Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman talks about draft day - NFL News
Minnesota Vikings general manager, Rick Spielman became a hero after the end of the first day of the National Football League (NFL) drafts on Thursday as he picked two of the most talented prospects available in the first round.
Spielman surprised everyone after trading the Vikings third overall pick to the Cleveland Browns to move down to fourth and gained three additional picks in the later rounds.
The move was brilliant as the Vikings lost nothing in return and also picked off University of Southern California, offensive tackle, Matt Kalil with the fourth pick.
That was not the end as Spielman also traded a second and fourth round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in return for their first round 29th overall selection.
The Vikings drafted strong safety Harrison Smith of Notre Dame University in another move that has received wide acclaim by analysts.
Both picks help the franchise fill big gaps in their roster.
Speaking to the Minnesota Vikings official website after the draft, Spielman talked about his dealings and the latest additions to the Vikings roster.
“ I think it was a great trade for both teams. They have an extremely talented running back, something they were missing up there. And we were still able to get our guy and accumulate some picks, so I think the deal worked out for both us and Cleveland.”
The general manager also went on to praise Kalil’s potential and said that he has all the ingredients to become a Vikings great in the future.
“He is an extremely talented athlete. He is a junior and a young kid that is only going to continue to mature and grow into his body. He has the arm length we are looking for. He has all the foot quickness to be on an island out there and to be matched
up against the premier pass rushers in this league.”
It is a great day to be a Vikings fan as the franchise has gone beyond what anyone expected from the drafts.
Spielman played his hand with skill and the newest additions to the Vikings line-up have a bright future ahead of them.
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