New FanSided Mock Draft Sends Tavon Austin to Vikings

Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Syracuse defeated West Virginia 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The network’s main site FanSided.com has been doing these mock drafts for several weeks now, throwing out lots of possibilities for the Vikings. In their latest mock they have Minnesota taking West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin. Here’s what they say about Austin:

"The Vikings would love to get Mistral Raymond off the field, but with Christian Ponder starting to come around, the Vikings will likely focus on bringing in another target. General manager Rick Spielman is allergic to spending money, as the Vikings passed on Vincent Jackson last season when they could have gotten him. But the bigger issue is Percy Harvin, who it seems is closer and closer to severing his ties with the Vikings and vice versa. Harvin was a gem for the Vikings and Austin is a younger clone of him. If the Vikings trade him this season they might get a high second round pick that will allow them go defense in the draft as to eliminate the need for things like A.J. Jefferson and Raymond."

Receiver is a need and it’s true Percy Harvin is probably out the door. But they also have Jarius Wright who fits the mold as a slot guy. So I’m not sure Austin makes the most sense. I still think Keenan Allen of Cal is the guy to look at. Obviously this all depends on Percy. Maybe the Vikings can make it work with Percy and keep him on board. I happen to think he will leave and probably should leave but you never know. Things could get resolved. If they are, a guy like Austin, forget it.

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