The Minnesota Vikings didn’t fare too badly in 2007, although you can’t exactly argue that they did that well, as their record stalled at 8-8. However, Vikings fans have one point where the team has improved since 2006 when they only posted a 6-10 record. 2007 was also the same year Vikings player Adrian Peterson broke some records, including for all-purpose yards and most rushing yards in a game. Coach Brad Childress is returning to action this year, and he has a lot of work ahead of him as some big players are still out. This explains not only the team’s recent acquisitions of players like Madieu Williams, Bernard Berrian and Maurice Hicks, but also its strategy in the 2008 NFL Draft.
The Minnesota Vikings had already lost two of their draft picks to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for defensive end Jared Allen. Thus, they only had five draft picks left this year. His first pick in the second round was Tyrell Johnson, a free safety from Arkansas State. The Vikings then selected quarterback John David Booty from the University of Southern California and defensive tackle Letroy Guion from Florida State. They finished their 2008 draft by choosing offensive lineman John Sullivan from Notre Dame and wide receiver Jaymar Johnson from Jackson State.
How was the reaction of the fans and experts to the draft? The biggest concern is obviously Tyrell Johnson, and whether or not he deserved a second-round draft pick, since for Minnesota, he was essentially the #1, #2, and #3 pick. NFL insiders are generally enthusiastic but not so quick to say Johnson is worth the money. The team needed help in the wide receiver department, but settled on one player, Jaymar Johnson. John David Booty has some concerns, and not just because he was recently on the disabled list. However, the fact that Booty was named one of the best quarterbacks in college sports by major publications like Sports Illustrated likely enhanced his reputation. Booty certainly had an interesting way of presenting himself to the NFL. He played an extra season at USC forgoing the draft last year, and then this year he publicly stated that he wanted to be signed by the Minnesota Vikings. (Players generally choose to remain silent) However, the Vikings must have liked his style since he became their fifth-round pick. Letroy Guion and John Sullivan have also failed to impress, as they are primarily seen as backup players.
Pundits stated that the Vikings’ picks were somewhat disappointing, especially considering how few picks they had. None of the draft picks are expected to relieve Adrian Peterson, nor are these players considered high-impact draft material. Not everyone likes the Vikings’ draft picks, but they had a strategy to go after Chiefs powerhouse Jared Allen, who signed a six-year deal with the team. The Vikings’ success may lie with Allen and the already assembled roster. Vikings fans are confident that Brad Childress can make a champion team out of these sea warriors.
