Meet the Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - The Minnesota Vikings traded out of the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft on Thursday night, but finished the weekend with eight players drafted.

The most familiar name to football fans is likely Heisman Trophy finalist Toby Gerhart, drafted with the 19th pick in the second round, 51st overall.

"All day long, we were joking, yelling at the cell phone to start ringing," Gerhart told the San Francisco Chronicle . "(Vikings VP of Player Personnel) Rick Spielman asked 'Are you tired of waiting?' and I saw that they had just traded up on TV."

Another familiar name to Vikings fans and Minnesotans is University of Minnesota linebacker Nate Triplett, drafted in the 5th round. Triplett was a member of the Gophers strong linebacker trio, along with Lee Campbell and Simoni Lawrence. Triplett earned National Defensive Player of the week honors following the Gophers win over Air Force in the TCF Bank Stadium opener, recording 17 tackles and returning a fumble 52 yards for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Recap of Vikings Draft Picks

CB Chris Cook, Virginia
Round 2, Pick 2
NFL.com Pick Analysis: The Vikings address their cornerback situation with the addition of Chris Cook. In adding the rangy cover man, the Vikings have a young player to plug in if Cedric Griffin is unable to start at corner come Week 1. Given Cook's size, athleticism and length, he should excel in the Vikings' two-deep scheme.

RB Toby Gerhart, Stanford
Round 2, Pick 19
NFL.com Pick Analysis: The Vikings add a bruising running back with the selection of Toby Gerhart. Although Adrian Peterson remains the workhorse, Gerhart has the versatile skill set to contribute as a rotational player in the backfield. With his toughness and all-around skills, Gerhart is an ideal fit.

DE Everson Griffen, Southern Cal
Round 4, Pick 2
NFL.com Pick Analysis: The Vikings get a top-25 talent in the fourth round with the addition of Everson Griffen. The energetic pass rusher has excellent initial quickness, and his ability to pressure the pocket will undoubtedly earn him minutes in a deep Vikings' rotation. This is an excellent value pick for the team, regardless of his off-field issues.

OT Chris Degeare, Wake Forest
Round 5, Pick 30

LB Nathan Triplett,  Minnesota
Round 5, Pick 36
NFL.com Pick Analysis: Vikings MLB E.J. Henderson has suffered season-ending injuries in each of the past two seasons, and while his replacement in 2009, Jasper Brinkley, played well, Minnesota adds depth to the position by nabbing local Gophers star Nathan Triplett. Triplett is a stout run defender with great energy, but lacks elite athleticism.

QB Joe Webb, UAB
Round 6, Pick 30
NFL.com Pick Analysis: Webb has incredible athleticism, and will likely move from quarterback to receiver in the pos. He put up sensational numbers at Alabama-Birmingham, and fits well into the Vikings' west coast system. It may take him a while to learn the receiver position, but he has the physical ability to eventually make an impact.

TE Mickey Shuler, Penn State
Round 7, Pick 7
NFL.com Pick Analysis: Penn State just had its second tight end of the day drafted when Mickey Shuler went to the Vikings. For you older fans, you probably remember his dad, Mickey Shuler Sr., who played in the NFL for a number of years. Shuler is a decent blocker, with good size for the position.

LB Ryan D'Imperio, Rutgers
Round 7, Pick 30