The folks at Drafttek and their simulator have updated their mock draft as well, and have given the Vikings a pick that, if it were to come to fruition, could end up being the steal of the first round at a position you might not immediately connect with a Vikings need.
In this simulation, Draftek has the Vikings selecting Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus. Here's the explanation.
For the 2nd straight week, the Vikings strike gold as value meets need. With Pat Williams retiring, Kevin facing suspension, that leaves only a pair of players who would be best suited as rotational guys in Fred Evans and Jimmy Kennedy as the remaining DTs on the roster to start the season. Of course that will be addressed one way or another, but finding a long term solution in the middle is essential for Les Frazier. Dareus is a disruptive force who can also hold his own in the running game. He might be best suited as a 3-tech, but let's not get picky.
Dareus is a monster, measuring in at 319 pounds at the Scouting Combine this past week. Pairing him up with Kevin Williams would once again solidify the middle of the Vikings' defensive line, and that would likely radiate out to the rest of the Minnesota defense as well.
Drafttek's draft simulator goes out through all seven rounds. . .here's who they have Minnesota selecting the rest of the way.
Round 2 (#43) - Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
In a curious move, the Vikings elected not to assign either the transition or franchise tag to Sidney Rice, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent and likely signalling then end of his Vikings career. This leaves the Vikings extremely thin at WR, likely forcing them to address the position early in the draft. Torrey Smith is a bit of a raw prospect whom some scouts liken to former Terp Darrius Heyward-Bey. Smith isn't quite as fast but also looks to have more potential as a feature WR as he's a more physical player, capable of beating press coverage.
Round Four (#105) - Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee
Round Five (#135) - Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware
Round Five (#147) - Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
Round Six (#173) - Justin Rogers, CB, Richmond
Round Seven (#203) - Rob McGill, OT, Louisiana Tech