Minnesota Vikings: 15 best first-round draft picks of all time
By Adam Carlson
Growing up and wanting to be a lawyer, Alan Page was too talented of an athlete and too hard-working on the field to not pursue an NFL career. Chosen with the No. 15 pick in the 1967 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, the defensive lineman immediately got to work.
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Page spent 11 seasons and six games with the Vikings and was a key part of the “Purple People Eaters” defense before finishing the final four years of his career with the Chicago Bears. But he more than left a mark on the Vikings franchise.
Being the first-ever defensive player to be named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1971 is one heck of an accomplishment. As was him being awarded NFC Player of the Year that same year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice.
During his time in Minnesota, Page finished with 148.5 sacks, 28 blocked kicks, and 23 fumble recoveries.
His nine Pro Bowls, nine All-Pro nods, his induction into the Vikings Ring of Honor, and his jersey being retired by Minnesota also solidify his greatness on the football field. As does his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the class of 1999.
– AC
Next: The Vikings' greatest 7-round draft of all-time
Do you agree with this list of the Vikings’ best first-round draft picks of all time? Are there players you believe deserve to be higher or lower? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!