NFL Mock Draft 2013: Vikings bolster defense with extra picks

With four picks in the first three rounds, SB Nation's new mock draft has the Vikings getting some much-needed help on defense.

By Jon Benne@LordBenne Apr 8, 2013, 5:41pm CDT

The Minnestoa Vikings are in a solid position in the 2013 NFL Draft. Having gained an extra first-round pick in the Percy Harvin trade, they now own four picks in the first three rounds, and are expected to bolster their defense.

SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn released a three-round mock draft on Monday. In it, he has the Vikings taking Florida DT Sharrif Floyd with the 23rd pick, which would be a massive steal:

The Vikings get a nice value here thanks to the Carolina Panthers passing on defensive tackle for wide receiver. Sharrif Floyd is a top-15 player, but he is also the third-best defensive tackle on my board. This is about as low as I could see him falling, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him come off the board at No. 2 overall.

Two picks later, at No. 25, Minnesota selects Kansas State LB Arthur Brown:

The Vikings have shown plenty of interest in Manti Te'o, but Arthur Brown is the better linebacker prospect. If Minnesota managed to come away from the first round with Floyd and Brown, the front seven would be in solid shape for the foreseeable future.

In the second round, the Vikings find their replacement for Harvin, drafting Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton:

The Vikings lost Percy Harvin, so wide receiver is a need, despite the addition of Greg Jennings. Quinton Patton doesn't have the physical tools of some other wide receivers in this class, but he is a polished player who can contribute right away.

Minnesota goes back on the defensive side in the third round, taking N.C. State CB/S David Amerson with the 81st pick.

Check out the complete mock draft at the link below.