Vikings Draft Report Card

Round 1: OT Matt Kalil (USC), FS Harrison Smith (Notre Dame)

Round 2: None

Round 3: CB Josh Robinson (UCF)

Round 4: WR Jarius Wright (Arkansas), TE Rhett Ellison (USC), WR Greg Childs (Arkansas)

Round 5: CB Robert Blanton (Notre Dame)

Round 6: K Blair Walsh (Georgia)

Round 7: ILB Audie Cole (North Carolina State), DE Trevor Guyton (California)


Grade: A-


Summary

The Vikings did a good job up front with Matt Kalil, Harrison Smith and even Josh Robinson as a potential shutdown cornerback. On Day 3 they did well grabbing depth/special teams guys who can contribute early on in multiple roles. Their Round 4 skill players are all worthy contributors.

Minnesota did a great job loading up their roster to support Christian Ponder in this draft.

And again, another NFC North team that outdrafted us. I thought we did pretty well in the draft, but all three of the other teams in the division kicked our collective asses.

Bears did draft well. This is just one mans opinion. Bears mainly drafted on need and not grabbing the best talent

NFC North holes to fill: Lions' secondary, Bears' O-line troubling - NFL.com

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Free agency: The Vikings acquired TE John Carlson, CB Chris Cook and WR Jerome Simpson in what was a relatively quiet offseason, while saving some dough in releasing G Steve Hutchinson.

Draft: GM Rick Spielman and his cohorts picked up some immediate starters at Radio City Music Hall. Pencil in Matt Kalil at left tackle. Ditto Harrison Smith at safety. Third-round CB Josh Robinson should be in the mix from day 1. Day 3 picks Jarius Wright, Rhett Ellison and Greg Childs could make an early impact, considering the Vikings' dearth of talent at receiver and tight end.

Holes to fill: This is an organization that has a plan and is trying to acquire the working parts as quickly as possible -- without being irresponsible. Thus, you see the low spending, as well as a pick swap with Cleveland in the first round to get more -- or better -- players (like Smith). Unfortunately, the Vikings still have holes, most notably at wide receiver, where Simpson and Percy Harvin have gobs of talent but inconsistent production. The jury is also out on tight end Kyle Rudolph. With Adrian Peterson's knee issue, the receiving corps is going to have to step it up. As will the offensive line. Despite the selection of Kalil, look for Minnesota to address the line again in the 2013 draft. After all, the unit gave up almost 50 sacks last year. Defensively, the secondary was given a big boost. But this is still a front seven that can't get much pressure if Jared Allen doesn't make it home. The sack machine (with 22 in 2011) needs help. Still.

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Wow, you mean to tell me that the Bears weren't the worst offensive line in the NFC North last year?