NFL Draft 2012: Vikings Would Be Insane to Select Michael Floyd at No. 3

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd is a solid receiver, but he is not an elite talent worthy of a Top-Five pick. For that reason, the Minnesota Vikings would be insane to select him with the No. 3 pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the top two picks in this year's draft are locks, but the Vikings are still deciding between several players at No. 3. Those players are LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, USC offensive tackle Ryan Kalil and Floyd. 

The Vikings certainly need help at receiver, but Floyd isn't even the best wideout in this year's draft. That distinction goes to Blackmon. Aside from his off-field issues at Notre Dame, Floyd also often took plays off when things weren't going well for the Irish. He did most of his damage against lesser competition, and never showed the ability to separate from top-level cornerbacks.

Percy Harvin, Minnesota's top receiver, is a constant injury risk due to migraine headaches. The Vikings do need to add another wideout, and a receiver would certainly help young quarterback Christian Ponder. However, Ponder won't be able to throw to his receivers if he's constantly on his back, which makes offensive tackle a much bigger need.

The six elite players in this year's draft are Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Kalil, Claiborne, Blackmon and Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Luck and Griffin will be gone, which leaves the Vikings with the ability to take one of the other four elite guys in this year's class. Floyd does not belong on that list. 

The Vikings had Floyd in for a visit and clearly have interest in the Minnesota native (he attended Cretin-Derham Hall High School in Saint Paul). However, taking him at No. 3 would be a waste. 

The right choice for the Vikings at No. 3 would be Kalil, who is a future Pro Bowler at left tackle. If they decided to pass on the USC product, they could at least justify selecting Claiborne or Blackmon.

Taking Floyd at No. 3 would be an absolute disaster.