Vikings Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman stepped out of the war room for a moment to spend some time with vikings.com and offer his thoughts just moments before the draft begins.
vikings.com: Has the later start time had a league-wide affect on the draft this year?
Rick Spielman: I don’t think it has a deep effect, it’s just we may be here a little later tonight. It all depends on how quick the picks come in. The rounds are a little shorter and there’s probably, although not for us, a lot more activity going on now because of the shortness of the rounds. But as far as the preparation, you’re able to do the same things you do every year.
vikings.com: What’s the feeling right now, as you’re waiting for the draft to start?
Rick Spielman: I think it’s the same feeling the players and coaches have on game day. This is our game day, but we only get one game per year. Today, all the work and preparation that goes into it, all the board stacking and all the different scenarios that you prepare for come to life and we have to be ready to react.
vikings.com: How does not having a first-round pick change what you’ll day in the war room today?
Rick Spielman: Well, now I’ll get to watch Jared Allen get introduced downstairs to all of the fans at the draft party! He’s our first-round pick.
vikings.com: Are there any surprises that you see coming?
Rick Spielman: There are always surprises on draft day because of the trades and teams moving up and down. But that’s constant throughout the draft and that’s what makes it so intriguing. It’s not only the first-round, but the second-round pick has to have meaning. So does the third-round pick and in every round. You’re hoping that all of your picks today will end up making your ballclub. There are a lot of guys on the second day that can contribute and help you win, too. And that’s why you spend as much time on the later rounds as you do on the early rounds.