NFLDG Mock 1.0
1 (18) - Jeffery Simmons (DT / Mississippi State) : There is a select group of fans who are going to be disappointed if the Vikings pick is not O-line in round one. It's a delicate balance. As the draft nears its becoming more unlikely that Taylor, Dillard, or Williams make it to #18. Either of those three should be the pick otherwise. If not, Jeffery Simmons should become a dark horse consideration. Aside from an ACL injury during the pre-draft process he is easily a top 5 player in this class and would become a game wrecker at 3-tech in MN's D-line. As a true junior and a 1st round selection which comes with a 5th round option, there is still tremendous value if he does not play at all in 2019. More likely he is back in a rotation in early December. Additional questions surrounded Jeffery due to an off-field incident in high school but was told most teams passed him due to owning up to the incident, no additional incidents, and the trust he's earned from the coaching staff at Miss St.
2 (34) via IND - Chris Lindstrom (OG / Boston College) : Although a trade has not made to date and I still find it somewhat unlikely the Vikings deal Trae Waynes they find a trade partner in the Colts in this mock after the first day of the draft. The Vikings trade up from 2(50) to 2(34) and also receive 4(129). Netted out this is roughly the equivalent of a high 3rd round selection. The Vikings then opt to choose a day one starter at LG in Chris Lindstrom. Lindstrom is one of the most athletic interior lineman in the class and has no immediate holes in his game that would prevent him from sliding in at LG. As a player he is a glass eater and wants to bully the opposition. The mentality is clearly something the Vikings need after a passive group sleep walked through the 2018 season.
2 (50) - Traded 2(50) to IND for 2(34) & 4(129)
3 (81) - Isaiah Johnson (CB / Houston) : If the Vikings opt to move Trae Waynes during the draft the team will need to prepare a fallback option. Although early, Isaiah Johnson could be a steal at this juncture under the toolage of Zimmer. Johnson is a WR convert who is new to the CB position. Although he picked it up rather quickly due to his supreme athleticism he is not nearly instinctual enough and needs to continue learning the nuances of the CB position. Basically, he gets by with his physical skill-set rather than having a gameplan on how he wants to attack a receiver. The Vikings have had some luck drafting traits overproduction in the past (Danielle Hunter) and could reap the benefits once again with Johnson. If he can't put it all together under Mike Zimmer, he couldn't under anyone else. With Zimmer on the Vikings roster it tips the risk v. reward in their favor.
4 (120) - Drew Sample (TE / Washington) : On draft weekends I wouldn't be shocked to see the Vikings select a TE as early as round one. If I were to put my money on it I actually would bet they are walking out with one on the 2nd day of the draft and don't wait until early day 3. None the less they do in this mock and opt for Drew Sample. Sample is more of a project as a receiver but should excel in the NFL if given the chance to develop as a route runner. The Washing offense limited his ability to attack down the field but his athletic profile would suggest he is capable if put in the appropriate role. With Kyle Rudolph and David Morgan both in the final years of their current contracts this buys them some time. The good news is that Sample likely can play some rotational snaps and offer upside on special teams in year one.
4 (129) via IND - Terrill Hanks (OLB / New Mexico St.) : There is no doubt the Vikings were happy with their depth at LB in 2018, Zimmer even suggested so multiple times during the season. Terrill Hanks is a scheme fit that offers upside as a pass rusher unlike some of their current depth options. Although there would be no pressure to start in the near future, Hanks would be an elite ST prospect and could push Ben Gedeon if all goes to plan. If not, he would be one of the only players on the roster who could replace Anthony Barr in a pinch due to his ability to take on blocks on the edge, something Eric Wilson struggled with when pushed onto the field last season.
6 (190) - Trey Pipkins (OT / Sioux Falls) : With a day one starter in Chris Lindstrom added in early round 2 the Vikings have the flexibility to wait a bit to select another O-lineman barring a surprising fall. Trey Pipkins may go higher than this due to his quick feet and projection at OT. The flip-side is that he is also extremely raw and teams could question the level of competition he played against. As aforementioned, Pipkins has quick feet and projects nicely in a zone blocking scheme. The drawback is that he is not strong and will need time in a strength and conditioning program before he can hold up against NFL edge rushers. Fully put together he could play on the blind side which is a rare commodity later in any draft. More likely he projects a future RT or upper end swing tackle which benefits MN with Rashod HIll in the final year of his contract.
6 (209) - L.J. Scott (RB / Michigan State) : In the past the Vikings have had some luck drafting late round skill-players with pedigree (Stefon Diggs). Scott was the 6th best RB coming out of HS in 2015 and had an up & down time at Michigan State. The question many teams have to answer for Scott is why he wasn't more productive given the skill-set and if he will ever develop as a pass blocker. With Dalvin Cook the clear bell-cow Scott would offer a nice power compliment who also has an ability to catch passes out of the backfield. In a power/speed timeshare I believe Scott can be a productive NFL back. With that said the Vikings may surprise and take a back in the 3rd/4th due to Dalvin Cook's past injury woes.
7 (247) - Diontae Johnson (WR / Toledo) : Although listed as a WR the Vikings would be drafting Johnson as a return specialist. Throughout his career at Toledo, Johnson was one of the best punt and kick returners in the nation. As a receiver he is more of a manufactured touch type of guy. That isn't necessarily a bad thing for the Vikings who already have two elite outside threats. Being able to test the defense horizontally is something the offense lacked in 2018 and you don't need to spend a high round selection to do that. At the end of the day if Johnson can win the return job (both PR & KR) in camp this is more than worth a 7th round selection.
7 (250) - Robbie Grimsley (S / NDSU) : Ideally you would like to grab Grimsley as a local UDFA but his name has been starting to creep up over the past month or so. As a player Grimsley is an enforcer on the back-end and profiles as a developmental box safety. He really has no business seeing the field on defense in 2019 but with Jayron Kearse in the final year of his current deal the Vikings could look for a potential replacement and some additional depth due to the off-season loss of Andrew Sendejo.
@"AGRforever" said:We've got to make some salary cap changes prior to the season. Where does everyone see those dollars coming from? Some starter/bigger name is getting cut or traded.
The question nobody but the Vikings front office has the answer to is how close they'd be willing to bump up against the cap during the season. Typically they like to have $3M or so for in-season moves. If they are willing to run tight against the cap they would be better off extending Thielen to lower his 2019 cap hit and potentially extending Rudolph or restructuring Harrison Smith to add additional years onto his deal. That gets rookies under the cap but also gives you a little functional space.
Not that you need confirmation from me, but I agree with your assessment on the top 2 rounds. I dont love the trade, a 3rd (basically) for a good young starting caliber corner is tough. We'd get that if we kept him and got a 3rd next year as a comp. I'd rather the Vikings trade future picks this year to get a lineman, maybe to move up in the 2nd? Figure next years 3rd to move up from 50 into the early part of the second. I agree with your top linemen as well, with Lindstrom being the 4th guy on the list but not the pick at 18 and Bradbury being !n option late in the first if we get a got to take it offer to move back.
Simmons would be in the conversation with William's as who should be the top pick. Simmons tape I think shows he is better than Williams, not by a lot but the guy is a beast. As long as he can recover he could be the best DT this team has had since Kevin William's, who I'd compare Simmons favorably to. Watch his tape and you will see a 3 technique that wins with strength and has a closing burst you just dont see that often from 300 pounders. To me he is well worth sitting on in the first. He isnt like Richardson at all in that he isnt trying to win with quickness, he is like having another nose tackle in the middle, that is absolutely going to destroy you with his pass rush if you single him up.
Interesting mock, Geoff.
I'm just not sure about using our 1st round pick on Simmons... I get the value aspect of it, but I doubt he plays at all this season. Even if he recovers quickly enough to get on the field in December, would a team be willing to put him out there fresh off of rehab?
I just don't know if the Vikings can afford to essentially take a guy in the 1st round that can't even compete for a starting spot Day 1... and we won't know what we truly have until he gets on the field in 2020.
Saw Simmons quite a bit. Big fan of his play. On board with first two selections but return for Waynes is light. Would consider change in draft position plus a 2020 2nd possibly.
I actually disagree with where Simmons falls. Off-field stuff is well in the past but will still be a factor. Injury a bigger one.
This is exactly the kind of guy the Patriots snag late 1st and look like genuises for it down the road.
With all the legit DT talent and his comcerns I just don't see Simmons going earlier than mid-20s tops. Wouldn't surprise me at all if he fell out of the 1st Round. Not seeing the value versus taking Wilkins for example.
@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"PurplePastor" said:@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"MaroonBells" said: I'd be pretty happy about that. Simmons is a tough one. Not because he's a DT but because he's hurt. Top 5 talent, but we would come out of that draft with only a starting LG helping us in 2019, but that might be the case no matter which way we go.I sorta wonder if the Vikings could swing a trade down with New England who just might be looking at one of the TEs if he's there. 18 to 32 would net the Vikings the Pats' 2nd and 4th rounders and the Vikings would find better value there among players like Risner, Lindstrom, McGary...
I agree that Simmons is a tough one, I wanted to play around with the idea more than anything else. The injury doesn't scare me a ton since ACL recovery has become so streamlined over the past few years. It also happened early enough in the process that he would at worst get some live reps near the end of the season to prepare for 2020. in the most ideal situations if the top 3 OL are off the board Hockenson, Oliver, Gary, or Sweat make it down to #18.NE makes a lot of sense as a trade partner since they have more picks than they can practically use and have a huge need at TE. I'd also put the Chargers in the conversation if one of the QB's make it down the board. The question I still don't have a great feel for is if they'd pass on a stud defensive player or TE for Bradbury or Lindstrom. Draft tendencies would suggest they wait on OL but practicality says that the former isn't making it to #50 and the latter likely isn't either.
Why wouldn't the Vikes try to trade up for one of the top 3 OLs? That is clearly our weak position and has been for a few years. If they are sold on those 3 and not as much on the rest, why not go for it rather than use a subjective value measure such as - Lindstrom is good for the 2nd round but not the 1st - and then miss out on him as another team grabs him ahead of us? Let's go after a top notch O lineman rather than take a chance that a lesser one falls into our lap later?
I think it is a real possibility depending on how the board falls. If all three lineman go in the top 10, they aren't moving up. If one of the three are still on the board at #13 you would have to at least consider the idea. Miami is playing for the future and they could opt to leverage their comp pick for Richardson to move up in this years draft. If two of the three make it to #13 you wait for the other to go before deciding on a move up the board.
I don't think we'll trade up. Actually, I think everyone's panicking a little too much about those linemen being taken off the board before we pick (probably due to what happened last year). But it likely won't happen again this year.I think at least one among the elite OLs (IMO, Williams, Taylor, Ford, Bradbury and Dillard) will be there. And I think we'll take one. I think we'd be fools for passing on any of them.
If all are gone, and we can't find a trade down partner, only then do I see us turning to another position. I mean you can say that Wilkins or Simmons or Hockenson or Fant is BPA, but are they really? Enough better than those 5 really good linemen above to risk going into day 2 without an OL? Never know who's going to come up and snipe your guy in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, too. And then what do you do?
I tend to think the Vikings will go into the draft with a healthy amount of fear...
@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"MaroonBells" said: I'd be pretty happy about that. Simmons is a tough one. Not because he's a DT but because he's hurt. Top 5 talent, but we would come out of that draft with only a starting LG helping us in 2019, but that might be the case no matter which way we go.I sorta wonder if the Vikings could swing a trade down with New England who just might be looking at one of the TEs if he's there. 18 to 32 would net the Vikings the Pats' 2nd and 4th rounders and the Vikings would find better value there among players like Risner, Lindstrom, McGary...
The question I still don't have a great feel for is if they'd pass on a stud defensive player or TE for Bradbury or Lindstrom. Draft tendencies would suggest they wait on OL but practicality says that the former isn't making it to #50 and the latter likely isn't either.
We keep talking about the stud TEs or DLs. But man, Bradbury is a stud, too.
@"Geoff Nichols" said:Considering the two AAF signings, and the frequency Zim prefers to run the ball, plus the inability of Cook to stay on the field to date I think we go earlier than most expect...I'd move up for Jacobs if he fell to Day 2...@"BarrNone55" said: Simmons would be a great pick for the future. Following it up with Lines from definitely takes the sting off of not grabbing an OL in the first. I'd want to grab a RB before the end of Day 3. I really wanted to go RB earlier but just couldn't get it to work unless I pushed CB down, which I could see being more likely. Something to play around with in another mock for sure.
SOURCE: Ross Tucker Podcast
Like Simmons, a pick that could pay off huge...
I love the Simmons pick. Sneaky good value there. I remember a player with the last name of Greenway who missed his entire first year too. Trading Waynes is brilliant! Moving up to secure the one interior lineman the team needs makes too much sense.
What is not mentioned in any of the comments thus far is the 9 mil in cap space you immediately save. That can be used to bring in some veterans on the cheap.
For example, TJ Yeldon and Spencer Ware are both still available and I would love to see the Vikings add either one. Preferably Yeldon. Probably somewhere between 1 and 2 mil for either at this stage.
They can also grab themselves a veteran corner in this scenario. Players like Kayvon Webster, Orlando Scandrick (my choice), Morris Claiborne, and Capt Munnerlyn are all still available.
Yes, with that trade it opens up other possibilities while Johnson gets his training.
I liked Hanks prior to the combine but the dude has not run well in any testing yet. I think he had a 5.04 forty on his pro day. I cant see that being on the field even for special teams. Something must have been wrong.
The Thompson picks makes a lot of sense with the departure of Sherels.
I could actually see another WR or safety instead of Scott.
@"BarrNone55" said:Not to mention Roc Thomas's off the field issues. Kubiak has been able to get production out of late round picks, but you'd still think they'd like a more solid option behind Cook if possible. That's the hard thing about this draft, we have so many areas of need that it's going to be hard to address them all adequately. I suspect that a couple rookie free agents could make the roster this year.@"Geoff Nichols" said:Considering the two AAF signings, and the frequency Zim prefers to run the ball, plus the inability of Cook to stay on the field to date I think we go earlier than most expect...I'd move up for Jacobs if he fell to Day 2...@"BarrNone55" said: Simmons would be a great pick for the future. Following it up with Lines from definitely takes the sting off of not grabbing an OL in the first. I'd want to grab a RB before the end of Day 3. I really wanted to go RB earlier but just couldn't get it to work unless I pushed CB down, which I could see being more likely. Something to play around with in another mock for sure.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"PurplePastor" said:@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"MaroonBells" said: I'd be pretty happy about that. Simmons is a tough one. Not because he's a DT but because he's hurt. Top 5 talent, but we would come out of that draft with only a starting LG helping us in 2019, but that might be the case no matter which way we go.I sorta wonder if the Vikings could swing a trade down with New England who just might be looking at one of the TEs if he's there. 18 to 32 would net the Vikings the Pats' 2nd and 4th rounders and the Vikings would find better value there among players like Risner, Lindstrom, McGary...
I agree that Simmons is a tough one, I wanted to play around with the idea more than anything else. The injury doesn't scare me a ton since ACL recovery has become so streamlined over the past few years. It also happened early enough in the process that he would at worst get some live reps near the end of the season to prepare for 2020. in the most ideal situations if the top 3 OL are off the board Hockenson, Oliver, Gary, or Sweat make it down to #18.NE makes a lot of sense as a trade partner since they have more picks than they can practically use and have a huge need at TE. I'd also put the Chargers in the conversation if one of the QB's make it down the board. The question I still don't have a great feel for is if they'd pass on a stud defensive player or TE for Bradbury or Lindstrom. Draft tendencies would suggest they wait on OL but practicality says that the former isn't making it to #50 and the latter likely isn't either.
Why wouldn't the Vikes try to trade up for one of the top 3 OLs? That is clearly our weak position and has been for a few years. If they are sold on those 3 and not as much on the rest, why not go for it rather than use a subjective value measure such as - Lindstrom is good for the 2nd round but not the 1st - and then miss out on him as another team grabs him ahead of us? Let's go after a top notch O lineman rather than take a chance that a lesser one falls into our lap later?
I think it is a real possibility depending on how the board falls. If all three lineman go in the top 10, they aren't moving up. If one of the three are still on the board at #13 you would have to at least consider the idea. Miami is playing for the future and they could opt to leverage their comp pick for Richardson to move up in this years draft. If two of the three make it to #13 you wait for the other to go before deciding on a move up the board.
I don't think we'll trade up. Actually, I think everyone's panicking a little too much about those linemen being taken off the board before we pick (probably due to what happened last year). But it likely won't happen again this year.I think at least one among the elite OLs (IMO, Williams, Taylor, Ford, Bradbury and Dillard) will be there. And I think we'll take one. I think we'd be fools for passing on any of them.
If all are gone, and we can't find a trade down partner, only then do I see us turning to another position. I mean you can say that Wilkins or Simmons or Hockenson or Fant is BPA, but are they really? Enough better than those 5 really good linemen above to risk going into day 2 without an OL? Never know who's going to come up and snipe your guy in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, too. And then what do you do?
I tend to think the Vikings will go into the draft with a healthy amount of fear...
If you consider Ford and Bradbury tier 1 lineman, they should still be on the board. At best maybe Dillard falls a bit. I really have nothing against Bradbury and think he's one of the better interior lineman in this years class. Ford I have more mixed opinions on.
They're not taking Simmons nor are they making the trade for Waynes that was suggested here.
@"Tyr" said:With the signing of Mannion & Schult, the team now has 65 players under contract, add in the 8 draft picks that leaves room for 17 UDFA’s or other signings... Help Wanted!@"BarrNone55" said:Not to mention Roc Thomas's off the field issues. Kubiak has been able to get production out of late round picks, but you'd still think they'd like a more solid option behind Cook if possible. That's the hard thing about this draft, we have so many areas of need that it's going to be hard to address them all adequately. I suspect that a couple rookie free agents could make the roster this year.@"Geoff Nichols" said:Considering the two AAF signings, and the frequency Zim prefers to run the ball, plus the inability of Cook to stay on the field to date I think we go earlier than most expect...I'd move up for Jacobs if he fell to Day 2...@"BarrNone55" said: Simmons would be a great pick for the future. Following it up with Lines from definitely takes the sting off of not grabbing an OL in the first. I'd want to grab a RB before the end of Day 3. I really wanted to go RB earlier but just couldn't get it to work unless I pushed CB down, which I could see being more likely. Something to play around with in another mock for sure.
Personally, I am very confused by Indy agreeing to give up a 4th round draft pick (#129) in order to move back in the second round from #34 to #50. Genius and no brainer for the Vikes to make this trade.@"Geoff Nichols" said:
2 (34) via IND - Chris Lindstrom (OG / Boston College) : Although a trade has not made to date and I still find it somewhat unlikely the Vikings deal Trae Waynes they find a trade partner in the Colts in this mock after the first day of the draft. The Vikings trade up from 2(50) to 2(34) and also receive 4(129). Netted out this is roughly the equivalent of a high 3rd round selection. The Vikings then opt to choose a day one starter at LG in Chris Lindstrom. Lindstrom is one of the most athletic interior lineman in the class and has no immediate holes in his game that would prevent him from sliding in at LG. As a player he is a glass eater and wants to bully the opposition. The mentality is clearly something the Vikings need after a passive group sleep walked through the 2018 season.2 (50) - Traded 2(50) to IND for 2(34) & 4(129)
4 (129) via IND - Terrill Hanks (OLB / New Mexico St.) : There is no doubt the Vikings were happy with their depth at LB in 2018, Zimmer even suggested so multiple times during the season. Terrill Hanks is a scheme fit that offers upside as a pass rusher unlike some of their current depth options. Although there would be no pressure to start in the near future, Hanks would be an elite ST prospect and could push Ben Gedeon if all goes to plan. If not, he would be one of the only players on the roster who could replace Anthony Barr in a pinch due to his ability to take on blocks on the edge, something Eric Wilson struggled with when pushed onto the field last season.
@"VikingOracle" said:Personally, I am very confused by Indy agreeing to give up a 4th round draft pick (#129) in order to move back in the second round from #34 to #50. Genius and no brainer for the Vikes to make this trade.@"Geoff Nichols" said:
2 (34) via IND - Chris Lindstrom (OG / Boston College) : Although a trade has not made to date and I still find it somewhat unlikely the Vikings deal Trae Waynes they find a trade partner in the Colts in this mock after the first day of the draft. The Vikings trade up from 2(50) to 2(34) and also receive 4(129). Netted out this is roughly the equivalent of a high 3rd round selection. The Vikings then opt to choose a day one starter at LG in Chris Lindstrom. Lindstrom is one of the most athletic interior lineman in the class and has no immediate holes in his game that would prevent him from sliding in at LG. As a player he is a glass eater and wants to bully the opposition. The mentality is clearly something the Vikings need after a passive group sleep walked through the 2018 season.2 (50) - Traded 2(50) to IND for 2(34) & 4(129)
4 (129) via IND - Terrill Hanks (OLB / New Mexico St.) : There is no doubt the Vikings were happy with their depth at LB in 2018, Zimmer even suggested so multiple times during the season. Terrill Hanks is a scheme fit that offers upside as a pass rusher unlike some of their current depth options. Although there would be no pressure to start in the near future, Hanks would be an elite ST prospect and could push Ben Gedeon if all goes to plan. If not, he would be one of the only players on the roster who could replace Anthony Barr in a pinch due to his ability to take on blocks on the edge, something Eric Wilson struggled with when pushed onto the field last season.
The Vikings gave up Waynes... ?
@"Geoff Nichols" said:
The Vikings gave up Waynes... ?
Got it, was unclear the first time I read it. Thanks
@"comet52" said: They're not taking Simmons nor are they making the trade for Waynes that was suggested here.Rick is that you?
@"GodThor" said:Shhh!@"comet52" said: They're not taking Simmons nor are they making the trade for Waynes that was suggested here. Rick is that you?
Might want to reconsider that Simmons pick:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-1277634/Jeffery-Simmons-seen-punching-woman-ground-fight.html
On the other hand his sister looks like she’d give Joseph a run for his money.
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