The Vikings landed former Chiefs’ defensive end Jared Allen for their first round pick (No. 17) and two third round picks (No. 73 and No. 82). Allen will receive a new contract worth $74 million over six years.
Unsuccessful in landing an edge pass-rusher early in free agency, Minnesota acquired one of the best in the business at an extremely steep price Tuesday night when it agreed to terms on a trade with Kansas City for Jared Allen.
This obviously weakens the Vikings’ draft, but Allen is a stud. With the addition, Minny might have the best defensive line in all of football, equipped to stop the run and rush the passer. This move might help mask some of the Vikings’ deficiencies in the secondary.
In looking at this weekend’s draft, the departure of Allen might mean the Chiefs (who have the fifth overall pick) will look at a defensive end like Chris Long or Vernon Gholston. That could cause a ripple effect for teams like the Jets and Patriots, two teams reportedly looking to beef up their defensive front seven. A quality offensive tackle like Ryan Clady could now fall, as well, seeing as how most mock draft publications had the Chiefs taking an OT at No. 5. Having the No. 17 pick also means that KC can still get a quality cornerback if they don’t chose one with the No. 5 pick.
