Draft Analysis: Minnesota Vikings
Posted: Sunday June 07, 1998 07:54 PM
Randy
Moss 1st round, 21st overall
Receiver, Marshall
Comments: Had the potential to be a top-five pick, and
Vikes got a steal at No. 21. Will play on the outside in three-receiver
sets, opening up star receiver Cris Carter
underneath, and RB Robert Smith in
the run game ... could be best pick of draft. Kailee
Wong 2nd round, 51st overall
Linebacker, Stanford
Comments: A tweener who played defensive end in college.
Will likely back up linebacker Dixon Edwards ...
Pass rusher and consummate worker/playmaker, and could work himself into
the starting lineup eventually. Ramos
McDonald 3rd round, 80th overall
Cornerback, New
Mexico
Comments: Rated fairly high on most teams' draft
boards. Will have to contribute early as nickel cornerback. Solid
man-to-man cover skills ... may be forced to play early because of need...
has starter skills. Kivuusama
Mays 4th round, 110th overall
Linebacker, North
Carolina
Comments: Marginal size-speed grades dropped him,
as he only runs in the 4.9 range. Makes plays though. Will backup middle
linebacker Ed
McDaniel. Solid tackler, will make plays on special-teams units. Kerry
Cooks 5th round, 144th overall
Safety, Iowa
Comments: Vikings were looking for backup safety help and Cooks
seemed to be a good value. Very efficient player who does not make a lot of
mistakes, but not naturally gifted, especially in man-to-man situations.
Good vs. run, should help on special teams ... not an exciting player but
looks like a solid backup. Matt Birk
6th round, 173rd overall
Tackle, Harvard
Comments:Talented Ivy League guy that has a nice upside ... smart,
efficient, and enough athletic ability and movement to develop. Won't be
ready yet, but could be nice developmental project at left or right
tackle. Chester
Burnett 7th round, 208th overall
Linebacker,
Arizona
Comments: Doesn't have desired size but runs well
and should contribute on special teams ... Vikings love speed and range at
linebacker and Burnett has it. Could eventually help in nickel package.
Tony
Darden 7th round, 225th overall
Cornerback, Texas
Tech
Comments: Former quarterback and receiver with
limited experience at cornerback but a nice upside. Good athletic ability
and speed and could develop into a good cover cornerback, although he may
struggle on deep ball.
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