Solid Starter
Jeff Gladney, C, TCU – Round 1 
The Vikings had a big need at cornerback entering the 2020 NFL Draft, and they drew on a quality class at the position with Gladney in the first round and Cameron Dantzler in the third round. That duo could work their way into forming a quality trio with Mike Hughes to give Minnesota an upgraded secondary in the next year or two.
Gladney projects as a starting NFL cornerback who could contribute with significant playing time even in his rookie season. Sources say Gladney has real cover skills to run with receivers and prevent separation. If he were a little bigger and didn’t have off-the-field concerns, he might have been a higher pick. Gladney (5-10, 191) has speed and athleticism to run the route, but big wideouts give him problems, making catches over him or walling him off on routine possessional routes. Thus, Gladney could be a better fit as a nickel corner in the NFL. If he proves that he can’t line up outside, Gladney could end up being a solid nickel.
With Hughes and Dantzler on the outside, Gladney can line up inside at the slot, but he also should be able to play on the outside some. Given Gladney’s quickness and ability to run the route to prevent separation, I think he will turn into a quality starter for Minnesota early in his NFL career.
2019: Garrett Bradbury, C
2018: Daniel Carlson, K
2017: Pat Elflein, C
2016: Laquon Treadwell, WR
2015: Trae Waynes, CB
2014: Scott Crichton, DE
2013: Xavier Rhodes, CB
Most Likely To Bust
Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State – Round 2 
I really don’t like Ezra Cleveland as a prospect, and teams across the league had him buried on their draft boards. In surveying six different teams, none of them had Cleveland graded as a first- or second-round pick. The teams were split, with three grading him in the fifth round and three grading him in the fourth round. Here were a couple of quotes from team sources during the leadup to the 2020 NFL Draft:
“I think someone in the league will overdraft [Cleveland] in the second or third round because of the speed, but he has no power,” said an area scout who covers Boise State. “I wouldn’t take him there. He’s a fifth-round pick at best for me.”
“… we have [Cleveland] in the fourth round,” said one director of college scouting. “But, I could see a team taking him late in the third [round] after he ran well at the Combine. Even though he’s fast, he’s not a unique moving athlete.”
Thus, the Vikings reached on Cleveland, and I think his lack of power could lead to him being a bust in the NFL. However, I don’t feel great about this projection because of Minnesota offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. Kubiak has been superb in his coaching career of taking mediocre offensive linemen and turning them into quality blockers with his blocking scheme. Cleveland’s speed makes him a good fit in Kubiak’s zone-blocking system. I could see Cleveland getting pushed around some, but the scheme might hide his limitations overall. Of Minnesota’s early-round picks, Cleveland has the most bust potential, but landing with Kubiak may save him.
2019: Dru Samia, G
2018: Brian O’Neill, OT
2017: Ben Gedeon, LB
2016: Willie Beavers, OT
2015: Danielle Hunter, DE
2014: Teddy Bridgewater, QB
2013: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR
Potential Boom Pick
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU – Round 1 
The Vikings needed a receiver after trading away Stefon Diggs, and they landed a nice one in Jefferson late in the first round. Jefferson was a top recruit when he selected LSU, and it took some time for him to live up to the hype. Jefferson made just a single catch as a freshman, but as a sophomore in 2018, he broke out with 54 receptions for 875 yards and six touchdowns. In 2019, he was a superb weapon for Joe Burrow, producing a lot of big plays for the Tigers’ point-machine offense. Jefferson recorded 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns on the year. He then helped himself at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.43-second time in the 40-yard dash.
There is a lot to like about Jefferson for the NFL, as he has the skill set to be an effective starting receiver. He also has mismatch height and length with solid hands, leaping ability, and body control downfield. That makes Jefferson very dangerous to make receptions over defensive backs and come down with contested catches even when he is covered. Jefferson high points the ball and is a dangerous red-zone weapon. While Jefferson is not a burner, he has enough quickness to get downfield and challenge defenses there. He is a weapon to work the sideline and be a tough wideout to defend on back-shoulder throws, fades and slants.
Jefferson may not be a big separation receiver in the NFL, because he may not have elite speed to run by pro cornerbacks. Jefferson could be better off as a No. 2 receiver playing off a No. 1 and taking advantage of single coverage. It would help Jefferson to add some strength and fill out his frame for the pro game.
Another bonus for Jefferson is that sources say the LSU staff has raved to teams about him as a kid and worker. They say he also is a tremendous practice player who loves to compete and makes his teammates better by challenging them on the practice field. I could see Jefferson being a possible boom pick for the Vikings, and he could have the potential to be a No. 1 receiver for their offense.
2019: Irv Smith Jr., TE
2018: Mike Hughes, CB
2017: Dalvin Cook, RB
2016: Mackensie Alexander, CB
2015: Eric Kendricks, LB
2014: Anthony Barr, LB
2013: Sharrif Floyd, DT
Future Depth Player
D.J. Wonnum, DE, South Carolina – Round 4 
The Vikings have had some turnover at the defensive end position, and with Everson Griffen leaving in free agency, they needed more pass-rushing depth. The 6-foot-4, 254-pound Wonnum is undersized for the NFL, but he is quick at the point of attack and dangerous to put heat on the quarterback. While Wonnum may not develop into a three-down starter in the NFL, I could see him being a valuable depth player as a designated pass rusher for Minnesota. The Vikings have done a good job of drafting mid-round edge rushers who fit their system and getting production out of them. Wonnum could continue that tradition and end up being a really good value pick for Minnesota.
2019: Alexander Mattison, RB
2018: Jayln Holmes, DE
2017: Bucky Hodges, TE
2016: Kentrell Brothers, LB
2015: Stefon Diggs, WR
2014: Jerick McKinnon, RB
2013: Michael Mauti, LB
Walt’s 2020 NFL Draft Grades:
22. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU – A Grade
The need here is obvious, as the Vikings traded away Stefon Diggs, so they needed to replace him. Justin Jefferson is not someone who should’ve been available to them. The Eagles should have picked him, and Denver would have considered him at No. 15 had Jerry Jeudy not been available. The Vikings wanted K’Lavon Chaisson and A.J. Terrell, but they were still able to land a talented player who fills a big need at No. 22 overall.
31. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU – A Grade
The Vikings just broke the Chiefs’ heart. They did very well to move down and park themselves ahead of Kansas City to pick the player the Chiefs wanted. The Vikings are getting a talented player who would’ve gone higher if it wasn’t for some off-the-field and injury issues. This pick seems like a steal, as Minnesota is filling a big need and getting a skilled player.
58. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State – A Grade
There was some speculation that the Vikings would pick Ezra Cleveland at No. 25, so this is a steal as far as that is concerned. Cleveland is a great fit for the Vikings’ blocking scheme, and he could displace Riley Reiff as early as this year. Reiff is very expensive, and the Vikings don’t have much money, so they needed to get cheaper at left tackle. Cleveland has nice upside and could make things much easier financially for the Vikings.
89. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State – A- Grade
Caeron Dantzler has great size to him (6-2, 195) who played very well at times against elite competition. He was inconsistent as well, but I imagine Mike Zimmer saw the tools and was intrigued by how he could develop Dantzler. It could be argued that Dantzler could’ve been chosen 20 or so picks earlier, so this is good value.
117. D.J. Wonnum, DE, South Carolina – C+ Grade
I had D.J. Wonnum in the sixth round, so this is a bit of a reach. It’s not an egregious one, however, and the Vikings are at least filling a need with Everson Griffen gone. Wonnum has nice athleticism and potential, but he’s raw.
130. James Lynch, DT, Baylor – A+ Grade
I had James Lynch slotted to the Vikings in the third round. In fact, I mocked Lynch into the second round at some point. I think the Vikings liked Lynch enough to take him in the third frame, so this is a steal. Lynch is talented and could end up being a nice starter next to Michael Pierce.
132. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon – A Grade
The Vikings continue to make excellent picks in Round 4. Troy Dye is an athletic linebacker who easily could’ve been chosen in the third frame. Minnesota needed someone like Dye to help in coverage, so he should be a nice contributor.
169. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple – D- Grade
I never placed Harrison Hand into any mock draft I ever published. He’s a physical corner, but is too slow for the NFL. I don’t see him making the 53-man roster.
176. K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami – D Grade
K.J. Osborn isn’t someone I ever had in my mock draft. His athletic ability is a huge question mark, so despite some decent route-running ability, he may have to just stick on special teams.
203. Blake Brandel, G, Oregon State – C- Grade
I didn’t have Blake Brandel as a draftable prospect, but we’re in the middle of Round 6, so this isn’t the worst pick. I’m all for helping Kirk Cousins because he needs all the aid he can get.
205. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan – B Grade
It made sense for the Vikings to add some insurance for Anthony Harris. Josh Metellus will get torched in coverage, but he’s a tough tackler who plays the run well. He projects to be a solid backup.
225. Kenney Willekes, DE, Michigan State – A+ Grade
Kenny Willekes is yet another player I’m looking forward to seeing featured on Why the Slide. I imagine some injuries may have had a factor in it, but Willekes should’ve been chosen in the third round. This pick has tons of upside, so I love it.
244. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa – C Grade
Nate Stanley is a weak-armed quarterback with poor accuracy. It’s difficult to imagine him sticking around in the NFL. Perhaps he’ll be a coach in the near future.
249. Brian Cole, LB/S, Mississippi State – B Grade
Brian Cole is a tweener who struggles in coverage, but he at least does one thing well, which is play well in run support. He might have a spot on some team’s roster in the NFL.
253. Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn – C+ Grade
Kyle Hinton has nice technique, but he’s a major project because he’s not nearly strong enough to be in the NFL. I don’t think he’ll make the cut, but I don’t blame the Vikings for taking a chance on him.
2020 NFL Draft Team Grade: A+ . Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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