Home / Sports / Vikings' No. 18 Picks: A Mixed Bag of NFL Draft History
Vikings' No. 18 Picks: A Mixed Bag of NFL Draft History
4 Apr
Summary
- The Vikings have only picked 18th overall three times since 1961.
- Dewayne Washington's 1994 selection was the most successful at this spot.
- Garrett Bradbury, the latest 18th pick, was recently traded after four seasons.
The Minnesota Vikings' draft strategy, particularly at the 18th overall selection, reveals a history marked by both impactful successes and notable struggles. Since their league entry in 1961, the Vikings have made only three selections within this specific draft slot, making it a position that has not consistently yielded franchise-defining talent.
The most successful outcome at the 18th pick occurred in 1994 with the selection of cornerback Dewayne Washington. He quickly established himself as a starter, earning All-Rookie honors and contributing significantly over four seasons in Minnesota before a prolonged NFL career elsewhere.
In contrast, defensive end Erasmus James, chosen in 2005, saw his potential hampered by recurrent ACL injuries. Despite a promising rookie campaign, his career was limited to just four seasons, with only a fraction of those spent making an impact.
The most recent 18th overall selection was center Garrett Bradbury in 2019. While he served as a six-year starter and showcased athleticism in the run game, persistent issues in pass protection led to his release last year. Bradbury subsequently played for the New England Patriots and was traded to the Chicago Bears in March, highlighting the team's search for consistent performance at this crucial draft position.
