Almost a full season after surprising the NFL by taking Christian Ponder 12th overall in the 2011 draft, the Vikings are looking to land another impact player in next April's draft. While Ponder has looked promising, the Vikings are 2-10 on the year, and will likely be looking at a top-3 pick. With a number of talented players on the roster - Adrian Peterson, Ponder, Percy Harvin, and Jared Allen just to name a few - if Minnesota can fill a few (albeit significant) holes, they may be able to return to significance sooner than later. Here's a look at a few guys who will be on their draft list this offseason.
1. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Kalil is the consensus top offensive line prospect in the 2012 draft. The 6'7'', 295 lb tackle, who has protected quarterback Matt Barkley for the past couple of seasons, would be a welcome addition to a Vikings squad that has allowed 37 sacks this year. Their biggest weakness has been at the left tackle position, where fill-in Charlie Johnson has struggled after being signed to replace Bryant McKinney before the season. Kalil would step in and start there from day 1, allowing Johnson to compete with Phil Loadholt for the starting RT spot, or potentially move to right guard, either of which would give him a better chance to succeed. Although LG Steve Hutchinson is starting to age, the combination of him and Kalil would give the Vikings a left side that opposing defenses once again fear. Equally strong at run and pass blocking, Kalil would be a huge help to both Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder.
2. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
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| 'Minnesota is up there, right?' |
If the Vikings accidentally win one of their few remaining games, and Kalil is off the board when they pick, the next lineman on their list should be Stanford's Jonathan Martin. While Martin isn't the pass blocker Kalil is, he's an incredibly powerful run blocker. He would be an improvement over the inconsistant Phil Loadhoalt, clearing the way for Adrian Peterson and providing stability on an offensive line that
severally lacks it. The only issue with Martin is that he projects to be a better right tackle than left tackle in the NFL, which is unquestionably the Vikings biggest offensive line need. Still, if Martin lives up to his potential, he could be the franchise-type lineman that every good team needs.
3. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
There is no doubt Blackmon would be the 'sexy' pick for the Vikings. Averaging just 194.1 passing yards per game, Minnesota is in desperate need of a true number 1 receiving threat. Blackmon, while he lacks elite speed, could be that guy. He would give Christian Ponder a true deep threat and while allowing Percy Harvin to excel in his natural slot position. Simply put, Blackmon a fantastic route runner with arguably the best ball skills of any receiver in the draft. He attacks the ball at its highest point and is fast enough to get behind defenders. He isn't incredibly elusive but he uses his strong frame to break tackles and rack up yards after the catch. There is no doubt that adding a receiver of Blackmon's caliber would help Ponders maturation process and give the Vikings a legitimate receiving corps.
4. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Another area of need for the Vikings is in the defensive secondary. Frankly, the Vikings just don't have a lot of talent there with the exception of an aging Antoine Winfield. To make matters worse the team has been decimated by injuries and legal problems (see:
Chris Cook), leaving the Vikings passing defense in disarray. In fact, opposing offenses average 252 passing yards per game against them (6th most in the league) and have they given up a league worst 24 passing TDs. Claiborne is a legitimate cover corner with good size and strong ball skills. He has fluid hips to go along with his top end speed. He still needs to improve his constancy and bulk up a bit, but pro-bowl potential is certainly there. While he's not necessarily as 'NFL ready' as some of the other guys on this list, he definitely fits a major need for Minnesota.
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