VIKINGBUZZ.COM - Draft Board

Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki: "A bigger, more athletic Randy Moss with none of the baggage. Should be able to make an immediate impact. A very low-risk pick with little downside, Johnson should quickly become a fixture in the Pro Bowl. Is very worthy of the first overall pick." The Vikings would have to trade up for a chance at Johnson, which is unlikely considering they're more inclined to deal down to accumulate additional picks.

PFW’s Nolan Nawrocki: “Has the sheer determination and fiery competitive drive to be the best back in football in a very short amount of time. An elite, blue-chip talent who, as long as he is healthy, can carry an offense and instantly upgrade a backfield. Very special and arguably the best player in the draft. A cornerstone building block for any franchise and every bit worth the top pick in the draft. Durability issues aside, a can’t-miss pick." Would bring back memories of Robert Smith for Viking fans.

3. DE Gaines Adams (6046, 258, 4.66) Clemson

SI.com Video | FOXSports Video | NFL.com | College Bio

An edge pass-rusher who ideally fits in a Cover-2 defensive scheme, where he has the kind of explosive quickness and speed around the corner to dominate. The type of player who has to be accounted for on every play. Can become a real force in the NFL if he continues to develop and keeps his motor going. Adams is a player the Vikings are said to covet and would be an ideal fit to boost their pass rush. However, there's virtually no chance of him sliding to the seventh pick.

4. QB Brady Quinn (6036, 232, 4.73) Notre Dame

SI.com Video | NFL.com | College Bio | BradyQuinnOnline | YouTube Videos
FOX Sports Video

Scouts are somewhat divided on Quinn. Some see him as the next Tom Brady, especially after working with Charlie Weis the past two seasons. But others liken him to Joey Harrington, who obviously didn't live up to his high first-round draft status. We think he'd be a perfect long-term fit for the West Coast Offense the Vikings run and would be too good to pass up.

5. OT Joe Thomas (6065, 311, 4.92) Wisconsin

SI.com Video | FOX Sports Video | NFL.com | College Bio | YouTube Video

Compares favorably to former Utah tackle Jordan Gross (Panthers) and will be a safe, solid choice who should be able to start at left tackle right away for the team that takes him. Most mock drafts have him going anywhere from second to fifth. Thomas would be hard for Minnesota to pass up if he slid to them at No. 7. Their Badger connections, coupled with the fact that he could step right in at right tackle would make him a no-brainer for the Vikings.

6. S LaRon Landry (6006, 213, 4.37) Georgia Tech

SI.com Video | FOX Sports Video | NFL.com | College Bio | YouTube Videos

Sure-fire top ten pick who can step right in and start for a team as a rookie. Has fantastic measurables and plays with intelligence and instincts. Solid pass defender and very strong run defender and sure, wrap-up tackler. A player who can come right in and make an impact in the secondary like Landy would be hard to pass on, especially given the critical role that good safeties play in the Cover-2.

7. CB Leon Hall (5112, 193, 4.39) Michigan