Minnesota Vikings 2010 Draft Review

With cornerback and running back being the Vikings' glaring needs, Chris Cook and Toby Gerhart were easy picks to make. Cook might have seemed like a compromise but is a talented player who could come in and start immediately if Antoine Winfield or Cedric Griffen don't recover fully from injury. Gerhart is a versatile downhill runner and will take some carries off of the plate of Adrian Peterson. Everson Griffen was considered a steal with the 100th pick but one has to question: why did a guy who had a late first/early second round grade fall all the way to the fourth round? The rest of the players drafted will supply depth for the Vikings' perceived run at the Super Bowl. 


Round 2, Pick 34

Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

Ht: 6’2” Wt: 212

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The rumor was the Vikings coveted cornerback Patrick Robinson but Cook provides them with depth.  The Vikings defensive backfield was ravaged with injury last season, and they were in dire need of help at that position. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Lanky, long-levered corner who fared well at the Senior Bowl and showed some explosion in drills at the Combine. Has safety size but is not aggressive or physical, so best chance in the pros will come at cornerback. His rare size in a league where receivers keep getting bigger will drive up his value.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Cook’s strong senior seasons and solid week of practice at the Senor Bowl made him relevant with scouts.  His long frame and quick hands make him an intriguing option for teams using press coverage and his range could convince coaches to try him at safety if he improves tackling in the open field.  Has the size, speed and experience to surprise in the NFL.

Round 2, Pick 51

Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford 

Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 231

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  When the Vikings lost Chester Taylor, they were in bad need of a back up running back.  Gerhart is all that and more.  With the ability to block, he can be lined up simultaneously with Adrian Peterson or spell him when he's tired. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A college tailback trapped in a full- back’s body, Gerhart is a well-built bulldozer with the strength, determination and competitiveness to wear down college defenses, but he most ideally would be suited for a more limited role as a West Coast fullback in the pros, where he could preserve his body and contribute in single-back sets and as a short-yardage and nickel rusher. Could be drafted more highly than he grades out because he gives decision-makers comfort knowing exactly what they are getting.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A two-sport star, Gerhart blew away the all-time California state high school record with 9,622 career rushing yards and capped a brilliant Stanford career with an 1,871-yard junior season.  The Heisman finalist has the power, receiving hands (39 career receptions) and quick feet to be a primary ballcarrier in the NFL.

100.)  Minnesota Vikings
Everson Griffen, DE/OLB, USC
Ht:6’ 3 3/8” Wt: 273

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  This player falling this far has become a bit of a mystery.  Griffen was rated as high as a first or second-round pick but obviously has some other issues.  An inconsistent effort is one of these issues, but he has top end athleticism.   

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Has first-round talent and has long been viewed as a star-in-waiting, but did not live up to the hype at USC. Teased evaluators with his quickness, power and explosion early in the season but was sidetracked by injuries and fell off in the second half of the season. Has an intriguing skill set with disruptive quickness and edge burst, but comes with a “buyer beware” label due to intermittent intensity, lack of discipline and questions about his mental makeup. Overall lack of toughness could push him to the second round and keep him from ever realizing his potential.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Blessed with good size, strength and the athleticism to jump up the board in workouts, Griffen is an intriguing prospect who might just be scratching the surface of his potential.  His agility and straight-line speed might be enough to convince scouts that his future position should be as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme.  Regardless of his pro position, teams will have to judge how likely it is that he’ll return to his inconsistent ways once he cashes that first NFL paycheck.

161.)  Minnesota Vikings
Chris Degeare, OT, Wake Forest
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 325

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Degeare is a back up right guard prospect who lacks the speed to play on the outside at tackle.  He provides good depth for the position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Big-bodied, plodding mauler easily outmatched against quickness. Lined up at left tackle as a senior but must convert inside in the pros to have a chance.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

167.)  Minnesota Vikings
Nathan Triplett, LB, Minnesota
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 250 

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another player who could become a special team standout, Triplett has the type of attitude and on the field passion that coaches appreciate.  He could fill in as a stop gap starter if necessary.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Nathan Triplett is a typical Big Ten linebacker, who relies on his toughness and smarts to overcome his lack of athleticism. He has limited versatility because he is a stiff, upright player who struggles to pursue sideline to sideline and cover TE’s and backs downfield, and will need to be taken by a team that can cover him up inside in a 3-4 scheme. What he does excel at is consistently diagnosing the play in the backfield, and working his way thru traffic to get to the ball. He will need to improve his leverage and use his hands better when taking on blocks in order to see the field in the NFL. Overall, Trip- lett has the size, smarts, instincts and aggressiveness to make it as a backup inside linebacker and special teams player. 

199.)  Minnesota Vikings

Joe Webb, QB, UAB

Ht: 6' 3" Wt:  223

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A prospect in the mold of Percy Harvin, Webb could run the "wildcat" offense or be converted to wide receiver.  He is a long term project and might not make a talented squad.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Converted QB project who will require some time to adapt to an NFL playbook, but Webb has enough size, athletic ability and run skills to warrant giving a chance running routes.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

214.)  Minnesota Vikings

Mickey Shuler, TE, Penn State

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 251

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An undersized, blocking tight end, Shuler could come in and contribute on running downs and special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Tough, try-hard, high-effort over-achiever with a chance to compete in a camp.

NFL projection: Free agent.

237.)  Minnesota Vikings

Ryan D'Imperio, LB, Rutgers

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 230

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another high-effort middle linebacker who can play special teams.  A disappointing senior season dropped his stock significantly.  Lack of speed and ability to fight off blocks will prevent him from being a starter in the NFL.  

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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