After having only two picks over the first two days of the draft, the Vikings were much busier on the final day of the draft:
- Round 4 (106th pick overall) — Christian Ballard, Defensive lineman, Iowa.
With the Vikings’ Kevin Williams potentially facing a four-game suspension (and Pat Williams now a free agent), Ballard will have a chance to showcase his abilities early in the season. He was initially projected as a second round pick, but he slid down to the fourth round due to a reported failed drug test. - Round 5 (139th pick overall) — Brandon Burton, Cornerback, Utah.
Cornerback is definitely a position that needs bolstering: Griffin and Cook both ended last season on injured reserve, and Winfield (while still a great player) is nearing the end of his career. Burton may push Asher Allen for a roster spot, although he has a reputation for a soft playing style according to Pro Football Weekly. - Round 6 (168th pick overall) — DeMarcus Love, Offensive tackle/guard, Arkansas.
Another player who may have a chance to work his way into the starting line-up. Protecting the quarterback is always important, but with either Joe Webb or Christian Ponder under centre, it becomes that much more necessary. According to Chip Scoggins, his versatility along the line is probably why the Vikings chose to draft him. - Round 6 (170th pick overall) — Mistral Raymond, Defensive back, South Florida.
Safety is another area in need of more depth. Raymond could push the incumbent players, or even displace one of them with a strong showing in training camp. Raymond has had a tough time in his family life over the last few years. - Round 6 (172nd pick overall) — Brandon Fusco, Center/guard, Slippery Rock.
Another versatile offensive line player can always find a roster spot. Sullivan played injured for most of last season, so having a backup centre who can also play other line positions is great for depth. Judd Zulgad believes he’s going to end up on the practice squad this season. - Round 6 (200th pick overall) — Ross Homan, Linebacker, Ohio State.
The Vikings may lose outside linebacker Ben Leber to free agency (once that starts), so having another linebacker in camp is a need they address with this pick. - Round 7 (215th pick overall) — D’Aundre Reed, Defensive end, Arizona.
Another position that may be opening due to free agency loss. Judd Zulgad isn’t too impressed: “All I can think is the Vikings are either convinced Griffen is going to get his act together, they are planning on starting Robison at left end or they are convinced we’re going to play under the 2010 CBA and Edwards will be back because if that’s the case he will be a restricted free agent. Reed looks like a practice squad guy to me.” - Round 7 (236th pick overall) — Stephen Burton, Wide receiver, West Texas A&M.
With Sidney Rice potentially leaving in free agency, the Vikings have a need for another receiver. Brief write-up on Burton here.
Unlike in previous years, where the draft is immediately followed by teams signing lots of undrafted free agents, the NFL’s labour situation prevents that until the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is in place (or the courts rule in a way to allow free agency to begin).
