Two OL names not getting much attention

Here are a couple of names people should think about: Phil Loadholt and Matt Kalil.
Because those are the ONLY offensive linemen Rick Spielman has drafted in the top 2 rounds, EVER, in 11 drafts. The line has been in need of improvement virtually throughout that period (even the line of the 2009 playoff team was modest, at best). 2018 is hardly the first year that "everyone" has been saying the Vikings' biggest need is OL. So those 2 names tell me a couple things:

• Spielman doesn't like to pick offensive linemen high. Maybe because the team had historic luck getting guys like Matt Birk late and Spielman's early drafts produced John Sullivan and Brandon Fusco in later rounds, he usually tries to supply this unit with picks in round 4 or later.
• When he does pick a lineman high, it's an OT. Even Elflein in the 3rd was surprising.

I think Daniels or Williams would be great choices. I have Williams rated higher because he becomes your RT day 1 and you kick Remmers inside. I still think that Rick ends up moving down into the 2nd as multiple teams will be fighting to draft Mason Rudolph at 30 and will be worried about the Patriots grabbing him at 31. With Wynn and Price's injuries, good chance they drop into the 2nd anyways and I think McGlinchey, Miller, and Hernandez will all be gone. 

I think it is likely he takes one in the first three rounds. And I'm fine with that.  Could Jamarco Jones be had in the fourth?  (I know we do not currently have a 4th round pick, but that could change.) I would be fine with that.  I don't see OL as our biggest need and it looks like there is a lot of depth there this year, especially for interior OL.  Although my preference would also be for an OT rather than a G, if they are of equal or similar talent/grade. I think Orlando Brown at the end of the second would be fine, too.   

@"dadevike" said: I think it is likely he takes one in the first three rounds. And I'm fine with that.  Could Jamarco Jones be had in the fourth?  (I know we do not currently have a 4th round pick, but that could change.) I would be fine with that.  I don't see OL as our biggest need and it looks like there is a lot of depth there this year, especially for interior OL.  Although my preference would also be for an OT rather than a G, if they are of equal or similar talent/grade. I think Orlando Brown at the end of the second would be fine, too.   

@"Jor-El" said: Here are a couple of names people should think about: Phil Loadholt and Matt Kalil. Because those are the ONLY offensive linemen Rick Spielman has drafted in the top 2 rounds, EVER, in 11 drafts. The line has been in need of improvement virtually throughout that period (even the line of the 2009 playoff team was modest, at best). 2018 is hardly the first year that "everyone" has been saying the Vikings' biggest need is OL. So those 2 names tell me a couple things:

• Spielman doesn't like to pick offensive linemen high. Maybe because the team had historic luck getting guys like Matt Birk late and Spielman's early drafts produced John Sullivan and Brandon Fusco in later rounds, he usually tries to supply this unit with picks in round 4 or later.
• When he does pick a lineman high, it's an OT. Even Elflein in the 3rd was surprising.

My hunch is we won't draft OL until the 3rd round. If we do at #30, it will be Williams or a sliding McGlinchey or another OT. Maybe Ragnow, but if so we will hear how he's 6'5" with long arms and will be tried first at RT. It won't be some 6'3" center or guard.

@"Poiple" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Here are a couple of names people should think about: Phil Loadholt and Matt Kalil. Because those are the ONLY offensive linemen Rick Spielman has drafted in the top 2 rounds, EVER, in 11 drafts. The line has been in need of improvement virtually throughout that period (even the line of the 2009 playoff team was modest, at best). 2018 is hardly the first year that "everyone" has been saying the Vikings' biggest need is OL. So those 2 names tell me a couple things:

• Spielman doesn't like to pick offensive linemen high. Maybe because the team had historic luck getting guys like Matt Birk late and Spielman's early drafts produced John Sullivan and Brandon Fusco in later rounds, he usually tries to supply this unit with picks in round 4 or later.
• When he does pick a lineman high, it's an OT. Even Elflein in the 3rd was surprising.

My hunch is we won't draft OL until the 3rd round. If we do at #30, it will be Williams or a sliding McGlinchey or another OT. Maybe Ragnow, but if so we will hear how he's 6'5" with long arms and will be tried first at RT. It won't be some 6'3" center or guard.

Who drafted RT Cook?

@"Jor-El" said:

@"Poiple" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Here are a couple of names people should think about: Phil Loadholt and Matt Kalil. Because those are the ONLY offensive linemen Rick Spielman has drafted in the top 2 rounds, EVER, in 11 drafts. The line has been in need of improvement virtually throughout that period (even the line of the 2009 playoff team was modest, at best). 2018 is hardly the first year that "everyone" has been saying the Vikings' biggest need is OL. So those 2 names tell me a couple things:

• Spielman doesn't like to pick offensive linemen high. Maybe because the team had historic luck getting guys like Matt Birk late and Spielman's early drafts produced John Sullivan and Brandon Fusco in later rounds, he usually tries to supply this unit with picks in round 4 or later.
• When he does pick a lineman high, it's an OT. Even Elflein in the 3rd was surprising.

My hunch is we won't draft OL until the 3rd round. If we do at #30, it will be Williams or a sliding McGlinchey or another OT. Maybe Ragnow, but if so we will hear how he's 6'5" with long arms and will be tried first at RT. It won't be some 6'3" center or guard.

Who drafted RT Cook?

Not Rick Spielman, who joined the Vikings a month after the 2006 draft. Fran Foley probably picked Cook.

@"AGRforever" said:

@"dadevike" said: I think it is likely he takes one in the first three rounds. And I'm fine with that.  Could Jamarco Jones be had in the fourth?  (I know we do not currently have a 4th round pick, but that could change.) I would be fine with that.  I don't see OL as our biggest need and it looks like there is a lot of depth there this year, especially for interior OL.  Although my preference would also be for an OT rather than a G, if they are of equal or similar talent/grade. I think Orlando Brown at the end of the second would be fine, too.   

How could OL not be our biggest need?  Berger retiring is the lone spot of the 22 that doesn't have a starter in place and our OL has one of the driest cupboards on the team.

I'm a fan of both Daniels and Williams.  I also expect both to be gone before #30.  They both have great movement.

With the overdrafting of Olinemen and QBs in this draft? - I've been saying it for months, a stud defender is going to drop ten spots or more.  Even with a trade back, defenders will be littering the board late, and there are a bunch of them I like.
The CB depth is impressive. Jaire Alexander, Carton Davis, Holton Hill, Isaiah Oliver, Kevin Tolliver.  These guys will come off in bunches in rounds 2 and 3.  But as of today, I don't see the team passing on Justin Reid at #30.  It just makes too much sense.

I'm predicting a secondary player as being the most likely choice due to how Spielman values picks and drafts.

@"dadevike" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"dadevike" said: I think it is likely he takes one in the first three rounds. And I'm fine with that.  Could Jamarco Jones be had in the fourth?  (I know we do not currently have a 4th round pick, but that could change.) I would be fine with that.  I don't see OL as our biggest need and it looks like there is a lot of depth there this year, especially for interior OL.  Although my preference would also be for an OT rather than a G, if they are of equal or similar talent/grade. I think Orlando Brown at the end of the second would be fine, too.   

How could OL not be our biggest need?  Berger retiring is the lone spot of the 22 that doesn't have a starter in place and our OL has one of the driest cupboards on the team.

Berger retired and Sirles left in FA. And we picked up Andrews and Compton.  So we have at least Rieff, Easton, Elflein, Remmers, Hill, Isidora, Collins, Compton, Andrews, ....
At CB we are fine with Rhodes, Waynes, and even Alexander. But what if teams decide to go 4-wide? Who do you put in? Sherels?  And don't even think about one of the starters getting injured.
I'm a lot more comfortable Compton, Hill, Isidora, Collins, and Andrews than with Sherels.  I think CB is a much bigger need than OL.

Interesting quote from Rob Rang:

02/26/18
- OL James Daniels is the Must-See offensive linemen of the Combine.
Don't let his projected 40-yard dash number fool you, Daniels shows rare
initial quickness, balance and agility, and scouts are eager to get
measurements on his height, weight and arm length. For as excited as
scouts are about Daniels' perceived upside, he does come with medical
red flags, missing time due to knee problems each of the past two
seasons. -- Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

Daniels measurables are actually just so-so.  Just another eighth of an inch and he would be rounded up to 6'4", but his 40, BP and weight are just kinda...there.  I suspect he is not up to par strength-wise and I can only see the Vikings taking him as their 2nd round pick.

@"AGRforever" said:

@"dadevike" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"dadevike" said: I think it is likely he takes one in the first three rounds. And I'm fine with that.  Could Jamarco Jones be had in the fourth?  (I know we do not currently have a 4th round pick, but that could change.) I would be fine with that.  I don't see OL as our biggest need and it looks like there is a lot of depth there this year, especially for interior OL.  Although my preference would also be for an OT rather than a G, if they are of equal or similar talent/grade. I think Orlando Brown at the end of the second would be fine, too.   

How could OL not be our biggest need?  Berger retiring is the lone spot of the 22 that doesn't have a starter in place and our OL has one of the driest cupboards on the team.

Berger retired and Sirles left in FA. And we picked up Andrews and Compton.  So we have at least Rieff, Easton, Elflein, Remmers, Hill, Isidora, Collins, Compton, Andrews, ....
At CB we are fine with Rhodes, Waynes, and even Alexander. But what if teams decide to go 4-wide? Who do you put in? Sherels?  And don't even think about one of the starters getting injured.
I'm a lot more comfortable Compton, Hill, Isidora, Collins, and Andrews than with Sherels.  I think CB is a much bigger need than OL.

newman will be back and we’ll certainly draft a CB. who knows. im ok with a good CB at 30 but I can also see that we have the least amount of talent on a unit charged with keeping our $86m dollar man upright. 

@"kahsmick" said: I'm a fan of both Daniels and Williams.  I also expect both to be gone before #30.  They both have great movement.

With the overdrafting of Olinemen and QBs in this draft? - I've been saying it for months, a stud defender is going to drop ten spots or more.  Even with a trade back, defenders will be littering the board late, and there are a bunch of them I like.
The CB depth is impressive. Jaire Alexander, Carton Davis, Holton Hill, Isaiah Oliver, Kevin Tolliver.  These guys will come off in bunches in rounds 2 and 3.  But as of today, I don't see the team passing on Justin Reid at #30.  It just makes too much sense.

I'm predicting a secondary player as being the most likely choice due to how Spielman values picks and drafts.

@"Poiple" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"dadevike" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"dadevike" said: I think it is likely he takes one in the first three rounds. And I'm fine with that.  Could Jamarco Jones be had in the fourth?  (I know we do not currently have a 4th round pick, but that could change.) I would be fine with that.  I don't see OL as our biggest need and it looks like there is a lot of depth there this year, especially for interior OL.  Although my preference would also be for an OT rather than a G, if they are of equal or similar talent/grade. I think Orlando Brown at the end of the second would be fine, too.   

How could OL not be our biggest need?  Berger retiring is the lone spot of the 22 that doesn't have a starter in place and our OL has one of the driest cupboards on the team.

Berger retired and Sirles left in FA. And we picked up Andrews and Compton.  So we have at least Rieff, Easton, Elflein, Remmers, Hill, Isidora, Collins, Compton, Andrews, ....
At CB we are fine with Rhodes, Waynes, and even Alexander. But what if teams decide to go 4-wide? Who do you put in? Sherels?  And don't even think about one of the starters getting injured.
I'm a lot more comfortable Compton, Hill, Isidora, Collins, and Andrews than with Sherels.  I think CB is a much bigger need than OL.

newman will be back and we’ll certainly draft a CB. who knows. im ok with a good CB at 30 but I can also see that we have the least amount of talent on a unit charged with keeping our $86m dollar man upright. 

I am leaning pretty hard in this direction also.
I think Zimmer likes pulling in some veterans and filling the nickle and dime roles with their experience.  If they draft a CB in the first round it sems thry would be groomed for starting in one of the top DB spots.   I cant see them using a first round pick for a dime guy when you get one for vet min after cut downs.

@"dadevike" said:

@"kahsmick" said: I'm a fan of both Daniels and Williams.  I also expect both to be gone before #30.  They both have great movement.

With the overdrafting of Olinemen and QBs in this draft? - I've been saying it for months, a stud defender is going to drop ten spots or more.  Even with a trade back, defenders will be littering the board late, and there are a bunch of them I like.
The CB depth is impressive. Jaire Alexander, Carton Davis, Holton Hill, Isaiah Oliver, Kevin Tolliver.  These guys will come off in bunches in rounds 2 and 3.  But as of today, I don't see the team passing on Justin Reid at #30.  It just makes too much sense.

I'm predicting a secondary player as being the most likely choice due to how Spielman values picks and drafts.

I agree on a secondary player as a likely first pick. But I would think it is a CB not a S. There are still some good S available in FA. Plus CB is a bigger need IMO.

i like Reid, both of them. Tre Boston is also sitting out there unsigned and would not cost us a pick. Not sure we can afford him. Maybe his price comes down after the draft. 

@"kahsmick" said:

@"dadevike" said:

@"kahsmick" said: I'm a fan of both Daniels and Williams.  I also expect both to be gone before #30.  They both have great movement.

With the overdrafting of Olinemen and QBs in this draft? - I've been saying it for months, a stud defender is going to drop ten spots or more.  Even with a trade back, defenders will be littering the board late, and there are a bunch of them I like.
The CB depth is impressive. Jaire Alexander, Carton Davis, Holton Hill, Isaiah Oliver, Kevin Tolliver.  These guys will come off in bunches in rounds 2 and 3.  But as of today, I don't see the team passing on Justin Reid at #30.  It just makes too much sense.

I'm predicting a secondary player as being the most likely choice due to how Spielman values picks and drafts.

I agree on a secondary player as a likely first pick. But I would think it is a CB not a S. There are still some good S available in FA. Plus CB is a bigger need IMO.

Reid is from a pro football family.  Its in his DNA.  He plays All Secondary Spots.  The big knock on him is that he's not as dynamic as his brother.  I think he's a Zimmer player all day.  His upside at FS is pro-bowl level.  He really completes the set.

I can't talk myself out of the pick.

I like Daniels a lot. He fits perfectly into the scheme. The only question is do the Vikings want to be so light across all three interior spots? There are some benefits to at least having one guy that has some mass to him. 

I'm still liking Guru's first mock draft pick of Isiah Oliver - CB - Colorado.  Move up in the second round for an interior guy like Price/Williams.  

It is interesting to me that despite finishing with the #1 Defense and only the #11 offense that some people believe we need to once again use our high draft picks for defense.  It defies all logic.  
A starting Lineman or a #3-4 CB???

Balance is its own reward.