Vikings GM Rick Spielman has a very simple draft strategy

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (KMSP) - Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman enjoys reading mock drafts, but he’s not locked in on taking a wide receiver with the No. 23 overall pick.

"We’re not honed in on a receiver in the first round,” Spielman said at a pre-draft news conference Tuesday. “It’s best player available, regardless of position."

Spielman says the receiver position is deep in this year’s draft, and that the Vikings would consider drafting a player at every position. He said the front office analyzes the percentage of starters at each position that come out of the first round compared to other rounds, and he personally rates draft prospects on more than 100 criteria.

Timing of the pick Fox 9 took a look back at the 2015 NFL Draft. The Denver Broncos drafted at No. 23 at 9:40 p.m., so Vikings fans can expect the top pick to come between 9:30 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. on Thursday night.

Winter Park workouts

Tuesday also marked voluntary workouts at Winter Park. There was a noticeably high rate of participation, but also a noticeable absence of Adrian Peterson.