We talked about the star and the muscle of the “Purple People Eaters” (Alan Page and Carl Eller), but it was Jim Marshall who was the “heart” of the unit. 

Perhaps it is a little controversial to place Cris Carter ahead of Randy Moss but the more we look at the numbers (which works in this case as they played in the same era), it makes more sense to do so.

Mick Tinglehoff was not drafted coming out of the University of Nebraska but the Center signed on with the Vikings and impressed the brass enough to earn the starting job for the 1962 season.

Arguably the greatest Offensive Lineman in Vikings history, Randall McDaniel took over the starting Left Guard position immediately following being drafted 19th overall from Arizona State.  McDaniel was known throughout the NFL for his speed and strength and the versatile way he played his position.  In his sophomore season, McDaniel was named to the Pro Bowl and would do so again in the next 11 seasons (though the last one was with Tampa Bay) and he was a First Team All Pro seven times.