2013 NFL Draft: Breaking Down the 23rd and 25th Picks
By John Carey
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to be huge players in this Thursday’s NFL Draft. They hold two first round picks, 23 and 25, and really have the ability to go either on defense or offense with either pick, as they signed some players such as Greg Jennings in free agency to help make their needs less burdensome. Their needs are at Nose Tackle, Wide Receiver, Mike Linebacker, Cornerback, and Defensive End.
The “Logical” Selections
#1. Sylvester Williams NT North Carolina
Oct 27, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora and defensive tackle Sylvester Williams (92) celebrate after the game. The Tar Heels defeated the Wolfpack 43-35 at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest need that the Vikings have is at Nose Tackle, as they have lacked a quality starter since Pat Williams retired a few years ago. Well, enter Sylvester Williams, and you are building a new “Williams Wall” to help dominate NFC North offensive lines yet again. Williams is a pure power guy, he will not impress you with much agility or speed, but he can throw around an offensive lineman, and has a really nasty edge to him. He best compares to Vince Wilfork of the New England Patriots.
#2. Alec Ogeltree LB Georgia
November 17, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) and linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) combine to tackle Georgia Southern Eagles wide receiver Darreion Robinson (7) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Georgia Southern 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have needed a Mike Linebacker ever since E.J. Henderson was cut a few years ago. They have had mostly journeymen players in starting roles for the past several years. Ogeltree would be an instant upgrade to Minnesota’s linebacking corps, and could step in at the Mike Linebacker spot right away and be a quality starter from day one. He is much like Brian Urlacher coming out of college, as he possesses great athleticism, and is able to cover speedy tight ends with ease.
#3. Keenan Allen WR California
September 8, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; Southern Utah Thunderbirds defensive back Miles Killebrew (28) tackles California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
While Minnesota did acquire Greg Jennings to help ease the loss of Percy Harvin, there was talk before Percy was traded that the team needed a wideout because they simply do not have much outside of their new wideout Greg Jennings and Pro Bowl Tight End Kyle Rudolph. Allen is a tall Wide Receiver at 6’2” who can not only jump up and catch highly thrown passes, but can also stretch the field as well, something the Vikings offense has really lacked since Sidney Rice left the team a few years ago.
The “Sleeper” Selection
Desmond Trufant CB Washington
Sept 3, 2011, Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant (6) intercepts a pass intended for Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Brandon Kaufman (1) during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington defeated Eastern, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings reportedly really like Trufant, and would like to get him with either pick #23 or 25. While cornerback is not the teams most pressing need, they did lost Antoine Winfield to the Seattle Seahawks, and Chris Cook has had a so so career thus far. Trufant would be a very good addition to the secondary and could challenge Chris Cook right away for a starting job in training camp.
The “Shocker” Selection
Manti Teo LB Notre Dame
Nov 29, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Manti Teo watches during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame defeats Kentucky 64-50. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
There have been rumors circling around that Rick Spielman really likes Manti Teo, and has been talking with the coaching staff about using one of their two first rounder on him. This would be a shock still though, given all the off the field things that have happened with Teo, and how his on the field performance doesn’t really deserve a first round pick either.
The “Don’t Be Surprised” Selection
Trade up for Tavon Austin
December 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) is tackled by Syracuse Orange cornerback Wayne Morgan (2) during the third quarter of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have been reportedly looking to move up in this year’s draft, but not much has been made over who they would be moving up for. Well I will venture to say that the player they are targeting is Tavon Austin. As stated earlier, another Wide Receiver is needed, and Austin would be the perfect fit to come in right away and replace Percy Harvin, he possesses freakish speed and athleticism, and can play the multiple spots in the offense that Harvin played.
My Predictions
#23. Sylvester Williams NT North Carolina
#25. Keenan Allen WR California