2026 Free Agency and Draft: ILB

[JimmyinSD]

Those guys are extremely rare. We'll see if Flores has changed his mind about the big NT, because he's had several opportunities to add one, but hasn't since he's been here. Since Flo arrived in 2023, the Vikings have added 9 DLs either in the draft or free agency. None of the 9 were big bodied NT types. We'll see if that changes this year. 

I think the only way we go OT with that first pick is if the team knows something about Darrisaw’s knee (or head) that we don’t. Because if Darrisaw’s fine after resting his knee for 6 months, which I would say is likely, we just burned a precious 1st round pick on a player who won’t see the field at all. He won’t move inside to bide his time either. That would be a hard pill to swallow for a team that sure could use an impact starter at 18.

Extremely rare,  but serious game changers when you find them.  A dominant DT completely alters everything for opposing OCs.  If they think there is potential for one of those guys when they pick,  or even in range for a slight trade up,  I say giddy up.

As far as OT,  I say we need to focus on Brandel kicking inside and assume the CD and O'Neil are going to miss games,  luxury for now,  but likely a necessity over 17 games,  especially if the playoffs are a goal.  And I dont see why they couldn't take some work inside as long as they arent ignoring the OT role.

[MaroonBells]

Extremely rare,  but serious game changers when you find them.  A dominant DT completely alters everything for opposing OCs.  If they think there is potential for one of those guys when they pick,  or even in range for a slight trade up,  I say giddy up.

As far as OT,  I say we need to focus on Brandel kicking inside and assume the CD and O'Neil are going to miss games,  luxury for now,  but likely a necessity over 17 games,  especially if the playoffs are a goal.  And I dont see why they couldn't take some work inside as long as they arent ignoring the OT role.

Not likely they would kick inside with Jackson and Fries playing there. 

I agree on the NT who can rush the passer. They're rare but when you have one, like Dexter Lawrence, it gives you a huge advantage. But most NTs are not like Lawrence and come out of the game on 3rd down. I hear Jordan Davis is now playing on 3rd downs, but it took him 4 years to get there. Kinda hard to justify burning a precious 1st on such a gamble.

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