Minnesota Vikings 2008 NFL Draft Needs

April 14, 2008

After making the biggest splash in last years draft when the Vikings selected Adrian Peterson with the 7th overall pick, the team was able to finish the season at 8-8 and just missed grabbing a wild card spot in the playoffs. The team is coming into 2008 with high hopes that it can improve on last year’s surprise season and make it back to the playoffs and possibly a division title now that the Packers are with out Brett Farve. The team has been pretty busy this offseason in the attempt to sure up both sides of the ball. Some of the key signings were QB Gus Frerotte as a solid backup to Tarvaris Jackson. They also got a lot of help on defense with the signings of CB Benny Sapp, DT Ellis Wyms. LB Derrick Pope, and S Michael Boulware. The team was also able to nab division rival top receiver Bernard Berrian away from the Bears, to give Jackson a proven threat on the outside. With most of free agency done with here is a look at the top 5 positions the Vikings need to address in this year’s NFL draft.

1. Defensive End

The Vikings are in need of a pure pass rusher off the right side. They seem to be set on the left side with Kenechi Udeze, but Brian Robison and Ray Edwards are still living on potential and promise. With pick #17 the Vikings could land a solid starter for years at this position. We could seem them taking Clemson’s Philip Merling or Florida’s Derrick Harvey if he is still on the board this late in the draft.

2. Offensive Line

The team isn’t in that bad of shape here, but really could use some help here for the future. The team has no true backup for center Matt Birk who is getting up there in age. The team also seems concerned about LT Bryant McKinnie’s legal troubles. Look for the team to take a lineman with one of their early picks. Possibly USC’s Sam Baker if he falls that far, or possibly wait and take fellow USC lineman in C Matt Spanos later in the draft.

3. Quarterback

While the team seems set on starting the season with Tarvaris Jackson under center, the team is fooling themselves if they believe this guy is long-term answer at this position. With a solid number of QB’s to be found later in this year’s draft, there is no reason that this team doesn’t spend a pick on this position. They could be looking at Kentucky’s Andre Woodson or maybe take a chance on USC’s John David Booty.

4. Cornerback

Though the team is pretty solid here it never hurts to have too many solid corners in this league. With star corner Antoine Winfield missing 6 games last season the team had to rely heavily on Cedric Griffin and Marcus McCauley at times. Both were solid but were shaky at times. The addition of Benny Sapp will be bigger than it might seem early on. The team probably won’t waste an early pick here and could grab the best guy on the board later in the draft.

5. Wide Receiver

With the addition of Berrian the team is vastly improved at this position. They could use a speed guy here that could not only be a deep threat but also help out on special teams. A couple guys they might go after are Virginia Tech’s Eddie Royal or Hawaii’s Davone Bess.

Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.

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Minnesota Vikings 2008 NFL Draft Needs

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