22. Minnesota Vikings
-Percy Harvin (WR/Florida)
- Percy Harvin (NFL.com)
Minnesota wants another offensive play-maker to take some pressure off of Adrian Peterson in the run game. Bernard Berrian provides a deep threat, and Sidney Rice is a decent alternative. But there are no players out wide to keep opposing defenses from stacking the middle against Peterson. Improving the 7th worst team in receiving yards per game would add balance to one of the NFL’s best rushing offenses.
The Vikings showed interest in signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is a top notch possession receiver. Therefore, they may still be in the market for a solid pass catcher in the draft, although I feel candidate Hakeem Nicks will be gone, and Kenny Britt won’t be valued quite this highly. The next best alternative is the extremely elusive Percy Harvin from Florida.
At his pro day, Harvin demonstrated the kind of supreme quickness out of his stance to give defenders nightmares. He is a bonafide impact player who excels in short passes caught in space, turning 5 yard gains into potential touchdowns. At Florida, he was mainly used as a hybrid running back, so you can be sure he has some power and vision, which scouts absolutely love in a receiver. Brad Childress would no doubt appreciate such a versatile player who can easily make big contributions in special teams and run/passing game. I can only imagine defenses trying to account for him when he appears to be able to play all over the field.
-It’s no secret that Minnesota was displeased with Ryan Cook’s performance at RT. Any viable chance to replace him will be heavily considered by Vikings personnel on draft day. What I’ve heard is that Ryan Cook will be given a chance at center in an attempt to replace Matt Birk. In this case, the Vikings would have a vacancy on the right side, which likely will be addressed in some capacity during the draft. I just don’t believe there are any tackles available worth the Vikings first pick.
-Others have sited the need for another solid cornerback but the Tampa Two defense the Vikings run doesn’t place a huge value on corners. Not to mention that the remaining top corners (Darius Butler, Alphonso Smith, D.J. Moore) aren’t very large and may not be the type of player that fits their defensive scheme. The team can grab a big, run-supporting corner after the first round.
Any Suggestions here would help me out 
Next on the clock: New England Patriots
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This is an interesting dilemma. On one hand, you have a promising, playmaking wide receiver who would be a great value pick at this position. However, I don’t see him as the ideal type of wideout to pair with Berrian (another speedster). On the other hand, you have the fifth best lineman in the draft who might be a bit of reach to be taken this high, but he would fill a big need. Then there’s also the consideration as to whether or not a team can justify using a first round pick on a right tackle.
Well, i dont see Berrian as the same type of player as Harvin. Berrian is a deep threat with good straight line speed. But Harvin is more elusive and good on short passes in space. He could also be used in the running game and special teams. Childress, a former offensive coordinator would have fun with Harvin’s versatility.
Also, I cant really think of any other position to replace right tackle with. I do think Britton is a big reach at this point but nothing else came to mind. Got any ideas?
I got a nice Peterson jersey from sport-jerseys.biz.
I agree with you on this pick. I think you are right on about them waiting on a corner. Harvin is the guy I covet most for the Vikes at #22. He’s the only WR I like though, no Bey, etc. Britton and the other likely available OL’s are all considered somewhat reaches at that slot. But if Harvin is gone then I’d sign off on Britton.
I’m also very intrigued by three DL’s in the 2nd/3rd round – Ron Brace (DT), Alex Magee (DT/DE) and Paul Kruger (DE). Improving our pass rush is the biggest need on defense plus Pat Williams is 37 years old and can’t be expected to last forever. I am also not sold on Ray Edwards as a starter.
Yeah, Ray Edwards is decent, but he is not a solid long-term starter opposite Jared Allen.
And youre right that finding another talented DT to replace Pat Williams is a priority, and they should address that position in this draft.
You want to have at least one player be groomed behind the starter, so that you are constantly replenishing the roster (especially in the trenches).
And finally, I am kind of tired of hearing Heyward-Bey talk. He is a physical freak but a raw football player. I wouldnt draft him in the first round. But I think Al Davis might.