Interior Lineman Draft Prospects at 30

love the idea of adding Price at G. Teammate of Elf, love OL chemistry.   Draft a OT in the 3rd to compete with Hill and Remmers

makes it a battle at RG between Isodora, Easton, Remmers

OL
Reiff-Price-Elfein-Remmers-Rookie with Hill, Isodora, Easton, Collins as versatile backups

That second round pick??? Shipped to
Cincy for Geno Atkins. 3 years left in his prime, a top UT next to a top NT. Healthy Griff and the youthful edge rushers of Hunter, Bower, Weatherly evolving

The trenches just got a hell of a lot better with 3 new additions, strengthening our weakest spots

I like the idea of trading for Atkins, I just don't know if I'm willing to give up a 2nd for him. I guess it depends if we are all in for next year. 

@"TBro" said: In my opinion, we need two day 1 starters at OG and DT out of this draft unless we find those replacements in FA. I know there are always surprises every year, but who do you think will be some of the realistic Interior Lineman options available for Rick to select at 30 that you really like? I don't see guys like Da'Ron Payne, Taven Bryan, Quenton Nelson, Maurice Hurst(Too small to play interior in my opinion) available that late in the 1st. 

Here are a few I like that I hope will still be there. No particular order. I'm looking at all of these as Day 1 starters.

Will Hernandez 6'3" 305 lbs OG UTEP  Just an absolute beast. Very nasty player. 

Harrison Phillips 6'3" 303 lbs DT Standford  I hate to use the cliche, but he has a relentless motor. Tenacious defender.

Billy Price 6'4" 315 lbs C/OG Ohio State  Awesome fit next to Elflein and has versatility to play OG or C

Braden Smith 6'5" 303 lbs OG Aurburn  Best Blocker in the SEC this year. Tall but athletic, quick feet, and a powerful lower body. Rick could look at trading down into the second a few spots to gain some picks and still possibly get him. 

Vita Vea 6'5 340 lbs  DT Washington  The Tongan Freak has unbelievable strength and athleticism. Not sure if he could play next to Linval in Zimmer's scheme, but I would love to see what those two could do side by side. Stock seems to be moving up so 30 might be a bit unrealistic for us to grab him. 

Please add some names to the list you like at 30. 

 

I think it is going to be Harrison Phillips, but I do like Vea a lot.  Of course, that kinda brushes aside Jaleel Johnson and I'm not sure Phillips is that much of an improvement over Johnson, but Vea is something the Vikings don't have on the roster right now.  I expect Vea to test out poorly in the VJ, BJ, and 40, so he might be available.  Polynesians can have a very strong upper body, but our legs are relatively short.  Read into that whatever you want.

Billy Price would be a safe pick, not in the first round, but a good guy to have.  Hernandez scares me.  He is dominant at OG, and the Vikings need someone like that, but the guy has trouble cracking a 5.6 in the 40.  Whoa!

Would love Vea, skeptical he will be there.  Hernandez seems like the pick,  lack of speed, OG in the first and a star off of a 0-13 team all have me wincing.

@"Ponifan" said:

@"TBro" said: In my opinion, we need two day 1 starters at OG and DT out of this draft unless we find those replacements in FA. I know there are always surprises every year, but who do you think will be some of the realistic Interior Lineman options available for Rick to select at 30 that you really like? I don't see guys like Da'Ron Payne, Taven Bryan, Quenton Nelson, Maurice Hurst(Too small to play interior in my opinion) available that late in the 1st. 

Here are a few I like that I hope will still be there. No particular order. I'm looking at all of these as Day 1 starters.

Will Hernandez 6'3" 305 lbs OG UTEP  Just an absolute beast. Very nasty player. 

Harrison Phillips 6'3" 303 lbs DT Standford  I hate to use the cliche, but he has a relentless motor. Tenacious defender.

Billy Price 6'4" 315 lbs C/OG Ohio State  Awesome fit next to Elflein and has versatility to play OG or C

Braden Smith 6'5" 303 lbs OG Aurburn  Best Blocker in the SEC this year. Tall but athletic, quick feet, and a powerful lower body. Rick could look at trading down into the second a few spots to gain some picks and still possibly get him. 

Vita Vea 6'5 340 lbs  DT Washington  The Tongan Freak has unbelievable strength and athleticism. Not sure if he could play next to Linval in Zimmer's scheme, but I would love to see what those two could do side by side. Stock seems to be moving up so 30 might be a bit unrealistic for us to grab him. 

Please add some names to the list you like at 30. 

 

I think it is going to be Harrison Phillips, but I do like Vea a lot.  Of course, that kinda brushes aside Jaleel Johnson and I'm not sure Phillips is that much of an improvement over Johnson, but Vea is something the Vikings don't have on the roster right now.  I expect Vea to test out poorly in the VJ, BJ, and 40, so he might be available.  Polynesians can have a very strong upper body, but our legs are relatively short.  Read into that whatever you want.

Billy Price would be a safe pick, not in the first round, but a good guy to have.  Hernandez scares me.  He is dominant at OG, and the Vikings need someone like that, but the guy has trouble cracking a 5.6 in the 40.  Whoa!

Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

@"Geoff Nichols" said: Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

Richardson's stats were very average last year in Seattle for a guy that wants to test free agency and is looking for a big pay day. I would avoid him and I wouldn't give up picks for Atkins. I think Easley has some promise. He is still young and has never been a full-time starter. He has the physical tools that Zimmer could mold into a productive 3T. Are you saying that you don't really see any options in the draft to fix our Pass Rush? Everyone knew about Griffins foot injury, but I was surprised at how ineffective our pass rush was at the end of the season. Hunter disappeared, and we were not getting any push up the middle. They all looked gassed and uninspired from the time we faced Carolina through the playoffs. 

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

Richardson's stats were very average last year in Seattle for a guy that wants to test free agency and is looking for a big pay day. I would avoid him and I wouldn't give up picks for Atkins. I think Easley has some promise. He is still young and has never been a full-time starter. He has the physical tools that Zimmer could mold into a productive 3T. Are you saying that you don't really see any options in the draft to fix our Pass Rush? Everyone knew about Griffins foot injury, but I was surprised at how ineffective our pass rush was at the end of the season. Hunter disappeared, and we were not getting any push up the middle. They all looked gassed and uninspired from the time we faced Carolina through the playoffs. 

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

Richardson's stats were very average last year in Seattle for a guy that wants to test free agency and is looking for a big pay day. I would avoid him and I wouldn't give up picks for Atkins. I think Easley has some promise. He is still young and has never been a full-time starter. He has the physical tools that Zimmer could mold into a productive 3T. Are you saying that you don't really see any options in the draft to fix our Pass Rush? Everyone knew about Griffins foot injury, but I was surprised at how ineffective our pass rush was at the end of the season. Hunter disappeared, and we were not getting any push up the middle. They all looked gassed and uninspired from the time we faced Carolina through the playoffs. 

There are a limited amount of interior pass rushers that could come in and help now, which is really what the front office is after. Hurst makes sense for a number of reasons but I don't know if he'll meet the Vikings size thresholds. Floyd was drafted by the previous regime and Zimmer is very very picky about his D-lineman. 

Richardson's stats were diluted since he played with Avril (part of the year) and Bennett. If you watch some of the Seahawks D-line film he still is one of the best interior players in the league and shedding of his block and using his athleticism to get up field. The Vikings interest will boil down to how his market shapes up. If there is a lot of interest he could end up getting paid $12+M per season on his new deal. The Vikings would have no part of that. But if there is a cooler amount of interest and he could be had in the range of $7-10M annually I'd expect them to strongly consider it. Last years interior lineman market wasn't great, which makes question where it will go this off-season.  

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

Richardson's stats were very average last year in Seattle for a guy that wants to test free agency and is looking for a big pay day. I would avoid him and I wouldn't give up picks for Atkins. I think Easley has some promise. He is still young and has never been a full-time starter. He has the physical tools that Zimmer could mold into a productive 3T. Are you saying that you don't really see any options in the draft to fix our Pass Rush? Everyone knew about Griffins foot injury, but I was surprised at how ineffective our pass rush was at the end of the season. Hunter disappeared, and we were not getting any push up the middle. They all looked gassed and uninspired from the time we faced Carolina through the playoffs. 

There are a limited amount of interior pass rushers that could come in and help now, which is really what the front office is after. Hurst makes sense for a number of reasons but I don't know if he'll meet the Vikings size thresholds. Floyd was drafted by the previous regime and Zimmer is very very picky about his D-lineman. 

Richardson's stats were diluted since he played with Avril (part of the year) and Bennett. If you watch some of the Seahawks D-line film he still is one of the best interior players in the league and shedding of his block and using his athleticism to get up field. The Vikings interest will boil down to how his market shapes up. If there is a lot of interest he could end up getting paid $12+M per season on his new deal. The Vikings would have no part of that. But if there is a cooler amount of interest and he could be had in the range of $7-10M annually I'd expect them to strongly consider it. Last years interior lineman market wasn't great, which makes question where it will go this off-season.  

Assuming he's available, could you put a guy like Vea next to Linval and have them co-exist effectively? I know most 3T's are usually less than 300 lbs, but those two together in the middle would be disruptive. I'm thinking of a bigger version of Pat and Kevin Williams. I like Hurst's quickness and athletic ability, but I wonder if he is a little too small to hold up at the pro level and doubt he will be there at 30. 

I need to add another body for our consideration. Isaiah Wynn G/OT Georgia 6'2" 308

Doesn't have the height that most teams are looking for at tackle and is projected to move inside. 
Price is gaining steam already so I doubt we will see him at 30. Wynn would give us a mobile option
for our Screen game who is equally good and run and pass blocking. 

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

Richardson's stats were very average last year in Seattle for a guy that wants to test free agency and is looking for a big pay day. I would avoid him and I wouldn't give up picks for Atkins. I think Easley has some promise. He is still young and has never been a full-time starter. He has the physical tools that Zimmer could mold into a productive 3T. Are you saying that you don't really see any options in the draft to fix our Pass Rush? Everyone knew about Griffins foot injury, but I was surprised at how ineffective our pass rush was at the end of the season. Hunter disappeared, and we were not getting any push up the middle. They all looked gassed and uninspired from the time we faced Carolina through the playoffs. 

There are a limited amount of interior pass rushers that could come in and help now, which is really what the front office is after. Hurst makes sense for a number of reasons but I don't know if he'll meet the Vikings size thresholds. Floyd was drafted by the previous regime and Zimmer is very very picky about his D-lineman. 

Richardson's stats were diluted since he played with Avril (part of the year) and Bennett. If you watch some of the Seahawks D-line film he still is one of the best interior players in the league and shedding of his block and using his athleticism to get up field. The Vikings interest will boil down to how his market shapes up. If there is a lot of interest he could end up getting paid $12+M per season on his new deal. The Vikings would have no part of that. But if there is a cooler amount of interest and he could be had in the range of $7-10M annually I'd expect them to strongly consider it. Last years interior lineman market wasn't great, which makes question where it will go this off-season.  

Assuming he's available, could you put a guy like Vea next to Linval and have them co-exist effectively? I know most 3T's are usually less than 300 lbs, but those two together in the middle would be disruptive. I'm thinking of a bigger version of Pat and Kevin Williams. I like Hurst's quickness and athletic ability, but I wonder if he is a little too small to hold up at the pro level and doubt he will be there at 30. 

You could end up putting Vea next to him. But I doubt Vea will be there at 30 barring a terrible combine or off-field issues, teams will be tempted by his raw abilities. The issue is that the Vikings did a nice job of stopping the run last season, the issue is getting that interior push that gets QB's to the backside or outsides of the pocket. Kevin Williams was tremendous at getting up the field more than he was a run stuffer. He got better in time but I still think priority #1 is getting a player who can shoot the gap and get into the backfield. 

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

Richardson's stats were very average last year in Seattle for a guy that wants to test free agency and is looking for a big pay day. I would avoid him and I wouldn't give up picks for Atkins. I think Easley has some promise. He is still young and has never been a full-time starter. He has the physical tools that Zimmer could mold into a productive 3T. Are you saying that you don't really see any options in the draft to fix our Pass Rush? Everyone knew about Griffins foot injury, but I was surprised at how ineffective our pass rush was at the end of the season. Hunter disappeared, and we were not getting any push up the middle. They all looked gassed and uninspired from the time we faced Carolina through the playoffs. 

There are a limited amount of interior pass rushers that could come in and help now, which is really what the front office is after. Hurst makes sense for a number of reasons but I don't know if he'll meet the Vikings size thresholds. Floyd was drafted by the previous regime and Zimmer is very very picky about his D-lineman. 

Richardson's stats were diluted since he played with Avril (part of the year) and Bennett. If you watch some of the Seahawks D-line film he still is one of the best interior players in the league and shedding of his block and using his athleticism to get up field. The Vikings interest will boil down to how his market shapes up. If there is a lot of interest he could end up getting paid $12+M per season on his new deal. The Vikings would have no part of that. But if there is a cooler amount of interest and he could be had in the range of $7-10M annually I'd expect them to strongly consider it. Last years interior lineman market wasn't great, which makes question where it will go this off-season.  

Assuming he's available, could you put a guy like Vea next to Linval and have them co-exist effectively? I know most 3T's are usually less than 300 lbs, but those two together in the middle would be disruptive. I'm thinking of a bigger version of Pat and Kevin Williams. I like Hurst's quickness and athletic ability, but I wonder if he is a little too small to hold up at the pro level and doubt he will be there at 30. 

You could end up putting Vea next to him. But I doubt Vea will be there at 30 barring a terrible combine or off-field issues, teams will be tempted by his raw abilities. The issue is that the Vikings did a nice job of stopping the run last season, the issue is getting that interior push that gets QB's to the backside or outsides of the pocket. Kevin Williams was tremendous at getting up the field more than he was a run stuffer. He got better in time but I still think priority #1 is getting a player who can shoot the gap and get into the backfield. 

geoff do you think there is a possibility (from both sides) of the vikings making a move for Geno Atkins?  if so, could it be done for a second round pick and what cap impact would this have?

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

Richardson's stats were very average last year in Seattle for a guy that wants to test free agency and is looking for a big pay day. I would avoid him and I wouldn't give up picks for Atkins. I think Easley has some promise. He is still young and has never been a full-time starter. He has the physical tools that Zimmer could mold into a productive 3T. Are you saying that you don't really see any options in the draft to fix our Pass Rush? Everyone knew about Griffins foot injury, but I was surprised at how ineffective our pass rush was at the end of the season. Hunter disappeared, and we were not getting any push up the middle. They all looked gassed and uninspired from the time we faced Carolina through the playoffs. 

There are a limited amount of interior pass rushers that could come in and help now, which is really what the front office is after. Hurst makes sense for a number of reasons but I don't know if he'll meet the Vikings size thresholds. Floyd was drafted by the previous regime and Zimmer is very very picky about his D-lineman. 

Richardson's stats were diluted since he played with Avril (part of the year) and Bennett. If you watch some of the Seahawks D-line film he still is one of the best interior players in the league and shedding of his block and using his athleticism to get up field. The Vikings interest will boil down to how his market shapes up. If there is a lot of interest he could end up getting paid $12+M per season on his new deal. The Vikings would have no part of that. But if there is a cooler amount of interest and he could be had in the range of $7-10M annually I'd expect them to strongly consider it. Last years interior lineman market wasn't great, which makes question where it will go this off-season.  

Assuming he's available, could you put a guy like Vea next to Linval and have them co-exist effectively? I know most 3T's are usually less than 300 lbs, but those two together in the middle would be disruptive. I'm thinking of a bigger version of Pat and Kevin Williams. I like Hurst's quickness and athletic ability, but I wonder if he is a little too small to hold up at the pro level and doubt he will be there at 30. 

You could end up putting Vea next to him. But I doubt Vea will be there at 30 barring a terrible combine or off-field issues, teams will be tempted by his raw abilities. The issue is that the Vikings did a nice job of stopping the run last season, the issue is getting that interior push that gets QB's to the backside or outsides of the pocket. Kevin Williams was tremendous at getting up the field more than he was a run stuffer. He got better in time but I still think priority #1 is getting a player who can shoot the gap and get into the backfield. 

geoff do you think there is a possibility (from both sides) of the vikings making a move for Geno Atkins?  if so, could it be done for a second round pick and what cap impact would this have?

Its possible but unlikely. There is no way the Vikings would give up a 2nd round pick for a player who is only under team control for a single season. Cap impact would be a little under $10M if my memory is on spot. 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: Hernandez doesn't fit the Vikings stretch zone scheme. He doesn't have the ability to get out and run in space. Good player though. 

Unfortunately the D-line class doesn't provide many up field pass rushers this year. There is a lot of balance and some good run stoppers. I personally wouldn't trade anything substantial to Cincinnati for Atkins since he is in the last year of his deal. Extending him at age 30 isn't idea considering the money he'd still be able to leverage. Sheldon Richardson would cost roughly the same amount and you wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to grab him. Do I think its likely they give him the money he is looking for? No. But I wouldn't be shocked if they went that direction either.

My guess is that they draft a player, resign one or both of Tom Johnson/Shamar Stephen, then take a flier on a FA like Dominique Easley. Depending how high they take a player in the draft you're left with a stable of Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen (?), Rookie, Easley. That isn't a bad stable of talent.    

Richardson's stats were very average last year in Seattle for a guy that wants to test free agency and is looking for a big pay day. I would avoid him and I wouldn't give up picks for Atkins. I think Easley has some promise. He is still young and has never been a full-time starter. He has the physical tools that Zimmer could mold into a productive 3T. Are you saying that you don't really see any options in the draft to fix our Pass Rush? Everyone knew about Griffins foot injury, but I was surprised at how ineffective our pass rush was at the end of the season. Hunter disappeared, and we were not getting any push up the middle. They all looked gassed and uninspired from the time we faced Carolina through the playoffs. 

There are a limited amount of interior pass rushers that could come in and help now, which is really what the front office is after. Hurst makes sense for a number of reasons but I don't know if he'll meet the Vikings size thresholds. Floyd was drafted by the previous regime and Zimmer is very very picky about his D-lineman. 

Richardson's stats were diluted since he played with Avril (part of the year) and Bennett. If you watch some of the Seahawks D-line film he still is one of the best interior players in the league and shedding of his block and using his athleticism to get up field. The Vikings interest will boil down to how his market shapes up. If there is a lot of interest he could end up getting paid $12+M per season on his new deal. The Vikings would have no part of that. But if there is a cooler amount of interest and he could be had in the range of $7-10M annually I'd expect them to strongly consider it. Last years interior lineman market wasn't great, which makes question where it will go this off-season.  

Assuming he's available, could you put a guy like Vea next to Linval and have them co-exist effectively? I know most 3T's are usually less than 300 lbs, but those two together in the middle would be disruptive. I'm thinking of a bigger version of Pat and Kevin Williams. I like Hurst's quickness and athletic ability, but I wonder if he is a little too small to hold up at the pro level and doubt he will be there at 30. 

You could end up putting Vea next to him. But I doubt Vea will be there at 30 barring a terrible combine or off-field issues, teams will be tempted by his raw abilities. The issue is that the Vikings did a nice job of stopping the run last season, the issue is getting that interior push that gets QB's to the backside or outsides of the pocket. Kevin Williams was tremendous at getting up the field more than he was a run stuffer. He got better in time but I still think priority #1 is getting a player who can shoot the gap and get into the backfield. 

geoff do you think there is a possibility (from both sides) of the vikings making a move for Geno Atkins?  if so, could it be done for a second round pick and what cap impact would this have?

Its possible but unlikely. There is no way the Vikings would give up a 2nd round pick for a player who is only under team control for a single season. Cap impact would be a little under $10M if my memory is on spot. 

Especially considering we don't have a 4th, and we can get Sheldon Richardson, a much younger player, without spending any draft picks. I think the Vikings might be appealing to Richardson. Playoff team with the NFL's top defense with a clear and present need at 3T; Zimmer's reputation for getting the best out of players....I read he may consider going back to NY, but between them, the Vikings, and a Seattle team that is falling apart at the seams, I like our chances with $57M in cap space. 

As far as the pick at 30, why does it have to be an interior player? Would we be better off upgrading Easton/Remmers inside? Or upgrading Hill at RT and keeping him as valuable depth?

We may have a decision to make with Hill before the draft. Is he a starter? Or is he just good depth? What's his ceiling? His contract is up at the end of '18. If he's not given a starting job and an extension next year, I would expect him to test the market, and he'll get a nice contract too.

@"TBro" said: I need to add another body for our consideration. Isaiah Wynn G/OT Georgia 6'2" 308

Doesn't have the height that most teams are looking for at tackle and is projected to move inside. 
Price is gaining steam already so I doubt we will see him at 30. Wynn would give us a mobile option
for our Screen game who is equally good and run and pass blocking. 

Beat me to it...Wynn I could be down with at #30, but I'm really hoping for Price...it's a shame Wilks didn't declare...

damn it, I dont want to get excited about the potential of Sheldon Richardson. I can easily see him paired with Linval, coached by Patterson, resurging his career and the tackle duo being as if not more effective than the Williams Wall.  Someone who can maintain position while getting up the field in the QBs face would bring this defense to another level (including the return of pre foot injury Everson)

outside of QB, an offseason that adds Richardson and a young starting OL like Price would be a dream scenario (not even including picks 2 and 3 as well as the return of Dalvin)

I like Wynn at #30.  I think Price and Vea will be long gone.

Possible Interior Guys at #30 That Can Start Day One?
1)  De'ron Payne
2)  Isaiah Wynn
That's a short list. 

I think The Team can maybe get better pop  at #30 from a guy like Okoronkwo, who has often been unblockable due to his twitch and array of passrush moves.  I like him over Landry and Armstrong at OLB.

I don't care for CB Oliver's lack of physicality.  He reminds me of a quentin rollins type.

I'd much rather see Carlton Davis.

Safeties and TEs are deep, so I say go with quality DE or CB who can contribute 1st year, and work down the draft from there.

My Impulsive Mock Draft Of The Day:
1) OLB Okoronwko
2) TE Ian Thomas
3) CB Isaac Yiadom 

Heck, Yes.  Sign Sheldon Richardson to a two-year deal for $20M.