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Vikings select DT Shariff Floyd at No. 23

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings have taken Florida defensive tackle Shariff Floyd with the 23rd overall pick in the NFL draft.

Floyd had 13 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks for the Gators as a junior last season. He was initially projected to go in the top 10 of Thursday night's first round, but tumbled to No. 23. The Vikings have a history of taking Gators who tumbled after scoring big with receiver Percy Harvin in 2009.

The Vikings have a need for depth at defensive tackle with Kevin Williams aging. He is 6-foot-2 and 297 pounds and will get a chance to learn from one of the best defensive linemen in franchise history as a rookie.