Re-Grading the Minnesota Vikings 2019 Draft: Three Years Later

Round 1: Pick 18: Garrett Bradbury OC, NC State
Garrett Bradbury has had a disappointing and below average start to his NFL career, he has struggled tremendously and is fighting to win the Minnesota Vikings starting center job. Most of Bradbury’s struggles come from his size and play strength; he is undersized for a center and struggles to stop bigger interior defensive-linemen. Some of Bradbury’s struggles can be faulted by sub-par guard play by former and current Vikings guards such as Dakota Dozier, Dru Samia, and Oli Udoh. The book is almost closed on Bradbury as he is most likely in his final season with the Vikings.

Grade: D+

Round 2: Pick 50: Irv Smith Jr. TE, Alabama
Irv Smith Jr. continued to improve throughout his first two seasons playing behind veteran and former Vikings Tight End Kyle Rudolph. After the Vikings parted ways with Rudolph in 2021, Smith Jr. was poised for a breakout season, unfortunately in the 2021 pre-season he suffered a season ending injury. This is a huge season for Smith Jr., and will most likely decide his future with the Vikings.

Grade: B

Round 3: Pick: 102: Alexander Mattison RB, Boise State
Alexander Mattison has been a terrific backup behind Dalvin Cook, and when Cook has been injured he has stepped in perfectly. There isn’t a whole lot to say about this pick, besides it being a really good selection.

Grade: A

Round 4: Pick 114: Dru Samia OG, Oklahoma
Dru Samia was a huge liability for the Vikings whenever he stepped on the field, even costing them numerous huge plays with his constant penalties. On September 8, 2021 the Vikings released Samia, He was then signed by the New York Jets, and was placed on their practice squad, where he still remains.

Grade: D-

Round 5: Pick 162: Cameron Smith LB, USC
Cameron Smith played very little for the Vikings in 2019, and sadly retired from Football in 2021 due to Health Issues.

Grade: N/A

Round 6: Pick 190: Armon Watts DT, Arkansas
Armon Watts has been a pretty solid depth-piece at Defensive Tackle for the Vikings over the last couple seasons. In 2021 he stepped up big with the injury of Michael Pierce occuring.

Grade: B+

Round 6: Pick 191: Marcus Epps S, Wyoming
Marcus Epps did not play a single snap for the Vikings, and was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles on November 7, 2019 where currently plays.

Grade: D

Round 6: Pick 193: Oli Udoh OL, Elon
Oli Udoh didn’t get much playing time his first two seasons with the Vikings, but in 2021 Training camp he was very impressive earning him a Starting position on the Offensive Line for the 2021 Season. Udoh had a very up and down start to the 2021 season, showing flashes, but after a few weeks he gradually got worse and became a replacement level Offensive-Lineman. Heading into the 2022 Season he is still on the Vikings serving as a depth-piece on the O-Line.

Grade: C

Round 7: Pick 217: Kris Boyd CB, Texas
Kris Boyd has been surprisingly good for a Seventh-Round pick, as he has shown flashes of being a serviceable starting Corner-Back when he played due to injuries and lack of depth at Corner-Back for the Vikings over the last couple years.

Grade: B+

Round 7: Pick 239: Dillon Mitchell WR, Oregon
Dillon Mitchell was waived in Training Camp in 2019, and didn’t play a single snap for the Vikings. He currently plays for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Grade: C-

Round 7: Pick 247: Bisi Johnson WR, Colorado State
Bisi Johnson played a good amount of snaps in his Rookie Year, especially for a Seventh-Round pick, and he played pretty well. His role decreased in 2020, and he had a Season-Ending injury in 2021, he is still on the Vikings but he probably won’t make the team.

Grade: B

Round 7: Pick 250: Austin Cutting LS, Air Force
Austin Cutting never really played for the Vikings, and is a long snapper so he doesn’t provide much value and is easily replaceable.

Grade: C-

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