2012 NFL Draft: 6 Offensive Studs Not Named Matt Kalil Vikings Must Consider

The Minnesota Vikings hold the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. The Vikings are in an interesting position because they have an opportunity to pick the best player in the draft at a variety of positions outside of quarterback.

But which position should the Vikings select? The team has multiple needs on the offensive side of the ball after coming off an abysmal 3-13 record that saw the offense only score 21 points per game.

The offensive line is currently a mess. Charlie Johnson struggled mightily while trying to protect the blind side of rookie quarterback Christian Ponder, and guards Steve Hutchinson and Anthony Herrera were cut.

Percy Harvin is the only consistently productive wide receiver on the team, and star running back Adrian Peterson is attempting to recover from a torn ACL and MCL.

The majority of experts believe USC’s Matt Kalil will be the Vikings' pick at third overall. Bleacher Report’s very own Matt Miller has Kalil as the selection, and so do I. The pick makes sense because Kalil is an elite prospect that projects as a franchise left tackle thanks to his athleticism and build.

But the third overall pick may not be as set in stone as most like to think. The team has a lot of issues offensively that could be cured with the high selection. It also remains a possibility that the Vikings will trade down with any number of teams looking to move up.

Regardless of whether the Vikings stay at third overall or trade down, there are a number of elite prospects the team absolutely has to consider in the first round, wherever that may be.

Here are six offensive suds not named Matt Kalil the Vikings must consider:

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Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon is one of two elite wide receiver prospects entering the draft, and the Vikings have to consider him at third overall.

Blackmon would become the No. 1 option in Minnesota for Christian Ponder. His a gifted athlete that has a penchant for highlight-worthy catches because of his elite instincts and body control.

Standing at 6’1” and 207 lbs, he’s a physical receiver that can run any route and is extremely effective in the red zone.

Placing Blackmon across from Percy Harvin would quickly create a formidable duo in the Vikings receiving corps. Blackmon’s abilities could jump-start the offense and take pressure off of the running game at the same time.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Michael Floyd is the other elite wide receiver prospect entering the draft this year. He also has to be in consideration at third overall for the Vikings.

Floyd, like Blackmon, is an extraordinarily talented receiver who dominates opponents not only though his physicality but also his natural feel for the game. He measures in at 6’3” and 220 lbs and possesses hands just as reliable as Blackmon’s. His effectiveness in the red zone is something the Vikings would love to have.

Either receiver at third overall is a great option for the Vikings. The difference is Floyd may be available further down the board if Minnesota chooses to trade down. Receiver may not be the most pressing need in Minnesota, but it’s hard to count out Floyd at this point.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Trent Richardson is easily the best running back entering the draft this year, and it’s not even close. He is ironically being hailed as the best back to enter the NFL since Adrian Peterson, so the Vikings should be paying close attention.

Richardson is a freak of nature athletically. He’s quick but always seeks out contact,  and he has a tendency to run over opponents rather than around them. Richardson is very good at catching passes out of the backfield, and that versatility makes him all the more valuable to a second-year quarterback like Christian Ponder.

With Adrian Peterson recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, it wouldn’t be all that shocking to see the Vikings take Richardson. There’s a chance Peterson may never be the same player again. Even if he is, a one-two punch of Richardson and Peterson could decimate the NFL.

Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa (after Trading Down)

A trade down for Minnesota isn’t out of the question with the team having so many needs. If Minnesota elects to move down and accumulate more picks, Riley Reiff has to be in consideration.

Reiff is the next best tackle in the draft outside of Matt Kalil. The attribute causing his stock to slide is his short arms, which only measure in at 33". That physical setback is negated by Reiff’s incredibly fast footwork and effective use of his frame.

Reiff would come in immediately and start at left tackle for the Vikings. Yes, he’s not the prospect Kalil is, but if the Vikings can get Reiff and some additional picks it would be a smart play to say the least.

Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia (after Trading Down)

If the Vikings decide to trade down into the mid first round, Cordy Glenn might just be the best player available for the team. Glenn is a versatile offensive lineman that can play either guard or tackle—both positions of need for the team.

Glenn is a massive man standing at 6’6” and 345 lbs. He dominates the opposition in the run game by consistently getting to the second level. In pass-blocking, he is more nimble than expected for a player of his size.

Grabbing Glenn and additional picks may be the best option for the Vikings this year. Glenn is versatile and won’t disappoint. It’s hard to imagine Adrian Peterson or Christian Ponder would complain about the selection.

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor (after Trading Down)

The Vikings desperately need another playmaker at the receiver position besides Percy Harvin. Kendall Wright could be that receiver should the Vikings move down in the first round.

Wright may not be an attractive option initially because of his height (5’10”), but looking at his career numbers and film will change minds quickly.

He plays much bigger than his listed height. In college, he was the main option and consistently went over the middle on his way to 4,004 career receiving yards and 30 touchdowns.

Wright is one of the best players available and also fits a position of need if the Vikings happen to trade down to the middle of the first round. It might not be a popular pick, but it could pay dividends down the road.