Most of the news surrounding the Minnesota Vikings has to do with Adrian Peterson, but the closer the first round of the NFL Draft gets, the more it is becoming a reality the running back will not get traded. Despite Peterson's request for a change of scenery, the Vikings have no intentions of letting him or anyone else on the roster go as they head into a 2015 season with raised expectations. So while Peterson and Cordarrelle Patterson might not be headed anywhere, will the Vikings still draft at their position?
General manager Rick Spielman told the media the Vikings could go a number of directions in the draft. With the No. 11 pick Minnesota can have their pick of several top players while also having the option of trading down and acquiring more picks in later rounds. The Vikings do not need to worry about drafting a quarterback this year which affords them flexibility and Spielman is left wondering what to do.
"Everybody's targeting this guy or that guy," Spielman said, via FOX Sports. "But I just went through five different scenarios this morning; what if a potential pass rusher falls down, what if a potential offensive lineman, and there's multiple offensive linemen that we're looking at, what if a DB falls down, what if the receivers fall down?"
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, a trade of Peterson is not happening. The first-round pick demand was simply too high. This means the Vikings do not need to draft someone like Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon in the first round. If they expect Peterson to depart next year, they could draft a back in a later round to begin developing. Tevin Coleman and Duke Johnson could be quality options in the third or fourth rounds.
Most NFL mock drafts believe a wide receiver could be the likely move for the Vikings. Yes, the team traded for Mike Wallace at the start of the offseason, but there is a lot of lingering doubt around Cordarrelle Patterson and the type of player he can become. The Pioneer Press reported Patterson is not getting traded this offseason, but is expected to improve. On his own part, Patterson admitted that this is a make-or-break season for him which could leave the Vikings to add depth just incase he struggles again.
With the No. 11 pick, the Vikings will miss out on both Amari Cooper and Kevin White. However, DeVante Parker could fall right into their lap. Yes, that is the same Parker that teamed up so well with Teddy Bridgewater while the two played together at Louisville. Is it the perfect match for Minnesota? The team also has needs at the cornerback, offensive line and pass rusher positions. Spielman appears content with taking the best player available outside of a quarterback which might be the best move to make.
