Thursday, April 5, 2012

Vikings 2012 Mock Draft - 4/5/12

Vikings 2012 Mock Draft - Updated 3/28/12.

Round 1, Pick 3, 3rd overall: Matt Kalil, OT, USC - This is pretty much a given. It's not often a franchise OT like Kalil comes around and obviously Charlie Johnson is not as good as protecting the blind side as hoped when he was signed. And with this pick, Johnson could move to left guard where it is said he will be more comfortable. If the Vikings plan on keeping Ponder as their future QB, then they need to develop an OL that will protect him!

**Alternate Pick - NONE!!! The Vikings would be stupid not to make this pick and it's unlikely that a trade will present itself for this pick at this point.**

Round 2, pick 3, 35th overall: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina -  If Stephen Hill drops to this spot, that would be a dream come true!! But Jeffery still could be a legitimate #1 receiver for the Vikings but due to less production in 2011 than 2010 and being ejected from his last game after getting in a fight with Alfonzo Dennard, Jeffery is projected to drop far in the the 2nd Round beyond the 35th pick of the Vikings. Also, he did not participate in the combine this year. At the South Caroline Pro Day, Jeffery ran 40's in the high 4.4's to low 4.5's. He also dropped weight from 235 during the 2011 season to 215 at the Pro Day. If he's drafted, it would be important for the Vikings to place a weight clause in his contract.

**Alternate Pick - Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska**

Round 3, pick 3, 66th overall: Trumaine Johnson, FS/CB, Montana - Johnson has worked out for the Vikings before the draft and could be a great pick if he is still available at this pick, and that could be a big if. It would be good to put in the FS safety position and allow Mistral Raymond to move to SS position, having Cook and Carr be the starting corners (If Winfield remains unhealthy or gets cut). However, he could be given the opportunity to compete for a starting CB position as well. He had 54 tackles with 6 for a loss, 2 interceptions and 12 pass deflections.

**Alternate Pick - Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa**

Round 4,  pick 3, 98th overall: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia - The CB depth in this draft is deep so there is a chance the Minnifield could drop to this position, especially due to his knee injury which has hurt his draft stock. In 2011, he had 50 tackles, seven for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 8 passes broken up. Minnifield has good instincts and is able to keep an eye on the quarterback to make a play on the ball. He is also effective in zone or man coverage. However, his back pedal can be sloppy which can get him in trouble, and this would need to be worked on in the off season, especially with that knee injury.

**Alternate Pick - Nick Jean-Baptist, DT/NT, Baylor**

Round 4, pick 33 (compensatory pick), 128th overall: James-Michael Johnson, ILB, Nevada - ILB is a strong need for the Vikings. He had 100 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble in 2011. Johnson is a strong tackler, that is able to fill the gap, shed blocks quickly and make plays on the ball. He is able to identify pass/run quickly. He does struggle in man coverage, but would fit nicely into the Vikings zone defense.

**Alternate Pick - Janzen Jenkins, FS, McNeese State**

Round 4, pick 39 (compensatory pick), 134th overall: Levy Adcock, OT/G, Oklahoma State - Adcock struggled a bit in pass protection but did well with run blocking, and would need to be developed in the off season. This could be an opportunity to provide some competition for Loadholt to increase his consistency in the RT position or be replaced. Adcock would also provide additional depth to the G position, especially if Johnson struggles at the LG position or a back up to Schwartz.

 **Alternate Pick - Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State**

Round 5, pick 3, 138th overall: Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa. DT is turning into a position in need of depth with releasing Remi Ayodele. Daniels is fast off the ball, with a 4.83 40 time, and is able to get in between blockers. Daniels recorded 67 tackles with nine sacks, and 10.5 tackles for a loss in his 2011 season. However, his size can also result in him getting engulfed by big blockers and struggles with double teams. He could fit into a rotation package or serve as a back up.

**Alternate Pick - Justin Francis, DE, Rutgers**

Round 6, pick 5 (From Cleveland), 175th overall: Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State: Burris had 78 tackles including 19.5 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks and one pass broken up during his Senior year. Burris is able to cover in zone and in man but his speed can be exposed in space. Burris is able to get in the box and plug gaps as well. He is a development prospect that would serve well as a back up on the roster and package player.

**Alternate Pick - Derel Moye, WR, Penn State**

Round 7, pick 3, 210th overall: Davin Meggett, RB, Maryland - Meggett would provide some depth on the RB position, particularly if Peterson misses any of the beginning of the season. Meggett comes in a 5'8", 211 lbs. He has good footwork and good vision to get through tight spaces between the tackles but one of his biggest downsides is unreliable to catch the ball out of the back field. He did have an average 5.2 yards per run for 896 yards and four touchdowns in 2011 along with only 17 receptions.

**Alternate Pick - Desmond Wynn, G, Rutgers**

Round 7, pick 16 (from New England), 223rd overall: Lance Mitchell, S, Oregon State -Mitchell would provide depth to the secondary in the S position and provide a contribution to special teams. In 2011 he had 76 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 passes broken up.

**Alternate Pick - David Teggart, K, Connecticut**

The Vikings lost Round 6, Pick 3 to Washington for the horrible Donovan McNabb trade

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