It seems until the last few years the number 1 picks stay 4 years and then are gone with some exceptions. I feel the number 1 pick is a major building block for the team. It is a major committment by the team taking this player high in regards to the talent and the potential sought for helping the team.
In 1993 Robert Smith was taken out of Ohio State. Smith made it 8 years before leaving as the Vikings all time rush leader and retiring. I really thought a lot of him for wanting to remain healthy the rest of his adult life when he did leave the game.
In 1994 Dewayne Washington (NC State) and Todd Steussie (California) came on the scene with Washington lasting 4 years and then signing with Pittsburgh. Steussie the big left tackle lasted 7 years.
1995- Derrick Alexander (Florida State) and Korey Stringer (Ohio State) came to the purple in the 1st round. Alexander lasted 4 years then left and signed with Cleveland. Stringer, the year 2001 a year never to forget. Korey was such a kind hearted man who made sure kids were priority when coming to an autograph. He will never be forgotten.
1996 Duane Clemons (California) lasted 4 years before leaving for Kansas City.
1997- Dwyane Rudd (Alabama) lasted 4 years before leaving for Cleveland.
1998- Randy Moss (Marshall) comes upon the scene. He dropped all the way to 21st pick and came to the league with much to prove. I would say in 1998 he did more than prove. He is a freak of nature with size, speed, jumping ability. The Green Bay and Dallas game that year were incredible.
1999- Daunte Culpepper (Central Florida) and Dimitrius Underwood (Michigan State) came in the first round. Who can forget the Daunte roll on when the team scored. I can still see him doing it on the field. In meeting him it was simply amazing to meet a man this big who was that fast and strong. Underwood is the only draft choice in 19 years I never got a picture of. If you remember he went to the morning practice and that was it for his Vikings career. One practice and done.
2000- Chris Hovan (Boston College) lasted 5 years before leaving for Tampa Bay. One memory I have of him was in camp. Wrestling star Brock Lesnar was in camp and who did he hang out with, Chris Hovan. That was 2 men with some huge arms.
2001- Michael Bennett (Wisconsin) lightning track speed came upon the scene and lasted 5 years before signing with New Orleans.
2002- Bryant McKinnie (Miami, Florida) is one big man. He was so big and had so much potential. One of my biggest shocks but also understand when he was released in 2011 Training Camp. It set a tone that no one no matter how long you are there are not safe unless you put time and effort in. He is now with Baltimore Ravens.
2003-Kevin Williams (Oklahoma State) can not be said enough good for his career as he is currently a Vikings. The Pro Bowls are unlimited. He requires double teaming seemingly on almost every play.
2004- Kenechi Udeze (USC) made it 4 years and retired in 2008 with the diagnosis of a form of leukemia. It was so sad because he was so young and such a good player. I will always pray for god health for him as long as he is live.
2005- Troy Williamson (South Carolina) and Erasmus James (Wisconsin) have a copy and paste 2005-2007 resume. It turned out to be a bum draft. Who will ever forget Williamson wide open on a 72 yard pas only to drop it.
2006- Chad Greenway (Iowa) currently on the roster and is a tackling machine. He finally got what he deserverd and that was a Pro Bowl spot. He has signed a contract to make him a Vikings for life.
2007- Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) I need about 10 pages to write about him. I will leave this thought. He has all the Vikings records in his reach if he can stay healthy. There is no end to what he will do to the records.
2008- No pick- traded away in bringing Jared Allen in from Kansas City. Yes, he was a veteran but maybe one of the best Vikings 1st round decisions in their history.
2009- Percy Harvin (Florida) current Vikings. The human pinball. The man with determination that does not end. The speed,power, the threat every time he touches the ball may result in 6. The total package. Please Vikings resign him.!!
2010- No pick
2011- Christian Ponder (Florida Sate) love his effort and toughness. This second year is huge for his career.
2009 and 2011 brings in 2 SEC players, one of my favorite conferences. They are seemingly pro ready teams with speed and defense to burn.
2012- Matt Kalil (USC) and Harrison Smith (Notre Dame). If they pan out as what has been written Vikings fans have a lot to be excited about.
It is fun to look back at the efforts the team has tried through the years. The number ones on the team now are the leaders and are extremly skilled and have a chance to help develop the youngsters to make the team contenders once again.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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