Carucci projects Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey will be the pick at #17 for the Vikings, citing a team need at defensive end to bolster the pass rush and pass defense. At 6-5, 271 pounds, Harvey is an imposing force and is an athletic specimen capable of pushing the edge and pressuring the quarterback.
ESPN.com – Mel Kiper, Jr.
ESPN’s draft expert also sees the Vikings addressing defensive end in the first round. However, Kiper chooses a different player from the state of Florida to fill the need – Miami’s Calais Campbell. The 6-8, 282-pound lineman figures to be solid against the run as well as the pass, and he would immediately upgrade the Vikings depth at defensive end.
ESPN.com – Todd McShay
McShay, who analyzes the draft for Scouts, Inc. and ESPN, projects former Texas receiver Limas Sweed as the Vikings first-round pick. At 6-4, Sweed would provide the Vikings with a big, reliable target in the red zone.
Scout.com – Chris Steuber
Scout.com’s Steuber throws a new name into the mix, projecting Clemson’s Phillip Merling as the Vikings pick. Steuber says Merling is “one of the best all around DEs in the draft and is a perfect fit for the Vikings.”
DraftInsiders.com – Frank Coyle
A new player appears on the list as Coyle sees offensive tackle Chris Williams going to the Vikings at #17. Coyle says the offensive tackle pool is deep this year and the Vikings could dip into it early.
Sports Illustrated’s Banks again offers a unique opinion, suggesting the Vikings will select another former Oklahoma Sooner with their first round pick. Malcolm Kelly, who like Sweed stands at 6-4, is a big, physical receiver with sure hands who would round out the Vikings receiving corps nicely.