Minnesota Vikings' NFL Draft: So Many Answers to the Problems, Do Not Despair

The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of problems facing them as the NFL draft approaches. But these problems have been flushed out, over and over. So I’m not here to tell you that the team has problems again. Especially when so many solutions lie just 24 days away.

This draft is loaded with talent. The defensive line class is one of the deepest in recent memory. The offensive line class has plenty of talent, despite taking a backseat to their defensive counterparts.

Quarterbacks are abound despite being considered unworthy. But let me tell you with all certainty, at least four of these guys will become long-term starters for some team needing a QB.

Linebacker is another need for Minnesota. E. J. Henderson is getting older and slower. Ben Leber, who was never supposed to be the long-term answer, is finally going to be gone. The draft is full of talented linebackers.

So the Vikings present a lot of questions. Thankfully,there are more than enough solutions.

If Minnesota decides to go with an offensive lineman, then they will bolster that unit and that will open the door for Adrian Peterson to have a great year. The quarterback who starts will have time to make plays. Also, the defense won’t have to carry the whole load.

If they pick a defensive lineman at 12, then they can team that guy with two All-Pros in Kevin Williams and Jared Allen. Seriously, who can’t play good next to those guys?

Unfortunately, the team also needs a quarterback. This hinders them from taking a top-flight offensive tackle at 12 and then grabbing the best defensive lineman left at 43.

So the question will be which position to go after. The Vikings don’t have to bite on a quarterback this year, though it would be highly advisable.

Some offensive line options are Tyron Smith, Nate Solder and Anthony Costanzo. One of these guys will make the line a solid unit again by taking over at left tackle and opening the door for Bryant McKinnie to prolong his career at right tackle. Read this article to get an idea of what I'm talking about.

Options along the defensive line are Robert Quinn, Da’Quan Bowers and Corey Liegut. Any of these three or another of the top rated linemen would bring back the phrase, “Who’s going to get the QB first?” Jared Allen, 2006. Minnesota can do with who they have already, but if they choose to grab one of the standout stars, it will just make the defensive line even more dangerous.

To read about the quarterbacks available follow this link. Any of these guys can be had with the proper strategy, and a handful of them can become a star when placed in the right system.

The Vikings have been rewarded for taking chances on players who had injury concerns and personal issues (Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin), but they also have been burned (Kenechi Udeze and that one guy who keeps getting arrested).

The players with concerns who could become huge impact players are Tyron Smith (injury), Da’Quan Bowers (injury, work ethic) and Robert Quinn (personal choices).

There are holes all over this team. But do not despair Vikings fans, there is a plethora of options and all of them can be amazing additions.