Round 5 (second selection)
Jamarco Jones – OT (Ohio State)
Original Pick: Daniel Carlson – K (Auburn)
This pick is solely based off the limited amount of time we saw Jones in the preseason. Jones was a guy I had rated higher than his fifth-round selection and his limited play on the field before being injured helped solidify the steal he might ultimately become.
The Ohio State big-man had a legitimate shot to push for a starting spot before an ankle injury ended his season. With the question marks the Vikings have along the offensive line, having a guy like Jones on the depth chart would give this team and their fans the warm and fuzzies they need.
Thoughts on original pick:
Looking back, my guess is Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer wishes he would have stuck with the rookie kicker. Carlson actually ended up catching on and having a great year with the Oakland Raiders.
Letting the kicker go was a double whammy. Not only did Carlson end up having a great rest of the season once the Vikings let him go, but Minnesota still in need of a kicker for the future.
But as stated above, I just couldn’t bring the big-legged kicker back to the Vikings. That bridge has been burned.