02-07-2021, 01:30 AM
After having a chance to look at more tape of different players and what guys fit what we want, this is what I've come up with as an initial projection:
1. (14th) Christian Barmore, DT Alabama- I think in this scenario the Vikings are going to have some interesting players to choose from. You will probably have an elite offensive skill guy and some lineman to pick from, but to me nobody does more for our needs then Barmore who is the top DT in this class. You could argue the Vikings could try to move down a few spots, pick up some draft capitol, and still get Barmore...but there is no guarantee and I don't think you get cute in this situation. Barmore is an early draft entrant with a ton of upside at 6'5"/315 pounds. Started the year slow after a preseason knee injury but dominated as the year went on. 8 sacks on the year and plays with power while constantly pushing the pocket. I think for the Vikings who were constantly pushed around last season on both lines, you know Zimmer will be pounding the table for help along that defensive line. Sticking Barmore inside next to Michael Pierce gives the Vikings a powerful inside presence and 650 pounds of pocket collapsing power for Eric Kendricks to run wild and clean behind. To me this is the biggest impact pick the Vikings could make.
![[Image: pk79zydd1sp3.png]](https://vikefans.com/vfforums/uploads/editor/ms/pk79zydd1sp3.png)
*(trade)*The Vikings have the draft capitol to move up back into the second round and I think they do that in a trade with New Orleans (60) who only has 3 picks in the entire draft and the worst cap situation in football. Vikings give up a 3rd (79th), 4th (116), and a 5th (141) to move up.
2. (60th) Quinn Meinerz, C/G Wisoncsin Whitewater- Small school division III standout who dominated and was the talk of Senior Bowl week. His tape is crazy. Can dunk a basketball at 6'3"/320 and is an incredible athlete. The Vikings need to get more physical on their interior offensive line and I think Meinerz can be plugged in anywhere and present an immediate upgrade and is a perfect scheme fit. If ever there was a lineman that had Minnesota Viking stamped all over him its Meinerz. I'm unsure where his value is at this point post Senior Bowl week but he has certainly skyrocketed and I have no issue with taking him at this point.
3. (91) Caden Sterns, S Texas- Vikings need safety help as I think its unlikely Anthony Harris is retained. Sterns is a three year starter for Texas with nice size 6'1"/210 and displays nice fluidity and really nice instincts. Candidate to start next to Harrison Smith as a rookie.
4. (110) Tommy Tremble, TE Notre Dame- The best blocking TE in this draft class. Absolutely buries defenders regularly which will boost his stock for the Vikings. I'm guessing Kyle Rudolph will be a cap casualty and depth at the position will be needed. Tremble is a good route runner and a big body 6'4"/250 who shows the ability to consistently make tough catches. Didn't post the numbers due to Notre Dame running a lot of multiple TE formations and the ball being distributed amongst them.
4. (125) Elerson Smith, DE UNI- This is just another classic Vikings pick taking a tall (6'6"/260) rangy end and Andre Patterson molding them into a playmaker. Smith is from Minnesota and has added 60 pounds to his frame since stepping foot onto campus. He who hasn't played a ton of football the last couple seasons (covid opt out), but was coached by former Viking Bryce Paup at UNI. He showed out at the Senior Bowl and displayed a nice get off and recognition. Lump of clay...
5. (155) Felipe Franks, QB Arkansas- I have been pounding the table for this organization to roll the dice on a physically gifted QB to mold as a backup...maybe this will be the year. Franks (6'6"/228) can make all the throws and has the arm strength to do it, but needs to develop more consistency in making the easy throws and work on mechanics. Highly recruited prospect out of high school who was a transfer from Florida and had a nice season for Arkansas.
6. (175) Adrian Ealy, OT Oklahoma- Big bodied, long armed, developmental tackle to add to the mix. I'm really hoping the Vikings can bring back Riley Reiff but even if they do depth at the position is needed.
7. (206) Javon McKinley, WR Notre Dame- Big bodied WR who plays the position like a basketball player. Came through as the main target for Ian Book this season in the passing game. Wont wow anybody with his speed or ability to separate but will compete, and the Vikings need more quality competition behind Jefferson/Thielen.
To me this draft makes us a much more physical unit, addresses needs, and add's depth at positions its badly needed.
1. (14th) Christian Barmore, DT Alabama- I think in this scenario the Vikings are going to have some interesting players to choose from. You will probably have an elite offensive skill guy and some lineman to pick from, but to me nobody does more for our needs then Barmore who is the top DT in this class. You could argue the Vikings could try to move down a few spots, pick up some draft capitol, and still get Barmore...but there is no guarantee and I don't think you get cute in this situation. Barmore is an early draft entrant with a ton of upside at 6'5"/315 pounds. Started the year slow after a preseason knee injury but dominated as the year went on. 8 sacks on the year and plays with power while constantly pushing the pocket. I think for the Vikings who were constantly pushed around last season on both lines, you know Zimmer will be pounding the table for help along that defensive line. Sticking Barmore inside next to Michael Pierce gives the Vikings a powerful inside presence and 650 pounds of pocket collapsing power for Eric Kendricks to run wild and clean behind. To me this is the biggest impact pick the Vikings could make.
![[Image: pk79zydd1sp3.png]](https://vikefans.com/vfforums/uploads/editor/ms/pk79zydd1sp3.png)
*(trade)*The Vikings have the draft capitol to move up back into the second round and I think they do that in a trade with New Orleans (60) who only has 3 picks in the entire draft and the worst cap situation in football. Vikings give up a 3rd (79th), 4th (116), and a 5th (141) to move up.
2. (60th) Quinn Meinerz, C/G Wisoncsin Whitewater- Small school division III standout who dominated and was the talk of Senior Bowl week. His tape is crazy. Can dunk a basketball at 6'3"/320 and is an incredible athlete. The Vikings need to get more physical on their interior offensive line and I think Meinerz can be plugged in anywhere and present an immediate upgrade and is a perfect scheme fit. If ever there was a lineman that had Minnesota Viking stamped all over him its Meinerz. I'm unsure where his value is at this point post Senior Bowl week but he has certainly skyrocketed and I have no issue with taking him at this point.
3. (91) Caden Sterns, S Texas- Vikings need safety help as I think its unlikely Anthony Harris is retained. Sterns is a three year starter for Texas with nice size 6'1"/210 and displays nice fluidity and really nice instincts. Candidate to start next to Harrison Smith as a rookie.
4. (110) Tommy Tremble, TE Notre Dame- The best blocking TE in this draft class. Absolutely buries defenders regularly which will boost his stock for the Vikings. I'm guessing Kyle Rudolph will be a cap casualty and depth at the position will be needed. Tremble is a good route runner and a big body 6'4"/250 who shows the ability to consistently make tough catches. Didn't post the numbers due to Notre Dame running a lot of multiple TE formations and the ball being distributed amongst them.
4. (125) Elerson Smith, DE UNI- This is just another classic Vikings pick taking a tall (6'6"/260) rangy end and Andre Patterson molding them into a playmaker. Smith is from Minnesota and has added 60 pounds to his frame since stepping foot onto campus. He who hasn't played a ton of football the last couple seasons (covid opt out), but was coached by former Viking Bryce Paup at UNI. He showed out at the Senior Bowl and displayed a nice get off and recognition. Lump of clay...
5. (155) Felipe Franks, QB Arkansas- I have been pounding the table for this organization to roll the dice on a physically gifted QB to mold as a backup...maybe this will be the year. Franks (6'6"/228) can make all the throws and has the arm strength to do it, but needs to develop more consistency in making the easy throws and work on mechanics. Highly recruited prospect out of high school who was a transfer from Florida and had a nice season for Arkansas.
6. (175) Adrian Ealy, OT Oklahoma- Big bodied, long armed, developmental tackle to add to the mix. I'm really hoping the Vikings can bring back Riley Reiff but even if they do depth at the position is needed.
7. (206) Javon McKinley, WR Notre Dame- Big bodied WR who plays the position like a basketball player. Came through as the main target for Ian Book this season in the passing game. Wont wow anybody with his speed or ability to separate but will compete, and the Vikings need more quality competition behind Jefferson/Thielen.
To me this draft makes us a much more physical unit, addresses needs, and add's depth at positions its badly needed.