We make these predictions irrespective of the teams as we think there will be up to two trades within the top 10 selections.

In terms of the Vikings, we see three alternatives that could unfold in the first round:

• They will trade up to get Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech.  In this scenario, they would have to give up all their first day draft picks in order to acquire the talented Johnson – who reminds many of Randy Moss in Viking Land.  This is the most popular scenario with fans but the most unlikely scenario for the Vikings to Pursue.
• They will take the best skill position player at pick 7 if they keep the pick, most likely Adrian Peterson out of Oklahoma.  He is the best running back to come out of the draft since Ladanian Tomlinson – he is tough, physical, strong and has 4.4 speed that allows him to be a game breaker.  This would allow the Vikings to deploy a 1-2 punch at running back and keep Chester Taylor fresh.  Chester wore down at the end of the season for the Vikings.  If you look at the final 4 teams in the playoffs last year, each team had a successful 1-2 running back tandem.  If there is a run on skill position players in picks 1-6 and Gaines Adams from Clemson is still available, they will take him.
• If a top skill position player is not available and Gaines Adams is not available, the Vikings may trade down in order to acquire more picks.  In this scenario, look for them to select the best wide receiver available including either Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU, Robert Meacham, WR, Tennessee and Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State.

Continue