Draft Preview

April 26th's NFL Draft does a fantastic job of bridging the gap between the Superbowl and the start of training camp, whetting the football appetites of fans across the nation. 2007's edition netted the Vikings a big-time return. Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson was taken 7th overall, transforming a painfully boring offense into an exciting one whenever he touched the field. The team was also able to find contributors in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounds, drafting Sidney Rice, Marcus McCauley, and Brian Robison, all of whom found themselves playing significant roles throughout the year. Similar success identifying talent this April could be enough to push the Vikings over the hump and into the postseason, and although they are not picking as highly this time around, with 9 picks in 7 rounds they should still be a major player come draft day and there are several players who could help them right away.

Round 1

Derrick Harvey-DE (Florida)

-Minnesota has finished near the bottom of the league in pass defense the past two seasons and a large reason for that is an anemic pass rush, specifically from the defensive ends. Harvey is a speedy rusher who made a home for himself in opposing SEC team's backfields during his two years as a starter for the Gators. The Cover-2 puts a heavy reliance on a pass rush from its DE's and the Vikes have been missing that for several years now. Harvey is the speed rusher that could elevate the whole defense with his ability to get to the quarterback.


Philip Merling-DE (Clemson)

-Merling is not the pass rushing menace that Harvey is, but he may be a more complete player all-around. With Kenechi Udeze's 2008 season likely gone and his career in serious jeopardy the Vikings could use another end who supports the run and controls the line. His stock has been hurt by recent hernia surgery but he should still settle into the latter stages of the first round. There are some questions as to how great his upside may be, although the consensus is he should be a solid end who plays every down with the potential to thrive in time.


Chris Williams-OT (Vanderbilt)

-With Bryant McKinnie's future in doubt thanks to another run-in with the law the team is likely to look for an offensive tackle within the first few rounds as a means of insurance. Williams is an intelligent, technically sound tackle who profiles as a left tackle, a spot that could become a huge need should the team tire of McKinnie's off-field antics. Even if Bryant is kept around, Williams could his start his career at right tackle and offer an immediate upgrade over the human turnstile that is Ryan Cook.



DeSean Jackson-WR (California)

-The Vikings filled their hole at wideout by throwing a lot of money at free agent Bernard Berrian, meaning they may not want to invest heavily in the position at the draft. But, Jackson's versatility as both a receiver and a return man is appealing, especially for a team that has had a sluggish return game recently. Berrian and Sidney Rice are locked in as starters, but Jackson could be an explosive weapon out of the slot and his blazing speed would bring a dimension to the offense that Bobby Wade cannot.



Jeff Otah-OT (Pittsburgh)

-Otah is a physical lineman with great size. His style would seem to mesh perfectly with the Vikings smashmouth gameplan and with the ability to play both left and right tackle he could provide the team with great versatility. Still relatively new to football, Otah is a raw talent with great upside, and at #17 he may simply be the best player available.



Brian Brohm-QB (Louisville)

-The Vikings have shown no signs of giving up on Tarvaris Jackson, but if they are internally troubled with Jackson's progress they may elect to bring in a top young QB. Brohm is the consensus #2 quarterback on the board but that is likely due to a weak class at the position. Still, Brohm is an accurate passer who has put up some gaudy numbers at Louisville. He may not be a star, but he is polished and mature and could immediately push Jackson for playing time.



Quentin Groves-DE (Auburn)

-Similar to Harvey in many ways, Groves is an explosive end who can be a headache for opposing quarterbacks. He is a bit smaller, 6'3, 259 pounds as opposed to Harvey's 6'5, 271 pounds, which begs the question as to whether he can be an every down player. Groves was one of the SEC's most disruptive forces on defense and his edge rushing skills may be coveted by a team such as the Vikings.




Mike Jenkins-CB (South Florida)

-Not long ago Jenkins was widely regarded as the top cornerback available. Things have changed with the ascension of both Leodis Mckelvin and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie but Jenkins is still heralded as a difference maker in the secondary. The Vikings secondary appears to be set but the team often went best player available the past few years and Jenkins may fit the bill come pick 17. He is a physical corner that supports the run well, traits that he shares with current Vikings corner Antoine Winfield. Winfield's days in purple may be up after his contract runs out and Jenkins may be an ideal replacement.


Branden Albert-OG/T (Virginia)

-Albert spent his career at guard for Virginia for the Cavaliers although he is climbing up draft boards thanks to the belief he can move over to tackle. An athletic lineman, he could man down a tackle spot for the Vikes and his great character would fit in with an organization that is trying to emphasize good citizens.



Devin Thomas-WR (Michigan State)

-Thomas burst onto the scene in 2007 with a monster year for the Spartans, cementing his status as a top prospect and at the same time raising questions as to whether he is a one-year wonder. Spectacular offseason workouts have boosted his stock even further to the point where he may be the best receiver available and a talent that the Vikings can't overlook. His combination of size (6'2, 217lbs.) speed, and return abilities make him a weapon for any team.




Round 2

John Carlson-TE (Notre Dame)

-Carlson, a Litchfield, Minnesota native, enjoyed a solid career with the Irish and brings a solid all-around game to the table. Visanthe Shiancoe was somewhat disappointing in his first season in purple and Jackson could use a safety valve at tight end. Carlson is a gifted receiver who is also a good blocker, an important trait for a Vikings tight end.




Anthony Collins-OT (Kansas)

-The Vikings may look away from an offensive tackle in Round 1 due to the fact that there should be plenty of quality ones available in the 2nd. Collins is one of those and he was a big part of the Jayhawks juggernaut offense in 2007. He'd likely be a good value in the mid-2nd and at the very least would be great depth along the offensive line.




Early Doucet-WR (LSU)

-Doucet is probably one of the more complete receivers in the draft. He has good hands, runs good routes, and is a very effective blocker. That balanced skill-set makes him an ideal slot receiver. He would be a better version of Bobby Wade, and considering he could go in the late first he would be a fantastic value in the middle of the second.





DaJuan Morgan-S (N.C. State)

-The Vikings revamped their safety position in the offseason, cutting Dwight Smith and adding Madieu Williams and Michael Boulware via free agency. They appear set for the short-term, but Darren Sharper is getting older and they could use a replacement to groom for the future. Morgan is athletic and can play both the run and pass, bringing an upgrade in talent and depth in the secondary even if he is not starting right away.




Chad Henne-QB (Michigan)

-The Vikings could desperately use some sort of contingency plan at QB. Gus Frerotte is an upgrade over last year's backups but he is clearly not a long-term solution. Henne was a 4-year starter for the Wolverines and has prototypical size and arm strength. He would likely push Jackson from the start and in time could make a solid NFL starter.