Here it is, barring trades, which are highly likely but impossible to predict:

30. Tim Tebow, QB Florida
This is an extremely difficult thing to write, and not because it’s a “controversial” pick; frankly, I think the Vikings could give Tebow more time and patience to thrive than almost any other team. It’s difficult merely because passing on a CB (arguably the greatest position of need) all but assures that the cupboard will be pretty bare even by round 2. CBs are shooting up draft boards lately and even prospects like Devin McCourty (who a lot of sites predict will be the Vikings pick) may be gone by No. 30.

So, do the Vikings make a slight reach for a CB like Brandon Ghee or Kareem Jackson, or do they make an investment in the future, knowing that they’re in the rarefied position of not needing their first-round pick to see the field — let alone be an immediate starter — in order to make it to the Super Bowl.

That said, the Viking have a lot to offer Tebow and vice versa. He’s not needed immediately, but has a clear path to a guaranteed eventual job; he has a teammate in Percy Harvin who he’s thrived with in the past; coaches (by virtue of scouting and drafting Harvin) that have watched his game film for years and ostensibly have some idea of what to do with him; and he gets to caddy for one of the game’s greatest QBs for a year and see how it’s done.

If Tebow’s available at No. 30, and the top four CBs are off the board, I think I make this pick.

62. Vladimir Ducasse, OT Massachusetts
Once again I pass on the crop of CBs available at this pick and opt for what I believe will be better value and a replacement of Artis Hicks as the T/G swingman. Versatile, and with plenty of upside, Ducasse seems to me to be the kind of OL the Vikings are looking for and if he’s available at No. 62, I’d think they’d have to seriously consider him.

A popular choice for this pick might be RB Toby Gerhart, but I seriously believe he’ll be long gone by

No. 62 and he’s a reach at No. 30. Ditto WR Eric Decker, who’s a slight reach here but almost certainly will be gone by No. 93. Failing the Decker pick, I take the safe choice and opt for the high-ceiling OL.

93. Javier Arenas, CB Alabama
Probably the best tackler among CBs, and a terrific special teams player, Arenas could contribute at least as a dime-back right away. His height (5-8) may mean that he’ll never be a starter, but he’s the sort of versatile player who’s strong in both zone schemes and on special teams and will be active for almost every game in the same way Jamarca Sanford was last year. Despite the run on CBs in earlier rounds, I think Arenas’ height and limited upside means he falls into the third round, and if so, the Vikings should grab him.

128. Ben Tate, RB Auburn
If Tate is still available here, and by many estimations he should be, the Vikings may get the steal of the draft in the fourth round that the Whizzinator claimed he was years ago. I have to admit I fell in love with this guy at the combine and I have wanted to Vikings to pick either him or RB Montario Hardesty (who will likely be gone at this point) ever since. A solid all-around back with some upside, he was actually reviled recently by a scout for “running too hard”. He’d be a fantastic change of pace back and is strong enough to relieve AP in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

161. Robert Johnson, FS Utah
The rate that this guy is moving up draft boards, it might be a surprise to have him here, but with this guy’s measurables, he projects as no worse than special-teams ace and will provide additional depth at a position that used all of its depth in almost every game last year. CB Myron Lewis, if available, would also be a good pick at this spot.

167. Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke
Assuming that Al Woods (my preference) is gone by this point, I’ll take a flier on a good-sized but oft-injured interior lineman with upside, knowing that he won’t be forced into a significant role his rookie year.

199. Jameson Konz, FB/TE Kent State
From the same Kent State program that has produced versatile athletes like Antonio Gates, Joshua Cribbs and Julian Edelman, comes this workout warrior who turned heads at a sparsely attended Pro Day. Being that the Vikings could use some depth at receiving TE behind Shiancoe, Konz seems like a good fit for the Vikings because of his versatility, and at worst, he can be the understudy behind Dugan and Kleinsasser for a year while he develops. The Garrett Mills experiment can finally be over.

Another potential choice at No. 199 might be Arizona State WR Chris McGaha, whose injury woes have him plummeting down draft boards despite appreciable skills as a possession receiver. I don’t see either of these two lasting until the Vikings pick in the seventh round.

A pass-catching TE who also should be available here is Missouri State TE Clay Harbor, who’s a little short, and a work in progress as a blocker, but would be a solid “hands” guy in relief of Shiancoe.

237. A.J. Wallace, CB Penn State
The seventh round is where a lot of teams take toolsy but flawed players, and this pick is no different. Wallace is a physically-gifted CB who’s a big-time project, and has the size and speed to be worth the extra effort. He fits the physical mold of the CBs that the Vikings have had in for visits, and will be low enough on depth chart that his growing pains won’t kill the Vikings on the field. On the off-chance that FS Cody Grimm is available here, he’d be a fun selection as well, particularly if only one other DB has been taken by this point.

Besides that, I’d also take a flier on a LB in this spot, perhaps one of the local boys like Simoni Lawrence, Lee Campbell or Nate Triplett, any of whom I’d also pursue as undrafted free agents.

-- J. RYAN STRADAL
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