SB Nation Minnesota - NFL Draft Rumors: Vikings Eyeing Morris Claibornehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48959/mn-fave.png2012-04-26T16:16:17-05:00http://minnesota.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24105062012-04-26T16:16:17-05:002012-04-26T16:16:17-05:002012 NFL Draft: Morris Claiborne Reportedly No. 1 On Vikings Draft Board
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<p>Time is ticking ever closer to the 2012 NFL Draft and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> seem to be getting new rumors out every minute. Amidst tons of talk that they are planning on trading their pick down, specifically to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> who currently own the fifth overall pick, <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/26/report-morris-claiborne-is-no-1-player-on-vikings-draft-board/">NFL Network's Steve Wyche (As reported by ProFootballTalk) </a>has reported that they are now leaning toward LSU CB Morris Claiborne.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Citing a source with knowledge of the situation, NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reports that LSU cornerback <span class="nameLink">Morris Claiborne</span> is the No. 1 player on the Vikings’ draft board, and they are "leaning toward" drafting Claiborne with the No. 3 overall pick.</p>
<p>Per Wyche, the Vikings also "like [Claiborne] more" than USC tackle <span class="nameLink">Matt Kalil</span>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's been fairly well established that the Vikings are planning on either taking Claiborne, Matt Kalil or trading their pick down so expect the rumors to continue to swirl in all three of those directions several more times before the draft finally arrives and the Vikings finally cut the suspense by making their move.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Minnesota Vikings, head over to <a href="http://dailynorseman.com/">The Daily Norseman</a>. For more news and information on the NFL, head over to <a href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">SB Nation's NFL hub</a> and for more on the NFL Draft as the hours tick closer, head to <a href="http://sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft">SB Nation's specialized NFL Draft hub</a>.</i></p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/4/26/2978117/2012-nfl-draft-morris-claiborne-vikingsChris White2012-04-26T15:57:59-05:002012-04-26T15:57:59-05:002012 NFL Draft Rumors: Vikings Open To Trading Down, Reportedly In Talks With Tampa Bay
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> have been blowing smoke all over the place in the past month or so about what they're planning to do with their third overall pick in Thursday's first round of the NFL draft. It's pretty much down to two guys at this point, Matt Kalil and Morris Claiborne.</p>
<p>Of course, that assumes that they don't trade their pick away.</p>
<p>It's looking more and more likely that the third overall pick won't actually be in the Vikings possession after the draft starts, with both <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/status/195592784638513153">Adam Schefter</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ClaytonESPN/status/195612752088272896">John Clayton </a>tweeting on draft day that the Vikings are looking to move their pick around. Clayton in particular was specific enough to point out that they were looking to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> to move up with Kalil and Claiborne -- two of the best talents in the draft -- up for the taking.</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text ">The Vikings continue to talk Claiborne and Kalil, hoping to get Tampa Bay to trade up. Still think they go Kalil.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The question is, how much are the Vikings asking from Tampa to only trade up two spots?</p>
<p><i>For more on the Minnesota Vikings, head over to <a href="http://dailynorseman.com">The Daily Norseman</a>. For more news and information on the NFL, head over to <a href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">SB Nation's NFL hub</a> and for more on the NFL Draft as the hours tick closer, head to <a href="http://sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft">SB Nation's specialized NFL Draft hub</a>.</i></p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/4/26/2978036/2012-nfl-draft-rumors-vikings-tradeChris White2012-04-26T14:58:51-05:002012-04-26T14:58:51-05:002012 NFL Draft Order: Minnesota Vikings Have Many Options At No. 3
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<p>With the first two picks of the draft locked in, everything really begins with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> at No. 3. Plenty of scenarios have been discussed for Minnesota, including selecting LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil and trading the pick.</p>
<p>Here's the entire draft order for the first round:</p>
<table border="2" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="253">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt; width: 24pt;" height="20" width="32">Pick</td>
<td class="xl63" style="width: 166pt;" width="221">Team<span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">1</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-lions/2012/4/26/2977786/nfl/teams/indianapolis-colts">Indianapolis Colts</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">2</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-lions/2012/4/26/2977786/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> (from STL)<span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">3</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/minnesota-vikings">Minnesota Vikings</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">4</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/cleveland-browns">Cleveland Browns</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">5</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">6</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> (from WAS)<span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">7</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/jacksonville-jaguars">Jacksonville Jaguars</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">8</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/miami-dolphins">Miami Dolphins</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">9</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">10</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">11</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">12</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/seattle-seahawks">Seattle Seahawks</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">13</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/arizona-cardinals">Arizona Cardinals</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">14</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">15</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia Eagles</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">16</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/new-york-jets">New York Jets</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">17</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/cincinnati-bengals">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (from OAK)<span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">18</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">19</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/chicago-bears">Chicago Bears</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">20</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/tennessee-titans">Tennessee Titans</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">21</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-lions/2012/4/26/2977786/nfl/teams/cincinnati-bengals">Cincinnati Bengals</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">22</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nfl/teams/cleveland-browns">Cleveland Browns</a> (from ATL)<span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">23</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/detroit-lions">Detroit Lions</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">24</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/pittsburgh-steelers">Pittsburgh Steelers</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">25</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-lions/2012/4/26/2977786/nfl/teams/denver-broncos">Denver Broncos</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">26</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/houston-texans">Houston Texans</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">27</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/new-england-patriots">New England Patriots</a> (from NOR)<span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">28</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/green-bay-packers">Green Bay Packers</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">29</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/baltimore-ravens">Baltimore Ravens</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">30</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">31</td>
<td class="xl63">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-lions/2012/4/26/2977786/nfl/teams/new-england-patriots">New England Patriots</a><span> </span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15pt;" height="20">32</td>
<td class="xl63"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/4/26/2977746/nfl/teams/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,'Liberation Sans',FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; color: #333333;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">For more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nfl/teams/minnesota-vikings">Minnesota Vikings</a>, go to <a target="_blank" href="http://dailynorseman.com/" style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #113d85; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Daily Norseman</a>. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/nfl" style="outline-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #113d85; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">NFL hub</a>, or check out SB Nation's YouTube channel.</i></span></p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/4/26/2977869/nfl-draft-order-2012David Cassilo2012-04-26T13:22:33-05:002012-04-26T13:22:33-05:002012 NFL Mock Draft: Experts Have Minnesota Vikings Take USC OT Matt Kalil
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pfJtY_zyT9RwaILv42EHOQj9BN0=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828125/large_minnesota.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>While they might have submitted their final mock drafts before the news broke that the Vikings might be leaning towards LSU defensive back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78699/morris-claiborne">Morris Claiborne</a>, both ESPN's Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. have Minnesota selecting USC offensive tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil">Matt Kalil</a>.</p>
<p>As Kiper Jr. explains, though, Minnesota is nowhere near settled with any decision:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Shifting this one back to an offensive line pick, though word is the Vikings are still actively trying to move down. The Vikings could go three different ways, and are still deciding which is the best route to take.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The other option besides Claiborne and Kalil is to trade the pick. Several teams have reportedly been in contact with the Vikings to move up to No. 3 and take Claiborne, Kalil or Alabama running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78256/trent-richardson">Trent Richardson</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; color: #333333;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a>, go to <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #113d85; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://dailynorseman.com/" target="_blank">Daily Norseman</a>. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #113d85; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://sbnation.com/nfl" target="_blank">NFL hub</a>, or check out SB Nation's YouTube channel.</i></span></p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/4/26/2977582/2012-nfl-mock-draft-minnesota-vikings-ryan-kalilDavid Cassilo2012-04-26T11:37:48-05:002012-04-26T11:37:48-05:002012 NFL Draft Rumors: Vikings Eyeing Morris Claiborne
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pfJtY_zyT9RwaILv42EHOQj9BN0=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828125/large_minnesota.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The top two picks for Thursday are pretty much set, but have the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> took away even more drama by already settling on their pick at No. 3? It seems as though that might be the case as Minnesota is leaning towards LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, if they don't trade the pick.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>.@<a href="https://twitter.com/michaelombardi">michaelombardi</a> says he hears <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Vikings">#Vikings</a> are going with LSU's Morris Claiborne at No. 3. Crazy. Just blew my mind. Would change things.</p>
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/195544354973167616" data-datetime="2012-04-26T16:06:21+00:00">April 26, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Most mock drafts had the Vikings selecting USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil with the third pick, but the Vikings seem to like Claiborne more. Rather than choose Kalil, Minnesota appears content to select an offensive tackle at the beginning of the second round.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to <a target="_blank" href="http://dailynorseman.com/">Daily Norseman</a>. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">NFL hub</a>, or check out SB Nation's YouTube channel:</i></p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/4/26/2977269/nfl-draft-2012-rumorsDavid Cassilo2012-04-26T09:51:44-05:002012-04-26T09:51:44-05:00NFL Draft Rumors: Vikings Could Trade Down, Still Get Their Top Choice, According To Report
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<p>If the rumors play out, then the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> could have their cake and eat it too. Which, translated from cliche to English, means they could trade down, pick up a second-round pick and still get one of the three players they covet.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>' supposed love affair with Trent Richardson could give the Vikings big-time leverage with their pick at No. 3 -- one slot ahead of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>, who are also apparently enamored with Richardson. </p>
<p><a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/26/if-bucs-love-trent-richardson-vikings-could-get-their-man-and-more/" target="_blank">NBC Sports</a> had this to say about the Bucs-Richardson-Browns saga:</p>
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<p>All the reports out of Minnesota suggest that the Vikings have three players they're considering with the third overall pick: USC left tackle Matt Kalil, Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. If the Vikings have equal grades on all three guys, the perfect scenario would be to trade down just far enough that they can be sure they'll get one of those three.</p>
<p>A trade with the Buccaneers would be just the deal to do that.</p>
<p>Alabama running back Trent Richardson appears to be a player the Bucs, with the fifth overall pick, absolutely love. But he also appears to be a player the Browns, with the fourth overall pick, absolutely love. And so a Bucs-Vikings trade is the only way for the Bucs to get ahead of the Browns and get Richardson....</p>
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<p>If that happens, and if the Browns take Claiborne, then the Vikings could choose between Kalil and Blackmon. Lots of ifs, but then again it's Draft day. </p>
<p><i>For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to <a href="http://dailynorseman.com/" target="_blank">Daily Norseman</a>. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's <a href="http://sbnation.com/nfl" target="_blank">NFL hub</a>, or check out SB Nation's YouTube channel:</i></p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/4/26/2976942/nfl-draft-rumors-vikings-buccaneers-browns-richardson-kalilDavid Vranicar2012-04-26T09:32:59-05:002012-04-26T09:32:59-05:002012 NFL Mock Draft: Vikings Take Morris Claiborne, According To Final SB Nation Mock
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> will take LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/4/26/2976513/2012-nfl-mock-draft-trade-predictions">SB Nation's final mock draft</a>.</p>
<p>Mock draft orthodoxy has, for whatever reason, shifted away from Matt Kalil in the last few days. Kalil seemed to be considered a lock for the Vikings not long ago, and indeed <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/4/23/2967438/2012-nfl-mock-draft">SB Nation had Kalil slotted in at No. 3</a> as well. But now SB Nation has joined <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/57432/mcshay-morris-claiborne-for-vikings">Todd McShay</a> in declaring Claiborne the man for Minnesota at No. 3.</p>
<p>If taken at No. 3, Claiborne would be the highest drafted corner since <span>Charles Woodson</span> went fourth in 1998.</p>
<p>Ryan Van Bibber, who penned SB Nation's final mock, is not all-in on Claiborne-over-Kalil. But he thinks the schedule -- with annual meetings against <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> and <span>Matthew Stafford</span> -- could be a deciding factor:</p>
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<p>There is a real sense out there that Claiborne could be the pick, given who they play against four times a year.</p>
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<p>The conjecture about the third pick with end Thursday, with the Draft kicking off at 7 Central.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to <a target="_blank" href="http://dailynorseman.com/%20">Daily Norseman</a>. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">NFL hub</a>, or check out SB Nation's YouTube channel:</i></p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/4/26/2976877/nfl-mock-draft-2012-minnesota-vikings-morris-claiborneDavid Vranicar2012-04-26T08:00:32-05:002012-04-26T08:00:32-05:00NFL Mock Draft 2012: Final Predictions Before First Round Begins
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<figcaption>NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: A general view of the draft stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The 2012 NFL Draft begins on Thursday night. We've decided to submit our final mock draft, then, featuring the Minnesota Vikings still taking Matt Kalil.</p> <p>Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to SB Nation Minnesota's coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft. While a good deal of our coverage is going to focus on the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a>, we're going to start things off with our final mock draft before tonight's festivities kick off at Radio City Music Hall. So, without any further ado, let's take a look at who we think is going to do what in tonight's first round. Keep in mind, in the actual draft some of this will likely be thrown off by trades, but we're not projecting any of those here.</p>
<p><i><b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/4/26/2976513/2012-nfl-mock-draft-trade-predictions">Another NFL mock draft from SBNation.com</a>.</i></p>
<p><b>1) <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrew Luck</a>, QB, Indianapolis</b> - If you require an explanation for this pick, hopefully your first day on Planet Earth has been an enjoyable one.</p>
<p><b>2) <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> (from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a>) - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35519/robert-griffin-iii" class="sbn-auto-link">Robert Griffin III</a>, QB, Baylor</b> - Same goes for this pick. These first two picks have been set in stone for two months.<br><b>3) Minnesota Vikings - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38278/matt-kalil" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Kalil</a>, OT, USC</b> - This is where the fun starts. A lot of people are mocking something different, but Kalil has made the most sense for the Vikings for a long time, and I'm going to stick with it.<br><b>4) <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78256/trent-richardson" class="sbn-auto-link">Trent Richardson</a>, RB, Alabama</b> - Probably the safest pick in this draft, and with an unsettled quarterback situation, the Browns could use someone like Richardson to help <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8525/colt-mccoy" class="sbn-auto-link">Colt McCoy</a>. . .or, you know, whoever.<br><b>5) <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78699/morris-claiborne" class="sbn-auto-link">Morris Claiborne</a>, CB, LSU</b> - His low Wonderlic score not withstanding, Claiborne is one of the premiere athletes in this draft, and would be an immediate difference maker for the Bucs.<br><b>6) St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79001/fletcher-cox" class="sbn-auto-link">Fletcher Cox</a>, DT, Mississippi State</b> - The first minor curveball of the draft, the Rams decide that the receiver class is deep enough that they can use one of their second rounders on the position instead of this pick.<br><b>7) <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37330/justin-blackmon" class="sbn-auto-link">Justin Blackmon</a>, WR, Oklahoma State</b> - While the Rams have the luxury of passing on the draft's best wide receiver, the Jaguars do not. If Blaine Gabbert is going to develop, he needs targets.<br><b>8) <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8646/ryan-tannehill" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Tannehill</a>, QB, Texas A&M</b> - If Tannehill doesn't go here, he could have a massive slide. However, the Dolphins need a quarterback, and won't hesitate to take Tannehill's raw talent here.<br><b>9) <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/49598/michael-floyd" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Floyd</a>, WR, Notre Dame</b> - Steve Smith is getting up in years, and while the Panthers have some talent at the wide receiver spots, none of them are more talented than this Minneapolis product.<br><b>10) <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/47779/riley-reiff" class="sbn-auto-link">Riley Reiff</a>, OT, Iowa</b> - The Bills have issues on the offensive line, and after investing heavily in <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span>, they need someone to protect his blindside.<br><b>11) <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37749/david-decastro" class="sbn-auto-link">David DeCastro</a>, G, Stanford</b> - The Chiefs have problems on the offensive line as well, and DeCastro might be the most talented offensive lineman in this class. . .not named Matt Kalil, of course. If Tannehill manages to fall this far, the Chiefs could very easily grab him.<br><b>12) <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37180/quinton-coples" class="sbn-auto-link">Quinton Coples</a>, DE, North Carolina</b> - Coples has gone from being a sure-fire top-5 pick to being one of the wild cards of the first round. The Seahawks need pass rush help, and if they can keep Coples motivated, nobody provides more on that front than he does.<br><b>13) <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford</b> - It seems like the Cardinals have had offensive line issues forever, and Martin would go a long way towards fixing that. They could look for a defensive end here, too.<br><b>14) <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35162/mark-barron" class="sbn-auto-link">Mark Barron</a>, S, Alabama</b> - Barron has been moving up the draft boards a lot over the past couple of weeks, and would fill the Cowboys' biggest need.<br><b>15) <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75419/luke-kuechly" class="sbn-auto-link">Luke Kuechly</a>, LB, Boston College</b> - Philadelphia's defensive line is talented, and their secondary is talented. Their linebackers are a mess, however, and Kuechly is the draft's best at the position.<br><b>16) <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75788/dontari-poe" class="sbn-auto-link">Dontari Poe</a>, DT, Memphis</b> - Rex Ryan loves the big names, and the names. . .and players. . .don't get any bigger than the mountain from Memphis.<br><b>17) <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a>) - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78731/michael-brockers" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Brockers</a>, DT, LSU</b> - Brockers is immensely talented, and was the lynchpin of one of college football's best defenses in 2011. He would give Cincinnati some much needed beef up front.<br><b>18) <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Chargers</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35176/courtney-upshaw" class="sbn-auto-link">Courtney Upshaw</a>, DE/OLB, Alabama</b> - Upshaw isn't an elite athlete or anything, but he is a very good pass rusher and has ability against the run as well.<br><b>19) <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9395/coby-fleener" class="sbn-auto-link">Coby Fleener</a>, TE, Stanford</b> - Fleener can't block a lick, but neither could the last tight end they took this high (<span>Greg Olsen</span>). With the acquisition of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37102/brandon-marshall" class="sbn-auto-link">Brandon Marshall</a>, Fleener can live in the middle of the field for the Bears.<br><b>20) <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tennessee Titans</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78865/stephon-gilmore" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephon Gilmore</a>, CB, South Carolina</b> - This is a huge steal for the Titans in this scenario, but the Titans get their guy to attempt to replace <span>Cortland Finnegan</span>.<br><b>21) Cincinnati Bengals - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36175/cordy-glenn" class="sbn-auto-link">Cordy Glenn</a>, G, Georgia</b> - The Bengals need to keep <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/12996/andy-dalton" class="sbn-auto-link">Andy Dalton</a> protected, and Glenn has the size and versatility to play either inside or outside, though he's probably best suited on the interior.<br><b>22) Cleveland Browns (from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a>) - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75667/stephen-hill" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephen Hill</a>, WR, Georgia Tech</b> - Hill is definitely a raw project at receiver, but he has skills you can't teach. . .such as being 6'5" and running a sub-4.4 second 40-yard dash.<br><b>23) <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78262/dre-kirkpatrick" class="sbn-auto-link">Dre Kirkpatrick</a>, CB, Alabama</b> - The secondary is the weakest link on one of the league's fastest-rising teams, and Kirkpatrick has the size and skills to make an immediate impact.<br><b>24) <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48826/kevin-zeitler" class="sbn-auto-link">Kevin Zeitler</a>, G, Wisconsin</b> - Zeitler is the latest in a long line of hard-nosed offensive linemen. . .the Steelers have a bit of a history of taking guys like that.<br><b>25) <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/87379/lamar-miller" class="sbn-auto-link">Lamar Miller</a>, RB, Miami (FL)</b> - With the newly acquired <span>Peyton Manning</span> and some promising targets, the Broncos need someone to carry the mail on offense.<br><b>26) <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35515/kendall-wright" class="sbn-auto-link">Kendall Wright</a>, WR, Baylor</b> - The Texans grab RGIII's favorite target in the hopes that he can take some heat off of <span>Andre Johnson</span>.<br><b>27) <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> (from <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a>) - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36308/whitney-mercilus" class="sbn-auto-link">Whitney Mercilus</a>, DE, Illinois</b> - Count the Patriots among the many teams in need of pass rush help, and Mercilus would be a great value here.<br><b>28) <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48825/peter-konz" class="sbn-auto-link">Peter Konz</a>, C, Wisconsin</b> - After losing <span>Scott Wells</span> in free agency, the Packers need someone to caddy for <span>Jeff Saturday</span> for a season or two, and the hometown guy is the best available.<br><b>29) <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> - Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama</b> - <span>Ray Lewis</span> is going to have to fade away eventually, and Hightower has just the skills. . .and the attitude. . .to be his replacement.<br><b>30) <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> - Bobbie Massie, OT, Mississippi</b> - No guards are worth this spot in this scenario, but Massie might be able to fill that role.<br><b>31) New England Patriots - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/11639/harrison-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Harrison Smith</a>, S, Notre Dame</b> - Every level of the Patriots' defense is pretty bad, but Smith would give them a decent injection of talent into the back seven.<br><b>32) <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a> - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35761/dwayne-allen" class="sbn-auto-link">Dwayne Allen</a>, TE, Clemson</b> - The Giants lost a couple of tight ends to serious injuries in the Super Bowl, and they need someone that can contribute at the position.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/4/26/2975788/nfl-mock-draft-2012-first-round-predictionsChristopher Gates