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NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

By Dan Viens

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) and Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Nate Crawford (55) battle during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Missouri 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) and Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Nate Crawford (55) battle during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Missouri 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #23: Minnesota Vikings – Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

The Vikings most pressing needs are at guard and safety, two positions where you can get better value and find starters in later rounds. For maximum bang for their buck in this draft, Floyd fits for a number of reasons. Veteran Chad Greenway is clearly not the player he once was, had a poor 2015, and announced that 2016 will likely be his last year. Head coach Mike Zimmer has done wonders with the Vikings D, and with their old school ball control and hold ’em philosophy, Floyd makes a lot of sense.

He’s a tad lanky at 6’3″ 232 pounds but has a chance to excel as an outside edge rusher from his OLB spot. He has a good burst and a relentless motor, racking up 17 career sacks for the Bulldogs.

Teaming Floyd up with fellow young LB’s Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr gives the Vikings one of the more impressive young units in the league.

Next: On the clock: Cincinnati

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