Gaines Adams, defensive end from Clemson, just might be the Vikings No. 1 draft choice later this month.  Draft expert Dean Dalton told Sports Headliners on Monday he would choose Adams if the first six picks ahead of the Vikings go pretty much as expected. 

Players like wide receiver Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech, quarterback JaMarcus Russell of LSU, offensive tackle Joe Thomas of Wisconsin and running back Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma are among the most highly regarded prospects and expected to be drafted before Adams.  As much as Dalton likes Adams, and recognizes the team’s need for a pass rushing defensive end, he cautions that the Vikings would want to think about not passing over one of the draft’s most elite players if one of them becomes available.

Dalton, a former Vikings assistant coach, is studying about 150 potential draft choices as part of his new media career.  He will be providing his draft expertise to ESPN.com, Sirius Radio and FSN North. 

How does he evaluate the 6-foot-4, 261-pound Adams?  “I like Gaines Adams because he has explosive speed off the edge,” Dalton said. “He has a tremendous first step and he’s a pure pass rushing defensive end with great size, but he has the ability on his frame to become bigger. …He has excellent football instincts.  His athleticism along with his big body and long arms allows him to bat balls down when he can not get to the quarterback before the ball is out, as well as close down passing lanes. …” 

Dalton is an advocate of what he describes as drafting for “value” rather than just filling a need on the roster.  When he was with the Vikings the team had five quarterbacks on the roster with NFL experience but still drafted Daunte Culpepper in the first round because of his extraordinary skill and potential. 

Dalton suggests that filling roster spots can be done between April and September through free agent signings and trades.  Of course, many teams are like the Vikings with so many needs they can often draft a high value player who plugs a hole.  With the uncertainty about the future of defensive end Erasmus James’ left knee, the Vikings need a speed rushing defensive end. 

While Adams looks like the more likely pick for the Vikings, Dalton mentioned two other “high impact” defensive players as possibilities.  LaRon Landry of LSU is a physical player who has played both strong and free safety for the Tigers and is projected ahead of Adams in ESPN.com’s draft listings.  Amobi Okoye of Louisville is a defensive tackle who is only 19 years old and highly regarded by Dalton and others.

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Ask Joe Mauer if he can repeat as American League batting champion and he responds with a humble expression and laugh.  “If that means we can get back to the playoffs, I hope I do,” he said yesterday. 

Mauer, who could become the first hitter since Boston’s Nomar Garciaparra to repeat as American League batting champion, hit .347 last season in a story book season for him and Justin Morneau, league MVP, and Cy Young winner Johan Santana.  The Twins, with hearty performances from many players, pulled off a national headline making season, coming from 10.5 games behind Detroit in August to win the Central Division championship. 

An opening playoff loss to Oakland left Mauer feeling frustrated.  “It was just fun to see many people have great years and that definitely contributed to the team’s success,” he said.  “Obviously last year you probably couldn’t have had a better regular season but the early exit from the playoffs kind of left a sour taste in a lot of guys mouths.  We want to get back there and improve on that (the playoffs).  So that’s kind of what’s driven us during this off-season to get ready for the 07 season.”   

Mauer, 23, only hit .220 in spring training but said there’s no concern about the average and that he used the time in Florida to prepare for the season.  He hit a career high 13 home runs last season.  Does he see himself becoming more of a home run hitter? 

“I am not a big numbers guy,” he said.  “If I hit home runs that help our team win that’s good but I am going to keep doing things that help us win.”

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Minnesota tennis legend David Wheaton hopes to return to Wimbledon to play doubles later this year.  Wheaton, with partner T.J. Middleton of Mobile, Alabama, won the 35 and over doubles in 2004 and finished second the last two years.  Wheaton told Sports Headliners he doesn’t have an invitation currently because so many former Wimbledon singles champions expressed interest in the doubles which is no longer 35 and over, but 45 and under.  Also, the number of teams for doubles has been reduced from 16 to eight. 

Wheaton, who once was ranked No. 12 in world singles, is the new touring pro at Wayzata Country Club where his brother, John, is the new director of tennis.  Wheaton will be involved with group and individual activities.  Tim Herron is the club’s touring golf pro. 

Ben,Wheaton’s eight-year-old yellow lab retriever, has terminal prostate cancer. A bachelor, Wheaton describes Ben as his “best friend.” 

Tom Wistrcill, University of Minnesota associate athletic director, talking about whether character and ethics were important in hiring Tubby Smith as the new Gopher basketball coach:  “Extremely important. He’s such a man of character, such a good person, great family man.  The discussions we had with him about academics, about building the family and all that were fantastic so we knew he was going to bring that here (from Kentucky) as well.” 

“Hi, Everybody,” Herb Carneal’s autobiography, is available through Adventure Publications, 763-689-9800, or 800-678-7006.  Carneal, who past away Sunday, began his career as a Minnesota Twins play-by-play announcer in 1962, the team’s second year here. 

Wild single-game tickets for the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs  go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office and noon at all Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com) locations. Fans can also order by calling Ticketmaster at 651-989-5151.  There’s a limit of two tickets per game per person. 

Tickets went on sale Monday for the Minnesota Vikings Draft Party on Saturday, April 28 at Winter Park.  General admission tickets at $20 each can be purchased at Vikings Locker Room stores, or by calling 612-33-VIKES.   Special Red Zone tickets are $70 each and benefits include an autograph session with 2006 No. 1 draft choice Chad Greenway.  Other Vikings expected at the party are Tony Richardson, Cedric Griffin and Mewelde Moore, plus team alumni. The event has sold out six consecutive years. 

Through the end of the winter sports season, five MIAC schools ranked in the United States Sports Academy Directors’ Cup Top 100. Schools receive points for team placements in national championship events. At No. 22 and with 302.5 points, Gustavus Adolphus is the top ranked MIAC school. Next are Saint John’s (24th, 289.5 points), St. Thomas (54th, 187 points), St. Olaf College (83rd, 140 points) and Bethel (85th, 136.5 points).  Williams College (Mass.) leads the national standings with 704.5 points.

 

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