Minnesota Vikings' Team Report Card: Pre-Draft Edition

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Well, we're closing in on the 2009 NFL Draft, a huge event for all 32 teams in the National Football League, the Vikings being no exception. Minnesota owns the 22nd, 54th, 86th, 158th, 221st, and 231st picks in this years draft.

The Vikings made the playoffs after winning the NFC North last year. They were eliminated by the Eagles in the first round.

QB: C-

Last year, the Vikings relied on well-traveled veteran Gus Frerotte for the majority of the year. He did an admirable job, but even in his prime he was a below average starter. The Vikes let him walk this offseason.

Tarvaris Jackson still has potential, but he is not the answer. I don't think Jackson will ever be an adequate starter, and it is time for the Vikings to move on.

Sage Rosenfels was brought in for a fourth round draft pick this offseason. Viking nation hopes he can be atleast an adequate starter, capable of taking the pressure of the defense and running game.

Draft Forecast: With the addition of Rosenfels, it seems as though the Vikings will wait at least one more year to devote a high draft pick at QB. A late-round developmental option is possible, but not likely.

HB: A

Adrian Peterson had some trouble holding on to the ball by the end of the season. This needs to be fixed, but Peterson is a hard worker and I would expect it to be fixed.

Chester Taylor was an above average starter two years ago. His value comes on passing downs. He is a great veteran to have around to spell Peterson.

Draft Forecast: At most, the Vikings may look for a return specialist late, along the lines of Devin Moore out of Wyoming or Marcus Thigpen of Indiana.

WR: C+

The free-agent signing of Bernard Berrian played big dividends last year. He was a consistent deep threat with Frerotte under center.

Sidney Rice seemed to regress last year. Hopefully this was mostly due to injuries. Progress is needed from him.

Bobby Wade is a dependable threat from the slot. His veteran leadership helps as well.

Aundrae Allison's progression stagnated last year at receiver, while his return abilities dipped.

Darius Reynaud and Jaymar Johnson produced marginally in their first years.

Draft Forecast: The Vikings could go receiver as early as round one. It is a certain first round need whether Rice pans out or not. In the first round, Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), Kenny Britt (Rutgers), or Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) would fit.

Brian Robiskie would be a good fit in the second if they wait. If the Vikings wait until the third, they should take Brandon Tate (North Carolina) for his receiving and return skills.

TE: C+

Visanthe Shiancoe made progress last year. He is still greatly overpayed, but he was not as horrible as the year before.

Jimmy Kleinsasser was re-signed and for good reason. He is a great blocker and a fan favorite.

Draft Forecast: The Vikings would love to take a good pass catcher in the second or third, but have more pressing needs. Hopefully, fans will be content with Shiancoe, Kleinsasser, and the young Garret Mills for another year.

OL: B+

Steve Hutchinson is one of the best free agent signings of the last decade. His guard spot is as solid as can be.

Mount Mckinnie is still a solid starter, but his off-the-field issues, coupled with his declining play mean the Vikings should start looking to the future.

Veteran Matt Birk left for the Ravens this offseason. Sixth-round pick John Sullivan seems to be the replacement. I like the look of Sullivan. He'll have a rough start, but I'm confident he can become a solid starter.

Anthony Herrara took a step backwards after signing a new contract last year. He was playing better by the end of the year however. He should be a solid starter and an above-average run blocker.

Ryan Cook needs replaced. The Vikings even started journeyman Artis Hicks last year until he got injured. Cook could move back to center, which he played in college, if and when a replacement is brought in.

Hicks is a solid depth guy that can push Cook or Herrara if need be.

Draft Forecast: The Vikings should go right tackle early to replace Cook. Ebon Britton (Arizona) or Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma) would be great additions here. Also, Max Unger (Oregon) could be looked at with the 22nd pick.

He is versatile and could start at center, right guard, or right tackle.

Offense: B-

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