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

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 7, Pick 229 - 239

229.)  Washington Redskins
Erik Cook, C, New Mexico
Ht: 6' 6" Wt: 318

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Cook is another developmental line prospect that needs to increase his functional strength.  The Redskins selected him in hopes of adding depth to their offensive line, and he could possibly make the practice squad.   

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   College pivot who lacks the foot quickness needed to survive at center in the pros and projects to guard. Could function only in a phone booth and may be too underdeveloped physically for teams to be interested in developing him.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

230.  Green Bay Packers
C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 290

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  As the 3-4 defensive teams look for value in the 7th round, Wilson is an excellent example of finding a specialized defensive end for that front.  Not big enough to be a 4-3 defensive tackle, Wilson could find a role as a rotational player for the Packers.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Is not a top-notch athlete and lacks ideal body length, but has enough bulk and functional strength to play the five-technique in a “30” front or be a base left end in a “40” front. Could also shift inside and serve as a nickel rusher, although does not have the wardaddy mentality to consistently play inside.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

231.)  Washington Redskins
Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 308

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Many thought Capers would go much higher than the 7th round, but his lack of speed in open space and having no experience at guard caused his fall.  Perhaps Washington thinks they can convert him a left guard where he would not be alone on an island against quick pass rushers.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Scouts are wrestling with the question of whether Capers is versatile or lacks a natural NFL position.  His frame screams left tackle but his inconsistent lateral footwork might limit his effectiveness protecting on the edge.  If a team is convinced he’s a good fit at one position, he could be a second-round pick.  If not, he’ll go into the next two rounds.  

232.)  Denver Broncos
Jammie Kirlew, DE, Indiana
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 260

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Kirlew is a perfect 'tweener type defensive end to convert to a 3-4 outside linebacker.  He has the high character and energy that seems to be the standard for Bronco draft picks this year.  

GM Jr’s scouting report:   Kirlew may not be the most well known player on Indiana’s defense, but he was definitely their most consistently productive defender in 2009. He played defensive end at Indiana, but is going to have to make the switch to rush-linebacker to have any chance of being a contributing defensive player in the NFL. He is not a top level, quick twitch athlete which could hinder his ability to play well off the ball out in space as a linebacker at the next level. Overall, Kirlew is likely going to be a late round pick by a team that plays a 34 scheme in the hope that he can make the transition to playing rush-linebacker. He will likely end up as a backup rush-linebacker who contributes as a pass rusher and as a coverage man on special teams

233.)  Arizona Cardinals
Jim Dray, TE, Stanford

Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 246

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Dray was brought in to provide inline blocking for Arizona's power running game, which will now feature Beanie Wells.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Dray’s upside is a bit limited because of his average speed, but his size, blocking and soft hands make him an excellent late-round value.  He’s likely to be a reliable reserve, or better, in the NFL.

234.)  Dallas Cowboys
Sean Lissemore, DT, William and Mary
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 298

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: An excellent value for a late round pick, Lissemore is a prototypical block-eating 3-4 defensive end.  He needs to get stronger and develop technique, but he has a shot to make the practice squad with the Cowboys.

235.)  San Diego Chargers
Dedrick Epps, TE, Miami

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 250

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Epps fell down the draft board because of a serious knee injury but could have time to develop behind Antonio Gates.  He also could help with blocking on running downs.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Teams will take a look at Epps’ left knee, which underwent surgery for a torn ACL before the team’s 2008 bowl game.  His blocking ability and length will intrigue scouts enough to consider taking him in the late rounds as a possible reserve with upside.




236.)  Seattle Seahawks
Dexter Davis, DE, Arizona State
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 244

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A projected situational pass rusher, Davis hopes to add depth to a Seahawks' team that has struggled in recent years with pressuring the QB.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  A tightly wound, college defensive end who projects to rush linebacker in the pros.  Must prove he can handle adjusting to linebacker in the pros and needs to figure out how to translate his workout numbers to the field.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

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.  

238.)  Indianapolis Colts

Ricardo Mathews, DE, Cincinnati

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 294

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Mathews projects to defensive tackle in the Colts' one-gap, upfield, penetrating defensive system.  A smart player who provides his team with energy and effort, he could make the practice squad on a team even as talented as the Colts. 

GM Jr’s scouting report:   Mathews is a decent athlete who has enough positives to bring to training camp, but not enough to be drafted. He is a squatty body player that when he is playing hard and low, is a force. But he tends to come off the ball high, expose his chest and gets stalemated. He is good for 2 or 3 plays, then he gets tired and stays blocked. He has enough natural strength to hold the point of attack versus the run at him, but more often than not, he will miss with his hands off the ball, turn his shoulders and give up his body. He will end up on the ground and is blocked with ease. When he does stay square, he has the lateral quickness and strength to play off the block, shed with strong hands and slide down the line to make the tackle. He is a good wrap up tackler who will put all his force into the ball carrier to get him on the ground. Mathews does not play with much awareness and will get out of position too often. He is not a threat as a pass rusher. He lacks any type of pass rush moves but the bull rush. He ends up standing around the line of scrimmage more times than not as a pass rusher. Mathews will get into training camp for a NFL team, but he will have a hard time making a NFL roster. 

239.)  New Orleans Saints

Sean Canfield, QB, Oregon State

Ht: 6’ 3 ¾” Wt: 223

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Canfield is going to the perfect situation in New Orleans.  He doesn't appear to have the physical tools necessary to be a starting quarterback in the NFL but his intelligent decision making and anticipation make him a suitable back up candidate.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Inexperienced, soft-armed south-paw who needs to play in a dink-and-dunk West Coast offense where he can make a living off play-action and will need to be surrounded by a strong offensive line and talented skill players to be serviceable. Could battle for a No. 3 QB job if he really works at it.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Better able to avoid pass rushers after dropping 20 pounds last offseason, Canfield emerged as one of the hottest senior prospects.  He rode that to a Senior Bowl invite, but his struggles there to drive the ball consistently outside the hashes could relegate him to a West Coast offense.

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

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

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

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 7, Pick 213 - 217

213.)  Detroit Lions
Willie Young, DE, North Carolina State

Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 251

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Lions take a flier on an outside pass rusher with potential.  Young's ability to stay healthy definitely affected his draft status, but he could have an opportunity to make an impact on the Lions' defensive passing downs.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Athletic, one-dimensional, over-aged pass rusher with length and hand quickness to draw interest. Toughness and durability questions and overall inconsistency detract from his value. He could stand up as an outside linebacker in a “30” front or line up with his hand on the ground in passing situations for a 4-3 defense.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

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.

215.)  Oakland Raiders

Jeremy Ware, DB, Michigan State

 Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 181

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Character concerns are what kept Ware from being drafted earlier, but he is a good man-receiver and has the strength to play the bump and run.  

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Ware is a first-year starter at field CB for the Spartans in 2009. He has a good size frame with very good arm length & some definite growth potential to develop for the position at the next level. He is just an average overall athlete with marginal recovery speed downfield as a m/m coverage player. He is most effective in press m/m coverage underneath, where he can use his strength to jam/re-direct the receiver. He has tight hips in his pedal & in his transition in space. He often puts himself in good coverage position, but lacks the burst to close quickness to make many plays on the ball. He really struggles to find the ball over his shoulder downfield. He is consistently beaten by double-moves due to his stiff hips & lack of recovery. He is an aggressive & physical player in run support on the perimeter. He prefers to knife tackle low. Overall, he has great size with limited athletic upside to ever develop into a good m/m coverage player at the NFL level. His best chance is to be signed by a team that employs a cover-2 defensive scheme. He lacks enough ability to every become a starter or a quality back-up in the NFL.

216.)  Buffalo Bills

Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa

Ht: 6' 6" Wt: 323

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Another try-hard prospect, Calloway will probably have to move to guard because of his lack of speed and power.  Could latch on to the team because of the lack of offensive line depth.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  A three-year starter in a quality program, Calloway is an underpowered right tackle short on athletic ability but fundamentally sound and football-smart, which should enable him to assimilate into the pro game readily. Could develop into a serviceable starter in a scheme that provides chip help and would be best paired with a good-tempered positional coach.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

217.)  Tampa Bay Bucs

Dekoda Watson, LB, Florida State

Ht: 6' 1" Wt:  240

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Watson is a good example of what you would want in a Tampa-2 linebacker but lacks the playmaking ability necessary to excel in that defense.  Watson could make his way onto the roster as a special teams player and reserve.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Lean, sculpted, explosive workout all-star with tempting athletic ability, fluid movement skills and very good speed. Lack of toughness and instinct deficiency could be restricting, but measurables and pass-rush ability could pull him off draft boards sooner than he grades out on tape.

NFL projection: Mid-to-late draftable pick. 

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

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

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

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 6, Pick 195 - 199

195.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Steelers continue to try to add depth to their wide receiver corps after the loss of Santonio Holmes.  Brown is a slot receiver and returner.  He faces an uphill battle to make the team because of the number of receivers already on the roster.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Could have used another year of development, but opted to come out instead of returning with a new coach and QB. A smallish, slot receiver with run-after-catch ability and return skills, Brown’s strength and instinct deficiencies will make it difficult to separate at the next level. Character concerns could limit his appeal and knock him off draft boards.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

196.)  Dallas Cowboys

Jamar Wall, CB, Texas Tech

Ht: 5'  10" Wt: 204

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Wall was a value pick in the sense that he fell because of his lack of instincts.  If Wall can make a good impression on the Cowboys, he has a chance to make the roster as a nickel or dime corner.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Squatty, squarely built former high school running back with man-coverage limitations who is not exceptional in any area but has enough size, athletic ability and ball skills to make it as a No. 4 or No. 5 corner for a cover-2 team.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

197.)  Houston Texans

Trindon Holliday, KR, LSU

 Ht: 5' 5" Wt: 162

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: A returner with sprinter speed, Holliday is a one dimensional player in the fact that he can only contribute in the NFL by returning kicks and punts.  He does excel at that, and, if he can stay healthy, he could be a game changing player based upon his effect on field position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Dangerous, diminutive punt and kickoff returner who only needs a sliver of daylight to take it the distance. Also shows versatility to contribute as a change-of-pace back or work out of the slot.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

198.)   Carolina Panthers

David Gettis, WR, Baylor

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 217

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Gettis is a blazer who is still learning the game of football.  The pro-passing game is not learned easily, and Gettis might not be given the time or repetitions to reach his potential.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A classic size-speed prospect, Gettis’ 6-3 frame and track speed give him the tools to be a fantastic receiver.  Far from a finished product, Gettis flashes explosive ability but also needs work catching the ball with more consistency and running crisper routes.    

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.

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

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

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

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.