Who's Your Stick and Pick Player?

[MaroonBells]

I think outside of the obvious Jeanty and Graham, the only players I stick and pick are...

1. Shemar Stewart, DE - He's listed at edge so not a lot of Viking fans are talking about him, but he was 6-5, 281 at the Senior Bowl. Another 9 lbs and he's a 3-4 DE prototype. And I don't think 9 lbs is going to slow him down one bit. Now imagine a pass rushing line of Greenard, Hargrave, Allen, Stewart, Gink and Turner. Or just the best 4 of those 6. That's just unfair. 

2. Malaki Starks, S -  Love Starks, but I think you'd want to get him a little later. Problem is, I looked at all 8 teams who pick after us in the 1st round and all but one have S among their needs. If he makes it to 24, he's not going to be on the board long.

I’m not putting Will Johnson on this list because of his ridiculous injury history (he’s actually hurt AGAIN), and the fact that the Vikings probably aren't done yet at CB. All other players at DT, RB, CB and OL I think have very similarly graded players 10 to 15 picks later. As much as I love Henderson, the Vikings NEED picks, and the depth at running back in this class is just absurd.

[JustInTime]

1A-Derrick Harmon-Best balance of need and talent. He’s nearly bulletproof as a prospect other than playing at 340 at Michigan State. Improved every year. I can play him on the nose, shade, 3T, 4i, or 5T. If this D gets an average push up the middle look out.

1B-Grey Zabel-Starting LG future C, potential swing T, he’ll even sell popcorn and programs. Balled out Senior Bowl week. It’s our year to tape into the small school OL men who excels at the next level.

Honorable Mention- Treyvon Henderson. Any other year this is a no brainer. Pendulum is swinging back in the NFL to an emphasis on running. Last year four teams had 500+ carries. Year before there were zero. Temu Jaymar Gibb. Chunks and cheap TDs galore.

Nick Emmanwori-Hitman is done after this year. Thanos takes over for Mettelus in 26, is in the rotation this year, ST impact guy, and provides actual speed into the back 4 which is lacking (other than Rodgers). Highest ceiling lowest floor. Big nickel, spy, 3rd down LB.

[purplefaithful]

NOLEN

[supafreak84]

1. Treyveon Henderson- a difference maker on offense in every way possible. Lightning in his cleats. IMO he is arguably the best skill position player in this draft. The best way to help our our young QB is to give him weapons and difference makers and Henderson is special.

2. Derrick Harmon- Talked about a lot and just a stud and brute along the densive line.

3. Tyler Booker or Donovan Jackson- I might give a slight nod to Booker, but either of these guys is a substantial upgrade that could really push this offensive line into elite status. Again, help for the young quarterback and giving him every chance to succeed should be a priority.

[MaroonBells]

1A-Derrick Harmon-Best balance of need and talent. He’s nearly bulletproof as a prospect other than playing at 340 at Michigan State. Improved every year. I can play him on the nose, shade, 3T, 4i, or 5T. If this D gets an average push up the middle look out.

1B-Grey Zabel-Starting LG future C, potential swing T, he’ll even sell popcorn and programs. Balled out Senior Bowl week. It’s our year to tape into the small school OL men who excels at the next level.

Honorable Mention- Treyvon Henderson. Any other year this is a no brainer. Pendulum is swinging back in the NFL to an emphasis on running. Last year four teams had 500+ carries. Year before there were zero. Temu Jaymar Gibb. Chunks and cheap TDs galore.

Nick Emmanwori-Hitman is done after this year. Thanos takes over for Mettelus in 26, is in the rotation this year, ST impact guy, and provides actual speed into the back 4 which is lacking (other than Rodgers). Highest ceiling lowest floor. Big nickel, spy, 3rd down LB.

Only reason I don't say Harmon is because the 2nd round is loaded with DTs. Zabel I like but I like Donovan Jackson just as much and he might be available 10 picks later, and I think our 1st priority will be to trade down. It will take a sexy mother****er to stick and pick. Assuming we even get offers.

[purplefaithful]

Only reason I don't say Harmon is because the 2nd round is loaded with DTs. Zabel I like but I like Donovan Jackson just as much and he might be available 10 picks later, and I think our 1st priority will be to trade down. It will take a sexy mother****er to stick and pick. Assuming we even get offers.

So much speculation that trade-downs will be difficult this draft...I'm not 100% bought into that. 

You said Stick/Pick, I think 0 chance Nolan is there but I'd love that hillbilly strong DT and would run to the podium with the card. 

Broken record time for me -- I would not be happy passing on Henderson. I would be fine trading down a few slots and still land him - thats my win/win.

It's not apparent (to me) that later backs would be able to match TH's projected impact in our offense.

[supafreak84]

It's not apparent (to me) that later backs would be able to match TH's projected impact in our offense.

100%. Draft this man..

https://youtu.be/POpRSIInnls?si=OHnFYK90k3spAJ5S

[MaroonBells]

So much speculation that trade-downs will be difficult this draft...I'm not 100% bought into that. 

You said Stick/Pick, I think 0 chance Nolan is there but I'd love that hillbilly strong DT and would run to the podium with the card. 

Broken record time for me -- I would not be happy passing on Henderson. I would be fine trading down a few slots and still land him - thats my win/win.

It's not apparent (to me) that later backs would be able to match TH's projected impact in our offense.

Not to shit all over your guy, PF, but I always approach it knowing that half the guys we're talking about will be busts. It's just the crapshoot nature of the NFL draft. So if there's a guy with any bust factor at all, I would want to avoid, especially if there are similarly graded players without those concerns still on the board.

For all I know, Nolen will be an All Pro as a rookie. But there ARE some concerns. Lack of consistency, whispers about maturity, 7 different schools in 6 years going back to high school, reports of walking off the practice field. All of this may be true, part of it, or none of it. But I don't like taking chances and we can't afford to miss with our 1st pick if we don't trade down and pick up more.

[JustInTime]

Only reason I don't say Harmon is because the 2nd round is loaded with DTs. Zabel I like but I like Donovan Jackson just as much and he might be available 10 picks later, and I think our 1st priority will be to trade down. It will take a sexy mother****er to stick and pick. Assuming we even get offers.

There’s definitely additional prospects but I’m not seeing any that graded this well:
   

[purplefaithful]

Not to shit all over your guy, PF, but I always approach it knowing that half the guys we're talking about will be busts. It's just the crapshoot nature of the NFL draft. So if there's a guy with any bust factor at all, I would want to avoid, especially if there are similarly graded players without those concerns still on the board.

For all I know, Nolen will be an All Pro as a rookie. But there ARE some concerns. Lack of consistency, whispers about maturity, 7 different schools in 6 years going back to high school, reports of walking off the practice field. All of this may be true, part of it, or none of it. But I don't like taking chances and we can't afford to miss with our 1st pick if we don't trade down and pick up more.

Yup, I read those about him and Stewart too...

I guess I have PTSD re: Treadwell, passing on Hamilton but not DT's!