NFC North Draft Grades

After one of the longest and most tedious drafts in history, which i thoroughly enjoyed, here is a summary and analysis for all NFC North teams.

1. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings had one of the better drafts this weekend. With their first pick the Vikings were lucky enough to have Adrian Peterson fall into their laps at pick number seven. The Vikings desperately needed a studly running back to take some pressure off of second year QB Tarvaris Jackson. In my opinion Peterson was the third most talented player in this year's draft. Injuries are a concern, but while he is on the field he will become at least a top ten running back in this league. The Vikings continued to address their needs with their second pick, Sidney Rice. Rice came out as Junior and would have benefited from staying at South Carolina another year, if he would have stayed he would most likely have been a high first round draft pick next year. He has good size and speed and will bring much needed help to a woeful Viking receiving corps. The Vikings continued their draft day success in the third round where they further addressed their needs by drafting cornerback Marcus McCauley out of Fresno State. McCauley possesses excellent physical tools with a 6'1" body and blazing speed (4.39 forty yard dash) he has a lot of raw potential and could be a great player in this league. He graded out as a high second round pick so the Vikings did well to grab him in the third. A steal for the Vikings was linebacker Rufus Alexander in the sixth round. He will be a great special teams player an will eventually become a starter in the NFL. Also DE Brian Robison out of Texas and WR Aundrae Allison in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively were great picks that continued to address Viking needs. Both players graded out much higher than where they were drafted. Some teams cough*Lions*cough could learn a few things from the Vikings' draft. My grade for the Vikings draft is an A. They addressed all of their needs, took players of high value in the later rounds, and filled positions of need.