Round one (30): Donovan Warren, Cornerback, Michigan
Minnesota's secondary isn't terrible. But the fact that Cedric Griffin could miss significant time is going to be very detrimental to the Vikings' secondary.
Donovan Warren has started slipping on the boards lately. I would love for somebody as talented as him to fall all the way to the third-to-last pick of the first round.
He has good size at 6', 190 lbs. It's not likely that he will start next season if Griffin is healthy, but he can be an excellent nickel corner until Antoine Winfield retires.
Round two (62): Navorro Bowman, Outside Linebacker, Penn State
As talented as Navorro Bowman is, his off-the-field issues could very well prevent teams from selecting him within the top 50 or 60 picks.
Ben Leber isn't going to cut it as a starter at weak side linebacker for too much longer. Landing a top outside linebacker early is exactly what Minnesota needs.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Bowman actually being a starter when week one rolls around in 2010.
Round three (93): Dan LeFevour, Quarterback, Central Michigan
Regardless of whether or not Brett Favre retires, Minnesota needs to draft a quarterback within the first four rounds of the draft.
Dan LeFevour could easily be the most underrated quarterback in the draft. He has a fairly strong arm and is one of the most accurate quarterbacks to come out.
LeFevour actually reminds me a lot of Favre with his ability to fit the ball wherever he wants it go.
Round four (125): Vince Oghobaase, Defensive Tackle, Duke
Minnesota's defensive line doesn't need a ton of help, but with Fred Evans and Jimmy Kennedy scheduled to be free agents, the Vikings will need a new defensive tackle to replace one or both of those guys.
Vince Oghobaase was a projected first-round pick back in September, but after an average season, Vince is now a third or fourth-round pick at best.
Pat Williams will likely hang it up this offseason or the next, so don't be surprised if you see Vince Oghobaase lining up next to Kevin Williams in 2011.
Round five (157): John Jerry, Offensive Guard, Mississippi
Minnesota's inexperience on the offensive line really hurt its ability to run the ball. Had it not been for having two new starters, Adrian Peterson would have had a much better year.
Anthony Herrera seems very replaceable at right guard. Yes, John Jerry won't start in his rookie year, but he could in his second.
Round six (189): Danny Batten, Defensive End, South Dakota State
Minnesota already has two players from South Dakota on defense (Ben Leber and Chad Greenway). So why not add another?
Danny Batten is a 6'3", 250 lb. hybrid linebacker who runs a 4.68 40-yard dash. Minnesota lacks depth at defensive end, and if Ray Edwards doesn't resign, it will get even worse.
I don't know much on Batten, but he played at both inside and outside linebacker in his senior season with South Dakota State.
Round seven (221): Chris Brown, Running Back, Oklahoma
To say that Chester Taylor will not resign because he wants to start elsewhere is a ridiculous statement. Taylor will be 31 years old when the 2010 season starts. We all know how running backs start to fade after they hit 30 years old (LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Jamal Lewis).
Minnesota will likely bring Chester back on a relatively cheap two to three year deal.
Even if they do bring him back, Minnesota needs a third running back. I just do not see Albert Young showing signs of being a capable back on the roster. But who knows, right?
Rookie free agents to consider:
QB - Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic
At 6'5", Rusty Smith has great size. He could be a decent practice squad addition for Minnesota.
RB - Stafon Johnson, USC
Like Minnesota did last year with Ian Johnson, the Vikings could go after another known name like Stafon Johnson.
TE - Mickey Shuler, Penn State
Primarily a blocking tight end. Jimmy Kleinsasser won't be around forever to block for Minnesota.
OT - Thomas Welch, Vanderbilt
Minnesota usually goes out and grabs two to three offensive lineman rookie free agents. They will do it again this year.
C - Chris Hall, Texas
Read the description above.
DE - Aaron Morgan, Louisiana Monroe
A good nickel pass rusher. Would be a solid addition to the roster in certain situations.
OLB - Ryan Stamper, Florida
Wracked up 77 tackles, 5.5 tfl, and 2.5 sacks last season.
CB - Chris Chancellor, Clemson
The younger brother of Kam Chancellor broke up eight passes in his senior season.
P- Scott Ravanesi, Southern Illinois
Led the MVC with a punting average of 43.3 yards per punt
