Interest in the Vikings increased with Wednesday’s announcement that Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen, the NFL’s sack leader last season, was joining the team. The team had sold over 100 new season tickets as of yesterday afternoon, according to Vikings’ spokesmen.
The Vikings sent their first round and two third round choices to Kansas City for Allen, creating speculation yesterday whether Minnesota will try to add draft picks for this weekend’s NFL college draft. The Vikings hold six picks currently, starting with the No. 47 choice in the second round. They also have single picks in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds, with two choices in the sixth.
While it may not happen, the Vikings management team will certainly consider adding draft choices, perhaps trading a player or giving up a pick from next year. “We’re gonna be flexible,” said Scott Studwell, director of college scouting. “We would like to get some picks back if we could.”
Rick Spielman, vice president of player personnel, said he doesn’t “box out” possibilities that could improve the draft inventory. Then he laughed after thinking about all the money owner Zygi Wilf has spent on free agents and also making Allen the richest defensive lineman in the league, explaining he would need “clearance” from ownership to pay a first round draft choice if the Vikings acquire one in the next 24 hours or so.
Head coach Brad Childress said there are “too many variables” for the Vikings to be targeting specific players with their existing six picks. The Vikings, of course, hope to be pleasantly surprised when they draft, including at No. 47, hoping to find a player available who they rate worthy of being taken among the first 20 or 30 players.
Studwell said offensive tackles, cornerbacks, running backs and receivers are the deepest positions for talent in the 2008 draft. The Vikings are potentially interested in players at any of those positions, but have the least need at running back.
A Vikings spokesman said yesterday there are still tickets remaining for the team’s Miller Lite Vikings Draft Party on Saturday. By calling Ticketmaster before 9 p.m. tonight, tickets can be purchased for $15 each. On Saturday tickets are on sale for $20 at the Winter Park Fieldhouse.