Minnesota Vikings 2008 NFL Draft Team Needs
June 8, 2008
The Vikings just missed the playoffs last season and proved they are headed in the right direction. They finishes 1st in the league in rush yards gained offensively and also 1st in the league in rush yards allowed defensively. It’s clear the Dolphins are solid in the trenches and in the backfield. QB Tarvaris Jackson needs to be more consistent if he’s to start in a Vikings uniform in 2008. Finding more weapons on the outside definitely wouldn’t hurt things. It would also help prevent Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor from seeing 8-man fronts to try and stop what Minnesota does best. Their pass defense could use upgrading on a few levels. Most opponents don’t even try to run against the Vikings. Minnesota is sitting solid with their salary cap, but the Vikings aren’t expected to go after too many free agents. Getting WR Bernard Berrian from Chicago and likely getting DE Jared Allan from K.C. are going to be two big moves in free agency that should pay major dividends.
2008 Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Defensive End
The Vikings have depth at this position with average players in Kenechi Udeze, Brian Robinson and Ray Edwards. But what the Vikings need to help the pass defense is a pure right end who can sack the passer. Erasmus James isn’t at the end of his career, but he’s far too injury-prone to be counted on. The Vikings are taking a good look at Jared Allan of K.C. and there’s a good chance Allan gets traded to Minnesota in exchange for a 3rd round draft pick. If they don’t get Allan, the Vikings will need to address this position through the Draft.
2.) Wide Receiver
Sidney Rice showed he can be a legitimate first-down maker, but there is little else to be desired at this position in Minnesota. The Vikings brought over Bernard Berrian from Chicago, but they will need to add another wide receiver on Draft Day to step in an play right away. Robert Ferguson is a free agent and Bobby Wade is average at best. Troy Williamson continues to be plagued by dropped passes and mental lapses, although he has the physical tools to be a good wide receiver. Williamson simply lacks the confidence and is considered a bust in Minnesota after being the seventh overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft.
3.) Cornerback
Cedric Griffin and Marcus McCauley played well at times last season, but both struggled mightily at other times. Antoine Winfield is the only proven guy on the Vikings roster, but he missed six games with injury. Griffin McCauley and Charles Gordon should have a future with the team. But when you look at a pass defense that allowed 264 yards per game through the air there is little question this position needs help in Minnesota.
4.) Quarterback
Jackson had an up and down season last year, but when he missed times his backups could not come in and get the job done. Brooks Bollinger and Kelly Holcomb are not capable of leading this team in more than just spot duty. At least one of the two could be back, but the Vikings will be looking to groom a late-round QB for some future insurance to Jackson.
5.) Offensive Tackle
Ryan Cook was a liability at tackle come season’s end last year. He cut back on penalties in the second half, but committed a crucial holding penalty in the red zone against the Denver Broncos to basically cost the Vikings any chance of making the playoffs. Cook also allowed too much pressure and needed help from double-teams by his guards to get the job done. Expect Cook to have a competitor to take his position once the Vikings select an offensive tackle in the 2008 NFL Draft.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
Brad Childress and Darrell Bevell have worked together to combine elements of the Eagels’ West Coast offense, but have adjusted to fit their great run-game personnel. The zone-blocking scheme has evolved and the receivers must take pride in being able to hold blocks on the outside. WR Malcolm Kelly of Oklahoma, WR Davone Bess of Hawaii and WR Adarius Bowman of Oky State are a few players at this position the Vikings could use via NFL Draft. ORT Mike McGlynn of Pittsburgh and OT Barry Richardson of Clemson are two guys that could be giving Ryan Cook competition at the tackle position. OG-C Matt Spanos of USC would add depth on their interior.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
Leslie Frazier tended to use the team’s base “Tampa-2″ scheme early in the season. He then developed a nice pressure package that involved pressure looks at different angles that kept defenses more honest. Quickness is crucial with their LB’s and DB’s. Being able to recover in a split second are the kind of players the Vikings are looking for. DE Derrick Harvey of Florida, DE Jason Jones of Eastern Michigan, DE Marcus Howard of Georgia and DE Tommy Black of TCU are four ends the Vikings might be calling on Draft Day. S Reggie Smith of Oklahoma and CB Terrell Thomas of USC would fit nicely into the Vikings secondary.
