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USA TODAY Sports

1. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Alabama's candidate for the Heisman Trophy will be sought after in the first round by any team with a need at the receiver position. Cooper carried the Crimson Tide offense on his shoulders in 2014, racking up 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. He did it all, from turning bubble screens into long gains to skying for red-zone fades for six points. His versatility would boost Minnesota's offense immediately.

Cooper was a high school teammate of Bridgewater, as Duane Rankin of the Montgomery Advertiser details. A reuniting of the two is the opposite of what rival teams want to see the Vikings pull off.

2. Brandon Scherff, OT/OG, Iowa

If the Vikings would rather address the offensive line, Iowa's Brandon Scherff is a worthwhile bet. He was groomed in the same OL factory that churned out the likes of Marshal Yanda, Bryan Bulaga and Riley Reiff. Scherff may actually have been the most dominant of those as a Hawkeye. The 6'5", 320-pound behemoth is a candidate for a kick inside to left guard, which should not dissuade the Vikings.

3. La'el Collins, OT, LSU

The career path of Matt Kalil may turn off Minnesota from addressing tackle so early again, but La'el Collins is a completely different player. While also athletic and quick, Collins is downright mean. Any defender caught in Collins' grasp was likely to end up flat on his back at the college level. Collins also packs a heavy punch in pass protection. His length and strength should ease his transition into the NFL game.

4. DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

DeVante Parker would be more than a worthwhile consolation if Cooper slips from Minnesota's grasp. Also a past teammate of Bridgewater's, Parker brings size to the table. The 6'3", 209-pound receiver attacks the football in the air, using every inch of the size advantages he often holds. Parker and Bridgewater combined for 12 touchdowns in 2013 and 10 in 2012. The Vikings need a red-zone target, and Parker can be that.

5. Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

Minnesota could opt to go all-in at the linebacker position by spending another top pick on an athletic talent. Thompson was the most dynamic defender in the country in 2014, scoring four defensive touchdowns and totaling 51 tackles. He pulled that off with a decreased snap count because Washington also featured on him on offense, where he ran for 7.5 yards per carry as a running back and scored two more touchdowns.

Thompson might be a luxury for Minnesota, but he and Anthony Barr would form a formidable duo.