An inside look at the Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft

Thursday night is a special night. To say I enjoy the annual NFL Draft is an understatement. Since 1982 I have watched virtually every draft in its entirety. I don’t know what it is. Perhaps it is due to the fact that each year I do my own research of these players by scouring website after website, reading each scout’s assessment of players, and then classifying them into a ranking system of my own. Also, there are a lot of players I get to watch during the college football season and I make mental notes of players. Either way, it’s a lot of fun to read about these kids; to explore another aspect of something I enjoy and that is research.

This year; however, I have not done as thorough a job as I would have liked, and so I have decided not to mock the First Round, as is customary of me the last 10 years or so. So, I can only offer my assessment of my favorite team, the Vikings.

I have been pretty happy about the Vikings drafts these last few years. It is unfortunate they missed on Christian Ponder because I really was a fan of the kid, but the Vikings panicked and picked him too early. I thought they could have waited until the 2^nd round to grab him, or my other choice, Andy Dalton. Anyhow, it is what it is. I hope that Ponder is able to catch on with another team and should make a viable back up, perhaps being a starter someday.

So, onto the 2015 pick. I like several players for the Vikings at #11, but I am leery about that spot. In the last 20 years, starting in 1995, the Vikings have not had much success drafting between 11-20 in the first round. In fact, the only two players who stand out are: Daunte Culpepper (pick #11, 1999), and Chad Greenway (pick #17, 2006). I am not sure the Vikings can trade back farther than picks 14-16, but they  could do the double drop. I have seen teams do it in the past (see New England Patriots draft history). If the Vikings are able to do two drops into the early 20-22, they could amass several mid-round picks to either use on a deep draft or as trade bait.

Before I offer my suggestions, a quick analysis of the so-called depth draft. Most of the experts have said this is a deep draft for edge rushers, wide receivers, defensive linemen, and running backs. It’s weak at the ILB, S, TE, and  punters (just kidding at that position). Given the Vikings needs, dropping down makes a lot of sense. Unless they are looking at best available and cannot move out of the #11 spot, then take a WR, CB or Edge Rusher, or maybe even a DT.

Now, let’s look at a few players that intrigue me that mesh with what the Vikings need. First their needs. Most pundits have the following positions as big needs for the Vikings: offensive line, cornerback, safety, and inside linebacker. Other needs are defensive line, wide receiver, and perhaps outside linebacker.

The players at each position and where the Vikings could get them:

Offensive linemen, Round One: Brandon Scherff, G//T, Iowa, and La’El Collins, G/T, LSU

Round Two: Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke, Ali Marpet, G, Hobart

Cornerback, Round One: Trae Waynes, Michigan State, Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest, or Byron Jones, Connecticut (could be an early round two).

Round Two: Jalen Collins, LSU, P.J. Williams, FSU

Inside Linebacker, Round One: Eric Kendricks, UCLA (only if Vikings drop to that 20-22 area would he be worth that selection)

Round Two: Stephone Anthony, Clemson

Given their immediate needs, if one can classify that as such, it looks as though the Vikings would be best served trading down and grabbing some extra picks. However, if the Vikings stand pat at #11, here are a few players they should consider.

Before I start let me make a very bold statement. Unless someone trades up or the Jets or Falcons take him, Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia would say a lot about what the Vikings have with Adrian Peterson.  I want Adrian back. He’s got another 2-3 really good years left, but if there are rumblings in the Vikings organization, or a pending trade going down, it would not surprise me to see the Vikings select Gurley, should he be there, but my inclination is that he will not.

Sidebar over. Here are some other players to watch at #11 should the Vikings not get any willing trade partners: Kevin White, WR, West Virginia, Devonte Parker, WR, Louisville, Danny Shelton, DT, Washington, Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska, Shane Ray, DE, Missouri. I know the last two guys have issues off the field, and the Vikings may not be interested in them at all given their woes from the  Adrian Peterson deal and other situations in the recent past,  but there is no denying these guys’ talent, and both should be available at #11.

Of all the guys I had at the positions of need, the only player, I feel is a solid sure thing is Scherff from Iowa. I don’t know enough about the other positions to feel confident at #11, and that is why I would like to see a trade down.

The Bottom Line here is, I am not a football GM or a draft expert. I am a Vikings fan first and a football fan second. I take what I have learned over the 40 plus years being a Vikings fan, considering trends, and evaluating players. It is my hope the Vikings have a good draft. They have done pretty well the last three years, and if they can parlay this one into another solid draft, then the future is bright for the Vikings and their new stadium.

Final word: My choice is Scherff from Iowa. I predict a trade down and then best available athlete regardless of position. My surprise pick should Scherff be gone, is Danny Shelton, DT, Washington. I am not too happy with the Vikings interior defensive line. We need some massive production from Sharrif Floyd and Linval Joseph, especially Joseph, at 323, he should be that run stopper they need, but Shelton could be an impact type right away. Also, don't be surprised if the Vikings go CB. Zimmer loves CBs. 

One thing is for sure, Thursday night the focus will be the NFL Draft and pretty much nothing else, sorry honey! As for Friday and Saturday, I get just as excited because in many cases, this is where the team is really built and sustained. It's going to be an interesting weekend to say the least.

SKOL Vikes!

Minnesota Vikings 2014: An Early Look at the Draft

I think I can speak for most Vikings fan when I say that, thus far, the season has been beyond disappointing. Yes, there are other storied franchises under-performing: Giants, Steelers, Ravens, and Falcons, but the expectations for the Vikings were that they could take the next step.

Last year ended on a fairly high note, with the exception of a poor playoff effort, but by most accounts, most people felt that the Vikings just needed a backup quarterback.

Eight games in and the jury is still out. Ponder played his best game of the year against the Cowboys, but many fans feel the Vikings are still searching for their next franchise QB.

I would argue that Christian Ponder has helped this team to three (Chicago, Cleveland, and now Dallas) late 4^th quarter leads only to see them wither by way of a defense that just can’t stop a team when it really counts. If the Vikings win those games they are 4-4 and still in the playoff hunt. I would also argue the Vikings made a huge mistake playing Freeman against a Giants team that was equally bad on defense, and we handed them their first victory, but this is not revisionist history. The Vikings are 1-7.

I have long been a supporter of Christian Ponder, but if he doesn’t flash here in the next couple of weeks, his tenure in Minnesota is in the waning stages and a vigorous search for a new quarterback shifts into high gear.

The following slides will look at positions I feel are of need. Also, there are potential players to look at in the draft the Vikings should consider or may have a shot at. This is purely a speculative look because there is a lot of time between now and the 2014 draft, but as Americans we always love to look ahead, sometimes putting the cart before the horse, but let’s have some fun with this.

First order of business: A New Dawn at the Quarterback Position?

Having three quarterbacks on the roster is like deciding between the Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Some support Ponder, others support Freeman, and the others support Cassel. There could be an argument for all three, but here is a point to be made before any speculation of a new quarterback even begins.

If the season continues its downward slide, I don’t see how the organization can hang on to either coordinator, or head coach for that matter. My last article focused on possible head coach replacements. Here is the link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1824803-2013-vikings-pivot-point-time-to-consider-a-new-direction if you would like to see my thought process on who should/could replace Frazier.

Here is something to ponder, no pun intended. If Frazier is fired, the new coach will have three quarterbacks from which to choose to run the show the first year or two. This is realistic because the only quarterback entering this draft who is considered NFL ready is Teddy Bridgewater, and I am sure he is talking to real estate agents in the Jacksonville area. Some will argue for others, but we’ll get to that.

It is safe to say that unless the Vikings foolishly grab a quarterback with their, most likely, Top-10, perhaps even Top-5 pick, then it will most assuredly happen in Round Two.

I am of the mindset that the Vikings keep all three quarterbacks on the roster, unless they get some interesting trade calls for one of them. The new coach has three quarterbacks who offer their own skill set, and deciding on a quarterback would depend on the type of offense he plans to run. Once the decision is made, one of the remaining quarterbacks could be dealt; therefore, drafting a quarterback in the 2014 draft would be the third quarterback until he is ready.

Case for Ponder: There are Ponder haters out there, and there are those who are willing to be more patient. A coach with a read-option or spread mindset would consider keeping Ponder because he is more athletic of the three. Running a 4.6-40 yard dash, Ponder has shown some real flash as a runner-scoring four times with his feet- and this might enable him to see the field better. Someone like Shanahan from the Redskins or Greg Roman from the 49ers may consider Ponder as the go to guy initially. Also, if you watch the start of the Cowboys game, the Vikings came out in the shotgun and had a spread/read-option look and Ponder looked very confident.

Before everyone gives up on Ponder just go to this website, courtesy of NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/player/christianponder/2495215/situationalstats. I am all about perspective, and maybe this will give some readers perspective. The biggest knock I have on Ponder is that he has to improve his 4^th quarter numbers, but part of that may go into conservative play calling as well.

Case for Freeman: Freeman fits that prototypical NFL quarterback: strong arm, great size, grittiness, and ability to escape. If the new coach comes in say Mike Sherman, he would most likely be interested in Freeman because he would have the skill set that Sherman likes for his offense. Freeman has enough mobility to run what Sherman runs.

To be fair, here are Freeman’s situational stats, and I didn’t even include this year. Here is last year’s, again, courtesy of NFL.com. And arguably, the guy had some pretty good talent around him.  

http://www.nfl.com/player/joshfreeman/79557/situationalstats?season=2012.

Case for Cassel: This is the poor man’s pick. A new coach could keep Cassel as the bridge to his new guy. Ponder and Freeman could muddy the waters, so allowing them to go or be traded might be in the next coach’s best interest in order to avoid that dreaded quarterback controversy

Cassel offers professionalism and experience, attributes a coach may want in a veteran player. He has shown stretches of good play and would lend good leadership to a young squad.

If a new coach comes in he has the luxury of having guys who have significant number of starts and at least has something to work with initially until his quarterback pick is ready.

       Quarterback 2014: In the cards?

The 2014 quarterback class could be considered a great class, or just another over-hyped one in this day and age of 24-hour coverage.

Here are the seniors with their projections, as per CBSSports.com http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2014/QB.

Zach Mettenberger, LSU: 6-5, 235, Round 1-2

Derek Carr, Fresno State: 6-3, 215, Round 1-2

Tajh Boyd, Clemson: 6-1, 225, Round 2

Aaron Murray, Georgia: 6-1, 208, Round 2

Here are others:

Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville, junior: 6-3, 205, Round 1

Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M, rSo: 6-0, 210, Round 1

Marcus Mariota, Oregon, rSo: 6-4 212, Round 1

Brett Hundley, UCLA, rSo, 6-3, 222, Round 2

Other than the seniors, there is no guarantee these other quarterbacks will even enter the draft. Most feel that the two most likely to come out will be Manziel and Bridgewater. Other than Bridgewater, do you throw Manziel right in there from the get-go?

If all of them stay in school, what would that do to the draft? What would that mean to the Vikings? If the Vikings are interested in one of the seniors, there is a possibility that all of these guys may drop to the late Round 1 or early Round 2.

However, would you trust Mettenberger to step right in? Carr? Boyd?

There are no Andrew Luck’s in this draft. I would argue there are no RGIII’s, so what do the Vikings do?

Also, each of these quarterbacks offers a certain skill set. You don’t draft Mettenberger if you plan on running the read option.

My bet is Bridgewater and Manziel come out, but the others choose to stay, especially guys like Mariota and Hundley, whose teams look to be National Champion contenders next year. It would make sense because then they would grab all the draft headlines in 2015.

Final analysis: I am not here to predict who the Vikings will draft. They may not choose one this year based on who comes out and who stays in college, or if they have a guy on the roster they believe in.

I have watched all these quarterbacks play, albeit, here and there, and I have been somewhat impressed with Carr, Mettenberger, and I love Murray, but Murray is too similar to Ponder.

Derek Carr has been a 3-year starter and so far has 91 TDs and 20 INTs in his career. He has a quick release and definitely displays great leadership. I think he is better than his brother David, who got a pretty raw deal for an NFL career. He has great mobility, effortless motion, good vision, and pedigree, but he does not get under center, so that adjustment may take time. With that said, Derek reminds me of another No. 4, but not quite yet. He would be my first choice.

Zach Mettenberger has the size and arm, no doubt. He is a two and a half-year starter and has put up pretty good numbers as well: 32 TDs, 14 INTs. Mettenberger runs a more traditional style of offense and his adjustment to the NFL could be quicker.

Tajh Boyd kind of reminds me of Donovan McNabb, but he lacks McNabb’s size and speed, so I say no thank you.

I think Hundley, Mariota, and Manziel should all stay for one more year at least.

2.       Guard: Too Much Push Up the Middle

I think it’s safe to say that teams like to blitz the Vikings up the middle. Our weakness along the line lay at both guard positions. Charlie Johnson oftentimes is slow and Brandon Fusco sometimes just gets blown up.

I don’t know what the plans are for Minnesota’s 2013 sixth-round choice Jeff Baca, guard out of UCLA, but obviously he’s not ready or he would have replaced one of these two already.

It is imperative the Vikings address the guard positions in Rounds 2 or 3 or via FA.

Here are some notable names that could be available in those rounds.

Cyril Richardson, Baylor, rSR, 6-5, 340, Round 1: According to Walterfootball.com, “Richardson has been dominant…” He is part of an explosive offense that runs and passes well. Richardson is considered a solid Round 1 pick.

Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State, rSR, 6-3, 340, Round 1-3: Jackson has had a solid season playing well against SEC opponents in LSU and Auburn. I am looking forward to see him play against Alabama in a few weeks. He is well suited for the zone blocking scheme with his quickness and frame.

Zack Martin, Notre Dame, rSr, 6-4, 308, Round 1-3: Martin is another Fighting Irish player that will surely garner the eye of Minnesota’s GM Rick Spielman.

According to Rob Rang of CBSSports.com, “He does play with good quickness…He also shows better athleticism than you might think when blocking on the move…With less than ideal length, Martin's NFL future may lie inside at guard.”

David Yankey, Stanford, Sr, 6-5, 311, Round 2-3: According to Walterfootball.com, “Yankey has been superb for Stanford in the early going of the 2013 season. He is a technician and is equally effective as a run- or a pass-blocker.”

Unless the Vikings pursue a free agent, the draft is most likely the place for them to begin replacing both Johnson and Fusco.

All information posted to this slide courtesy of: http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2014OG.php.

3. Defensive Tackle: Frankenstein Experiment Should be Over

Most Vikings fans would admit that since Pat Williams departed, the run defense has never been the same. The “fall into your lap” draft of Sharif Floyd may hopefully pay dividends, but the Vikings sorely need a big run stuffer; something Guion and Evans have yet to prove with consistency. Chase Baker has been a nice surprise, but not a long term solution. The organization seems to want to create a Frankenstein from multiple players, but it is not working. This is a position that must be addressed.

Before I comment on possible picks, let us consider one thing. Is it time for the Vikings to look at going to a 3-4 defense? If that move is made, then they will need to draft players who come from that type of defense in college. Or look to pay someone like B.J. Raji (Packers) who will be a free agent after this year.

Louis Nix, Notre Dame, 6-3, 340, rJr, Round 1: Some have Nix as a Top 20 pick. If that’s the case the Vikings would have to take him when they pick, most likely Top 10. If they are sitting at No. 3, is that too high for Nix, especially when Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA is there?

There is no doubt in Nix’s talent, and this is not a Notre Dame zombie article, but Nix is basically the top DT on everyone’s board.

RaShede Hageman, Minnesota, 6-6, 311, rSr, Round 1-2: Minnesota could stay local with Hageman. Walterfootball.com says, “There are times where Hageman looks unblockable with power and explosion.” And CBSSports.com says, “They don't come much more physically imposing than Hageman, whose broad shoulders, long arms and trim waist have generated comparisons from J.J. Watt to John Henderson.”

You would think that Hageman might be there early Round 2.

Two guys that could go Round 3-5:

Beau Allen, Wisconsin, 6-3, 325, Sr: According to Walterfootball.com, “Allen broke into the starting lineup as a junior and was a solid run-stuffer for the Badgers.” http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2014DT.php.  

DaQuan Jones, Penn State, 6-3, 318: Jones has been a steady force for the Nittany Lions and has been more productive this year without battery mate Jordan Hill who is in the NFL. Jones could continue a trend of recent Lions DT to make the transition to the NFL.

4. Linebacker: Middle or Outside, Pick Your Poison

Erin Henderson is an enigma. One would always have to ask, “Is it the player or the scheme?” For Henderson size and speed is really not an issue. It just seems the guy disappears. It was the same at the OLB position. Statistically he is having a good year. After eight games he has 73 tackles, three sacks, two INTs, but oftentimes gets overwhelmed at the point of attack. He can fill a hole, but taking on the big guys is another story. Source: Vikings.com

Chad Greenway is consistent, and there is no reason to look at his position, but age is soon a factor. He is second in tackles, has two sacks, and two INTs. He is putting together another Pro-Bowl year.

The weak side is an understatement. From Desmond Bishop to Marvin Mitchell, the Vikings defense is in need of someone to step in and take control of this position. Whether that lies with rookie Gerald Hodges is still out for consideration. Either way, something must be addressed.

If Vikings consider a move to the 3-4 defense, they could look at Greenway, Henderson and either Mauti or Cole in the middle, and look to fill the OLB position with Hodges or one of these players below.

Anthony Barr, DE/OLB, UCLA, 6-5, 236, 4.6-40: Barr is considered a Top 10 pick.

If the season ended today, here are the Top (or bottom) 10 teams and their selection spot.

Jaguars, Buccaneers, Vikings, Giants, Rams, Falcons, Texans, Steelers, Eagles, Bills. Of those 10 teams, I would guess that five to six will go defense with their first pick: Vikings, Giants, Falcons, Steelers, Eagles, and possibly Rams.

You would have to think the Jaguars will select Teddy Bridgewater, QB, and Tampa would select Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina. If the Buccaneers go Barr, then the Vikings may go with Clowney as best athlete.

But, we’re talking OLBs. Outside of Barr, here are the next three guys that are ranked as Round One or Two. They are essentially the same height, weight, and speed, so it’s a pick’em based on your preferences.

C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama, 6-3, 236

Kyle Van Noy, BYU, 6-3, 235

Vic Beasley, Clemson, 6-3, 235

Rounds Two and Three types are:

Khalil Mack, Buffalo, 6-3, 245

Ryan Shazier, Ohio State, 6-2, 226: He is a junior and may stay for senior year.

Christian Jones, FSU, 6-4, 232

All information posted for this slide courtesy of: http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB.php.

5. Can Someone Make a Play in the Defensive Backfield?

It’s hard to believe that backup corner A.J. Jefferson has the only INT for a cornerback for the Vikings. The following have the others: Harrison Smith: 2, Erin Henderson: 2, Chad Greenway, 2: Kevin Williams: 1. That is a sad statistic.

I am going to give Xavier Rhodes a pass because he is a rookie, and he has had his ups and downs, but I do like his aggressiveness. Now, for the other side, I am not so sure.

Chris Cook has shown signs, but injuries and off field issues have affected his play. Josh Robinson played his best game against the Cowboys and is the fourth leading tackler. He would seem better suited for the outside, rather than the slot, where his straight line speed cannot match the side to side quickness required. It’s not like Robinson is a first round bust. He was drafted in Round Three and before the combine was seen as a Round Four or Five prospect.

It used to be that there’s a corner around every corner, but in today’s pass happy NFL, the position is now viewed with greater priority. I do not think the Vikings need to address CB in Round One or Two, but beyond that they should look at the best athlete at that position and consider it.

Here are some Round Three and beyond they could consider:

Kyle Fuller, VT, 6-0, 193, 4.52-40: Virginia Tech always fields a good defense and this year Fuller has been steady and consistent. I watch Tech –unfortunately- a lot and he has had some very good games. He played very well against Alabama shutting down receivers and getting an INT.

Justin Gilbert, OSU, 6-0, 194, 4.47-40: Gilbert plays in the pass-happy Big 12. He has been solid this year and has the right attitude to get in the face of opposing wide receivers.

Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State, 5-11, 188, 4.56-40: Michigan State’s defense is stout and Dennard is part of that. He could be a real find in Round Four.

Information posted to this slide courtesy of: http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2014CB.php.

6. Other positions: Running Back and Wide Receiver

It would seem unlikely the Vikings will draft for either position given the necessities at other positions, but if they see a can’t pass him up athlete, it could be one of these positions.

Toby Gearhart will be a free agent and the Vikings will be hard pressed to maintain his services. I would like to see the Vikings draft a speedy third down back should Gearhart depart. A few guys in that category are:

Marion Grice, Arizona State, 6-0, 204, 4.5-40: Grice catches the ball well out of the backfield and is averaging 5.2 YPC this year.

James White, Wisconsin, 5-10, 197, 4.5-40: White is effective and catches the ball well.

Both of these guys are ranked as Rounds Four to Six by Walterfootball.com, so it’s a low risk high reward for the Vikings.

Wide Receiver: It is highly unlikely the Vikings draft a receiver, but if there is some sort of discontent with Jerome Simpson or Jarius Wright, they might be able to gobble up a late round gem. Here are a few receivers ranked from Rounds Three and beyond.

My first guy is Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin, 6-1, 190, rSr, 4.5-40. I love the way this kid plays receiver. He reminds me of Jordy Nelson. I would love for the Vikings to draft this kid, but it seems unlikely. Abbrederis is considered Round Three prospect. He has been extremely productive for Wisconsin.

According to http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1785868/jared-abbrederis, “Abbrederis displays excellent field savvy, tracks the ball very well and makes the proper adjustments to extend and pluck with his quick, soft hands. He has excellent field awareness and always appears to know where he is on the field.”

Here are a few guys that all have similar physical attributes, it depends on your preferences.

Devin Street, Pittsburgh, 6-4, 190, 4.57-40

Davante Adams, Fresno, 6-2, 216, 4.57-40

Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss, 6-3, 226, 4.53-40

DeVante Parker, Louisville, 6-3, 205, 4.6-40

So, there you have it. Yes, it’s early and perhaps this is jumping the gun, but it is just a speculative look and nothing more.

Quick draft day prediction: If the Vikings wind up at pick No. 3 and the Bucs select Barr, I think the Vikings trade down anywhere from five to 10 spots to pick up additional selections.

I think that most of this team’s problems lie with the coaching staff. How can you explain the Chiefs, 49ers, and Seahawks over the last few years or even this year?

Some will say it’s their quarterbacks, but they all have superb defenses, and Kaepernick, Wilson, and Smith all do not have to carry their teams like a Brady or Brees for the most part. I truly believe that if the Vikings defense was ranked in the mid-teens to twenty, the Vikings would be 4-4, at least within ear shot of the playoffs.

Bottom Line: For those who feel it’s players like Ponder, Robinson, Cook, Johnson, etc. just look at the Buccaneers. They had Josh Freeman, still have Doug Martin, Vincent Jackson, Crabtree (TE), a pretty strong offensive line, and a pretty fair defense with tons of high draft picks. This team should be 4-4, but they’re 0-8. Coaching?

I welcome your constructive comments.

MInnesota Vikings 2010 Draft Outlook

As with all drafts teams face an immediate situation, as well as future considerations, and since the Minnesota Vikings are my favorite team, who were just one less turnover (if you will) away from heading to the Super Bowl, we (fans) gather together to feel the excitement of this year’s draft.

Now, as I said earlier, teams look to the immediate and to the future, and with the Vikings here are my thoughts on the direction the Vikings should draft. Bear in mind that unless you are in the locker room or in the so-called war room, we have no idea as to what their (draft player) board looks like or what their thoughts are on given players they have evaluated. In other words, this is one big guessing game, so let’s have some fun. I always judge a draft this way and it’s pretty simple. A first round pick is someone you expect to start year one. A second round pick can start year one, but most likely year two. A third rounder, year three and Rounds 4-7 fall into the three year expectation. Now that does not figure into special teams because some guys are strictly special teams players and can start year one. I didn’t say it was a scientific formula, just my take on it.

First, let’s look at some immediate needs for the Vikings. One area is in the defensive backfield area. With Winfield getting up there in years and Griffin coming off ACL surgery, and the question marks behind whether Johnson or Williams can handle the safety duties remains to be seen, this area is a MUST need. Need scale from 1-10: 8

Second, middle linebacker: With the loss of Henderson to a horrific injury and with football now in doubt, one would have to ask whether Brinkley can fill in to the point of the Vikings not immediately addressing this area. There doesn’t seem to be any real depth here because it is apparent that Farwell is basically a special teams star and the jury is out on Onatolu, who seems too light at 227 lbs. I am going to take a stab at this, Leber moves to the middle and the Vikings draft an OLB because there are more choices and the position is deeper. Need scale from 1-10: 6

Third, the Vikings could use some reassurance along the offensive line. It’s a solid unit, but it had some really shaky moments, and a great defense will exploit that. McKinnie for all of his issues is still a solid LT, although a trade would not surprise me if they could land a pick in that area, or where they can move Loadholt to LT and move someone out to RT, or draft a RT a little later in the 3rd or 4th round. Need scale from 1-10: 7

Fourth, running back: I think the Vikings are pretty happy with what they have here because they could have easily signed LT or Westbrook, but they chose not to, so my take is that, yes they might address this sometime in the draft, but unless some unbelievable opportunity presents itself they feel pretty good with Peterson, Young, Johnson and now Reynaud. Plus, don’t forget about Harvin as an added dimension to the running game. I loved Taylor though. Man, losing him was like losing one of your best dogs on a sled team, no disrespect intended. Need scale from 1-10: 3

Lastly, quarterback: I have to say that I am a believer in Favre. In the past I saw him play maybe four or five times a year, but this past year I saw him play about seventeen times and the legend is reality, too bad we couldn’t get him about four years ago, I know we’d be toting some Super Bowl bling. Anyhow, I am hopeful that he returns and if the Vikings have an opportunity to draft a QB they should do it, but again, more on that later. This is looking to the future, for now, he’s as good as there is. With him we are a perennial 12-4 team, without him 10-6 or 9-7. He’s worth at least 3 more victories a year. Need scale from 1-10: 8 (if they can get the right guy)

Okay, so here we go it’s draft day and as of today (Friday, April 16) the Vikings draft at #’s 30, 62, 93, 128, 161, 167, 199, 237. Here is my dream draft with a few other possibilities thrown in for each round.

Quarterback: Colt McCoy, Texas. Here’s why: Yeah, he’s only 6’1” but he is the most accurate QB coming out of the draft. He is a winner. He is smart and athletic. Realistically: Will he be there at #30? If he is and the Vikings pass then their interest in a franchise QB is not there and if they do draft a QB it will be 3rd or 4th round perhaps.

Possibility: Tim Tebow, Florida. This is an intriguing pick because everyone knows Tim is not ready for NFL play yet, but Lord knows his leadership is without equal and he will outwork everybody else. Again, I say intriguing because you are going to have to wait on him at least 2 years. Can the Vikings afford that? If so, don’t be surprised.

Earlier I had Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan, but there seems to be problems with arm strength, and Childress seems to desire really strong arms. I don’t know, maybe because it sounded like Favre.

Offensive Line: Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana. There is a lot of good stuff written about this kid, but since he plays at Indiana you don’t see a lot of press on him. Could be a sleeper pick, and could definitely be there in round 2, maybe.

Vladimir Ducasse, T, UMass. Another intriguing pick that could be a sleeper or a bust. Book on him says great upside, but UMASS is not known for its NFL lineage.

Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois. Pretty solid all around. This does not seem to be a deep position in this year’s draft, so it’s likely that the top 2 or 3 guards will go fast, and Asamoah is top 2. Is he worth a #30 pick if a better positioned athlete is there remains to be seen, but if he’s thereat the end of round 2 (doubtful), it would be a bounty type pick for the Vikings. My guess if he is not there at all the Vikings will wait until round 3 or 4 to grab a backup G/C type, but even the Center position does not look deep, unless you think that a guy like Eric Olsen, C, Notre Dame could switch to Guard, but at 6’4” that seems unlikely. Other considerations are: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas, or Mike Johnson, G, Alabama.

Linebackers: Rolando McClain, Alabama will be gone by #30, and again, not a real deep position to draft high here, so the other viable choice is Dan Conner, ILB, Penn State. Need I say more about most PSU linebackers? He’s a solid 2nd round pick, but at #30, I don’t know if the Vikings take that chance. Is he a Chad Greenway type pick? Chad was a #16 pick but incredibly athletic and plays outside. Dan could be a great stopper in the middle, intelligence, leadership, and tackling are his high marks.

If ILB is a later round pick there are some possibilities: Brandon Spikes, Florida, Pat Angerer, Iowa. With a name like Angerer you know he’s tough and mean.

OLB: Here the field is deeper, which makes me believe the Vikings could switch Leber to middle if they get the right young flyer outside. My guess that the top 3 of Kindle, Weatherspoon and Graham are gone by #30, but if one is there they might grab him. Most likely Weatherspoon seems to be the one that might drop to 30. Again, this is contingent that my overall first round favorite, McCoy is not there. However, there are about 4 guys who are very intriguing and could be solid number 2 picks: Navarro Bowman, Penn State, Jerry Hughes, TCU, Eric Norwood, South Carolina, and Darryl Washington, TCU.

Defensive Backs: Now, I know that I gave this an immediate need of 8, but this is a deep field. The Vikings can definitely get pretty much the guy they want here at 30 because the field is relatively deep, but overall blue chippers, there are only about 3: Joe Haden, Florida, Earl Thomas, Texas, and Kyle Wilson, Boise State. There are some marginal blue chippers in Kareem Jackson, Alabama, and Kevin McCourty from Rutgers. However, one of these will be there for them if they so choose. Deeper in the draft you could see names like Kevin Thomas, USC, or Walter McFadden, Auburn, Jerome Murphy, South Florida.

Safety: Well, we know for sure that Eric Berry, Tennessee will NOT be there at 30 but there is a possibility that Taylor Mays, USC may be there, but now the word on Mays is that he is more of an OLB type; that he has problems in coverage, and with today’s offenses you cannot have someone guessing back there. If they take Mays I will be disappointed, let Dallas have him. He could turn out to be an Ed Reed type, or a bust. I don’t think this is a #30 type pick they need, so if it is a 2nd round or 3rd round type pick my money is on Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech or Major Wright, Florida.

Finally, Defensive Line: Looking to the future because this is most likely Pat Williams last year and Kevin Williams turns 30. I feel pretty confident in the back ups with Guion, Kennedy and Evans, but if there is a bull built stud that can plug and disrupt by all means, draft one. Drafting at 30 is a good position because a DT taken at 30 doesn’t have the same pressure as one in the upper or middle of the round. It’s safe to say that Suh, Nebraska, McCoy, Oklahoma, and Dan Williams, Tennessee will most likely be gone, so that leaves a couple of interesting guys like, Jared Odrick, Penn State, although I think he’s too tall, and shorter guards can get leverage under the 6’5” Odrick. Also, there’s Lamarr Houston, Texas. Had DWI in 2008, but clean since. This guy is an interesting pick because he has good size, strength and speed. He’s no Kevin Williams, but the problem for the Vikings is that he may be too much like Williams, build wise; whereas a Cam Thomas from North Carolina is 330 lbs. If you have a typical 4-3 defense most of the times you want the heavyweight and the light-heavyweight in the middle; one being the big run stuffer, occupy two blockers, while the light-heavyweight scoots through for the glory.

Well, there you have it, but here is my final, final, ultimate results draft; well, call it a dream draft of number one’s. I will only project out to pick number 128 though. They have 4 more picks beyond that.

At pick 30: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

62: Major Wright, S, Florida
93: Pat Angerer, ILB, Iowa, or Darryl Washington, OLB, TCU
128: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas
Finally, pick 237: Best athlete available regardless of position.

The Vikings will look for DB’s, another LB position for special teams, maybe even a TE. Don’t be surprised if they take a position that is not necessarily a need because of the best athlete factor. Also, with 8 picks they could package a two picks for one to move up if they see someone they like, but feel like they will be gone soon. That would be a good move to give up maybe your 161 and 199 to move up to a late 140 to mid 150’s choice. Feel free to call me insane, out of my mind, illogical, genius, on the mark, whatever, it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye, but I am willing to take my chances here. Have a great one!