NFL Draft Wishlist: Minnesota Vikings
By Josh Carter
The Vikings enter the draft in a great position to build. They have 6 picks in the top 4 rounds. If spent wisely the Vikings can improve multiple positions with some of college football’s biggest playmakers. The Vikings need to build on offense, they obviously have the running back and offensive line down. They also have a young, still developing quarterback who could really use some weapons. Even after signing Jennings, wide receiver remains a big need, especially in terms of a long-term franchise wide receiver. Other areas the Vikings can use young talent at are at linebacker as well as the interior defensive line. If the Vikings can use this extra 1st rounder that they received from the Harvin trade wisely, it could be one of the franchise’s best moves in years.
September 8, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 50-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1 – Keenan Allen, WR, California –The Vikings started addressing this issue signing Greg Jennings in the off season, but what’s the point if he’ll be double teamed every game? The Vikings hit two birds in one stone here drafting a WR that will take pressure off Jennings and hopefully grow to be the next franchise receiver for Minnesota. Keenan Allen has shown to be a very productive receiver since setting foot on campus, beating Desean Jackson’s freshman reception record in 2010. The next season he was named first team all pac 12 gaining over 1300 receiving yards which ranked in the top ten of all receivers in the nation. His final season was more modest due to injury which is the only reason a dynamic receiver like this may be available in the 20s.
Dec 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive linebacker Arthur Brown (4) and offensive linesman BJ Finney (66) hold the Big 12 Championship trophy during the presentation after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Kansas State won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1 – Arthur Brown, ILB, Kansas State – Arthur Brown is an under the radar inside linebacker, probably my 2nd favorite and not far behind Alec Ogletree, if he was available for the Viks here, he’d be too good to pass up. He was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the year his senior season and led Kansas State to a BCS bowl and almost a national championship. He flourished at inside linebacker at Kansas State being the player who ended RG3’s streak for passes without an interception. Hopefully, for the Vikings sake, he can keep wearing purple and become a cornerstone to their defense for years to come.