I want OG Tyler Booker with the #24 pick

[JustInTime]

   

[MaroonBells]

I don't hate it. (And by the way, as a designer, that's my favorite feedback. "Well, I don't hate it." Thanks man). 

There was a school of thought a few years back that says it's better to fortify strength in the draft than patch weakness. Instead of filling needs, make what you do well a dominating force. Adding a guard could do that for us. Just not sure Booker is the best fit.

[MAD GAINZ]

I appreciate the sentiment, Sticky. However, this FA class has really opened the door for us to go any direction at 24.

I'd rather find a OG on Day 2 or early Day 3. With Brandel and Fries as starters, I think we can wait on the position.

I'm firmly in the trade down option to get more picks. If we can end up with a couple picks on Day 2, I'd like to grab a good RB from a deep class and also look at DT or CB. OGs can come from anywhere in the draft. I'd prefer not to use our first round pick on one. There are a lot of versatile OL guys that can be had in the middle of this draft with potential starter upside

[Canthony]

Taking a G that really doesn't fit a zone scheme that needs work with run blocking that high is a no for me. He is a standout pass blocker. No doubt. If you want someone in this draft, you go with Charles Grant or Jalen Rivers. Both can play all positions and play LG from day one. Both I believe would be great LGs in the league for years. I think you pass on a G high in this draft. Get a Connor Colby or Kandra later as well.

[StickierBuns]

I appreciate the sentiment, Sticky.  However, this FA class has really opened the door for us to go any direction at 24.

I'd rather find a OG on Day 2 or early Day 3.  With Brandel and Fries as starters, I think we can wait on the position.

I'm firmly in the trade down option to get more picks.  If we can end up with a couple picks on Day 2, I'd like to grab a good RB from a deep class and also look at DT or CB.  OGs can come from anywhere in the draft.  I'd prefer not to use our first round pick on one.  There are a lot of versatile OL guys that can be had in the middle of this draft with potential starter upside

All good stuff, same with Justin, Bull, PF, Knuckle, Canthony and MB. I like the dialogue. Trade down is my Plan B, I like that option. No doubt we could go in almost any direction at #24, which is awesome. 

But when you have an O-line that kills wills, with the mind of KOC and the skill people and a rookie QB, you do the more of a good thing in the trenches. It can't ever be enough as it translates to the team's overall desire to be Super Bowl level. We won't beat Detroit or Philly without trading blows. Real blows where it matters. Give me 4 first round picks on the O-line and I'll give you a Superbowl team.

[AGRforever]

Interesting.

With Kelly and Fries coming in we might move more towards a duo scheme. Booker I think would fit well in that scheme. I like the idea of bully ball. Put together a line that snatches souls and closes out games grinding the clock.

You're assuming KOC would trust handing the rock off to close out games.  It seems his pass happy self always calls a pass play when it really matters.

Now from a results standpoint.  It has worked, so give him credit.

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All good stuff, same with Justin, Bull, PF, Knuckle, Canthony and MB. I like the dialogue. Trade down is my Plan B, I like that option. No doubt we could go in almost any direction at #24, which is awesome. 

But when you have an O-line that kills wills, with the mind of KOC and the skill people and a rookie QB, you do the more of a good thing in the trenches. It can't ever be enough as it translates to the team's overall desire to be Super Bowl level. We won't beat Detroit or Philly without trading blows. Real blows where it matters. Give me 4 first round picks on the O-line and I'll give you a Superbowl team.

Blake Brandel can play guard and tackle.  He's a great piece.  If someone starts at the LG position Brandel can be your utility guy.

[StickierBuns]

You're assuming KOC would trust handing the rock off to close out games.  It seems his pass happy self always calls a pass play when it really matters.

Now from a results standpoint.  It has worked, so give him credit.

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Blake Brandel can play guard and tackle.  He's a great piece.  If someone starts at the LG position Brandel can be your utility guy.

Rouse could be the backup swing tackle, in place of Quessenberry and Brandel backup OG. I think that's where they'd go.

[JustInTime]

You're assuming KOC would trust handing the rock off to close out games.  It seems his pass happy self always calls a pass play when it really matters.

Now from a results standpoint.  It has worked, so give him credit.

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Blake Brandel can play guard and tackle.  He's a great piece.  If someone starts at the LG position Brandel can be your utility guy.

That’s a fair point. My belief is he wants to be able to control the LOS better, hence the commitment to the iOL. We’re not going to suddenly become a Ground Chuck offense but I do believe we want to run more with a first year QB.

[FLVike]

Harmon from Oregon wouldn't bother me at all.

[JustInTime]

In the last two seasons under Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have rushed out of a zone scheme 63% of the plays. As the lead backs, former Viking Dalvin Cook was at 68% zone, and Mattison at 65% zone.

2022: 67% Zone, 33% Gap;

2023: 59% Zone, 41% Gap.

This is a little dated but the trend seems to be more to Gap than zone. Our new OL asst coach primarily ran gap with the Jets. I believe the idea that we are a zone team is going by the wayside as we morph into more gap, man, and duo.

So, about Booker not being a fit because of our scheme doesn’t appear to hold up. Then consider his off the charts pass blocking ability, this pick starts to make a lot of sense.