Round, pick number: Seventh, 215
Size: 6-3, 261 pounds. Age: 23.
The skinny: Several mock drafts had the Vikings taking a defensive end in the first round. But it took until the third day of the draft and the 215th overall pick for the Vikings to finally address the position. The concern about the end position is on the left side, where the Vikings could lose starter Ray Edwards to free agency depending on what happens with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Brian Robison signed a three-year, $14.1 million deal just before the lockout but he might be most valuable as a backup playing left end who moves to tackle in the nickel package. Everson Griffen, a 2010 fourth-round choice, has talent but there are some concerns about his off-the-field issues.
Inside information: Played in 39 games in his final three seasons at Arizona and made eight starts in that time. He had 40 tackles, six for losses and two sacks last season. Remains a very raw player and lacks speed. Also can play on special teams. This appears to be a project.
Pro Football Weekly summary: "Rotated with Ricky Elmore and showed flashes of potential in part-time exposure but is not fast enough of athletic enough to operate from a two-point stance and will have to grow into an edge-stacking, 4-3 left end."
Judd's take: All I can think is the Vikings are either convinced Griffen is going to get his act together, they are planning on starting Robison at left end or they are convinced we're going to play under the 2010 CBA and Edwards will be back because if that's the case he will be a restricted free agent. Reed looks like a practice squad guy to me.
The quote: "I have so much more to show. That's another reason why I'm excited so I can go to the next level and show what I can do." -- Reed.
