The 2015 NFL Draft is mere days away, which means it’s time to turn back the clock and take a look at the selections which helped make the Minnesota Vikings the historically relevant franchise they are today. Here’s our list of The 5 Best Draft Picks In Minnesota Vikings History:
5) RB Adrian Peterson (Round 1, Pick #7 in 2007)
A broken collarbone caused Peterson to fall to the Vikings at No. 7, a stroke of luck that gave Minnesota their next franchise player. His status with the team is up in the air right now, but six Pro Bowls, three first teams All-Pro, and an MVP award cement his place on this list.
4) WR Randy Moss (Round 1, Pick #21 in 1998)
Off-field issues caused Moss to fall in the draft, allowing the Vikings to pick up one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history late in the first round. During his seven-year career with Minnesota, he set the rookie record for receiving touchdowns (17), made five Pro Bowls, and was named a first team All-Pro three times. He also ranks second on the Vikings' all-time list in receptions (587), receiving touchdowns (92) and yards (9,316).
3) LG Randall McDaniel (Round 1, Pick #19 in 1988)
McDaniel is one of the most dominating left guards to ever play the game as hee was selected to a NFL-record 12 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1989-2000. He was also voted as a first team All-Pro player seven times, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
2) DT Alan Page (Round 1, Pick #15 in 1967)
Page was perhaps the most important piece of the "Purple People Eaters" defense that led the Vikings to four Super Bowls. He recorded 173 sacks, 28 blocked kicks, and 23 fumble recoveries over his 16-year career, which resulted in nine Pro Bowls, six All-Pro teams, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and an MVP award in 1971. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.
1) QB Fran Tarkenton (Round 3, Pick #29 in 1961)
Tarkenton led the Vikings to three Super Bowls, and while he never won one, he is known as the best quarterback in franchise history. His 33,098 yards and 239 touchdowns in his 13 years for the Vikings are both still franchise records, and was a nine-time Pro Bowler. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
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