It's a crazy phenomenon in the NFL Draft. Each year something weird happens and forces players who were thought to go early down on a free fall down the draft board. We're already starting to hear of hidden medical ailments, off the field issues and trade scenarios that could shake up the draft board as we know it today.
With only a few hours before the draft kicks off, here are three names that were thought to be off the board early who are now being rumored to potentially fall to the Vikings at pick #18.
TE T.J. Hockenson - IOWA
He's the stud tight end in this year's draft and better yet, he's both a pass catcher and a blocking tight end. Something that the Vikings don't have on roster right now. This scenario might be unlikely, but if the QBs go early and there's a run on linemen, Hockenson could be on the board spurring a reactionary move that could result in trading a veteran to another team.
C Garret Bradbury - NC State
Bradbury is thought to be the best center in the draft and could be the Vikings top choice of linemen at #18. Seeing four QBs go early in the draft would be key to pushing Bradbury down the draft board to the Vikings. This pick would then slide current center Pat Elflein over to left guard filling out the remaining void in front of Kirk Cousins.
DE Rashan Gary - Michigan
This has been the most interesting late development in this year's draft. Once thought of to be a lock in the top 10, Gary has dropped past #18 in some late mocks, but a "flagged shoulder" injury has pushed his value down considerably. He could play through the injury this season and undergo surgery after it raps, or he could be hampered for the year. It's a risk that some teams up near the top might not be willing to take.
Pay attention to KFAN 100.3 FM and KFAN.com for all the draft coverage and news you'll need live from U.S. Bank Stadium and the Vikings Draft Party from Paul Allen, Ben Leber and Pete Bercich.