Ten players the Vikings could pick

The Vikings have the eighth pick in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday. Here are 10 players who could be available and tantalizing:

A converted running back, Barr is an explosive athlete who could punch up the pass rush.

Not a position of need for the Vikings, but Donald is a disruptive pass rusher in the Geno Atkins mold.

Sure, they have Cordarrelle Patterson, but this big wideout would add a different dimension.

Mack, a projected top-three pick, could be the dynamic playmaking linebacker the Vikings lack if he falls.

He is the rare three-down linebacker who can defend the run and cover in the nickel package.

He might not be ready to play right away, but he has upside and would fit coordinator Norv Turner's offense.

Clinton-Dix and Harrison Smith would give coach Mike Zimmer a pair of rangy and versatile safeties.

You never can have too many corners, and many consider Gilbert to be the best of the bunch.

Johnny Football should be long gone by No. 8. If he isn't, would the Vikings roll the dice?

MATT VENSEL