The Viking Age
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The best Vikings selection from each year of the 90s at the NFL Draft

By Adam Carlson

Minneapolis MN, 10/19/03----Moe Williams celebrates ,Randy Moss, and Daunte Culpepper after Moe scored ona lateral from Randy Moss in the 2nd qurater.(Photo By JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Minneapolis MN, 10/19/03----Moe Williams celebrates ,Randy Moss, and Daunte Culpepper after Moe scored ona lateral from Randy Moss in the 2nd qurater.(Photo By JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings vs green Bay Packers Sept. 26, 1999 -- Minnesota Viking Dwayne Rudd celebrates after a defensive play in the second quarter against the Green Bay packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay Sunday.(Photo By JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings vs green Bay Packers Sept. 26, 1999 — Minnesota Viking Dwayne Rudd celebrates after a defensive play in the second quarter against the Green Bay packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay Sunday.(Photo By JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /

1997: Dwayne Rudd, linebacker – Round 1 (pick 20 overall)

Much like in 1996, the Minnesota Vikings had a relatively weak draft in 1997. In fact, none of the selections made in this draft lasted longer than four years with the team, which has to be disappointing for the team’s decision makers.

Still, Minnesota’s first pick in the draft came when they picked Alabama linebacker Dwayne Rudd at 20 overall in hopes he could be a long-term answer at the position. And while he didn’t exactly fit that bill, he did provide a few years of solid play.

Rudd played in 61 games for the Vikings, starting 46 of those contests. He is perhaps best known for his 1998 season where he recovered three fumbles and returned two of them for defensive touchdowns.

In his four seasons with Minnesota, Rudd also accumulated 325 combined tackles with ten sacks and ten pass defenses. Even though he wasn’t going to win any awards, he was solid for the team during his stay.

Honorable mention: Tony Williams, DT – Memphis (Round 5)

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