Round 1

# 23 George Selvie If he lasts it would an upgrade as a pass rusher on the left side. Ala Demarcus Ware.
Alternate picks: Phil Loadholt ROT , Duke Robinson ROG, VIctor Harris CB, Percy Harvin WR

Round 2

#23 Rhett Bromar,
Alternate picks: Brandon Pettigrew, Herman Johnson, Demarcus Granger,

Round 3

#23 Demetrius Bryd
Alternate Picks: Max Unger ( Does anyone believe Sullivan or COok can replace Birk),
Terrance Taylor NT Michigan, Alphonso Smith Drops due to Hieght though he's a player
he'll be great Nickle back. It will be tough for him to go against those 6'6 receivers.

I dont think Rhett will go that high, i think you would still be able to get him in the 4th 5th or maybe 6th round if he doesnt impress at post season workouts

I don't see DE being a need for us. I think we'll sign Udeze to a veteran minimum contract, Ray Edwards will be back and Robison is a good option for 3rd downs. Depending on how his workouts go I'd like to see us bring in Terrence Cody to eventually replace Fat Pat... Or go with CB - maybe Vontae Davis. I like the look of Josh Freeman as well... hopefully he'll be around til our 2nd round pick.

Rd 1
Terrence Cody/Vontae Davis

Rd 2
Josh Freeman

Rd 3
Depends on who's taken in the first two rds...

* Yes, I think John Sullivan will take over for Birk and do a fine job next year. Somebody will make a huge offer to lure Birk away. Of course, fans were wondering whether Birk could replace Jeff Christy early in his career and the same situation appears to be on the doorstep today.

Terrence Cody has said he is staying in Alabama, so you can cross him off your list.

Totally agree DE isn't a big priorty this year. I think if Robison keeps at it he could push for the starting spot ahead of Ray Edwards. Depth is the only concern and the can be easily rectified.

NO!!! John Sullivan would be a mediocre zone blocking center. He lacks the speed to get his bulk in position to create any of the flow that would benefit the run game and create a unified front.

I think this is a year where the vikings can afford to be at the tail end of the 1st round. A trade down here to the end of the draft and pick up another third or fourth round would be beneficial. Reason being is the caliber of Centers coming out of college. I like the guy out of Arkansas by the name of Luigs. He has played in a system similar to the Vikings, shows good speed and is massive.

Vikes fans, how about the following:

1. DJ Moore
2. Jonathan Luigs
3. Nate Davis

I said Jonathan Luigs previously but i dont think he will last to our second round draft slot. It might be necessary to trade down to the bottom of the 1st round to net such a behemoth to anchor the middle.

1. Jonathon Luigs- Arkansas- C/OL
2. Boo Robinson- Wake Forest- DT
3. Tyrone McKenzie- South Florida- OLB

what is with all the linemen don't the Vikings need secondary help? Offenses chewed the Vikings up through the air.

No way the Vikings take a defensive lineman in the 1st 2 rounds. I agree that they need immediate help in these 3 areas:

CB
OL
QB

1st Round - Michael Jenkins CB Ohio St
2nd Round - Josh Freeman QB Kansas State
3Rd Round - William Beatty OT UConn

Malcolm Jenkins will not be available when the Vikings pick.

I agree...get yourselves either Vontae Davis or my guy DJ Moore.

have you even looked at the possible FA. The Vikings wont draft another QB and make 3 inexperienced and unreliable options at the position look for them to pick up a veteran that may have one or two years left to train someone like Booty to the NFL level. CB is somewhat of a worry spot. With Winfeild aging soem concerns were raised. The reason it seemed that Griffin struggled down the road was becuse he was playing opposite Winfield. Of course they are going to throw away from Winfeild in Griffin 's direction. The Vikings need a nickleback mostly, there will be several viable options in FA to let McCualey mature a little under (GET OF THAT GARBAGE THAT IS CALLED BENNY SAPP!!!!). OL is my biggest concern. With Birk leaving, McKinnie one infraction away from a long suspension, and obsolutely no talent at the right tackle spot this needs to be addressed in the draft the most. And what is wrong with a future after Pat. Boo is the coming of Pat part 2! And Napolean Harris was no substitute for E.J what would the Vikings do if Leber went down for the year!?!?
That is why our priorites should be
1) C/ OT
2) OT/ DT
3) LB either middle or Outside

There is always a possibility that the Vikings will try and get a FA QB but who will be available? Kyle Bolger? Jeff Garcia? When I look around the league I don't see too many top flight veteran QBs coming available for free agency.
Kurt Warner may be possible but it would depend on whether the Cardinals think Matt Leinart is ready to take over ( also depends on how they do this Sunday against the Steelers ).
If the Vikes could pry McNabb out of Philly he would a good fit for the team and help tutor Jackson, Booty and whoever else the team drafts this year. He had a good relationship with Childress when they were in Philadelphia together.

They still need DB help - Vontae Davis would certainly fit in if he's available- some draft boards have him going ahead of Jenkins. They also might want to look to the CFL for players that have fallen through the cracks like Brandon Browner from the Calgary Stampeders - 6-4 220 lbs and plays man cover on the CFL Field which is 110 yds long and 65 yds wide.

They also need help at WR - Louis Murphy from Florida is a possibilty. This guy is 6-3, 204 lbs and runs a 4.33 40. Most draft boards have him as a 2nd-3rd round pick this year. Berrian on one side and Murphy on the other - Viking QB's would definitely have the players to stretch defenses vertically next year!

I am not suggesting Kyle Boller or Garcia but instead players like Kerry Collins who if the Titans even want to consider Vince Young as a future porspect will hit the market. Kerry Collins, David Carr, and Charlie Frye will hit the market. I dont know if Philly would even do more than think about letting McNabb escape. I would love a signing of Collins. Mostly cause if the Vikings were to cut a QB allowing Another talent like Sanchez to develop under Chilly and the wise veteran of Collins it could be a major upgrade (NFl teams for the sake of cap room only carry 3 QBS).

But anyways here is my revised top three (maybe till FA signings)
1) Eben Britton- Arizona- ROT-----COOK IS GONE!!! HOORAY!
2) Jonathon Luigs- Arkansas- C------a mass that is the best option available
3) Jabrius Byrd- Oregon- CB-------big corner to battle with Calvin Johnson and the bigger WRs
1)

I believe most teams keep a qb on the pratice roster and dress 3 for games.

Sanchez will be long gone by the time the Vikings pick comes along. The top 4 rated QB's in this draft are Stafford, Sanchez, Freeman and Davis and there are plenty of teams looking for QB's in this draft; in no particular order Detroit, SF, Chicago and KC come immediately to mind. Guys in the later rounds that could be available when Minnesota picks are Rhett Bomar, Dan Lefevour, and that guy out of Central Arkansas, Nathan Brown. Haven't seen him play but he put up some absurd numbers this year. Might be worth a late round pick.
Revised 1st 3 picks

1- CB - Davis, Jenkins or D.J. Moore would all be excellent choices
2- OT - Jason Smith Baylor 6-5 300lbs

Jason Smith is proboly a top 15 Pick now, and could go ahead of one of the "Big 3" tackles.

I believe most teams keep a qb on the pratice roster and dress 3 for games.

Sanchez will be long gone by the time the Vikings pick comes along. The top 4 rated QB's in this draft are Stafford, Sanchez, Freeman and Davis and there are plenty of teams looking for QB's in this draft; in no particular order Detroit, SF, Chicago and KC come immediately to mind. Guys in the later rounds that could be available when Minnesota picks are Rhett Bomar, Dan Lefevour, and that guy out of Central Arkansas, Nathan Brown. Haven't seen him play but he put up some absurd numbers this year. Might be worth a late round pick.

Revised 1st 3 picks

1- C- Alex Mack - California
2- CB - Jarious Byrd Oregon
3- NT - Chris Baker Hampton
3-

If you are gonna go hunting for a NT the best option becuase of raw potential and size is Boo Robinson out of Wake Forest. Depends on how his combine and workouts go he could end up a round two pick but he will more than likely be a round 3 because of his average college numbers. Alex Mack, I will have to admit, is a smart, big, young gun that may have it together for NFL level football better than Luigs. He never was in a zone blocking scheme like Luigs was though and that may cause the Vikings to hesitate in taking him instead of Luigs. JAIRUS Byrd is a good prospect but not a great one. He is alittle on the slow side for NFL corners and will be a round 3 or 4 pick because he lacks the speed to play in a system other than the Cover 2.

What do you guys think of signing a RT this year in FA. Who is out there?

so (I know it isnt FA yet)....
1) Alex Mack- California- C
2) Sean Smith- Utah- CB
3) Alex Boone- Ohio State- OT or Boo Robinson- Wake Forest- NT

Robinson should have a fine year as a senior at Wake Forest this fall.

A good ROT no one is talking about except CDS (He's our 11th-ranked OT overall) is UNC's Garrett Reynolds.

where are you seeing him as going in the draft? I don't know anything about the guy.
What Boo is staying in school!?!?

Please. No more QBs from South Alabamas, Central Arkansas' or Bum Luck Dakotas. If we gotta pick a rookie QB, let it be Freeman (assuming Sanchez and Stafford are gone), sign a journeyman (Collins?) and cut T-Jack.

1) Britton, Black, Vontae or Moore
2) Freeman (I hope) or Jason Smith or a Safety
3) Linebacker

NO QBS ARE WORTH IT. WAIT A YEAR FOR THE ELITE QB CLASS!!!! The Vikings need to sign someone that the can squeeze year or two out of. Farve has said he missed the NFC North. Lure him out retirement (wouldnt that be funny). I am just tired of wasting picks on QBs that have the speculative rocket arm, and quick feet watching them crash and burn (sound familiar TJack). Sign Warner, Collins, Farve, Garcia,or (god what have we come to) Losman. We need to draft C for sure and ROT. Why safety? Are you stupid? What did we draft Tyrell Johnson for and sign Madieu Williams. We dont need a safety we need a corner to play nickle or the short side of the field in Cover 2. We need to get rid of Benny Sapp. He made to many bone head plays and stupid costly penalties. Linebacker isnt as pressing we just need depth.

1) Alex Mack- Oregon- C
2) Sean Smith- Utah- CB
3) Alex Boone- Ohio State- ROT
or alternately
1) Eben Britton- Arizona- ROT
2) Jonathon Luigs- Arkansas-c
3) Jarious Byrd- Oregon- CB

and then address in 4- Linebacker 5- WR (slot) 6- depth or TE 7- depth or TE

The Vikings could dominate the NFC North if they brought in a Jeff Garcia or Kurt Warner....

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't waste another year with the talent they have. Warner is likely to stay with Arz. But just a couple days ago I told my viking friend fan that if I gm'ed his team I would sign Garcia and draft a QB.

There is no reason with that def, oline and running game that the vikes couldn't win the NFC with garcia.

or sage roesenfels, apparently.

I agree, but it looks like the Minnesota front office thinks Sage is the way to go.

i told you the Vikings are just gonna sign another journey man like Sage Rosenfels to fill the role that Gus Ferotte was in. QB will be drafted next year when i much stronger class is entering the NFL.

Really this thread could be the first 4 rounds now that we no longer have a fourth. But here is my pre FA/ Day Before mock.

1) Vontae Davis- Illinois- CB
2) Jonathon Luigs- Arkansas- C
3) Marcus Freeman- Ohio State- LB

Vontae Davis had had a great combine but didnt have the stellar pick totals that you would expect from a elite star coming out of college, plays very much like Winfeild.
Jonathon Luigs had the combine that was expected of him. Nothing electrifying but still in the upper portion of the charts. Fits the Vikings system the best out of any prospect.
Freeman will be a multi postion backup. During the reason the Vikings parted with Alexander leaving a deficit of talent behind the aging Leber and when E.J. Henderson went down Napolean Harris wasnt a great substitute. Freeman will also provide some consistent tackling prowess to the terrible special teams.

Probably not Sage...but he does have an upside.

Shouldn't they take a qb this year too? They don't have a ton of pressing needs to fill in the draft. Next years class is still no guarantee to be strong. Plus if you take one this year it just bumps up a year of development.

No they wont pick QB anymore this year. With the big three in Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Colt McCoy next year the Vikings should get one for sure

I agree - with the addition of Sage Rosenfals the Vikings won't take a QB this year. I don't see any of the big 3 next year coming our way either unless the entire season goes FUBAR and they finish anywhere in the bottom 5 teams. This year I can see them drafting OL, CB, DT and / or WR.

Ist Round - If OL Eben Britton (Arizona) or Max Unger ( Oregon ) is available when they draft the Vikings should grab him. If not I can see them going with a CB like Coye Francies ( San Jose State ). Either of them could start right away.

2nd Round - Depends on what they took in round 1 - OL's Jonathan Luigs (Arkansas), Troy Kropog ( Tulane ) or Phil Loadholt ( Oklahoma ) are all good fits for the Vikings. Ditto CB's Sean Smith ( Utah ), Sherrod Martin ( Troy ) or Mike Mickens / Brandon Underwood ( Cincinnati )

3rd Round - DT - John Gill ( Northwestern ) or Alex Magee ( Purdue )
5th Round - WR - Louis Murphy ( Florida ) or Pat White ( West Virginia)
7th Round - RB - Gartrell Johnson ( Colorado State ) - a solid downhill battering ram at 5-10 and 222 lbs

Make up your mind and pick a person for each selection spot already!

This is only if we dont trade for Cutler I vote say send Chester Taylor, John Sullivan and the 1st round pick to Denver for Cutler and Arrington.

1st Round--- Max Unger- Oregon- C
We can probably manage to trade down. Maybe with the Titans in order to pick up more selections. Unger is a stud. He has the mental game to play the Center as well as the size factor. He could also flex to G or T if need be but with what I am hearing Sullivan was greatly under strength and couldn't hold ground as well as expected unless he made major strides he will be the backup again.

2nd Round--- Phil Loadholt- Oklahoma- ROT
Is massive. The perfect NFL ROT prospect

3rd Round--- Terrance Taylor- Michigan- NT
Big Papa Pat is getting old and is facing suspension. Bring in the next generation of immovable NT to reinforce the Purple People Eaters

5th Round--- Jeremy Childs- Boise State- WR
Wes Welkerish slot type of WR. Has some KR potential

7th Round--- Andrew Davie- Arkansas- TE
Better option then Garret Mills!

7th Round--- Lendy Holmes- Oklahoma- S
Need some depth! Has KR intangibles

The players I listed were dependent on what was available at the time. If I was limiting myself to just 1 possible choice per selection then here's my list for the 7 rounds:

1 - OT Ebeb Britton - Arizona. A huge talent if he's available, played both Right and Left Tackle in college and could be moved inside if necessary. This guy's a Day One Starter!

2 - CB Sean Smith -Utah. The Vikings need a cornerback to match up with larger WR's like Calvin Johnson. Smith is 6'2, 215 lbs and has 4.5 speed. Can also add some value on returns and he can play safety.

3. - DT Sen'Derrick Marks - Auburn. As you said Pat Williams is getting old. Marks is more athletic than Terrence Taylor and is almost as big at 6'1 300lbs.

5. - WR Austin Collie - BYU. Not as quick as Wes Welker but cast from the same mold.

7 - WR Mike Wallace - Ole Miss. Kick off and Punt return specialist. Big time speed.

7 - OLB Dave Philistin - Maryland. Versitile, 3 position player. Has special teams value.

Yes Eben Britton would be a solid starter. But with a center that last year was listed as having issues with strength and size as well as ability to anchor the middle center should definitely be a priority. We will have shots at either Unger or Luigs during the draft depends on which has more of wow factor on the front office

Do you really think Sean Smith will make it. His combine was phenomenal, his physic astounding and his level of play head turning. As much as i would love having him in Minnesota i dont think he will make it to the Vikings. I would love to have the next Winfield in training to take the nickle slot and give Benny Sapp (moron) a swift kick out of Minnesota. Even so i think we will stay away from corner in the draft now that we have Winfield, Griffin, Gordon, McCauley, Paymeh, and Sapp in leading roles to see the field.

Same thing with Marks will he be aviable when the Vikings come to the podium? I find it doubtful.

With the addition of Glenn Holt I dont feel WR will be addressed anymore. Once again i ask why haven't we at least interviewed Tauscher anything that makes us stronger and weakens the rest of the division is something worth looking into.

1) Max Unger- Oregon- C
2) Jamon Meredith- South Carolina- RT
3) Terrance Taylor- Michigan- NT
5) Michael Bennet- Texas A&M- DE
7) Andrew Davie- Arkansas- TE
7) Derek Burrell- Kent State- LB

The Vikings should perhaps look to Canada to get a DT this draft. Vaughn Martin from the University of Western Ontario has declared himself eligible for the 2009 draft. This guy is a freak of nature - 6'3'' 331 lbs benched 225 lbs 33 times and did the 20 yd shuttle in 4.31 secs at a recent work out for NFL scouts.

Thanks for that tip! Anybody that big, agile and strong certainly needs to be checked out!

Vaughn only had 20.5 tackles as a RS Sophomore last fall though, with 1.5 sacks. Looks like he should maybe look into WWF first?

Yeah his totals were a little low, but he was double or triple teamed on blocking for most of the year. Then in the 2009 playoffs, Martin helped Western to win the national semifinal Mitchell Bowl over Saint Mary's and then was one of the top Mustangs in the 2008 Vanier Cup against Laval.

Martin finished the playoffs with one solo sack, six solo tackles, a forced fumble and a number of hurries.

He's still a raw talent but what a talent! He's definitely worth a look anyways.

In comparison B. J. Raji who is by consensus the top NT in this years' draft did not have more spectacular stats - 23 tackles, including 16 solo stops...made 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, forced one fumble and had three pass breakups.

True. No disrespect intended, but Raji was doing that against ACC , SEC competition and the like, not against Wilfred Laurier, Windsor and Guelph.

Don't get me wrong, we have great respect for smaller school talent here at CDS, and there is plenty of talent in Canada (I live right on the border and referee games in Canada on a regular basis) but you must ABSOLUTELY DOMINATE at that level to have a shot at jumping to the NFL.

Any idea why he is declaring so early? He really should have gone back and dominated for a year or two and then come out.

No disrespect taken, believe me. I do believe that we have a great untapped talent pool up here in the Great White North especially for OL , DL and LB positions, and generally the best football programs in Canada are on a par with D2 or FCS schools. I admit at the skilled positions we are WAY behind the players coming out of HS in the states, but that is mainly due to the lack of funding high school sports receive in this country.

As for why he came out early? Family reasons I believe, which is normally why these kids come out so early. There is also the possiblity NFL teams may look at him as an OL, possibley at guard, much like the Colts did with Dan Federkiel.

Another Canadian University player to look out for this draft is Jamal Lee, a running back from Bishops University. He's 6-1 225 lbs and ran a 4.39 40 at the recent CFL Draft Evaluations. He did play out of the spread in college, but he did dominate in one of the most competitive football conferences in Canada. He might even be able to transition to WR becasue of his speed.

FYI

Denver is reported to have agreed to send Jay Cutler to Chicago for Kyle Orton and the Bears 2009 and 2010 first round picks.

Nice article on CDS friend and poster Tyrell Johnson! He's ready to rock and roll this upcoming year.

http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_12068997?nclick_check=1

The Vikings need to take a few things to mind entering the draft this year. A) They need to protect the QB in order to let Sage try to add something through the air---- Center and RT Suspensions could gut the DLine for 4 games. With the pending suspensions of the Williams wall and age of the Pat it is time to look for the future of the purple people eaters---DT/ NT C) Jay Cutler doesn't have quality WR to throw to and a patch work OLine. Put some pressure in his face and Edwards hasn't produced and Robison hasn't been an impact---DE D) Don't worry about safety! We drafted Tyrell Johnson last year cause he is a freak in the secondary with better ball hawking abilities than Sharper, familiarity with the system, can clamp down on the run, and has speed. If Madieu stays healthy he will take the pressure off of Johnson to be a star immediately. Just help them with depth after the draft. E) Special Teams was disgraceful fix it!

With these things in mind I wrote up my mock and can say I am would like this scenario very much!



Round 1, Pick# 22 - Max Unger- Oregon- C/OT
Is the ideal selection for the state of the Vikings OL. With a gap at center and concerns about Sullivan's size and strength bringing in Unger would be helpful. He has good balance, foot quickness, scheme recognition, size, explosion and has a streak of nastiness. Unger also has great football smarts and can flex to RT if Sullivan wins the spot. This will improve the admittably weak RT spot and send Ryan Cook packing!
Round 2, Pick# 22 - Paul Kruger- Utah- DE
Has great athletic qualities and build. Has the long desirable frame of a pass rusher and stout explosion of a run stuffer. Great moves to get the QB. Will be a great opposite to Allen! Needs to add size without sacrificing speed cause he is undersized to be dominate as of now.
Round 3, Pick# 22 - Dorrell Scott- Clemson- NT
This guy reminds me of Pat. He has amazing size and potential with good speed getting lateral down the line and good burst and strength but nothing that stands out as completely dominate. Needs to spend some time in a weight room and polish moves but with his frame and a good leader to motivate him will turn into a dominate immovable NT. Bit of a project player and with Pat aging and facing suspension a safe pick!
Round 4, Pick# 1 - Traded for Sage Rosenfels
Look for the Vikings to target one of the great QBs to come out next year if this experiment doesn't work.
Round 5, Pick# 22 - Kevin Grant- Akron- LB
Similar to E.J. Henderson! Has a great work ethic and leadership qualities and has good growth and athletic intangibles but lacks the big program polish and exposure to make him anything more than a project player for the time being. His size and speed and great open field tackling makes him an instant improvement on the Special Teams!
Round 6, Pick# 1 - Traded To The Eagles
don't be freaking out the Vikings don't have an immediate need for WR they signed Glenn Holt for the time being. Nor is CB of pressing importance with Winfeild, Griffin, Gordon, Paymeh, McCauley, and (odd man out) Sapp on the roster. Don't worry alot about S either Johnson is solid with a year of NFL mentoring and if Williams stays healthy he will be an impact!
Round 7, Pick# 12 - Lendy Holmes- Oklahoma- S/CB
Has really no definite position. He has the speed and size to be a corner but is more suited to S because of his stiff hips and tendencies to float and jump the ball. KR experience
Round 7, Pick# 22 - Darrius Hill- Ball State- TE
Small for a TE but has great speed and catching abilities. Can easily add size because of his frame size! Needs a good weight program! Needs to be a Special Teamer for now and make a move for Garrett Mills's spot

While I agree that the areas the the Vikings need to address this year are the offensive line, defensive line plus adding some depth in key areas at linebacker and special teams, I can't quite get my head around some of your choices. This year is particularily deep in quality centers and offensive linemen so I don't really see the need to draft a center in the first round. A quality tackle with the 22nd pick would be my personnal preference in the first round and then address the center question in rounds 2 or 3. Anyways, after some thought here's how I see it playing out for the Vikings.

Round 1 22nd Pick - OT Eben Britton 6-6 310 lbs Arizona
Some mock drafts have the Vikings taking a linebacker or a cornerback here. I can’t see Brad Childress using this pick on anything else than to bolster the offensive line to allow Adrian Petersen to continue making defenses look silly. Eben Britton is one of the top tackles in this draft and can play on either end. The Vikings have a gaping hole at right tackle and Britton would be a fine fit.

Round 2 54th Pick - NT Ron Brace 6-3 329 lbs Boston College
This guy is a Pat Williams clone! He's a massive line plugger with tons of strength who can occupy opposing linemen and allow the LB's to scrape cleanly. Nose tackle of the future.

Round 3 86th Pick - C Eric Wood 6-4 304 lbs Louisville
Wood has been ranked as the 2nd best Center propspect in this years draft, ahead of Alex Mack and Jonathan Luigs. He's a classic overachiever with the size and mental toughness to earn a starting position quickly.

Round 5 158th Pick - DE Kyle Moore 6-5 272 lbs USC
Still growing into his body, but has the size and body length to continue bulk up.

Round 7 204th Pick - CB/PR/KR Joe Burnett 5-10 192 lbs CFU
Burnett excells at the return game and can provide DB depth.

Round 7 214th Pick - DT Vaughn Martin 6-3 323 lbs University of Western Ontario
This pick might be a stretch but Martin has too many physical tools not to take if the opportunity presents itself.

Burnett after his blistering combine will have to be looked at in round 5 if we want a chance. I dont think would will be available for us in the 3rd. I think he will go to a team like the Bengals or Bills in the 2nd. No offense but i see Martin as an UDFA. He hasnt had the exposure that the others have had and will suffer a long draft weekend cause of it.

With the Unger pick I meant to trade down in order to draft him maybe to 29 cause the titans need a WR to keep the baby (Vince Young) happy. Plus Unger can easily flex to Tackle