Midseason Draft Needs: Minnesota Vikings
By Patrick Conn
The Minnesota Vikings are only a season removed from a 10-6 record and a remarkable season for the inhuman like Adrian Peterson. This season has been a complete 180 having only one win in seven attempts. Three quarterbacks have been shuffled in and out of the starting job with Josh Freeman, Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel. Quarterback isn’t their only weakness but should be a huge focus.
Safety
The Vikings have had their issues in coverage and the duo of Andrew Sendejo and Jamarca Sanford haven’t produced at a level this team hoped. Last season the departure of Antoine Winfield didn’t help matters. HaSean Clinton-Dix should be the top safety this team targets and the Vikings could trade back to secure him plus more selections. Clinton-Dix is the ball hawk that this secondary desperately seeks.
Defensive Tackle
Last season Minnesota selected Sharif Floyd in the first round, however his playing time has been limited. That doesn’t diminish the fact that defensive tackle is still a need for this team with the age of Kevin Williams, who will be entering his 12th season in 2014. Top targets should include Ra’Shede Hageman who plays in their backyard at the University of Minnesota. At 6’6” and 311 pounds, Hageman is poised to be a disruptor in the middle.
Oct 19, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback
It is no secret that this team is in desperate need of a quarterback. Leslie Frazier has been shuffling the three active guys on the roster with no clear cut guy. Ponder was the quarterback when the Vikings went 10-6 but what a difference a year makes. Currently the Vikings would have the number three pick if the Draft started today and they are in a position to get a high quality prospect. Teddy Bridgewater would be ideal but with Jacksonville Jaguars most likely picking first and Tampa Bay right behind them, Bridgewater is likely gone. Marcus Mariota, Johnny Manziel or Zach Mettenberger could be on their short list for first round targets.
Cornerback
Much the same reason this team will be in search of safety help, cornerback will be high on this list as well. Last season they selected Xavier Rhodes but he can’t do it all for this team. First round targets should include Jason Verrett of TCU, who is the top rated corner on most draft boards. Couple him alongside Rhodes, you could have a young but a good tandem on the corners. Bradley Roby of Ohio State and Louchiez Purifoy from Florida should also get looks.
Defensive End
When you think of the Minnesota Vikings, other than Adrian Peterson your mind should jump straight to Jared Allen. Allen has been wreaking havoc in the NFC North for years and he is in the final year of his contract. The premier talent at defensive could be ripe for the taking in Jadaveon Clowney of South Carolina. Much like the Indianapolis Colts replacing Peyton Manning with Andrew Luck, replacing Allen with Clowney is downright sick. Even with top quarterbacks likely available, how can you pass on a freak of an athlete in Clowney?