Vikings

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Vikings could add two starters in first round

The Minnesota Vikings put themselves in a great position in the 2013 NFL Draft, with two first round picks.

By James Brady@jamesbradyisme Apr 1, 2013, 1:02pm CDT

The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason with a lot of expectations and one big concern: wide receiver Percy Harvin. Minnesota dealt with that problem by trading Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks, and bolstered their potential for making big things happen this offseason by earning a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft in the trade.

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After signing wide receiver Greg Jennings, the Vikings are in a good place to bring in two impact players in the draft. They have their original No. 23 pick in the first round, and now the No. 25 pick from Seattle. Dan Kadar of SB Nation released his latest mock draft on Monday and he's got both picks going to the defense.

First, he sent Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown at No. 23:

The Vikings need young athleticism on defense and Brown is the most athletic linebacker in the draft. He's a run and tackle linebacker who can truly play sideline to sideline. He's an upgrade over Tyrone McKenzie, though the Vikings will likely consider players like Alec Ogletree or Manti Te'o as well. Adding a good defensive tackle should be a priority in this draft as well, but they can sit on the position for a round or two.

Then, he send defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins out of Ohio State at No. 25:

If the Vikings are content with Greg Jennings being their No. 1 receiver, a player with Hankins' ability could help improve an aging defensive line. Hankins was a versatile player for Ohio State and made plays from a variety of spots on the line.

Both picks would add immediate starters to the defense and would bring some young talent to an aging unit. You can find Brown's scouting report here. His stock is rising rapidly these days. Hankins also has a scouting report, which you can find here.