Final Mock Draft before the NFL Draft, starting April 26th, 2012. Only a few changes, addressing needs of the Vikings based on who I feel would be the best fit on the roster. Enjoy!
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 shore up the OL to protect him! Too many sacks came off the left side last year.
**Alternate Pick - Rumor has it that the first pick of the Vikings is going to be either Kalil, Morris Claiborne (CB) or Justin Blackmon (WR)**
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 very unlikely and if not, Jeffery still could be a legitimate #1 receiver for the Vikings. Jeffery's 6'3" frame and speed/skill set could provide a great target for Ponder to form a bond with and be his go-to receiver (Hopefully!). For 2011, he had 49 receptions for 762 yards and eight touchdowns, likely due to poor quarterbacks for S. Carolina last year. Jeffery is also an excellent blocker on offense, to help the run game. But due to less production in 2011 than 2010 and being ejected from his last game after getting in a fight with Alfonzo Dennard in the 3rd Quarter, 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 - Harrison Smith, S, ND**
Round 3, pick 3, 66th overall: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt- Hayward is a good zone corner that would fit well into many of the Vikings defensive zone schemes. But this can be his downside also. He can get too far from a receiver and he may lose out on the speed side to get there. Hayward had seven interceptions, 60 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 10 passes broken up in 2011. He has enough size and ball skills to fit any NFL defense. Hayward also is aggressive defending the run. He could be an underrated prospect who will reward the Vikings if they draft him.
**Alternate Pick - Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa or if Kalil is not selected James Brown, OT, Troy**
Round 4, pick 3, 98th overall: Antonio Allen, SS, South Carolina - Allen was one of the best Safeties in the SEC in 2011. He is a big hitter and in 2011, he recorded 88 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, four forced fumbles, three interceptions and two passes broken up. He would be a great addition to the Vikings secondary which is dire need of a SS. Allen's largest struggles are transitioning and traditional backpedaling, which can be addressed in off-season workouts prior to the preseason.
**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: Senio Kelemete, OT/G, Washington - Kelemete played both defense and offense in Washington, starting at DT in 2008 and then going to OG in 2009 and LT in 2010 and 2011. He is fast off the ball and places himself in great positions to block the defensive players. His biggest skill comes as a run blocker, being able to hold his blocks, and then getting to the 2nd level and blocking linebackers. He still has some skills that need to be developed which will likely result in him being a OG in the NFL, especially to start. He will provide great depth to the Vikings OL.
**Alternate Pick - Shaun Prater, CB, Iowa**
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 - Desmond Wynn, G, Rutgers**
Round 6, pick 5 (From Cleveland), 175th overall: Chris Rainey, RB/WR/KR/PR, Florida - Rainey would provide depth to the RB position where it's possible Peterson may miss some time at the beginning of the season. He would also provide help in the return game and even blocked six kicks while in college. Rainey totaled 861 yards rushing with three touchdowns in 2011. He also caught 31 passes for 381 yards and two touchdowns. However he does have some off field issues that will need nipping and played banged up last season which decreased his productivity.
**Alternate Pick - Max Gruder, OLB, Pittsburgh**
Round 7, pick 3, 210th overall: Derek Moye, WR, Penn State - Moye could be a sleeper pick for the Vikings, giving Ponder another weapon down field. Moye 6'4" frame makes him a great red zone target. However, he could benefit to add some weight to his frame. He only has one speed and struggles with man press coverage. He can struggle for separation but could be developed into a good receiver. One of his major upsides is he is able to adjust to the ball and catch some of the difficult catches. Moye only had 40 receptions for 654 yards and three touchdowns in 2011. In 2010 he caught 53 balls for 885 yards and eight scores. A year earlier, Moye had 48 receptions for 785 yards and six touchdowns.
**Alternate Pick - Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami**
Round 7, pick 16 (from New England), 223rd overall: Justin Bethel, CB, Presbyterian College - Bethel led his team with 88 tackles, four interceptions and six passes broken up this season. This would be another good pick for the depleted Vikings secondary. Picking another CB could allow Winfield to move to safety and help groom the young talent in Raymond and the S we draft early. He is a good pass and run defender but may struggle with a transition to the next level. He has struggled in man, but is good in zone defenses.
**Alternate Pick - Scott Wedige, C, Northern Illinois**
The Vikings lost Round 6, Pick 3 to Washington for the horrible Donovan McNabb trade
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