Minnesota Vikings: NFL Draft First Round Focus

With only a few short months remaining until the NFL draft, there is one thing that's for certain—everything is uncertain.

The Minnesota Vikings will be picking at the No. 23 spot after making the playoffs, where they suffered a 26-14 loss to the Eagles.

The Vikings have several needs including quarterback, wide receiver, right tackle, and safety. All signs point to Darren Sharper going to another team after his very disappointing season with only one interception.

The quarterback spot has suffered for years and 2008 was no different, with Tavaris Jackson taking the majority of snaps.

Wide receiver isn't a major need seeing as we have Bernard Berrian, but a number two wide receiver is needed if Sidney Rice can't step it up.

Minnesota's offensive line is set, except for at the right tackle spot. Artis Hicks and Ryan Cook split time at that spot throughout the year. I personally think this is one of our biggest weaknesses.

With all of this said, let's see what options Minnesota has.


1. Duke Robinson, Guard/Tackle, Oklahoma

A 6'5", 335 pound stud from Oklahoma, Duke Robinson is very versatile, as he can play at guard and tackle, meaning he would be able to play at right guard, which is currently held by Anthony Herrera, if he happens to get hurt. I'm a huge fan of Duke Robinson and his shut-down blocking skills.

Free Agency Option: Jordan Gross, Offensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers

2. Jason Smith, Offensive Tackle, Baylor

Jason Smith is a senior from Baylor. He's 6'5", 300 pounds, and has been timed at running a 5.0 forty. His stock is currently between the 15-25 picks, and it could be on the rise. He's very underrated with the way other tackles like, Michael Oher and Andre Smith, have been praised.

Free Agency Option: Mark Tauscher, Offensive Tackle, Green Bay Packers

3. Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC

I strongly doubt Mark Sanchez comes out this year, but if he does, the Vikings would snag him if he falls to No. 23. Sanchez is a red-shirt junior from the University of Southern California. He passed for 34 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions in his junior year.

Free Agency Option: Jeff Garcia, Quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

4. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver, Maryland

Darrius didn't have a great year, but it was adequate. He had six total touchdowns (five receiving, one rushing). His bowl game may be the reason for his down-fall. In the game versus Nevada, he only had four catches for 48 yards. With all these negative comments towards him, I have one positive—he's NFL ready today.

Free Agency Option: Devery Henderson, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints

5. William Moore, Safety, Missouri

William Moore is a Senior with 264 career tackles and 11 interceptions. He is one of the better safety prospects in quite some time. At 6'1", 230 pounds and with good speed, he is a definite first-round prospect.

Will he fall to the Vikings? Maybe not. But who thought there would be no receivers in the first round last year? Not me. William Moore isn't as needed because we have Tyrell Johnson, but it's worth a shot if everybody else is gone.

Free Agency Option: Oshiomogho (O.J.) Atowge, Safety, St. Louis Rams

Those are my top five.

Here are a few other options to look at: Ciron Black, Offensive Tackle, LSU. Alex Mack, Center, California. Eben Britton, Offensive Tackle, Arizona. Vontae Davis, Cornerback, Illinois. Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Missouri. Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver, Florida.


I gave you my top five prospects for the Vikings. I would love to know yours.

Let's make this fun!