2012 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings Look To Be Offensive-Minded

Okay, not to sound redundant, but it looks like it's going to be a 2-14 season, maybe 3-13, and complete optimism says 4-12, but that would mean the Vikings have to win two of their final four, and thus far have two in 12 games.

The 2-14 or 3-13 record would ensure a top-four pick. The order will most likely be Colts, Rams, Jaguars and then Vikings. There could be some shifting, but it's unlikely the Vikings will draft lower than six.

Before I get started, a little back story. There are going to be offseason moves, and not just in personnel. Offensively, the Vikings had no offseason, a new quarterback who failed miserably and a new scheme, so it is not surprising to see them struggle.

However, many fans are calling for Bill Musgrave to go. I do not think that is wise. We don't need to have Christian Ponder playing musical chairs with OCs. I think we need to give this offense time. However, there could be other coaching changes though.

Now that we have established the supposed order of draft, let's get to what this article is intended to do. The idea here is to examine each position on the offense, grade its value and draft priority, but this will not cost you $6.95, like those prediction magazines you see on store shelves. This is for free, so let's get started.

Quarterback: Grade B

Ponder's progress is crucial to the success of the Vikings moving forward. A two- or three-year experiment will only set the franchise back even more so. By all accounts the kid has not disappointed. In fact, you could argue that he has been a pleasant surprise to many who, at one point in the draft, ridiculed the Vikings for "reaching" for Ponder. I have always said, if this is your guy and you believe in him, you pull the trigger and don't look back.

The grade B is about what we have now and moving forward. It is not about what happened in the first eight games. It is about our current crop of quarterbacks on the roster.

Joe Webb is a good backup, but I am curious as to whether the Vikings will see him as the No. 2, move him to wide receiver—or what? He is a talented kid with much to offer. I can sympathize with the Vikings' dilemma.

Sage Rosenfels is a capable backup and he is our 21st century version of Bob Lee. For those of you who don't know, Bob Lee was Fran Tarkenton's backup. He left and went to the Falcons for a few years only to return to Minnesota and become the stopgap between Tarkenton and Kramer. Unfortunately for Rosenfels, he is not a stopgap. Ponder is here to stay.

If the Vikings draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft they are stupid for wasting a pick...will not happen.

Running Back: Grade A, as in AP

We still have the best running back in the NFL—sorry Titans fans, but our guy goes all out all day every week. Toby Gerhart is a capable backup, but as I have stated in a previous article, Gerhart would be excellent trade bait. I am a huge Gerhart fan but his talent is being wasted on a few carries a game.

True, Gerhart is earning his paycheck right now, but Booker is an adequate back and the Vikings could certainly fill this position in the mid to late rounds. Given their horrendous record, the Vikings are bound to receive compensatory picks.

Again, if you trade Gerhart, albeit doubtful, the Vikings could also address this via free agency, but if they look to the draft, consider the following players:

Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M

Steady "one cut"-type runner with pro-ready skills—most likely second- or third-round pick though.

Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati

Very quick slasher type. Would be great value pick in mid-rounds if he drops.

Vick Ballard, Mississippi State

Similar to Pead, could be available fourth or fifth round.

Offensive Line: Grade C

I know, some of you probably think I am out of line giving the line a grade of C, but there have been injuries and the shuffling has hurt them. Everyone knows the offensive line is about cohesiveness—a smooth-working, seamless unit of communication. When you have injuries and shuffling, it is going to reflect in your offense's ability to be consistent as well.

Other than Hutchinson, this is a relatively young group. Both Love and Fusco are rookies, and whether they are long-term solutions still remains to be seen. Herrera has been injured and for the most part has been an overachiever, but he too is getting up there in age. Charlie Johnson has been an adequate replacement for McKinnie, and since we are not privy to watching game film, we're not real sure as to how he grades out. Yes, he has given up sacks, but so do Jake Long in Miami and Jason Peters in Philadelphia, so it's going to happen.

The play at center is still in flux. Is Sullivan the long-term answer? Joe Berger is a nice versatile player.

No doubt the Vikings see this as a must-needs upgrade, and they will have to prioritize between offensive line and wide receiver. Matt Kalil has indicated that he might stay for his senior year. If he does, that leaves Riley Reiff of Iowa as the only other top-10 type. Yes, you could maybe throw Jonathan Martin into the mix as a top 10. If so, he is a possibility.

If they wait to address this in the second round, these players could be available.

Ricky Wagner, T, Wisconsin

We love Big 12 linemen, period.

Kalechi Osemele, G, Iowa State

A 6'5" 347-pound mauler—enough said.

Andrew Datko, T, FSU

One of Ponder's former Seminoles could supplant Loadholt.

Levy Adcock, T, Oklahoma State

Comes from a spread style offense, but has good footwork and can hold his own on run blocking.

Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

Again, 6'5" 348-pound  mauler who could slide into tackle. He and DeCastro are top-ranked guards, so it's unlikely he will be there at 35 or so when the Vikings select.

Late-Round Possibilities: Brandon Mosley, T, Auburn; Senio Kelemete, G, Washington; Tony Bergstrom, T, Utah

Wide Receivers: Grade C-

Outside of Percy Harvin, the receiving corps for the Vikings has been a mess for a while now. With second-tier receivers in Aromashodu and Jenkins, the Vikings will no doubt pursue with great vigor a receiver who will command deep-threat respect.

If Justin Blackmon is there at No. 3 or 4, the Vikings' most likely selection spot, I would bet the bank he is their pick.

If Blackmon is gone—do not discount the Rams picking Blackmon—the Vikings would most assuredly turn their attention to offensive line with either Kalil (should he declare) or Reiff available. Minnesota would have to redirect to that position in Round 2.

Minnesota could also attempt to trade down, but this speculation is based on free agency, best player available, etc. I am all for trading down to collect another pick or two, but not at the cost of a sure-fire pick we may later regret.

If Minnesota misses on Blackmon early on, it is most likely that Malcolm Floyd, Alshon Jeffery and maybe even Kendall Wright will join him as first-round selections. That leaves the following as possible second-round picks:

Reuben Randle, LSU

Another in a long line of talented Tigers. Randle might go first round depending on where he falls on teams' draft boards.

Dwight Jones, UNC

A big, explosive type who has gotten better every year.

Tommy Streeter, The U

A sleeper because he is on a terrible team, but this kid has explosive potential and blows by people. Downfall is the dropsy factor.

One thing is for sure: This is a position the Vikings will address in the first or second round.

Tight Ends: Grade B

There is a question as to whether Shiancoe will be back—A, he's a free agent, and B, he'll be 32 this summer. The age doesn't concern me; what concerns me is Shiancoe's inability to separate anymore. Every time he catches a ball someone seems to be right there with him. Yes that's good that he catches the ball, but it also tells me he can be baited by faster defensive backs (see Charles Woodson's INT versus Ponder a few weeks back).

Right now the roster shows: Shiancoe, Rudolph, Kleinsasser, Reisner and Shuler (with Shuler on the PC). Reisner is another rookie who could show promise, and Shuler is packing up the frequent flyer miles between Minnesota and Miami.

The position is not a high-priority need, but with Musgrave's system, the tight end appears to be a vital component and with a running back like Peterson, a two- or three-tight end alignment has shown to be a nice wrinkle and in the passing game pits the tight ends against overmatched linebackers. Another really athletic tight end in the mix is as dangerous as a wide receiver on the outside.

More and more you are seeing teams with two tight ends who are running routes and catching balls.

Again, I don't know if this a position the Vikings pursue. I think it all depends on Shiancoe, whether he stays or goes. However, if the Vikings are looking to replace him and someone like Coby Fleener of Stanford or Tyler Eifert of Notre Dame drops into their laps, it's hard to resist playmakers no matter their position.

Other notable tight ends are Drake Dunsmore of Northwestern and David Paulsen of Oregon.

Well, there it is—an early assessment of draft strategy and analysis. Once the season is over, I will begin to post mock drafts. I hope you tune in. As always, your constructive comments are welcome.