Vikings GM Rick Spielman spent much of the past three drafts wheeling and dealing his way to seven first-round picks — more than any NFL team has had in a three-year span in at least the last quarter of a century

In doing so, he largely pinned the Vikings' future (and his future) to those seven elite prospects, of whom we've seen anywhere from flashes of brilliance to sustained success. Here is an assessment of where they stand, in order of when they were drafted:

• Offensive tackle Matt Kalil (No. 4 overall, 2012): He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2012. That seems like a long time ago. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer asked reporters to be skeptical of the site Pro Football Focus, but this is hard to ignore: PFF rates Kalil as the worst tackle in the NFL.

• Safety Harrison Smith (No. 29 overall, 2012): Had a very good rookie season, and the Vikings clearly missed him during an injury-marred 2013 season. Smith is healthy again, and his three interceptions are part of a revamped pass defense that is tied for fifth in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game.

• Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (No. 23 overall, 2013): Has just 11 tackles and one sack in six games this season, though the value of defensive tackles can be hard to measure in traditional numbers.

• Cornerback Xavier Rhodes (No. 25 overall, 2013): No interceptions yet this year, but he has six passes defended in the past three games. He has shown the makings of being a true No. 1 corner.

Associated Press, Star Tribune
Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil (75), the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, has found his play under increasing scrutiny this season.

• Wide receiver/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (No. 29 overall, 2013): A Pro Bowler last year as a rookie, Patterson has been a nonfactor in too many games this season. Whether he's playing hurt, the game plan isn't set up to get him the ball enough or other factors are at play, it's hardly been the breakout season projected by many.

• Linebacker Anthony Barr (No. 9 overall, 2014): He's received high praise from head coach Mike Zimmer, and it's not hard to see why. He made a tackle in the flat against the Lions showcased his unique blend of speed and power.

• Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (No. 32 overall, 2014): He sparkled in his first start against the Falcons and sputtered against the stout Lions' defense. He got little help from teammates, but Bridgewater held the ball too long on several snaps.

• Overall: The Vikings will go as far as these seven take them. Much of that will hinge on whether Kalil can return to his rookie form and which Bridgewater we see going forward.

Michael Rand