Minnesota Vikings Big Board: Final Pre-Draft Update

More so than most years, it feels as if the Minnesota Vikings have an abundance of positions they could/should address in this year's NFL draft.

Part of the reason for the numerous needs has been self-induced (trading receiver Percy Harvin, releasing cornerback Antoine Winfield, failing to re-sign middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley), but others are just natural (defensive tackles aging, left guard struggling, limited depth at outside linebacker, etc.).

With that in mind, the Vikings' mock big board is the focus here.

Middle linebacker and wide receiver are the top two needs, but Minnesota shouldn't automatically draft that way, especially if the draft doesn't dictate that it should.

This isn't a top-heavy draft, but it is deep.

With its first-round picks, the Vikings should find two players who can contribute immediately and they may even find a contributor or two in the second and third rounds.

This slideshow will lay out the top five players at each position and the Vikings' big board. The big board will list the top 10 players relative to their expected availability when Minnesota picks (i.e., Luke Joeckel is projected as a top-five player, he won't appear on the Vikings' big board). 

The other boards will feature the top five players at each position (kicker and punter excluded).

Let's go.

Minnesota Vikings' Big Board

1. Alec Ogletree, Georgia middle linebacker

Long, athletic linebacker with a frame to build into. Can play three downs.

2. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina defensive tackle

Athletic and versatile with good size. A well-rounded defensive tackle prospect.

3. Keenan Allen, California wide receiver

Played in a poor offense, so numbers don't stand out. Has all the tools to be an impact receiver.

4. Manti Te'o, Notre Dame linebacker

Girlfriend hoax, title game performance, speed and size will scare some. The man just makes plays.

5. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State cornerback

Physical corner who can also play in the slot. Shows good instincts as a run defender, too.

6. DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson wide receiver

Likes to play on the edge and go vertical, which is what Minnesota needs.

7. Cordarelle Patterson, Tennessee wide receiver

Many consider him the top WR; the physical tools are there. Limited college production scares me.

8. John Jenkins, Georgia defensive tackle

His resume screams PAT WILLIAMS. Phenomenal against the run with no pass-rushing skills.

9. Desmond Trufant, Washington cornerback

Versatile defensive back with size who can contribute immediately.

10. Robert Woods, Southern California wide receiver

Polished route runner whose final season didn't pan out as expected.

Quarterback

The Minnesota Vikings should stay away from this position altogether. Christian Ponder is the guy (for another year anyways) and they signed Matt Cassel in the offseason to be the backup.

But you never know.

1. Geno Smith, West Virgina

Athleticism, size and mobility are exciting. Concerns about footwork and working under center are real.

2. Matt Barkley, Southern California

Very accurate passer who has a very high floor. Arm strength is a concern.

3. Ryan Nassib, Syracuse

Good arm strength and mobility to make plays outside pocket. Accuracy is a major concern.

4. EJ Manuel, Florida State

Phenomenal size and athleticism. Built like a linebacker. Delivery, passing motion are questionable.

5. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

Not afraid to take a hit in the pocket. Limited mobility.

Running Back

With Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart on the roster, this position should be ignored until the later rounds if not altogether.

1. Eddie Lacy, Alabama

Injuries and average speed are concerning, but he's well-built and bounces off defenders.

2. Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Touchdown machine who's a good football player. Speed is less than stellar.

3. Giovani Bernard, North Carolina

Size/build and speed aren't top-notch. Has good instincts and vision.

4. Johnathan Franklin, UCLA

Has NFL size and speed, but struggles as a receiver.

5. Le'Veon Bell, Michigan State

NFL size and power. Speed leaves more to be desired.

Fullback

By re-signing Jerome Felton and with Rhett Ellison still on the roster, this position should be ignored. The Vikings don't use their fullback enough to need more than two on the roster, especially given their abundance of other needs.

1. Lonnie Pryor, Florida State

Body is NFL-ready and has experience as a runner in FSU's offense.

2. Zach Line, Southern Methodist

Three 1,000-yard seasons and is a powerful blocker. Doesn't possess NFL speed. Tough player.

3. Kyle Juszczyk, Harvard

Played lot of tight end, but shows abilities at FB. Good hands and very intelligent.

4. Tommy Bohanon, Wake Forest

Good showing at the combine, but needs to bulk up.

5. Zach Boren, Ohio State

Possesses great power and blocking abilities. Won't contribute as a runner or receiver.

Wide Receiver

This position will be addressed in the first two rounds. Greg Jennings, Jarius Wright and Jerome Simpson aren't a scary trio. One of these players could be a first-round pick for the Vikings.

1. Tavon Austin, West Virginia

Many scream, "Percy Harvin!" Similar size and can line up in the backfield. Shouldn't be available at No. 23.

2. Keenan Allen, California

Has size and solid NFL speed. Injury history isn't great nor is college production, but offense was limited.

3. DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

Likes to play on the outside and go deep. Doesn't have great speed. Has enough size to impact game.

4. Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee

Athleticism and physical skills are outstanding. Limited college time and off-field issues are concerning.

5. Robert Woods, Southern California

Runs routes like a pro already and played in a pro-style offense at USC.

Tight End

This is a position that could be addressed in the later rounds, but is pretty strong with Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson and Rhett Ellison.

1. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame

Good frame and ball skills. Blocking is still developing.

2. Zach Ertz, Stanford

Runs good routes and a very strong receiver. Blocking skills are non-existent.

3. Gavin Escobar, San Diego State

Not a blocker at all. Good size, but speed is lacking for strictly a receiver.

4. Travis Kelce, Cincinnati

Very athletic and conventional with ability to block and catch. Attitude and intelligence concerns.

5. Vance McDonald, Rice

Has a history with drops. Experienced lining up wide. Interior-blocking underwhelms.

Tackle

The Vikings re-signed Phil Loadholt and drafted Matt Kalil with the No. 4 pick in last year's draft. Kalil made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. This position will be avoided until after the fifth round. At that point, it will be addressed for depth.

1. Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

The consensus No. 1 pick is expected to be a blind-side protector for years to come.

2. Eric Fisher, Central Michigan

Many argue he's not that far off from Joeckel. Considered an elite athlete with strength concerns.

3. Lane Johnson, Oklahoma

Athletic with good size. Concerns with his technique.

4. D.J. Fluker, Alabama

Three-year starter has all the moves. Intelligence concerns.

5. Menelik Watson, Florida State

Very athletic, but expected to take some time to transition to the NFL.

Guard

Charlie Johnson is still entrenched at left guard, which means this should be addressed in some way. Depending on the draft, it could be one of Minnesota's first-round selections. Warmack and Cooper unlikely to be available at No. 23.

1. Chance Warmack, Alabama

Projected top-10 pick by most. Light on his feet and should start from day one.

2. Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina

Projected top-20 pick, maybe top 10. Athletic and possesses ability to get to next level quickly.

3. Justin Pugh, Syracuse

Versatile lineman capable of playing guard or tackle. Played left tackle at Syracuse.

4. Larry Warford, Kentucky

Possesses a short, stout frame but is very slow.

5. Brian Winters, Kent State

Good size, but foot speed is a concern.

Center

John Sullivan is entrenched at center. With Joe Berger back, the position shouldn't be a draft concern.

1. Travis Frederick, Wisconsin

Versatile and well built. Considered very intelligent, but an average (at best) athlete.

2. Barrett Jones, Alabama

Has played guard, tackle and center at Alabama. Intelligent, but lacks elite strength.

3. Brian Schwenke, California

Tough with experience at guard. Only one season at center.

4. Khaled Holmes, Southern California

Broad-shouldered with quick feet. Prone to getting pushed into the backfield on pass pro.

5. Braxston Cave, Notre Dame

Strong at blitz pickup. Average footwork and needs to play with more of an edge.

Defensive Tackle

Kevin Williams continue to age and the duo of Letroy Guion and Fred Evans leaves more to be desired. This position will be addressed early. There is some top talent that Minnesota will miss out on, but the position is deep.

1. Sharrif Floyd, Florida

Continued to rise up draft boards and now is entrenched as a top-three pick.

2. Star Lotulelei, Utah

Before reports of a heart condition he was considered a top-two pick. Still will go top-15.

3. Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

Long frame helps him as a pass rusher. Had just one season of elite productivity.

4. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina

A well-rounded defensive tackle who can rush the passer and stop the run. Not elite at either.

5. John Jenkins, Georgia

Stuffs the run and does little else. With his size and skills, could be the next Pat Williams. Motor an issue.

Defensive End

Many are trying to claim this as a position of need. Yes, Jared Allen, Brian Robison and Everson Griffen have expiring contracts soon, but Minnesota won't let all three walk. There are greater needs that need addressing, especially early in the draft. Position should be considered after the fourth round.

1. Ezekiel Ansah, BYU

The cream of the crop and a top-10 pick. Phenomenal athlete with tons of upside.

2. Datone Jones, UCLA

Strong and powerful. Projects more as a 3-4 defensive end.

3. Bjoern Werner, Florida State

Good speed, but limited football experience. Not expected to be a superstar.

4. Cornellius "Tank" Carradine, Florida State

Quick in bursts and possesses active hands. Needs to add more strength.

5. Margus Hunt, Southern Methodist

Scary size (6'8" and 282 pounds) who can get after quarterbacks and possesses phenomenal strength.

Middle Linebacker

This position will be addressed in the first round if Manti Te'o or Alec Ogletree are available. Regardless, it will be addressed in the first three rounds.

1. Alec Ogletree, Georgia

Is a top-10 talent with off-field issues (DUI, failed drug tests).

2. Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Intelligent player with speed, size issues and a girlfriend controversy.

3. Kevin Minter, LSU

Height concerns, but very strong against the run. Continues to improve against the pass.

4. Arthur Brown, Kansas State

Good hitter with good instincts. Height is a concern. One scout says he reminds him of Ray Lewis.

5. Jonathan Bostic, Florida

Instinctive and physical. Struggles to get off blocks.

Outside Linebacker

Chad Greenway returns and the Vikings re-signed Erin Henderson. Henderson isn't stellar, but there are more pressing needs than OLB.

1. Dion Jordan, Oregon

Could be a defensive end, depending on the defense. Pass rusher. Top-10 pick.

2. Barkevious Bingo, LSU

Very fast with great first step. Can play as a down-lineman.

3. Jarvis Jones, Georgia

Was a top-five pick before health concerns arose. Barring a flare -up there, should be a long-term starter.

4. Damontre Moore, Texas A&M

Has experience at OLB and DE.

5. Jamie Collins, Southern Mississippi

Very athletic, former QB.

Cornerback

This position should be up for first-round consideration. The Vikes are penciling Josh Robinson and Chris Cook as starters as of now with A.J. Jefferson as the No. 3. Help is needed.

1. Dee Milliner, Alabama

Consensus top-10 pick. Some concerns with missed tackles, but considered well-rounded prospect.

2. D.J. Hayden, Houston

Been shooting up draft boards as of late. Serious heart surgery scares some.

3. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State

Has great size and should match up well with bigger receivers.

4. Desmond Trufant, Washington

Good athlete who doesn't shy away from contact.

5. Jamar Taylor, Boise State

Quick, aware and tough.

Safety

Harrison Smith was Minnesota's second first-round pick in 2012. Jamarca Sanford and Mistral Raymond will compete for the starting gig next to him, which means the position isn't stellar, but is solid. The Vikings still have Robert Blanton from last year's draft.

1. Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

Not the best runner, but isn't afraid of a little contact.

2. Matt Elam, Florida

Bob Sanders comes to mind when watching him play.

3. Eric Reid, LSU

Great body for the position, but speed is suspect.

4. Jonathan Cyprien, Florida International

Just a football player. Measurables and combine tests don't tell the whole tale.

5. Phillip Thomas, Fresno State

Injury concerns, but made plays when healthy.