NFL Draft 2013: Minnesota Vikings day three draft picks
By Nam Huynh
Nov 17, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Gerald Hodges (6) attempts to make a tackle on Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Nick Stoner (14) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 45-22. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Here are the final picks from the Minnesota Vikings for the 2013 NFL Draft.
Round 4, pick 23 (120) – Gerald Hodges – OLB, Penn St.
Hodges comes from a school well known for producing NFL-ready linebackers. Navorro Bowman, Sean Lee, Dan Conno, Paul Posluzny, Tamba Hali and Cameron Wake are all recent Penn St. alumni. Scouting reports say he is a good coverage linebacker, so he might be able to play at middle linebacker.
Round 5, pick 22 (155) – Jeff Locke – P, UCLA
Locke has a strong leg and has kickoff ability, though Blair Walsh will likely hold onto that job assignment in 2013. The fifth round is a high round to select a punter, likely meaning Chris Kluwe’s days as a Viking could be numbered.
Round 6, pick 28 (196) – Jeff Baca – OG, UCLA
Baca is a versatile player who can play both guard and both tackle positions. With all five starters on the Vikings offensive line expected to remain intact for 2013, Baca could become a primary reserve lineman and eventually take over as a starting guard in the future.
Round 7, pick 7 (213) – Michael Mauti – ILB, Penn St.
Like Hodges, Mauti comes from a school well known for producing NFL-ready linebackers. He dropped in the draft because of injury concerns. He is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered in November. It was the second time he’s suffered an ACL tear in the same knee in the span of a little more than a year. If he can completely recover, the Vikings could potentially have a starting middle linebacker down the road. This is a low risk, high reward pick in the seventh round.
Round 7, pick 8 (214) – Travis Bond – OG, North Carolina
The name’s Bond, Travis Bond. Now that we got the joke out of the way…. At 6-6, 329 pounds, Bond is a big guy. He is a depth guy that has a lot of potential.
Round 7, pick 23 (229) – Everett Dawkins – DT, Florida St.
Quite simple…. value pick. The Vikings went with the highest rated player on their board at this point of the draft, and it ended up being Dawkins. Many mock drafts had him rated as a middle-round pick at least, so he is a good value for their last pick of the draft.