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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Minnesota Vikings "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-22) Percy Harvin, WR (Florida): Despite reports that Harvin’s draft stock would take a tumble, the Vikings did not hesitate to add another potential playmaker on offense to go along with Adrian Peterson, Benard Berrian and Sidney Rice. It will be interesting to see if Minnesota uses Harvin and Peterson in the backfield at the same time. Head coach Brad Childress has already stated Harvn will be used on kick returns.
(2-54) Phil Loadholt, OT (Oklahoma): The Vikings get high grades here for bringing in a gigantic right tackle to protect and open holes for their most valuable commodity, the aforementioned Peterson. Loadholt has the tools to be a dominant run blocker and will compete for a starting position this season.
(3-86) Asher Allen, CB (Georgia): If it were not for a broken hand suffered last season, we may have seen Allen go on the first day of the draft. Instead, the Vikings scooped up this physical corner on day two. He should fit nicely into their cover-2 scheme and will likely compete for a job in the nickel package.
(5-150) Jasper Brinkley, LB (South Carolina): Brinkley figures to be a backup to E.J. Henderson at the middle linebacker position. He should also see a substantial amount of playing time on special teams. His one weakness is that he would rather run around a block rather than take one on. Not a good sign for a linebacker. (Pick From Washington)
(7-231) Jamarca Sanford, SS (Mississippi): His physicality is what got him drafted. Not to mention the fact that he played numerous positions throughout his college career, including cornerback and strong-side linebacker. He has the potential to add depth at safety and on special teams, but could very well end up on the practice squad for the 2009 season.
Team Needs: QB, OT, WR, MLB, FB
Needs Filled: Three of Five
The Bible’s Take: The Vikings addressed their WR need immediately, taking the player with the most upside/downside in the draft in Percy Harvin. He should give the Vikings an opportunity to expand their offensive playbook and provide Bernard Berrian a little more freedom to roam. They also got a huge boost at the tackle position by getting Loadholt in the second round. The loss of Pro-Bowl center Matt Birk still needs to be addressed, but they did focus on players who could give them a lift on special teams, which was a huge concern for the Vikings last season. The quarterback position for the Vikings would have been a luxury pick, considering they just signed Sage Rosenfels and have Tarvaris Jackson waiting in the wings, again, if the Sage project is a failure.
Grade: B-
Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media
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