Safest, Riskiest Choices Minnesota Vikings Might Consider in 2015 NFL Draft

General manager Rick Spielman, head coach Mike Zimmer and the Minnesota Vikings have been very busy interacting with a multitude of 2015 prospects over the past few weeks. Spielman and company have a reputation for being very thorough in their pre-draft work, and the potential impact that another successful draft day could have will only increase the amount of time spent in preparation.

Minnesota took a notable step toward becoming a consistent contender last season. The hiring of Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner made the team's coaching staff a strength. In the past, the Vikings frequently hired coaches with the "potential to be great," but Spielman elected to go with experience and security this time around (potentially because his job is tied to the success of the men he put in charge).

Next, Spielman addressed the quarterback position. After failing miserably with the 2011 first-round selection of Christian Ponder, Spielman (seemingly) hit the jackpot on his second attempt. After over a decade of plug-in signal-callers, the Vikings finally have their franchise quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater.

A well-rounded, experienced coaching staff in consolidation with Bridgewater and a dramatically improved defense have the Vikings on the cusp of playoff contention. And, if Spielman can fill the team's roster holes with more gifted young athletes, Minnesota could realistically be a playoff threat by the time its new stadium opens in 2016—this assumes Bridgewater will continue to improve on a week-to-week basis as he did in 2014.

However, Minnesota's current roster concerns could slow the team's rapid development due to their negative influence on key positions. For example, Bridgewater will struggle to mature as a passer if the offensive line doesn't improve (a lot), and the Vikings defense can't take the next step without upgrading the cornerback position opposite Xavier Rhodes.

Simply, acquiring a positional upgrade (or multiple) through the draft is critical to Minnesota's rebuilding process, as an addition of another young weapon would turn a weakness into a strength overnight. A first-round miss this year, on the other hand, would be a major setback and mark a big missed opportunity for the Vikings to progress with efficiency.

The greatest way to avoid this worst-case scenario is through selecting "safe" players. But, what qualities make one player safe and another dangerous? This definition is inherently subjective, but it is in accordance with the general traits associated with safe and risky draft prospects.

Arguably the best example of a "safe" prospect in the 2015 class is Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper. He is fundamentally elite, and his receiving techniques are textbook. Cooper also possesses a wide range of key intangible qualities coveted by NFL teams, such as his strong work ethic or easily coachable personality. Furthermore, the Crimson Tide wide receiver does not have a history of off-field issues, character concerns or problems with staying healthy.

Naturally, a risky prospect possesses one or multiple adverse qualities to those of Cooper, such as exceedingly raw fundamentals, conditioning issues or a criminal history.

As nice as it would be for Cooper to fall to the Vikings at No. 11 and provide Spielman with a "safe" draft option, this likely isn't in the cards. Plus, Minnesota hasn't even been rumored to have interest in the top wide receiver prospect.

With that said, the Vikings have shown significant interest in a few other prospects with secure draft resumes. However, the organization also has been in contact with a number of treacherous NFL hopefuls, as well.

Based on the players Minnesota has reportedly shown some level of interest in, let's take a look at several safe prospects, as well as a few risky candidates who could end up on the Vikings.

Risky: CB Marcus Peters, Washington

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Former Washington Huskies cornerback Marcus Peters could potentially be the most talented prospect on this list, but his off-field issues and character concerns will make teams think twice about drafting him.

According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP, Peters met with the Vikings in late March:

"

Another draft prospect visiting the #Vikings, per source: CB Marcus Peters. He was dismissed from Washington last November.

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) March 27, 2015"

Following a one-game suspension for throwing a tantrum on the sidelines, Peters was on a bit of a short leash with the Washington coaching staff. After multiple other maturity-related incidents and run-ins with coaches, Peters was ultimately dismissed by Washington this past November.

While it is unknown how much Zimmer and the Vikings trust Peters following their meeting, the former Husky has been putting conscious effort into clearing his name, according to Don Banks of Sports Illustrated. He has been adamant about taking responsibility for his dismissal and proving his level of maturity.

There is no doubting what Peters can do on the football field—especially in a Zimmer defensive scheme—but his erratic emotions and multiple conformity-related issues raise major red flags about whether he can be coached in the NFL.

Additionally, negative outbursts don't tend to reflect well on a locker room—something a typically young roster shouldn't need to be concerned with.

Zimmer's no-nonsense coaching style would probably be a great fit for Peters, but more importantly, is Peters a good fit for Zimmer and the Vikings?

Safe: CB Byron Jones, Connecticut

Jessica Hill/Associated Press

Peters may be the superior cornerback talent, but Connecticut Huskies' Byron Jones isn't too far behind, and he is the definition of a model citizen.

As noted by Bleacher Report's Dan Hope, Zimmer had the opportunity to work with Jones during his pro day:

"

Mike Zimmer coaching Byron Jones in DB drills, giving him instructions. #Jaguars representative also coaching him up. pic.twitter.com/h6qFTyfWEz

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) March 31, 2015"

After showcasing his world-class athleticism, per Mockdraftable, at the NFL Scouting Combine, Jones has seen his draft stock skyrocket. His (world) record-breaking broad jump quickly caught the attention of every NFL scout.

Jones was a four-year starter at Connecticut and was named team captain during his senior season, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. However, his senior season was cut short by an injury but certainly didn't slow him down at the combine.

His long list of impressive intangibles doesn't end with his captaincy, though. Jones' teammates viewed him as a leader both on and off the field, as he was widely respected by everyone for his toughness, elite work ethic and passion.

The former Connecticut cornerback also possesses excellent positional intelligence. However, Jones' knowledge isn't limited to just the football field; he also is "book smart" and spent one of his summers interning at the U.S. Capitol, according to The Associated Press.

Simply, Jones is an unbelievable athlete, maintains every possible intangible trait coaches look for in a prospect and is a pro-ready cornerback. He may not be as far along in his development as Peters or Trae Waynes, but his potential is virtually limitless. His floor is high, as well, due to his outstanding athleticism and ability to accept and improve with good coaching.

Jones likely isn't an ideal fit for Minnesota if Spielman chooses to make a selection at No. 11, but if the Vikings GM opts to trade down, the outstanding Connecticut product would be a perfect match for Zimmer and his defensive scheme.

Riskier: DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska

Eric Francis/Getty Images

Former Nebraska Huskers edge-rusher Randy Gregory is overflowing with talent and potential, but a number of red flags cloud his draft status.

According to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports, the talented Cornhusker was scheduled to meet with Vikings brass in early April:

"

After visiting the #Jaguars tomorrow, former #Nebraska OLB Randy Gregory is headed to visit the #Vikings (who pick at 11).

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) April 7, 2015"

Reports had already surfaced concerning the Vikings' involvement with Gregory prior to their scheduled meeting. However, the previous interactions Gregory had with the team came before he failed his combine drug test.

A failed drug test alone shouldn't be considered too much of a concern; these players are in college and capable of making stupid mistakes. In addition, ESPN analyst Lomas Brown estimates that 50 percent of the NFL smokes marijuana, per Marc Sessler of NFL.com.

Gregory, however, failed his drug test at the combine, which makes the situation a lot more traumatic.

Draft prospects are fully aware that they will be required to take a drug test at the combine. Essentially, Gregory made a conscious decision to choose marijuana over his pro football career. This easily preventable mistake understandably puts him under the microscope.

Aside from his character concerns, questions should be raised about where he would fit in Minnesota. Gregory is an extremely gifted athlete, but he lacks the size to play 4-3 defensive end and the coverage skill set to play weak-side linebacker immediately. As a result, Gregory would likely be a bit of a work-in-process player, which doesn't correlate well with his perceived laziness and poor decision-making skills.

Zimmer could be interested in utilizing Gregory exclusively as a pass-rusher, but again, there are problems with this. Despite being far more athletic than the vast majority of his competition, Gregory was often stuffed by above-average pass-blockers due to his lack of creativity and subpar pass-rushing technique.

Overall, Gregory doesn't seem to have a clearcut position in Minnesota. His glaring issues, both tangibly and intangibly, should be enough to scare Spielman out of drafting him.

Safer: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

If Spielman decides to make a selection at No. 11, there may not be a better overall fit than former Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes.

Waynes was the first prospect the Vikings reached out to following the combine. Minnesota scheduled a meeting with gifted defensive back in the middle of March, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Possessing ideal size, pro-ready man-to-man coverage skills and elite athleticism, per Mockdraftable, Waynes appears to be the perfect match for Zimmer's defensive scheme.

The former Spartan has great positional intelligence, a strong work ethic and takes pride in his game. In addition, there is nothing to distract scouts from Waynes' football skills, as he has a clean off-field resume and no history of significant injury.

In terms of need, Waynes would fit perfectly opposite of Rhodes. The Vikings have shown some urgency in attempting to replace Josh Robinson on the outside, and Waynes would be a definitive upgrade at No. 2 cornerback on the depth chart.

As a whole, there really isn't much to say about Waynes. He has the skills, intangibles and hasn't provided any draft concerns outside of being a bit "handsy" in coverage, which is certainly something that is manageable.

If the Vikings hang onto pick No. 11, and Waynes is still on the board, expect the former Michigan State cornerback in a purple jersey next season.

Riskiest: WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

In fairness, this one was pretty predictable. Few players have entered the NFL draft with more off-field issues and character concerns than former Missouri Tigers wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.

With that said, not too many wide receivers possess his combination of size and athleticism either, per Mockdraftable.

Coming out of high school, Green-Beckham was the nation's No. 1 recruit, per 247Sports. From his 6'5" frame to his sub-4.5 40-yard dash speed, the former Tiger is truly a rare breed.

Given Minnesota's need for a tall, lengthy wide receiver, it wasn't much of a surprise when Green-Beckham was contact by the Vikings, per Wolfson:

"

WR Dorial Green-Beckham is scheduled to visit the #Vikings, per source.

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) March 27, 2015"

Behind his physical gifts, however, is a definitively troubled athlete. Green-Beckham has been arrested for possession of marijuana, investigated for domestic abuse and dismissed from Missouri for his frequent off-field issues.

However, coaches, scouts and draft analysts, including CBS Sports' Dane Brugler, have been impressed with his maturation:

"

He said a lot w/o saying much RT @ReynoldsJD Seven times in less than 15-min interview, Dorial Green-Beckham used the words "better person"

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 20, 2015"

Assuming Green-Beckham has gone through an unbelievable transformation in a matter of just 10 months, he still is an extremely risky early round selection. He will enter the NFL on essentially a no-tolerance policy, meaning one mistake and his career could be in jeopardy.

For an athlete who couldn't manage to stay out of trouble during his collegiate career, betting against him toeing the line for an entire NFL career seems a bit unlikely.

Sure, if Dennis Green had this mentality back in 1998, Randy Moss would have never been a member of the Vikings. But, a lot has changed since then. Roger Goodell proved with his three-game suspension of Le'Veon Bell for marijuana usage that punishments will be more severe moving forward.

As great (and perfect schematically) of a talent as Green-Beckham is, the Vikings simply can't afford to have a Josh Gordon-like situation happen. There are just too many other routes capable of providing comparable dividends without the risk to make Green-Beckham a top-15 selection.

Safest: WR DeVante Parker, Louisville

Chuck Burton/Associated Press

He isn't a cornerback, linebacker or an offensive lineman, but former Louisville Cardinals wide receiver DeVante Parker is a perfect fit for the Vikings.

First of all, Parker's familiarity with Bridgewater would give the Vikings signal-caller an instant go-to target:

"

DeVante Parker on playing with Teddy Bridgewater again and being drafted by Vikings: “It would be a good thing. We have good connection.''

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) February 19, 2015"

Parker seemingly isn't the only one who thinks he would be a good fit in Minnesota. The Vikings have already met with him on multiple occasions, most recently in early April, per Wolfson:

"

Did confirm in the middle of my NBA Lottery madness that Louisville WR DeVante Parker is another visitor with the #Vikings today.

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) April 8, 2015"

The former Louisville pass-catcher possesses excellent size and athleticism, per Mockdraftable, and is a threat all over the field. He is physical with great ball skills, making him an excellent target for end-zone fade routes—or fade routes anywhere, really.

Louisville quarterbacks, Bridgewater included, would often just throw the ball up in a general area and let Parker go get it. He can beat cornerbacks both physically and athletically, and his technique is second to only Cooper in the 2015 class.

In fact, a strong argument could be made that Parker is better at releasing off the line of scrimmage than Cooper.

There really isn't much of a downside to selecting Parker at No. 11, aside from the fact it would mean potentially—never count Spielman out—not acquiring a first-round caliber cornerback or linebacker. He is an excellent scheme fit for the Turner offense and would be a great compliment to Mike Wallace.

History has shown that one of the best ways to develop a quarterback—especially from a confidence standpoint—is to get him as many weapons as possible. In Bridgewater's case, there likely isn't a better weapon available than the wide receiver he has targeted most frequently in his entire career as a quarterback.

Determining whether a prospect is "safe" or "risky" truly is in the eye of the beholder, but it's always hard to argue against historical fact, which had to be rewritten at Louisville due to the combination of Bridgewater and Parker.

For more Vikings news, statistics and draft analysis, find me on Twitter @RobertReidellBT.