Inside The Vikings

Vikings Take Jared Verse Over J.J. McCarthy in Mel Kiper Jr.'s New Mock Draft

Would you make the same decision in this situation?
Will Ragatz|
Vikings Take Jared Verse Over J.J. McCarthy in Mel Kiper Jr.'s New Mock Draft
Vikings Take Jared Verse Over J.J. McCarthy in Mel Kiper Jr.'s New Mock Draft

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Minnesota Vikings

With the 11th pick in Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft at ESPN, the Vikings select Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse — with Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy still on the board.

I almost went corner here — Terrion Arnold (Alabama), Cooper DeJean (Iowa) and Nate Wiggins (Clemson) are my top three — but I wonder whether this instead could be the spot for an edge rusher. If Danielle Hunter leaves in free agency, Minnesota would have a massive void to fill.

Verse could be an asset on all three downs. He had 18 sacks over two seasons at FSU, where he also developed into a solid run defender. He was inconsistent at times, but he has some savvy as a pass-rusher. I'm really curious to see how he tests in the on-field drills at the combine.

Verse feels like a great fit for the Vikings in this year's draft. That would be true whether or not they lose Danielle Hunter in free agency, but edge rusher would be a much more glaring need if that happens. The Florida State product is big, athletic, and highly productive.

The interesting thing to me about this pick from Kiper is that McCarthy went to the Broncos with the very next pick. Perhaps that's under the assumption that the Vikings bring back Kirk Cousins? Whether or not that happens will obviously shape what takes place on draft weekend, although the Vikings could re-sign Cousins and draft a QB like McCarthy.

For me, I think McCarthy would be the pick, particularly if Cousins is gone. It's just about positional value and taking a chance on finding a good quarterback on a rookie deal. However, I also can understand why you might take Verse or Byron Murphy II or Laiatu Latu or a cornerback. Ultimately, the draft is about trusting your evaluation and trying to find great players. If the Vikings don't feel great about McCarthy and believe Verse will be a star, then this move makes sense.

Who would you take?

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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