3 worst Minnesota Vikings second-round picks of the last decade

Toby Gerhart – RB (2010)

I didn’t get this pick at the time, and even 10 years later it still baffles me. The Vikings had Adrian Peterson in his prime, yet felt obligated to use a second-round pick on a running back. What made this choice even worse, was at the time, that they had a big need at offensive tackle, and passed on Jared Veldheer to make a luxury pick.

Toby Gerhart wasn’t a total bust with the team, but with Peterson on the roster, his production never got close to what a second-round pick should be. Gerhart was a powerful runner who also was an adequate option in the passing game. He did have some fumbling issues but could get the tough yards when needed. His best season with the Vikings was in 2011 when he ran for 531 yards with one touchdown. He added 190 yards through the air, with three more touchdowns. He played for the Vikings for four seasons but wasn’t offered an extension after his rookie deal ended.

Gerhart then signed with the Jaguars and he was going to be their new featured back. That didn’t pan out, as Toby was riddled with injuries. He started just eight games for the Jaguars in two years and his NFL career fizzled out. Gerhart’s choice by the Vikings was always a perplexing one. They were coming off a great year so maybe they felt they could afford to make a luxury pick. They were wrong, and this pick should’ve been used to address a position of need and not a back with fumbling issues.