Vikings

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Cordarrelle Patterson and Jesse Williams may figure in Vikings' first round

The Minnesota Vikings have a huge opportunity in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and could come away with some big improvements to both the offense and the defense.

By Pete Eich Mar 19, 2013, 3:51pm CDT

The latest 2013 NFL mock draft is out, and the Minnesota Vikings have a good chance at making some big moves in the first round. They hold both the 23rd and 25th overall picks, giving them two shots at some seriously talented players.

With their first pick, SB Nation's mock draft sees Minnesota taking Cordarrelle Patterson, a wide receiver formerly with the Tennesee Volunteers. Vikings blog The Daily Norseman took a look at Patterson earlier this year, weighing him against Tennessee teammate Justin Hunter. SB Nation also has a full scouting profile on Patterson, praising his speed and athleticism but noting his lack of physicality and questionable technique. Patterson didn't lead the league in receptions or total yardage, but his stats point to big-play ability. He was fifth in the SEC with an average of 16.9 yards per catch.

With the first pick filling the hole left by the Percy Harvin trade, it's not unreasonable to expect Minnesota to use their second first round pick to address defensive needs. The mock draft slots in Jesse Williams, a defensive tackle out of Alabama. The Vikings could use some help up front; as The Daily Norseman points out they had some stats that rank among the worst all-time. Williams would be a huge help in the middle of the line, as the scouting report points out.

The Vikings may have missed out on any compensatory picks, but with two first round picks and 11 overall, they're in position to walk away from the 2013 draft with a lot of talent.