My Draft Review

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At #1, Bennett was the best player available and a good value pick. However, RB was not our position of greatest need and probably should have traded up. In addition, by selecting Bennett, the Vikes are, in effect, admitting that recent high picks Chapman and Williams are not the answer at feature RB.

At #2, Howard was a good value pick that addresses a great need. A tweener. Smaller than typical DT's and slower than most DE's. Incredibly smart player, scoring a 42 on the Wunderlik.

At #3, trading up to get Kelly, a projected 5th round pick, was ridiculous.

At #4, Worthen was a projected 6th or 7th round pick. A major reach.

At 4A, James was a projected 5th rounder. Another reach. Can jump out of the stadium with his 42" vertical.

At #5, Chukwurah was another reach.

At #6, Scott was a decent value pick. Not the brightest guy around, scoring only a 13 on the Wunderlik.

At #7, Crawford was projected as a non-draftee, but as a 7th rounder not a big deal.

-- Mark (Karch222@aol.com), April 25, 2001

Answers

Thanks for the update. I've been underwater at work but appreciate that someone is keeping on top of the draft. My only quibble is to point out that the Vikes pick at 4A is theoretically a 5th round pick since it was compensatory for them losing an FA.

-- Bruce (sixxking@aol.com), April 27, 2001.

I think Denny's ego got in the way again. He will be trying to prove his critics wrong - relying on his reputation as a great developer of hidden talent. Seems to me that all of his high draft choices of previous years should be ready to step up NOW: and he should have been free to trade up or whatever was necessary to acquire true needs.

-- John (Maccody@aol.com), April 28, 2001.

Another thing that caught my eye about Karch's analysis is, I'm wondering if Denny/Red go after these reaches because they believe they would be cheaper than drafting someone actually projected for that round. This way, they save money yet say that they had the guy projected higher. As far back as I can recall, Denny's draft day mantra re the Vikes selection has been something like "we had him higher on our list and we're delighted he lasted to our pick." I think the only time he was actually speaking the truth was for Moss.

-- Bruce (sixxking@aol.com), April 30, 2001.

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