Who's Wearing Purple?

Let me breakdown what to expect Thursday night.

The Minnesota Vikings currently have the 23rd and 25th pick in this years NFL draft. Who will they select? Who will be wearing purple? Rick Spielman has been pretty successful drafting players who fit our system, last year he drafted LT Matt Kalil with the 4th overall pick and was a huge addition to our offensive line. Rick then traded to snag Safety Harrison Smith with the 29th overall pick in the first round. Both first round picks were huge contributors last season. Can they repeat a successful first round draft this year?

Scenario 1:
I think the Vikings will do whatever they can to grab WR Cordaralle Patterson from Tennessee with the 23rd pick. He will be a huge addition to this slim wide receiver corp. Patterson reminds me of Demaryius Thomas of Denver, he can do so much off the line and can create space from his first steps. He is a big target who can run slants, screens, posts, quick routes, drag routes, etc. His hands are above average but tends to use his body a bit too much. If you can get him the ball in open space he can make defenders miss and go the distance. Cordaralle would be a great #2 wideout opposite Greg Jennings, he can learn from Greg on how to find holes in the defense. I would absolutely be a fan of this pick and could be a nice offensive weapon.

With the 25th overall pick the Vikings will be in a tough position. I feel the two guys they wanted here were CB Xavior Rhodes of Florida State but will probably be selected 24th overall to the Colts and DT Sylvester Williams will be taken earlier by Dallas. I see the Vikings then trading this pick to the New York Jets who will trade their 39th overall pick and a mid round pick to move up and jump ahead of Green Bay to draft Alabama RB Eddie Lacey. The Vikings don't want the Packers to get a guy like Lacey and would be willing to trade back and get someone like S Matt Elam from Florida at #39. Matt Elam is a stud! Big hitting guy who is versatile and a game changer.

Scenario 2
Rick Spielman will snag CB Desmond Trufant from Washington with the #23rd pick. Trufant could fall to them her and would get a fantastic corner here who has all the making of being a solid #1 cornerback. He is lean, but has the ability to be physical with run support and can make Qaurtebacks look away from his side of the field. He is a true playmaker who can fight for the ball and is known for defending passes and occasionally making turnovers. If he is anything like his brothers the Vikings shouldn't pass on him.

With the #25th pick the Minnesota Vikings will solidify their void at Middle Linebacker and draft Manti Te'o. I know he has issues and didn't play well in the National Championship, but Manti is a guy who has a Ray Lewis feel. If he is in the right situation and locker room he could be a fantastic pick at #25. Many Vikings fans may disagree with my take on Te'o and I think he will show critics he is a franchise linebacker. I think he would fit great with Chad Greenway and Chad would give Manti the ability to take chances getting to the Quarterback and Runningbacks. I don't know how great of a coverage linebacker he will be going against elite TE's. He has quick feet and has great instincts on the football field.

Scenario 3
Vikings trade #23rd pick to Tennessee and get the #40th pick in the second round. I think the Titans want to jump up and grab WR Robert Woods. The Vikings then would take LB Arthur Brown from Kansas State at #40. Arthur Brown would be a good value early in the second round and would give Frazier a solid Linebacker who can do so much in run support and coverage. Brown is a high motor guy who would solidify a major hole in this defense.

With the 25th pick Minnesota would take CB D.J. Hayden from Houston. D.J. has been medically cleared after a life threatening heart issue when he tore a major vein in his heart. He is explosive with top end speed and is so good at making big plays. He could be the best corner in this draft and would be a steal at #25. I love this guy and his heartbreaking story!