Supafreak84's Mock Draft (version 1.0)
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.
*(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.
Pretty good in depth on Elerson Smith
I'd be pretty stoked about this draft. 3T is our biggest need and Barmore might be the only 3T with the size and power to start right away. Nixon and the Onwuzurike might have higher pass rush upsides, but they also might need more time. Barmore reminds me a little of Raekwon Davis. Fell in the draft due to unimpressive numbers his final year, but like most Alabama linemen, he proved he was NFL-ready.
I like that we get the 2nd back. Didn't think we could do it without trading back from #14, but your numbers add up. It's hard to see Meinerz failing in the NFL. He's exactly what this line needs: attitude. And not just that, but a little power to go with the good feet.
Been drafting a safety in the 3rd round in all my mocks. I don't want to take a safety before that, and that's probably the last round where you can find a starter. Fortunately, that's right where the value should be too, especially if no safety goes in the 1st.
Nice find on Elerson. I hate it when the Vikings draft a guy I know nothing about. Danielle Hunter was like that. Same with Mattison. But they do their homework and Elerson sounds like someone who would be on their middle round radars.
You did a good job filling needs and took one of "my guys" in Tommy Tremble. He was hidden in Notre Dames offense but will stick in the NFL a long time as an in-line blocker.
Personally I still haven't warmed up to Barmore. He is NFL ready and could start day one but I'm not convinced you can pass on a "blue-chip" prospect at #14 to fill a need. I think to take Barmore you need to trade back. You likely aren't getting a 2nd to move back but maybe that gives you an additional 4th which makes your proposed trade with NO even more palatable since you'd only net be giving up a 3rd and 5th.
Good draft, but I'm not sold on your trade into the 2nd to acquire Quinn Meinerz. He's not been on my radar, so maybe I am just uninformed, but he seems like a guy we pick up in a later round...wouldn't he likely be available at pick 79 (our own 3rd)? It feels like you are trading up in to the 2nd just to say "we prioritized OL with a pick higher than the third round." OK, but aren't we giving up those resources to get a prospect that is almost certain to put Dozier on the bench? I can't count on a guy from UW-Whitewater to do that.
I think you're illustrating one of the depth gaps in this draft: if we don't draft Vera-Tucker, Slater, or Davis, is there another OG who is a "plug and play" starter? I have my doubts, especially since the Vikings probably don't want some of the power-scheme guards like Creed Humphrey or Jackson Carman. Who else?
@"Geoff Nichols" said: Personally I still haven't warmed up to Barmore. He is NFL ready and could start day one but I'm not convinced you can pass on a "blue-chip" prospect at #14 to fill a need. I think to take Barmore you need to trade back. You likely aren't getting a 2nd to move back but maybe that gives you an additional 4th which makes your proposed trade with NO even more palatable since you'd only net be giving up a 3rd and 5th.Who do you think we would possibly pass on at #14? Obviously it will unfold between now and draft day, but I just can't see this team taking another WR, so one name that keeps appearing in draft simulators is Micah Parsons. If he slides to 14, is he a guy the Vikings could not stand to pass up?
@"Jor-El" said: Good draft, but I'm not sold on your trade into the 2nd to acquire Quinn Meinerz. He's not been on my radar, so maybe I am just uninformed, but he seems like a guy we pick up in a later round...wouldn't he likely be available at pick 79 (our own 3rd)? It feels like you are trading up in to the 2nd just to say "we prioritized OL with a pick higher than the third round." OK, but aren't we giving up those resources to get a prospect that is almost certain to put Dozier on the bench? I can't count on a guy from UW-Whitewater to do that.https://twitter.com/thecheckdown/status/1356325850208108544?s=20
@"Geoff Nichols" said: You did a good job filling needs and took one of "my guys" in Tommy Tremble. He was hidden in Notre Dames offense but will stick in the NFL a long time as an in-line blocker.Personally I still haven't warmed up to Barmore. He is NFL ready and could start day one but I'm not convinced you can pass on a "blue-chip" prospect at #14 to fill a need. I think to take Barmore you need to trade back. You likely aren't getting a 2nd to move back but maybe that gives you an additional 4th which makes your proposed trade with NO even more palatable since you'd only net be giving up a 3rd and 5th.
I'm all for moving down and still picking him up if you can, but like I said, I would hate to get cute and lose out on him as I think as far as fit and impact he is the best player in this draft for the Vikings.
Yes Tremble is a stud who is flying under the radar a bit...but his blocking is incredible and underrated as a receiving threat
@"Jor-El" said: Good draft, but I'm not sold on your trade into the 2nd to acquire Quinn Meinerz. He's not been on my radar, so maybe I am just uninformed, but he seems like a guy we pick up in a later round...wouldn't he likely be available at pick 79 (our own 3rd)? It feels like you are trading up in to the 2nd just to say "we prioritized OL with a pick higher than the third round." OK, but aren't we giving up those resources to get a prospect that is almost certain to put Dozier on the bench? I can't count on a guy from UW-Whitewater to do that.I think you're illustrating one of the depth gaps in this draft: if we don't draft Vera-Tucker, Slater, or Davis, is there another OG who is a "plug and play" starter? I have my doubts, especially since the Vikings probably don't want some of the power-scheme guards like Creed Humphrey or Jackson Carman. Who else?
@"Geoff Nichols" said: Personally I still haven't warmed up to Barmore. He is NFL ready and could start day one but I'm not convinced you can pass on a "blue-chip" prospect at #14 to fill a need. I think to take Barmore you need to trade back. You likely aren't getting a 2nd to move back but maybe that gives you an additional 4th which makes your proposed trade with NO even more palatable since you'd only net be giving up a 3rd and 5th. Who do you think we would possibly pass on at #14? Obviously it will unfold between now and draft day, but I just can't see this team taking another WR, so one name that keeps appearing in draft simulators is Micah Parsons. If he slides to 14, is he a guy the Vikings could not stand to pass up?I'm basing my projection of him on another division III standout offensive lineman who went to the Senior Bowl and dominated on his way to being a second round pick for Tampa Bay, Ali Marpet. I think Meinerz would be a similar projection after his Senior Bowl week performance. I think what makes it a little more difficult is he didn't play football last season due to Covid and his school shutting down the season. Still though have to love what you see on tape with him.
Maybe Guru can chime in on where here on where he projects Meinerz
I like the Barmore pick but think the Vikings are far more likely to trade down to try and get a 2nd than give up picks to move up into the 2nd.
@"rf54" said: I like the Barmore pick but think the Vikings are far more likely to trade down to try and get a 2nd than give up picks to move up into the 2nd.Normally I would agree but it just makes more sense this year to try and move up from the 3rd round with all our mid round draft capital. We have a lot of picks that we can move to accomplish that
@"supafreak84" said:@"Jor-El" said: Good draft, but I'm not sold on your trade into the 2nd to acquire Quinn Meinerz. He's not been on my radar, so maybe I am just uninformed, but he seems like a guy we pick up in a later round...wouldn't he likely be available at pick 79 (our own 3rd)? It feels like you are trading up in to the 2nd just to say "we prioritized OL with a pick higher than the third round." OK, but aren't we giving up those resources to get a prospect that is almost certain to put Dozier on the bench? I can't count on a guy from UW-Whitewater to do that.I think you're illustrating one of the depth gaps in this draft: if we don't draft Vera-Tucker, Slater, or Davis, is there another OG who is a "plug and play" starter? I have my doubts, especially since the Vikings probably don't want some of the power-scheme guards like Creed Humphrey or Jackson Carman. Who else?
@"Geoff Nichols" said: Personally I still haven't warmed up to Barmore. He is NFL ready and could start day one but I'm not convinced you can pass on a "blue-chip" prospect at #14 to fill a need. I think to take Barmore you need to trade back. You likely aren't getting a 2nd to move back but maybe that gives you an additional 4th which makes your proposed trade with NO even more palatable since you'd only net be giving up a 3rd and 5th. Who do you think we would possibly pass on at #14? Obviously it will unfold between now and draft day, but I just can't see this team taking another WR, so one name that keeps appearing in draft simulators is Micah Parsons. If he slides to 14, is he a guy the Vikings could not stand to pass up?I'm basing my projection of him on another division III standout offensive lineman who went to the Senior Bowl and dominated on his way to being a second round pick for Tampa Bay, Ali Marpet. I think Meinerz would be a similar projection after his Senior Bowl week performance. I think what makes it a little more difficult is he didn't play football last season due to Covid and his school shutting down the season. Still though have to love what you see on tape with him.
Maybe Guru can chime in on where here on where he projects Meinerz
He dominated the senior bowl but I still don't think you can completely overlook his actual game tape. On tape alone he is a day 3 pick. Based on what he showed at the senior bowl he was up there with the best of them. When all is set and done I think that leaves him somewhere on day 2, which is an awesome story. Teams will probably have him all over the place but I don't think a team with a center need will grade many guys ahead of him. So that could mean he is picked in round 2 but more likely probably round 3.
@"supafreak84" said:Overall I think folks get caught up and think we "need a 2nd round pick". We don't unless there is a player who will be drafted in round 2 you can't live without. So if you have 2 guys you love in round 3 you can grab just hold the picks and prosper. There isn't an underlying necessity for a 2nd round pick especially at the expense of missing out on a high-end prospect just to check that box.@"rf54" said: I like the Barmore pick but think the Vikings are far more likely to trade down to try and get a 2nd than give up picks to move up into the 2nd. Normally I would agree but it just makes more sense this year to try and move up from the 3rd round with all our mid round draft capital. We have a lot of picks that we can move to accomplish that
@"Geoff Nichols" said:I think many of us (myself included) are also feeling the need to address BOTH the offensive and defensive lines, with a general sense that the Vikings need to address DT and OG, hopefully adding a likely starter for each. Free agency could change the perception, but until then, draft simulation has the urge to improve both lines.@"supafreak84" said:Overall I think folks get caught up and think we "need a 2nd round pick". We don't unless there is a player who will be drafted in round 2 you can't live without. So if you have 2 guys you love in round 3 you can grab just hold the picks and prosper. There isn't an underlying necessity for a 2nd round pick especially at the expense of missing out on a high-end prospect just to check that box.@"rf54" said: I like the Barmore pick but think the Vikings are far more likely to trade down to try and get a 2nd than give up picks to move up into the 2nd. Normally I would agree but it just makes more sense this year to try and move up from the 3rd round with all our mid round draft capital. We have a lot of picks that we can move to accomplish thatAs I mentioned earlier, there are only a few OG prospects who look like they would definitely start immediately (Slater, Vera-Tucker, Davis), so what if we don't get one of those? IMO there appears to be more "developmental material" in the middle rounds at DT.
@"Geoff Nichols" said:I get this point but in my view, there are alot more BIG hits in the 2nd round when it comes to career performance. Im aware of the Dani Hunters and all that but i would think for every one of him there is a Michael Thomas and an Elgton Jenkins@"supafreak84" said:Overall I think folks get caught up and think we "need a 2nd round pick". We don't unless there is a player who will be drafted in round 2 you can't live without. So if you have 2 guys you love in round 3 you can grab just hold the picks and prosper. There isn't an underlying necessity for a 2nd round pick especially at the expense of missing out on a high-end prospect just to check that box.@"rf54" said: I like the Barmore pick but think the Vikings are far more likely to trade down to try and get a 2nd than give up picks to move up into the 2nd. Normally I would agree but it just makes more sense this year to try and move up from the 3rd round with all our mid round draft capital. We have a lot of picks that we can move to accomplish that
@"Bullazin" said:There can be great players in round 2 without a doubt. My point is that you trade up for one of those high-end players if you identify them. Just don't trade into round 2 so you can throw a dart. If you are only trying to get a chance to throw the dart throwing 2 in round 3 is a better option.@"Geoff Nichols" said:I get this point but in my view, there are alot more BIG hits in the 2nd round when it comes to career performance. Im aware of the Dani Hunters and all that but i would think for every one of him there is a Michael Thomas and an Elgton Jenkins@"supafreak84" said:Overall I think folks get caught up and think we "need a 2nd round pick". We don't unless there is a player who will be drafted in round 2 you can't live without. So if you have 2 guys you love in round 3 you can grab just hold the picks and prosper. There isn't an underlying necessity for a 2nd round pick especially at the expense of missing out on a high-end prospect just to check that box.@"rf54" said: I like the Barmore pick but think the Vikings are far more likely to trade down to try and get a 2nd than give up picks to move up into the 2nd. Normally I would agree but it just makes more sense this year to try and move up from the 3rd round with all our mid round draft capital. We have a lot of picks that we can move to accomplish that
I don't disagree with SF84 that a top priority is a 3T, but if the Superbowl taught us anything, a compromised OLine even makes an Elite QB like Mahomes look pedestrian. I really want to use the top pick on another OLineman to solidify the middle. Alijah Vera-Tucker is gaining a lot of steam and is getting associated with the Vikings at 14. That seems a little high, and I'm not sure he is the best scheme fit assuming Kubiak doesn't change up the ZBS, but definitely a name to keep an eye on.
@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"Jor-El" said: Good draft, but I'm not sold on your trade into the 2nd to acquire Quinn Meinerz. He's not been on my radar, so maybe I am just uninformed, but he seems like a guy we pick up in a later round...wouldn't he likely be available at pick 79 (our own 3rd)? It feels like you are trading up in to the 2nd just to say "we prioritized OL with a pick higher than the third round." OK, but aren't we giving up those resources to get a prospect that is almost certain to put Dozier on the bench? I can't count on a guy from UW-Whitewater to do that.I think you're illustrating one of the depth gaps in this draft: if we don't draft Vera-Tucker, Slater, or Davis, is there another OG who is a "plug and play" starter? I have my doubts, especially since the Vikings probably don't want some of the power-scheme guards like Creed Humphrey or Jackson Carman. Who else?
@"Geoff Nichols" said: Personally I still haven't warmed up to Barmore. He is NFL ready and could start day one but I'm not convinced you can pass on a "blue-chip" prospect at #14 to fill a need. I think to take Barmore you need to trade back. You likely aren't getting a 2nd to move back but maybe that gives you an additional 4th which makes your proposed trade with NO even more palatable since you'd only net be giving up a 3rd and 5th. Who do you think we would possibly pass on at #14? Obviously it will unfold between now and draft day, but I just can't see this team taking another WR, so one name that keeps appearing in draft simulators is Micah Parsons. If he slides to 14, is he a guy the Vikings could not stand to pass up?I'm basing my projection of him on another division III standout offensive lineman who went to the Senior Bowl and dominated on his way to being a second round pick for Tampa Bay, Ali Marpet. I think Meinerz would be a similar projection after his Senior Bowl week performance. I think what makes it a little more difficult is he didn't play football last season due to Covid and his school shutting down the season. Still though have to love what you see on tape with him.
Maybe Guru can chime in on where here on where he projects Meinerz
He dominated the senior bowl but I still don't think you can completely overlook his actual game tape. On tape alone he is a day 3 pick. Based on what he showed at the senior bowl he was up there with the best of them. When all is set and done I think that leaves him somewhere on day 2, which is an awesome story. Teams will probably have him all over the place but I don't think a team with a center need will grade many guys ahead of him. So that could mean he is picked in round 2 but more likely probably round 3.Sounds like we have a similar projection on him, although I thought he looked pretty dominant on game tape against lesser opponents and that's how he even got the Senior Bowl invite. It's going to be interesting to see how high he ultimately ends up going
@"TBro" said: I don't disagree with SF84 that a top priority is a 3T, but if the Superbowl taught us anything, a compromised OLine even makes an Elite QB like Mahomes look pedestrian. I really want to use the top pick on another OLineman to solidify the middle. Alijah Vera-Tucker is gaining a lot of steam and is getting associated with the Vikings at 14. That seems a little high, and I'm not sure he is the best scheme fit assuming Kubiak doesn't change up the ZBS, but definitely a name to keep an eye on.
Like I said, unless an elite talent, say a Kyle Pitts unexpectedly falls into our laps...there is just no way this pick isn't an offensive or defensive lineman. My bet is defense though as Mike Zimmer has dropped several hints and went so far to say this is the "worst defense he's ever had." There is just no way they are going to allow that to happen again and that's Zimmer's bread and butter.
Interior offensive line is obviously a huge need, but we have so many potential moving parts at this point that we could have positional switches or new players at every position. I also think there is more depth at that position where you can get a quality lineman or two in the second, third, and fourth rounds. It's going to be a very interesting draft this year and I'm curious to see how Rick plays this
@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"Jor-El" said: Good draft, but I'm not sold on your trade into the 2nd to acquire Quinn Meinerz. He's not been on my radar, so maybe I am just uninformed, but he seems like a guy we pick up in a later round...wouldn't he likely be available at pick 79 (our own 3rd)? It feels like you are trading up in to the 2nd just to say "we prioritized OL with a pick higher than the third round." OK, but aren't we giving up those resources to get a prospect that is almost certain to put Dozier on the bench? I can't count on a guy from UW-Whitewater to do that.I think you're illustrating one of the depth gaps in this draft: if we don't draft Vera-Tucker, Slater, or Davis, is there another OG who is a "plug and play" starter? I have my doubts, especially since the Vikings probably don't want some of the power-scheme guards like Creed Humphrey or Jackson Carman. Who else?
@"Geoff Nichols" said: Personally I still haven't warmed up to Barmore. He is NFL ready and could start day one but I'm not convinced you can pass on a "blue-chip" prospect at #14 to fill a need. I think to take Barmore you need to trade back. You likely aren't getting a 2nd to move back but maybe that gives you an additional 4th which makes your proposed trade with NO even more palatable since you'd only net be giving up a 3rd and 5th. Who do you think we would possibly pass on at #14? Obviously it will unfold between now and draft day, but I just can't see this team taking another WR, so one name that keeps appearing in draft simulators is Micah Parsons. If he slides to 14, is he a guy the Vikings could not stand to pass up?I'm basing my projection of him on another division III standout offensive lineman who went to the Senior Bowl and dominated on his way to being a second round pick for Tampa Bay, Ali Marpet. I think Meinerz would be a similar projection after his Senior Bowl week performance. I think what makes it a little more difficult is he didn't play football last season due to Covid and his school shutting down the season. Still though have to love what you see on tape with him.
Maybe Guru can chime in on where here on where he projects Meinerz
He dominated the senior bowl but I still don't think you can completely overlook his actual game tape. On tape alone he is a day 3 pick. Based on what he showed at the senior bowl he was up there with the best of them. When all is set and done I think that leaves him somewhere on day 2, which is an awesome story. Teams will probably have him all over the place but I don't think a team with a center need will grade many guys ahead of him. So that could mean he is picked in round 2 but more likely probably round 3.
Disagree a bit. I don't think it's his UWW game tape that makes him day three; I think it's his DIII pedigree.Now i'm not going to pretend i knew anything about Meinerz until the Senior Bowl, but I knew he had some serious buzz going in. It's why he was there. And the UWW clips I've seen since then were pretty dominant.
But the question about these DIII guys is always...sure you can knock future accountants on their asses, but let's see how you do against Power Five defenders? He answered that question.
@"Geoff Nichols" said:Depends on the value clusters at your positions of need doesn't it? If I'm drafting I want to pull a starting OL and a starting DL from this draft. And so after doing about a dozen of these mocks, you quickly begin to realize there's a big gap in talent at those position between who's on the board in the 40s and who's on the board in the 70s. Much more than, say, WR and DB.@"supafreak84" said:Overall I think folks get caught up and think we "need a 2nd round pick". We don't unless there is a player who will be drafted in round 2 you can't live without. So if you have 2 guys you love in round 3 you can grab just hold the picks and prosper. There isn't an underlying necessity for a 2nd round pick especially at the expense of missing out on a high-end prospect just to check that box.@"rf54" said: I like the Barmore pick but think the Vikings are far more likely to trade down to try and get a 2nd than give up picks to move up into the 2nd. Normally I would agree but it just makes more sense this year to try and move up from the 3rd round with all our mid round draft capital. We have a lot of picks that we can move to accomplish thatHell, up to me, I trade down in the 1st and then use our pile of picks to get back into the late 1st. Love to come away with a AVT/NIxon or Barmore/Cosmi combo. And that's not sky pie. We actually have the ammo to do it.
Course this is all probably moot after we send all of our picks to Houston.
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