Minnesota Vikings 2012 NFL Draft and Free Agency Recap and Analysis
The Minnesota Vikings made one of the most shocking moves last year when they picked Christian Ponder in the top 15 of the 2011 NFL Draft, and they followed that up this offseason with a much less “out there” selection of USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil in the first round.
The Vikings are a team in transition, but they have some key veterans who have a closing championship window. If Minnesota can stay healthy, they are a far better team than their record indicated last year. I think Christian Ponder will continue to make strides in his second season, and if Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin can stay on the field, this offense has dynamic potential.
The Vikings are trying to keep up with teams like the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and even the Chicago Bears. They easily have the best running back in the division, but can they keep pace with three of the best passing teams in the NFL?
Here is a recap of Minnesota’s draft class and undrafted free agents:
- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
- Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
- Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
- Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
- Rhett Ellison, FB/TE, USC
- Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
- Robert Blanton, CB, Notre Dame
- Blair Walsh, K, Georgia
- Audie Cole, LB, North Carolina State
- Trevor Guyton, DL, California
UDFA
Boise State DT Chase Baker; UCLA RB Derrick Coleman; Florida Atlantic DE Kevin Cyrille; Nicholls State CB Bobby Felder; Bowling Green WR Kamar Jorden; Penn State DE Eric Latimore; Iowa LB Tyler Nielsen; Cal DE Ernest Owusu; Hawaii G Austin Pasztor; North Carolina DT Tydreke Powell; Missouri DT Terrell Resonno; Mississippi State C Quentin Saulsberry; Oregon OT Darrion Weems; South Carolina CB C.C. Whitlock
Best UDFA signing: Iowa LB Tyler Nielsen
Scouting report:
Big linebacker prospect who was having a very solid run last season before he went down with an injury. Obviously, injuries will be a concern for him going forward, but if he has a big season he has the size and athletic upside to be a fifth round pick or better in the NFL, not unlike former Iowa linebacker AJ Edds who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Nielsen really needs to emerge this season as one of the leaders of a suddenly young Iowa defensive unit. He has been solid both in terms of run-support and coverage, but he is going to make his money in the NFL on third down and special teams. He is a really good athlete with excellent speed for a linebacker of his size.
PROS: Size, speed, athletic ability, upside on third down, special teams player, smart kid, instinctive, well-coached, lots of experience in cover 2 defense, opportunistic
CONS: injury history, not elite production, would like to see more of him blitzing, want to be more aggressive to make more plays
Overall Draft/UDFA Grade: A
Offseason moves recap via WalterFootball.com
Added
WR Jerome Simpson
LB Marvin Mitchell
CB Chris Carr
CB Zack Bowman
WR Devin Aromashodu (re-signed)
LB Erin Henderson (re-signed)
OL Geoff Schwartz
TE John Carlson
Letroy Guion (re-signed)
QB Sage Rosenfels (re-signed)
FB Lex Hilliard
Lost
SS Tyrell Johnson (Dolphins)
DT Remi Ayodele
LB Kenny Onatolu (Panthers)
CB Cedric Griffin (Redskins)
OG Steve Hutchinson (Titans)
G Anthony Herrera
S Jarrad Page
Projected Depth Chart (Offense)
QB: C.Ponder
RB: A.Peterson
FB: J.Felton
WR1: P.Harvin
WR2: J.Simpson
TE: K.Rudolph
LT: M.Kalil (R)
LG: C.Johnson
C: J.Sullivan
RG: G.Schwartz
RT: P.Loadholt
Projected Depth Chart (Defense)
DE: J.Allen
DT: K. Williams
DT: L.Guion
DE: B.Robison
LB: C.Greenway
LB: J.Brinkley
LB: E.Henderson
CB1: A.Winfield
FS: J.Sanford
SS: H.Smith
CB2: C.Cook
Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Matt Kalil (Southern California) is introduced as the number four overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE
Draft Pick Analysis/Reports:
1. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Kalil is a redshirt junior and is considered the best tackle prospect for the 2012 draft. He’s got great size coming in at 6 ft 7, 295 pounds. He uses his hands well and has good upper body strength. He also has good footwork. He has all the tools to be a starting left tackle in the NFL. Now, Kalil is not a perfect prospect. He would do well by following in the footsteps of former teammate Tyron Smith and bulking up. He needs to work on his pad level as he will lose leverage the longer a play continues. Matt is not the only player in his family to be a successful football player. His father played center in the NFL and his brother Ryan is an all pro center for the Carolina Panthers. Kalil has the potential to be a top 10 pick if he has a good year.
Pros--Extremely talented kid as a left tackle prospect…natural left tackle and has good feet…powerful in the running game…good family blood line…probably the most talented player between him and his brother (Ryan, C, Panthers)….very long arms…good height…gets off the snap fast…good use of hands…high motor…durable
Cons--Sometimes plays a little high, not an elite level athlete…been the top of his class for a couple of years… needs to add more bulk to his frame…needs to play stronger and while a natural knee bender, not a great technician at this point will have to improve on that
Pick Analysis: Regardless if Kalil turns out to be an All-Pro lineman, the Vikings did the right thing by at least attempting to protect their franchise QB. Kalil has that elite potential, and also has the ability to contribute as a kick blocker, which might sound weird but he was wildly productive at it at USC. The Trojans were one of the best passing offenses in the country, and Kalil is a huge reason why–literally.
2. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
Not going to blow anybody away athletically, but he is the type of player that EVERY NFL team will want to have on their side. Team captain who has played both linebacker and safety for the Irish, but a guy who really broke out in 2010 as a starting safety. Started for the Irish as a linebacker as a sophomore, and played both linebacker and safety in his junior season before becoming a full time safety in 2010. Smith has started 34 of his career 38 games, and has 219 total career tackles to go along with 15.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, 18 passes broken up, and seven interceptions, all of which came when he moved to safety. If Smith can continue to show improvement as the leader of the defensive backfield, he should be a fourth round pick or better because of his versatility, durability, and toughness. In his first year as a full time safety, he had 93 tackles and seven interceptions–the complete package. These are the kind of players you love to add to your team. He is the heart and soul of the Notre Dame team, and is the team captain for 2011. He is the type of player that you just hate to play against and love to root for.
Pros:
Really instinctive player who knows his assignments well and isn’t going to get beat over the top because he gets fooled or because he takes unnecessary chances..Good, sure tackler in the open field…the size to cover tight ends in the N.F.L…Takes good angles in run pursuit
Cons:
A little stiff in coverage, a Strong Safety only in the N.F.L…Doesn’t have blazing speed…doesn’t make a ton of plays on the football in the air, more takes advantage of mistake passes..Doesn’t have great recovery speed..
There’s a lot to like about Harrison Smith, who is just a very smart football player. He’s not without athletic ability, because he clearly has that and he also has good size, but the strength of the game is how fundamentally sound he is in all aspects of his game. He is as good of an open field-wrap up tackler as there is, he doesn’t get fooled often by play action or misdirection plays, and he doesn’t try to make a highlight reel interception in the wrong situation. He looks a little stiff in coverage and gets more of his interceptions on bad quarterback passes then he does on making plays on the football (last year three of his 7 interceptions came against Miami, this year five of his 9 pass deflections have come against Michigan State), but he’s not going to cost a team touchdowns either. He just does everything pretty well and everything right.
Pick Analysis: There is a lot to like about this pick. The Vikes moved down earlier to get extra picks, and they jumped back into the first round to get Harrison Smith, who can be the leader of this team for a long time if he develops correctly. He isn’t the rangiest safety out there but he can make plays all over the field and he knows his assignments. This is a quality pick for Minnesota, in my opinion.
3. Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
Robinson has had a very solid three years at Central Florida, and he enters the 2012 NFL Draft as one of the lesser known guys but a kid that could really impress at the Combine and his pro day. He doesn’t have ideal size but he’s well-built and has incredible closing speed. His speed overall is excellent, and he can come out of nowhere to make a sure-fire completion look like a bad throw. He has good instincts and seems to be able to read the eyes of quarterbacks well. Can get beat deep on double moves but also has the recovery speed to be able to make up for it. Very solid ball skills and can make plays with the ball in his hands. Might have upside as a returner in the NFL. Might struggle in the NFL against bigger receivers.
Pick Analysis: Three straight very solid picks by the Vikings. Josh Robinson has the potential to start at cornerback for the Vikings, and has the speed to be a dynamic return specialist as well. He has great recovery ability and overall is a very good athlete. The Vikings have had a really tough time hitting on defensive back prospects in recent years, so hopefully Robinson and Smith can be cornerstones.
4. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
Wright may the least known of the great WR corps at Arkansas but he just may be the best. Wright quietly caught 42 passes for 788 yards and five touchdowns. Wright is the best route runner on the team and very sure handed. During the spring Wright also timed the fastest 40 yard dash time of the razorbacks, 4.27. Wright doesn’t have ideal size for the NFL, but with the onslaught of successful smaller recievers lately Wright might be worth a look. Wright is also very well spoken, has the same type of like-ability that DJ Williams (TE, Green Bay Packers) has.
Jarius Wright will be an interesting story to watch this year. How will all of these supremely talented receivers respond to losing star QB Ryan Mallett? Well, if the scouting report Andrew provided is accurate, then this guy could be a very successful NFL player. He will need to prove that he can contribute on special teams in some way, but if he is a good route runner and sure-handed, there is a spot for him in the NFL, especially with that speed. It sounds as though he is in the mold of an Eddie Royal type, both on the field and off in terms of character.
PROS: Speed in spades, big play ability, always improving, ability to contribute in the return game, hands, route-running ability, working the slot, getting open on 3rd down, reliable
CONS: Size is the biggest issue, needs to add bulk without losing quickness, can he hold up against NFL cornerbacks?
Pick Analysis: Wright reminds me a lot of Eddie Royal, but I think at this point he is a better receiver. He has great speed, quickness, and athletic ability. As you can see from the Scouting report (pre-season) there was a lot that Wright had to prove going into this year. After 2011, there should be no question about his ability to produce. He was one of the leading receivers on the team with over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Vikings’ offense adds another dynamic playmaker.
Pick Analysis: Ellison is a really interesting athlete who comes to the Vikings with the potential to possibly replace Jim Kleinsasser as the “do it all” tight end/fullback/h-back. Mike Mayock said it best during the draft when Ellison was picked up that he is one of the more intriguing player in this draft because of the varying ways in which he was used all over the place and always had to be accounted for, because the offense essentially flowed through him. I think the Vikings are pretty deep at tight end right now with Rudolph and John Carlson, but Ellison has potential to play multiple positions and be an asset on special teams.
Childs, the best of the stacked recieving corps, was a sure first round draft choice in 2010. Big, fast, physical mis-match that tore through all his competion this season. However during the 8th game of the season, Childs suffered a season ended ACL tear. Childs had a number of impressive highlights this season, often drawing double teams. Childs is a good jump ball player, across the middle player, or seam route player. The only thing that childs doesn’t do as well as the other receivers run crisp routes.
Childs is the most physically impressive receiver of this group, and likely could be a first or second round pick when his time comes. However, as was noted, the ACL injury is going to need to be proven 100 percent healthy, and we will need to see an improvement in the route running skills, especially in a pass heavy offense. In the NFL, you need to be more than just a “go get it” receiver, and Childs certainly has the capability.
PROS: Size, playmaking ability, shields defender pretty well, pretty unlimited route tree in a top tier passing offense, length, ability to make plays after the catch
CONS: Injury history, torn patellar tendon in 2010 and missed a lot of time in 2011 as well, virtually no production in 2011, straight line speed is not great
Pick Analysis: This could turn out to be the best pick the Vikings made if Childs can stay on the field. He has virtually no tape over the last couple of years, but athletically he measures out really well. He has great length and big hands, and at one point he really flashed the ability to be a dominant receiver. There is virtually no risk attached to this pick, so I am a fan of it for the Vikes, who need to get as much help for Ponder as possible.
7. Robert Blanton, CB, Notre Dame
Pros:
Great height…has done a good job of coming up and making plays on the ball carrier (8 tackles for loss)…physical…Long arms…excels in press coverage…not afraid to get physical…good speed for his size and pretty fluid athlete… plays with a short memory
Cons:
Doesn’t have blazing speed…This is first year as a starter (not really a con, just to note that. He’s played in nearly 40 games so he has experience)…Doesn’t make a ton of plays on the football, needs to improve on getting his head around to tip the ball away….is going to struggle with quick, speedy type wide receivers if he can’t get his long arms on them at the line of scrimmage…plays better in man coverage than zone
Thoughts:
Blanton is an intriguing guy with a lot of upside. He seems like a player the Giants could fall in love with for one, the Seahawks could be another one. Blanton could really see a boost in his draft stock if he’s able to run a decent 40 yard dash. Blanton is physical and a plus athlete so he offers intriguing upside. I think unless he improves his drops, and foot work he is going to struggle in heavy-zone coverage systems, but he definitely has upside as a cornerback who can play on the outside against the big physical wide receivers in this league and he can play on special teams because he’s a pretty good tackler.
Pick Analysis: Blanton should make the Vikings’ roster as a utility defensive back. He has good size and length, and while he didn’t test well athletically, he is a pure football player who knows his role. He can also contribute on special teams.
Walsh has one of the strongest legs in the country, and despite only playing for Georgia for three seasons, he has been named to Georgia’s All-Decade team. After his junior season, he was named first team All-SEC by virtually every media outlet and was a semi-finalist for the Lou Groza award. He has made 40 of his last 45 field goals, and has only missed one extra point in his entire Georgia career. He also ranks 4th in Georgia history with 303 points, and is also an excellent kickoff specialist. One of the most prolific kickers in the country, and a guy that should be drafted to the NFL and an immediate contributor. Kicking seems to be a lost art nowadays, but this guy has perfected it and is one of the best in the country. He could be drafted abnormally high (not Sebastian Janikowski high, that is an act saved for only Al Davis), and he could be an elite kicker in the NFL for a long, long time.
Pick Analysis: Ryan Longwell is aging, so the Vikes needed another kicker. Walsh didn’t have his best season in 2011, but he’s an All-Decade kicker for a reason. This guy has everything it takes to be a top notch kicker in the NFL.
9. Audie Cole, LB, North Carolina State
Pros:
Long armed linebacker, who has decent speed and plays sideline to sideline in the run game (because of his plus instincts)…Instinctive against both the run and the pass…Really plus in coverage…scheme versatility can play in the 34 OLB or 43 OLB and also played inside in 2011…Does a good job of causing fumbles…can play three downs at the N.F.L. level because of his coverage skills…leader…productive…tough played with a cast on his hand in 2010
Cons:
Doesn’t have elite athleticism….could get stronger, sometimes he has trouble disengaging from blocks despite his length…Needs to work a bit on his technique in coverage because he holds too much…doesn’t always take the best angles…looked at home as an OLB and projects there better in the NFL
Thoughts:
Cole is a leader on the N.C. State Wolfpack defense, a productive, hard-working player who has underrated athletic ability. Cole is not a great athlete, but he is very instinctive, and has unusual length which could really help him develop into a pass rusher. Right now he uses primarily a speed move to get around the edge and a swim move, but he could add to his repertoire. He does a good job of shooting gaps to blow up plays, but struggles to break down and tackle in the open field. Cole is the kind of guy who is selfless on the field and will do his assignments to ensure the success of the defense. He has some upside and because he does such a good job in pass coverage has the potential to be a decent three down linebacker in the N.F.L. The thing that stands out immediately about him is his length and that is something that really intrigues scouts and general managers.
In 2011: Moved to middle linebacker in spring drills, he will man that spot this fall.
In 2010: Tied for the team lead in tackles with 97, his 10.5 tackles for loss ranked third among Wolfpack players … Played the SAM linebacker spot, he moved to middle linebacker in the spring and will start there in 2011 … Led the defesne with 809 snaps from scrimmage … Tied his career-high with 13 stops in the win at North Carolina … That tally included a six-yard sack and he also recovered a fumble in that contest … Led the team in tackles at Central Florida with a dozen, including a sack, two others for loss … Also pulled down his first career interception against the Knights … Named the ACC Defensive Back of the Week by the league and the ACC Player of the Week by Rivals.com for that performance … Tied for the lead in tackles against Cincinnati with seven and with eight stops in the win over Florida State.
Pick Analysis: This is about as good as late-round picks get. Cole has starting potential and the Vikings have a potential need at inside linebacker. I think Cole was under-drafted and the Vikings have a steal here.
9. Trevor Guyton, DL, California
Pros
Strong…experience in the 34 and played all over the line in he 34…solid burst off the snap…hard worker…fairly productive…anchors well…good motor and pursuit…good use of hands to fight off blocks…pretty good swim move…will drive offensive linemen right into the backfield when he is one on one…good size with a solid base…motor, doesn’t seem to have any conditioning issues…
Cons
Not an elite athlete…though he holds up well vs double teams, you’d like to see him make more plays vs the double teams…sometimes his leverage…could get his hands up quicker if he’s not getting into the backfield…sometimes loses his lane, doesn’t have great natural instincts…in 2011 (at least through November 4th) production came against “lesser competition (not a problem in 2010, and not really a big issue to me now either).
Round projection: Round 3-4. His versatility will help him, his lack of elite measurables will hurt him.
NFLmocks preseason bio
Fourth team pre-season All-Pac 12 choice this summer by Phil Steele, Guyton has been rock solid on the Cal defensive line for the last couple of years. What stands out right away is that since Cal plays a 3-4, you have to assume there will be NFL teams running that scheme looking to fit him in as a potential reserve, a role that he has been very valuable to the Bears in over the last two seasons. He has accumulated 45 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and a forced fumble as a reserve for Cal, and as a senior is getting more of a chance to be a starter. Shows solid burst off the snap but not an elite athlete. At this point, look for Guyton to possibly be a late round pick
Thoughts
I like Guyton and think he is an underrated prospect. I love the versatility he brings, lining up all over the Defensive line for the California Golden Bears. I love how violent he is with his hands and his non-stop motor. Guyton doesn’t have elite athleticism, which is going to hurt his stock, but the more ameatur scouting I do the more I have come to realize that for defensive linemen, motor and hand usage is a key componet to success at the N.F.L. level. If a player works hard and can keep the offensive lineman’s hands at bay they can have success in the N.F.L. level. I think Guyton is a pretty “safe” prospect (if such a thing exists) and could come off the board sometime late in the second day or early on the third day.
Pick Analysis: The Vikings got a really interesting player with their last pick. Guyton gives this team depth and was a great value pick. He played in a 3-4 in college, but I think he can definitely give the Vikings some depth along the defensive front.