Thread: Players To Draft At #12

Usually before draft day I make an imaginary list of all the players I want the Vikings to draft in the first round. This could mean players that I would be everywhere from ecstatic to at the very least contented with using our first round selection on.

One of the big questions is always: will I end up with more or less players than the number we draft? In case I come up with more than 12 players then I can lean back and watch the draft much more confident that we will draft a good value player.

This time I figured I might as well type it down and share my thoughts. It would also be interesting to see how many players you guys are willing to take and who they are.

Here it goes! (in order of how satisfied I will be with the selection):

[ol]
[li]Defensive lineman, Marcell Dareus[/li]
[li]Defensive back, Patrick Peterson[/li]
[li]Linebacker, Von Miller[/li]
[li]Defensive lineman, Nick Fairley[/li]
[li]Wide receiver, A.J. Green[/li]
[li]Quarterback, Blaine Gabbert[/li]
[li]Defensive end, Robert Quinn[/li]
[li]Quarterback, Cam Newton[/li]
[li]Wide receiver, Julio Jones[/li]
[li]Defensive back, Prince Amukamara[/li]
[li]Offensive tackle, Tyron Smith[/li]
[li]Quarterback, Jake Locker[/li]
[li]Quarterback, Ryan Mallett[/li]
[li]Defensive lineman, J.J. Watt[/li]
[li]Defensive end, Cameron Jordan[/li]
[li]Defensive end, Ryan Kerrigan[/li]
[/ol]

YES! I named 12 players, plus four more. :cheer: The best thing about this is that one or more players will most likely go in the top 11 that I don't have there.

Feel free to post you own list and vote in the poll when you've figured out how many players you want to draft.

For those who think defensive end Ryan Kerrigan is a reach at # 12, let me just say that this guy has grown on me over the past weeks. He's just rising on my chart almost every day. What makes him such a good draft choice? He really doesn't have any big flaws.

- He has excellent size combined with power and speed. Fastest 40-yard for a DE at the combine next to Robert Quinn.
- He is a great pass rusher with an excellent first step and snap awareness.
- Strong against the run and not afraid of contact.
- High motor with a never say never attitude.
- Versatile, he can play both sides on the line.
- Faced top notch competition in college and consistently put up numbers for three seasons. He was named the "2010 Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten" for a reason.
- He's known for good work ethics, was the team captain, and seemingly has no character flaws.

Just watch him dominate a big school like Michigan!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq_s5OVZD7w&feature=related

Originally Posted by "HEY" #1094840

For those who think defensive end Ryan Kerrigan is a reach at # 12, let me just say that this guy has grown on me over the past weeks. He's just rising on my chart almost every day. What makes him such a good draft choice? He really doesn't have any big flaws.

- He has excellent size combined with power and speed. Fastest 40-yard for a DE at the combine next to Robert Quinn.
- He is a great pass rusher with an excellent first step and snap awareness.
- Strong against the run and not afraid of contact.
- High motor with a never say never attitude.
- Versatile, he can play both sides on the line.
- Faced top notch competition in college and consistently put up numbers for three seasons. He was named the "2010 Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten" for a reason.
- He's known for good work ethics, was the team captain, and seemingly has no character flaws.

Just watch him dominate a big school like Michigan!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq_s5OVZD7w&feature=related

I really like Kerrigan, he is my third DE right now behind Robert Quinn and JJ Watt..

And remember, this tape is from 2009, he has had another year of experience and improved.. Really good player.. He dominated all of his matchups at the Senior Bowl as well..

I was actually surprised to see his weight because he plays and looks like he is way bigger..

Nice list, I view the draft in a similar way, ranking my top 12, knowing we'll have a shot at atleast one of them.
While I like Mallet I think he is a reach at 12, though it would be exciting and I'd probably be ok with it.
I think I agree that DeQuan Bowers shouldn't be the pick. With his knee he is very boom or bust, and at number 12 there are plenty of guys with less red flags that could be pro bowl talents.
I don't think I would take Julio Jones. One I don't think it's a need and the team will find a way to bring back Sidney. If he's there at 12 I would like to see them trade back a couple spots with someone that has a big need.

I voted 1-5 because I am being realistic, but of course, there are many more that will not be there I would be happy with (i.e. A.J. Green, Von Miller, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Marcell Dareus, Patrick Peterson).
Of the ones we actually have a shot at I would be happy with Jake Locker, JJ Watt, Nick Fairley, Prince Amukamara and Julio Jones.
I don't think it would be horrible to end up with Quinn, Bowers, Jordan or Tyron really.

Originally Posted by "midgensa" #1094883

there are many more that will not be there I would be happy with (i.e. A.J. Green, Von Miller, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Marcell Dareus, Patrick Peterson).

Why oh why would you want Cam Newton? I wouldn't even want Blaine Gabbert. Funny that the only QBs I'm completely opposed to drafting are the top two. Newton is a project then a bust, in that order. Gabbert is just an overhyped QB because they needed one. I will actually be unhappy if we draft either of them. If they fall to us, TRADE TRADE TRADE.

My Top 12 for the Vikes here on Draft day

Like won't change

1. QB Blaine Gabbert
2. WR AJ Green
3. CB Patrick Peterson
4. DT Marcel Dareus
5. DE Robert Quinn
6. QB Ryan Mallett
7. WR Julio Jones
8. DE Ryan Kerrigan
9. OT Tyron Smith
10. DE JJ Watt
11. CB Prince Amukamara
12. OG Mike Pouncey

Originally Posted by "12purplepride28" #1094893

Originally Posted by "midgensa" #1094883

there are many more that will not be there I would be happy with (i.e. A.J. Green, Von Miller, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Marcell Dareus, Patrick Peterson).

Why oh why would you want Cam Newton? I wouldn't even want Blaine Gabbert. Funny that the only QBs I'm completely opposed to drafting are the top two. Newton is a project then a bust, in that order. Gabbert is just an overhyped QB because they needed one. I will actually be unhappy if we draft either of them. If they fall to us, TRADE TRADE TRADE.

Why would you want a QB that completed 66% of his passes?
Why would you want a Qb that was responsible for over 50TDS?
Why would you want a QB with no hiccups in his throwing motion?
Why would you want a QB that can make all the throws?

The guy can ball and will at the next level.

Originally Posted by "kevoncox" #1094979

Originally Posted by "12purplepride28" #1094893

Originally Posted by "midgensa" #1094883

there are many more that will not be there I would be happy with (i.e. A.J. Green, Von Miller, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Marcell Dareus, Patrick Peterson).

Why oh why would you want Cam Newton? I wouldn't even want Blaine Gabbert. Funny that the only QBs I'm completely opposed to drafting are the top two. Newton is a project then a bust, in that order. Gabbert is just an overhyped QB because they needed one. I will actually be unhappy if we draft either of them. If they fall to us, TRADE TRADE TRADE.

Why would you want a QB that completed 66% of his passes?
Why would you want a Qb that was responsible for over 50TDS?
Why would you want a QB with no hiccups in his throwing motion?
Why would you want a QB that can make all the throws?

The guy can ball and will at the next level.

Did you want Vince Young too?

I admit, Newton is more NFL ready than Young, definitely smarter(it's hard not to be) and throws the ball much better.

But they both came from super friendly QB systems in college which allowed them to play on athleticism alone.

I don't know how quickly Newton will be ready to play in the NFL, and I fear that the process of becoming an NFL QB mentally will get to him and kill his confidence. The fans will demand him on the field way before he's ready, then when he gets out there and makes a dozen rookie mistakes and the media starts talking I can see him having a major freak out, he let himself slip with the "entertainer" comment at the combine, what's he going to say with some real adversity?

Draft day so here's mine.

There are 4 critical areas every team needs filled.
1. QB
2. LT
3. Pass rush (end, tackle,or linebacker)
4. CB that cover (yes, even in a base cover 2 he gives you so many more options, can cut the field in half as well as shut down the opponants best receiver.)

If you are missing any of those, that's the place to start.

How strong are the Vikings in these 4 areas?

There are 4 outstanding players atop this years draft board.
1.Marcell Dareus
2.Patrick Peterson
3.Von Miller
4.AJ Green

They will be gone in the first 5-7 picks.

There are several more who could also be great but may carry a little more risk.
Listed in no particular order.
5.Julio Jones
6.Robert Quinn
7.Nick Fairley
8.Prince Amakamara
9.Da'Quan Bowers (If his knee checks out)
10.Tyron Smith
11.Cameron Jordon
12.JJ Watt
13.Aldon Smith
14.Corey Liuget
15.Ryan Kerrigan

Now throw in the 2 QB's that are likely to go before the 12th pick and it is evident the Vikings will have the opportunity to get a very good player at 12.

I would take one of the players between 5-15 with the 12th pick.

I would target Kaepernick with my second pick.
I know he's developmental, but in my mind, so are the rest.

The only QB I would take in the first is Newton if for some crazy reason he slid down close to us. Would I move up to get him? Yes.

So there is my crazy draft day scheme.

I still expect the Vikings to take Locker at 12. His accuracy issues seem troubling to me though.