2011 NFL Draft: Latest Minnesota Vikings Speculation and Predictions
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With the NFL draft being less than three weeks away, the Minnesota Vikings are finalizing their draft day plans.
The Minnesota Vikings had an uncharacteristic losing season in 2010. Thus, they should be one of the teams that fans are highly interested in when it comes to the NFL Draft.
Leslie Frazier's team needs a quarterback, but they also have needs on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Defensive end Ray Edwards is set to hit free agency, and outside of All-Pro Jared Allen, the Vikings really do not have much depth at that position.
While the Vikings could trade for a defensive end or sign one via free agency, that isn't a possibility right now with the current NFL lockout in place.
Because of this, we will take that same new approach with the Vikings and the available defensive ends in this year's draft.
Rather then talking about what players Minnesota might be working out, or whose Pro Day team management last attended, I will simply be giving in-depth reports on defensive ends that the Vikings could be looking to draft with that first-round pick.
Who is the best fit in Minnesota?
Let's take a look at that question and find out the answer right here, right now.
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Cameron Jordan is being discussed as a potential Minnesota Vikings defensive end in 2011.
When it comes to experienced pass rushers in this year's draft class, there might not be a single defensive end with more experience than Cal DE Cameron Jordan.
The former Golden Bear was a three year starter at Cal, and played in 49 of 50 games during his collegiate career. He might not be the No. 1 talent in this year's draft class, but he is one of the most game-ready prospects coming out this year.
Cameron Jordan has been floating around mock drafts, going anywhere as early as No. 10 and as late as early second round.
"Please end all thoughts of Washington QB Jake Locker being selected here. It’s not happening. Jordan is a player who complements others and can be a cog to build around."
Well, I wouldn't go ahead and say to end all thoughts of Locker being selected by the Vikings in the first round. It might not be their No. 1 option, but it certainly could happen.
In my opinion, Jordan would probably be the third choice for the Vikings when it comes to selecting defensive ends in the first round. If both Quinn and Bowers are off the board at this point, which they both very well could be, then I could see the Vikings taking a look at Jordan here.
If they don't have any plans to go after Ray Edwards and make a pitch for him to stay in Minnesota, then a defensive end almost seems like a given for this pick.
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Da'Quan Bowers is now on the Vikings' radar as a possible first round selection in this April's NFL Draft.
Just when it looked like the Vikings were 100 percent leaning towards taking Robert Quinn if he was available with that No. 12 pick, another defensive end has emerged as a potential front runner, Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers.
Just two months ago, multiple NFL Draft experts had Bowers tagged as the top prospect in this year's draft class, and as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the draft. But Bowers has seen his stock drop as of late after questions surfaced about his knee and a recent surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
While he was all but locked into being a top-five pick before this month, draft experts are now saying that Bowers should be chosen around picks 6-17.
"The Vikings should be giddy to get a pass-rushing talent like Bowers at No. 12. Once the No. 1 player in the country coming out of high school, many believe Bowers has the skill-set of a No. 1 overall NFL draft pick. While he won't be this year, he's a great pass-rusher and can give the Vikings an upgrade on the edge. With time to fully recuperate from a minor injury, his future is bright."
This would be a dream scenario for Minnesota, assuming that Bowers checks out on his medical testing.
According to what a league source has told Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the re-check went well, with good stability in the joint and no swelling.
"Bowers, widely regarded as the premier pass-rushing end in the draft, didn't even have to undergo another X-ray or MRI because the physical exam went so well, the source said. Stability was good and there was no swelling in the knee."
If this is the case, look for Minnesota to take whichever one of those two players are available between Quinn and Bowers. After this good news involving Bowers' health, he might head right back into that top-five range.
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Robert Quinn is one defensive end that the Vikings are looking at in the 2011 NFL Draft.
A gifted natural pass-rusher, Quinn could very well be the best defensive end in this year's draft class when it is all said and done. The former North Carolina standout sat out all of 2010, but his talent should overcome any questions about being away from competitive football for so long.
Quinn has an explosive first step off the line and his ability to get around offensive tackles and tight ends is quite impressive to watch. The one knock on Quinn is that he lacks the bulk to hold up against the running game and can get pushed around by bigger linemen. But that strength and bulk will come in time once he enters the league.
This is a guy who started off being a mid-first round pick in most mock drafts, but has now moved up into everyones top 12-picks it seems like.
"The Vikings will maintain their 4-3 defense under new coach Leslie Frazier, and with Quinn on the board here, he will be impossible to refuse. Paired with Jared Allen on the opposite side, the Vikings are able to take advantage of crowd noise to create a fierce pass rush, which takes pressure off other areas of weakness."
If Quinn is available at this point, you have to believe that he tops the Vikings' wish list. The only way that I could see Minnesota passing on this guy is if either Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert fall to this point, both of which are highly unlikely.
Like we said earlier, the Vikings need a quarterback, but when you have a chance to add Robert Quinn and line him up opposite of Jared Allen, that could be one of the most fearful defensive end combos in the NFL for the next decade.



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