POLL OF THE WEEK: First Round Scenarios in the 2015 NFL Draft
Austin Belisle
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With the 2015 NFL Draft fast approaching, it’s time to shift our weekly poll focus from free agency to the NFL’s premier offseason event. General manager Rick Spielman has spent little money acquiring new players, and took a patient approach in re-signing players like John Sullivan and Matt Asiata.
Today, the Vikings kicked off their Top-30 event by bringing in a select group of draft prospects for visits to Winter Park. The scheduled visits will continue over the course of the next few weeks:
https://twitter.com/GoesslingESPN/status/585475631955214341
Some of those names include first round talents like Nebraska’s Randy Gregory and Michigan State’s Trae Waynes — players that may be available when Minnesota selects 11th-overall on April 30th. The Vikings will also host some late-round prospects, like Norfolk State DE Lynden Trail and Northern Iowa RB David Johnson.
While I’d love to see the Vikings draft a playmaker like Lousiville’s DeVante Parker, others want the team to address more pressing needs early in the first round.
The offensive line, specifically at guard, is relatively thin heading into 2015 — Iowa’s Brandon Scherff would have the chance to start immediately if drafted. On defense, Mike Zimmer’s unit would be buoyed with the addition of a blue-chip safety or corner; Washington’s Marcus Peters and Alabama’s Landon Collins are potential options at number 11.
Still, there is inherent risk in drafting so early — logical thinking would lead you to believe that top draft picks are “locks” once they step onto an NFL field, but that is not always the case.
Christian Ponder, now with the Oakland Raiders, was selected 12th-overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. In 4 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Ponder went 14-21-1 and failed to meet lofty first-round expectations.
Troy Williamson, a speedy, butterfingered receiver out of South Carolina, spent three seasons in Minnesota, catching just 3 touchdowns in 39 games — he was the 7th-overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
But, there is also the potential for a “jackpot”. Adrian Peterson entered the 2007 NFL Draft surrounded by durability concerns and injury questions. The Vikings took a chance on the Oklahoma running back, making him the 7th-overall pick and the face of the franchise for years to come (though that ship may be sailing away).
Kevin Williams, the 9th-overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, started 171 games for the Vikings, finishing his 11-year tenure in Minnesota with 60 sacks and 6 Pro Bowl berths.
Right now, the Vikings hold the 2015 NFL Draft’s 11th-overal pick. In a position I call “no-man’s land”, Rick Spielman’s hand are tied; he can draft a player like Scherff or Waynes there, but may be hard-pressed to do so. Talented corners and offensive linemen will be available in later rounds, making a trade to move back the more sensible option.
If he pulls the trigger on a wild-card player like Washington’s Shaq Thompson, Spielman would be playing the ultimate game of Russian Roulette. With teams anxious to move up in the first round, I wouldn’t be surprised to see “Slick Rick” give up the 11th-overall pick for picks in the later rounds — rounds where there may be more value.
No one knows what will happen this year, but intrigue surrounds the Vikings’ ultimate decision on April 30th. Take the poll below and tell us what you think will happen once the Vikings are “On the Clock”!: