2008 Woodie Awards
Vikings draft has promise, but many questions remain
Steve Bader
Issue date: 4/30/07 Section: Sports
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With their first pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings grabbed an offensive name with Pro Bowl potential, despite criticism from some fans.
Although time will tell if running back Adrian Peterson will be the right fit in Minnesota's scheme, there was no better selection the Vikings could have made at No. 7.
Peterson's presence will change the look of one of the sorriest offenses in the league, and the Purple could shock the league with formations not seen in 50 years.
For example, the Vikings could bring back the Wing-T set with two tight ends and Peterson and Chester Taylor at the wing back spots with Tony Richardson in the backfield. This would allow the Vikings to utilize their two bruising running backs and keep the disaster known as their wide receiving corps off the field.
The need for wide receivers was supposed to be addressed in the second round, but even in the NFL Draft, old habits die hard.
Two years ago, the Vikings planned to address their need at wide receiver in the draft. At the No. 7 spot, most Minnesotans were hoping the Vikes would grab USC wide receiver Mike Williams.
Williams was not eligible during the 2004-05 NCAA football season due to his early declaration for the draft and contact with an agent. Despite his year away from live action, most still agreed Williams was a potential big time prospect who had two productive seasons with the Trojans.
Instead, the Vikings passed on Williams and went with Troy Williamson, a speedster from South Carolina who, apparently, had a big upside.
After two years in the NFL, Williamson is yet to show anything but an uncanny ability to drop everything thrown into his hands. Williams has not fared much better in Detroit, but most Vikes fans would still take Williams, who was traded to Oakland on draft day, instead of Williamson.
The lesson from the Williamson debacle is this: Take USC talent over South Carolina talent unless the Gamecocks prospect is considered to be a can't miss pick.
Although time will tell if running back Adrian Peterson will be the right fit in Minnesota's scheme, there was no better selection the Vikings could have made at No. 7.
Peterson's presence will change the look of one of the sorriest offenses in the league, and the Purple could shock the league with formations not seen in 50 years.
For example, the Vikings could bring back the Wing-T set with two tight ends and Peterson and Chester Taylor at the wing back spots with Tony Richardson in the backfield. This would allow the Vikings to utilize their two bruising running backs and keep the disaster known as their wide receiving corps off the field.
The need for wide receivers was supposed to be addressed in the second round, but even in the NFL Draft, old habits die hard.
Two years ago, the Vikings planned to address their need at wide receiver in the draft. At the No. 7 spot, most Minnesotans were hoping the Vikes would grab USC wide receiver Mike Williams.
Williams was not eligible during the 2004-05 NCAA football season due to his early declaration for the draft and contact with an agent. Despite his year away from live action, most still agreed Williams was a potential big time prospect who had two productive seasons with the Trojans.
Instead, the Vikings passed on Williams and went with Troy Williamson, a speedster from South Carolina who, apparently, had a big upside.
After two years in the NFL, Williamson is yet to show anything but an uncanny ability to drop everything thrown into his hands. Williams has not fared much better in Detroit, but most Vikes fans would still take Williams, who was traded to Oakland on draft day, instead of Williamson.
The lesson from the Williamson debacle is this: Take USC talent over South Carolina talent unless the Gamecocks prospect is considered to be a can't miss pick.