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Dane Brugler's "The Beast" scouting report is ready for your viewing pleasure if you are a subscriber to the Athletic.
Over 300 pages of mouth watering scouting reports to machinate over your favorite prospects.
I absolutely love the amount of detail you get, but his evaluations tend to come across as a glass half-empty take. Especially on the players
that have been linked to the Vikings. The opposite side of that thought process is that the players available at 23 through the end of the First Round really aren't that great, are significantly overhyped, and have a ton of question marks. I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Of all the prospects that have been linked to the Vikings through the pre-draft process, only 2 have 1st round grades. That is assuming we stay at 23 or trade down. The amount of 1st round/2nd round "tweeners" is lengthy and I listed them in order of Brugler's Top 100. I made assumptions that Nolan Smith, Joey Porter Jr. and Smith-Njigba who have 1st round grades are off the board at 23.
1st) Brian Bresee, Brian Branch
1st/2nd) Addison, Kancey, Banks, Sanders, Hyatt, Flowers, Ojulari, Johnston, Forbes, Ringo, Simpson, Smith, and Downs
2nd) Anudike-Uzomah, White, and Hooker
I know this is only Team Brugler's opinion, but there was a lot of work that went into this Prospects Guide. I am as guilty as anyone of falling in love with a player's YouTube Highlights Video and overrating how good a lot of these guys are and the impact they will have. Anyone can throw names on a Mock Draft board with little to no reasoning behind the selection so that is why this carries more weight for me.
I still think that we are in a really difficult draft position. Unless an unexpected gift falls to us at 23, a trade down makes a lot more sense for us.
If we traded up for Levis which has been the hot rumor the past couple of weeks, Brugler has him as his 14th overall prospect and QB4 on his rankings. Big drop down to Hooker at 49 overall and QB5.
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Quote: @MaroonBells said:
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Agreed. There is very little to No difference in taking several of these players at 23 vs. gaining more picks and taking one of these 1st/2nd round tweeners in a trade down. If we could somehow get a 2nd Round pick from moving down, I'm really starting to warm up to Benton as a way to plug our need at DT. He is more versatile than Smith, and is much bigger than Kancey (who I want nothing to do with), and doesn't take plays off like Dexter does.
Quote: @TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Agreed. There is very little to No difference in taking several of these players at 23 vs. gaining more picks and taking one of these 1st/2nd round tweeners in a trade down. If we could somehow get a 2nd Round pick from moving down, I'm really starting to warm up to Benton as a way to plug our need at DT. He is more versatile than Smith, and is much bigger than Kancey (who I want nothing to do with), and doesn't take plays off like Dexter does.
It's tough to get a 2nd rounder with a trade down. You have to jump all the way to the middle 2nd to get a late 2nd back. And that's probably too far. I could see them trading down a couple times though, for a couple 3rd rounders that they could then turn into a 2nd.
I like both Benton and Smith, but I think the Vikings might be more interested in DLs who can bring more heat in the passing game. Like Bresee and Kancey. Probably have to stay at 23 for them though.
Kancey might seem an ill-fit for a 34, but that's what Aaron Donald is doing right now in LA's 34. And oh my can Kancey rush the passer. I don't want to say he's the next Aaron Donald, but the similarities are just ridiculous.
Quote: @MaroonBells said:
@ TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Agreed. There is very little to No difference in taking several of these players at 23 vs. gaining more picks and taking one of these 1st/2nd round tweeners in a trade down. If we could somehow get a 2nd Round pick from moving down, I'm really starting to warm up to Benton as a way to plug our need at DT. He is more versatile than Smith, and is much bigger than Kancey (who I want nothing to do with), and doesn't take plays off like Dexter does.
It's tough to get a 2nd rounder with a trade down. You have to jump all the way to the middle 2nd to get a late 2nd back. And that's probably too far. I could see them trading down a couple times though, for a couple 3rd rounders that they could then turn into a 2nd.
I like both Benton and Smith, but I think the Vikings might be more interested in DLs who can bring more heat in the passing game. Like Bresee and Kancey. Probably have to stay at 23 for them though.
Kancey might seem an ill-fit for a 34, but that's what Aaron Donald is doing right now in LA's 34. And oh my can Kancey rush the passer. I don't want to say he's the next Aaron Donald, but the similarities are just ridiculous.
This is why I don't want the Vikings to take him.
WEAKNESSES: Short, stubby build and lacks desired height/weight/length … will be the first defensive tackle with a sub-74-inch wingspan to be drafted over the last
10 years … his arms were the second-shortest of all defensive tackles at the combine over the last 10 years … extremely quick in space, but can be slowed by contact
or bullied off his rush path … faulty anchor and can be moved from his spot in the run game … struggles to stay square and often overmatched by double teams or
near the goal line … his hands are quick, but his swipes last power … aggressive nature leads to breakdown issues, especially in the pocket (his missed tackle rate
increased each of the last three seasons) … missed final two games of his junior season because of a left shoulder injury (November 2022).
I think he is a better fit in a 4-3 where you can move him around the line to exploit matchups in his favor. I would much rather take Bresee if we are staying at or near 23.
Quote: @MaroonBells said:
@ TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Agreed. There is very little to No difference in taking several of these players at 23 vs. gaining more picks and taking one of these 1st/2nd round tweeners in a trade down. If we could somehow get a 2nd Round pick from moving down, I'm really starting to warm up to Benton as a way to plug our need at DT. He is more versatile than Smith, and is much bigger than Kancey (who I want nothing to do with), and doesn't take plays off like Dexter does.
It's tough to get a 2nd rounder with a trade down. You have to jump all the way to the middle 2nd to get a late 2nd back. And that's probably too far. I could see them trading down a couple times though, for a couple 3rd rounders that they could then turn into a 2nd.
I like both Benton and Smith, but I think the Vikings might be more interested in DLs who can bring more heat in the passing game. Like Bresee and Kancey. Probably have to stay at 23 for them though.
Kancey might seem an ill-fit for a 34, but that's what Aaron Donald is doing right now in LA's 34. And oh my can Kancey rush the passer. I don't want to say he's the next Aaron Donald, but the similarities are just ridiculous.
I agree with the sentiment. We see no value in that 23rd pick in the 1st, so who do does? It's a no man's land, and the 2nd rd. is where it's at in terms of value. I think once you get past 12-15 in the 1st rd. I'm kinda done and ready to move to rd. 2. I just see no dancing partners for us in moving back, and we're going to be standing there with holding our ball sacks. Unless we can make some good trades for Cook, Z or Hunter, this draft looks like a really ho-hum affair. Prepared to be underwhelmed.
Quote: @TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
@ TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Agreed. There is very little to No difference in taking several of these players at 23 vs. gaining more picks and taking one of these 1st/2nd round tweeners in a trade down. If we could somehow get a 2nd Round pick from moving down, I'm really starting to warm up to Benton as a way to plug our need at DT. He is more versatile than Smith, and is much bigger than Kancey (who I want nothing to do with), and doesn't take plays off like Dexter does.
It's tough to get a 2nd rounder with a trade down. You have to jump all the way to the middle 2nd to get a late 2nd back. And that's probably too far. I could see them trading down a couple times though, for a couple 3rd rounders that they could then turn into a 2nd.
I like both Benton and Smith, but I think the Vikings might be more interested in DLs who can bring more heat in the passing game. Like Bresee and Kancey. Probably have to stay at 23 for them though.
Kancey might seem an ill-fit for a 34, but that's what Aaron Donald is doing right now in LA's 34. And oh my can Kancey rush the passer. I don't want to say he's the next Aaron Donald, but the similarities are just ridiculous.
This is why I don't want the Vikings to take him.
WEAKNESSES: Short, stubby build and lacks desired height/weight/length … will be the first defensive tackle with a sub-74-inch wingspan to be drafted over the last
10 years … his arms were the second-shortest of all defensive tackles at the combine over the last 10 years … extremely quick in space, but can be slowed by contact
or bullied off his rush path … faulty anchor and can be moved from his spot in the run game … struggles to stay square and often overmatched by double teams or
near the goal line … his hands are quick, but his swipes last power … aggressive nature leads to breakdown issues, especially in the pocket (his missed tackle rate
increased each of the last three seasons) … missed final two games of his junior season because of a left shoulder injury (November 2022).
I'm sure I don't need to tell you who this was written about...
"Short, scrappy, instinctive, highly productive defensive lineman who does not look the part...Marginal height and frame is nearly maxed out....Hands are more active than strong -- could play with more pop and power...Overpowered in the run game and ground up by double teams [loved this one since there was plenty of tape of him not only beating doubles but triples]...Gets snared and controlled by bigger, longer blockers...Not a two-gap player...Has some tweener traits -- lacks ideal length and bend to play outside...Draft projection: Rounds 4-5. "
Quote: @MaroonBells said:
@ TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
@ TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Agreed. There is very little to No difference in taking several of these players at 23 vs. gaining more picks and taking one of these 1st/2nd round tweeners in a trade down. If we could somehow get a 2nd Round pick from moving down, I'm really starting to warm up to Benton as a way to plug our need at DT. He is more versatile than Smith, and is much bigger than Kancey (who I want nothing to do with), and doesn't take plays off like Dexter does.
It's tough to get a 2nd rounder with a trade down. You have to jump all the way to the middle 2nd to get a late 2nd back. And that's probably too far. I could see them trading down a couple times though, for a couple 3rd rounders that they could then turn into a 2nd.
I like both Benton and Smith, but I think the Vikings might be more interested in DLs who can bring more heat in the passing game. Like Bresee and Kancey. Probably have to stay at 23 for them though.
Kancey might seem an ill-fit for a 34, but that's what Aaron Donald is doing right now in LA's 34. And oh my can Kancey rush the passer. I don't want to say he's the next Aaron Donald, but the similarities are just ridiculous.
This is why I don't want the Vikings to take him.
WEAKNESSES: Short, stubby build and lacks desired height/weight/length … will be the first defensive tackle with a sub-74-inch wingspan to be drafted over the last
10 years … his arms were the second-shortest of all defensive tackles at the combine over the last 10 years … extremely quick in space, but can be slowed by contact
or bullied off his rush path … faulty anchor and can be moved from his spot in the run game … struggles to stay square and often overmatched by double teams or
near the goal line … his hands are quick, but his swipes last power … aggressive nature leads to breakdown issues, especially in the pocket (his missed tackle rate
increased each of the last three seasons) … missed final two games of his junior season because of a left shoulder injury (November 2022).
I'm sure I don't need to tell you who this was written about...
"Short, scrappy, instinctive, highly productive defensive lineman who does not look the part...Marginal height and frame is nearly maxed out....Hands are more active than strong -- could play with more pop and power...Overpowered in the run game and ground up by double teams [loved this one since there was plenty of tape of him not only beating doubles but triples! ]...Gets snared and controlled by bigger, longer blockers...Not a two-gap player...Has some tweener traits -- lacks ideal length and bend to play outside...Draft projection: Rounds 4-5. "
Donald definitely proved the critics wrong. So did John Randle but the amount of times a 280 lb DT doesn't get routinely washed out, especially in the Running Game, is pretty rare. As Scouts say, "Big People eat up Little People". For me, I'm not willing to bet on him as another rare exception to the rule and take that chance. I think he will have to play a lot of situational Edge to stay on the field which may be a good thing if he can develop those pass rushing skills from the Outside, especially if Smith get's moved.
Quote: @mgobluevikes said:
@ MaroonBells said:
@ TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Agreed. There is very little to No difference in taking several of these players at 23 vs. gaining more picks and taking one of these 1st/2nd round tweeners in a trade down. If we could somehow get a 2nd Round pick from moving down, I'm really starting to warm up to Benton as a way to plug our need at DT. He is more versatile than Smith, and is much bigger than Kancey (who I want nothing to do with), and doesn't take plays off like Dexter does.
It's tough to get a 2nd rounder with a trade down. You have to jump all the way to the middle 2nd to get a late 2nd back. And that's probably too far. I could see them trading down a couple times though, for a couple 3rd rounders that they could then turn into a 2nd.
I like both Benton and Smith, but I think the Vikings might be more interested in DLs who can bring more heat in the passing game. Like Bresee and Kancey. Probably have to stay at 23 for them though.
Kancey might seem an ill-fit for a 34, but that's what Aaron Donald is doing right now in LA's 34. And oh my can Kancey rush the passer. I don't want to say he's the next Aaron Donald, but the similarities are just ridiculous.
I agree with the sentiment. We see no value in that 23rd pick in the 1st, so who do does? It's a no man's land, and the 2nd rd. is where it's at in terms of value. I think once you get past 12-15 in the 1st rd. I'm kinda done and ready to move to rd. 2. I just see no dancing partners for us in moving back, and we're going to be standing there with holding our ball sacks. Unless we can make some good trades for Cook, Z or Hunter, this draft looks like a really ho-hum affair. Prepared to be underwhelmed.
Maybe we should be looking to trade up to get an impact player, and not necessarily a QB, versus attempting to trade down from 23.
Quote: @TBro said:
@ mgobluevikes said:
@ MaroonBells said:
@ TBro said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Hoping we trade down...at least a couple times. We need a 5T, an ILB, a WR and a CB. Players I like at those positions are Bresee, Kancey, Jack Campbell, Flowers and Banks. And a handful that scare me to death: Hyatt, White, Branch and Forbes.
Agreed. There is very little to No difference in taking several of these players at 23 vs. gaining more picks and taking one of these 1st/2nd round tweeners in a trade down. If we could somehow get a 2nd Round pick from moving down, I'm really starting to warm up to Benton as a way to plug our need at DT. He is more versatile than Smith, and is much bigger than Kancey (who I want nothing to do with), and doesn't take plays off like Dexter does.
It's tough to get a 2nd rounder with a trade down. You have to jump all the way to the middle 2nd to get a late 2nd back. And that's probably too far. I could see them trading down a couple times though, for a couple 3rd rounders that they could then turn into a 2nd.
I like both Benton and Smith, but I think the Vikings might be more interested in DLs who can bring more heat in the passing game. Like Bresee and Kancey. Probably have to stay at 23 for them though.
Kancey might seem an ill-fit for a 34, but that's what Aaron Donald is doing right now in LA's 34. And oh my can Kancey rush the passer. I don't want to say he's the next Aaron Donald, but the similarities are just ridiculous.
I agree with the sentiment. We see no value in that 23rd pick in the 1st, so who do does? It's a no man's land, and the 2nd rd. is where it's at in terms of value. I think once you get past 12-15 in the 1st rd. I'm kinda done and ready to move to rd. 2. I just see no dancing partners for us in moving back, and we're going to be standing there with holding our ball sacks. Unless we can make some good trades for Cook, Z or Hunter, this draft looks like a really ho-hum affair. Prepared to be underwhelmed.
Maybe we should be looking to trade up to get an impact player, and not necessarily a QB, versus attempting to trade down from 23.
I think the only way that's even a conversation is if Jalen Carter drops out of the top 10. Outside of a QB, I don't see any position player being worth what it would cost us to move up for.
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