Here is a list of the Vikings selections in this year's draft, which is being held in Dallas April 26-28: An all-state pick from Bern, North Carolina, Hughes signed on with home-state UNC for the 2015 season. He played 13 games at right guard his senior year, played left guard at the Senior Bowl and had a couple of workouts at center. At just over 5-foot-10, Hughes is slightly smaller than the Vikings' prototype at the position. Injuries on the line caused him to move to left tackle for his junior season, where he started all 12 games and garnered first-team all-conference honors. The cornerback completed 100 community service hours and the charges were eventually dropped, but he left North Carolina in 2016 and spent a year in junior college before transferring to UCF. He’ll get a chance to showcase that versatility during training camp. 225 overall) Devante Downs, LB, California. Conklin signed with Northwood University in Michigan to play hoops but after playing sparingly for one season decided to transfer somewhere to play football. 157, Conklin: Vikings Are A Great Situation To Come Into, 5 Things to Know About New Vikings TE Tyler Conklin, Vikings Select Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin in Round 5, TE Tyler Conklin Uses Hoops Background, Athleticism on Gridiron. Pitt coaches used O'Neill' athleticism as an offensive weapon as a rusher (two scores, one on a lateral and the other on an end-around) and passer (0-for-2). UCF Head Coach Scott Frost convinced Hughes to join UCF for the 2017 season, and his play was a big reason for the team's undefeated record. Downs needs some time to develop, and what better place to do that than in a unit that features one of the top middle linebackers in the NFL? Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Mike Zimmer has never had a problem with drafting corners in the first round and developing them from the bench for a year or two—just ask Trae Waynes, who now might not be signed long-term. In his words, Aruna is “a pass rush guy.” He wants to be a 4-3 defensive end who gets to rush from the edge and pressure the quarterback. Of course, there is always room for improvement. Aruna on His Unique Path to the NFL, Becoming A Viking, Aruna's Journey from Nigeria to Vikings Included Guarding Andrew Wiggins, 5 Things to Know About New Vikings DE Ade Aruna, Aruna: I Am Ready to Come Out There and Work, Vikings Select California LB Devante Downs In Round 7, Devante Downs Picking Up Groceries when Selected with 225th Pick. My take: The Vikings love their seventh-round linebackers. 225, which they had given up the first time they dealt with New York on Saturday. • Barnwell: Who aced Round 1 trades » The Vikings feel they got good value for where they were able to land O’Neill and a lot of that has to do with his upside that should benefit him in a few years under the direction of Tony Sparano. 'Sidisms' made for big laughs, even if their creator didn't get the joke, 6 a.m. phone call at the Saunders residence? 30 overall: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF 2018 NFL DRAFT. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Where Hughes fits: The UCF product will certainly have a major impact in the return game and on kickoff and punt returns, areas where the Vikings weren't as explosive as they wanted to be in 2017. Here's the full list of picks the Vikings hold in the 2018 draft, which will be updated as each selection is made. Here's the full list of picks the Vikings hold in the 2018 draft, which will be updated as each selection is made. He started all 13 games last season at right guard, which could be the spot he ends up taking over in a season or two if he makes the team. 102 overall): Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State, Round 5, Pick 20 (No. Here's a look at the first-year players who are hoping to make the 2018 roster.