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2009
NFL Draft Needs - Minnesota Vikings
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/22/09
Picks (6): 22, 54, 86, 158, 221, 231
Wide Receiver – Despite having a handful of players capable of
producing at this level the Vikings lack a star. Bobby Wade led the
team with 53 receptions. In his first year as a free agent addition
from the Bears Bernard Berrian was a big play threat leading the team
with 964 yards. However, he had no games with 5+ catches after October
19. Darius Reynaud, Sidney Rice and Aundrae Allison represent young
talent to fill up the depth chart. None of those guys are going to give
an upset stomach to the opposing defensive coordinator. Rice has fought
injuries and Allison might be cut. Reynaud could stick for his value
returning kicks. Someone steady to pile up a lot of receptions is what
this offense needs, which is exactly why they went after T.J.
Houshmandzadeh. Now the task is to find someone in the draft with
similar skills.
Offensive Tackle – Marcus Johnson (Raiders) drifted off without
a fight. He was the final remnant from their abysmal 2005 draft. In
actually important news Bryant McKinnie always seems to be on the brink
of doing something to jeopardize his career. He is solid on the left
side though. The right side is the issue. Ryan Cook is a possibility
back at center, which is another way for the team to say he is not
starter material at right tackle. Drew Radovich was a good signing as a
rookie free agent last year out of USC and might develop down the road.
They can’t wait. There is enough talent in this draft to find someone
capable of competing to start on the right side.
Cornerback – The first concern is Antoine Winfield. He is in a
contract year, but turns 32 in June. Usually this combination of age
and skill conclude with a change of scenery. Cedric Griffin is a
starter they believe in because he just inked a lengthy extension.
Marcus McCauley might be a bust. Karl Paymah (Broncos) was a nice
addition for depth. Charles Gordon was retained on a one year contract.
There is youth here, but would they be able to field another starter
across from Griffin if this is it for Winfield? I would say absolutely
not and the time to hedge their bets is now so the team has leverage in
those contract negotiations. Or to put it another way has a plan if he
walks.
Center – How do you replace Matt Birk? You don’t. You just move
forward. John Sullivan, a sixth round pick last year, is the guy
penciled in to start. I find this to be a dangerous plan, as is hoping
right tackle Ryan Cook is able to create competition in house by
returning to his collegiate position. Given the shuffling on this line
a versatile addition seems to be a good option. Or if the team grabs a
pure right tackle and pure center Ryan Cook can back up both spots.
Defensive Tackle – I have been saying a successor to Pat
Williams should be sought for a while now. The bizarre positive drug
test courtroom drama, which also involves his line mate Kevin Williams,
adds some urgency to the situation. Pat can still play at a high level,
but what is behind this Williams Wall? Had they actually been suspended
for December by the NFL there is little doubt the team would not have
made the playoffs. In fact, maybe Detroit can petition for their 20-16
loss to be overturned and therefore erase their winless season from the
history books. Okay, maybe not. I digress. The point is that Letroy
Guion is a project and Jimmy Kennedy barely has a career as a first
round bust. They need a backup plan to keep this shut down run defense
going strong.
Running Back – Adrian Peterson is on track to go down as one of
the all-time greats at the position. He is discussing putting on weight
to help him absorb the inevitable pounding. I have a better idea. He
should not be carrying the ball 383 times as he did last season,
including the playoff loss. History is not kind to players who have had
similar totals in a single year. Chester Taylor has been a nice backup
option the past two seasons, but will turn 30 in September and while
his career spans a reasonable 934 carries the decline is usually swift
at this age. This might be a nice spot to draft a play maker at the
position capable of changing it up. A true successor to Taylor is one
consideration. Another is a “scat back” smaller type to bust off a long
run against a defense worn out from facing “All Day” Adrian Peterson.
Quarterback – All indications are that trade acquisition Sage
Rosenfels (Texans) and Tarvaris Jackson will compete for the starting
job. Rookie John David Booty has done nothing to show he was actually a
starting quarterback at USC which has been a factory at the position
the past half dozen years. Perhaps the fans would like to see a better
counter punch to rival Chicago trading for Jay Cutler, but this is not
really the draft to pull off such a move. Would they trade up for USC’s
Matt Sanchez? He was beat out for the starting job by Booty in 2007
remember. There is only one other player to consider and Georgia’s
Matthew Stafford would require a huge package commensurate to what the
Bears just gave up for Cutler. He is no Cutler and therefore the team
is likely to stand pat.
Michael
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 6 rounds
Jared Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
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