaurin #41 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs defend during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 27: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs with the ball as Jeffery Simmons #94 and Mark McLaurin #41 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs defend during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

player. 60. . Defensive Line. Mississippi State. Jeffery Simmons. 18

The Minnesota Vikings went from legitimate Super Bowl contenders at the start of 2018 all the way to missing out on the playoffs altogether.

My, how the mighty have fallen.

The good news, though, is Minnesota isn’t exactly short on pieces. There are a number of holes to be filled up front along the offensive line, but the problem is the No. 18 overall pick in the draft doesn’t exactly afford a lot of value for any quality lineman here. The Vikings likely wait until Round 2 to address that need.

Instead, Minnesota takes care of its defensive line, which will likely see defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson walk in free agency. Mississippi State’s Jeffery Simmons is an excellent 3-technique player, capable of blocking those run lanes in sub packages while creating plenty of interior havoc in passing situations.

And at this spot in the NFL Draft, he comes with good value, too.