Throwback Thursday: A Look Back At An Old Draft

With NFL Drafts on the mind, I took another look at the 1961 NFL and AFL Drafts. The young, renegade AFL was challenging the old NFL for college talent. So much so that the two leagues were drafting players before the college bowl games were even played. The AFL conducted the first six rounds of their 1961 draft on November 23, 1960, by phone. The draft was completed on December 5th and 6th. The NFL held their 1961 draft on December 27 and 28. The 1961 AFL Draft went for thirty rounds. The 1961 NFL Draft went twenty rounds. With six fewer teams, the AFL selected 240 players to the NFL's 280. As this draft was the first draft of the Minnesota Vikings, I was taking another look at the draft that started it all. I'm always thrilled when I find little nuggets of football history that I've never noticed before. I found one while I was looking through the 1961 drafts of the rival professional football leagues.

Here's the top of the Minnesota Vikings 1961 NFL Draft:

1. Tommy Mason  RB  Tulane
2. Rip Hawkins  LB North Carolina
3. Fran Tarkenton  QB Georgia

Here's the top of the Boston Patriots 1961 AFL Draft:

1. Tommy Mason  RB  Tulane
2. Rip Hawkins  LB  North Carolina
3. Dan LaRose  T  Missouri
4. Mike Zeno  G  Virginia Tech
5. Fran Tarkenton  QB  Georgia

Well, something looks a little fishy there. The Vikings top three selections were three of the Patriots top five selections. They were also taken in the same order. The AFL Draft came first, so the Patriots selected Tommy Mason, Rip Hawkins, and Fran Tarkenton over a month before the Vikings did the same. The Vikings, as an expansion team, had the first pick in the NFL Draft. The Patriots had the second pick in the AFL Draft. Mason was widely considered the top senior back in college football so his selection by teams with one of the top two picks in a draft isn't a surprise. There's just too many variables to even imagine that the Patriots will select three of the same players in the first 34 picks of their draft as the Vikings select in the first 29 picks of their draft. It's as if the two teams had the exact same scouting reports and rankings. Mason selected #1 by the Vikings and #2 by the Patriots. Hawkins selected #15 by the Vikings and #10 by the Patriots. Tarkenton selected #29 by the Vikings and #34 by the Patriots. I guess that the Patriots decided that they could wait a little bit, take care of their offensive line, and grab Tarkenton in the fifth round of their draft.

The threat of losing college players to the AFL was very real for NFL teams. The Houston Oilers, Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs dominated the early years of the new league. The Buffalo Bills came on a couple of years later. The Boston Patriots were 5-9, last in the AFL's Eastern Conference in 1960. Maybe the Vikings, despite being an expansion team, didn't see the Patriots as much of a threat to sign players that they drafted. The Vikings saw that the Patriots drafted players that they liked and drafted them with the confidence that they could sign them. It turns out that they were right as the Vikings were able to sign all three players. Each made an impact with the new team. Tommy Mason had a fine career in Minnesota with some Pro Bowl appearances. Rip Hawkins was a prominent member of a defense that would become dominant by the end of the decade. Fran Tarkenton is in the Hall of Fame so he was pretty good.

This little draft nugget is fascinating. There's too many variables for it to be just a coincidence. There's a reason for it. The ability to sign the players may have played a role but there's something more. There's something sinister here. I just know it. 

Another Mock Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is only eight days away. That leaves enough time for a couple more mock drafts. This one and a last one. Here’s this one.

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2.   New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

3.   Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

4.   Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

5.   New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

6.   Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

7.   Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

8.   New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami 

9.   Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

16. New York Jets (from Colts): Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

19. Carolina Panthers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel McNeill-Warren, TE, Toledo

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

25. Chicago Bears: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson

26. Buffalo Bills: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

27. San Francisco 49ers: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

28. Houston Texans: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

31. New England Patriots: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

32. Seattle Seahawks: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

Until the last one. 

Minnesota Vikings Top 30 Visits

In advance of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings hosted several prospects at the spectacular TCO Performance Center over the weekend. Each team is allowed to bring to their facilities 30 of the draft’s prospects. These little “meet and greets” have come to be called “Top 30” visits. It’s a bit of a misnomer as the visits aren’t necessarily with the top players on each team’s draft board. Team’s just want to get to know these players a bit better, meet a little longer. Thanks to many dedicated draft sleuths, it’s been reported that the following players visited with the Vikings this weekend.

Minnesota Vikings Top 30 Visits

Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

Jonah Coleman, RB. Washington

Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Vinny Anthony II, WR, Wisconsin

Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

CJ Daniels, WR, Miami

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi

Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

Lance Mason, TE, Wisconsin

Triston Leigh, OL, Clemson

Shiyazh Pete, OL, Kentucky

Uar Bernard, DL, no college

Darrell Jackson, DL, Florida State

Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State

Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin

Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

I’m not sure of the exact statistics but it feels like a couple, maybe a few, of the players that make these pre-draft visits are selected by the Vikings in the draft or are signed after the draft. So, a few of the above will soon be calling Minnesota home. That’s exciting as I really like several of these players. That starts with the running backs and receivers. Jonah Coleman, Emmitt Johnson, and Demond Claiborne are at the top of my running backs wish list. Receiver Ted Hurst is one of my favorite Day 2 players regardless of position. As for defense, the Vikings could use a run-stuffer. Domonique Orange and Darrell Jackson are two of best in the draft at stuffing the run. Jake Golday and Anthony Hill Jr. are two of the best linebackers in the draft. It’s a damn shame that the Vikings have only three Day 2 picks. They need five to secure Emmett Johnson, Ted Hurst, Domonique Orange, Jake Golday, and a center.

Speaking of center. The Vikings bringing no centers to TCO Performance Center might be the biggest surprise of the weekend visits. I’m guessing that the Vikings are keeping their interests in that position a secret. In my opinion, and many share it, the Vikings must come out of Day 2 with their franchise center. 

As for some of the potential Day 3 players, safety Cole Wisniewski and edge Mason Reiger intrigue me the most. The freakishly talented Uar Bernard is certainly a curiosity. His natural explosion sure has caused a stir in talent evaluation circles. Is his untapped potential enough for a team to use a late-round pick? Or is he destined to be an undrafted project? Who knows? I do know that I wouldn’t mind if the Vikings took a swing at Bernard’s remarkable potential. 

None of the 19 players listed have any first-round steam. Several are projected to be selected on Day 2, a handful on Day 3, and a few are more likely priority free agents. News came yesterday that the Vikings are bringing in a player this week that will most certainly be selected in the first round. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is coming to Minnesota this week. The Vikings selecting the explosive play-maker at #18 has many fans. I’m not sure if I’m one of them. While I wouldn’t protest the pick, I just see more and greater needs on defense. I also see running back and receiver as greater needs than tight end on offense. 

There are so many events in the annual draft evaluation process. It starts with the all-star games, on to the Scouting Combine, and then the Pro Days. The player visits, in particular the “Top 30” visits, are the final event. Only the Draft remains. That can’t get here soon enough. Nine more days. 

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Monday

It’s a Monday closer to the real draft. Only one more Monday after this one. Thankfully, the 2026 NFL Draft is almost here. It’s time for another Minnesota Vikings mock draft. 

All of these mock drafts are done with Pro Football Focus’s draft simulator. So, I’m at the mercy of their player rankings. With top draft evaluators like the Athletic’s Dane Brugler, ESPN’s Matt Miller, and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah releasing their “final” rankings, it’s interesting to see that PFF’s evaluations often don’t match those that have been doing this a long time. It’s safe to say that they won’t match how NFL teams see the players either. PFF is what I have so I’m forced to mock with their rankings. This is what I got this week.

1. Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn

2. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

3. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

5. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

6. Tanner Kozoil, TE, Houston

7. Max Dredeson, TE/FB, Michigan

7. Micah Morris, G, Georgia

7. Jakobe Thomas, S, Florida

This is one of my favorites of the Monday mocks. Keldric Faulk has emerged as one of my top choices for the 18th pick. He and Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman are currently running as my top picks. At 6’6” and about 280 lbs, Faulk is the biggest of the draft’s top edge rushers. He has the frame to add even more size. An edge rusher for most teams, I think the Vikings might see him as a defensive tackle in their defense. 

I don’t think there’s any chance for Chris Johnson to be available for the Vikings in the second round. But, it’s fun to dream. The Vikings need a center. It’s nice timing as there are a handful of centers in this draft that project as early starters in the NFL. It’s expected that they’ll come off the board as early as the second round and into the third. Connor Lew has emerged as my favorite and I’d be thrilled if he’s the pick with one of their Day 2 picks. I believe that the Vikings will select a receiver and/or a running back on Day 2. Ted Hurst is easily my favorite Day 2 receiver. If a running back isn’t one of the picks in the second and third rounds, Demond Claiborne would be an excellent option on Day 3. With no pick in the fourth round, I’d be hoping that he’s available in the fifth round. 

The final four picks in this mock draft include a couple late-round staples in Houston tight end Tanner Kozoil and Michigan blocker Max Bredeson. The mock newcomers are Georgia guard Micah Morris and Florida safety Jakobe Thomas. I’d like to see the Vikings add some offensive line depth. Tackle is probably the priority but Morris is difficult to pass on in the seventh round. I believe that he goes much earlier on Day 3. I also believe that the Vikings will address safety earlier than the seventh round in the real draft. Thomas is a nice late-round option. 

Until the next, and last, one. 

Possible Minnesota Vikings Picks

The 2026 NFL Draft is creeping closer. As it’s creeped closer, the Athletic released Dane Bugler’s “The Beast.” It’s brilliant as usual. Many of the other top talent evaluators have released their “final” rankings. ESPN’s Matt Miller is one of those evaluators. He released his ranking of the top 482 players on Friday. With nine picks in the draft, the Minnesota Vikings are projected to select nine of those players. Since Miller has taken his rankings well past the 256 players that will be selected, a few more of 482 may be coming to Minnesota as undrafted free agents. 

The nine picks currently held by the Vikings:

1(18)

2(49)

3(82)

3(97)

5(163)

6(196)

7(234)

7(235)

7(244)

As things stand, I’m going to miss that fourth round pick. It always sucks to sit out an entire round. It especially sucks when that round is the first round of Day 3. Still, it’s better than sitting out the second round. The Vikings have been sitting out second rounds since 2022. Finally having a second-round pick is a beautiful thing.

Using Matt Miller’s rankings, this is a look at some of the players that the Vikings could select at each of their nine picks.

1. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

2. Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan

3. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

5. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

6. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana 

7. Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

7. Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo

7. Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama

The one problem, perhaps only problem, I have with the above draft haul is the lack of a cornerback before the seventh round. That problem is easily solved by swapping Jaishawn Barham for one of several corners available in the second round. Edge isn’t an immediate need but Barham is a particular favorite. I wish that Andrew Van Ginkel could play forever. Since he can’t, Barham projects as a similarly versatile defender. Perhaps, he could learn some of the nuances of Van Ginkel’s game in their time together. It’s tough to give up Barham but he is something of a luxury pick. Keionte Scott, Treydan Stukes, or Keith Abney II might be more responsible picks. 

I love the Day 1 and Day 2 picks. I’m stunned that Matt Miller has Jonah Coleman and Kaleb Proctor projected as fifth- and sixth-round picks. I often try to find ways to select both players in the third round. I’m rarely able to secure those two and the very-much needed center. 

Other than Andre Fuller, I’d project all of the above players as immediate contributors. I’d be very happy with this draft. 

Draft Night Invites

Sixteen prospects have accepted invites to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. 

David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

With their life-long dreams becoming real, it’s a big night for the 16 prospects. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be celebrating his likely #1 selection with family at home in Miami. 

With nearly a third of the invites, Ohio State players are expected to dominate the first night of the draft. 

Caleb Downs

Kadyn McDonald

Arvell Reese

Sonny Styles

Carnell Tate

All but Kadyn McDonald should be among the first ten selections. They may even be among the first six or seven selections. 

Perhaps the most curious of the 16 invites is Tennessee corner Colton Hood. He may be one of the best cornerbacks in the draft but he isn’t the top-ranked cornerback on his own college team. The top-ranked Volunteers corner is Jermod McCoy. He should challenge LSU’s Mansoor Delane as the first corner selected and will surely be off the board before the draft is half complete. Hood should hear his name in the second half of the first round. Or early on Day 2. 

If Colton Hood is selected in the first round, I believe the Green Room will be empty at the start of Day 2. Depending on the ranker, Ty Simpson might be the lowest ranked of the 16. It shouldn’t surprise if the second quarterback in this draft is selected in the first round. The NFL is all about the quarterback. 

Congratulations to the 16 prospects on the invites to their big night. 

Minnesota VIkings Second Round Draft History

Yesterday was a look at the first round draft history of the Minnesota Vikings. Today, it’s the second round. Over 65 drafts, the Vikings have selected 61 players in the second round. Here are those second round selections:

1961: Rip Hawkins, LB, North Carolina

1962: No Pick

1963: Bobby Bell, LB, Minnesota

1964: Hal Bedsole, TE, USC

1965: Archie Sutton, OT, Illinois

          Lance Rentzel, RB, Oklahoma

1966: Jim Lindsey, RB, Arkansas

1967: Bob Grim, WR, Oregon State

1968: Charlie West, DB, Texas-El Paso

1969: Ed White, G, California

1970: Bill Cappleman, QB, Florida State

1971: No Pick

1972: Ed Marinaro, RB, Cornell

1973: Jackie Wallace, DB, Arizona

1974: John Holland, WR, Tennessee State

          Matt Blair, LB, Iowa State

1975: Art Riley, DT, USC

1976: Sammy White, WR, Grambling

1977: Dennis Swilley, C, Texas A&M

1978: John Turner, CB, Miami

1979: Dave Huffman, C, Notre Dame

1980: Willie Teal, CB, LSU

1981: Mardye McDole, WR, Mississippi

          Robin Sendlein, LB, Texas

          Jarvis Redwine, RB, Nebraska

1982: Terry Tausch, OT, Texas

1983: No Pick

1984: No Pick

1985: Issiac Holt, CB Alcorn State

1986: No Pick

1987: Ray Berry, LB, Baylor

1988: Brad Edwards, S, South Carolina

1989: David Braxton, LB, Wake Forest

1990: No Pick

1991: No Pick

1992: Robert Harris, DE, Southern

1993: Qadry Ismail, WR, Syracuse

1994: David Palmer, RB/WR, Alabama

1995: Orlando Thomas, S, SW Louisiana

          Corey Fuller, CB, Florida State

1996: James Manley, DT, Vanderbilt

1997: Torian Gray, S, Virginia Tech

1998: Kailee Wong, LB, Stanford

1999: Jim Kleinsasser, TE, North Dakota

2000: Fred Robbins, DT Wake Forest

          Michael Boireau, DE, Miami

2001: Willie Howard, DT, Stanford

2002: Raonall Smith, LB, Washington State

2003: E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland

2004: Dontarrious Thomas, LB, Auburn

2005: Marcus Johnson, G, Mississippi

2006: Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas

          Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico

          Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Alabama State

2007: Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina

2008: Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State

2009: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

2010: Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

          Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

2011: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

2012: No Pick

2013: No Pick

2014: No Pick

2015: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA

2016: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

2017: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

2018: Brian O’Neill, T, Pittsburgh

2019: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

2020: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

2021: No Pick

2022: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

          Ed Ingram, G, LSU

2023: No Pick

2024: No Pick

2025: No Pick

A Breakdown:

Hall of Famers:

Bobby Bell

From 1960-65, the National Football League and upstart American Football League waged an annual recruiting war for college football players. Each league had a draft and then the race was on to get the players signed. Some unusual tactics were used. Some ran real close to kidnapping. The more established NFL usually had the edge but the AFL stole more than a few college stars. The recruiting and signing war was the reason for the NFL-AFL merger in 1966. From 1961-65, nearly all of the Vikings draft picks ended up in Minnesota. The big one that got away is Bobby Bell. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bell was the best outside linebacker of his era and one of the best outside linebackers of any era. His great career earned him a bust in Canton. I’ve spent many sleepless nights imagining Bobby Bell playing behind the great Purple People Eaters. Vikings history would be so different if Bell was a significant part of it. 

Hall of Fame adjacent is 1964 second-round pick Hal Bedsole. In 1967, the Vikings traded Bedsole, Tommy Mason, and a second round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for a first round pick. The Vikings used that first round pick to select Alan Page.

The Vikings Second Round By Position: 

Quarterbacks (2)

Bill Cappleman

Tarvaris Jackson

Running Backs (6)

Lance Rentzel - played receiver in the NFL

Jim Lindsey

Ed Marinaro

Jarvis Redwine

Toby Gerhart

Dalvin Cook

Receivers (7):

Bob Grim

John Holland

Sammy White

Mardye McDole

Qadry Ismail

David Palmer

Sidney Rice

Tight Ends (4):

Hal Bedsole

Jim Kleinsasser

Kyle Rudolph

Irv Smith Jr.

Offensive Linemen (11):

Archie Sutton

Ed White

Dennis Swilley

Dave Huffman

Terry Tausch

Marcus Johnson

Ryan Cook

Phil Loadholt

Brian O’Neill

Ezra Cleveland

Ed Ingram

Defensive Linemen (6):

Art Riley

Robert Harris

James Manley

Fred Robbins

Michael Boireau

Willie Howard

Linebackers (11):

Rip Hawkins

Bobby Bell

Matt Blair

Robin Sendlein

Ray Berry

David Braxton

Kailee Wong

Raonall Smith

E.J. Henderson

Dontarrious Smith

Eric Kendricks

Defensive Backs (14):

Charlie West

Jackie Wallace

John Turner

Willie Teal

Issiac Holt

Brad Edwards

Orlando Thomas

Corey Fuller

Torian Gray

Cedric Griffin

Tyrell Johnson

Chris Cook

Mackensie Alexander

Andrew Booth Jr.

Some Second Round Observations:

In 1981, the Vikings traded the 12th pick in the 1981 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Colts for two second round picks and a fifth round pick. As a result, the Vikings had three picks in the second round. No first round pick. But three second round picks. At the time, I had mixed feelings about this trade. I could understand adding a couple more shots at picking a keeper(s). I just wasn’t sure if two seconds and a fifth equaled the 12th pick. Before the second round, I didn’t like the trade. After the second round, I liked the trade. 

Mardye McDole

Robin Sendlein

Jarvis Redwine

Mardye McDole was a receiver I liked at the 12th pick. The Vikings got him with the 39th pick. I also liked what I’d seen of Robin Sendlein and Jarvis Redwine in college. McDole, Sendlein, and Redwine played a combined 10 seasons for the Vikings. McDole did little. Sendlein started a handful of games. Redwine was a decent returner for a couple years. Hindsight makes things even more painful as Mike Singletary, Howie Long, and Rickey Jackson were second round picks that year. Russ Grimm went in the third. All four ended their great careers in Canton. The Vikings could’ve selected at least a couple of them. Hindsight is fun. 

During the 1983 season, the Vikings traded their 1984 second round pick for Archie Manning. The Chicago Bears damn near killed Manning in a game during the 1984 season. He retired after that season. History will hold Peyton and Eli as better quarterbacks but Archie was the more talented quarterback. History would be kinder to Archie Manning if he didn’t have to start his career with such a shit New Orleans Saints team.

The second round can be a tease. It’s close enough to the top of the draft that it’s expected to be something like a 1a. In reality, it’s more of a crap shoot than the first round and the first round is already a crap shoot. 

One of the best examples of the second round being a tease is 2002 second round pick Raonall Smith. I saw him several times while he played at Washington State. He was a terrific football player, a first round talent, and a steal in the second round. Unfortunately, the touch of a feather could put him on IR. 

Matt Blair is the only second round pick in the Vikings Ring of Honor. Ed White should join him. Jim Kleinsasser and Kyle Rudolph should join him as well. 

Speaking of Matt Blair, several of my favorite Vikings players over the years have been selected in the second round. 

Ed White (I’ll always favor Cal players)

Matt Blair

Sammy White

Orlando Thomas

Jim Kleinsasser

E.J. Henderson

Sidney Rice

Kyle Rudolph

Eric Kendricks

Dalvin Cook

Brian O’Neill

The Vikings second round history is a mixed bag. As soon as I start thinking why bother and trade that second for a third and a fifth, the Vikings pull in a Matt Blair or a Jim Kleinsasser. Rip Hawkins was the first second round pick in franchise history. He became a defensive cornerstone at middle linebacker from 1961-65. He paved the way for Lonnie Warwick, Jeff Siemon, Scott Studwell, E.J. Henderson, and Eric Kendricks. Hawkins started a strong Vikings tradition of middle linebackers. I like many of the Vikings second round picks. I really like a few of them. If the Vikings had managed to pull Bobby Bell from the Chiefs, the Vikings second round history, and franchise history, would be a whole lot different.