by Pete Langenfeld

Created on: June 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 23, 2009

I don't know that nationally this pick in the NFL is the most famous, but if you are a fan of the Minnesota Vikings it certainly is famous. Or should I say infamous. If I say the name "Underwood" Vikings fans know exactly who I'm talking about.

To set the stage, this was the state of the Vikings when they picked Dimitrius Underwood with the 28th pick in the first round on the 1999 NFL draft. The previous year (1998) was certainly an exciting years for Vikings' fans. The team had one of the most thrilling offenses ever seen, putting up more points than any team ever had. But it was ultimately a disappointing season, as they lost in the NFC championship game, even though they were heavy favorites.

As the new season approached the team made some changes. The biggest being the trade that sent former starting quarterback Brad Johnson to the Washington Redskins getting back, in part, the 12th pick in the 1999 draft. The team knew it needed to stabilize the defense, believing that that is why they lost in the title game.

Entering the draft the Vikings had Randall Cunningham as the starter, but they knew he was not the long term solution. It was not a surprise that they were looking at drafting a QB. The Vikings had two round one picks. They had a great opportunity to shore up a defense and, combined with a great offense, go into 1999 as the Super Bowl favorites. The Vikings started throwing curve balls early.

The draft of 1999 was the year of the quarterback with Donovan McNabb, Cade McNown, Daunte Culpepper and others all highly thought of before the draft. When it got to the 12th pick no one expected the Vikings to take a QB, but they did, taking Culpepper. The round moved on to the picks in the late 20's and the Vikings own pick. There they drafted Underwood, who did fill a need for the team, as they needed all the defensive help they could get. They didn't get it from Underwood.

Dimitrius Underwood was a big defensive end from Michigan State. There were just a few problems. He didn't play his last year in school because of a sprained ankle and was openly questioned by his coach, who believed that the injury was not something that should have kept him from playing.

Underwood, based solely on his ability, was rated as a 2nd or 3rd round pick, but the red flags had been raised on him. His college coach privately told teams to stay away from him in the draft. This is an unusual case, as most coaches can be expected to champion their former players. They don't

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