OL And Other Prospects Watch

https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-nfl-com-predicts-player-to-watch-for-vikings-at-2019-combine

Dalton Risner is a tough, corn-fed right tackle who many see as a guard. Either way, the Vikes should find out if they like him enough to take him in Round 1. (And if so, at which position?)

Have to agree with DJ and LZ on NFL.com...I don't think you could design a better pick for the Vikings than Dalton Risner. 

1. First of all he's got to be there and right now anyway, it looks like Risner stands a good chance of being available at #18.

2. Vikings love versatility. Risner can play tackle, guard and center. He's really the only player in the draft who projects at all three.  

3. Zimmer wants to be more physical and add toughness to the line. Risner has some nasty in him and plays with a ton of aggression and enthusiasm. You can tell he loves football. This is no Danny Watkins. 

4. Kubiak is going to want a blocker for his zone who can move. Risner is no Bradbury, but he's got enough athleticism for a zone. And, unlike Bradbury, he's got a pretty good anchor to go with it. 

It’s interesting that Kubiak has worked the last 2 seasons in personnel, he should definitely be well versed on this years draft prospects.

@"Kentis" said: It’s interesting that Kubiak has worked the last 2 seasons in personnel, he should definitely be well versed on this years draft prospects.

Bingo. this is the exciting Kubiak angle that hasnt been played up, his evaluation skills.  We desperately need to hit on some offense picks and Speilly has been pretty weak on that side of the ball

@"MaroonBells" said: https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-nfl-com-predicts-player-to-watch-for-vikings-at-2019-combine

Dalton Risner is a tough, corn-fed right tackle who many see as a guard. Either way, the Vikes should find out if they like him enough to take him in Round 1. (And if so, at which position?)

Have to agree with DJ and LZ on NFL.com...I don't think you could design a better pick for the Vikings than Dalton Risner. 

1. First of all he's got to be there and right now anyway, it looks like Risner stands a good chance of being available at #18.

2. Vikings love versatility. Risner can play tackle, guard and center. He's really the only player in the draft who projects at all three.  

3. Zimmer wants to be more physical and add toughness to the line. Risner has some nasty in him and plays with a ton of aggression and enthusiasm. You can tell he loves football. This is no Danny Watkins. 

4. Kubiak is going to want a blocker for his zone who can move. Risner is no Bradbury, but he's got enough athleticism for a zone. And, unlike Bradbury, he's got a pretty good anchor to go with it. 

I am so curious with what is going to happen with Risner. He keeps going in the first round most mocks but from those I've talked to they have closer to a 3rd or 4th round grade on him due to footwork and lateral movement concerns. But man do so many people love his physicality/demeanor. It's going to come down to the scout but much will you value the person over the tape? 

Personally when I watched 4 games worth Risner I think he is strictly an interior lineman but has the ability to play any of the three spots. Based on senior bowl measurables he has the size to play tackle but the lateral movement skills aren't there to mirror NFL speed. I also question some of the angles he takes in space. The one thing that stands out is that he has a tremendous anchor, ends most plays where he is able to get his hands on the defender, and finishes with physicality. I put a round 2 grade on him but think he is a day one starter given the lack of NFL O-line talent league wide. 

The offensive line has to be addressed and just a couple observations: 

1) Huge dropoff from 2017 to 2018 with the two main differences being the death of Tony Sparano and not having Nick Easton solidifying the LG spot. I like Easton and some of the nastiness he brought to the line and I hope the Vikings bring him back. Compton and Remmers have to go. I've seen enough of Akiem Hicks in our backfield now to last a lifetime. I think we are okay at tackle with Reiff and O'Neal. Elflein needs to bounce back this year, but he is solid at center. The need is for guys who can solidify the interior guard positions with the possibility of kicking outside to tackle if needed. The Vikings value flexability and there are plenty of those guys in this draft.

2) We have hired four former Denver Broncos coaches to the offensive staff including Rick Dennison as the new line coach, so I'm assuming we are going to be running more of a zone blocking scheme with the preference being smaller tacticians that can move and get out in space. To me that might eliminate guys like Ford in the draft and put Jonah Williams, Dalton Risner, and Andre Dillard more in our preferred wheelhouse. 

@"supafreak84" said: The offensive line has to be addressed and just a couple observations: 

1) Huge dropoff from 2017 to 2018 with the two main differences being the death of Tony Sparano and not having Nick Easton solidifying the LG spot. I like Easton and some of the nastiness he brought to the line and I hope the Vikings bring him back. Compton and Remmers have to go. I've seen enough of Akiem Hicks in our backfield now to last a lifetime. I think we are okay at tackle with Reiff and O'Neal. Elflein needs to bounce back this year, but he is solid at center. The need is for guys who can solidify the interior guard positions with the possibility of kicking outside to tackle if needed. The Vikings value flexability and there are plenty of those guys in this draft.

2) We have hired four former Denver Broncos coaches to the offensive staff including Rick Dennison as the new line coach, so I'm assuming we are going to be running more of a zone blocking scheme with the preference being smaller tacticians that can move and get out in space. To me that might eliminate guys like Ford in the draft and put Jonah Williams, Dalton Risner, and Andre Dillard more in our preferred wheelhouse. 

I agree with bringing Easton back, the Vikings do have interest. I think the biggest question is how much term can he get coming off a serious neck injury? I doubt the Vikings will want to promise him a starting spot and give him a 3-4 year deal. I also agree they're ok at OT without a move but I do think they will need to plan for replacing Reiff in 2020 for cap reasons. So maybe that gives you the option to take an OT high and develop them for a year. 

The truth is that coaching can make all the difference. The line was not great but serviceable in 2017 with a similar level of talent. With Kubiak/Dennison putting it all together I don't think there needs to be this massive overhaul. They need to bring in more talent but I think that you're really only looking to improve at 2 spots with Reiff, O'Neill, and Elflein being shoe-in starters. 

I'm really liking Chris Lindstrom based on the interior guys I've watched.  He could be an ideal fit if we're looking for an OG early in the draft.

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-nfl-com-predicts-player-to-watch-for-vikings-at-2019-combine

Dalton Risner is a tough, corn-fed right tackle who many see as a guard. Either way, the Vikes should find out if they like him enough to take him in Round 1. (And if so, at which position?)

Have to agree with DJ and LZ on NFL.com...I don't think you could design a better pick for the Vikings than Dalton Risner. 

1. First of all he's got to be there and right now anyway, it looks like Risner stands a good chance of being available at #18.

2. Vikings love versatility. Risner can play tackle, guard and center. He's really the only player in the draft who projects at all three.  

3. Zimmer wants to be more physical and add toughness to the line. Risner has some nasty in him and plays with a ton of aggression and enthusiasm. You can tell he loves football. This is no Danny Watkins. 

4. Kubiak is going to want a blocker for his zone who can move. Risner is no Bradbury, but he's got enough athleticism for a zone. And, unlike Bradbury, he's got a pretty good anchor to go with it. 

I am so curious with what is going to happen with Risner. He keeps going in the first round most mocks but from those I've talked to they have closer to a 3rd or 4th round grade on him due to footwork and lateral movement concerns. But man do so many people love his physicality/demeanor. It's going to come down to the scout but much will you value the person over the tape? 

Personally when I watched 4 games worth Risner I think he is strictly an interior lineman but has the ability to play any of the three spots. Based on senior bowl measurables he has the size to play tackle but the lateral movement skills aren't there to mirror NFL speed. I also question some of the angles he takes in space. The one thing that stands out is that he has a tremendous anchor, ends most plays where he is able to get his hands on the defender, and finishes with physicality. I put a round 2 grade on him but think he is a day one starter given the lack of NFL O-line talent league wide. 

@"Wetlander" said: I'm really liking Chris Lindstrom based on the interior guys I've watched.  He could be an ideal fit if we're looking for an OG early in the draft.

Draft Network is much higher on Lindstrom than almost everyone else, putting him in the middle 1st. I don't see him that high, but who knows, maybe they're right. They've got some good analysts. 

Couple things about LIndstrom that I like. I don't see anything elite about him, but he probably has one of the highest floors in this class. I'm also fairly certain BC is a zone blocking team, so he should fit well into what we're doing. And, finally, he might be the best pure guard in this class. All the others--Ford, Risner, Jonah--are tackles who project to guard. Lindstrom plays right guard, has always played right guard and projects to right guard in the NFL. There's something to be said for that. 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-nfl-com-predicts-player-to-watch-for-vikings-at-2019-combine

Dalton Risner is a tough, corn-fed right tackle who many see as a guard. Either way, the Vikes should find out if they like him enough to take him in Round 1. (And if so, at which position?)

Have to agree with DJ and LZ on NFL.com...I don't think you could design a better pick for the Vikings than Dalton Risner. 

1. First of all he's got to be there and right now anyway, it looks like Risner stands a good chance of being available at #18.

2. Vikings love versatility. Risner can play tackle, guard and center. He's really the only player in the draft who projects at all three.  

3. Zimmer wants to be more physical and add toughness to the line. Risner has some nasty in him and plays with a ton of aggression and enthusiasm. You can tell he loves football. This is no Danny Watkins. 

4. Kubiak is going to want a blocker for his zone who can move. Risner is no Bradbury, but he's got enough athleticism for a zone. And, unlike Bradbury, he's got a pretty good anchor to go with it. 

I am so curious with what is going to happen with Risner. He keeps going in the first round most mocks but from those I've talked to they have closer to a 3rd or 4th round grade on him due to footwork and lateral movement concerns. But man do so many people love his physicality/demeanor. It's going to come down to the scout but much will you value the person over the tape? 

Personally when I watched 4 games worth Risner I think he is strictly an interior lineman but has the ability to play any of the three spots. Based on senior bowl measurables he has the size to play tackle but the lateral movement skills aren't there to mirror NFL speed. I also question some of the angles he takes in space. The one thing that stands out is that he has a tremendous anchor, ends most plays where he is able to get his hands on the defender, and finishes with physicality. I put a round 2 grade on him but think he is a day one starter given the lack of NFL O-line talent league wide. 

With Risner, it's not so much about person over tape, it's about effectiveness vs. NFL traits. As you say, he doesn't have great footwork. He was, however, damned effective. I don't think he's given up a sack since 2016. PFF graded him as the best offensive lineman in this class. So the tape is good, as long as you're not looking for "scouty" things like lateral quickness, nimble feet and other traits that project a player to the NFL (or not). PFF simply looks for things like did he stop his guy or not? Did he blow open a hole or not? In those terms his tape is good.  

Y'know who he reminds me of? Jack Conklin. I'm sure you remember, I was wrong about Conklin. Thought he had bad feet. Wasn't wrong about that. He did have bad feet. Titans drafted him in the top 10, put him at right tackle and he was 1st team All Pro as a rookie. Conklin didn't have great traits either, but he graded very highly by PFF because he was effective. And a badass. Like Risner. 

Some combine numbers in for the OL...

http://walterfootball.com/combine/weighin/OL

I saw a 4 round draft yesterday with us taking Ford at 18 with Williams and Taylor off the board and Bradbury falling to us at 50 and we take Omenihu instead.  I would do a happy dance with a 1-2 of Ford, Bradbury

Anybody else see Bradbury as a 2nd?  Ive seen him mocked to us in the first but csnt see him in the first period

I read a lot (on other sites and in some mocks) about the Vikings drafting a tight end this year.  It is hard for me to see that happening if they keep Rudolph.  Hockenson at #18 would be pretty nice for sure.
But a mid to late round player that may blossom in the NFL is ...
Kahale Warring TE San Diego St  6'5.1" 252
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kahale-warring?id=32195741-5275-2700-ebaf-ccabda046f86

This dude is put together.

@"Bullazin" said: I saw a 4 round draft yesterday with us taking Ford at 18 with Williams and Taylor off the board and Bradbury falling to us at 50 and we take Omenihu instead.  I would do a happy dance with a 1-2 of Ford, Bradbury

Anybody else see Bradbury as a 2nd?  Ive seen him mocked to us in the first but csnt see him in the first period

I don't think Bradbury makes it to the 2nd round. The buzz is just too strong. With Ragnow last year it started a couple weeks before the draft. Bradbury's started before the Senior Bowl when analysts actually started watching his film. If I get a chance I want to put together a ranked list of Vikings-only OL options at 18 and how each pick would impact our OL. ie., who moves where as a result (IMO). Right now, that list starts with Jawaan Taylor and 2nd is Bradbury. I think his movement is elite and his fit in a zone is ideal. I also think, because he resets so well, his anchor problem is being a little over-hyped. After those two, probably Ford, followed by Williams, followed by Risner. I'd probably put Cajuste there early in the 2nd, followed by Lindstrom, then Little in the mid to late 2nd. And I'm sure all that will change over the next two months. :-)

@"Wetlander" said: I'm really liking Chris Lindstrom based on the interior guys I've watched.  He could be an ideal fit if we're looking for an OG early in the draft.

His senior bowl buzz is extreme, i havent watched him yet but alot have him early mid 2’s

Bradbury and Cajuste rocked the bench press, Bradbury prolly consensus 1st now then as Maroon said

@"MarkSP18" said:

I read a lot (on other sites and in some mocks) about the Vikings drafting a tight end this year.  It is hard for me to see that happening if they keep Rudolph.  Hockenson at #18 would be pretty nice for sure. But a mid to late round player that may blossom in the NFL is ... Kahale Warring TE San Diego St  6'5.1" 252 https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kahale-warring?id=32195741-5275-2700-ebaf-ccabda046f86

This dude is put together.

Really liking what I'm hearing about Warring. Haven't watched him yet though. Man, this TE class is so deep in the middle rounds. This is part of the reason I hope we don't go TE in the 1st. People are talking about Hockenson being the next Gronk. Except Gronk wasn't even the next Gronk. He was a 2nd rounder. Who are the best tight ends in the NFL? Gronk, Kelce, Reed, Ertz. Not a 1st rounder among them. So color me wary. Let teams like the Lions take TEs in the 1st round. 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001019840/article/garrett-bradbury-trending-toward-round-1-at-2019-nfl-combine

One player might have secured a spot in Round 1 at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday.
N.C. State center Garrett Bradbury is emerging as an early winner at the event, posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.92 seconds -- the best time of any of the first group of offensive linemen -- a day after finishing second among his position group with 34 bench-press reps.

@"MaroonBells" said:I'm calling it early, folks. Vikings first round pick...

https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1087767999984164865

Be funny if it happened. Now I'm worried he may not even last until 18. 

@"Wetlander" said: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001019840/article/garrett-bradbury-trending-toward-round-1-at-2019-nfl-combine

One player might have secured a spot in Round 1 at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday.
N.C. State center Garrett Bradbury is emerging as an early winner at the event, posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.92 seconds -- the best time of any of the first group of offensive linemen -- a day after finishing second among his position group with 34 bench-press reps.

Bradbury has definitely had a good combine week. Source told me teams/scouts are not all that surprised of his on-field workout, everyone knew he was extremely athletic. The bench press surprised me but his conversion is about average due to his arm length (short arms make the bench easier), so it won't sway the needle in either directions. He's still a late 1st/early 2nd round pick. I like him but not sure if I still love his fit next to Elflein. 

Regardless of opinion my guess is that he might not meet their measurement thresholds which would eliminate him at #18. He has the 16th shortest O-line arm measurement since 2010 and there were rumors Billy Price (who is bigger) was off their board last year due to a similar issue.