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With the NFL Draft right around the corner and with the Vikings having two first-round picks, our Kyle Ratke ranked the top-3 first-round picks by the Vikings since 2000.
3. S, Harrison Smith, 2012
This spot was between Smith and linebacker Chad Greenway, who was the team’s first-round pick in 2006.
Smith has been a leader for the team since being drafted 29th overall in the 2012 draft out of Notre Dame. Since, he’s made five Pro Bowls and was named to an All-Pro team in 2017.
A lot of what Minnesota’s defense does revolves around Smith’s ability to be exactly where he needs to be.
2. DT, Kevin Williams, 2003
I think Williams is probably one of the more underrated players in NFL history. After being drafted ninth overall in the 2003 draft out of Oklahoma State, Williams proceeded to make six Pro Bowl teams and five All-Pro teams.
The Williams Wall of Kevin and Pat Williams was an absolute nightmare for offenses.
It’s pretty wild that Williams isn’t getting more of a push to be in the Hall of Fame. He’s certainly deserving. Maybe it’s because he was a defensive tackle and it’s not a particular sexy position? I’m not sure.
1. RB, Adrian Peterson, 2007
And to think, I wanted the Vikings to draft Brady Quinn with this pick. Oh boy.
The seventh pick out of Oklahoma became one of the best running backs in the NFL immediately, rushing for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. During his 10-year stretch with the Vikings, Peterson led the league in rushing yards three times, including his 2,097-yard season in 2012 which netted him the NFL’s MVP award.
Peterson made seven Pro Bowls with the Vikings and was named to four All-Pro teams.
He’s still doing his thing in Washington. Over the last two seasons with the Redskins, Peterson has combined for 1,940 yards.
His 14,216 rushing yards rank fifth in league history, 1,053 behind Barry Sanders.