EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have experienced a significant talent decline in two seasons since reaching the NFC championship game, and with that turnover has also come a loss of leadership.
So the Vikings are not only seeking players good enough to immediately upgrade their lineup in the early rounds of this year’s draft but also are looking for assertive, confident, polished and experienced prospects who can help strengthen team chemistry and begin to build a young core of future captains.
Their first two picks fit the mold. Southern California left tackle Matt Kalil and Notre Dame free safety Harrison Smith both become instant starters. They’re also the type of guys familiar with the scrutiny and pressure of big-stage games with reputations as no-nonsense, hard-working players.
