Oct 27, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) plays defense during a 55-24 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
So here’s how it will play out on draft day, at least according to the latest FanSided.com mock draft. Rick Spielman will go in heavily targeting the defensive side of the ball. After watching the top defensive tackle prospects come off the board, Spielman will snap up Sylvester Williams of North Carolina with the 23rd overall pick. The FanSided take:
"While there is some belief that the Vikings need to address their lack of offense talent, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see both picks dedicated to the defensive side of the ball. The team is reportedly in love with Williams as a prospect and they may lose out on him to Indianapolis if they don’t pull the trigger here."
With DT taken care of, Spielman will next target linebacker. Manti Te’o is already gone – the Bears took him at 20 – so forget about that reunion with Notre Dame buddies Harrison Smith and Robert Blanton. Alec Ogletree is off the board too thanks to St. Louis. So the Vikes go to the next guy on their board. And that guy is? Kansas State’s Arthur Brown. FanSided says:
"One of the biggest holes on the Vikings roster is at linebacker. Brown would be a player that can play either inside or outside linebacker for the team and his versatility will make him very attractive."
So there you have it. Two first round picks. Two new defensive players. Both solid guys with good potential. And I guess they’ll worry about wide receiver in the second round. Christian Ponder doesn’t need targets or anything.
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