Defense, defense, defense.

The Minnesota Vikings gathered in a slew of defensive prospects, projected mainly as reserves, but came up with what they consider a steal with their first overall selection.

Alabama junior linebacker Dwayne Rudd, considered one of the two top linebackers in the draft, was still on the board when the Vikings picked at No. 20.

"We were absolutely surprised,'' coach Dennis Green said. "We were very fortunate in that we got a highly rated player and we got a player at a position that we wanted a player at very badly. It was clearly a need draft after the first six players.''

Rudd was one of nine players invited to the NFL's draft headquarters in New York in anticipation of his selection, previously expected to be anywhere from No. 7 to No. 12.

"A lot of people have been real amazed,'' said Rudd, the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1996. "They felt like I slipped to 20th ... I guess the teams wanted the guys they wanted, when they wanted them.''

Rudd headlines the pack of defensive players the Vikings successfully nabbed as insurance for injuries and general depth.

"The way we looked at it, we thought for sure he'd go in the top 12 to 15 guys at least,'' defensive coordinator Foge Fazio said. "Him and (Virginia's James) Farrior (No. 8 to the New York Jets) were the two best linebackers. But all the runs on the wide receivers and defensive backs left him there for us.''

Of their eight picks, two in the seventh round, the Vikings selected two linebackers, two defensive linemen, two defensive backs and two late-round wide receivers. The Vikings in general were clearly very pleased with their 1997 draft class.

"What's happened is we have been attacked tremendously on our defense (in recent years),'' Green said. "We have a lot of defensive players playing around the NFL (because of) unrestricted free agency. More offensive players stay with their team; more defensive players have a tendency to jump. So if you look at the players we've lost, we've had to reload.''

Though an offensive lineman had been in their plans, the Vikings went with a defensive mindset that appeared to work in tandem with their draft board ratings, as Green said they selected their highest rated player still available with every pick.

That continues a trend the Vikings have followed for four years. In that span, nine of the Vikings' 12 first- or second-round picks have been defensive prospects.

The receivers and cornerbacks that had captured the Vikings' pre-draft interest flew off the board during early runs on those positions.

"We wanted to go in strong (on) defense,'' Green said. "We conceivably could have drafted (an offensive) guard if it had been right somewhere along the line, as a backup. But if you look at our offense, our offensive line is set.

"We have some spots that are going to be open on defense and because of those spots being open, we wanted to be very aggressive in getting the right guys to fit in.''

Green appears satisfied with David Dixon at right guard and hopeful that one of the two receivers picked up might work out as a third receiver behind Cris Carter and Jake Reed or as kick returners, at the very least. Free agent Qadry Ismail is still making rounds with other teams.

ROUND-BY-ROUND ANALYSIS

Round 1/20 -- Dwayne Rudd, LB, Alabama

One of the consensus top two linebackers in the draft, Rudd almost fell into the Vikings' lap. Expected to back up weakside starter Ed McDaniel, returning after missing the entire 1996 season because of knee surgery. Also slated to play the weakside role in nickel defense situations. Though the Vikings wanted a linebacker, they never expected to have the opportunity at one of the best available. The reason for Rudd's precipitous fall down the board appears to relate only to other teams' needs.

Round 2/49 -- Torrian Gray, S, Virginia Tech

Provides secondary depth the Vikings went into the draft hoping to find. Can play either strong or free safety, as he did in college. Injury relief for the Vikings' safety situation. Slated to start playing at strong safety, with Robert Griffith sliding to free safety until Orlando Thomas returns to full health. Thomas is spending the off-season rehabilitating from January knee surgery.

Round 3/78 -- Stalin Colinet, Boston College

More depth, this time along the defensive line. Expected to back up left end Fernando Smith. Good size and judged a well-prepared player.

Round 4/113 -- Antonio Banks, CB, Virginia Tech

More secondary depth and possibly a third back in their nickel defense, though anticipated to contribute immediately on special teams as a kick returner.

Round 5/151 -- Tony Williams, DT, Memphis

An impetus for some competition at nose tackle, which he played in college. Williams will compete with last year's second-round pick, James Manley, and Jason Fisk, who became a starter midway through 1996. Manley has been a major disappointment so far, dressing for only two games last season. The Vikings expect Williams to strongly nudge Manley into the realization that his job is on the line.

Round 6/183 -- Robert Tate, WR/KR, Cincinnati

A wide receiver whose best talents lay on special teams as a kick returner. Led the country in 1995 by returning 15 kickoffs for 515 yards, an average of 34.3 yards per return.

Round 7/220 -- Artie Ulmer, LB, Valdosta State

An almost unknown with almost unbelievable speed, timed at 4.55 in the 40-yard dash. A project for the coaching staff. Will fill reserve role at linebacker.

Round 7/235 -- Matthew Hatchette, WR, Langston (Okla.)

A late-rounder with some speed who had been personally scouted by receivers coach Chip Myers.