After one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory, this week’s NFL draft is vital in terms of taking steps forward for the Minnesota Vikings. With the “retirement” of Brett Favre (the reality show himself), along with and what was one of the oldest teams in the NFL last year, this draft may be the difference between rebuilding over the course of the next three years or “retooling” and competing in 2011.
With a record of 6-10 (tied for last in the NFC North) in 2010, the Vikings have many holes and question marks that need to be filled. With no true security in any position, with the exception of running back, the “best player available” method seems to be the approach the Vikings must take.
With gurus like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay analyzing the draft and its players year round and the continuous coverage of ESPN and all other major sports outlets, every player’s weaknesses and question marks are over analyzed and critiqued. In some cases, this causes some players to fall down the draft board. The Vikings have been the beneficiary of this in recent years with Adrian Peterson dropping in 07’ because of a collarbone injury his junior year along with Percy Harvin to 22 in 09’ because of character issues.
Social media has also changed the way preparation for the draft as well as the draft itself is approached. The NFL draft has turned into more of a giant game of chess where teams workout and interview players they may have zero interest in, hoping that a division rival may stretch or trade up for a particular player in fear of losing them. The Patriots and he who shall not be named (my man Bill Belichik) have become the masters of this, as we are seeing with the recent rumors of them taking a Locker or Mallet with the 17th pick. Do you really think they have serious interest in Locker if the genius himself was not present for these meetings/workouts? Not a chance!
The Minnesota Vikings enter the draft with 9 overall picks (two 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks). These picks will be used to address major needs from starting quarterback to minor special team linebackers. The Vikings currently sit with the 12th overall pick, for now. Many “experts” have predicted that the Vikings will select Cameron Jordan, DE out of Cal. Others speculate them selecting a QB such as Jake Locker, a CB such as Prince Amukamara, or trading the pick. Personally, I think they will do anything possible to trade this pick and move down to 14 to 25 range and regain a 3rd round pick. Who do they take?
My gut says the Vikings want Locker, but don’t want to stretch and take him at #12. Often time’s quarterbacks are taken so high simply because of the value of the position. I hope this is not the case for the Vikings. Locker is the sexy pick that many Minnesota fans want to see, but is too early?
Personally the safest pick in this draft is OL Anthony Castonzo out of Boston College who can play guard and tackle on both sides. With an aging offensive line full of question marks and injuries the O-line will definitely be addressed at some point in this draft. In the end, I feel that Castonzo is a stretch at #12, which takes us back to the Vikings trading down.
Now to the “what if’s”? What if Gabbert is still on the board at #6 and the Browns want to trade down? What if Nick Fairley drops to #12?
Listen, Gabbert is the ultimate QB prize and Fairley is going to be an impact player for many years to come. Unfortunately, I don’t see the Vikings moving up to take either. Thursday will be the day that sets up the weekend and the fortunes of many teams’ futures.
We’ll see who moves their queen first!
Jordan T.
