VIKINGS' DRAFT CLASS
FIRST ROUND (FOURTH OVERALL)
MATT KALIL
Offensive tackle • USC • 6-7, 306 pounds
• The top tackle in the draft, he is big and explosive off the ball. Nimble feet allow him to get to the second level in the rushing game. Is technically sound in pass protection. There is some concern about his lower-body strength and his tendency to play upright.
The quote: "If you're going against guys like Jared Allen, James Harrison, Dwight Freeney, those fast guys, you can't be that heavy to keep up with them. I think you have to have more quickness over how heavy you are." -- Kalil.
FIRST ROUND (29TH OVERALL)
HARRISON SMITH
Safety • Notre Dame • 6-2, 213
• A four-year starter and captain as a senior, he is very athletic and has good size. Makes up for average speed with good recognition. Always around the ball. Can struggle in man coverage, so he will be a good fit for the zones the Vikings run.
The quote: "We watched him play on the big stage. He has held up against, and made terrific plays against top competition." -- Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman.
THIRD ROUND (66TH OVERALL)
JOSH ROBINSON
Cornerback • Central Florida • 5-10, 199
• The three-year starter has good ball skills and impressive 4.33 speed. Strength is in zone coverage, where his speed enables him to close on the ball. He could figure in the return game. He could struggle in man coverage and can get burned jumping routes.
The quote: "I have a quick reaction. I always tell everybody that I'm versatile. I can do whatever you want me to do." -- Robinson.
FOURTH ROUND (118TH OVERALL)
JARIUS WRIGHT
Wide receiver • Arkansas • 5-9, 182
• Set school records with 66 catches as a senior and 168 for his career. Had 24 TD catches. Very quick, with 4.4 speed, excelled in the slot. Can both stretch a defense and make a catch in traffic. Relatively undersized, can get jammed on the line.
The quote: "I happened to be at the Texas A&M game, when he put on a show. Extremely gifted, athletic, great speed." -- Spielman.
FOURTH ROUND (128TH OVERALL)
RHETT ELLISON
Tight end/fullback • USC • 6-5, 251
• A hybrid of the two positions, he is a physical blocker, both in-line and out of the backfield. Has good hands and can run decent routes. Quick for his size but doesn't have great top-end speed. Had 53 catches in four seasons. His father, Riki, was an NFL linebacker for 10 years.