Gonzo's Mock Draft v1.0, Brought to You by Comcast

by Christopher Gates on Apr 8, 2010 7:42 PM CDT in Comcast Sponsored Posts

It's exactly two weeks until the NFL's Annual Selection Meeting. . .keep an eye out for word on another live mock draft coming sometime soon. . .but I haven't put out a site mock draft yet like I have in past seasons. Well, it's about time that I change that, don't you suppose?

The mock draft is brought to you by the good folks at Comcast. And you'll find it right after the jump there.

Pick	Team	Player	Position	College
1	St. Louis Rams	Sam Bradford	Quarterback	Oklahoma
Is Sam Bradford the best player available in the 2010 NFL Draft? Nope. Is he Top 5? Possibly. But the Rams released long-time starter Marc Bulger earlier this week. Their options at quarterback, as it stands right now, are Kyle Boller, Keith Null, and Mike Reilly. Yeah, they're taking a quarterback.
2	Detroit Lions	Ndamakong Suh	Defensive Tackle	Nebraska
The Lions got their quarterback of the future last season with Matthew Stafford, so now they have the luxury of taking the best player available. With the Rams taking Bradford, they get the opportunity to land the best player in the entire draft. Suh is a beast, and should team with the newly-acquired Kyle Vandenbosch and Corey Williams to give Detroit a fairly formidable front four.
3	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Gerald McCoy	Defensive Tackle	Oklahoma
The Bucs could potentially take a long look at Eric Berry here, but I don't think that they can go with a safety when a difference-maker like McCoy is right there staring at them. In any other year, McCoy might be the best player in the draft. . .but in this one, he's second best at his position. The Bucs will be happy to scoop him up regardless.
4	Washington Redskins	Russel Okung	Offensive Tackle	Oklahoma State
A few days ago, I might have had Jimmy Claussen going in this spot, but the Redskins solved their quarterback "problem," such as it was, with that whole Donovan McNabb thing. With that out of the way, along with the retirement of Chris Samuels, they need somebody to protect McNabb's blind side, and the best offensive tackle in the draft is just the ticket for them here.
5	Kansas City Chiefs	Eric Berry	Safety	Tennessee
The first four picks are almost set in stone at this point, barring any crazy trades, so this is where things finally start to get interesting. The Chiefs could take an offensive lineman here and upgrade several positions along that front, but this pick could be Berry, Berry good for the Chiefs. (Yes, a Chico Escuela reference. What?) Berry is one of those few safeties that deserves to be taken in the Top 5 of the draft, and would be a nice pick for the Chiefs in this spot.
6	Seattle Seahawks	C.J. Spiller	Running Back	Clemson
The Seahawks find themselves in a bit of a precarious position. They have two first round picks in this year's draft, and they like C.J. Spiller, but there are a lot of other spots they need help at. The difficulty lies in the fact that if they don't take Spiller here, there's a very good chance that he won't be there at #14 when their turn comes up again, since the Niners in particular seem to like Spiller a lot. So, I think they take the best running back available here, and worry about finding someone to block for him later on.
7	Cleveland Browns	Joe Haden	Cornerback	Florida
I've seen a lot of stuff out there that seems to indicate Haden falling out of the Top 10 of this draft. I really, really have a hard time believing that. In a league where so many teams need cornerbacks, Haden is clearly the top guy at the position in this year's class, and the Browns would love to have him here. You could make a solid case for Jimmy Claussen in this spot, but the last Notre Dame quarterback the Browns took a risk on. . .well, that didn't work out so well. They might be a bit gun-shy.
8	Oakland Raiders	Trent Williams	Offensive Tackle	Oklahoma
Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends. The annual "How will Al Davis cause Gonzo's jaw to hit the floor this year" derby is officially underway! Trent Williams is the sensible pick here, because the Raider offensive line really isn't good, whether it's Bruce Gradkowski or JaMarcus ~~Leaf~~ Russell taking the snaps. Since Al Davis loves combine numbers so much, Bruce Campbell or Taylor Mays wouldn't shock me here, either. So, I make this pick with the full knowledge that I don't have the foggiest idea what the heck Al Davis is going to do.
9	Buffalo Bills	Jimmy Claussen	Quarterback	Notre Dame
The Bills could go a couple of different ways with this pick, be it a quarterback or an offensive tackle. With the team perpetually being the subject of rumored moves to Toronto or somewhere else, they need an actual face of the franchise. . .and, with all due respect to Trent Edwards, he isn't it. Claussen is probably the most pro-ready quarterback in this class, thanks in large part to the system he played in at Notre Dame, and would probably be the guy in Buffalo from day one.
10	Jacksonville Jaguars	Earl Thomas	Safety	Texas
Earl Thomas is a guy that is rocketing up draft boards everywhere, and has surpassed Taylor Mays in the eyes of many as the second-best safety prospect in this year's class. While there might be some questions about Thomas' size and ability to hold up at the pro level, it can't be denied that he's the sort of playmaker the Jaguars' secondary needs. Of course, when you mention Jacksonville, the name Tim Tebow is going to come up, but #10 overall is way, WAY too early for his name to be called.
11	Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears)	Dez Bryant	Wide Receiver	Oklahoma State
As of now, the Broncos still employ Brandon Marshall at the wide receiver spot. It also just so happens that Brandon Marshall is a nutbar and probably isn't long for the Denver roster. I don't expect Marshall to be a Bronco for much longer, and they need someone to pair with Eddie Royal for Kyle Orton or Brady Quinn to throw to. Bryant, despite his off-field issues, is the best and most dynamic receiver in this year's draft, and the Broncos would be fortunate to have him fall into their laps here.
12	Miami Dolphins	Dan Williams	Defensive Tackle	Tennessee
Miami would absolutely love to see Bryant fall to this spot, and they've been rumored to be one of Brandon Marshall's potential landing spots. However, with Bryant unavailable and no trades in this scenario, the Dolphins will grab a guy they can plug into the middle of their defense to be a disruptive force. They could also look at Taylor Mays at the safety spot, but I think this is a bit too high for him.
13	San Francisco 49ers	Brian Bulaga	Offensive Tackle	Iowa
With the Seahawks having thwarted their C.J. Spiller plans earlier on, the Niners will look to solidify their offensive line. The Niners have a bit of a quarterback carousel of their own going on at the moment, with Alex Smith on his twenty-third "second chance" and David Carr brought in as competition for him, but whoever is back there, they need somebody protecting their backside. Bulaga is the best tackle left at this point, and would start immediately for Mike Singletary and company.
14	Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)	Anthony Davis	Offensive Tackle	Rutgers
Remember earlier when I said that the Seahawks needed someone to block for C.J. Spiller? Well, here he is. Davis, for his character issues, has a chance to be a very good offensive tackle in the NFL, and the Seahawks need to replace future Hall of Famer Walter Jones at the left tackle spot. Again, Davis is a bit raw, but he'll be given the opportunity to sink or swim with the Seahawks and new coach Pete Carroll.
15	New York Giants	Rolando McClain	Linebacker	Alabama
The Giants started out last season 5-0, and then pretty much fell apart, largely because their defense was absolutely atrocious. New York could use this pick on any position on the defensive side of the ball and not really be wrong, but grabbing the best player from the best defense in college football seems to be as good a start as any. Jason Pierre-Paul or Derrick Morgan wouldn't surprise me here, either, but I'm going with McClain.
16	Tennessee Titans	Jason Pierre-Paul	Defensive End	South Florida
Are the Titans down with JPP? Well, he is an absolutely freakish natural athlete, drawing more than passing comparisons to another "Freak" at the DE spot the Titans drafted some years ago. Will Pierre-Paul's athletic skills transfer as well to the actual gridiron as Jevon Kearse's did? Someone is going to take a shot at finding out, and since DE is probably Tennessee's biggest need, I think it would be them.
17	San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina Panthers)	Kyle Wilson	Cornerback	Boise State
Having addressed their biggest need up at #13, the Niners can take a "best player available" approach to their second first-round selection. In my opinion, in this scenario, Kyle Wilson is that player. In addition to being an outstanding cornerback, a position the Niners have a significant need at, he's an outstanding return man as well. Wilson would be a good get for San Francisco at #17.
18	Pittsburgh Steelers	Mike Iupati	Guard	Idaho
I can't think of a player and a team that go together in this draft quite as well as the Steelers and Iupati. The Steelers have long been known for smashmouth football, and they've gotten away from that a little bit in recent years. Iupati would give them an opportunity to start bringing Pittsburgh back to that. He's a beast, and would immediately step right in and give the Steelers' offensive line the nasty streak they've been lacking.
19	Atlanta Falcons	Derrick Morgan	Defensive End	Georgia Tech
Jamaal Anderson has been an outright bust for the Falcons thus far in his career, and they really need a guy on the edge to help out their defense. Morgan, who wouldn't have to move very far to join the Falcons, is either the best or second-best defensive end in the draft, depending on who you ask, and would be a solid upgrade for the Falcons.
20	Houston Texans	Ryan Mathews	Running Back	Fresno State
The Texans can throw the ball. Good lord, can they throw the ball. But their offense is incredibly one-dimensional, with rookie sensation Steve Slaton putting the ball on the ground at an alarming rate in his sophomore campaign. Mathews is a solid, all-around runner that could easily supplant Slaton on the Houston depth chart and give the Texans the extra dimension their offense needs to take the next step.
21	Cincinnati Bengals	Taylor Mays	Safety	Southern California
Taylor Mays was starting to fall off the map a bit until the NFL combine, where he put up some eye-popping numbers. Nobody has ever doubted Mays' physical abilities, but he really had a down year with the Trojans in 2009, and it remains to be seen whether or not he's leveled off as a player or whether he had a bad year on a fairly young USC defense. The Bengals would be willing to bet on the latter in order to upgrade their secondary.
22	New England Patriots	Sergio Kindle	Linebacker	Texas
Kindle is one of those "tweeners" that seems to be a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense like the Patriots run. He's an outstanding pass rusher, and should be able to start wreaking havoc for the Patriots almost immediately. The Patriots could also take a long, hard look at Jermaine Gresham at this spot, too, but the need for a pass rusher would trump the need for a tight end, in my opinion.
23	Green Bay Packers	Bruce Campbell	Offensive Tackle	Maryland
Bruce Campbell, in addition to being awesome in Army of Darkness and Burn Notice, showed off his athletic ability at this year's combine. The Packers' offensive line woes are well-known. . .and much enjoyed. . .by us Viking fans. With Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher both getting up in years and the other human turnstiles the Packers have employed at the position showing little to no signs of life, the Packers need to upgrade on their front line, and Campbell gives them the best opportunity to do that.
24	Philadelphia Eagles	Maurkice Pouncey	Center/Guard	Florida
Depending on who you ask, Pouncey is either the best center in the draft or the second-best guard. Regardless of what position the Eagles would want to start him at, they need to upgrade themselves up front to begin the post-Donovan McNabb era. Pouncey played in a pass-happy system at Florida, and would fit right in to Andy Reid's offense in Philadelphia.
25	Baltimore Ravens	Jermaine Gresham	Tight End	Oklahoma
Had Gresham managed to stay healthy this past season with the Sooners, he likely would have gone much higher than this. Despite taking the Ravens to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons at the helm, Joe Flacco is still developing, and with Todd Heap's rapid deterioration, he needs a security blanket in the middle of the field he can turn to under duress. Gresham would be a great fit for the Baltimore offense, and would have an outstanding shot at an Offensive Rookie of the Year award if he wound up with the Ravens.
26	Arizona Cardinals	Sean Weatherspoon	Linebacker	Missouri
The Cardinals, to put it mildly, have had a rough off-season. No more Anquan Boldin, no more Karlos Dansby, no more Antrel Rolle, and no more Kurt Warner. Getting a player of Weatherspoon's quality this late would be a great addition to a team that might find themselves in rebuilding mode sooner rather than later.
27	Dallas Cowboys	Charles Brown	Offensive Tackle	Southern California
With Flozell Adams set to try to injure opposing players while wearing another uniform in 2010, the Cowboys have a sizable hole at the left tackle spot. Brown is a borderline first-round talent, but the drop-off between him and the next offensive tackle on the list (Indiana's Rodger Saffold) is a pretty good-sized one. The Cowboys have other needs as well. . .other names to potentially keep an eye on at this spot are Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas and Michigan linebacker Brandon Graham.
28	San Diego Chargers	Terrence Cody	Defensive Tackle	Alabama
"Mount Cody" is exactly the sort of player the Chargers need in the middle of their 3-4 defense, particularly since the Jamal Williams era is over. Cody, to put it mildly, is freaking huge, tipping the scales at over 350 pounds, and is the prototypical space eater that would allow the San Diego linebackers to flow more freely to the ball and to the quarterback. His stamina might be an issue, but that's one of those things that's correctable. The Chargers would love Cody to be available at #28.
29	New York Jets	Brandon Graham	Outside Linebacker	Michigan
Graham is another one of those guys that played defensive end in college that would appear to be a perfect fit for a defensive scheme like Rex Ryan's. The Jets already have one of the top defenses in the NFL, having solidified it with the addition of Antonio Cromartie, and Graham would make them that much more formidable.
30	Minnesota Vikings	Devin McCourty	Cornerback	Rutgers
There's been a lot of debate around here as to what the top need for the Beloved Purple is. It might be the interior of the offensive line, but I'm of the opinion that Anthony Herrera struggled last season due to being between two first-year starters in John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt. As those two players get better, Herrera will regain the form he showed in previous seasons. Safety might be a bigger need than corner, but I don't see any safeties with a first-round grade left after the "big three" at the position. And, of course, there's always the looming quarterback spectre. But when it's all said and done, given Antoine Winfield's age, Cedric Griffin's injury, Benny Sapp's inconsistency and Asher Allen's inexperience, I think that corner is the direction to go for Minnesota in this scenario. McCourty is an ideal fit for the Vikings' Cover-2 defense, having shown good awareness of where to be in zone coverage and showing the ability to come up and play the run with no fear. McCourty would, in all likelihood, be the nickel back almost immediately, and would have a chance to start right away depending on Griffin's status.
31	Indianapolis Colts	John Jerry	Guard/Tackle	Mississippi
The Colts don't have a lot of holes on their roster, but their offensive line is starting to show some signs of weakness. For a team that relies as heavily on their quarterback staying upright as any other team in the league, that's something they seriously need to address. Jerry got dinged a bit for posting a pretty low score on the Wonderlic, but the fact of the matter is that he's a nasty offensive lineman, and that's exactly what the Colts need. . .not only to keep Peyton Manning upright, but to aid their anemic running game as well.
32	New Orleans Saints	Carlos Dunlap	Defensive End	Florida
The Saints cut Charles Grant loose, and run the risk of possibly losing Will Smith to a suspension. Yes, they signed Chicago castoff Alex Brown, but despite what you may have seen from Chicago fans over the past few years, Brown really isn't anything more than decidedly average. Dunlap has outstanding physical ability, but he has been known for taking plays off from time to time. The Saints can take a risk on someone with Dunlap's physical talent, however.

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Comments

I am more and more of the belief

that Chilly has established a pretty good relationship with Urban Meyer, and if Tebow or Pouncey are available, he takes on of them.

There’s no way he drafts Harvin if he doesn’t get a warm fuzzy about him from Meyer and his staff, and other than the migraines, he’s more than exceeded expectations. A lot of people don’t take personal relationships between coaches into account when it comes down to selecting one player over another, and I just think there’s more than professional courtesy between the Vikings and the Gators, and the Vikings trust Meyer more than other coaches.

"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."

--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre

by Ted Glover on Apr 8, 2010 8:11 PM CDT reply actions

I’d much rather have Chili’s connection and pipeline with the Gator organization that Tice’s pipeline with Maryland or Denny’s pipeline with Stanford.

by Jayrome007 on Apr 8, 2010 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a Viking to raze a village.

by Luft Krigare on Apr 8, 2010 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Even though

I’m a UGA fan and even I can’t argue with that point… :)

by vikedawg on Apr 9, 2010 1:30 AM CDT up reply actions

We thank you for Asher Allen.

by medicineball on Apr 10, 2010 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, EJ Henderson has worked out. Erin Henderson has been good on special teams. If Tice had got his way we would have drafted Shawne Merriman over Troy Williamson. Terps!

by medicineball on Apr 10, 2010 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions

So whose fault was it for drafting williamson then?

by Jayrome007 on Apr 10, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't remember his name

but he got fired almost immediately after the draft. I heard the reason was “he lied on his resume” but it was obviously for having the worst draft ever.

by cdubs on Apr 12, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Spielmans first QB

Looking at the coaching relationship is interesting. But this will be Rick Spielman’s first QB selected with a high draft pick.( He came to us after the 2006 draft). I think his input will hinge less on the Meyer relationship and more on other evaluation metrics. It doesn’t matter if its Clausen, Tebow, or McCoy. If they decide to take a QB high they will have to use the #30 pick or higher in order to make sure no one else takes their QB.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp

by lifelongvike on Apr 9, 2010 5:27 AM CDT up reply actions

That would be the smart thing

Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!

by DCPurple on Apr 9, 2010 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Trade up in teh second to pick up McCoy.

Keeps you having that covetted #30 pick that everyone wants so badly.

It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...

by Grime on Apr 9, 2010 7:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Oh yeah, they would like that.

Give up your 2nd and 3rd , and More to move up in the 2nd. Yeah, everyone will love that.
Our #62 pick = 284 points. #94 pick =126 points Total = 408
To move in front of Seattle, Cleveland, and Oakland in the second round = 540 points.

Lets see how many want to do that now. I bet that #30 pick is looking a lot cheaper.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp

by lifelongvike on Apr 9, 2010 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Not me I'm afraid

We’re trading how many picks to get Colt McCoy, a side-arm throwing short quarterback with a weak arm?

The thing to remember is that the 2010 draft is different. Every draft pick this year could end up being a longtime starter for the Vikings. If we trade up, that is like trading two starters for one starter. It’s just not worth it for this lowly crop of quarterbacks.

by medicineball on Apr 10, 2010 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions

I've been forced to watch Texas games all my life

living in the SW, and never in the last four years did I get the impression that Colt is a side-arm QB. He might not have a Kyle Boller arm, but he showed at his pro day that it is definately not weak. I hate the Longhorns, but there’s nothing to hate about Colt McCoy.

If Odrick, Pouncey and McCourty are all gone at #30, I am in favor of trading down from the 1st round to pick up McCoy and Daryl Washington. Not trading up.

"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula

by NMVike on Apr 12, 2010 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

2011

At this point I would be very surprised if the Vikings used a high draft pick on a quarterback this year.

by medicineball on Apr 10, 2010 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Tebow or Pouncey with the first round pick?

What if McCourty or another good DB is available? Isn’t that a bigger need?

Three questions in a row is probably enough, so I’ll stop there.

McCourty will do. If the Packers don't take him first... they would.

by VikesPma on Apr 9, 2010 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Anything's possible

But I just have a hunch about Chilly and UF. One thing you can’t areue about the Vikings is that they not only draft the BPA, they also get really high character guys as well. The only guys the Vikings have drafted since 2006 that would seem not to be are Ray Edwards and Percy Harvin. Edwards had some run-ins with his coaches, but according to Chilly, that was very much a two way street at Purdue, and of course Harvin with Puff the Magic Dragon. Both have been model players and citizens, so I tend to think Chilly and company go way beyond in due diligence.

And is DB a bigger need short term, but a lot of people have argued for O-line and QB of the future. I happen to agree that CB is the priority, but I can’t argue with who the Vikings have drafted since 2006.

Except for Ryan Cook in the second in the ’06 draft. That was just silly.

"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."

--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre

by Ted Glover on Apr 10, 2010 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions

There are many more interesting prospects at Florida than just Tebow and Pouncey. While I would embrace a pick of Pouncey, I think he’ll be off the board by #30. As for Tebow as an NFL quarterback, bleccch.

by medicineball on Apr 10, 2010 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions

The O-line is deteriating or was oft injured last season.

Which McKinnie is going to show up this year? Can we find an upgrade to Herrera?
I feel pretty confident Sullivan will improve in his second season and be the consistant center the Vikes need, he was decent in his first season.

I would love if the Vikings got Clausen, but will have to trade up so high and still hope someone doesn’t take him before. A bail out plan if that happened could be Earl Thomas…

With a guy like Skelton likely to be available in the third or fourth that could be an easier option. Then we could still get our CB McCourty in the first.

Will the draft just start already. There is supposed to be a draft party at Ford Field so I can’t wait. Ah Detroit, the multi(cultural)team fan base of the NFL. With the Leo’s can you blame them?

McCourty will do. If the Packers don't take him first... they would.

by VikesPma on Apr 10, 2010 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

McKinnie and Loadholt both battled injuries

you just didn’t know it necesarily because they played through it. I can tell you this though, McKinnie looked damn good in the playoffs after 2 weeks of rest…

He gave up 1 sack to Demarcus Ware, and then I don’t remember him getting anything after that. The Saints game was just blatant roughing the QB strategy, and you can’t expect an OT to prevent late hits.

by cdubs on Apr 12, 2010 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Arrowheadpride.com has a mock draft going on...

Here is the linkie

I had ended up picking Maurkice Pouncey because of the Farve effect… personally I like Devin McCourtney for the Vikings at this pick. Unfortunately I also felt like with how all of the linemen were falling that it was best to get the top Center, and then go grab a MLB, Safety, or CB that is available. Figuring safety is pretty deep this year… I felt Pouncey was a safe bet for number 30.

I did think about the Percy Harvin connection there… do the Vikings have other Gator standouts on the team?

Go Chiefs!!!!

by ravenhawk on Apr 10, 2010 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Great job selecting Pouncey. He can play either guard or center and would fit right in.

by medicineball on Apr 10, 2010 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions

i like the pick

but after looking at a lot of “experts” there is a good chance that Jimbo might just drop to us at 30 same goes with Mays. But Looking at our pick, i love it. And for the second round, if we don’t pick up a qb in the first, i do like the idea that we trade up in the second to either go after colt or maybe, tebow?? <— not sure about him just yet.

by muffin man on Apr 8, 2010 8:44 PM CDT reply actions

I have seen more than one mock where

Tebow falls to us in the second round. But that is the exception. If you really think he is the answer, I think you have to trade up. (I am opposed to taking Tebow in rounds 1 or 2)

Picking 30th, there are so many variables as to who will even be available. Pouncey or McCourty seem to be our most likely picks. I’d take either.

The first four picks have seemed to reach a consensus for mock drafters on the internet. Pick 5 is where the fun begins.

by Odin on Apr 8, 2010 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions

i am going to start taking more interest in mocks closer to the draft

the professionals get their sources sured up, and the ideas are much more acurate

by muffin man on Apr 9, 2010 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I like it

I also agree with mufflin man. I would like to see us pick Colt with our 2nd pick. Tim Tebows name shouldn’t be mentioned in the first 3 rounds. I think the Bills will get him anyway.

SKOL VIKINGS 2010!!

by Mr.Cub22 on Apr 8, 2010 9:09 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

pats

the Brady alternative

by muffin man on Apr 9, 2010 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions

JUST SAY NO..........

no to Tebow…If taking QB, take Colt… But CB, OL, would be a preference…DL, LB are also needs

by WVVikings on Apr 9, 2010 12:25 AM CDT reply actions

+1

SKOL VIKINGS 2010!!

by Mr.Cub22 on Apr 9, 2010 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions

How do the Vikings draft?

Do they normally draft by need or by talent on the board regardless of need or not? Which is better, or isn’t there one?

by TC Mooch on Apr 9, 2010 4:13 PM CDT reply actions

BPA

The Vikes have consistently gone after the best talent on the board. But I think this year might be a little different. The best guard at the number 30 pick could be the best way for the vikings to improve as a team even if there are more athletic guys on the board. I think it is hard to improve on running back, receiver or cb.

In the past when the vikings were not so stocked with talent, it made a lot of sense to always take the best athlete on the board. This year they are looking at one or maybe two year window to go for a championship with the current talent. I think they need to fill a hole at either OL or Safety. They need guys in the first and second rounds that can contribute right now.

by heavysett on Apr 9, 2010 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Not bad really

But it really breaks down around pick 5. I would be shocked if Seattle passed on a tackle as Trent Williams and Bulaga are both excellent picks that meet their biggest need. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them take Claussen there either if he is still around, as he was a Southern California boy that Pete Carroll tried to recruit for USC.

Most of the OT’s are coming off the board way too late. There is gonna be a lot coming off in the first round and quick. McClain falls pretty far too, that would be a shocker.

by Cobra312004 on Apr 9, 2010 8:04 PM CDT reply actions

But doesn't the draft take on a life of it's own?

For example, if a team drafts a guy that no one was expecting at a position no one thought would be going off the board early, it can start a run on guys at that position. It happens a lot, and I can see something like that happening this year. There’s a lot of talented D-lineman and O-linemen, and if one of those guys is drafted earlier than expected, it could be interesting.

"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."

--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre

by Ted Glover on Apr 10, 2010 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Talent over need, anyday!!

I believe taking the best man available upgrades your team regardless of needs. If another Harvin is available on the 30th spot, you take him. Then you trade, say, costly Berrian for a Berrian-caliber DB. This way you take care of your need, with the acquired NLF-proven and ready to play DB, while upgrading the WR position with the new (rookie of the year prospect) talent.

by Admaran on Apr 9, 2010 9:44 PM CDT reply actions

solid

Odrick is the only other consideration but I can more than live with your pick……….

by gothicpurple on Apr 10, 2010 12:02 PM CDT reply actions

wvv

Don’t forget RB……….

by gothicpurple on Apr 10, 2010 12:06 PM CDT reply actions

I think Albert Young deserves a shot

With AP’s recieving skills coming along, the option of Harvin and having Albert Young the Vikes don’t need to draft a RB. Not for the first 3 rounds anyway. Bigger needs to fill such as DB, O-line…

McCourty will do. If the Packers don't take him first... they would.

by VikesPma on Apr 10, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Gonzo, I may as well copy your mock draft as my predicted one

McCourty looks good and if he is gone other DBs will probably slip. Then again we have to see if anything happens with Ray Edwards. I think its fair to say no one is willing to give up their first rounder for him. I think it would have happened by now. I hope I am wrong as 2 first rounders would be great. Imagine in a perfect world we could get our DB and a guy like Brandon Graham? Okay I’ll stop dreaming now.

McCourty will do. If the Packers don't take him first... they would.

by VikesPma on Apr 10, 2010 1:04 PM CDT reply actions

PMA

what else is new? You always copy some guys mock draft from zeh internet 15 minutes before the draft. Your mock draft style is linear.

HAHA!

PS – If the 49ers walk away from this draft with Bryan Baluga and Kyle Wilson, I may just have to make it rain.

by Andrew Davidson on Apr 10, 2010 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll make 3 changes and be right on them.

Thats all I got. Why mess with success.

Staight Edge just like CM Punk. Lol.

McCourty will do. If the Packers don't take him first... they would.

by VikesPma on Apr 10, 2010 4:02 PM CDT reply actions

Hey Gonzo , I like our pick

but we desperately need help at cornerback. I’m hoping for Kyle Wilson or Earl Thomas. We also have an interest in Pouncey.

by Dr Del on Apr 10, 2010 11:02 PM CDT reply actions

Vikings to draft CB?

I wouldn’t be surprised, but I’d argue one point from the mock – Asher Allen being inexperienced is no reason to draft a rookie, who’ll be even less experienced. Besides, I have a hard time thinking they spent a 3rd round pick on Allen last year without hoping he’d develop into a quality starter someday. I just have my doubts as to whether any rookie will immediately be able to outplay any of the 1st or 2nd stringers. Considering all their inexperience, I was impressed enough with Allen and Sapp, as well as rookie safety Jamarca Sanford (who easily outplayed Johnson), to where I’d rather see the Vikings go for help on the O-line first (even if Sullivan and Herrera play great in 2010, they still have zero depth) or take a shot on one of the young QB’s if they think they’ll pan out. They might already have 3 future DB starters on the bench. I’d hope they’d at least see how those players continue to develop before investing a high pick in another DB. One exception: Madieu Williams. I’d love to see him replaced, but he’s got a lot of contract left, and I’m not sure the Vikings are ready to cut ties if it costs them on the salary cap. Lots of questions for this team now – Can Young and Reynaud fill Taylor’s absence, and will Brinkley be ready to step it up if Henderson can’t make a full recovery?

by rovibe on Apr 11, 2010 9:59 PM CDT reply actions

mostly agree, but a few points

I have a hard time thinking they spent a 3rd round pick on Allen last year without hoping he’d develop into a quality starter someday. I just have my doubts as to whether any rookie will immediately be able to outplay any of the 1st or 2nd stringers.

True, but don’t you think a first round quality DB in this year’s draft would be more talented than Asher Allen? I think Allen was a great pick in the 3rd round last year, but he was he first round talent? Usually teams shoot for guys in the first 2 rounds that can start as rookies. Also keep in mind that our 2 starters are coming off injuries. We don’t know if Ced will be ready by the start of the season, so I can see why we’d be in the market for a starter.

by NMVike on Apr 12, 2010 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions

It won't cost then on the cap to cut ties with Madieu

Since there is no cap this year. I’m not sure how much of his contract is guaranteed either.
It will hurt Ziggy’s wallet, but it may be best for the team.

Guys like Devin McCourty, Joe Haden and Kyle Wilson are all projected to be first round selections for a reason. They could all start week 1. With the possiblity of Winfield moving to safety and the uncertanty of Cedric Griffen’s injury McCourty could start for the Vikings right away.

McCourty will do. If the Packers don't take him first... they would.

by VikesPma on Apr 12, 2010 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Army of Darkness FTW

Nice Gonz. Love that Bruce Campbell.

by John Laliberte on Apr 12, 2010 9:26 AM CDT reply actions

I don't thnk the Bengals pass on Gresham with Dez and Iutapi gone

"Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous"

by JUNGLEJOHN on Apr 12, 2010 10:53 AM CDT reply actions

RE: drafting a CB

I really don’t see a rookie beating out Allen. I’d say someone taken in the 1st round would likely project to be the better player over the long term, but I wouldn’t bet money on any rookie beating out a guy who has a full year (including some solid starts) under his belt right off the bat. In other words, Wilson, Robinson, or McCourty might pass up Asher Allen by 2011, but I’d feel more comfortable with Allen in 2010, just for his experience. All that said, I have to add this — the Vikes’ personnel decisions have been awesome over the past few years, especially in the draft. I complained when they drafted AP after Taylor’s big year in 2006, and again when they took the supposedly troubled Harvin and not a OT in the first last year, so I’m happy to have been wrong on those picks. I’m confident they’ll do something smart with their picks — even if it doesn’t seem that way on draft day. At least we know they’ll get the picks in on time.. haha

by rovibe on Apr 12, 2010 12:59 PM CDT reply actions

McCourty can beat out Allen

McCourty is faster, more talented and Allen was a third round pick for a reason. Check the tape on McCourty. Allen hasent had that much experience. He played in10 games, but didn’t start much. Benny Sapp was a better option when Winfield went out and that says something. Maybe a guy that played in more games and was able to beat out someone for the starting spot by season end would be better. Not that I expected him to beat out Winfield or Griffen, but when Winny was out Sapp was the better option(on repeat, but it cannot be overstated).

McCourty will do. If the Packers don't take him first... they would.

by VikesPma on Apr 12, 2010 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Value value value

When has chilly drafted based off need?

The guy is gonna take the best player he sees available on the board, and I have a feeling Chilly has done the research and already knows exactly who will be left.

Remember last year with Harvin? Why would chilly fly all the way down to FL to visit harvin and his family when he had the #22 pick. There were 5 WR’s taken before him, Any one of them could’ve taken Harvin. But somehow, Chilly knows what other teams will do, and he already knows who is gonna be there at #30 and has already made up his mind who he is taking.

And I put all my faith that he’ll make the best pick.

by cdubs on Apr 12, 2010 1:56 PM CDT reply actions

BPA works for the most part

However if your stacked at one position you don’t draft there. If Dez Bryant were left at 30(he won’t be but for argument sake) many would view him as the BPA, but with the Vikes set/stacked there they would pass on him.

Having said that I can’t stand the guy. Maybe because he can’t speek the English language all that well or because he quit on some of his drills at his pro day. I guess the Vikes might be deeper at a position other than WR, but I’m not seeing it.

cdubs – you are right when saying Chilly knows best so I’m on board for whoever he goes with.

McCourty will do. If the Packers don't take him first... they would.

by VikesPma on Apr 12, 2010 6:32 PM CDT reply actions