The Vikings made their biggest move days before the draft, landing the premier pass rusher they so desired in DE Jared Allen, which cost them several picks. Allen should be worth the bounty the team gave up, including its first-rounder, if he continues to play at the same level he did in Kansas City and stays out of trouble. As a result, the team didn’t pick until Round Two, but it didn’t stand pat, either. The team traded up for Arkansas State S Tyrell Johnson, an athletic freak and solid tackler. The Vikings view Johnson as being in a perfect position to learn from Darren Sharper and one day replace him, while competing for the third safety spot and on special teams. The team had to wait nearly 100 picks until its next choice, in Round Five. USC QB John David Booty is an interesting selection because he fits the West Coast offense the Vikings run but intelligence issues could be restricting. DT Letroy Guion has a chance to earn a backup spot behind Kevin Williams as a penetrating “three-technique.” Notre Dame C John Sullivan didn’t have as good a senior year as he did as a junior, but the team now has a few options to replace starter Matt Birk down the road with Dan Mozes and Sullivan. Jackson State WR Jaymar Johnson is one of the fastest wideouts in this class, although he’s very raw and susceptible to injury at 177 pounds.
