Viking's News: McKinnie Poses a Problem

Just last month Minnesota Viking's offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie was arrested and charged with a felony and three misdemeanors outside a Miami night club.

Right now, Viking's GM Rick Spielman and head coach Brad Childress are probably trying to convince owner Zygi Wilf to trade McKinnie.

I don't think any convincing is necessary.

Wilf shouldn't have to think twice when deciding whether or not to keep McKinnie. If there comes any opportunity to trade the tackle, Wilf might just jump at it.

If he does trade McKinnie, it shakes up the entire Minnesota draft plans.

Supposing McKinnie was to be traded, the glaring need at defensive end for the Viking's would be lessened, only to have the offensive tackle need rise.

One solution would be to trade McKinnie for another top offensive tackle. The only problem here is that there aren't that many great options available for equal trade. Max Starks from Pittsburgh is an interesting option, but the Steelers placed the transition tag on him. This means that they now have the right of first refusal on any offer Starks may sign.

So with a trade out of the picture, the Viking's would almost certainly have to address this new offensive tackle need through the draft. That, in turn, would prohibit the Viking's from drafting a top defensive end with the 17th overall pick. Jeff Otah from Pitt, Chris Williams from Vanderbilt, and Godser Cherilus from Boston College all should catch the eyes of the Viking's when the 17th pick comes around.

Of course, one other possibility could be that the Viking's trade McKinnie for a first or second round draft pick in order to draft a young tackle. This wouldn't be a bad option for Minnesota because Steve Hutchinson, the Viking's left guard, is the best of the best in the NFL at what he does. He would be instrumental in mentoring any young left tackle that might join the team.

The bottom line is that Artis Hicks or Ryan Cook can't protect Tarvaris Jackson's weak side alone. 

Of course, the Viking's may opt to keep McKinnie and draft a defensive end in the first round, effectively ruining this discussion.  

Whatever the case, it's something that Viking's fans need to keep an eye on as Draft Day approaches.