WOW, 70 catches and 10 td's from this rook!

[Guest]

His production was alright I guess. But did you see his draft day suit? What a diva. 

[Guest]

Just read this
Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.com

Story by Will Ragatz  • 21h

The Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.

But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.

The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward. 

That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.

What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.

If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.

[Guest]

@purplefaithful said:

@MaroonBells said:
Addison blew the doors off all expectations. Didn't we have a prediction thread about him? I think I said something like 40 for 500 and 4 TDs. 

You keep Addison and Jefferson together a few years and watch the records fall. Assuming we have someone to throw them the ball of course. 

Yes, the ceiling is high, really high with the right triggerman.

JJ and Addison could be like Holt and Bruce.  

Hopefully with out the hammy issues.

[Guest]

@minny65 said:

Just read this
Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.com

Story by Will Ragatz  • 21h

The Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.

But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.

The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward. 

That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.

What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.

If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.

I think that's fair. I still contend the front office shouldn't receive credit FOR NOT drafting Pace. Sometimes you get lucky, and a good bit of luck played into that. Sad though when we get excited about a "C" draft class just because it wasn't an "F" or "D" like the year prior. This is year 3 and draft 3 for the Golden Child. We need more production from draft picks 

[Guest]

@minny65 said:

Just read this
Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.com

Story by Will Ragatz  • 21h

The Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.

But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.

The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward. 

That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.

What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.

If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.

The biggest factor in the "C" grade is the missing 2nd round pick from the TJH trade & clearly his production wasn't factored into the grading.

[Guest]

@supafreak84 said:

@minny65 said:

Just read this
Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.com

Story by Will Ragatz  • 21h

The Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.

But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.

The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward. 

That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.

What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.

If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.

I think that's fair. I still contend the front office shouldn't receive credit FOR NOT drafting Pace. Sometimes you get lucky, and a good bit of luck played into that. Sad though when we get excited about a "C" draft class just because it wasn't an "F" or "D" like the year prior. This is year 3 and draft 3 for the Golden Child. We need more production from draft picks 

Disagree about Pace. What if they met with Pace at the Combine? What if they kept in contact with him prior to his pro day? What if they met with him after his pro day & outlined how they would use him in the defense? What if they had every intention on drafting him on Day 3 but as the draft played out they were lucky enough in to sign him as an UDFA?
The fact is that none of us know how much homework if any, the team did on Pace.

[Guest]

How can you not give credit for aquiring a major contributor w/o “wasting” what was most likely a late draft pick?

[Guest]

@Knucklehead said:

@supafreak84 said:

@minny65 said:

Just read this
Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.com

Story by Will Ragatz  • 21h

The Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.

But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.

The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward. 

That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.

What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.

If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.

I think that's fair. I still contend the front office shouldn't receive credit FOR NOT drafting Pace. Sometimes you get lucky, and a good bit of luck played into that. Sad though when we get excited about a "C" draft class just because it wasn't an "F" or "D" like the year prior. This is year 3 and draft 3 for the Golden Child. We need more production from draft picks 

Disagree about Pace. What if they met with Pace at the Combine? What if they kept in contact with him prior to his pro day? What if they met with him after his pro day & outlined how they would use him in the defense? What if they had every intention on drafting him on Day 3 but as the draft played out they were lucky enough in to sign him as an UDFA?
The fact is that none of us know how much homework if any, the team did on Pace.

I'm sure a lot of team's kept tabs on him, but if our scouts and front office thought he was going to be a great player we would have used a draft pick on him. The fact that we didn't, just reinforces my thought that is was luck that he panned out because probably 95% don't amount to anything. Undrafted free agents base who they choose to sign with on two things, money and opportunity. The Vikings had opportunity after Kendricks left and the Vikings paid him more than other teams would. I'll give them credit for that but patting Kwesi and the scouting department on the back over a job well done on Pace is a huge stretch IMO. 

[Guest]

@Kentis said:
How can you not give credit for aquiring a major contributor w/o “wasting” what was most likely a late draft pick?

Its just silly how those with a narrative pick and choose how a HC or GM is 'successful'. Judge by the losses, judge by the worst picks and ignore the rest.

Going to be a fun offseason on this board. I think its time for my annual vacation.

[Guest]

@Kentis said:
How can you not give credit for aquiring a major contributor w/o “wasting” what was most likely a late draft pick?

Right? Pace was a college free agent the Vikings identified, pursued and offered. In that way, he's no different than Davenport or Lowry. We sure as hell don't excuse the GM for those decisions. Why would we not give him credit for Pace? Or Risner? Or Murphy? 

The narrative building, at the cost of truth and common sense, is baffling.