Vikings Draft Report: With the First Pick, the Vikings Select Jared Allen...

The Vikings were the only team that could have their draft pick at their Draft Party. Using their #1 to trade for Jared Allen from Kansas City, the Vikings were able to unveil their 'draft pick' at the Draft Party and not only could you meet the man, but you could buy his jersey! Kinda funny.

Now the Chief defensive end Jared Allen wasn't cheap. In addition to their first rounder, the Vikings game up two third-round picks and traded sixth-round picks. Wow! In addition to that, the Vikings signed Allen to a superstar money: a 6-year, $74 million deal with $31 million in guaranteed money. WOW squared! That's a hefty deal!

Many questioned the deal. Me, I think it's an expensive move for Minnesota. But I gotta admit that with Williams and Williams, the line is looking fierce and threatening. The Vikes already had a good defense. Will Jared make it more menacing? Stay tuned.

Beyond Allen, the Vikings really have taken chances and this draft might be one we look back at in a couple of years and are amazed. Of course, the other option is complete disappointment. Until we have hindsight, here's the rest of the Vikings draft class of 2008 with my thoughts:

Round Player
2 12 (43) Tyrell Johnson, a safety who might help.
5 2(137) John David Booty, a quarterback with potential who came from an NFL-prep program at USC
5 17(152) Letroy Guion, a defensive tackle who will need to work hard to crack the club's opening day roster
6 21(187) John Sullivan, a center from Notre Dame, this pick is a perfect addition to help the line for the future
6 27(193) Jaymar Johnson, a wide receiver from a smaller school (Jackson State), the Vikings drafted some speed

Gus is Good...For the Moment

The Vikings are talking to quarterback Gus Frerotte to fill a quarterback opening. I think it's a good idea to finally bring in a solid veteran to back up Tavaris Jackson. Before I call this a good move (it's a good idea so far!), I would have to know where Gus is at and perhaps why Saint Louis let him go.

No matter what, we cannot say Brooks Bollinger is the answer. I think many of us thought that the day he was acquired. What do you think?

So Gus covers the moment. Now, we need a plan beyond today. I think the Vikings draft board has to include a quarterback and the Vikes cannot count on something opening up via training camp cuts. I'm not saying that Tavaris cannot recover. I think he could. But I do think that you need a plan in case he does not.

So for now, Gus is good.