Minnesota Vikings: Day 3 Draft Analysis

After trading away the team's sole first-round pick on Thursday to the Detroit Lions, the Vikings secured a consensus first-round talent, USC's Everson Griffen, with the No. 100 fourth-round selection. Unlike Minnesota's first two draft picks, Virginia cornerback Chris Cook and Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, the team shifted gears and adhered to the "best player available" draft approach. Although the Vikings returnn loaded at defensive end in 2010, with the likes of Jared Allen, Ray Edwards, and Brian Robison, Griffen emerges as a perfect fit for the Vikings' 4-3 defensive scheme. Expect Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier to routinely utilize the rookie in passing situations, allowing the Vikings' talented starters to remain fresher and increasing overall position production.

Question marks certainly surround the Vikings' selection of Griffen, due to seemingly more urgent team needs, such as on the offensive line and at safety. Griffen's free-fall to the Vikings likely resulted from several off-the-field concerns and wildly inconsistent performance at USC. The heralded high school phenom failed to dominate to the extent many scouts (and USC) anticipated. Nonetheless, in light of the Vikings' highly scrutinized first two selections, Griffen arguably possesses the highest ceiling of any of the team's 2010 draft picks. NFL Insider Aaron Wilson reports the 6'3", 268-pound defensive end recorded a stunning 4.59 40-yard dash and 34-inch vertical jump at USC's Pro Day. Griffen's rare blend of athleticism and strength simply became a no-brainer for the Vikings in the fourth round. Expect Allen, Edwards, and Frazier to provide the guidance, motivation, and technical tutelage necessary for Griffen to excel for Minnesota in the future.

In the fifth round, the Vikings added needed depth to the offensive line and linebacker corps, by selecting Wake Forest's Chris DeGeare and Minnesota's Nathan Triplett, respectively. DeGeare emerges as a versatile long-term project, possessing collegiate experience at both guard and tackle. The serviceable run-stopper, Triplett, will likely need to perform exceptionally on special teams, in order to secure a roster spot this season.

The Vikings' remaining selections will be hard-pressed to make the team, unless personnel moves are made in the future or late-rounders quarterback Joe Webb, tight end Mickey Shuler, or linebacker Ryan D'Imperio provides a surprise performance in training camp. Minnesota simply possesses very few available roster spots in 2010, although opportunities on the team's practice squad will also become available. Webb does not appear poised to dethrone Rosenfels or Jackson on the quarterback depth chart and may end up converting to wide receiver, while many critics considered Troy's Levi Brown a far superior professional passing prospect. Shuler's father played for fourteen seasons in the NFL, while Shuler Jr.'s skills as a blocker could become the youngster's ticket towards a career in the league, as well.

Ultimately, the Vikings failed to shore up the safety position via the draft, added minimal depth to the team's offensive line, and passed several times on a potential franchise quarterback. Given the perceived talent alternatively available during many of Minnesota's selections, Vikings' fans may inevitably view this year's draft with a sense of disappointment and frustration. If the team's unheralded selections do not pan out, expect a collective outcry of, "What could have been in 2010?"

References:
All draft results as referenced on NFL.com's Draft Tracker.

Pelissero, Tom. "Vikings' Pick at No. 214: Penn State Tight End Mickey Shuler," http://www.am1500.com/sportswire/Vikings_pick_at_No_214_Penn_State_TE_Mickey_Shuler.

Scoggins, Chip. "DeGeare Offers Versatility," http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/92009859.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUoaK7D_V_eDc87DUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU.

Wilson, Aaron. "Everson Griffen Shines at USC Pro Day," http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Everson-Griffen-shines-at-USC-Pro-Day.html.