Ever since the Vikings’ season ended with that playoff loss to Green Bay in January, we’ve seen mock drafts online just about every day.
Well, the mocking ends tonight. It’s draft day for real in the NFL, with Minnesota set to pick at No. 23 and No. 25 in the first round.
That gives us the opportunity for one last round-up of predictions. Here’s how the writers in other NFC North cities see the first round shaking out, not only for their teams — but the Vikings as well:
Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press: Predicts Vikes will take Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner at No. 23, and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o at No. 25. Predicts Lions will take Oklahoma offensive tackle Lane Johnson at No. 5.
Pete Dougherty, Green Bay Press-Gazette: Predicts Vikes will take Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden at No. 23 and Manti Te’o at No. 25. Predicts Packers will take Alabama running back Eddie Lacy at No. 26.
Sean Jensen, Chicago Sun-Times: Predicts Vikes will take Purdue defensive tackle Kawann Short at No. 23 and California wideout Keenan Allen at No. 25. Predicts Bears will take Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant at No. 20.
Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune: Predicts Vikes will take Florida State defensive end Tank Carradine, at No. 23 and Louisiana State linebacker Kevin Minter at No. 25. Also predicts Bears will take Desmond Trufant at No. 20.
Star Tribune writer Dan Wiederer noticed that there’s real no consensus among the multitude of mock drafts, especially among the national experts. He looked at 20 mock drafts, which had 14 different players going to the Vikings.
The Daily Norseman took that one step further, and compiled a database of 100 predictions from prognosticators … nationwide. Yes, we’re getting a headache, too. But it’s all there!
Happy Draft Day.
