2008 Minnesota Vikings Draft Report

The Minnesota Vikings didn't do half bad in 2007,generally enthusiastic but not so quick to say that
though it can't exactly be argued that they didJohnson is worth it. The team was in need of
half good, since their record stalled at 8-8.some help in the wide receiver department but
However, Vikings fans do have a point that thesettled on one player, Jaymar Johnson. John David
team has improved since 2006 when they onlyBooty has some concerns and not only because
scored a 6-10 record. 2007 was also the samehe was recently on the injured list. However, the
year that Vikings player Adrian Peterson brokefact that Booty has been named one of the top
some records, including All-Purpose yards andquarterbacks in college sports by major
Most Rushing Yards in one game. Coach Bradpublications such as Sports Illustrated, probably
Childress is returning to action this year, and heimproved his reputation. Booty certainly had an
has his work cut out for him as some majorinteresting way of presenting himself to the NFL.
players are still out of action. This explains notHe played an extra season at USC forgoing last
only the team's recent acquisitions of players likeyear's draft, and then this year publicly stated
Madieu Williams, Bernard Berrian and Maurice Hicks,that he wanted to be signed by the Minnesota
but also their strategy in the 2008 NFL Draft.Vikings. (Players usually choose to remain mum)
The Minnesota Vikings had already lost two ofNevertheless, the Vikings must have liked his style
their draft picks to the Kansas City Chiefs insince he became their fifth round pick. Letroy
exchange for defensive end Jared Allen.Guion and John Sullivan have also failed to
Therefore, they were only left with five draftimpress, as they are seen as primarily backup
choices this year. Their first pick in round twoplayers.
was Tyrell Johnson, a free safety player fromExperts stated that the Vikings' picks were
Arkansas Sate. The Vikings then chosesomewhat underwhelming, especially considering
quarterback John David Booty from thehow few selections they had. None of the draft
University of Southern California and defensivepicks are expected to relieve Adrian Peterson,
tackle Letroy Guion from Florida State. Theynor are these players considered high-impact draft
finished their 2008 draft by choosing offensivematerial. Not everyone likes the Vikings draft
lineman John Sullivan of Notre Dame and wideselections, but they did have a strategy in going
receiver Jaymar Johnson of Jackson State.after Chiefs powerhouse Jared Allen, who signed
How was the draft reaction from fans anda six-year contract with the team. The success
experts? The biggest concern is obviously Tyrellof the Vikings may lie with Allen and already
Johnson, and whether or not he merited a secondassembled roster. Vikings fan remain confident
round draft choice, since to Minnesota, he wasthat Brad Childress can make a championship
essentially picks #1, #2 and #3. NFL experts areteam out of these seafaring warriors.