To continue our own mock draft, rotating the picks among the bloggers the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock now with the 17th Pick in the draft.
Wow, I guess I'm glad the Texans didn't jump in front of the Vikings during the draft. Without Mike Tice as Head Coach there's one less thing to enjoy during the NFL Draft. It's hard to believe that an NFL Team would allow one let alone two teams to jump in front of them before making a pick. It's back to enjoying the Redskins pick when they have one and the Jets fans for the Jets pick.
The Vikings could use an elite wide receiver or a strong quarterback to lead them into the playoffs but neither exists among a field that is solid but not elite. The signing of Berrian should help take some of the pressure off of Peterson, but he won't fully see any real help until the QB situation is resolved. It doesn't appear that this will occur in the first round as the value isn't there at either position.
Peterson has shown that he can manage with the current offensive line so any help there can wait for other picks. Adding a defensive lineman appears to be next on their list, so drafting Philip Merling will be just what the doctor ordered. He may lack elite speed on the end, but should provide a solid pass rush.
Pick #17: Philip Merling, DE Clemson
Houston is now on the clock with the 18th Pick in the draft.
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