NFL Draft Talk
Thought we could make a general draft discussion thread with the Combine approaching. Just a few pre combine thoughts I had while digging in on some early evaluations;
- There could be as many as 7 cornerbacks going in the 1st round. While I don't see any elite, Patrick Surtain type's, the position is deep and talented. I'd be pretty upset if the Vikings took a cornerback, but there will be some talented corners still on the board when our pick comes up.
- I absolutely love this group of linebackers. Drew Sanders, Noah Sewell, and the Simpson kid from Clemson all look like really good prospects who offer some scheme flexibility. Hicks won't be back for us and they still have a decision to make on Kendricks. It's possible all 3 of these guys are still on the board at #23 and would be really good picks.
- I've got Jalin Hyatt as my #1 WR in this class. He would be an absolute home run pick for us and give us a deep threat dimension this offense is sorely lacking. I'm going to be very curious how teams separate Johnston, Addison, Zay Flowers, and Smith-Njigba after that.
- Not a great crop of defensive lineman. I think we can find some scheme specific bodies with our mid round picks but otherwise need to be active in free agency. We are going to continue running this crap 3-4 and IMO all three down lineman positions need to be upgraded. A couple guys I'll be watching at the combine are Ika the nose tackle from Baylor (LSU transfer), Gervon Baxter from Florida, and Keeanu Benton from Wisconsin. All bigger bodies that fit our scheme and to me defensive line is the biggest position of need on this roster.
- My early overrated list: Tyree Wilson, Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee, and Paris Johnson.
- I'd be shocked to see the Vikings draft a QB. If we trade down and add more picks, then taking someone like Hendon Hooker and stashing him away for a year makes a lot of sense. I think it's far more likely we add a Sam Darnold in free agency or trade for someone like Zac Wilson on the low end.
Don't really understand the part about Darnold and Wilson. Presumably as back ups? I actually really like Mullens. Shit, I just looked it up. Mullens is a free agent. I didn't realize that.
Like the idea of drafting Hooker if we trade down and accumulate some additional middle round picks. I think Mond was probably a better overall prospect, but Hooker is a better athlete. Still, if you're not going to get a top pick, you have to take shots on these guys. The cost is almost nothing.
I'd put Addison over Hyatt, but I agree that Hyatt might be the kind of field stretcher we need. He seems to be holding steady in the 25-30 range.
Love to see the Vikings take a LB after a small trade down. Simpson and Sanders should both be available in the late 20s and would look great next to Asamoah. Sewell you can probably get in the 3rd round.
Agree with you on corner. We have plenty of young talent. We need a vet.
I like Ika, but I think Mazi Smith will be the 1st fatty off the board. A DT I'm starting to really like is Bryan Bresee. But honestly the Vikings might like Tonga, who graded out better than any DT from the last 2 draft classes. Pretty insane when you think about it: Jordan Davis, Wyatt, Barmore...
I would love to see the Vikings snag Sanders in a trade down scenario. Kid's a former 5 star who went to Alabama as an edge and transferred to Arkansas to play off the ball. I think Flores would love that type of versatility in the middle of his defense and to play with Asamoah for the future.
@"MaroonBells" said: Don't really understand the part about Darnold and Wilson. Presumably as back ups? I actually really like Mullens. Shit, I just looked it up. Mullens is a free agent. I didn't realize that.Like the idea of drafting Hooker if we trade down and accumulate some additional middle round picks. I think Mond was probably a better overall prospect, but Hooker is a better athlete. Still, if you're not going to get a top pick, you have to take shots on these guys. The cost is almost nothing.
I'd put Addison over Hyatt, but I agree that Hyatt might be the kind of field stretcher we need. He seems to be holding steady in the 25-30 range.
Love to see the Vikings take a LB after a small trade down. Simpson and Sanders should both be available in the late 20s and would look great next to Asamoah. Sewell you can probably get in the 3rd round.
Agree with you on corner. We have plenty of young talent. We need a vet.
I like Ika, but I think Mazi Smith will be the 1st fatty off the board. A DT I'm starting to really like is Bryan Bresee. But honestly the Vikings might like Tonga, who graded out better than any DT from the last 2 draft classes. Pretty insane when you think about it: Jordan Davis, Wyatt, Barmore...
The Darnold/Wilson comment was just that I don't believe we will draft a QB this year and will likely look at other potential high upside options to address our once again unsettled backup QB situation with Kirk going into the last year of his contract. I'd be okay if they brought Mullens back, but he just doesn't have the long term starting potential I think we need from the position at this point.
I was a little disappointed from what I've seen from Bresee. I know he was dealing with the whole tragic situation with his sister and injuries, but to me he has not lived up to the potential he showed as a freshman. I watched a few Clemson games this year and Bresee was a total non-factor including being completely man handled by Notre Dame. So I'm shocked when I see him in these top 15 to 20 overall rankings. To me he is a second or third round pick
@"PurpleCrush" said: I would love to see the Vikings snag Sanders in a trade down scenario. Kid's a former 5 star who went to Alabama as an edge and transferred to Arkansas to play off the ball. I think Flores would love that type of versatility in the middle of his defense and to play with Asamoah for the future.I love me some Drew Sanders. Versatile, instinctive and to me could be an Anthony Barr type player for us.
As distasteful as it might be, the DB room is a s hit show and they may very well go DB high again:
P2, Shelley and Sullivan are free agents
Andrew Booth Jr. is recovering from knee surgery
All the uncertainty around Dantzler
That imo isnt even serviceable let along a strength.
Will be interesting how Flores wants them to play on the back-end, and how much he feels they do (or dont) have the personnel to pull anything off.
https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draft
They have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
I mean there will always be unhappy Vikings fans
@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
Almost every mock draft I have seen has the Vikings taking a corner and it's just because people think we are losing Patrick Peterson and combine that with the fact we are picking in that sweet spot where a lot of corners are projected to go. I think you have to hope Flores is able to develop these young guys we've invested in in Dantzler, Evans, and Booth. We need at least two of them to step up and become solid starters for us next season. In the last nine years we have taken four 1st round corners and invested several other early round picks at the position (2nd through 4th round). It's time to sink or swim with what we have, especially when we have so many other needs. These guys staying healthy and a change in scheme is perhaps all that's needed at that position..
Some Drew Sanders love. Watch him funnel through traffic and lay the lumber on this dude at the 2:25 mark...wow
Not another 1st round CB, please. Just once can't we develop one we already have from a later round? I'm hoping the team has the guts to say goodbye to Theilen (he can't run anymore) and grab a WR with fresh wheels.
@"purplefaithful" said: As distasteful as it might be, the DB room is a s hit show and they may very well go DB high again:P2, Shelley and Sullivan are free agents
Andrew Booth Jr. is recovering from knee surgery
All the uncertainty around DantzlerThat imo isnt even serviceable let along a strength.
Will be interesting how Flores wants them to play on the back-end, and how much he feels they do (or dont) have the personnel to pull anything off.
If Kwesi doesn’t sign up for another season of Duke Shelley Island, someone needs to take him to the blue tent.
@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
Almost every mock draft I have seen has the Vikings taking a corner and it's just because people think we are losing Patrick Peterson and combine that with the fact we are picking in that sweet spot where a lot of corners are projected to go. I think you have to hope Flores is able to develop these young guys we've invested in in Dantzler, Evans, and Booth. We need at least two of them to step up and become solid starters for us next season. In the last nine years we have taken four 1st round corners and invested several other early round picks at the position (2nd through 4th round). It's time to sink or swim with what we have, especially when we have so many other needs. These guys staying healthy and a change in scheme is perhaps all that's needed at that position..
Agree...I like our corners. I do think our top free agent should be a corner, because I'm assuming Peterson won't be back, but the tea leaves seem to suggest he might be.Duke Shelley finished the regular season with the 3rd best coverage grade among all CBs, behind only Sauce and Surtain. In 8 games (5 starts), he gave up zero touchdowns. In man coverage--a Flores requirement--he had the 2nd highest PFF grade in the NFL, ahead of Sauce and Surtain.
Booth should factor in with Dantzler, and unless my eyes deceive me, the best corner on the roster might be Akayleb Evans. So while you can never have too many corners, I see DL and LB as bigger needs.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
Almost every mock draft I have seen has the Vikings taking a corner and it's just because people think we are losing Patrick Peterson and combine that with the fact we are picking in that sweet spot where a lot of corners are projected to go. I think you have to hope Flores is able to develop these young guys we've invested in in Dantzler, Evans, and Booth. We need at least two of them to step up and become solid starters for us next season. In the last nine years we have taken four 1st round corners and invested several other early round picks at the position (2nd through 4th round). It's time to sink or swim with what we have, especially when we have so many other needs. These guys staying healthy and a change in scheme is perhaps all that's needed at that position..
Booth should factor in with Dantzler, and unless my eyes deceive me, the best corner on the roster might be Akayleb Evans. So while you can never have too many corners, I see DL and LB as bigger needs.
A guy like OLB Nolan Smith from Georgia might be just the ticket.
@"StickyBun" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
Almost every mock draft I have seen has the Vikings taking a corner and it's just because people think we are losing Patrick Peterson and combine that with the fact we are picking in that sweet spot where a lot of corners are projected to go. I think you have to hope Flores is able to develop these young guys we've invested in in Dantzler, Evans, and Booth. We need at least two of them to step up and become solid starters for us next season. In the last nine years we have taken four 1st round corners and invested several other early round picks at the position (2nd through 4th round). It's time to sink or swim with what we have, especially when we have so many other needs. These guys staying healthy and a change in scheme is perhaps all that's needed at that position..
Booth should factor in with Dantzler, and unless my eyes deceive me, the best corner on the roster might be Akayleb Evans. So while you can never have too many corners, I see DL and LB as bigger needs.
A guy like OLB Nolan Smith from Georgia might be just the ticket.
Makes me wonder if the team will bring back Z Smith. If not, then this pick almost has to be an OLB/edge like Nolan Smith. But same with Kendricks. If he's not back, then ILB probably moves up the hierarchy of needs.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"StickyBun" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
Almost every mock draft I have seen has the Vikings taking a corner and it's just because people think we are losing Patrick Peterson and combine that with the fact we are picking in that sweet spot where a lot of corners are projected to go. I think you have to hope Flores is able to develop these young guys we've invested in in Dantzler, Evans, and Booth. We need at least two of them to step up and become solid starters for us next season. In the last nine years we have taken four 1st round corners and invested several other early round picks at the position (2nd through 4th round). It's time to sink or swim with what we have, especially when we have so many other needs. These guys staying healthy and a change in scheme is perhaps all that's needed at that position..
Booth should factor in with Dantzler, and unless my eyes deceive me, the best corner on the roster might be Akayleb Evans. So while you can never have too many corners, I see DL and LB as bigger needs.
A guy like OLB Nolan Smith from Georgia might be just the ticket.
Makes me wonder if the team will bring back Z Smith. If not, then this pick almost has to be an OLB/edge like Nolan Smith. But same with Kendricks. If he's not back, then ILB probably moves up the hierarchy of needs.
I wonder if Z has told the team that he wants to be released & that's the reason that he's put his house on the market.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"StickyBun" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
Almost every mock draft I have seen has the Vikings taking a corner and it's just because people think we are losing Patrick Peterson and combine that with the fact we are picking in that sweet spot where a lot of corners are projected to go. I think you have to hope Flores is able to develop these young guys we've invested in in Dantzler, Evans, and Booth. We need at least two of them to step up and become solid starters for us next season. In the last nine years we have taken four 1st round corners and invested several other early round picks at the position (2nd through 4th round). It's time to sink or swim with what we have, especially when we have so many other needs. These guys staying healthy and a change in scheme is perhaps all that's needed at that position..
Booth should factor in with Dantzler, and unless my eyes deceive me, the best corner on the roster might be Akayleb Evans. So while you can never have too many corners, I see DL and LB as bigger needs.
A guy like OLB Nolan Smith from Georgia might be just the ticket.
Makes me wonder if the team will bring back Z Smith. If not, then this pick almost has to be an OLB/edge like Nolan Smith. But same with Kendricks. If he's not back, then ILB probably moves up the hierarchy of needs.
It's going to be extremely interesting to see how we handle the cap and who they elect to bring back, trade, etc. It's hard to project much draft stuff until all that gets sorted out because we have so many tough decisions to make on key players. Have to be under the cap by March 15th and free agency starts the next day on the 16th, so only a couple more weeks until we find out exactly what the big roster holes will be.
On Hyatt, the thing that separates him from the rest is the breakaway speed. He moves like everyone else on the field is playing in mud. It doesn't matter if its Alabama dudes or LSU dudes trying to defend him, he is blowing by you. Very similar to Jameson Williams last year although I think Williams was a little more dynamic in the open field. Hyatt's numbers he put up in the SEC were incredible and he is taller than Addison, Smith-Njigba, and Flowers. I understand the needs on defense, but there might not be a better pick for an offense (likely going to lose Thielen) then Hyatt and his speed to keep defenses honest from doubling Jefferson.
@"Knucklehead" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"StickyBun" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
Almost every mock draft I have seen has the Vikings taking a corner and it's just because people think we are losing Patrick Peterson and combine that with the fact we are picking in that sweet spot where a lot of corners are projected to go. I think you have to hope Flores is able to develop these young guys we've invested in in Dantzler, Evans, and Booth. We need at least two of them to step up and become solid starters for us next season. In the last nine years we have taken four 1st round corners and invested several other early round picks at the position (2nd through 4th round). It's time to sink or swim with what we have, especially when we have so many other needs. These guys staying healthy and a change in scheme is perhaps all that's needed at that position..
Booth should factor in with Dantzler, and unless my eyes deceive me, the best corner on the roster might be Akayleb Evans. So while you can never have too many corners, I see DL and LB as bigger needs.
A guy like OLB Nolan Smith from Georgia might be just the ticket.
Makes me wonder if the team will bring back Z Smith. If not, then this pick almost has to be an OLB/edge like Nolan Smith. But same with Kendricks. If he's not back, then ILB probably moves up the hierarchy of needs.
I wonder if Z has told the team that he wants to be released & that's the reason that he's put his house on the market.
Yeah, I don't know what to make of that. Could just be a guy selling a house, but it does make you wonder.Given that he seems to be somewhat easily offended, and the fact that he made the Pro Bowl, but his salary still ranks 23rd among edges, I could see a scenario where he feels he took a prove-it deal, proved it, and now should get a long-term extension. Vikings probably want him to play under his current contract which, let's face it, is a bargain.
Z played well early this year but the Vikings probably feel Hunter is the younger, better player and more deserving of inclusion in their long-term plans.
@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"Vikergirl" said: https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draftThey have us taking CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia
Be a lot of unhappy Viking fans if they take Ringo and Addison is still sitting there...
Almost every mock draft I have seen has the Vikings taking a corner and it's just because people think we are losing Patrick Peterson and combine that with the fact we are picking in that sweet spot where a lot of corners are projected to go. I think you have to hope Flores is able to develop these young guys we've invested in in Dantzler, Evans, and Booth. We need at least two of them to step up and become solid starters for us next season. In the last nine years we have taken four 1st round corners and invested several other early round picks at the position (2nd through 4th round). It's time to sink or swim with what we have, especially when we have so many other needs. These guys staying healthy and a change in scheme is perhaps all that's needed at that position..
I thought we were already on the bottom of the pool for a while with what we have.
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