10 worst Vikings draft picks during the Rick Spielman era
By Adam Patrick
![Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/63006ff36733c89187ede8851668a47bc6c9cd10d30c34981a632d99c911236c.jpg)
3. Scott Crichton, DL
Third round, 72nd overall
(2014)
Crichton is likely the most mysterious of the players featured on this list. Minnesota used a third-round pick on him and he never really figured out how to get on the field.
He was regarded as a pretty raw prospect coming out of Oregon State in 2014, but the Vikings obviously felt he was worth taking a chance on. Unfortunately, Minnesota was never able to groom Crichton into the player they were hoping for when they drafted him.
Before the 2016 season, the Vikings switched Crichton’s position from defensive end to defensive tackle. The team thought it was his last chance to find a fit on their roster.
It did not end up working out as Crichton was placed on injured-reserve before the season even started and did not play a single snap in 2016. He was waived after the season and Minnesota is still trying to figure out where they went wrong when scouting the defensive lineman.
Notable players drafted after Crichton:
Donte Moncrief (Ind), Devonta Freeman (Atl), Telvin Smith (Jax)