2011 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings Best Case Scenario Mock
The most talked about problem going into the Vikings' 2011 season is who's going to play quarterback, but that's not the only concern they need to address come draft day. This mock draft is going to try and address the majority of the Vikings needs is a best case scenario fashion. That means I'll basically be picking the person I think would perfectly fit the Vikes at every spot without taking into consideration who other teams are drafting.
Now, I'm going to stay somewhat reasonable; you won't see me picking up Cam Newton in the seventh round. That said, some of these picks might never happen simply because other teams might also want these guys on there team. So, it's kind of just for fun, but will also show you what kind of players the Vikings should be going after.
1st Round: Tyron Smith OT
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Many people want the Vikings to go quarterback in the first round, but, let's be honest, a young quarterback isn't going to get very far without solid protection. While I still think Phil Loadholt has potential, it would be a mistake not to try and bring in some competition after how terrible the right side of the line was last year.
That's where Smith comes in. At 6'5 and 307 pounds, he can, at the very least, eat up space and should be able to start at LT and let Bryant "Mount" McKinnie move to RT. This move gives the Vikings two solid bookends and, with the help of veteran Steve Hutchinson, they should be able to greatly improve from last year. The center and RG spots are still a little weak, but this gives them three of five positions with good players and some great back-up in Loadholt.
Possible Other Picks: Cam Newton and Prince Amukamra
2nd Round: Jake Locker QB
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Here's that quarterback all the Minnesota Vikings fans seem to want. Now, I don't think Locker will or should start immediately because he's obviously not quite ready. He does have quite the skill set and sometimes reminds me of another big, fast Vikings QB, Dante Culpepper. He has the size, the arm strength, and the mobility, but he would be well served if the Vikes can sit him behind a veteran.
I think the Vikings are going to go out and get someone like Donovan McNabb and that gives Locker some time to really learn the NFL system. We've all seen what that can do for a young guy and have to look no further than 2010's Super Bowl winning QB, Aaron Rodgers, to find a success story of this method. If the Vikings can continue to improve their O-line and give Locker some time to develop they could have quite the group of skill players. Plus, who wouldn't want to see Locker and Peterson run some read plays or maybe even an option?
4th Round: Casey Matthews ILB
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Some of you might be saying to yourself, "Ricky, the Vikings need to get secondary help and someone to replace Pat Williams, why would you have them draft Casey Matthews?" Well friends, you'd be right in thinking the Vikes need those things, but I just don't think you can pass up a guy like Matthews. He's super intelligent on the field, can cover with the best of them, is an underrated pass rusher, and is just a play-maker through and through.
Plus, E.J. Henderson is 30 and had a season ending injury when he broke his femur a couple years ago so it's safe to say the Vikings could use some depth. Even if E.J. doesn't get hurt or retire anytime soon, Matthews has the ability to play any linebacker position in the 4-3 and will greatly improve the depth all along the line. I'm also hopeful his amazing work ethic rubs off on some of the other players who could use a kick in the pants.
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5th Round (A): Ugo Chinasa DE
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I'm fairly certain Ray Edwards is leaving town sooner rather than later. Plus, it's not like the Vikings have amazing depth behind him and Jared Allen, so the Vikes need to get at least one guy who can come in and rush the passer. As an athletic speed rusher Chinasa was able to get quite a few sacks a Oklahoma State, but many said he has an inconsistent motor that keeps him from being as talented as he could be.
With that in mind, it's easy to see why he might drop on some team's lists, but the Vikings have Jared Allen, one of the most intense guys in the NFL. If he can light a fire under Chinasa they could form a scary duo for years to come. There's also a chance Edwards stays and this move would give the Vikes some great DE depth.
5th Round (B): Julius Thomas TE
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With their second pick in the fifth round the Vikings get the newest basketball star turned tight end, Julius Thomas. The kid is still super raw, but is a freakish athlete. That sounds a little like Antonio Gates, who just might be the best tight end in the game right now.
Thomas probably isn't going to be that good, but his upside makes him a great value pick here. The Vikings need someone opposite Vinsanthe Shiancoe in the red zone and, at 6'5 with a 35.5" vertical leap, Thomas is exactly what the doctor ordered.
6th Round (A): Jerrard Tarrant S
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A lot of people out there think the Vikings need to get cornerback help right now, but I'm from the school of thought that says they have three guys who are more than capable of putting together a solid year. The same can't be said of the safeties. None of the players they have at either slot really impress me on the field and they really need to bring in some guys who can actually cover a deep ball or two.
Tarrant has five interceptions in two years and has good coverage skills. He's not the ideal person you want manning center field, but it's probably the best they can do in the sixth round. You do have to worry about his sexual abuse allegation in 2008, but I think he's probably past that at this point.
6th Round (B): Darius Morris G/OT
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I couldn't actually find a picture of Morris so let's just assume that he's somewhere in this shot. With that out of the way, I'm picking this guy for one reason, size. At 6'4 and 318 lbs. he's at least going to get into somebodies way, which is more than can be said for Ryan Cook.
He probably won't be able to start immediately, but at some point he should be able to overtake Cook. The right side of the line needs some drastic work and by getting Morris and Tyron Smith the Vikings will go along way towards righting that. Here's hoping that if they continue getting solid linemen they can speed up Locker's move to the starting spot.
7th Round (A): Eric Gordon OLB
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I'll be the first to say that Ben Leber probably shouldn't be starting in the NFL. Gordon might not be able to replace him immediately, but, like Casey Matthews, he possesses a great work ethic and is going to give whatever team that drafts him all he has. The big knock on him is that he's undersized, but after an amazing Pro Day he's got scouts very impressed with his skill set.
If he can play on the field at the level (and game tape seems to show he can), he should be a big steal this late in the draft. At the very least he'll give the Vikings some great depth, but he should be aiming for that starting spot opposite Chad Greenway. I know I would be happy to see him there.
7th Round (B): Sealver Silija
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Simply put the Vikings need to get someone to replace Pat Williams and I honestly think Siliga might be that guy. He doesn't wow you in many areas, but is huge, eats up space, and has decent strength that should improve with an NFL program. He needs to learn to take on double teams more effectively, but that's something I think Lezlie Frazier and co. can teach him.
The biggest half of the Williams wall is gone so it's time to bring in another huge guy to fill that spot. Is Siliga the answer? Maybe, but the fact is that he's the most likely answer this late in the draft.
Do you agree or disagree with any of my picks? Tell me about it in the comments and thanks for reading.
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