Latest FanSided.com Mock Draft Has Vikings Picking Keenan Allen

September 8, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) celebrates after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 50-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The other day I examined the Vikings’ many options for filling their need at wide receiver. The name Keenan Allen came up during the discussion. As of now, Allen is probably the #1 wide receiver prospect in this draft, above Robert Woods because he doesn’t have the same injury red flags as Woods. I would go so far as to say, if you’re looking for a stud #1 in this draft, Allen is probably the only good option. This thinking is also reflected in the newest FanSided.com mock draft, which gives Allen to the Vikings at #23. Here’s what they say over at the mothership:

"There are some whispers that the Vikings could be moving on from Percy Harvin in the offseason, so the Vikings will need to find a replacement. Allen is a versatile wide receiver who could fill the void Harvin’s departure would leave, while adding a more reliable target and legitimate receiving threat for Christian Ponder."

Okay sure. But even with Harvin in the mix I’d still draft Allen. To me Harvin’s status has nothing to do with it. Add receiver talent, period. That’s my thinking.

Also of note in this new mock is the status of Manti Te’o, Notre Dame linebacker. As we know Te’o’s draft stock took a hit during the Alabama game, where he just got owned. Well okay. MAYBE his stock took a hit. In the eyes of outside observers and amateur draft experts it took a hit. Who knows what actual NFL scouts think. They may have never rated this guy very high to begin with. Or maybe they watched that game and now think less of him. I don’t know. I just know that Te’o looks like a pretty good player, Alabama game notwithstanding. But before it seemed unlikely that the Vikes would have a chance to take him. And now? If we believe the mocks, Te’o is sliding closer to where the Vikes might have a shot. The new FanSided mock has him going #17 to Pittsburgh. He’s within range. If you still like the guy. And if you think the Vikes can afford to forego a receiver in round 1 to instead take a linebacker. Which I’m not sure they can.

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