Here at eDraft, we’re well aware of the fact that it’s hard to give initial grades so soon after the draft, especially because they’re likely to change significantly in 3-5 years.  But it is still okay to analyze each pick and offer our thoughts on how it will immediately impact the team. 

So, with that in mind, here are our initial grades for the Minnesota Vikings’ 2013 NFL Draft. 

Good Picks

Sharrif Floyd:   This is one of the best picks of the draft.  Floyd is a top-five talent and a steal at 23.  He instantly upgrades the Vikings defensive line and will be a force for years to come. Grade: A+

Xavier Rhodes:  I mocked the Vikings to go corner with this pick since they traded Percy Harvin and acquired it. Seeing as it was one of their biggest needs, I was obviously on the right track.  Rhodes is an incredibly talented cornerback and was the best one still available.  Grade: A

Cordarrelle Patterson:   If the Vikings had taken Patterson (my No. 1 receiver in this class) with either of their other two picks, or didn’t give up so much in the trade up; this would easily get an A+ as well.  But the fact that they gave up four picks to move back into the bottom of the first round decreases the value of this pick.  Add to that talented receivers like Quinton Patton and Da’Rick Rogers free falling through the draft and the Vikings likely could’ve kept all of their picks and still gotten a solid receiver.  In the end, Patterson is still a HUGE addition to Minnesota’s offense and this pick is only devalued because of the trade.  Grade: B-

Michael Mauti: If it weren’t for a multitude of injuries throughout his college career, Mauti’s skill set and potential would’ve made him one of the best middle linebackers in this class.  That said, Mauti still has a ton of upside (if he can stay healthy) and brings amazing leadership and maturity to the table. It’s impossible to grade seventh-round picks, especially with such risky players.  But this could turn out to be one of the steals of this draft a few years from now. 

Head Scratchers

Jeff Locke: The team still had needs to address in the sixth round.  Plus, they still have Chris Kluwe, one of the best hang-time punters in the game, on their roster.  Just a complete waste of a pick.  Grade: D

Travis Bond: After already drafting solid offensive lineman Jeff Baca in the sixth round, the Vikings’ O-line had enough depth.  Another wasted pick, even if it was a seventh rounder - players like Jordan Poyer an Da’Rick Rogers were still available at this point. 

Final Grade

As I’m sure you’re aware by now, we’re not in the business of grading late-round picks.  So after tallying the Vikings’ grades from rounds 1-6 (not shown: OLB Gerald Hodges, Grade: C) and averaging them, the Vikings end the 2013 with a preliminary grade of 83 percent.  Minnesota had an amazing first round (even despite giving up four picks for one) and picked up a couple key depth players along the way.  Like any team, this wasn’t a perfect draft - they made a couple of highly questionable picks as well.  In the end, the Vikings put themselves in a good position going into the future and you can’t argue with that.  Grade: B-