Vikings’ best third-round picks of the past decade
Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison. Photo; Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Some questioned the decision to take Alexander Mattison in the third round after the team already had Dalvin Cook. However, Mattison has become a very good backup running back. He had 462 rushing yards in 2019. In 2020, he had 434 rushing yards in 13 games and two starts.
RB Jerick McKinnon
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon. Photo: Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings rarely miss on running backs in the NFL draft. Jerick McKinnon certainly adds to that narrative. He was a solid backup option to Adrian Peterson. McKinnon also led the team in rushing in 2016. Good for McKinnon and bad for the Vikings: The 49ers gave him a four-year, $30 million deal in 2018, leading to him leaving Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Cameron Dantzler. Photo; Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports
Despite being drafted in the third round, Dantzler only needed a handful of games to become a starting-caliber NFL player. He was on PFF's All-Rookie team for his performance this season.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter. Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports
Hunter is by far the best third-rounder the Vikings have taken in the last 10 years. Before he suffered a season-ending injury in 2020, he had two consecutive seasons of tallying 14.5 sacks. Hunter started as a raw prospect and has become pretty much an essential player on the Minnesota defense.
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