DON’T FORGET ABOUT: Baca. He looked raw as a sixth-round pick a year ago. Most of his rookie development at guard unfolded during closed practices, so we won't be able to judge him until training camp and the preseason. If he truly made progress, as the team has said, he may challenge Johnson at left guard.
LEVEL OF NEED: Moderate. There are bigger needs, particularly on defense. That’s why the Vikings re-signed Johnson. They weren’t enamored with his 2013 season, but considered him good enough to bring back so they weren’t forced to reach for a guard
FIVE PROSPECTS TO REMEMBER: LSU redshirt-sophomore guard Trai Turner, Furman guard Dakota Dozier, Ohio State center Corey Linsley, Wisconsin guard Ryan Groy and former University of Miami and Cretin-Derham Hall tackle Seantrel Henderson. Henderson, once a top prospect, has taken a hard fall through the years and has admitted that marijuana use led to multiple suspensions at Miami. But he’s still 6-8, 345 pounds. Someone will think they can fix him.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT: Banyard, signed as a street free agent in 2012, is not the fastest back, but he’s a willing inside runner who reads his blocks well. He got lost in the shuffle behind Asiata last season, but he will get an opportunity to prove himself to the new coaching staff.
LEVEL OF NEED: Moderate. Peterson is still the best running back in the game, but Father Time eventually tackles every man, and he does it sooner with running backs than any other position. The Vikings need a reliable backup. Finding Peterson’s eventual replacement would be a bonus.
OUR BEST GUESS: The Vikings will take a running back, perhaps as early as the third round.
“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly
I'd really hate to see anything above a 5th round pick wasted on a running back. The Vikings first four picks in this draft should be (in no particular order): QB, LB, CB, and either WR, S, or another LB.
They're going to have to stand pat at guard, drafting (at best) a late-rounder. Between Johnson, Baca and Berger, they should be able to get through the season. If Baca could start and perform better than Johnson, that would certainly be a bonus.
Really wish they'd get a scat back in here to complement AD and give us a real threat in the passing game. Someone with some wiggle and speed who can make something out of those check downs!
Really wish they'd get a scat back in here to complement AD and give us a real threat in the passing game. Someone with some wiggle and speed who can make something out of those check downs!
Demi wrote:Really wish they'd get a scat back in here to complement AD and give us a real threat in the passing game. Someone with some wiggle and speed who can make something out of those check downs!
Maybe someone like Dri Archer with Seattle's 3rd or the Vikings 4th. His crazy combine 40 may have him go higher than that but if he's still around...
Possibly Ka'Deem Carey*, RB, Arizona. He made big plays with limited roles his freshman year and had a good year as a starter and also is a above average receiver. Possibly could be available in the 4th.
“I remember my mistakes more than my success.” - Adrian Peterson
