PFF Mock

I can see an OT being not only a need, but a BPA where they will be selecting in round 1. 

OT wouldn't be crazy. Hill has been solid at times, but struggles against tougher matchups. They seem comfortably moving Remmers around and while the moves they made to upgrade the OL paid dividends this year, I think it is fair to say that Keenum's mobility has covered up some errors. Also, Berger will be retiring, so we'll need a guard as well.

I think the pass rush could use some more help. We have some developmental ends, but it might me time to try and developer another 3rd or 4th rounder. I also think that an interior pass rusher would be huge for the pass rush. Interior pressure causes major problems for quick passers like Brees and quick pressure is one of the few areas where the D hasn't excelled this year. Definitely something that Floyd could have helped provide and Jaleel Johnson has been quiet so far.

PFF has TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State going at 28 to The Steelers.
I think They need Defense.  I expect Goedert to be really good.  From what I've seen on tape, he looks like Round One Talent.  He might land on my Top 50 this year.

For The Vikes, there could be a really nice CB too good to pass up, or a stud Three-Down LB.
But, snatching a solid OT is hardly something I could complain about. 

Really want 3T. That is the position that I think would give us the best bang for the buck. Haven't looked at the position much yet, but I really like Harrison Phillips from Stanford. I'm not sure he's right for us (we need a Donald or an Atkins), but I really think he's going to be a big time player in the NFL. 

Wouldn't complain about OL. Haven't watched Miller yet, but I have watched McGlinchey and I think he's overrated.

TE wouldn't be too surprising. The one I like the most in terms of (perceived) value is Adam Breneman from UMass. Looking at the rankings, it looks like he can be had in the middle rounds. He'll play 12 years in the NFL. 

Shrine game this weekend. Senior Bowl next week. 

We have the luxury of being able to take the best player at various positions. How much do the Vikings like Sloter? What if the Wyoming QB is available when we pick?  

OT is not a bad pick but Hill has been pretty good at RT. He is young and can still get better. We may have greater need at guard, but even there, Easton will be back.

Our pass rush seems to have fallen off in the second half of the season. We could use a pass rushing DT to do what Floyd was supposed to do. 

We can upgrade Gedeon's LB spot.

This could be Newman's last year. And Mac struggles at times.

We are in good enough shape that we can go in lots of ways. Just stay away from WR in round 1. After Patterson  and Treadwell, that's enough.  Our best receivers are 5th round and undrafted. 

Picking at 29-32 I think the best OT's will be off the board and it won't be a reach for one of the top 1 or 2 guards in the draft. We also happen to be needing a replacement for Berger, and not sure that Easton was a long term answer before his injury.

As others have said our needs after that are not glaring, other than maybe a replacement for Newman, but we do have to get proactive on finding younger guys that fit Zimmer's mold to rotate with Griff. and depth at DT for not only the 3 tech. but for Joseph too. Would love to get a pass catching TE that stretches the field. Rudolph is a good guy, but drives me nuts, with fantastic catches, followed by drops, and zero open field ability. Need depth at LB.

At guard, Billy Price is worth keeping an eye on. Would be a nice fit at LG next to Elflein and seems like a scheme fit. I agree that we need more corner depth, maybe not a 1st rounder unless a perfect fit slips to us, but CB depth is a huge part of the D. Depth at TE would be really nice. Rudolph actually played well at times, but he's been banged up and we haven't been able to attack the seams lately. LB is interesting. Gedeon is fine as a role player, but another 3-down linebacker to backup Barr and Kendricks and maybe even rotate in would be really nice, especially since LBs getting from the A gap to the flats is a big part of the D and Lamur is the only other LB who can kind of do it.

But I stand by my first post and think that UT, DE, and OT are what I would look for early. QB will be in the mix too, but probably more for depth/development since even if we don't go with one of our 3 QBs, then I'm sure we'd be a top landing spot for FAs like Cousins.

I'd definitely like to see more depth/talent added to the OL...honesty the closest thing we have to a glaring weakness is 3T, but that's not a great area in this draft...

We'll see how the early off-season shakes out, but there aren't a ton of glaring weaknesses on the roster. Even after you work on resigning core contributors there is money left to dip into the UFA market and grab a guy. The QB position shaking out will help shape needs early in the draft. 

But as of now there are a few pressure areas on offense/defense that could become round 1-3 needs. 

Interior D-Line: I am going to expand beyond 3-tech since depth behind Linval could also be used. Right now the only two players scheduled to be on the roster in 2018 are Linval and Jaleel Johnson. My best guess is they try to bring back Tom Johnson on a 2-yr deal, move on from Stephen (more replaceable), and target a player to develop through the draft.

Defensive End: We'll see what B Rob ends up doing after this season. But you need to start looking at replacement for both him as the 3rd DE and Everson Griffen (age 30). Depending on what's available I wouldn't be surprised to see a DE earlier than most would expect. 

Corner: Regardless, of Terence Newman's situation this will be an early draft need. The Vikings will likely pick up Waynes 5th year option and have X locked down long-term. Mac has developed in the slot but there is still a lack of depth and room for improvement at the position as a whole. A corner could definitely be a round 1 target.

O-Line: Generally the Vikings have some flexibility to draft either a tackle or guard with Remmers being a flex piece. Assuming that Berger retires you have Reiff/Easton/Elflein/Remmers/Hill as an O-line. That is a decent group but there is a lot of value leaving Hill as your 3rd O-lineman. Also, don't sleep on Danny Isiadora developing and sliding into that RG spot. The Vikings seem to like him.

Tight End: Kyle Rudolph has been good this season but the Vikings really need another receiving threat. David Morgan makes a play from time to time, but the FO seems to have their eyes on a more flexible TE to compliment Rudy/Morgan. There are some options in this draft class to fill the need, but I could see Burton making a ton of sense in FA. 

Running Back: To round things out I wouldn't be surprised to see the Vikings go RB early again. That may sound crazy, but there isn't a good chance of Cook/Murray/Jet all being on the roster in 2018. The FO will need to make a decision between Murray/Jet before UFA and I would presume they try and retain McKinnon for his leadership. That leaves an opening for another power back and this is a loaded RB class once again.  
       

The Vikings have 5 picks going into this draft: Rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Our 4th went to Philly for Bradford and 7th went to Seattle for Brock.

@"dadevike" said: The Vikings have 5 picks going into this draft: Rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Our 4th went to Philly for Bradford and 7th went to Seattle for Brock.

I saw that during our bye week when I was looking into draft stuff...  kind of sobering.  It honestly wouldn't surprise me to see Spielman trade out of the 1st round to get back a 4th round pick.  As Guru and others have pointed out, the Vikings don't have a glaring weakness to address...  so it would make sense to drop back, get an extra pick in the middle rounds and keep building depth at certain positions to bolster a playoff roster.

Short term memory loss? Reiff blows out a knee and its Remmers and his questionable health at RT again. Or Collins, whom I think has upside but isn't ready yet.

Get another Tackle early. Period. Nothing will reck this team's chances next year like another matador situation at RT. And while Hill is the Heir Apparent at LT what is the future at RT?

Jaleel better be the answer at 3T. We forget he was the 3rd player the team took last year. Cook and Elf ahead of him have been awesome and Gedeon behind him as certainly been serviceable.

Guru, how does the team view Weatherly and Bowers? Potential rotational DEs or just fringe guys? My gut says they both contribute next year and DE is not a priority.

Yes on replacing Newman. Not sold on Mac. Should probably look into an FSU CB. They usually turn out to be pretty good ;).

As much as I love Price as maybe a better player than Elf, the interior should be fine with both Remmers and Isidora competing for Berger's spot and maybe Easton's too.  Sirles is still in the mix too.  I like him best as a swing backup but who's to say he doesn't roll into TC and flat out earn a Starting gig at OG?

My needs rankings are 1. OT.  2. CB.  3. TE. 4. RB. 5. LB (hedge against not being able to resign Barr) 6. NT.

@"Wetlander" said:

@"dadevike" said: The Vikings have 5 picks going into this draft: Rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Our 4th went to Philly for Bradford and 7th went to Seattle for Brock.

I saw that during our bye week when I was looking into draft stuff...  kind of sobering.  It honestly wouldn't surprise me to see Spielman trade out of the 1st round to get back a 4th round pick.  As Guru and others have pointed out, the Vikings don't have a glaring weakness to address...  so it would make sense to drop back, get an extra pick in the middle rounds and keep building depth at certain positions to bolster a playoff roster.

@"Geoff Nichols" said: We'll see how the early off-season shakes out, but there aren't a ton of glaring weaknesses on the roster. Even after you work on resigning core contributors there is money left to dip into the UFA market and grab a guy. The QB position shaking out will help shape needs early in the draft. 

But as of now there are a few pressure areas on offense/defense that could become round 1-3 needs. 

Interior D-Line: I am going to expand beyond 3-tech since depth behind Linval could also be used. Right now the only two players scheduled to be on the roster in 2018 are Linval and Jaleel Johnson. My best guess is they try to bring back Tom Johnson on a 2-yr deal, move on from Stephen (more replaceable), and target a player to develop through the draft.

Defensive End: We'll see what B Rob ends up doing after this season. But you need to start looking at replacement for both him as the 3rd DE and Everson Griffen (age 30). Depending on what's available I wouldn't be surprised to see a DE earlier than most would expect. 

Corner: Regardless, of Terence Newman's situation this will be an early draft need. The Vikings will likely pick up Waynes 5th year option and have X locked down long-term. Mac has developed in the slot but there is still a lack of depth and room for improvement at the position as a whole. A corner could definitely be a round 1 target.

O-Line: Generally the Vikings have some flexibility to draft either a tackle or guard with Remmers being a flex piece. Assuming that Berger retires you have Reiff/Easton/Elflein/Remmers/Hill as an O-line. That is a decent group but there is a lot of value leaving Hill as your 3rd O-lineman. Also, don't sleep on Danny Isiadora developing and sliding into that RG spot. The Vikings seem to like him.

Tight End: Kyle Rudolph has been good this season but the Vikings really need another receiving threat. David Morgan makes a play from time to time, but the FO seems to have their eyes on a more flexible TE to compliment Rudy/Morgan. There are some options in this draft class to fill the need, but I could see Burton making a ton of sense in FA. 

Running Back: To round things out I wouldn't be surprised to see the Vikings go RB early again. That may sound crazy, but there isn't a good chance of Cook/Murray/Jet all being on the roster in 2018. The FO will need to make a decision between Murray/Jet before UFA and I would presume they try and retain McKinnon for his leadership. That leaves an opening for another power back and this is a loaded RB class once again.  
       

I see Jet getting a big pay day elsewhere but why wouldn't Cook be the man ?

@"Maple Surple" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: We'll see how the early off-season shakes out, but there aren't a ton of glaring weaknesses on the roster. Even after you work on resigning core contributors there is money left to dip into the UFA market and grab a guy. The QB position shaking out will help shape needs early in the draft. 

But as of now there are a few pressure areas on offense/defense that could become round 1-3 needs. 

Interior D-Line: I am going to expand beyond 3-tech since depth behind Linval could also be used. Right now the only two players scheduled to be on the roster in 2018 are Linval and Jaleel Johnson. My best guess is they try to bring back Tom Johnson on a 2-yr deal, move on from Stephen (more replaceable), and target a player to develop through the draft.

Defensive End: We'll see what B Rob ends up doing after this season. But you need to start looking at replacement for both him as the 3rd DE and Everson Griffen (age 30). Depending on what's available I wouldn't be surprised to see a DE earlier than most would expect. 

Corner: Regardless, of Terence Newman's situation this will be an early draft need. The Vikings will likely pick up Waynes 5th year option and have X locked down long-term. Mac has developed in the slot but there is still a lack of depth and room for improvement at the position as a whole. A corner could definitely be a round 1 target.

O-Line: Generally the Vikings have some flexibility to draft either a tackle or guard with Remmers being a flex piece. Assuming that Berger retires you have Reiff/Easton/Elflein/Remmers/Hill as an O-line. That is a decent group but there is a lot of value leaving Hill as your 3rd O-lineman. Also, don't sleep on Danny Isiadora developing and sliding into that RG spot. The Vikings seem to like him.

Tight End: Kyle Rudolph has been good this season but the Vikings really need another receiving threat. David Morgan makes a play from time to time, but the FO seems to have their eyes on a more flexible TE to compliment Rudy/Morgan. There are some options in this draft class to fill the need, but I could see Burton making a ton of sense in FA. 

Running Back: To round things out I wouldn't be surprised to see the Vikings go RB early again. That may sound crazy, but there isn't a good chance of Cook/Murray/Jet all being on the roster in 2018. The FO will need to make a decision between Murray/Jet before UFA and I would presume they try and retain McKinnon for his leadership. That leaves an opening for another power back and this is a loaded RB class once again.  
       

Well thought out post, but curious on RBs ?

I see Jet getting a big pay day elsewhere but why wouldn't Cook be the man ?

The Latavious signing was all part of this improbable and unplanned  formula of success 
This could be one of the most amazing Superbowl team transition s  of all time, offensively, next year
I really see Jet gone & maybe fresh legs would be the way to go until Cook picks up where he left off

@"Geoff Nichols" said: We'll see how the early off-season shakes out, but there aren't a ton of glaring weaknesses on the roster. Even after you work on resigning core contributors there is money left to dip into the UFA market and grab a guy. The QB position shaking out will help shape needs early in the draft. 

But as of now there are a few pressure areas on offense/defense that could become round 1-3 needs. 

Interior D-Line: I am going to expand beyond 3-tech since depth behind Linval could also be used. Right now the only two players scheduled to be on the roster in 2018 are Linval and Jaleel Johnson. My best guess is they try to bring back Tom Johnson on a 2-yr deal, move on from Stephen (more replaceable), and target a player to develop through the draft.

Defensive End: We'll see what B Rob ends up doing after this season. But you need to start looking at replacement for both him as the 3rd DE and Everson Griffen (age 30). Depending on what's available I wouldn't be surprised to see a DE earlier than most would expect. 

Corner: Regardless, of Terence Newman's situation this will be an early draft need. The Vikings will likely pick up Waynes 5th year option and have X locked down long-term. Mac has developed in the slot but there is still a lack of depth and room for improvement at the position as a whole. A corner could definitely be a round 1 target.

O-Line: Generally the Vikings have some flexibility to draft either a tackle or guard with Remmers being a flex piece. Assuming that Berger retires you have Reiff/Easton/Elflein/Remmers/Hill as an O-line. That is a decent group but there is a lot of value leaving Hill as your 3rd O-lineman. Also, don't sleep on Danny Isiadora developing and sliding into that RG spot. The Vikings seem to like him.

Tight End: Kyle Rudolph has been good this season but the Vikings really need another receiving threat. David Morgan makes a play from time to time, but the FO seems to have their eyes on a more flexible TE to compliment Rudy/Morgan. There are some options in this draft class to fill the need, but I could see Burton making a ton of sense in FA. 

Running Back: To round things out I wouldn't be surprised to see the Vikings go RB early again. That may sound crazy, but there isn't a good chance of Cook/Murray/Jet all being on the roster in 2018. The FO will need to make a decision between Murray/Jet before UFA and I would presume they try and retain McKinnon for his leadership. That leaves an opening for another power back and this is a loaded RB class once again.  
       

• DT seems like on of our biggest needs. Losing Floyd really hurts, Jaleel Johnson has been extremely quiet so far, and I really think that a DT who can generate quick pressure up the middle would be a boon for the defense. I agree that NT depth is also a need.
• We've had good success drafting DEs in the 3rd or 4th rounds, but I know we can't always rely on finding good DE talent in the mid rounds. I do feel like our pass rush has slowed down as the season wore on (matchups didn't help either) and getting another pass rusher in the mix is important.
• CB will be an interesting position to track this off-season. Not sure if I'd want to spend a 1st on a 4th CB, but with Newman getting older and Brock not showing much, we'll need to find 2 capable CBs from somewhere.
• Our OL was better this year, but I think Keenum's mobility hid some struggles. I think that continued investment is needed and if we can add a starting OG or RT early, then I would be very tempted to do it.
• Rudolph was playing very well until he got hurt, but since then, we've been missing the ability to attack the seams. Would be really nice to find an athletic TE to mix in. I was really high on Bucky Hodges, but I'm not sure what went wrong there.
• It will be interesting to see what happens at RB. Having insurance there saved our season. Murray has been a nice back. Always moves forward, very good in short yardage/goal line situations, and breaks some bigger runs than you'd expect. Very solid player to have around. Jet is a pretty good role player, he can put together some monster games, but then seems to be quiet for a few weeks. Not as explosive in the passing game as someone like Kamara, but if they did opt to keep Murray, I wonder if they could find more of a true receiving threat to mix in as a role player?

I sure hope the Vikings select Da'Ron Payne if this mock were to play out.  He is exactly what they need.  Two free agent defensive tackles and one who will turn 34 on Aug 30th.  Cant mess around with this defense.  Need to keep it very strong.

They might need a tackle but I think guard may be more important.  They have Remmers and Hill plus they like Aviante Collins a lot and he has been active all year although he may not have dressed for every game.

At guard they likely will extend Easton and maybe Sirles plus they have Isidora.

Considering they spent big money on the offensive line last off season it would be interesting if they spent again in free agency.  I would love to snag Andrew Norwell from the Panthers but he is going to get 11 mil.  Maybe they can sign a Josh Kline from the Titans?  I doubt they do anything in terms of big spending in free agency on the offensive line.

In this mock, they have Frank Ragnow going early who is interesting.