Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Second Round Picks

Ranking the first round picks of the Minnesota Vikings naturally got me thinking about the team’s best second round picks. Naturally. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Second Round Picks

10. Orlando Thomas, S, SW Louisiana, 1995

Orlando Thomas led the league with nine interceptions as a rookie. Four more fine seasons followed and it felt like Thomas was well on his way as a franchise all-timer. Injuries slowed and then ended his career. 

9. Dennis Swilley, C, Texas A&M, 1977

Dennis Swilley was drafted in 1977 to be the eventual replacement for the great Mick Tingelhoff. That’s a tough deal. Swilley didn’t receive any league accolades but he was a very good center for nearly a decade. The Vikings haven’t needed many centers over their six decades. That’s due to their strong tradition at the position. Swilley is a part of that strong tradition. 

8. Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma, 2009

Phil Loadholt was a load. 6’8” 340 lbs and he always seemed bigger than that. He started as a rookie on the great, fun 2009 Vikings team and Brett Favre’s right side was secure. 

7. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State, 2017

Dalvin Cook is well on his way to soaring up this list. Like Robert Smith, injuries slowed the start of his career. Fortunately, Cook has only had to work his way through two injury-riddled seasons. He’s been one of the league’s best backs the last two seasons. 

6. Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA, 2015

Eric Kendricks is also well on his way to soaring up this list. He’s arguably the best middle linebacker in franchise history. 

5. E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland, 2003

E.J. Henderson was the heart of some excellent defenses during the late 2000s. If not for his brutal leg injury late in the 2009 season, the Vikings probably get past the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game.

4. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame, 2011

Kyle Rudolph is the best tight end in Vikings franchise history. He’s also been one of the greats in the community. 

3. Jim Kleinsasser, TE, North Dakota, 1999

Simply put, Jim Kleinsasser made every team better. I remember reading a pre-draft scouting report in regards to his blocking that said “if he gets his hands on you, it’s over.” Jim Kleinsasser was a beast. He’s the best blocking tight end I’ve ever seen. He was so valuable in pass protection and the run game that anything he did as a pass-catcher was simply a bonus. He never complained. He was a team player, always a team player. 

2. Ed White, OG, Cal, 1969

First of all, Ed White was the best Cal player in Vikings franchise history. He was drafted as a defensive lineman. It didn’t take long for him to be switched to the offensive line. He attacked defensive linemen like a defensive linemen. He played between Hall of Fame offensive linemen Ron Yary and Mick Tingelhoff. An argument can be made that White should join those teammates in Canton. 

1. Matt Blair, LB, Iowa State, 1974

Matt Blair was an impact player during the last few years of the Purple People Eaters run. After the Hall of Famers and greats moved on or retired, he became the leader of the Vikings defense. Some of those years were tough years and Blair shined during them. He’s there with Jim Marshall, Ed White, Chuck Foreman, Ahmad Rashad, and Joey Browner as former Vikings players that deserve to have their careers discussed by the Hall of Fame voters. 

The third round is next. Naturally.