Minnesota Vikings 2010 Mock Draft: Vikings Go Defense In First Round

This will become a weekly tradition until the 2010 NFL draft actually occurs. I did this same thing last year before the draft.

It's always exciting to do individual teams mock drafts. It gives you more insight on the team and their specific needs.

As always, I will be doing a Minnesota Vikings mock draft.

Let's get it under way!

Minnesota is on the clock.

Minnesota's needs after this season (in order, considering Brett Favre plays another season): Nose Tackle, Offensive Guard, Quarterback, Running Back, Outside linebacker, Defensive End, Free Safety, Fullback, Cornerback, Blocking Tight End)

First round (30): Travis Lewis, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma University

I'm in love with the idea of Minnesota drafting Travis Lewis, an outside linebacker from Oklahoma.

Why is Lewis such a good pick?

Travis Lewis is easily the best non—hybrid outside linebacker that will come out of this years draft. I say will because all signs point to him coming out. He could very well end up being a top 15 or 20 pick.

Minnesota's Ben Leber isn't playing at the level he was two years ago. The guy will be 31 years old soon.

The Vikings front seven would be even scarier with a great tackler like Lewis on the weakside.

*Projected trade: Minnesota trades second round pick to the Detroit Lions for their third and fourth round pick in 2011*

Third round (68): Morgan Burnett, Free Safety, Georgia Tech

It might seem a little bizarre for Burnett to fall this far, but it is very possible. According to several sources, Burnett has slipped slightly in the rankings.

If he is still available, Minnesota must select him, unless a better option at nose tackle is available.

Burnett, in his junior year, has wracked up 73 tackles and four interceptions.

He's a 6"1, 215 lb stud that could wind up replacing Madieu Williams if his game doesn't approve vastly.

Third round (94): Jay Ross, Nose Tackle, East Carolina

Jay Ross is one of the most underrated nose tackles in the draft.

Minnesota will be looking for a successor to Pat Williams when he soon retires. Can Jay Ross be the eventual replacement? Definitely.

At 6"3, 315 lbs, Ross is a beast at nose tackle. He's not the best player at his position, but with the proper work, he can be a beast on the Vikings already impressive defensive line.

Fourth round (129): Jonathan Crompton, Quarterback, Tennessee

Jonathan Crompton, ever heard of him? Honestly, I did not know much about the guy before I read up on him a little bit.

Crompton, a senior out of Tennessee, has had his fair share of troubles on the football field. As of late, he looks like he's finally putting the pieces to the puzzle together, so to speak.

Brett Favre is 40, and will likely not play after the the 2010-2011 season comes to an end. Crompton would be a solid fit to replace the future hall—of—famer.

He's a great physical specimen at 6"4, 230 lbs.

Fifth round (166): John Jerry, Offensive Guard, Ole Miss

John Jerry would be a great pick for the Minnesota Vikings. Anthony Herrera isn't exactly a spring chicken.

John Jerry was named SEC lineman of the week back in early October.

He would likely fit in with a team that likes very large offensive lineman. How wouldn't the Vikings be a great fit for that?

They have two offensive tackles that are 6'8, 340 lbs. John Jerry would fit right in at 6'5, 350 lbs!

Fifth round (Compensatory selection for Matt Birk): Brandon Sharpe, Defensive End, Texas Tech

I don't care what anybody says, to be honest. Brandon Sharpe would be one of the steals of the whole entire draft.

He had a tremendous year with Texas Tech as a senior. He totaled 15 sacks, 32 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles.

If Ray Edwards becomes a free—agent, a solid left end will be a position of need, undoubtedly.

Brandon Sharpe is like a Ray Edwards 2.0, but just a little better.

Sixth round (204): Ben Tate, Running Back, Auburn

Chester Taylor and Ben Tate are very similar in stature. They are both 5'11, and weight around 215 lbs.

Chester is set to hit the free—agency market when this season comes to an end. It's being speculated that he will likely sign with another team to take a bigger role.

Taylor, a starter in 2006, has been one of the most important members on the Minnesota Vikings offense.

His contributions have been key to the Vikings success over the last two years.

As for Ben Tate, he is a great running back. In his senior year, Tate ran for 1,254 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Sixth round (Compensatory selection for Darren Sharper): Brandon Brinkley, Cornerback, Houston

Brandon Brinkley is a red—shirt senior from Houston with loads of talent.

On the season, Brinkley had 69 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, and an interception for a return.

At 6'0, 180 lbs, Brinkley would be a solid nickel if Asher Allen doesn't pan out. Karl Paymah has been an epic failure, to say the least.

Seventh round (240): Caz Piurowski, Tight End, Florida State

Caz Piurowski (wow, that's a difficult last name to pronounce) is arguably the best blocking tight end in the entire 2010 draft.

Jim Kleinsasser, a solid blocker at tight end, is almost 33 years old, and is quickly losing a step in his game.

Perhaps not the biggest need in the world, but heck, it's the seventh round. You go for depth in the last round of the entire draft.