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I'm dying to know how you guys thought I did!
Round 1 (17)
QB Brian Brohm - Louisville
I know most draft "experts" seem to think the Viking's biggest need is at DE. However, while I will acknowledge that there is a need there, the cupboard certainly isn't bare. The Vikings have a few good (but not great) DE's in Erasmus James, Brian Robinson and Ray Edwards. At this point in the draft, with Long, Gholston, Merling and Harvey off the board, in my opinion, there isn't really another DE worthy of a 1st round selection in this rather weak DE class. That makes my choice extremely easy.
Whether the Vikings organization wants to admit it publically or not, their biggest need by far is at the QB position, where the cupboard is as bare as it gets. Last year, the Viking defense was the strength of the team, and with the exception of Adrian "All-Day" Peterson, the offense was atrocious... mainly due to horrible QB play. Brohm provides and immediate and drastic upgrade to the position.
Brohm wowed scouts at the combine and his pro day by throwing his usual extremely accurate passes. He was the only QB at the combine to not miss a single throw. He has a great arm, not a howitzer like Flacco, but of the QB's in the combine he had the second best arm strength. He ran a solid 40 at his Pro Day, siliencing the critics on his running speed. Plus he had the best Wonderlic score of all 2008 NFL combine players. With his hyper-accurate throwing ability, incredible football smarts, excellent arm and ability to buy time by moving in the pocket, he is the perfect fit for the Vikings WCO.
Round 2 (47)
DE Lawrence Jackson - USC
Jackson is one of the top 5 DE's in the draft, I had him listed ahead of other DE's that have been taken already. He's a high-motor prospect that should be able to step in and bolster the Vikings defense right out of the gate. Could stand to be just a tad bit quicker off of the edge, but has ideal size and strength and he does all of the right things to break up the passing game. Is stout against the run as well, so he'll fit in with Kevin Williams and Pat Williams quite well in the Vikings "You ain't gonna run the ball!" defense. Faced constant double and triple teams in college, and that is going to come to an end in the pros with the attention that's drawn inside to the Williams duo. So, I think he''ll be very productive with the Vikings, and I think I got a bit of a steal here at pick 47.
Round 3 (73)
WR Jordy Nelson - Kansas State
This was a tough pick for me because there were so many good players still on the board. But I had to pull the trigger on Nelson because not only did he fall to me, you've just got to love this kid. He's got good speed, excellent size, great hands, and a humble attitude. In my opinion, he's the most precise and reliable route-runner in the draft, having already established himself as someone who knows how to out-position and box-out defensive backs, which is an invaluable trait when going to the next level, and one that some receivers just never develop. This kid went from being a walk-on from small town America, to be being an All-American star as a senior. He finished second in the nation in both receptions (122) and receiving yards (1,606).
Need proof that he's the real deal? Check out this video...
Jordy Nelson makes Aqib Talib his bizzich.
I figure he helps bolster a WR corps in Minnesota that could use some good, young talent. Since the teams major need positions were already largely addressed with my previous selections, I figure it's time to add quality depth whereever I can. I think Nelson could push Bobby Wade and Robert Ferguson right away for the 3rd or 4th receiver spot next to Rice and Berrian.
Round 3 (82)
OT Duane Brown - Virginia Tech
Brown is one of the most athletic OT's in this years draft. He finished in the top 5 among offensive tackles in most of the combine workouts. His technique still has room for improvement, but his athleticism is outstanding and his size is excellent. He was projected as either a late 2nd to early 3rd round pick, just about everywhere, so I feel very fortunate to be able to take him this late in the 3rd. Brown will fill a need for the Vikings, as they do need some help on the right side of their line. Brown will add much needed depth there, and he should immediately push for a starting spot at either right tackle, or possibly right guard.
Round 4 (123)
C Steve Justice - Wake Forest
At this point in the draft, I've filled all of the major needs that the Vikings have, and so I'm looking largely at value and still addressing minor needs. While the Center position isn't something the organization has a need for going into the 2008 season, it's likely something they will need going into 2009. All-pro center Matt Birk is turning 33 and his contract is up next year as well. While I hope and pray that he stays healthy, and is re-signed with the team going into 2009, it's a good idea to add depth at the position and it certainly wouldn't hurt to add a smart and versitile athlete like Steve Justice into the mix. He would add much needed depth on the line, and could push for the starting right guard position going into 2008. If the team is lucky enough to re-sign Birk, it's feasible that he could continue to play there in the future.
Justice was the anchor on Wake's offensive line while in college and was the recipient of numerous awards, including the ACC's Jacob's Blocking Trophy. He is one of those players that I've had my eye on all through the draft, and I expecting him to go in round 3, so I feel very fortunate to be able to take him here.
Round 5 (155)
SS Craig Steltz – LSU
While buried on the LSU depth chart behind LaRon Landry in 2006, Craig Steltz was once viewed as a player who was as nothing more than a savvy overachiever who made up for his lack of athletic ability with smart gameplay. He has since shattered that misguided believe and has risen to the top of the 2008 Safety rankings for the NFL draft, with most draft experts having him ranked as the 4th best player at the position. Steltz flew under the rader of many scouts due to the fact that he was Unable to participate in the Senior Bowl or the Combine due to a shoulder injury suffered in the National Championship game. However, during the LSU Pro Day, Steltz impressed scouts with a 4.52 40 time and a 35 inch vertical (a test designed to show explosiveness) which was even better than WR Early Doucet.
Steltz has superb size, an excellent frame and superior instincts. He's one of those players who has a knack for being around the ball. Stout against the run. Superior hands and ball skills. A sure tackler who is also known for laying bone-crushing hits. Has a warrior mentality.
The Vikings have only Eric Frampton and Michael Boulware backing up starters Darren Sharper and Madieu Williams... which is a significant drop-off in talent levels should either of the starters suffer an injury. Given the importance of the Saftey position in the Cover 2 defense that the Vikings run, the presense of a smart, athletic and ball-hawking power-hitter like Steltz will be very valuable.
Round 6 (182)
DE Darrell Robertson - Georgia Tech
Darrell Robertson is the picture perfect definition of a true pass rusher. The 6-5 Georgia Tech product tallied 6.5 sacks and 16.0 tackles for loss as a senior. A year earlier, he racked up three sacks and seven tackles for loss. During his sophomore season, he was the main backup at defensive end and often came in on obvious passing situations. Even when Robertson was just a sophomore, if the Yellow Jackets wanted somebody to get to the quarterback, he was their man. Needless to say, I feel that he fits what the Vikings needs are quite well. He, along with Lawrence Jackson, should immediately help bolster the Vikings pass rushing situation, hopefully turning what was once a weakness, into a strength.
Round 6 (193)
WR Todd Blythe - Iowa State
Todd Blythe only had a 4.61 40, but he has superb route running ability, and like Jordy Nelson, he's already mastered the art of how to block out and out-position defensive backs. Not to mention the fact that he's 6-5 with the some of the best hands in the entire draft. Blythe put up fantastic numbers in college, owning every Iowa State recieving record including receiving yards (3,096), receptions (176) and touchdown receptions (31). It really gives you pause when thinking about those numbers, because he never had a decent QB, or even an average offense during his entire college career... but still put up those kind of numbers? That's crazy. Sleeper pick of the draft? I'd like to think so.
Round 7 (209)
K Taylor Mehlhaff - Wisconsin
Although there were a lot of good players left to choose from, I decided that I would take Mehlhaff because he's far and away the best kicker in this draft class.
Although Ryan Longwell is a decent NFL kicker, he's certainly not great so I figure it's time to heat up the kicker competition in Minnesota. If Mehlhaff lives up to his resume and unseats Longwell, a guy like Longwell would be easy enough to trade for either players or future draft picks. So this selection would be win-win for the organization.
Mehlhaff has a super-strong leg and is very consistent as a kicker. He is used to kicking in bad weather as well. His leg strength and accuracy should extend the overall field goal range that the Vikings have to work with in 2008. And considering their anemic passing game (assuming Tarvaris Jackson's somehow keeps the starting job for the start of the season) they will probably need it. He should have no problem taking Longwell's role as the field goal kicker for the Vikes. However, if for some reason he fails to oust Longwell, he'd likely make the roster as a kick return specialist either way.
I'm dying to know how you guys thought I did!
Round 1 (17)
QB Brian Brohm - Louisville
I know most draft "experts" seem to think the Viking's biggest need is at DE. However, while I will acknowledge that there is a need there, the cupboard certainly isn't bare. The Vikings have a few good (but not great) DE's in Erasmus James, Brian Robinson and Ray Edwards. At this point in the draft, with Long, Gholston, Merling and Harvey off the board, in my opinion, there isn't really another DE worthy of a 1st round selection in this rather weak DE class. That makes my choice extremely easy.
Whether the Vikings organization wants to admit it publically or not, their biggest need by far is at the QB position, where the cupboard is as bare as it gets. Last year, the Viking defense was the strength of the team, and with the exception of Adrian "All-Day" Peterson, the offense was atrocious... mainly due to horrible QB play. Brohm provides and immediate and drastic upgrade to the position.
Brohm wowed scouts at the combine and his pro day by throwing his usual extremely accurate passes. He was the only QB at the combine to not miss a single throw. He has a great arm, not a howitzer like Flacco, but of the QB's in the combine he had the second best arm strength. He ran a solid 40 at his Pro Day, siliencing the critics on his running speed. Plus he had the best Wonderlic score of all 2008 NFL combine players. With his hyper-accurate throwing ability, incredible football smarts, excellent arm and ability to buy time by moving in the pocket, he is the perfect fit for the Vikings WCO.
Round 2 (47)
DE Lawrence Jackson - USC
Jackson is one of the top 5 DE's in the draft, I had him listed ahead of other DE's that have been taken already. He's a high-motor prospect that should be able to step in and bolster the Vikings defense right out of the gate. Could stand to be just a tad bit quicker off of the edge, but has ideal size and strength and he does all of the right things to break up the passing game. Is stout against the run as well, so he'll fit in with Kevin Williams and Pat Williams quite well in the Vikings "You ain't gonna run the ball!" defense. Faced constant double and triple teams in college, and that is going to come to an end in the pros with the attention that's drawn inside to the Williams duo. So, I think he''ll be very productive with the Vikings, and I think I got a bit of a steal here at pick 47.
Round 3 (73)
WR Jordy Nelson - Kansas State
This was a tough pick for me because there were so many good players still on the board. But I had to pull the trigger on Nelson because not only did he fall to me, you've just got to love this kid. He's got good speed, excellent size, great hands, and a humble attitude. In my opinion, he's the most precise and reliable route-runner in the draft, having already established himself as someone who knows how to out-position and box-out defensive backs, which is an invaluable trait when going to the next level, and one that some receivers just never develop. This kid went from being a walk-on from small town America, to be being an All-American star as a senior. He finished second in the nation in both receptions (122) and receiving yards (1,606).
Need proof that he's the real deal? Check out this video...
Jordy Nelson makes Aqib Talib his bizzich.
I figure he helps bolster a WR corps in Minnesota that could use some good, young talent. Since the teams major need positions were already largely addressed with my previous selections, I figure it's time to add quality depth whereever I can. I think Nelson could push Bobby Wade and Robert Ferguson right away for the 3rd or 4th receiver spot next to Rice and Berrian.
Round 3 (82)
OT Duane Brown - Virginia Tech
Brown is one of the most athletic OT's in this years draft. He finished in the top 5 among offensive tackles in most of the combine workouts. His technique still has room for improvement, but his athleticism is outstanding and his size is excellent. He was projected as either a late 2nd to early 3rd round pick, just about everywhere, so I feel very fortunate to be able to take him this late in the 3rd. Brown will fill a need for the Vikings, as they do need some help on the right side of their line. Brown will add much needed depth there, and he should immediately push for a starting spot at either right tackle, or possibly right guard.
Round 4 (123)
C Steve Justice - Wake Forest
At this point in the draft, I've filled all of the major needs that the Vikings have, and so I'm looking largely at value and still addressing minor needs. While the Center position isn't something the organization has a need for going into the 2008 season, it's likely something they will need going into 2009. All-pro center Matt Birk is turning 33 and his contract is up next year as well. While I hope and pray that he stays healthy, and is re-signed with the team going into 2009, it's a good idea to add depth at the position and it certainly wouldn't hurt to add a smart and versitile athlete like Steve Justice into the mix. He would add much needed depth on the line, and could push for the starting right guard position going into 2008. If the team is lucky enough to re-sign Birk, it's feasible that he could continue to play there in the future.
Justice was the anchor on Wake's offensive line while in college and was the recipient of numerous awards, including the ACC's Jacob's Blocking Trophy. He is one of those players that I've had my eye on all through the draft, and I expecting him to go in round 3, so I feel very fortunate to be able to take him here.
Round 5 (155)
SS Craig Steltz – LSU
While buried on the LSU depth chart behind LaRon Landry in 2006, Craig Steltz was once viewed as a player who was as nothing more than a savvy overachiever who made up for his lack of athletic ability with smart gameplay. He has since shattered that misguided believe and has risen to the top of the 2008 Safety rankings for the NFL draft, with most draft experts having him ranked as the 4th best player at the position. Steltz flew under the rader of many scouts due to the fact that he was Unable to participate in the Senior Bowl or the Combine due to a shoulder injury suffered in the National Championship game. However, during the LSU Pro Day, Steltz impressed scouts with a 4.52 40 time and a 35 inch vertical (a test designed to show explosiveness) which was even better than WR Early Doucet.
Steltz has superb size, an excellent frame and superior instincts. He's one of those players who has a knack for being around the ball. Stout against the run. Superior hands and ball skills. A sure tackler who is also known for laying bone-crushing hits. Has a warrior mentality.
The Vikings have only Eric Frampton and Michael Boulware backing up starters Darren Sharper and Madieu Williams... which is a significant drop-off in talent levels should either of the starters suffer an injury. Given the importance of the Saftey position in the Cover 2 defense that the Vikings run, the presense of a smart, athletic and ball-hawking power-hitter like Steltz will be very valuable.
Round 6 (182)
DE Darrell Robertson - Georgia Tech
Darrell Robertson is the picture perfect definition of a true pass rusher. The 6-5 Georgia Tech product tallied 6.5 sacks and 16.0 tackles for loss as a senior. A year earlier, he racked up three sacks and seven tackles for loss. During his sophomore season, he was the main backup at defensive end and often came in on obvious passing situations. Even when Robertson was just a sophomore, if the Yellow Jackets wanted somebody to get to the quarterback, he was their man. Needless to say, I feel that he fits what the Vikings needs are quite well. He, along with Lawrence Jackson, should immediately help bolster the Vikings pass rushing situation, hopefully turning what was once a weakness, into a strength.
Round 6 (193)
WR Todd Blythe - Iowa State
Todd Blythe only had a 4.61 40, but he has superb route running ability, and like Jordy Nelson, he's already mastered the art of how to block out and out-position defensive backs. Not to mention the fact that he's 6-5 with the some of the best hands in the entire draft. Blythe put up fantastic numbers in college, owning every Iowa State recieving record including receiving yards (3,096), receptions (176) and touchdown receptions (31). It really gives you pause when thinking about those numbers, because he never had a decent QB, or even an average offense during his entire college career... but still put up those kind of numbers? That's crazy. Sleeper pick of the draft? I'd like to think so.
Round 7 (209)
K Taylor Mehlhaff - Wisconsin
Although there were a lot of good players left to choose from, I decided that I would take Mehlhaff because he's far and away the best kicker in this draft class.
Although Ryan Longwell is a decent NFL kicker, he's certainly not great so I figure it's time to heat up the kicker competition in Minnesota. If Mehlhaff lives up to his resume and unseats Longwell, a guy like Longwell would be easy enough to trade for either players or future draft picks. So this selection would be win-win for the organization.
Mehlhaff has a super-strong leg and is very consistent as a kicker. He is used to kicking in bad weather as well. His leg strength and accuracy should extend the overall field goal range that the Vikings have to work with in 2008. And considering their anemic passing game (assuming Tarvaris Jackson's somehow keeps the starting job for the start of the season) they will probably need it. He should have no problem taking Longwell's role as the field goal kicker for the Vikes. However, if for some reason he fails to oust Longwell, he'd likely make the roster as a kick return specialist either way.
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