2012 NFL Draft: 12 Players the Minnesota Vikings Should Target in 2012

With the close of the 2011 NFL draft just a few short weeks behind us, why not take a sneak peek into the possibilities of the draft class of 2012 and who the Vikings should be targeting, or at least, paying attention to.

Now, I know. We don’t even yet know what the Vikings need, so speculating on a draft more than a year from now may seem trite, but believe me, it’s anything but that.

What we do know, is there will be some specific needs at some specific positions after 2011, so let’s get busy and see who I think the Vikings should pay attention to, and why.

Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

Here’s a guy who wasn’t even supposed to play last year—thank you very much Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn—but thank the heavenly stars he did.

The Vikings will be in the hunt for a quality linebacker who can play outside to in, and they surely can begin that pursuit with Zach Brown.

But he isn’t the only linebacker on the block, as you will see later in this slide.

Trent Richardson – RB – Alabama

The Vikings—at some pointare going to have to consider drafting a new running back, if for nothing more than depth altogether.

Richardson wasn’t as durable or strong as his counterpart at Alabama (Mark Ingram) but many felt he was more athletic and had more overall talent.

The Vikings could certainly do worse, but they may find a nice way to get after Richardson early, depending on how the season goes, and what’s on the block for bartering at the end of the season.

Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska

Jared Crick is an interesting guy who can play both the 4-3 and 3-4 alignment, while still being utilized as a bull rusher.

Those three distinct characteristics are hard to find in summary within any one given tackle.

The Vikings will still be in the hunt for a DT at the end of this season, and Crick is certainly a guy they should keep their radar focused on.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blackmon may not be available to the Vikings if they wind up NOT targeting a receiver early, but he should still be a player they might want to keep an eye on throughout the 2011 season.

Blackmon isn’t flashy, but what he does attract—in the eyes of the early scouts—is his ability to catch the difficult and awkward passes.

The scouts’ preliminary outlook is that Blackmon is already at a pro level, and the Vikings have been in dire need of a slot worthy receiver other than Harvin, so that Harvin can be moved to the outside.

Just makes perfect sense to me, guys. What do you all think?

Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

Another interesting player consideration will be another QB.

Even if the Vikings target a veteran this year for a one or two year stint, they would still be very wise to perhaps target another young QB for long-term depth insurance, and Foles fits the bill in many ways.

He is probably going to be de-valued in rank due mainly to injury concerns, but if that winds up being the case, he will be a de-valued quarterback who knows how to move the chains both methodically, and intelligently.

His 6’5”,  240 frame is a shear bonus.

Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings were in need of a quality OT this year, but settled in favor of other positional needs.

Matt Kalil could be a huge consideration, and he could be available if the cards fall into the right places for Minnesota.

Kalil lacks flexibility, but more than makes up for it in technique, and driving strength. He is the typical mean, driving tackle that the Vikings haven’t had in quite some time.

Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

If there is anyone that the Vikings should pay attention to, it's Travis Lewis.

Lewis’ biggest claim to fame was his two solid years of over 100-plus tackles (one of those was his freshman year where his 144 tackles broke Brian Bosworth’s record), and a penchant for not only getting to the quarterback, but also creating plays for losses.

Again, the Vikings will be in need of a quality linebacker after this season, and Lewis could be that guy.

Let’s just hope he isn’t ANYTHING like the pro version of Bosworth.

Harrison Smith, SS, Notre Dame

Based on need, the Vikings will be in the hunt for a quality safety, and Harrison Smith may be just the guy they will be looking for.

Harrison Smith is the only player in Irish football history to register more than 200 tackles; 15 tackles for loss and 15 pass breakups in a career.

The Vikings will look to progressively become more aggressive in defensive coverage, and smith may be a great building block for such a venture.

Rhett Eillison, TE, Southern California

The future of Shank will be uncertain after this year, and the Vikings could be in the hunt for another quality tight end who can catch AND block.

Ellison has all of these qualities and a little more with size and speed, but the scouts claim he will have to work on his short route red-zone effectiveness, to really make himself valuable at the end of the year.

Ryan Broyles, WR/KR, Oklahoma

Broyles is a nifty little guy who is not only a quality receiver, but also a proven kick returner, who could be utilized immediately in the Vikings’ system as early as next season, if drafted.

The Vikings are going to need quite a bit at WR next year, and Broyles is that all-around type of player who has above average skills in multiple areas—all being important.

Even if it is just for depth, Broyles is still a guy the Vikings want to target in 2012.

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

I mention Trumaine Johnson’s name for a few reasons.

The Vikings, indeed, will need another cornerback to nurture and grow within the system by next year, and Johnson is likely to enter the draft at the end of the season.

But what will be interesting to watch is the fact that Johnson may also get some time on offense, in an effort to better hone his skill set as a player, which could add to his value and intrigue.

Currently, Johnson is tied 17th in school history for interceptions.

He may also wind up being a true basement value pick when all things are said and done.

Dan Paul, FB , Boise State

For a few years now, the Broncos offense—particularly the ground game—has been stellar to say the least, and a lot of that has to do with FB Dan Paul.

I am personally a fan of the two back combo of FB and RB, and like what Paul brings to the table in regard to blocking skills, bull rushing and even a little skill in the passing game.

The Vikings would be with a huge "x-factor" element if they were able to land Paul in the 2012 draft; an element that could wind up elevating an already potent ground game, and a rising passing attack that could in fact be a force to reckon with in a few years to come.

I hope you guys enjoyed, and be aware that these are just my ideas. Do you have a player in mind? Let me and the community know, and why, and get the conversation going.

If you are a fantasy football fan, be sure to check out my latest Early Tight End Rankings piece, which could surprise a few.