Minnesota Vikings drafts from 2012-2014

Since the Vikings’ inception into the NFL in 1961, they have always strived to find the best players available during the exciting draft period. Over the years, they have had their share of difficulties, but one period stands out: from 2012 to 2014. During this time, the Vikings secured seven first-round picks, with six of them going on to become big-time contributors both in Minnesota and elsewhere.

The Super Six have all managed to secure Pro Bowl honors at some point in their career, racking up nineteen all-star game appearances between them. Unfortunately, the Vikings haven’t been given much hope for the upcoming campaign and Bovada’s future Super Bowl lines make them +4000 outsiders for the Lombardi next February. However, with a good NFL draft under their belt as well as a bit of luck, anything is possible.

Current manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would have done an excellent job if he managed to draft players as good as these six for the upcoming campaign.

Matt Kalil

In 2012, the Vikings selected offensive tackle, Matt Kalil, as the fourth overall pick in that year’s draft. He proved to be an instant contributor to the playing squad at U.S. Bank Stadium, forming part of the offensive line that led Adrian Peterson to 2,097 rushing yards – just nine yards shy of breaking the NFL record. Thanks to Kalil’s performance, he was selected to the Pro Bowl that season, becoming the first newcomer tackle from the Vikings to do so.

Harrison Smith

In the same draft, Minnesota selected safety, Harrison Smith, with their second first-round pick, selecting him as 29th overall. The former Notre Dame standout also had an early impact on his side’s defense, recording three interceptions and 104 tackles during his rookie season. Since then, he has become one of the best safeties in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors six times during his nine seasons in Minneapolis and securing a legendary status with the franchise.

Xavier Rhodes

The following year, the Vikings utilized their 25th overall pick to select cornerback, Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes became a dominant force during his tenure with the franchise, becoming known as one of the best press corners in the league. He was a key part of the defense that led the Vikings to the NFC North title in 2017 and was selected for Pro Bowl honors that term, as well as the year before and in 2019 before leaving for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020.

Cordarrelle Patterson

In 2013, the Purple People Eaters had three first-round picks for the first time in franchise history, and they used the second of those picks to select wide receiver, Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson was a versatile player, recording 856 receiving yards and four touchdowns during his rookie season. He also became an immediate star on special teams, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns which led him to twice winning the kickoff return yards leader award as well as securing a spot in the all-star game on four separate occasions.

Anthony Barr

The Vikings selected linebacker, Anthony Barr, with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft. Barr instantly became a key piece to his side’s defense, helping lead them to the playoffs that season for just the second time in six years. He was a Pro Bowl selection in four consecutive campaigns between 2015 and 2018 and he established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL during that time thanks to his speed, agility, and ability to read plays. His role in the Vikings’ defense went beyond just making tackles and his leadership qualities were just as valuable as his physical exploits and performances, despite his love/hate relationship with the home faithful.

Teddy Bridgewater

After selecting Barr as the ninth overall pick, the Minneapolis outfit used their final first-round pick in 2014 to select quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater had an up-and-down tenure with the Vikings, showing flashes of potential, but dealing with injuries that hindered his development. However, he did lead the Vikings to an improbable playoff appearance in his second season in the league. He too managed to secure Pro Bowl honors following the 2015 campaign, however, that was his only appearance in the all-star game and his career has since fizzled out.

Conclusion

The Minnesota Vikings’ first-round draft picks between 2012 and 2014 proved to be some of the best in their franchise’s history. From Matt Kalil to Teddy Bridgewater, these players helped shape the franchise into a competitive outfit and earned several Pro Bowl honors. Although some have gone their separate ways, their impact in Minnesota will always be remembered and fans can only hope that the Vikings’ future draft picks can emulate their success.

Remember the Cordarrelle Patterson days? Back when kick returns were exciting? Yes, those were good times and we aren’t the only ones waxing nostalgic. CP84 has been on Twitter this morning @’ing the Minnesota Vikings official account.

Hey Rick, u up?

Hit my line @Vikings

— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) March 18, 2021

Cordarrelle seems to be enjoying the free agency game but it’s clear he’s wouldn’t be against a return to purple. Minnesota does have a need for return help but there hasn’t been any real steam surrounding Patterson. He’s certainly not the man he once was but he’s still a plus player in special teams and as a returner. He’s also worth having on your offense as a gadget player, if you can get the right coach scheming up plays. We’ll see.

Thielen Contract Restructured

The Vikings converted Adam Thielen’s 2021 salary into a signing bonus today, in order to make room for the Patrick Peterson signing last night. This was a move that’s been reported for days but the string had to be officially pulled today.

The restructure doesn’t change any of Thielen’s cash. He just gets it up front instead of getting it throughout the season. For the Minnesota Vikings, it means they get to push the cap hit out and stretch it across the life of the contract, which has three season on it beyond 2021.

For room for Patrick Peterson, #Vikings convert $10 million of Adam Thielen base salary of $11.1M to signing bonus dropping base to $1.1M & saving $7.5M cap room His 2021 cap number goes from $13.468,500 to $5,968,500 Has cap numbers of $16.945M in 22, $17,95M in 23, $17,1M in 23

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 18, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Vikings drafted Justin Jefferson (LSU – WR) last night, with the #22 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. While I really like the pick, and apparently so does Gary Kubiak, I can’t help but feel like we’ve been here before. The Vikings have picked two wide receivers in the first round of the Rick Spielman Era… and they haven’t really gone as planned. 

Most recently, as we all know, the Vikes drafted Laquon Treadwell #23 in the 2016 NFL draft. And, we’ve spent the last 3 years watching him disappoint us. I would include his numbers, but I don’t want to have that disgusting take in my mouth for the rest of the night. 

Then, a few years ago, the Vikings drafted Cordarrelle Patterson with the 29^th pick in the 2013 draft. And while I loved watching Flash return kicks and run trick plays, he was supposed to be much more than that.

Prior to 2013, our first round WR draft pick history included Percy Harvin in 2009 (who we should now sign again???) and Randy Moss in 1998… Let’s hope Jefferson winds up being the latter half of this conversation.

Thanks for reading,

PS: I didn’t forget about Troy Williamson… but I wish I could.

Chad | Minnesota Sports Fan

In the opening round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the State of Hockey’s professional football team acquired a hat trick’s worth of players:

The selection of our now All-Pro CB, Xavier Rhodes, helps numb the pain associated with the other two picks: Cordarrelle Patterson and Sharrif Floyd.

Despite five kick return TDs in his four years with the Purple, Patterson wasn’t able to cut his teeth as a WR. Last March, the Tennessee alum signed a free agent deal with the Raiders. The man who pissed me off by donning Randy Moss’ number doesn’t seem to have any animosity towards the state of Minnesota. Even in Oakland, the 26 year-old still supported our teams on his social media:

In regards to the current status of Sharrif Floyd and the Land of 10K Lakes, that relationship isn’t nearly as humorous n shit.

Per reports, the Vikings are yet to pay Floyd his entire 2017 salary ($6.757 million). Thus far, the former Florida Gator who spent of all last season on the non-football injury list (knee), has received $2 million (+ $6,450 bonus) of the original agreement. In an attempt to obtain the remaining money, the NFLPA on Floyd’s behalf, filed a grievance against the Wilf-owned franchise.

It’s a contract, so the Vikings have to pay Floyd, right?

Wrong! The DT was put on the non-football injury list because Minnesota viewed the root cause of the nerve issues, in his knee, to be non-football related. That seems to make sense. If a colleague injured you by going full Terry Tate office linebacker, you’d probably expect to receive adequate cash for any time missed. On the opposite side of the fence, If you were out of work, because your wasted buddy tackled you onto a bonfire, you’re not calling up the boss when the payroll inevitably skips your wounded-self.

Well then, if Floyd was on the non-football injury list, his grievance is baseless, right?

Wrong again! From Sharrif Floyd’s point of view, the non-football injury list status he was assigned was incorrect. He and his camp point to the knee issues being caused by a 2016 surgery. A surgery that was needed because of football.

The grievance was filed by the NFLPA back in September, 2017. But, because the Vikings now desire to release Floyd, the pertinent details, surrounding the situation, just came to light on Tuesday.

The ongoing disagreement between the two sides is what is preventing Minnesota from releasing Sharrif Floyd and his 44 career games. In regards to the 26 year-old’s football future, it appears the odds of him ever returning to the field are “remote”.

I only wish the, once coveted, defensive lineman the best moving forward. Well, maybe just outside of the final ruling on this topic. With the amount Minnesota is ordered to pay to Floyd, directly effecting their cap number, the ruling is somewhat important. Unlike the MLB, every dollar counts in the NFL. For example, the Jets might attack the effect a Kirk Cousins contract would have on their salary cap with an almost unimaginable front-loaded deal.

The Jets are reportedly considering an offer for Kirk Cousins that would include $60 million guaranteed in his first year ? (via New York Post) pic.twitter.com/z4M48eUkBT

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 21, 2018

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com