Post-free agency full NFL two-round mock: Redskins trade down

Drafting a defensive lineman might not seem like an efficient use of early draft capital for the Vikings, who need a cornerback and a wide receiver above all else. But Kinlaw’s upside, combined with his fit in the Vikings’ defense, was too good to pass up at No. 22.

Because the Vikings have another pick at No. 25, they can afford to be flexible here and pick the best player available. It’s a good thing for them, as Kinlaw is one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Having a deep, versatile, athletically wired interior defensive line is a near necessity in the modern NFL, where quicker, more direct pressure comes from the inside. That kind of pressure is more challenging to generate, which makes players who can do it very valuable. That’s the kind of player Kinlaw is, as he has a brutal combination of searing explosiveness off the snap and dominating length to impose power on opposing linemen.

Kinlaw compliments the Vikings’ current defensive line cast well, as the Vikings’ current defensive linemen are more run-oriented. Kinlaw, meanwhile, brings immense pass rushing upside to balance out the unit, and provides a potentially game-changing presence for the next half decade.