NFLDG Mock Draft - The Finale
Another NFL draft has arrived, this year feeling much different than years past. Every off-season the gap between free agency (mid-March) and the draft feels unsurmountable. This year the time seemed to fly by with everything outside of sports and the NFL being put into perspective by COVID-19. I really hope you are all doing well, staying healthy, and finding some optimism in these tough times. I have once again appreciated all of the engagement in these mock draft threads and hope you appreciate the approach I think the Vikings will take this weekend.
1 (22) - Austin Jackson (OT/USC): How the Vikings approach pick #22 will depend greatly on how the draft board falls early. With an anticipated run on OT's the Vikings will likely be left choosing between two athletic tackle options in Austin Jackson or Ezra Cleveland. In a world where both are off the board by pick #22, which I think is an outside possibility, the Vikings may lean toward taking a D-lineman to improve the trenches on one side of the ball. As a player, Jackson has the potential to end up being the most "complete" LT in the class. Although he is technically raw in some areas and lacks elite play strength he does put it all together at times on film. Early on the Vikings should be able to protect Jackson with his athleticism in their zone scheme. This move bumps Riley Reiff into LG and allows the Vikings to keep Brian O'Neill at RT. The best news is the Vikings walk away with maybe the most athletic set of OT's in the NFL.
2 (34) via IND - Jeff Gladney (CB / TCU): I think the likelihood of MN trading back off one of their 1st round picks is extrememly high. But to do so they will need to find a willing trade partner. The Colts who may want to move up for a QB are a logical choice in this mock. They are also in a unique position with two 2nd round selections allowing MN to trade 1(25) & 2(58) for 2(34), 2(44), and 5(160). For a QB this would be a win-win for the Colts while better positioning the Vikings come day 2. There is no doubt in my mind that one of Jaylon Johnson, Jeff Gladney, or Kristian Fulton will fall to the top of round 2. With no specific preference the Vikings end up with Gladney in this scenario. Gladney is a slightly lesser version of Jaire Alexander. He is a pitbull on the field and is a complete nuisance to whoever he plays against. In the NFL scouts can't decide if they prefer him on the outside or in the slot but will get the chance to compete for both roles in MN. He'll have to learn to play better without his hands on the receiver but brings an attitude and toughness to the CB room, something that is an underrated need on this defense.
2 (44) via IND - K.J. Hamler (WR / Penn State): By moving up in round 2 the Vikings position themselves to grab one of Reagor, Aiyuk, Hamler, or Mims (unexpected drop?). It is no secret that the Vikings lost their ability to take the top off the defense when trading Stefon Diggs to the Bills. Bringing back the ability to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally is the thought here. Although Hamler is not a natural pass catcher he is electric with the ball in his hands and offers additional value in the return game. Although better situated in the slot, Hamler is the rare athlete who can extend the field vertically from the inside. There is some development that will need to happen for this pick to pay off but the payoff could be massive in time.
3 (89) - James Lynch (DT / Baylor): It will be very interesting to see how the Vikings prioritize DE and DT this weekend. In this mock the value on the board dictated taking an interior difference maker. James Lynch is a much better athlete than most give him credit for. He doesn't blow you away on film but there are times you ask yourself, how did he get to the QB so quickly? Aside from winning with twitch/speed alone he is a tenacious player who will compete all game long. The Vikings brought in Michael Pierce as a true NT and Shamar Stephen will compete for a roster spot. After that the Vikings have a slew of different flavors but no pass rusher locked into a role. With Ifeadi Odenigbo playing primarily on the outside Lynch can split time with Stephen in year one to bring some additional juice to push the pocket.
3 (101) via SEA - Van Jefferson (WR / Florida): To take advantage of the board the Vikings trade picks 4 (132) & 5 (155) to gain an additional pick on day 2 of the draft. Van Jefferson is one of the most refined WRs in this years draft class. I guess that is the outcome when your dad is one of the best WR coaches in the league. Jefferson bring elite route running and underrated speed to an offense. He also will be able to me a contributor immediately. Although his ceiling is limited and he's more of a finished product at age 24, he's the higher floor compliment to a more boom/bust pick in Hamler.
3 (105) Troy Pride Jr. (CB / Notre Dame): The Vikings quickly dip back into the DB pool to fill another opening in the CB room. Troy Pride Jr is very similar to Trae Waynes as a prospect coming out of Michigan State. Minus some of the top-end athleticism of course. Troy is best in off coverage but can play man and struggles coming downhill to finish on tackles. Sound like Trae Waynes? Although he isn't a perfect prospect he can come in and offer valuable competition to Holton Hill, Marcus Sayles, and Kris Boyd. His flaws are also areas Zimmer and the Vikings coaching staff have succeeded with past players. With another CB in the mix the Vikings can at least feel comfortable they don't have a glaring hole at the position.
@"StickyBun" said: I'd love to see them draft a QB somewhere at some point in the Draft for the future. Take a swing at someone with upside. Jake Browning is not a dude that screams 'upside'.
By any NFL standard, Mannion stinks.
The Vikings approach of coddling the QB1 and actively avoiding anything even remotely resembling a competition at this position for the past 30 years hasn't won us enough.
I'd welcome almost any rookie QB with open arms.
If he can't play, it's nothing lost because neither can Mannion. If he can, maybe he lights a fire under Cousins, a la when KC drafted Mahomes and suddenly Alex Smith had the best year of his career.
This seems like a no-brainer, but I'm just a guy on a computer who watches football.
EDIT: I realize the "something lost" would be the opportunity cost of drafting a non-qb. I get it. But that would not deter me from taking a QB if there was one with upside on the board who I thought could beat out Mannion.
@"Havoc1649" said: I’m not a fan of the OT pick with our first, but I get the desire. It can be so tough to find that guy unless you have a top 5 pick. With that said, Reiff is definitely good enough in my opinion to make the idea we need a LT in the first round a bit of a stretch. Especially if he’s the fourth or fifth off the board. He has a lot of good qualities, but in my opinion there will be far better options. What it comes down to for me is I have an inherent difference in philosophy to some GM’s. It’s always best player available and I’d never go away from that, because that’s exactly how you get burned. The only time you consider position is when you are picking between potential equals.Agree on OT in the first. Reiff is serviceable and still bait to get Trent Williams during and after the draft. I want to concentrate on the weakest part of the OL - interior and there is not a ton of top talent that we can't wait until the 3rd round for. I also want to concentrate on a 3T and like Elliott (Missouri) not sure if we can get him at 58...probably, not but I would move up for him. I really like Mims (WR) and J. Johnson at CB.I like the rest of your mock. Hamler is a bit of a controversial pick, but a guy with his explosiveness can be a big help for an offense, even if he’s not getting the ball. That threat is a huge positive for an offense.
Great job as always Geoff!
I like Johnson better then Gladney. I also am not a fan of Hamler and I attend a good amount of PSU games. He is electric but so small...like a Desean Jackson but even smaller. Jackson had a few good years but is always hurt because of his lack of size - IMO.
I do like both Pride and Van Jefferson.
@"pattersaur" said:@"StickyBun" said: I'd love to see them draft a QB somewhere at some point in the Draft for the future. Take a swing at someone with upside. Jake Browning is not a dude that screams 'upside'.By any NFL standard, Mannion stinks.
The Vikings approach of coddling the QB1 and actively avoiding anything even remotely resembling a competition at this position for the past 30 years hasn't won us enough.I'd welcome almost any rookie QB with open arms.
If he can't play, it's nothing lost because neither can Mannion. If he can, maybe he lights a fire under Cousins, a la when KC drafted Mahomes and suddenly Alex Smith had the best year of his career.
This seems like a no-brainer, but I'm just a guy on a computer who watches football.
EDIT: I realize the "something lost" would be the opportunity cost of drafting a non-qb. I get it. But that would not deter me from taking a QB if there was one with upside on the board who I thought could beat out Mannion.
I really wish that the Vikings would have a philosophy of developing QBs, even if it were mid to late round guys, but they just seem to have no interest in it and instead go for weak backups like Mannion. I think part of it might be a cost-control measure where they want any QB they draft on a 5-year cost-controlled contract, but if we luck out and a mid to late round guys emerges, then it's still a lot cheaper than bringing in a FA like Cousins. I didn't even bother looking at QBs this year, because it feels like there's no way they will try to develop one, especially since they've started only carrying two on the roster.
@"Jor-El" said:Austin Jackson: Isn't it funny how OTs from USC were long considered about as sure-fire as could be found in the NFL draft, from Ron Yary to Anthony Munoz, Tony Boselli, and Tyron Smith? But then came Matt Kalil. I think most of us are overly cautious about USC players thanks to Kalil. But I would welcome the pick. If Jackson was completely refined, he would be a top 10 pick. Unless we plan on some +10-loss seasons soon, we aren't going to draft a franchise LT who is a finished product. Jackson is NOT Matt Kalil, he seems to be a high character person who understands the NFL and will work to reach his potential. WRs: Like Tyr, I like Van Jefferson more than KJ Hamler. You have mocked Hamler to the Vikings twice so maybe you know they are high on him, but of all the WR options you cited for this pick, I would prefer any of the others. Questionable hands, poor routes, great returner - Hamler seems like Cordarelle Patterson without the size.James Lynch: He makes sense but begs the question: are the Vikings completely done with Jayln Holmes? This team can't seem to fill the 3T need by coaching up a mid-round pick (Holmes, Jaleel Johnson) so I don't know if it's worth expecting another pick in the same range to work out.
I haven't studied all your later picks thoroughly but appreciate all the possibilities. Question: with so many day 3 picks, wouldn't the Vikings like to add a RB? Maybe Mike Boone is better than I think but if we didn't have Cook for any length of time I would think pairing Mattison with another back would be important.
I agree that the Vikings have spent the past few years trying to develop mid-round DTs. Johnson is an OK rotational player, but not close to having starter level talent and Holmes never really materialized. Our need at DT has only become bigger, which is why I want to address it earlier in the draft. It's a weird DT class, so I get that the right player may not be there, but I also think that the best way to help the corners is to generate quick pressure up the middle. I don't feel too compelled to spend a first on a DE, since they have a better track record over the years at that position & we more need someone behind Hunter & Odenigbo that we can develop.
@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"Tyr" said: I always love seeing your take on the draft, though I'll admit that this draft scares me. There are some risky prospects in Jackson & Hamler and in general, it seems like filling out the roster with decent players but not adding any standout prospects, which our volume of needs might dictate. I'd feel better with a standout contributor on the DL or going after a potential impact receiver like Jefferson.I don't think this draft will be many's favorite. But looking at the Vikings off-season moves thus far, they want to compete now but are clearly attempting to take one step backwards to take two steps forward. This draft does that by adding more long-term pieces but a few short-term moves, like Jefferson, to help in the interim.
- Jackson would be a divisive pick, especially at 22. I get that he's athletic, but I'd rather trade up for a better OT prospect or stick with Reiff for one more year and updgrade the interior line. I'd be similarly concerned about taking Cleveland. I'd much rather address WR, CB, DT, or DE here or trade up if they are deadset on taking an OT.
- I like the idea of moving down, since we have so many holes on the roster, Gladney is a group of a few similarly rated players, so I get it, even though I have corner fatigue from all the high picks they burned on CBs the past few years.
- The Hamler pick scares me. I get why people like him. He's an explosive player that can stretch the field, but he has a slight frame, inconsistent hands, & is questionable against physical coverage. He's someone that will need to line up in the slot & in an offense that runs so many heavy sets, I'd rather invest a second rounder on a guy who can be an every down player.
- Lynch wouldn't be my favorite pick, but he would address a critical need at 3T. How big of a concern are short arms for him?
- I like Van Jefferson way more than Hamler. He's a high floor guy that would give us something opposite of Thielen and after Thielen's hamstring issues last year & with no Diggs to carry the offense, we need depth at WR. I do think that doubling up at WR would be a wise move, since no one player can replace Diggs.
- What do you think of Reggie Robinson compared to Troy Pride? I like the idea of doubling up on corner, though I'd prefer to add a slot guy, unless the plan is to play Hughes in the slot and hope his neck holds up.
- As for the day three picks, I get gambling on athelticism at LB & I'd love to see them move on from Gedeon. JR Reed would be a cool pick, since we need depth at S & the family connection is a cool story. Adding depth at G is good, though I'd rather address it rounds 1-3. Finding someone to take over Kearse's role as big nickel safety seems smart. I would also greatly prefer to address DE in rounds 1-4. We don't need an instant starter, but we need another pass rusher for depth if nothing else.
Two thoughts.
1. At 22/25 I think O-Line & D-line is an "OR" proposition. If there is an extreme run on OTs they'll need to take Jackson/Cleveland or wait until next year since there aren't many mid-round contributors. They could potentially pivot to guard. Alternatively if they pass on an OT they could go Gross-Matos. People will say they won't take a round 1 D-lineman but there has been a lot of steam connecting him here. He would be an excellent pick. Look at picks 22/89. I went Jackson/Lynch. You could easily see Gross-Matos/Bartch too.
2. On your player questions, I would disagree on Hamler struggling against physical corners. He is the one WR in the Big Ten that consistently got separation from Okudah last season. He isn't my favorite WR prospect but adding speed is the real key. Otherwise someone like Pittman Jr. makes some sense. At CB Reggie Robinson is a draft crush of mine but won't be able to start immediately. His ceiling in year 2+ plus is huge but in the Vikings situation it may mean you need to draft a 3rd CB. Lynch's arms aren't too concerning if you play him inside. They would be more of an issue on the outside.
Sometimes the right player just ins't there and with so many needs on the roster, I'd rather address other positions where they can get better talent. I guess the other part of it, is their opinion on Reiff. My opinion on him is that he's not ideal, but capable of holding the fort for one more year if guard is improved. Also, isn't the hand issue with Jackson that he gets his hands too far outside, which is supposed to be a harder issue to fix?As for Gross-Matos, I'm leery of spending a 1st rounder on a DE. They've done an excellent job with mid round DEs (depending on whether you count Holmes as a DE or DT) and I do think Odenigbo has earned a chance to start. I just want to have another DE developing behind him for depth and insurance. Are there any 3rd/4th rounde DEs that you like as a project? Also, what do you think of Chaisson, his name hasn't come up a lot here.
We'll see on Hamler. I get the idea of wanting someone who can make explosive plays, but I think that need is better addressed with someone who can be an every down player. Hamler is just a hard sell for me, especially given that the Vikings will be running 12 personnel a lot and will likely line up Irv Smith in the slot. Who are some other WRs that you think would explosive plays? The receiver who scares me most is Shenault. He's a little too much like Patterson for me and after Patterson and Harvin, I strongly favor receivers who are strong route runners.
I have no issues with this Draft except I'm not taking a Corner in the 2nd who's going to sit in Zone Coverage 80% of the time.
'But they only played Zone because their CBs sucked'. And adding a 2nd Round Rookie is somehow going to magically allow Zimmer to go back to playing Man? Bullshit. Hughes gets consistently overmatched by bigger WRs on the Outside. Hill is a better prospect for playing Man. At least he has the athletic profile to try it.
So now you have Gladney to teach up as Man Coverage CB AND you have to 'deprogram' Hughes and Hill from all the Zone they were taught to play the last 1+. That's right. The Vikings didn't just mystically start playing a lot more Zone last year. They actually started before that. In direct response to the Rams game and how much Spread, Misdirection, and Rub Routes teams were using to light up the scoreboard. Let's put this notion that shifting to primarily Zone just happened last year to cover for Rhodes sucking. Cuz it's factually inaccurate.
Even if Mike did want to go back to Man why would he hire a CB Coach that has always been a Cover 3 guy? Capers is also a Cover 3 guy. Makes zero sense to ask a Cover 3 Coach to teach your youngsters how to play Man.
Which is why I can't get behind the Gladney pick. Hughes was a 1st. Hill should have been a 3rd. They're going to sit in Zone 80% of the time. I get needing more talent in the CB Room. Get it in the 3rd with Arnette or Pride and bring in a Veteran to help with the growing pains.
Where Geoff took Gladney is where I'm guessing one of Blacklock, Madubuike and Gallimore end up. Michael Pierce alone does not automatically fix the Vikings Rush Defense. He will play better than LJ did the last two years, but will likely never equal prime Joseph. And he's not a sure thing to play full time snaps.
Shamar Stephen stinks. He's barely average against the run, can't rush the QB a lick. Get some talent next to Hunter. Let the kid rotate with Watts. Kick Holmes outside or cut him. Herc is still a lottery ticket.
For those not named Geoff, have you watched Austin Jackson versus Epenesa? Every isolated play? I have. He held his own against arguably the best DE in this Draft. Coming off of no offseason. Did he get beat? Yep. Did he shut Epenesa down for long stretches? Yep. This kid has 1 thing in common with Kalil, and that's USC. He's raw. Needs to grow.
Guess what? So does the rest of the team. No Draft in the history of the League replaced 7 lost Starters and 2 lost heavy rotation guys (I lumped Sendejo and Keaese into 1 contributor). Factor in the truncated offseason, if there even is one or a season at all, and you're looking at new Starters, some already on the team and the rest Rookies, basically getting thrown to the wolves. This team is indeed taking a step back to take two forward, whether the vast majority of you like it or not. Which is why they can afford to take raw players that they can grow.
Here is my question. If Zimmer and Spielman are on a short leash, and they need to have a strong showing in 2020 to retain their jobs, how many 2-3 year development guys are they willing to gamble their futures on?They've gone all in on Cousins and need to win now while they have him. If we miss the playoffs this year, Zimmer could be shown the door. They need to plug holes with starters and major contributors for this season. I don't think they have the luxury to draft projects with big upside vs. proven production at the college level.
If they can land Williams in a trade without giving up any picks for this year, I'd feel a lot more comfortable filling the rest of our needs through the draft and the leftover Free Agents available.
Anyone who wants Austin Jackson at #22 needs to watch/rewatch the Holiday Bowl where AJ Epanesa (lousy 40 time and all) kicked his ass all game long. There won't be runs at OT, WR, and CB all by pick 22, so take the highest ranking player left at any of those 3 positions at 22. It won't be Jackson.
Slightly surprised at not even a late-round flier on a developmental QB. I know Kirk's been durable, but with pile of #2 Mannion at #2 if Kirk so much as turns an ankle we're 0-until he's back.
@"RS Express" said: Anyone who wants Austin Jackson at #22 needs to watch/rewatch the Holiday Bowl where AJ Epanesa (lousy 40 time and all) kicked his ass all game long. There won't be runs at OT, WR, and CB all by pick 22, so take the highest ranking player left at any of those 3 positions at 22. It won't be Jackson.Slightly surprised at not even a late-round flier on a developmental QB. I know Kirk's been durable, but with pile of #2 Mannion at #2 if Kirk so much as turns an ankle we're 0-until he's back.
Rewatch that game. Did Epenesa beat him from time to time? Yes. But it is not the bloodbath the media made it out to be. Jackson shut him down for long stretches.
@"Geoff Nichols" said:Anae also ate his lunch. Got around him for one sack and had at least four or five other quality pressures that would have resulted in a sack if the QB didn't get rid of it.@"RS Express" said: Anyone who wants Austin Jackson at #22 needs to watch/rewatch the Holiday Bowl where AJ Epanesa (lousy 40 time and all) kicked his ass all game long. There won't be runs at OT, WR, and CB all by pick 22, so take the highest ranking player left at any of those 3 positions at 22. It won't be Jackson.Slightly surprised at not even a late-round flier on a developmental QB. I know Kirk's been durable, but with pile of #2 Mannion at #2 if Kirk so much as turns an ankle we're 0-until he's back.
Rewatch that game. Did Epenesa beat him from time to time? Yes. But it is not the bloodbath the media made it out to be. Jackson shut him down for long stretches.
@"TBro" said: Here is my question. If Zimmer and Spielman are on a short leash, and they need to have a strong showing in 2020 to retain their jobs, how many 2-3 year development guys are they willing to gamble their futures on?They've gone all in on Cousins and need to win now while they have him. If we miss the playoffs this year, Zimmer could be shown the door. They need to plug holes with starters and major contributors for this season. I don't think they have the luxury to draft projects with big upside vs. proven production at the college level. If they can land Williams in a trade without giving up any picks for this year, I'd feel a lot more comfortable filling the rest of our needs through the draft and the leftover Free Agents available.That's crazy. No team has ever had 4+ Rookies Start and play well their first year. Everson wasn't a Starter as a Rookie. Neither was Rhodes. You're telling me that Rick is going to find Starters, Day 1 Starters, from picks in the 2nd and 3rd Round? Kids farther long than O'Neill, Kendricks, Hunter, Waynes, Diggs and so many more.
Spielman landing 2 Starters, not Day 1 Starters, but guys who become Starters, is a great Draft. Fans thinking he's somehow going to walk away with Day 1 Starters at 3T, LG, CB and WR are simply ignoring history.
@"FSUVike" said:@"TBro" said: Here is my question. If Zimmer and Spielman are on a short leash, and they need to have a strong showing in 2020 to retain their jobs, how many 2-3 year development guys are they willing to gamble their futures on?They've gone all in on Cousins and need to win now while they have him. If we miss the playoffs this year, Zimmer could be shown the door. They need to plug holes with starters and major contributors for this season. I don't think they have the luxury to draft projects with big upside vs. proven production at the college level. If they can land Williams in a trade without giving up any picks for this year, I'd feel a lot more comfortable filling the rest of our needs through the draft and the leftover Free Agents available. That's crazy. No team has ever had 4+ Rookies Start and play well their first year. Everson wasn't a Starter as a Rookie. Neither was Rhodes. You're telling me that Rick is going to find Starters, Day 1 Starters, from picks in the 2nd and 3rd Round? Kids farther long than O'Neill, Kendricks, Hunter, Waynes, Diggs and so many more.Spielman landing 2 Starters, not Day 1 Starters, but guys who become Starters, is a great Draft. Fans thinking he's somehow going to walk away with Day 1 Starters at 3T, LG, CB and WR are simply ignoring history.
Whether you like it or not, Jefferson and Gladney are both starting Day 1. What choice do we have? You could realistically get 1-2 more starters on day 2 of the draft if you package your picks and move up in the early 2nd. Winfield Jr or McKinney would allow you to move Harris and free up cap space. Blacklock, Gallimore, Madubuike are all better 3T's than what we have now and I'm sure we can find a replacent for Elflien. Grabbing a starting Left Tackle in Jones or Cleveland so you can move Reiff inside is also a possibility. I agree that it's not ideal, but that is the position we put ourselves in this offseason.
@"TBro" said:@"FSUVike" said:@"TBro" said: Here is my question. If Zimmer and Spielman are on a short leash, and they need to have a strong showing in 2020 to retain their jobs, how many 2-3 year development guys are they willing to gamble their futures on?They've gone all in on Cousins and need to win now while they have him. If we miss the playoffs this year, Zimmer could be shown the door. They need to plug holes with starters and major contributors for this season. I don't think they have the luxury to draft projects with big upside vs. proven production at the college level. If they can land Williams in a trade without giving up any picks for this year, I'd feel a lot more comfortable filling the rest of our needs through the draft and the leftover Free Agents available. That's crazy. No team has ever had 4+ Rookies Start and play well their first year. Everson wasn't a Starter as a Rookie. Neither was Rhodes. You're telling me that Rick is going to find Starters, Day 1 Starters, from picks in the 2nd and 3rd Round? Kids farther long than O'Neill, Kendricks, Hunter, Waynes, Diggs and so many more.Spielman landing 2 Starters, not Day 1 Starters, but guys who become Starters, is a great Draft. Fans thinking he's somehow going to walk away with Day 1 Starters at 3T, LG, CB and WR are simply ignoring history.
Whether you like it or not, Jefferson and Gladney are both starting Day 1. What choice do we have? You could realistically get 1-2 more starters on day 2 of the draft if you package your picks and move up in the early 2nd. Winfield Jr or McKinney would allow you to move Harris and free up cap space. Blacklock, Gallimore, Madubuike are all better 3T's than what we have now and I'm sure we can find a replacent for Elflien. Grabbing a starting Left Tackle in Jones or Cleveland so you can move Reiff inside is also a possibility. I agree that it's not ideal, but that is the position we put ourselves in this offseason.Well, it's probably a disappointment if they are not at least significant contributors early. If Jefferson is healthy, he ought to be at least WR3 in the first game. Gladney should be 4th CB, if not one of the 3 starting CBs, again if healthy.
I like Gladney well enough, but he definitely seems like a "need" pick. Put another way, I don't think he was the BPA over Epenesa or Josh Jones, possibly others. It's a matter of judgment and I am sure no one with the Vikings would say otherwise, but I don't think Gladney would have been the pick if they were just looking for a player to develop over time without the need to play very soon.
@"Jor-El" said:This. When you've lost your top 3 CB's that position is going to get priority over a DE even if the DE is the slightly better player. If we'd gotten Epanesa at 31 I'd have a new personal vertical jump record and a hole in my ceiling. But then who would have been left at CB by 58? Even with a trade up we'd likely see several CB's go by before somebody fell close enough to move for, and then they'd really be a reach. Having been on the wrong side of OL and WR runs in previous drafts, I don't mind being a team that helps start one on CB.I like Gladney well enough, but he definitely seems like a "need" pick. Put another way, I don't think he was the BPA over Epenesa or Josh Jones, possibly others. It's a matter of judgment and I am sure no one with the Vikings would say otherwise, but I don't think Gladney would have been the pick if they were just looking for a player to develop over time without the need to play very soon.
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