15 greatest Minnesota Vikings draft picks of all-time

Alan Page – DT

Draft Year: 1967

Draft Selection: Pick No. 15 (First Round)

Going with the only defensive tackle to ever win the NFL MVP award for the No. 1 spot on this list was not a difficult decision to make.

Alan Page was a primary member of the Vikings “Purple People Eaters” defense that led the team to so much success during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Page dominated opposing blockers from the inside while Carl Eller rushed the passer from the outside, and together they were an unstoppable duo.

Unfortunately, Page and the rest of his Minnesota teammates were never able to capture the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl, but he arguably had the most successful career of anyone who has ever played in a Vikings uniform.

Page was actually born in Canton, Ohio, so performing at a Hall of Fame level during his career almost felt like it was his destiny.

During 12 seasons with Minnesota, he was voted to nine Pro Bowls, and he was a five-time First-Team All-Pro. His best performance came in 1971 when he was named both the league’s MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

In 1988, Page went back to where it all began in Canton, Ohio so that he could be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.