Former Vikings defensive lineman Bob Lurtsema is a close observer of the NFL including the Vikings organization. He told Sports Headliners the Vikings should trade the No. 3 pick in the first round of the NFL draft later this month to acquire more draft choices.
The Vikings had their worst regular season record last year since 1984. The club has numerous personnel needs on offense and defense. “You go 3-13 and you’re not deep at every position,” Lurtsema said.
He believes the Vikings could move down in the draft order, pick up a couple of extra picks and help themselves more than staying at No. 3 in the draft. “We need receivers, corners, we need a lot of help,” he said.
Lurtsema said the Vikings can give up the No. 3 choice and still be able to acquire players they want and need. Among positions he places at the top of the list is a “good wide receiver.”
Such a player will not only help second-year quarterback Christian Ponder but also All-Pro runner Adrian Peterson, according to Lurtsema. The impact of a deep threat will stop opposing cornerbacks from crowding the line of scrimmage.
Lurtsema expects Ponder, who threw 13 interceptions in 11 games last season, to be improved. But he said at times the Vikings’ “predictable play calls” did Ponder no favors last season.
Despite the immense player talent in the NFL, team success is “60 to 65 percent coaching,” Lurtsema said.