I'm not sure it really matters if MLB is their #1 need. At the very least, it's a high priority need and considering the number of teams that may be interested in drafting an MLB, it's a need probably best addressed in R1, especially since several of the better MLBs in this draft are considered mid-first-to-early-second round values...MrPurplenGold wrote:Although the Vikings don't currently have a starting MLB on their roster, I still can't believe it's their #1 need. There isn't a Derek Brooks or Brian Urlacher (at least it seems) in this year's draft.
... and in response to your comment below, an MLB can be a key playmaker on defense.

I think gauging how they should draft purely by position overlooks the talent pool at each position. WR is deeper than MLB and good WRs will still be available in R2. The Vikes also have enough ammo to move up in that round if necessary. Bottom line: I think they should draft based on how the talent on the board when their picks come up matches their needs. If an MLB is their best bet at #23 or #25, take him. If a WR or corner seem like better values there and some of the better MLBs are sliding, perhaps wait on that position until R2 and trade up if necessary. If a DT fits into that mix better than one of the positions, take him.I think play makers on offense and defense are more of a priority than MLB is. The Vikings play against 3 above average QB's in Cutler, Rogers and Stafford. Neither team currently has a tight end that I'm too worried about. Cook is in a contract year, Robinson is coming off a season where he had his ups and downs and everything behind that is awful. On the Offensive side we picked up Greg Jennings, but he hasn't exactly been setting the league on fire the last two years and after that there's Jarius Wright, who seems to have a promising future, the retread Simpson and a bunch of nobodies. In order to keep up in this Division I think they definitely need to go CB and WR in round, maybe DT in round 2 and MLB in round 3.