Which defensive tackle did the Vikings take with their first pick in the 2013 draft?

The Minnesota Vikings took defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd with their first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Minnesota selected the Florida standout 23rd overall in the first round, making him the team’s earliest selection that year.

Floyd entered the draft after developing into an explosive interior defender at Florida. He was valued for his quick first step, strength, versatility and ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive front. Although some draft analysts expected him to be selected much earlier, he slid to No. 23 amid concerns about his college production and background.

The Vikings had three first-round picks in 2013. After Floyd, they selected Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes at No. 25 and Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson at No. 29. A common mix-up is confusing Floyd with Rhodes, because both were Florida-based defensive players selected by Minnesota in the same round.