Draft Rumblings: Vikes And Broncos To Swap Picks?
Might the Vikings be doing some wheeling and dealing on draft day? Scout.com is reporting that Denver is looking to trade out of the 12th slot in the draft, and the Vikings could be a likely trade partner for them. Last year, the Vikings picked up Denver’s 2008 third round pick in a trade, and by sending that pick back to the Broncos, they could potentially jump up to #12.
It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if this deal happens, because as the article mentions, it’s possible that teams in the 12-17 slots could overtake the Vikings in their probable pursuit of a defensive end (aka: Derrick Harvey).
If I’m Rick Spielman, here’s my approach: I take a wait-and-see approach on draft day, and if Harvey is still available following the 11th selection, I pull the trigger on this deal with Denver. Some mock drafts have Harvey dropping to the Vikings, but I wouldn’t take any chances. Trading up to select him would be worth it, as I just don’t see him falling to #17.
This is the most aggressive move I can see the Vikings potentially making in the draft…moving up a handful of spots to select Harvey is probably the most dramatic deal they’d be willing to execute.
Look, I’m certainly not crazy about the idea of the Purple selecting yet another defensive end in the first round. Rather, I prefer a draft approach that’s flexible enough to allow the selection of the best player available — the Vikings utilized this approach last year, and exited draft day with Adrian rather than Jamal Anderson because of that flexibility.
But after the acquisitions of Madieu Williams and Bernard Berrian alleviated the needs at safety and wide receiver, the need at DE sticks out like a sore thumb. This year is one of the rare exceptions where I’d shy away from selecting the BPA in the opening round.
However, even if the Vikings are able to land Harvey, Merling, or another highly-rated defensive end in the draft, they’re still in lots of trouble at that position. We’re counting on Brian Robison and Ray Edwards to deliver a serviceable pass rush next season, and frankly, you’re setting yourself up for a substantial disappointment if you’re relying on those two.
Edwards started 11 of 12 games last season and posted five sacks (he tied for the team lead with that mark) — but he’s largely unproven, and I’m not willing to put much faith into someone that was suspended for violating the NFL’s steroids policy last season.
I turned into a big Robison fan last season…he exceeded expectations in his rookie year by picking up an impressive 4.5 sacks, and he should take another jump up in his second NFL season. But he’s sure to get a ton of playing time next year, and I wonder if he’ll be ready to receive a considerably larger role on this defensive line. Although he’ll be an excellent pass rushing force down the road, the possibility of him in a starting role next season makes me pretty nervous.
I’ve heard people talking about addressing the need for a young offensive lineman in the first round (if the Vikings do indeed part ways with McKinnie), I’ve heard some suggestions that they should take a wide receiver, and I’ve even heard a couple people say that the Vikes should take a quarterback — but let’s take a step back and look objectively at the most pressing needs on the roster. Defensive end tops the list of needs, and frankly, it isn’t even close.
Closed-circuit to Spielman: If Harvey’s available when the Broncos step up to the plate, make your move without hesitation. Let’s find ourselves a premier defensive end in the first round, once and for all.
Elsewhere, it’s definitely worth mentioning that Carl Eller was arrested early Wednesday morning; according to Minneapolis police, Eller was pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, and the former Viking proceeded to hit the two responding officers in their faces several times. Eller was finally subdued after three additional officers arrived to the scene.
This isn’t the first time he’s been arrested for DWI…in 2006, he was sentenced to five days of community service and two years’ probation after he pled guilty to fourth-degree drunken driving.
Interesting part of the story: The officers used a taser on Eller, but it made absolutely no difference in subduing him. If this is any indication, the 66-year-old hasn’t lost a step since his playing days. But really, the biggest point of emphasis from this news is that Eller’s been down this road before — it’s extremely discouraging and disappointing that Eller’s going down the same path he did in 2006. This time, however, the charges will be much more serious.
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12 Responses to “Draft Rumblings: Vikes And Broncos To Swap Picks?”
April 10th, 2008 at 7:49 am
I agree that Harvey has to be first on the priority list. We missed out on every free agent DE, so we need him to be there. I think rounds 2 and 3 need to be OL, then start looking at the QB’s left.
Eller has to be a complete monster still or he was absolutely scummy when they got to him for the taser to have no effect. Imagine the heat those officers are going to take for getting beat up by a 66 yr old man!
April 10th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I do not quite see it this way……I mean if our offensive line is merely average we are in trouble….and it does not look that good to me….i do not know about E.James yet we still have 2 all pros….what are people seeing in that o line? Also i am not sold on the corners at all…so please help me here….
April 10th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Ok, this guy is stupid…our O line isnt just merely avg. its one of the best in the league other then cook, and well some teams would even like to have him, another year or two he should be a very good center for us, and Winfeild is a beast McCauley is getting a lot better and i see him taking the Job this year across from winfeld but other then DE, and just a few more games for TJ we have a very good team overall Sidney Rice will have a break out year this year or next and become one of the best in the league before long he has everything, so i think we should deff. be in the play offs this year
April 10th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
totally over-rated o line…too soft at times…they stand around after a block with hands on hips. cb are not in your face type cb..too much cushion. mlb still makes too many mistakes..te sucks
April 10th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
#11 to Buffalo is where hes projected to go. HEs the biggest obstacle.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
At #12, the most realistic pick for the Broncos that I’d like would be either of the offensive tackes Ryan Clady or Chris Williams. (I’d love Dorsey or Ellis on the D-line but I think both will be long gone by then.)
However, with the needs at tackle for teams like the Bears, Lions, and possibly the Panthers, I have to imagine that there’s a good chance that both Clady and Williams would be off the board by then. I might pull the trigger on this trade if both are still available at #12, but not if only one of them is there. I’d love to get that third rounder back, though–I thought the Broncos gave up way too much for Marcus Thomas last draft.
April 11th, 2008 at 12:51 am
I think the biggest need is a defensive end that can flat out rush the passer. However, if such a player is not available in the draft, a quality o-lineman would be good to pick up. I believe our o-line is a good, not great, run blocking line, but an average at best pass blocking line. At some point soon, McKinnie may become too much of a headache. The right side of the line needs to be upgraded, so I would pick an o-lineman if a quality pass rusher is not there.
I am saddened to hear of Carl Eller’s troubles.
April 11th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
we all know what the vikes need to get to the “big game” and actually win it, thats going to take 2- 3 years T-JACK is not the answer!! a true shut down corner, D-end, left and right o-line tackle (McKinney looks like trade bait to me. Where is the Q- back of the future for this team, its a must find the next t brady for this team, remember he was selected in the seventh round by NE. Is the vikes organization up to the kraft family level. I DONT THINK SO, BUT HOPE!!
April 11th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
C. Griffin is a entering his third year twon and mcaulley are both very good. Anyone wood love our dbacks E. J. was a border line pro bowler. And you dont really want “in your face corners whe you run the Tampa-2 and have a ball controll offense, the vikes do need better TE play, and more consistancy in the pass blocking, by the way richard maybe we can go to the quarterback tree and rub some annointing oil on him and go win the big one
April 13th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Has anyone thought of the idea of minnesota trading down in the draft?? Think about it….if Harvey is gone they very well could trade down knowing that Merling, Groves, or Calias Campbell will be available later on in round one with their pick….plus with a trade down they could pick up another draft pick this year…..does anybody remember that the Vikes have 9 picks this year. And considering that Chilly and Rick Spielman have said they want to build this team through the draft….it’s a possibility. Round one guys aren’t guarentee’s….trading down and picking up additional draft picks….especially if they are in rounds 2-5 could prove to be big for the Vikings. They can take care of many needs if not all of them by round 5 with quality guys!!
April 13th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Here’s an interesting deal: McKinnie traded to Kansas City for Jared Allen, an established star at DE. Use the 17th pick for offensive lineman. Both McKinnie and Allen have a little bagage, but both have upside.
April 13th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
After selecting a DE first round, I’m guessing the Vikes will concentrate on offensive and defensive linemen. Unless extraordinary talent is available at another position.
Four arrests? A league suspension is a real possibility for McKinnie. If Childress is consistent McKinnie will be jettisoned as soon as is reasonably or legally possible.
Sorry to hear about Mr. Eller. I respect him a great deal. But if you drive drunk and risk other peoples’ lives you have to pay the piper. Hopefully he will do the right thing. (Assuming he wasn’t on some kind of medication with an adverse reaction or something like that.)
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