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Our 2013 Community Mock Draft churns the butter! In this annual exercise we put the fates of all 32 teams in the hands of our community. This exercise accomplishes several things. For one, we often have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to the NFL. We will get a glimpse into the needs of each of the franchises. It also helps us get familiar with each of the first-round prospects because like last year in a trade up for Morris Claiborne, you never quite know what the future holds for Dallas.
Every GM has been informed of their team's needs and is ready to roll. Let's see who will be selected with the 23rd pick in the draft!
Draft Pick # [23]
Team Name: [Minnesota Vikings]
GM: [gasman8]
Selection: (CB) [Desmond Trufant, Washington]
Here's our GM with his explanation of the selection:
Why the pick: This off season has be tremulous for the Vikings. The last time we saw them step onto the field we saw them led by Joe Webb in the playoffs at Lambeau field. We all know things didn't turn out the way the vikings wanted. There are many that think that Christian Ponder just does not have what it takes to make it happen in Minnesota. However, GM Rick Speilmen drafted Ponder and he will live and die with Ponder. Ponder is his boy so this pick won't be a QB.
Fortunately for Minnesota this is the first of two picks available to them in round one. Unfortunately Minnesota no longer has the services of one Percy Harvin. His migraines have been shipped off to Seattle. SO has one of the most exciting play makers in the NFL. SO I could see them going WR in rounds one or two but not just yet(watch the names D. Hopkins and K Allen.)
Minnesota has two very glaring holes on Defense. They lost an aging physical CB in Antoine WInfield to FA this offseason. That leaves them with a CB with a history of off the field issues. Playing in a division with Brandon Marshall, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson and James Jones puts Minnesota in an area that the need a CB. The other huge need is at ILB. There are 3 that are left on the board that could Help. First I think Kevin Minter would be perfect in this role as the "mike" in Tampa 2. SO could Arthur Brown from Kansas State(can he be moved inside? i think so) and then there is the enigma that is Manti Te'o.(but is he a 3 down LB?)...
GM Rick Speilmen and Head Coach Leslie Frasier run the clock down working the phones but fully intend on Making this pick.... WR? No they can get D.Hopkins in Round 2. ILB... No they can wait til 25. But the must strike now ON a CB. Only question is Desmond Trufant or Jonathan Banks. Coach Fraiser speaks up wanting another younger CB like Winfield who will stick his nose in there on run support when needed. GM SPeilmen agrees so with the 23rd pick the Minnesota Vikings select DESMOND TRUFANT, CB UNIV OF WASHINGTON
HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS (lower number indicates higher priority) according to Drafttek.com
-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): None
-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): COP Back, Feature Receiver, Possession Receiver, Slot Receiver, Guard, 43 DT, 43 MLB, Cornerback, 43 Defensive End
-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): Feature Back, Right Tackle, Tight End, Left Tackle, 43 OLB, Strong Safety, Free Safety
-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): Quarterback, Center
NFL.com Draft Grade: 84.1
-- Drafttek.com ranked #28 Overall, #3 at the position
-- Russ Lande, National Football Post: #54 Overall, #6 at the position
-- CBSSports.com ranked #24 overall, #3 at the position
-- DraftInsider.Net ranked #26 overall, #3 at the position
-- DraftCountdown ranked #28 overall, #2 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked #23 overall, #3 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #4 at the position
-- NFLDraftScout.com profile (Rob Rang):
Strengths: Athletic with fluid footwork, flashing the foot agility to drive quickly on the play. Looks natural in space, staying balanced with the hips and transition skills to redirect in any direction. Physical and fights for the ball when it's in the air, showing an excellent competitive nature. Doesn't shy from contact and will get his nose dirty in run support. Very good job tracking and highpointing with a top vertical to get his hands on the ball. Good bloodlines and understands the NFL process. Good experience as a four-year starter (47 career starts), spending time both inside and outside and in both man and zone coverage.Weaknesses: Narrow torso, lean muscle tone and only average length. Opens his hips too early to protect against speed and needs to stay under control in his movements. Streaky technique once the ball in snapped and reverts to bad habits, relying on his natural athleticism over fundamentals. Lacks elite top-end speed and can be beat vertically. Inconsistent tackling technique, hitting too high and lacking the strength to consistently finish. Plays close to the line of scrimmage but doesn't make much contact and needs to improve his body position downfield. Too much of a grabber. Nagging hamstring injury late in 2012.
Now On The Clock: Indianapolis Colts
Previous Picks: Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel, Jaguars: CB Dee Milliner, Raiders: DE/OLB Jarvis Jones, Eagles: DE/OLB Dion Jordan, Lions: DE Ziggy Ansah, Browns: DE Sharrif Floyd, Cardinals: OT Eric Fisher, Bills: QB Geno Smith, Jets: DT Star Lotulelei, Titans: OG Chance Warmack, Chargers: OT Lane Johnson, Dolphins: CB Xavier Rhodes, Buccaneers: TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame, Panthers: DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri, Saints: S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas, Rams: WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia, Steelers: WR Cordarelle Patterson, Tennessee, Giants: DE Barkevious Mingo, LSU, Bears: OG Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina, Bengals: LB Alex Ogletree, Georgia, Rams: RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama