FARGO — The Minnesota Vikings had two picks in the first round of Thursday's NFL Draft, which was done virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Vikings filled two areas of need, taking Louisiana State wide receiver Justin Jefferson with the No. 22 pick overall. He is expected to help replace receiver Stefon Diggs, who Minnesota traded to the Buffalo Bills in the offseason.
The Vikings selected TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney at No. 31 overall after trading back from the No. 25 spot, adding two additional picks in that trade. Minnesota had three cornerbacks go elsewhere in the offseason with Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander signing with other teams.
The Vikings have 12 draft picks remaining over the final two days and six rounds of the draft. Below is some of the immediate reaction to the two first-round draft picks:
It's still all purple and gold for new Vikings WR Justin Jefferson!
Go watch our Instagram Story to see @JJettas2's full #NFLDraft experience in a behind-the-scenes takeover. pic.twitter.com/LmEN3K5M2V
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.@JJettas2 discusses his big night being drafted by the Vikings.#VikingsDraft
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Justin Jefferson is the exact type of WR the #Vikings needed. Mature route runner, extremely hard worker, dependable and inside-out versatility. Home run pick for Minnesota.
Vikings' newest WR Justin Jefferson caught 92.3% of his contested targets in 2019.
By far the best in college football. pic.twitter.com/NSapOV7QaN
Justin Jefferson is going to be a problem in Minnesota #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/x8FB4Zzf1R
The Eagles really wanted speed. Reagor provides that. I just couldn't pass up my 14th rated player (Justin Jefferson) for my 56th player (Reagor). It'll be fascinating to follow both of their careers.
Minnesota found its Stefon Diggs replacement
The Vikings select LSU WR Justin Jefferson with the No. 22 pick in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/aRpUelC9zq
SKOL!! SKOL!! SKOL!!
Jeff Gladney is joining the @Vikings...#ProFrogs #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/pgFPxwJl8S
#Vikings fans get excited! Jeff Gladney is the most physical CB in the draft. Buckle up receivers!!!
What makes him special- #AchoAnswers @DomClare @nacholeber @ArifHasanNFL #NFLDraft #Skol pic.twitter.com/Iq76LWelno
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Vikings found their starting corner
Minnesota drafts TCU CB Jeff Gladney with the No. 31 pick in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/4JO8DjelzU
Vikings RD 1 pick Jeff Gladney has forced the most contested targets (45) in college football since 2018. pic.twitter.com/U2NWZGYFNb
The #Vikings spent a lot of time digging on TCU Jeff Gladney, who was known in that program as one of the most competitive guys around. Loves football. The type of player they needed with several veterans gone.
