When the Minnesota Vikings drafted Florida receiver Percy Harvin with the 22nd pick on draft day, many experts around the league agreed that the Vikings got a steal.  Many regard Harvin as a top 10 talent who dropped down because of concerns of character and reports of a failed marijuana test during the NFL combine.

Last year, 27 out of the 31 first round picks (remember, one of the Patriots’ first round picks was forfeited) agreed to five-year deals, whereas the other four agreed to six-year deals.

No wide receivers were taken in the first round in 2008, with receiver Donnie Avery being the highest taken at #33 overall to the St. Louis Rams.  Avery signed a four-year, $4.8 million contract which includes $2.775 million guaranteed.

The signing bonus for a second rounder dramatically drops off, because the 31st pick, safety Kenny Phillips got a $11.15 million contract with nearly $6 million guaranteed.

Last year’s 22nd pick is running back Felix Jones to the Dallas Cowboys.  Jones received a five-year, $10.5 million contract with $8M guaranteed.

Despite the fact that Harvin and Jones play different positions, both positions are play-making positions, so we can expect the salaries to be similar.  Because it is another year, rookie salaries are going to go up again.

Now, what makes things interesting, is the reason why teams allowed Harvin to drop.  Experts have said Harvin was a “risk pick” who has had off-the-field problems. The fact that Harvin missed the start of rookie OTAs and rookie symposium will work against him.

Based off the numbers we have from last year’s first rounders, we expect Harvin so sign for five-years, $14.5 million with only $7 million guaranteed.  We expect the Vikings to give the receiver a lucrative contract that pays him well as long as he stays out of trouble.

Oh, and if you haven’t listened to it yet.  Check out the Percy Harvin Song.

Tags: Donnie Avery, Felix Jones, Kenny Phillips, percy harvin