Chart: Narrowing down the list of players the Vikings might take

With two first-round picks Thursday, Nos. 23 and 25 overall, the Vikings have a chance to make a splash early in the draft. So who might they target? Here are six players to watch:

Why it makes sense: The Vikings need a starting MLB. And in 2012, Te'o was the emotional leader and playmaking linchpin for the 12-1 Irish.

Reason to pass: Lacks elite speed. Plus that whole fake girlfriend hoax soap opera could bring an unwanted and exhausting media swarm.

Why it makes sense: If you get past his ordinary combine numbers and simply zero in on film, Minter is proven as an alert and aggressive run-stopper.

Reason to pass: Might be a half-step too slow for what the Vikings want their MLBs to accomplish in coverage.

Why it makes sense: Allen might not have eye-popping speed. But he is proficient at making catches in traffic, blessed with the instincts on how to use his 6-3, 205-pound frame.

Reason to pass: Without top-end speed, he doesn't project to be a consistent deep threat, which is what the Vikings offense needs most.

Reason to pass: The depth at receiver this year gives the Vikings the potential luxury of waiting into Round 2 to grab a quality pass catcher.

Why it makes sense: In a division with Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall, a corner with Rhodes' size (6-1, 210), speed and physicality would be hard to ignore if available.

Reason to pass: Rhodes is at his best in press coverage and might not be the ideal fit in a zone-heavy Vikings defense.

Why it makes sense: In the search for a successor to Kevin Williams, Sylvester Williams' combination of power and quickness makes him a matchup headache.

Reason to pass: His two-year stop at UNC was filled with inconsistency and he might have stamina issues.