Mike Williams Trade Shakes Up Vikings Draft Picture

Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Buffalo Bills acquired WR Mike Williams from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a sixth round draft pick.

And news of the trade immediately shook up everyone’s projections for the first round of the draft.

Before, it was thought the Bucs would likely target an offensive lineman or a defensive player with the #7 overall pick, with quarterback still a possibility albeit a more remote one.

After the trade, it’s become almost a foregone conclusion that the Buccaneers will select a wide receiver.

With the Bucs now almost certainly in the market for a receiver, it’s highly likely that both Sammy Watkins, who could go as high as #2 to the Rams, and Mike Evans will be off the board by the time the Vikings select at #8 overall.

What does this scenario mean for the Vikings?

First off, it greatly reduces the possibility of the Vikings going receiver with the #8 overall pick.

An argument can be made for the Vikes to take a receiver at 8, but that argument depends on a top-notch talent being available at that spot.

Evans and Watkins are the two players in this draft who project at that level. If they’re both gone, you can virtually cross receiver off the list of positions for the Vikes to target at 8.

With Watkins and Evans gone by 8, a lot of potential trade scenarios also go out the window for the Vikings.

Receiver-needy teams like the Jets and Bills were thought to be potential trade partners for the Vikings as they perhaps endeavored to move down, but with no Watkins or Evans, those teams won’t be looking to move up to 8 for a wide out.

Of course, the Bucs needing a receiver also opens the door for a valuable offensive lineman or defensive player to drop a spot further than they otherwise would have.

Could the Vikings swing a trade with a team looking to move up for a Jake Matthews or a Justin Gilbert?

The scenarios get shuffled around if you project a receiver to the Buccaneers. Draftniks still have another month to sort this all out. And you know they will.

Draftniks always sort it out in the end.

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