Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the Minnesota Vikings, I got together with Adam Carlson of The Viking Age. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"The Vikings have three major holes on the roster that need attention. Cornerback, middle linebacker, and left guard should be the top priorities entering the 2015 NFL Draft. However, they shouldn’t look past a top wide receiver or a great pass rusher should they fall to Minnesota. With so many positions needed, the team should have many options (including a trade down) when they’re on the clock."
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2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"The key to success in any draft is to select players that can help your team win. Because of that, the Vikings have to put together a group of players that can help this team grow and develop. Picking a blend of low risk players early combined with high potential prospects later on can be one of the best ways to get the most of your selections and build for the future."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"Reaching for a player of need. I always hate when the Vikings take a player based on his potential much earlier than they should. That has a history of not paying off for Minnesota and actually sets the team back significantly if it doesn’t work out. This draft has great talent all the way through to the middle rounds and possibly even beyond. Because of that, the worst thing the Vikings can do is not make the best use of the picks that they have."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"In my mock draft on The Viking Age, I have Minnesota selecting cornerback Trae Waynes from Michigan State since Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff will likely be off the board. However, I think that the Vikings will likely draft a pass rushing defensive end MUCH earlier than is expected. In fact, if a player like Alvin “Bud” Dupree or Shane Ray fall to that #11 overall spot, it would be difficult to see the team passing on him. My prediction is that one of the Vikings first two picks will be a defensive end."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"A lot of folks are talking about the Vikings needs at running back or wide receiver, but I don’t see either of them as necessary for selection. Unless something happens with Adrian Peterson or the team is concerned about Cordarrelle Patterson and Charles Johnson’s development, I don’t think either of these positions will warrant an early draft selection despite the media hype surrounding them. I would see either of those positions as luxury picks for the Vikings in this year’s draft, and for a team with so many needs, they can’t afford to use picks on luxury right now."
For full Vikings Coverage coverage, check out The Viking Age.
Next: 2-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft