![Adrian Peterson was the league's MVP in 2012. [Image Source: Flickr | Todd Crusham]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/3/27/660x290/b_502x220x82/adrian-peterson-was-the-leagues-mvp-in-2012-image-source-flickr-todd-crusham_2236211.jpg "Adrian Peterson was the league's MVP in 2012. [Image Source: Flickr | Todd Crusham]")
After looking at the recent draft picks for teams that occupy the first 16 selections in April’s draft, it’s time to look at the Vikings who have the 18th pick. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has them selecting defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons out of Mississippi State.
The Vikings have reached the playoffs seven times since 2000, and they have advanced to the NFC Championship three times in that timeframe. Some excellent draft choices by Minnesota over that time allowed them at times to be one of the best teams in the league.
Note: Only time with the Vikings is considered for this list. Where they were drafted makes a difference - meaning this isn’t exactly a "top-ten players drafted by Minnesota since 2009" list. Some late-round picks that didn’t quite make the list but had solid careers with the team include Brian Williams (fourth round, 2002), Ray Edwards (fourth round, 2006), Brian Robison (fourth round, 2007), John Sullivan (sixth round, 2008), Brandon Fusco (sixth round, 2011), and Stefon Diggs (fifth round, 2015).
Adrian Peterson, RB - 1st round, 7th overall (2007); time with Vikings: 2007-2016
Peterson's extraordinary MVP season in 2012 saw him rush for 2,097 yards, just eight yards shy of Eric Dickerson's NFL record. He made seven Pro Bowls (and four All-Pro First Teams) in 10 seasons with the Vikings while running for 11,747 yards and 97 scores.
Kevin Williams, DT - 1st round, 9th overall (2003); time with Vikings: 2003-2013
In his first eight seasons with Minnesota, Williams established himself as one of the best defensive tackles earning six Pro Bowl nods and five First Team All-Pro appearances. A great interior pass rusher, he sacked the quarterback 60 times in 11 seasons.
