Vikings want to keep 23?

[MaroonBells]

If the Vikings hit on a QB via trade? Nobody would give a hoot about trading 3 #1's. If they don't? Everyone will give a hoot lol!

That's exactly it. KOC knows what he's looking for to run his offense. Identify that guy and then go get that guy. Don't settle for a guy you "kinda" like. If they're wrong, so be it. But have the courage of your convictions.

[NFL Draft Guru]

I wonder if the Vikings might also be considering trading a player instead of pick 23. Vikings just brought in JC Latham for a visit. Latham is a 1st round RT prospect, which you would think we don't need. Might the Vikings consider trading Brian O'Neill? Latham might also project to guard. Dude's massive at 6-6, 342, but unlike most big guys he has a reputation for zone blocking well.

I really don't think O'Neill would move the needle for many of the teams in the top 3-4 (just based on where they are). I would look at the Latham visit as a deep dive into JJM. They were co-captains I believe at IMG and have a very strong relationship.

[StickierBuns]

I really don't think O'Neill would move the needle for many of the teams in the top 3-4 (just based on where they are). I would look at the Latham visit as a deep dive into JJM. They were co-captains I believe at IMG and have a very strong relationship.

This is a point I made about JJM awhile ago: he's well liked by a lot of other college players, not just his own teammates. He's going to make a great leader and captain on whatever team drafts him.

[purplefaithful]

I am very torn on JJM...

I am very convinced he wont drop to 11. My gut says he goes to The Giants in a move up to Az or LA.

I wish I had a better sense of where his floor/ceiling are vs Penix/Nix, who would come at a lesser cost.

[NFL Draft Guru]

I am very torn on JJM...

I am very convinced he wont drop to 11. My gut says he goes to The Giants in a move up to Az or LA.

I wish I had a better sense of where his floor/ceiling are vs Penix/Nix, who would come at a lesser cost.

Just my take, but the ceiling is pretty high. Whether he hits it or not, he definitely has some Joe Burrow esq traits to his game. More reasonable you're probably looking at an Alex Smith type player. That still is a very solid outcome on a rookie deal. So somewhere in the top 8-12 QB in the league seems reasonable. 

Williams, Maye, Daniels all have top 5 QB upside which is why the conversation is a little different. You should always draft QBs on ceiling which is why the traits matter more than anything else. 

I have both Penix/Nix as lower level starters if not backups. Still value in those players but wouldn't touch either in the top 15 or 20 picks. Might sound crazy but given the cost I would almost prefer taking a shot on Rattler in the 2nd/3rd. At least I can back myself into the argument that his ceiling is higher than Darnold. Can't really get there is Nix. Penix, maybe.

[purplefaithful]

This is a point I made about JJM awhile ago: he's well liked by a lot of other college players, not just his own teammates. He's going to make a great leader and captain on whatever team drafts him.

Just my take, but the ceiling is pretty high. Whether he hits it or not, he definitely has some Joe Burrow esq traits to his game. More reasonable you're probably looking at an Alex Smith type player. That still is a very solid outcome on a rookie deal. So somewhere in the top 8-12 QB in the league seems reasonable. 

Williams, Maye, Daniels all have top 5 QB upside which is why the conversation is a little different. You should always draft QBs on ceiling which is why the traits matter more than anything else. 

I have both Penix/Nix as lower level starters if not backups. Still value in those players but wouldn't touch either in the top 15 or 20 picks. Might sound crazy but given the cost I would almost prefer taking a shot on Rattler in the 2nd/3rd. At least I can back myself into the argument that his ceiling is higher than Darnold. Can't really get there is Nix. Penix, maybe.

Those are some pretty clear tiers 

I dont want Alex Smith, I want a top 5 qb upside. 

I think we have the nurture @ Eagan to get there with the right QB to start with.

[NFL Draft Guru]

Those are some pretty clear tiers 

I dont want Alex Smith, I want a top 5 qb upside. 

I think we have the nurture @ Eagan to get there with the right QB to start with.

In all of that is why its probably so tough to know how this is going to shake out. You need to have a mutual trade partner in the top-3, which may or may not happen. Then you really need to debate how much you really love JJM. If they have a healthy enough opinion that he is a top 10 QB, they'll move up into 4/5 regardless the cost. If they think he is a high-level NFL starter but may need a decent supporting cast (E.G Alex Smith) I tend to think they may sweat it out and see if the Giants take him or not. They'll eventually need to move up for him but getting to 7/8 would not be prohibitive.

[purplefaithful]

In all of that is why its probably so tough to know how this is going to shake out. You need to have a mutual trade partner in the top-3, which may or may not happen. Then you really need to debate how much you really love JJM. If they have a healthy enough opinion that he is a top 10 QB, they'll move up into 4/5 regardless the cost. If they think he is a high-level NFL starter but may need a decent supporting cast (E.G Alex Smith) I tend to think they may sweat it out and see if the Giants take him or not. They'll eventually need to move up for him but getting to 7/8 would not be prohibitive.

Agreed, he wont drop to 11.

We've all been talking about Denver, LA and Giants as move-up candidates. I think Seattle is another one.

Assuming they did have a top 3 dance partner, would you prefer it be for Maye or Daniels?
What would you be willing to part with in draft capital for Patriots spot?
What would you be willing to part with in draft capital for JJ @ 4 or 5?
Will u be providing a V 2.0 mock before next week?

[PurplePastor]

In all of that is why its probably so tough to know how this is going to shake out. You need to have a mutual trade partner in the top-3, which may or may not happen. Then you really need to debate how much you really love JJM. If they have a healthy enough opinion that he is a top 10 QB, they'll move up into 4/5 regardless the cost. If they think he is a high-level NFL starter but may need a decent supporting cast (E.G Alex Smith) I tend to think they may sweat it out and see if the Giants take him or not. They'll eventually need to move up for him but getting to 7/8 would not be prohibitive.

Guru, your take is one of the most informative I have seen in regard to our first round draft. Thanks much! What is your hope or preference as far as the first round? I'm guessing Maye if they can trade up with NE for the 3rd pick or some smaller trade up for JJM? I guess I'm asking if you see Maye as worth 3 firsts plus (if NE would do it) vs JJM at 7/8 or even 5?

[NFL Draft Guru]

Guru, your take is one of the most informative I have seen in regard to our first round draft. Thanks much! What is your hope or preference as far as the first round? I'm guessing Maye if they can trade up with NE for the 3rd pick or some smaller trade up for JJM? I guess I'm asking if you see Maye as worth 3 firsts plus (if NE would do it) vs JJM at 7/8 or even 5?

I have a really high opinion of Drake Maye so hope they have an opportunity to get up into the top 3 for him, or something crazy happens. I'm also onboard with McCarthy but would only give up 2 total 1st round picks to get up for him. So either 11 & 23 or 11 & a 2025 1st.

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Agreed, he wont drop to 11.

We've all been talking about Denver, LA and Giants as move-up candidates. I think Seattle is another one.

Assuming they did have a top 3 dance partner, would you prefer it be for Maye or Daniels?
What would you be willing to part with in draft capital for Patriots spot?
What would you be willing to part with in draft capital for JJ @ 4 or 5?
Will u be providing a V 2.0 mock before next week?

I would give up a lot to get up into the top 3. Probably more than the Trey Lance deal. Depending on how you discount picks I'd do 11,23, 2025 1st and a 2026 2nd. Its a lot, but you just don't get cute at QB if you love a prospect. At least if you're denied moving up you have all the proof in the world you got the evaluation correct and did all you could. 

For JJ I wouldn't give up more than 11 & 23. Would swap out one of those picks for a 2025 1st if it were a real difference maker.

Mock V2 will be coming either later this week or early next week!