Lots of love, all around, for the Vikings’ picks in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft last night.
The Purple struck not twice (as planned with the 23rd and 25th selections), but thrice in the first round … grabbing defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
While Patterson cost Minnesota four lower-round picks, there isn’t much hand-wringing over GM Rick Spielman’s wheeling and dealing. Here’s a quick roundup:
Mike Wobschall, Vikings.com:“After constructing one of the best drafts in franchise history in 2012, the Vikings executed one of the busiest and most productive 1st rounds in franchise history in 2013.”
Eric Nelson, GamedayGold.com:“Patterson better pan out for Minnesota, or Spielman’s gamble is not going to look good. Giving up four draft choices for one is not quite Mike Lynn bold, but it is risky – especially when dealing with draft-savvy New England.”
Jim Souhan, Star Tribune:“In one day, the Vikings added three high-end talents to key positions. Just as important, they did not get lured into the trap of taking the overrated Manti Te’o.”
Bob Sansevere, Pioneer Press:“What happened with Te’o? Why is he still available heading into the second round? Presumably, it was a combination of how unimpressively he performed in the national championship game against Alabama and the hoax with the phony girlfriend. Whatever the reason, it’s highly unlikely he will be joining the Vikings.”
A.J. Mansour, KFAN.com:“In one season of play, (Cordarrelle) Patterson racked up a school-record 1,858 all purpose yards (receiving, rushing and returning) and five touchdowns. Still very raw at the receiver position, Cordarrelle’s 6’3″, 205 pound frame is appealing as a receiver and his 4.3 speed makes him a high upside receiving prospect, but where he really shines is on kickoff and punt returns.”
Christopher Gates, SBNation-Daily Norseman:“Going into this draft, the Minnesota Vikings had the opportunity to get five of the top 102 players in the 2013 NFL Draft. Rick Spielman decided he’d rather have three of the top 29. In doing so, he got two definite starters in Floyd and Rhodes, and one that should at least contribute immediately in the return game and in three and four-wide sets in Patterson.”
Greg Bedard, Boston Globe:“The truth is, most drafts don’t have 32 players with first-round grades. And this one was worse than most. I mean, six offensive linemen in the first 11 selections? And Florida State’s E.J. Manuel, who is a bit of a project, the only quarterback taken, with the 16th pick by the Bills. That just tells you what kind of stinker the first round was.”
