![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.
Harrison Smith, S - 1st round, 29th overall (2012); time with Vikings: 2012-present
In each of the last four seasons, Smith has been named to the Pro Bowl. In seven seasons, he has been a difference maker with 20 interceptions (four returned for scores) and 12 sacks.
Everson Griffen, DE - 4th round, 100th overall (2010); time with Vikings: 2010-present
Ranking fourth in franchise history with 66.5 career sacks, Griffen was named a Pro Bowler three straight years from 2015-2017. He has recorded at least 10.5 times three different seasons. He recently restructured his contract according to NFL.com in order to stay with the team.
Xavier Rhodes, CB - 1st round, 25th overall (2013); time with Vikings: 2013-presemt
Rhodes has become one of the league's best cover corners over the last few seasons. He was named a First Team All-Pro in 2017 while also being named a Pro Bowler that season as well as 2016.
Anthony Barr, LB - 1st round, 9th overall (2014); time with Vikings: 2014-present
Like his teammate Harrison Smith, Barr has been a Pro Bowl representative each of the last four seasons. The Vikings are happy to have him remain with the team after it originally was reported that he would be headed to the Jets in free agency.
Danielle Hunter, DE - 3rd round, 88th overall (2015); time with Vikings: 2015-present
Finishing with at least 12.5 sacks in two of his first four seasons, Hunter has established himself as an elite pass rusher. The 14.5 he had in 2018 were tied for the fourth-most in the NFL.
Chad Greenway, LB - 1st round, 17th overall (2006); time with Vikings: 2007-2016
Six times in Greenway's 10 seasons, he ended up with at least 105 tackles. He also ended his career with 18 sacks, 11 interceptions, and two Pro Bowl nods.
Kyle Rudolph, TE - 2nd round, 43rd overall (2011); time with Vikings: 2011-present
A Pro Bowler in both the 2012 and 2017 seasons, Rudolph has been one of the league's more-productive tight ends. In his eight years in the league, he has caught 386 passes for 3,787 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Bryant McKinnie, OT - 1st round, 7th overall (2002); time with Vikings: 2002-2010
McKinnie started all 16 games at left tackle for the Vikings in seven of his nine years with the team. He was named to the Pro Bowl in the 2009 season.
