NFL Draft stuff

[DocBauer]

I agree on the QB hype. I'm not crazy about anyone beyond Ward, but I can see the attractiveness of some of the other possibles. But I can see someone wanting to trade up to 24 to get that 5th season for a QB you like. That might be Cleveland. It could be the Rams moving up a couple spots for Dart. That still helps the Vikings with a couple additional picks.

I've seen soeculation(s) of the Vikes trading down twice, but it would have to work perfectly. EXAMPLE: Rams trade up a couple spots, and New England DOESN'T got OT with their 1st selection, and trades back in to the late 1st to get the best one remaining.

7 picks instead of 4 would be best case scenario. But that might be too hard to work or dream on. My guess is 1 trade down and 6 picks.

I LOVE the top 2 safeties. And I see and understand the temptation. But safeties aren't always drafted, thinking of Bynum and Mettelus recently. And while I actually like the 3 depth DL and their potential, I'd be looking at adding a potential rotation piece and future starter #1. 

I believe in the concept of "inside out" in football and I'd grab an IOL next. I'm not convinced that Brandel is a bad LG. He was better when Darisaw was healthy. And it was his 1st year as a full time starter. But they NEED another young IOL for depth and development even if said draftee isn't an immediate starter. IF they actually find such a starter, Brandel is already a good multi position backup. (I still think he'd be a good backup CENTER as well).

I feel there's enough depth in the CB and S draft optipns that they can grab a couple nice options in the 3rd and 4th rounds based on the expected trade down expectations. There's a number...probably consistent with most drafts...of guys with potential where you trust in development. I've got guys I'm looking at, but not going to fill up my post with those.

I do believe the 5th pick will be a RB because it's just smart to grab one in such a deep draft. Seemingly EVERY draft profile has the Vikings drafting Brashard Smith in the 5th round. He fits the offense like a glove. So much so, I could see him selected in a potential 4th round option instead of the 5th. The Vikings seem to be all in on his talent and potential. 

I'd expect a TE in the 6th round. They seem to love the potential of Fidone from the Huskers and Gadsden from Syracuse. And while I expect an extension for Oliver, they still need a #3 TE.

While I dream of a perfect scenario where they can trade down enough for 7 picks...adding a WR option in a draft where the top 50-150+ all have similar rankings in a depth but not great draft...I'm betting on 6 picks.

In various order: DL, OL, CB, S, RB, TE.

Betting the Wilf's checkbook opens up as wide as ever for some top UDFA additions.

[Mike Sixel]

My official prediction is the Vikings trade down. I'm more than fifty percent thinking twice, but not confident in that. You?

[nicksaviking]

28 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

My official prediction is the Vikings trade down. I'm more than fifty percent thinking twice, but not confident in that. You?

Prior to last year I would have said 100% yes they'll trade down, but then last year they changed course and were aggressive.

Now I'll say 60% trade down. I'll bet there are a couple of guys they like, who if they fall they won't pass up.

[gunnarthor]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

My official prediction is the Vikings trade down. I'm more than fifty percent thinking twice, but not confident in that. You?

I think it's much lower, actually. It's a deep draft so I don't think a lot of teams want to move up. If one of the QBs starts to fall, I think teams could trade up with us but, other than that, probably not. 

 

[nicksaviking]

4 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

I think it's much lower, actually. It's a deep draft so I don't think a lot of teams want to move up. If one of the QBs starts to fall, I think teams could trade up with us but, other than that, probably not. 

 

Pick 24 doesn't look like a QB trade up spot to me. I guess maybe if someone thinks the Rams will take one, but that team crushes it's picks, I don't see them sitting a QB for a year or two.

I'd guess there will be a few guys we are all getting excited about that slide to the Vikings at 24, and if we fans are excited, there's like a GM or two that also are willing to trade up for those guys.

[yeahyabetcha]

My prediction, based on nothing more than a gut feeling is that they trade 24th pick for more picks.  Or they use it to draft a safety, who they think could be the next Harrison Smith.

[Fatbat]

Its the day of the draft. Who do you think will be drafted at 24 if the vikes keep the pick?  I give it only a 15% chance they keep #24. S Nick Emmanwori or Edge Nic Scourton are my top 2.

[gunnarthor]

7 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

Its the day of the draft. Who do you think will be drafted at 24 if the vikes keep the pick?  I give it only a 15% chance they keep #24. S Amanwori or Edge Nic Scourton are my top 2.

I think they stay put but who they pick is tough to figure out. They don't necessarily need a starter anywhere so they can draft for depth. They haven't spoken publicly much but KOC said he liked Brandel next to Darrisaw, suggesting that LG isn't a priority. Of course, that could just be spin and the Vikes are hoping Booker falls to them (he's the guard I want). The national media has us taking someone in the secondary - usually a safety but occasionally a corner - but I think the Vikings are actually confident with what they have right now. Jackson has been in the system for a few years and will take a bigger role, Blackmon is back, they added some nice pieces in FA (and might add Samuel). Unless someone like CB Will Johnson falls, I don't think they'll go there. 

I think the Vikings are going to take a DL who can play the nose or play inside over the guard but they likely feel pretty confident about the edge and OLB on the roster. They want guys who can collapse the pocket. The draft is full of these guys but most might be gone by 97. 

So my guess is that at 24 they try to trade back but don't find any good deals so then pick one of (in my order of preference) DL Grant, DL Harmon, LG Booker, LG Jackson. 

I do think the Vikings might very well package 97 and a future pick to move up to get someone though.

 

[Vanimal46]

That Applebees in Green Bay is going to be buzzing tonight. Hope they got the frozen margarita machine tuned up to handle the demand

[Vanimal46]

39 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

Its the day of the draft. Who do you think will be drafted at 24 if the vikes keep the pick?  I give it only a 15% chance they keep #24. S Nick Emmanwori or Edge Nic Scourton are my top 2.

Give me someone in the trenches all day long. 

DT - Kenneth Grant or Derrick Harmon

OL - Grey Zabel, Simmons or Jackson from Ohio State 

If those are off the board, you can talk me into going 1998 on the offense and taking a WR or RB. 

The late steam is this safety from South Carolina but I have little to no interest in taking another 1st round safety. 

[Vanimal46]

FWIW, Paul Allen on his radio show thinks it’ll be OL - Tyler Booker or Grey Zabel. It’s one of the only days of the year I will torture myself listening to his show on KFAN. 

[gunnarthor]

Alfred Collins is the massive DL from Texas. Most places have him going late second/early third. He's a giant - 6'6", well over 330. I'm not a draft scout by any means but I would love him as part of a defensive line. Check out 35 seconds below - he strips the ball from behind. His arms are long. If we traded back and he was one of the two pieces we got out of the trade back, I would not complain.

 

[gunnarthor]

7 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

FWIW, Paul Allen on his radio show thinks it’ll be OL - Tyler Booker or Grey Zabel. It’s one of the only days of the year I will torture myself listening to his show on KFAN. 

This really does make sense. I've thought all along that KOC's comments about Brandel meant that the Vikings were more likely looking to replace him than not. 🤣

[Vanimal46]

Just now, gunnarthor said:

Alfred Collins is the massive DL from Texas. Most places have him going late second/early third. He's a giant - 6'6", well over 330. I'm not a draft scout by any means but I would love him as part of a defensive line. Check out 35 seconds below - he strips the ball from behind. His arms are long. If we traded back and he was one of the two pieces we got out of the trade back, I would not complain.

 

I’m a Longhorns fan and watched a lot of their games last fall. Collins is a beast and I would love to find a way to draft him. He’s not going to be a flashy 10 sack per season guy. But he clogs up the running lanes in the middle. He’ll be one of those dudes that quietly plays 10+ years in the NFL. 

[gunnarthor]

3 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

I’m a Longhorns fan and watched a lot of their games last fall. Collins is a beast and I would love to find a way to draft him. He’s not going to be a flashy 10 sack per season guy. But he clogs up the running lanes in the middle. He’ll be one of those dudes that quietly plays 10+ years in the NFL. 

I didn't write it but I thought he looked like a bigger, more athletic version of Pat Williams. God, I loved the Williams wall. 

[Mike Sixel]

I think it's OG..... No chance it's edge. 

If they went WR I would not be shocked. Addison isn't playing for a few weeks, and he'll want to be paid in two years. 

DT or OG are my preference, and I'm fairly sure it will be one of those. 

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, gunnarthor said:

I think they stay put but who they pick is tough to figure out. They don't necessarily need a starter anywhere so they can draft for depth. They haven't spoken publicly much but KOC said he liked Brandel next to Darrisaw, suggesting that LG isn't a priority. Of course, that could just be spin and the Vikes are hoping Booker falls to them (he's the guard I want). The national media has us taking someone in the secondary - usually a safety but occasionally a corner - but I think the Vikings are actually confident with what they have right now. Jackson has been in the system for a few years and will take a bigger role, Blackmon is back, they added some nice pieces in FA (and might add Samuel). Unless someone like CB Will Johnson falls, I don't think they'll go there. 

I think the Vikings are going to take a DL who can play the nose or play inside over the guard but they likely feel pretty confident about the edge and OLB on the roster. They want guys who can collapse the pocket. The draft is full of these guys but most might be gone by 97. 

So my guess is that at 24 they try to trade back but don't find any good deals so then pick one of (in my order of preference) DL Grant, DL Harmon, LG Booker, LG Jackson. 

I do think the Vikings might very well package 97 and a future pick to move up to get someone though.

 

I agree and I bet we dont pick at either 24 or 97.  Unless Booker falls, or someone else that is somehow still there.  I get the feeling that OL and DL will get early runs on 4-5 each position by the 24th pick. That means that a WR, CB, S, LB or Edge are going to be in play. Also, only 2 QB’s max will be drafted before #24 but one could be drafted at 24 after we trade the pick. 

[Mike Sixel]

11 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

I agree and I bet we dont pick at either 24 or 97.  Unless Booker falls, or someone else that is somehow still there.  I get the feeling that OL and DL will get early runs on 4-5 each position by the 24th pick. That means that a WR, CB, S, LB or Edge are going to be in play. Also, only 2 QB’s max will be drafted before #24 but one could be drafted at 24 after we trade the pick. 

I will wonder what the plan is if they go edge. Turner sat the last two weeks because of the two veterans. What's another guy going to do?

[Fatbat]

Drafting for depth and possibly Turner busting. I see a safety before edge or OL but the biggest situations is 1. Who falls and 2. Do we trade down. 

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Fatbat said:

Drafting for depth and possibly Turner busting. I see a safety before edge or OL but the biggest situations is 1. Who falls and 2. Do we trade down. 

If Turner busts, they should be fired. 

[gunnarthor]

17 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

If Turner busts, they should be fired. 

34-17 in three years. 

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

34-17 in three years. 

Cine, Turner (who won't bust) and what? Look, Turner isn't busting, but you can't build a team w/o succeeding on draft picks. They are OLD, and not getting younger this year given the lack of picks. It's not relevant, because Turner isn't busting, and they aren't taking an edge. 

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

If Turner busts, they should be fired. 

No one gets fired if they play in the nfc championship regularly. Turner could be anything and not matter if the rest of the team is great and puts W’s in the record books. 

[Fatbat]

I agree, Turner wont be a bust unless he is HOF and his bust is in TCO. 

[Vanimal46]

Is it too late to ask someone to photoshop Kenneth Grant wearing a bong gas mask? 

[nicksaviking]

6 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

Give me someone in the trenches all day long. 

DT - Kenneth Grant or Derrick Harmon

OL - Grey Zabel, Simmons or Jackson from Ohio State 

If those are off the board, you can talk me into going 1998 on the offense and taking a WR or RB. 

The late steam is this safety from South Carolina but I have little to no interest in taking another 1st round safety. 

I like the look of Emmanwori, (4.38 40?? how is he not a cornerback?!?) but I HATE the idea of drafting someone just to replace someone else. And with the guy he'd be replacing still here, I don't see him getting a ton of reps this year.

The Vikings can wait on drafting another 1st round edge rusher until they start using the one they drafted last year.

I could do DL. Grant and Harmon look talented, but I'd guess they'd still get the Dallas Turner treatment; they could be the next Chris Jones, but they're still going to defer to Harrison Phillips this year.

IOL seems like the most likely to actually see some starts. If Zabel is as versatile as advertised, I like that idea, but Booker looks good too. I like either of their chances at taking Brandel's job more than I think a DL could take Phillips' job or Emmanwori could take a starting safety job.

I also do like the idea of an interior LB who can cover, tackle and blitz, someone who could replace Pace who can't cover. I do like Jihad Campbell. That's probably one of the other spots a rookie could steal a job.

None of the  WRs are giving me warm fuzzies this year, but I could easily fall in love with TreVeyon Henderson if he's what it takes for this team to finally start using RB as a chaos maker in passing game like other modern offenses do.

[The Great Hambino]

Vontae Mack no matter what

[gunnarthor]

A few rumors for the Vikes I got online, take all with grain of salt. 

- If they take a skill position player, it's most likely to be WR Egbuka 
- LB Campbell is a good fit for the Flores scheme. Could be a Vikings pick.
- Unlikely to draft a corner high, rumors are they are looking at FA and veteran corners to trade for. (Ramsey?)
- Booker went to high school with JJ McCarthy, McCarthy would love to have him. 
- Vikings nightmare scenario is a run on the trenches on both sides of the ball.
- Zabel love is smokescreen.
- Least surprising rumor, Vikings are willing to trade down.

[nicksaviking]

 

1 minute ago, gunnarthor said:

A few rumors for the Vikes I got online, take all with grain of salt. 

- If they take a skill position player, it's most likely to be WR Egbuka 
- LB Campbell is a good fit for the Flores scheme. Could be a Vikings pick.
- Unlikely to draft a corner high, rumors are they are looking at FA and veteran corners to trade for. (Ramsey?)
- Booker went to high school with JJ McCarthy, McCarthy would love to have him. 
- Vikings nightmare scenario is a run on the trenches on both sides of the ball.
- Zabel love is smokescreen.
- Least surprising rumor, Vikings are willing to trade down.

-Egbuka does seem like the best Viking fit. He's a top college WR, but he has ALWAYS been the #2 at OSU. Not being the alpha is already in his wheelhouse.

-Campbell is my guy, I'm glad to hear there's a legit shot!

-Thank god they don't plan on drafting a CB high. They have had no skill at that, meanwhile they've been great at finding talent in free agency. Keep doing that.

-I do like Booker. Surprised that (if?) Zabel is a smokescreen. This OL could use some versatility; do we even know if Darrisaw will be ready to start the season?

-Yeah, as always. I'll wait to judge until we see who's on the board.

[Vanimal46]

9 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

Vontae Mack no matter what

Purple Daily, specifically Phil Mackey inside joke