Which route will Vikings go?

Anyone trying to get a gauge on the value of a top-flight, pass-rushing defensive end need only follow recent developments at Winter Park.

The Vikings -- who treat draft picks like gold -- appear willing to surrender first- and third-round selections to Kansas City in this weekend's draft so they can earn the privilege of making Jared Allen one of the NFL's richest players.

Allen, who led the NFL with 15 1/2 sacks last season, would come at a steep price because he is considered as close to a sure on-the-field bet as the Vikings can get to fill one of their biggest needs. Still, acquiring Allen would come with off-the-field risks after he was suspended for two games in 2007 following a second drunken-driving arrest.

The Vikings realize that finding an end who approaches Allen's ability with the 17th pick in the first round probably isn't going to happen. Florida's Derrick Harvey almost certainly will be gone by then, and rookie ends are far from sure bets to make an immediate impact.

Rick Spielman, the Vikings' vice president of player personnel, admits "it's rare" to find a rookie end who can consistently get to the quarterback but added, "There are guys that do it, depending upon how you play the guy in the scheme."

The exception

Floyd Reese was one of the lucky ones. He was the general manager of the Tennessee Titans in 1999 when the franchise made Jevon Kearse the 16th overall pick.

Kearse established the league's single-season rookie record with 14 1/2 sacks, forced a league-leading eight fumbles and played a pivotal role in the Titans' run to the Super Bowl that season. He followed that by becoming only the fourth player in NFL history to record 10 or more sacks in each of his first three years.

"We were fortunate" to get him, said Reese, now an NFL analyst for ESPN.

Reese isn't kidding.

In the past five drafts, only one rookie defensive end has reached double figures in sacks. That was Chicago's Mark Anderson, a fifth-round pick by the Bears in 2006. Anderson had 12 sacks playing primarily on passing downs; his total dropped to five this past season when he was used as an every-down player.

Gaines Adams, the fourth pick in the 2007 draft by Tampa Bay, led rookie ends with six sacks in 2007.

Virginia's Chris Long and Ohio State's Vernon Gholston -- who are expected to go early in Saturday's first round -- undoubtedly are hoping to improve on that total in their rookie years. But there are no guarantees.

"It can happen depending on the scheme," Reese said. "It's not unheard of. It's a very demanding position and very tough. Those guys can come in and play and they will flash for you, but when it comes to the real meat and potatoes of hanging in there ... if you're not really special athletically, then it's difficult because you get worn out. You can't play against those big tackles week after week or down after down and not get worn out."

Repeat the past?

The Vikings have looked to address their needs at defensive end in the first round of past drafts, although that was before Spielman began running the show in 2006. In 2004 and '05, the franchise used picks on defensive ends Kenechi Udeze (20th overall) and Erasmus James (18th).

Udeze proved to be a reliable run stopper at left end but will miss 2008 after being diagnosed with leukemia. James battled knee problems the past two years and it would be a risk to rely on him returning to full strength.

If they don't get Allen, the Vikings might set their sights on Harvey on Saturday. Harvey, who like Kearse played at Florida, raised some eyebrows when his sack total dipped from 11 in his sophomore season to 8 1/2 last year, but his stock has been on the rise since impressive performances at the NFL scouting combine and the Florida pro day.

"I like his motor and his consistency on tape," said former NFL general manager Charley Casserly, who works for CBS and the NFL Network. "Maybe he does not have that top explosive speed, but he's a good, solid prospect who has some pass-rush ability to him."

Clemson's Phillip Merling and Calais Campbell of Miami (Fla.) also are considered potential first-round picks. The fact Merling underwent sports hernia surgery in March has scared off some teams.

However, Merling's health isn't the only reason he is behind Harvey on most boards. Harvey is considered the better rusher and likely will end up playing the right end. Merling is projected to be a left end.

"In the NFL a premium is placed on pass rushers, and therefore Harvey gets a better grade," said Mike Mayock, draft analyst for the NFL Network. "Harvey is a guy who, if he fell to 17th, I think the Vikings would be ecstatic to get him. But I wouldn't count on it."

What the Vikings would like to count on is Allen lining up as their right end in 2008.

Staff writer Kevin Seifert contributed to this report.