Random Draft Thoughts

[Canthony]

Latest Kiper/Miller/Reid/Yates Rds 1-3 mock. I would be shocked on anything but IDL if they stay at 49

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18. Minnesota Vikings
Miller's pick: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
This might be the second-most-predicted pick in mock drafts behind Mendoza to the Raiders. Thieneman can be a smooth-moving replacement for longtime Vikings safety Harrison Smith.

49. Minnesota Vikings
Kiper's pick: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Aaron Jones Sr. is 31 years old, and Jordan Mason hasn't made the jump to clear RB1. Neither is signed beyond 2026. And Price is a powerful runner with enough speed to cut and go.

82. Minnesota Vikings
Miller's pick: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
Ryan Kelly's retirement this offseason leaves an opening at center. Lew is coming off an ACL injury but has high-end starter traits.

97. Minnesota Vikings*
Kiper's pick: De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
The Jalen Nailor role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is open for applicants in the Minnesota offense, and Stribling is fresh off his second straight 800-plus-yard season.

I would absolutely love this draft with one exception.. I would take Hurst at 97

[supafreak84]

If they draft a stud WR I certainly won't complain but there's still some warm bodies the Vikes can bring in cheap to fill the WR3 spot between now and Week 1 if need be. DeAndre Hopkins, Josh Reynolds, Keenan Allen, etc.

Definitely not as exciting as a rookie stud but I just don't see how WR3 contributes in an offense that threw for 3,000 yds last year. PEAK Kyler never crossed 4,000. Maybe this year he does but even still...

If the team hadn't foolishly (IMO) kept TJH around and I thought we were going to tweak the offense away from TE sets, then I'd be more on board with WR over DEF.

Those bodies are just barely warm at this point. I just keep going back to the year end press conference and that its a well known fact that OConnell wants to run multi receiver sets a majority of the time and there is zero chance he gets caught with his pants down at receiver in a "must win" year for him. If they aren't confident in Felton being a reliable contributer (which is very possible) or someone that can start (in case of injury) it leaves us with Jefferson, Addison, and a cast of UFL retreads as far as the eye can see. If OConnell is calling the shots, it would have to be a special, special defensive player on the board for him to pass over the likes of those receiver prospects I mentioned.

[purplefaithful]

I think KOC is jonesing for one of those C's tbh...

Poor drafting has resulted in lots of needs on this team, last years FA duds just added to the problem.

It shouldn't be hard to find a home for these rooks, wherever they play.

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Blake Brandel is a center, but maybe not the center

The departure of Garrett Bradbury after the 2024 season and the retirement of Ryan Kelly last month will leave the Vikings with a new starting center for the third consecutive season.

Based on conversations in Phoenix, the best way to describe the position is that it's in flux. O'Connell has made one important decision by declaring Brandel -- who has played all five offensive line positions -- a center for the purposes of this offseason and likely for the 2026 season, as well.

It seems premature to call him the likely starter, however. O'Connell talked extensively about Brandel when asked generally about the position, saying he has "some pretty unique athleticism in his lower half that really bodes well for him to be able to get to the second level on different angles and get to different defenders." But the coach also noted the presence of 2024 seventh-round pick Michael Jurgens and, notably, said he "wouldn't hesitate" to add another center via late-spring/early summer free agency or in the draft if the opportunity presents itself.

At 6-foot-6, Brandel doesn't have the typical build as a center. Last season, a center 6-6 or taller started roughly 25% of NFL games.

Brandel has spent most of his six-year career as a backup tackle and guard, with one season as a full-time starter in 2024. He played center last season only because Kelly and Jurgens were injured. Players with similar profiles don't often emerge as long-term starters at this point in their careers, especially at a new position. The Vikings consider Brandel an option but not necessarily an ideal one.

ESPN