1. The Vikings might take a cornerback with one of their first two picks.

2. The Vikings will wheel and deal because they always do, most likely trading down.

3. Vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman or coach Brad Childress will insist that a player taken in the second or third round had a first-round grade on their board.


1. Don't be surprised if the Vikings pull off a trade. Spielman isn't afraid to wheel and deal. He could move up and take a player he covets or move down if he feels he can acquire more picks and still get value at a lower selection.

2. What is the likelihood the Vikings will draft a right tackle in the first or second round? Very high. That's a big position of need, so it makes all the sense in the world. Sometimes the draft is pretty simple. It's taking the right player that can be difficult.

3. The Vikings still don't have a franchise quarterback. They won't try to draft one this year. The consensus top three quarterbacks (Matt Stafford, Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman) are too risky for various reasons, and none of them would be able to help the Vikings win in 2009.


1. If they want to enhance their chances of winning this season and sell some tickets, the Vikings will be working the phones trying to trade their first-round pick for a player who can have an immediate impact — a wide receiver such as Arizona's Anquan Boldin, for instance.

2. Look for the Vikings, in one of the later rounds, to draft a quarterback because he was too good to pass up. Anyway, that's what they will tell us.

3. Four: That's the number of times the Vikings will say they were shocked they were able to draft so-and-so in such-and-such a round.


1. A safe pick — The Vikings could use a cornerback and an upgrade at receiver. But they also need an offensive tackle, and there are six or seven worthy of being a first-round selection. Look for them to take the best one available at 22.

2. Jersey for sale — How fast can they get the top pick's jersey for sale online? The Vikings set a record in 2007 after drafting Adrian Peterson by getting a purple "Peterson 28" jersey listed within seconds of his selection. But seriously, who wants a tackle's jersey?

3. Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall — Empties, that is. Draft Day is party time for otherwise civil, mild-mannered Minnesotans. For some, it will be their last snootful until Opening Day. Look for insurance rates to skyrocket after all the weekend fender benders.


1. Carefully watch as offensive tackles are picked off, probably in order, with Jason Smith of Baylor, Eugene Monroe of Virginia, Andre Smith of Alabama, Michael Oher of Mississippi and Eben Britton of Arizona. If any of those are there — Britton is the best bet — when the Vikings choose at No. 22, that well could be Minnesota's pick.

2. If all are gone before No. 22, look for the Vikings to trade down, assuming they can find a partner, then keep eyes on offensive tackles Philip Loadholt of Oklahoma and William Beatty of Connecticut. The Vikings probably could get either with a lower pick but would prefer Loadholt, a power right tackle.

3. If for some inexplicable reason the Vikings pass on an offensive tackle, they could take wide receiver Kenny Britt of Rutgers at No. 22. But that's highly unlikely. The same goes for cornerback Darius Butler of Connecticut.