The Vikings recently restructured defensive tackle Kevin Williams’ contract so that he will become a free agent after the 2013 season.
They may have taken his replacement with the 23rd pick of the first round. The Vikings selected defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd of Florida, ending an unexpected slide down the draft board for the former Gator.
Floyd had been linked to the Raiders with the third overall pick, but Oakland traded down to 12 and then selected cornerback D.J. Hayden to send Floyd tumbling all the way to Minnesota. Williams is one of four impending free agents on the defensive line for the Vikings, so Floyd may spend this season working in a rotation until he gets his feet fully under him. If his athletic ability and quickness translate to the NFL, the Vikings shouldn’t miss a beat if Williams does leave the team after next season.
The Vikings also own the 25th pick, which could be used for a middle linebacker. There’s one from Notre Dame that you may have heard of, especially if you’ve been watching the television coverage of the first round.