The Vikings felt they addressed their most glaring need back in February when they traded a fourth round pick to the Houston Texans for quarterback Sage Rosenfels. With that critical position theoretically taken care of the Vikings were able to look elsewhere in the draft in an attempt to shore up a roster that, for the most part, appears poised to make a serious playoff run. This is a big year for the Vikings and with public interest waning Head Coach Brad Childress is firmly on the hot seat. Was Minnesota able to use the 2009 NFL Draft to add the final pieces of the puzzle that will put them over the top?
Just a few short years ago the Vikings made a big deal about their renewed emphasis on character following the ever so embarrassing “Love Boat” scandal, going so far as to publish a 77-page code of conduct handbook. That must no longer be the team policy though because Minnesota used the #22 pick on Florida WR Percy Harvin, who had more character issues than any top prospect in this draft. A dynamic playmaker who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, Harvin is the type of guy who scares defenses to death and on talent alone he was arguably one of the ten best players available. However, for all his physical gifts there are some major question marks with Harvin that lead many to worry he’ll bust. Perhaps the biggest concern is durability and Harvin was never really healthy throughout his college career, with lingering heel and ankle injuries being the greatest concern. Harvin will also have to adapt to a pro style offense and learn to run an NFL route tree after playing in a spread system with the Gators. In fact, in Urban Meyer’s offense Harvin was actually utilized more as a pseudo-running back. Character rounds out the trifecta of concerns with Harvin and to say he has a checkered past might be an understatement. In high school Harvin was banned from participating in any high school sporting events following a series of disciplinary issues and while it was never made public Harvin also reportedly had quite a few run-ins with coaches and teammates during his days in Gainesville. No one denies Harvin’s talent and if everything clicks he could be a star but he’ll have to stay healthy, adjust to an entirely new playing style and keep his head on straight to maximize that potential. Those are three pretty big “If’s”. Needless to say Harvin looks like a Boom or Bust pick for the Vikings. As far as how he will fit in Minnesota’s plans as a rookie, look for Harvin to line up all over the field (out wide, in the slot, in the backfield, etc.) and even though he didn’t return a single kick or punt in college he has the ability to excel in that capacity as well. Between Harvin, Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade the Vikings now have some formidable weapons in the passing game but you just wonder if they’ll have a quarterback to get them the ball.
Right tackle was probably Minnesota’s greatest need heading into the draft and after passing on Michael Oher and Eben Britton in the first round they were fortunate to find Oklahoma’s Phil Loadholt still on the board late in round two. In fact, in the days leading up to the draft it looked as though there was a good chance Loadholt would be selected in round one. An impressive physical specimen (6-73/4, 332) with extremely long arms, Loadholt is very strong and has shown the ability to dominate as a run blocker. Loadholt won’t be able to play left tackle in the NFL like he did for the Sooners because he doesn’t have great feet but he appears to be ideally suited for the right side. Former second round pick Ryan Cook has been a disappointment so look for Loadholt to step right into the starting lineup as a rookie, if he hasn't already.
In round three the Vikings attempted to shore up their secondary by selecting Georgia CB Asher Allen. A three-year starter in the SEC who opted to come out after his junior season, Allen doesn’t have the ideal size you look for but he plays big, is a good athlete and possesses top intangibles. The concern is that Allen may never be more than a nickel or dime type in the pros but Minnesota is probably okay with that since that’s the role they will be asking him to fill as a rookie. With that said there were some other talented cover guys still on the board in round three who could have addressed that need while also offering more long-term upside. Look for Allen to potentially be groomed as a replacement for the soon-to-be 32-year-old Antoine Winfield but in the meantime he will compete for playing time with Charles Gordon, Karl Paymah and Marcus McCauley.
The Vikings struggled when E.J. Henderson went down with a season-ending injury last year so in an effort to prevent that from happening again they traded up in round five to select South Carolina ILB Jasper Brinkley. A big 252 pound thumper who actually played at 270+ as a senior, Brinkley made an immediate impact after joining the Gamecocks from the JUCO ranks in 2006 but a knee injury wiped out most of his 2007 season. Brinkley didn’t appear to be quite back to normal in 2008 but he performed well at the East / West Shrine Game then worked out much better than expected at the Scouting Combine, leading many to believe his best football is still ahead of him. Brinkley should immediately take over the backup job behind Henderson, where he will be a big upgrade and provide some much-needed insurance. With their final pick in round seven the Vikings added another defensive back, selecting Ole Miss S Jamarca Sanford. A four-year starter in the SEC, Sanford certainly has the bloodlines you look for with two cousins (Dwayne Rudd and Peria Jerry) who were first round picks in the NFL Draft. A bit of a S / LB ‘tweener, Sanford profiles as an in-the-box strong safety and assuming he makes the roster he should provide depth behind Tyrell Johnson while also contributing on special teams.
Based on their actions in the 2009 NFL Draft it’s clear that Minnesota’s decision makers are feeling the pressure to win now. By selecting Percy Harvin in round one not only did the Vikings throw caution to the wind but they also compromised their beliefs and set themselves up to look like hypocrites. Phil Loadholt is a sure-fire starter and Asher Allen could play a critical complimentary role but the success or failure of this draft will hinge on Harvin’s development. In Harvin and Adrian Peterson the Vikings could have two of the most exciting players in football but if Harvin is unable to stay healthy or keep his nose clean that pick could blow up in their face. Minnesota swung for the fences with this draft but only time will tell if they hit a home run or struck out.
