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The search goes on Atfer misfires in '99 draft, Vikings still need defense
Posted: Thursday April 13, 2000 04:14 AM
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- After what happened last year, you might think the Minnesota Vikings are heading into the draft on the defensive. Think again. The Vikings still have holes to fill on defense after passing on Jevon Kearse for Daunte Culpepper with the 11th choice a year ago and then selecting Dimitrius Underwood at No. 29, a pick that blew up in their faces. Coach Dennis Green's first draft after gaining full authority over personnel matters was heavily scrutinized, particularly after Kearse took Tennessee to the Super Bowl. Although Green acknowledges Underwood's selection was a mistake, he's intent on proving Culpepper was the right choice by elevating the raw quarterback to starter in 2000. And Green said he won't shy away from what others might consider perilous picks just because Underwood didn't work out. "It's not going to change the way we do business," said Green, pointing out the several "risky" picks that have worked out for the Vikings: Randy Moss, Korey Stringer and Dwayne Rudd, among others. "Our track record is a good one," Green said. "Sure, we've got needs on defense, but if some talented players fall to us at other places, we'll consider them. We've got to add depth to a lot of positions." The Vikings have 11 picks in this weekend's draft, including the 25th in the first round, back-to-back picks in the second and one third-rounder. Their biggest needs, as they were a year ago, are at defensive end and cornerback, although they also need to bolster a thin offensive line. Minnesota doesn't return an established performer at defensive end or cornerback and the Vikings lost two Pro Bowl offensive linemen to free agency. The Vikings must find a way to replace the 17 sacks lost by the retirement of Chris Doleman and the departure of free agent Duane Clemons. Their most experienced cornerback, Jimmy Hitchcock, signed with Carolina and then spilled his guts about the spoiled chemistry in the locker room after Green neglected to upgrade the defense through the draft or free agency last year after he was given full control of personnel matters. Green, who has made several minor offseason acquisitions, said he's not sure the college ranks will provide immediate starters. "We've got a lot of guys plugged in that we're confident going with right now," he said. "We will draft guys to come in and compete for backup roles. I don't know if they'll start." Right now, second-year man Kenny Wright would start at left cornerback and Robert Tate, a converted wide receiver who played six games at cornerback in 1999, would start on the right side. John Burrough would start at left end and Fernando Smith at right end. Culpepper will start behind a line that's not nearly as experienced as the one that protected Jeff George, who went 9-3 last year but never got more than a one-year, $500,000 offer from Green to return. Jeff Christy and Randall McDaniel left for NFC Central rival Tampa Bay, leaving left guard Corbin Lacina and center Matt Birk in their places. George signed on to be Brad Johnson's backup in Washington and said he was surprised Green didn't try harder to keep him. But he said he was in a better position there because of all the changes at Winter Park, which included the departure of offensive coordinator Ray Sherman. "I really don't know what direction [the Vikings] are going in," George said. "They've lost some key players, some key offensive linemen. ..." And their needs on defense are just as dire as they were a year ago.
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