What does the draft say about the future?

The Vikings 2020 NFL Draft class was praised by just about every analyst out there. They received high marks across the board and brought in 15 talented rookies to compete for roster spots this year. Looking at the players they took and where they took them can also give us an idea of what the team is thinking in regards to certain players and positions currently on their roster. Here’s what we can learn from looking more closely at the Vikings 2020 draft class.

PLAN TO EXTEND DALVIN COOK

One interesting thing about the Vikings’ 2020 draft class was that it did not include a single running back. The team had 15 choices in all and not one was used on a runner. This wasn’t that surprising as the team was pretty deep at the position. With Dalvin Cook topping the depth chart followed by Alexander Mattison, and Mike Boone behind him, the Vikings have three backs who have shown they can be productive runners in the NFL.

The only thought was with Cook entering a contract year and the team short on funds to sign him to an extension, there was a possibility the Vikings could use one of their many picks on a running back in the mid-rounds for insurance in case a long-term extension couldn’t be reached. The fact they didn’t draft a running back leads one to believe that the team fully expects to extend their star running back this offseason or even during the 2020 season. Rick Spielman also stated in a recent press conference that the team believes in rewarding its players, and if anyone deserves a reward for their recent play, it is definitely Cook, who is coming off a season where he ran for 1,135 yards, 13 touchdowns and 53 receptions for 519 yards.