NFL Draft 2018: Analysis of NFC North division teams' draft picks

Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins (left) will be the face of the Vikings' Super Bowl challenge

The Vikings set the offseason running when they signed the most high-profile free agent Kirk Cousins, signalling their intent of a 'win-now' philosophy and this draft was about adding the pieces for a Super Bowl campaign.

The cornerback position and the offensive line were the top needs for the Vikings going into the draft and they addressed these immediately. In the first round they selected UCF CB Mike Hughes with the 30th overall pick.

Standing at 5 foot 10, Hughes isn't the tallest corner in his class but he is aggressive and brings a sense of physicality which will be a great fit in the Vikings secondary. He will most likely begin his career in the special teams as Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes occupy the CB slots at the moment.

With their second pick (No. 62 overall) the Vikings drafted Pittsburgh OT Brian O'Neill. By the time they decided to fill the other glaring need in their squad in the second round the offensive line depth had decreased considerably, so they decided to go with a developmental prospect like O'Neill, who has to work on his weight and blocking technique before he makes the transition to the next level.

With their third pick (No. 102 overall) they drafted Ohio State DE Jalyn Holmes, who will provide some much-needed depth at the defensive end position. If the Vikings are to make a run for the Super Bowl, defensive rotation will be an important factor, as it will allow them to bring on fresh legs during games and keep the starters rested for the post-season.

The Vikings had two picks in the fifth round with which they drafted Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin (No. 157 overall) and Auburn K Daniel Carlson (No. 167 overall). Conklin will act as a back up to Kyle Rudolph and will mostly be used in short-yardage situations but he still has to work on his game.

Carlson, on the other hand, was a surprising pick considering first team kicker Kai Forbath had just signed a new one-year deal but on a talent basis Carlson is a cluth player and will be one to watch in future seasons.

With two picks in the sixth round, the Vikings concentrated on small school prospects Appalachian State OG Colby Gossett (No. 213 overall) and Tulane DE Ade Aruna (No. 218 overall), both aren't starting-caliber players yet, but are in playing in positions that the Vikings are in dire need of. If they put in the work they can certainly be solid rotational players in the future.

The Vikings' last pick in the Draft was California LB Deante Downs (No. 225 overall), who is currently nursing a knee injury he sustained in his senior year, but even so he managed to finish second in his team in tackles (65) and sacks (3).