Before I get into a look at who I hope the Vikings manage to draft, it should be noted that because the Cardinals made it into the Super Bowl, the Vikings moved from pick 23 to pick 22. While it’s only one spot, I’m glad to have it. That could be the difference between a game changer and a mediocre fill-in. So, thanks Arizona! You helped Minnesota, at least in the draft. Most appreciated.

It should also be noted that, if the Vikings quarterback situation is not resolved by this point, I certainly wouldn’t mind trading this pick for a solid QB to play for Minnesota. First and foremost, the Vikings need competition at the quarterback position. If that’s not addressed, it needs to be by draft day, either through the draft or by trading picks.

Prospective Viking at offensive tackle

With pick number 22 in the draft, assuming we still have it, I would love for the Vikings to address the tackle position by drafting Michael Oher out of Ole Miss. I realize this may be a slight pipe dream, but according to ESPN’s Draft Analysis, his slight inconsistency and intelligence has dropped him down from a top 10 or 15 to a possible late first rounder. With the Vikings’ situation at right tackle, Michael Oher could step right in and start, either on the left side or the right side. If he started on the left, simply slide Bryant McKinnie over to the right side and the Vikings’ line suddenly gets a whole lot scarier. I’m sure Mr. McKinnie wouldn’t be happy, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind getting paid, regardless.

Michael Oher is a certifiable freak of nature. He is six foot, five inches tall and weighs 330 pounds, according to ESPN’sdraft page on Oher. He plays like a man at least 150 pounds lighter than that, with extremely quick feet. As a former offensive lineman myself, I know how valuable having quick feet can be; strength can be improved in the weight room. Having the ability to move that big frame as fast as those defensive ends is a much harder skill to improve. Because of his quick feet, he is an extremely good pass blocker and he gets off the ball extraordinarily well. Once he locks on in the running game, it’s basically game over for that defender.

The biggest knocks on Michael Oher are his intelligence and consistency. Everyone agrees he has the physical tools to be able to compete in the NFL; it’s his knowledge and retention of plays and knowing his assignments, as well as somewhat puzzling inconsistency during some games. One play, he will absolutely flatten one of the best defensive ends in college football, and the next a second string linebacker will blow past him. Of course, it’s not all bad by any means; his misses are far less than his hits. In simple terms, he’s thinking too much and not reacting. Repetition with an offense will fix that fairly quickly; he just needs to learn the plays as much as possible.

Michael Oher and his adopted family, from The Blind Side

I must also admit, I have a soft spot for Oher. He is the subject of the book “The Blind Side,” by Michael Lewis. It tells two stories: one being the evolution of the game of football and the rising importance of the left tackle position, primarily because of Lawrence Taylor, and the story of Michael Oher, an extremely down on his luck kid trying to make it through school, picking up football along the way. So please, understand this pick by me includes a bias towards him, but realize that he’s an extremely good offensive lineman who could be a staple of the Vikings’ O-line for years to come. Saying that, if you need a good, quick read, pick up “The Blind Side” by Michael Lewis. It’s a great read for anyone who is interested in football.

It’s very possible that Michael Oher will be off the board in the top 10 or 15 picks, but he could fall to the Vikings at 22. It is, as we all know, impossible to guess at how the NFL draft will unfold. If a great offensive lineman isn’t available, then the Vikings can truly take the best available player, as they only have a few needs. Quarterback can’t be upgraded immediately through the draft (unless you have a Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco, but that’s so rare, never count on it), and the only other big needs are in the secondary and at the wide receiver position. If the Vikings take any of those three positions in the first round, consider it a good draft already.

With the twenty-second pick in the NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings select…

I absolutely cannot wait to find out who.

Until next time,

Skol Vikings!
Woot Woot!