2010 NFL Draft Grades: Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings may have been looking at a stud corner in the first round, but traded back into the second because they didn't want to reach.

That had Chris Cook falling into their lap, and while they still might have been reaching a bit, they still came out with a solid corner with their first pick.

Cook will team up with Antoine Winfield and Lito Sheppard to form a suddenly respectable secondary, while Benny Sapp works off the bench, and Cedric Griffin recovers from an injury he sustained in the postseason.

Minnesota then traded up to land Stanford running back Toby Gerhart , a perfect complement to Adrian Peterson .

Ever since losing Chester Taylor to free agency, the Vikings have discussed adding a stud running back, and Gerhart's toughness and under-rated athleticism were the perfect match.

Gerhart should be able to play on third downs and in short-yardage situations, giving the Vikings a potentially fearful two-headed wrecking ball backfield.

The Vikings didn't find a lot of gems in rounds five through seven, but ran into a talent they couldn't pass up in the fourth round, as USC defensive end Everson Griffen fell farther than anyone thought was possible.

Griffin gives the Vikings tremendous depth and versatility on the line, while also providing insurance in case Ray Edwards finds his way out of Minnesota.

Minnesota replaced a hole in its backfield, began repairs to its secondary, and boosted an already elite pass-rushing group.

2010 Draft Class and Rating:

2 (34) Chris Cook, CB, Virginia ****

2 (51) Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford *****

4 (100) Everson Griffin, DE, USC *****

5 (161) Chris DeGeare, OG, Wake Forest **

5 (167) Nate Triplett, LB, Minnesota **

6 (199) Joe Webb, QB, UAB **

7 (214) Mickey Shuler, TE, Penn State **

7 (237) Ryan D'Imperio, LB, Rutgers **

Grade: B

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