FanPost

Vikings' 2015 Big Board (Update)

We are approximately two weeks away from when the NFL draft begins and I've decided to revise my previous Vikings Big Board (published back in February). With time, further information has revealed itself and deeper insight (note: subjectively) on prospects has naturally led to different (but not major) changes.

This is a list of the top 11 players who I think provide the most value to the Vikings. Using 11 players means we know that the Vikings will have at least one of the players available with their number 11 overall pick.

1. DL Leonard Williams (previous: same)
With the potential to be the next Kevin Williams, Leonard is a big versatile lineman who shows great pass-rushing abilities for his size. Actually, Leonard shares many similar traits with Kevin Williams, not just the last name.

2. OL Brandon Scherff (previous: same)
One of the few linemen I watch on tape and get really excited over. A strong versatile lineman who could fill the left guard spot immediately and lock it down for years. Left guard happens to be one of the most pressing needs for the Vikings and Brandon also has the flexibility to play on the outside and perform better than Matt Kali (the bad version).

3. DE Dante Fowler Jr. (previous: same)
Fast and powerful defensive end who can gradually replace Brian Robison on the edge.

4. WR Amari Cooper (previous: #6)
Arguably the most pro-ready receiver and reminded me of Jerry Rice in college (yes, that good!). Amari is a hard worker with good size, elite quickness and route-running skills. He has more consistent production than White, slightly better quickness and speed, and supreme route-running abilities.

5. WR Kevin White (previous: #4)
The impressive combination of size and athleticism compares to Julio Jones. Previously had Kevin ranked higher than Cooper since he's the better red-zone weapon and has better size and power. I don't like to draft receivers very high, but Kevin can be a superstar and the transition from college to the pro's at the receiver position is more reliable these days.

6. DT Danny Shelton (previous: #7)
A big powerful defensive tackle who can bring back the authority at nose tackle that we haven't had since Pat Williams. Danny's surprising athleticism will also contribute against the pass more than Pat ever did.

7. OL La'el Collins (previous: unranked)
Similar to Scherff in that he played mostly tackle in college, but also started a season at guard. Like Scherff, plays with aggression and many are projecting him as a better prospect inside at the next level.

8. WR DeVante Parker (previous: #9)
Good combination of size, speed and catching abilities. As a bonus (but nothing to do with his ranking), DeVante has already shown that he can produce with Teddy Bridgewater in college.

9. LB Vic Beasley (previous: unranked)
Immensely athletic with a good "true" linebacker build. He will play outside linebacker in Minnesota and my big question mark is (simply put): can he cover? Reminiscence of Anthony Barr who came out last year and also were a pass rusher phenomenon with an outstanding athletic/size combination. Barr, however, can play 4-3 end full time, Beasley most likely not. I'm admittingly trusting Mike Zimmer to work his "magic" here.

10. LB Eric Kendricks (previous: unranked)
This is likely the biggest surprise on the list to most people. True linebackers (4-3 linebackers, 3-4 inside 'backers) still seem to be undervalued coming out of college, but that doesn't correlate with how high the elite 'backers are valued in the pro's. Eric is one of the best pure footballers in this year's class. He has everything you want in a linebacker and can likely play both inside and out.

11. CB Trae Waynes (previous: same)
Corner with good size and great speed. I'm still not very high on him and he barely made this list in front of very good candidates (note: I've not seen an awful lot of tape on him). There are other cornerbacks who can be picked up later. (For instance, I'd rather take a chance on Marcus Peters in the second. Looking past his character concerns, Marcus is perhaps the best corner in this year's class.)

Dropped since last 'big board'

SS Landon Collins - The best safety in this year's class, especially at strong safety, which is where the Vikings could need an upgrade. Together with Harrison Smith, the Vikings will have scary young duo at safety.

LB Shaq Thompson - Could easily be a strong safety, but also an ideal weakside linebacker in today's pass-happy league. Many teams, including the Vikings, use the nickle package almost as much as the base. Greenway is nearing the end of his career and Mike Zimmer is the type of coach who can make Shaq Thompson thrive.

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As you can see, there are no quarterbacks on my big board. We can expect one, likely two, quarterbacks to be selected in the top 11. Combine that with many teams reaching for players every year and the Vikings will be left with plenty of good options. We shouldn't be surprised to see four or five of the players mentioned above available when the Vikings are on the clock at number 11.

What's your top 11? Post your 'big board' in the comment section.

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.