Now that free agency is under way, and all the restricted free agents have been given their respective tenders, it is time for me to participate in some pointless speculation… and have fun doing it!

So, let’s pretend that the Vikings go crazy and decide to give up essentially their entire 2010 draft.  Here is an example of what they could do.

FIRST ROUND:  Jared Gaither is only 24 years old and has established himself as one of the top left tackles in the NFL.  In a division that could soon feature Julius Peppers and Kyle Vanden Bosch, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Vikings surrender the first rounder required to nab Gaither.  This would also allow them to deal headcase Bryant McKinnie away to the highest bidder.

SECOND ROUND:  There are a pair of very high quality defenders that were tendered at only the second round.  Browns middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall would both provide the Vikings with decent value and they’d only have to give up the #62 pick.

THIRD ROUND:  Most people would like to see the Vikings grab a mauling guard in the first or second round in this draft.  Well, for just a third round pick, the Vikes could steal away Evan Mathis from the Bengals.  Mathis is a run blocking beast that also didn’t give up a single sack last season.

 

So, assuming the Vikings could trade Bryant McKinnie for an early second round pick at the worst, this plan could give the Vikings a truly elite left tackle, a starting caliber inside linebacker or cornerback, and a guard that is an upgrade to Hererra.  Then they’d left with a second rounder (from McKinnie trade), a fourth rounder, two fifths (one from compensatory), a sixth and a seventh.

Not saying they should do it, but I really like some of the value out there. 

Oh, and if you really want Brett Favre back, I hear Anquan Boldin is available for a mere third round draft pick.