VIKINGS 101

To this point, nearly all mock drafts (including Mel Kiper's) have the Minnesota Vikings selecting one of two prospects: USC left tackle Matt Kalil, Iowa left tackle Riley Reiff or Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon. But every year, there is at least one (if not more) players who shock everyone and make a huge leap with solid interviews and impressive workouts at the combine and at their pro days.

Last year at this time, not many people expected Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller to be selected in the top-10. He was taken second overall by the Denver Broncos. Two years ago, it was Oklahoma left tackle Trent Williams who vaulted from mid-first round to fourth overall (Redskins). Three years ago, the Chiefs shocked everyone by taking LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson with the draft's third pick.

With the NFL Scouting Combine officially starting today in Indianapolis, there are more than 300 players beginning their draft journey. The question is, will one of them be this year's big riser and end up in the top-five?

Let's take a look at a few guys who have already begun their ascension up draft boards and could ride a solid combine performance's wave of momentum all the way into a Vikings uniform.

1. LT Mike Adams, Ohio State (6'8", 320 lbs.)

Before Senior Bowl practices, it would be difficult to find anyone who thought Adams would go in the first round. After an extremely impressive week of practice and a solid game, Adams has answered all those who doubted he could play left tackle at the next level. Adams has prototypical size, great length and terrific balance for his size. A lot of the league's taller offensive tackles have problems playing with leverage, but Adams plays with good knee bend and explodes from the hips.

2. DT Michael Brockers, LSU (6'6", 306 lbs.)

One of the draft's youngest players, Brockers left LSU earlier than many expected after completing his (redshirt) sophomore season. Although his statistics may not show it (9.5 tackles for loss, two sacks), Brockers was one of the SEC's most dominant linemen in 2011. He reminds me a lot of former Auburn sensation Nick Fairley. Brockers showed the elite power and quickness that gets scouts salivating. With continued progress, he could become one of the best interior linemen in the NFL in a couple years.

3. CB Morris Claiborne, LSU (6'0", 185 lbs.)

It's all about the 40 for Claiborne. If he runs in the 4.3-second range, he'll lock up a top-five spot and could very well become the apple of Vikings GM Rick Spielman's eye. Like Brockers, Claiborne's impact sometimes doesn't show up on the box score. But he plays with tremendous technique, intelligence and quickness.

4. CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama (6'2", 195 lbs.)

A drug arrest in January (possession of marijuana under 20 grams) has Kirkpatrick's stock falling faster than a 70-year-old woman's mammers. The good news for him is that the combine offers a lengthy interview process to go along with measurables testing. If this Thorpe finalist can ace his interviews and post an exceptional 40 time, he'll quickly start moving his way back up the first round ladder.

5. LT Jonathan Martin, Stanford (6'6", 305 lbs.)

Martin has been in the rare position of being a high profile offensive lineman as likely first overall pick Andrew Luck's backside protector for the last three years. He has good size for the position, plays with terrific leverage and is a surprisingly good run blocker considering he's just a touch over 300 pounds. Once scouts get a chance to talk to this kid, put him through some tests and review his game film, they'll realize that he may be one of the safest prospects at the position in recent memory. He really has no flaws.

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