Louisville C Eric Wood

kcsno56 with the pick...

Going into the draft, the Vikings have relatively few needs, at least as they compare to most other teams.

As I went over when picking in the first round, their greatest need is WR.

Other needs include: RT, Safety and Center.

I still feel very confident the Vikings go WR in round 1, and similarly sure they will look at one of these three positions in round 2.

As of yesterday, I was thinking William Moore might just slip to Minnesota, in which case, he’d have been the pick.  Similarly if Beatty or Loadholt make it to #54, I think The Vikes will likely jump on them, as RT is a slightly greater need than Center.

Which leads me to my pick, Eric Wood, Center, Louisville. (6'3⅞" 310 lbs)

I know some are hoping Wood slides to the Chiefs at the top of Round 3, I’ll say that I think its more likely Wood goes in round 1 than falls to round 3, but most likely he goes in the middle of round 2, and if he’s around for the Vikings pick, they’ll grab him.

As you all likely know, the Vikings lost long-time starter, and perennial pro-bowler Matt Birk to Free Agency.  Drafting Wood gives them a mostly seamless transition, and likely fills the position for years to come.

Wood started 49 consecutive games for Louisville and that kind of durability is a major plus for the signal caller on the offensive line, and shouldn’t be understated.  He was also team Captain his senior year.

Wood ran the 2nd fastest 40 time at the combine…I’m not one to overstate something like this, but it does tell you that you can pull him, and let him get out in space in front of AD.  It also will help him get downfield quickly on screens to do some damage, and the Vikings love utilizing their backs in the passing game.

For another perspective, here is Draft Countdown:

“Very good size and bulk...Excellent strength...Super tough and real physical...A finisher who plays with a nasty demeanor...Light on his feet with nice footwork...Can pull and get to the second level...Quick and agile with decent athleticism...Intelligent with a first-rate football IQ...Intense and competitive...Hard worker...Has a ton of experience.”

Scanning the mocks, Wood is one of the guys flying up the draft boards, no disrespect to Holmeslice, but if Luigs goes off the board before Wood…I’d be very surprised.  While Mack is most ‘expert’s’ choice as the #1 Center in the class, there now is a debate over the #2 C between Unger and Wood.  The Vikings would be thrilled with either, I’m not sure one will make it to #54, but if they do, they’ll be selected here.

Round 1 is here.

Previous pick: RB LeSean McCoy

Read more: Scouting Report (Mocking the Draft)

On the clock for tomorrow: Atlanta Falcons (RedNose), Miami Dolphins (shraggyj) and Baltimore Ravens (Ben S)

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