A potential offseason for the Vikings...
by Josh_D on Nov 22, 2011 2:21 PM CST
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Print[EDIT: Well, with our season going down faster than a Sopwith Camel in the gunsights of the Red Baron, the draft is quickly becoming the life preserver that we're clinging to to get us back to a competitive level. SB Nation has a great site called Mocking The Draft, and they do a heckuva job in breaking down our favorite off-season NFL activity. Josh_D is a contributor over there, and this fanpost is quality stuff, giving us a 7 round mock draft for the Vikes. Thought you guys might enjoy. Mark, ball's in your court. ;) --Ted]
As a huge fan of the draft I have always enjoyed trying to find the roster holes and what collegiate players may be out there to fill them. Been trying to put together a post season strategy and draft for the Vikings for a while now and I finally have the free time to post it up. Join me after the jump and I will lay out a few possible position changes and roster moves, as well as a full 2012 mock and full 53 roster. Let me know what you think. Remember, its all in good fun so do some research (I suggest starting with SB Nation's own Mocking the Draft) and post your own.
A Quick Look at the Off Season:
- There is bound to be a little roster purging, but I don't expect any wholesale changes. The biggest determining factor for some of the older vets (Hutch, Winfield) may come down to their individual health. If there was a short list of veterans who may or may not be back next year it would go like this: E.J. Henderson, Antoine Winfield, Steve Hutchinson, Anthony Herrera, Donovan McNabb, Remi Ayodele, Benny Sapp, Tyrell Johnson, Kenny Onatolu, Fred Evans, Jim Kleinsasser, and Visanthe Shiancoe.
- It is entirely possible that the biggest free agent the Vikings pick up will be the new backup QB. With McNabb sure to be gone in the off season, a veteran QB will be brought in to be a guide/backup for Ponder. So, don't get your hopes up too high for any major signings this off season. Hopefully DB, OL, and WR will be considered in FA as well and not just depth talent.
- Webb will still be the 3rd emergency QB, but he will start seeing a lot of time at WR. His size/athleticism is too much to keep off the field and his designation as 3rd QB allows them to keep a roster spot open at another position. The new CBA allows for the 3rd QB to enter and leave game without forcing the 1st/2nd string to stay out of the game. This would allow Joe Webb to be an emergency QB, but also play wide receiver, wildcat QB, and return kicks if necessary.
- As a general rule of thumb, you never want to move your best player at one weak position to another weak position. You end up weakened at both positions overall until said player gets comfortable in their new spot and even then its unknown how much they really improved the position overall. The point I am getting at here is that if Winfield come back healthy, there is no way he will be moved to safety. He is the best corner on the team and his best chance for making plays is playing corner. Assuming he comes back, they shouldn't be trying to teach the old dog new tricks.
- Cedric Griffin, however, is another matter. It is a great story to have him back playing after 2 knee surgeries, but it is clear that the injuries have taken their toll and Griffin isn't quite the athlete he used to be. Moving him to safety (either free or strong since they are mostly interchangeable in the Vikings D) helps relieve some stress on his knees as he won't be asked as frequently to turn and run with receivers and can keep everything in front of him.
I believe that covers the bigger of the off season quandaries, lets take a look at the Vikings 2012 Draft:
- Quick note: There will be no trades. Its crazy enough to try an predict who will be picked where, its even worse to try and forsee trades. Same can be said for compensatory picks. No one truly knows the method for which they are awarded. Something to do with FA lost that also signed and played, plus how well they played vs the FA you signed and how well they played, plus other things that don't have anything to do with football like mineral import futures. So ignoring them as well. Going with what they got which is a full allotment of picks, minus a 6th for McNabb, and adding a 6th from Cleveland from the Jayme Mitchell trade and 2 total 7ths, one from the Pats for Moss, and one from NYG from Rosenfel/Reynaud trade. {1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, (3)7ths} As of today (11/21/11), the Vikings hold the 3rd overall selection.
1st - Jonathan Martin, OT 6'6 308 Stanford - With the Panthers occupying the spot just ahead of the Vikings, there is a good chance that Kalil is gone. However, Martin is a better fit for the Vikings because while he is a great athlete and great potential as a blind side defender, he is already a monster run blocker which bodes well for the offense as a whole when he plays right away.
2nd -Stephen Gilmore, CB 6'1'' 193 South Carolina - The secondary is a complete mess. Each of the top three corner backs have an red flag (age, injuries, and possible felon). Everyone behind them are street free agents, late round rookies, or Asher Allen. Gilmore has the potential to be a late first round pick, but could be pushed down for the Vikings in the second due to the deep talent pool at CB this year.
3rd - Kawann Short, DT 6'3'' 310 Purdue - The Vikings need to find better talent at the NT. Short doesn't get much of a pass rush, but he uses leverage well to get push off the line and his long arms to shed and make plays in the run game. These skills have been missed with Phat Pat gone this season.
4th - Audie Cole, LB 6'5'' 239 NC State - Cole is plenty athletic, but he suffers from a old mantra, "Jack of all trades, master of none". He has the size and speed to play MLB or SAM in the Vikings defense and is skilled enough play special teams and be the first LB on the field after the starters from Day 1.
5th - Juron Criner, WR 6'4" 215 Arizona - Vikings scouts have been reported to have attended three Arizona Wildcat games this season and Criner could be the top reason why. Criner is somewhat miscast in the quick pass offense because he isn't a quick twitch athlete, but he has great hands, leaping ability, and body control to be a good possession receiver in the NFL. He had some personal issues to deal with off the field, beyond that nothing is really known about his bizarre episode this past off season. Teams will surely check into that.
6th - Rokevious Watkins, OG/OT 6'4" 340 South Carolina - Watkins is playing OT for the Gamecocks this season, but he doesn't have the foot speed to be anything but a back-up at tackle in the NFL and maybe only for the right side. However, his body frame, long arms, and nasty disposition would make him a great fit at guard, where his future will be when he makes the jump to pro.
7A - Robert Golden, FS 5'11" 200 Arizona - Golden is another reason the Vikings could be interested in watching the Wildcats. He has experience at corner, but has excelled safety since being moved there. A play maker in their backfield, Golden could add great depth to the Vikings secondary with good upside.
7B - Josh Chichester, TE 6'8" 240 Louisville - Chinchester is knocked down for not being much of a blocker and being a one trick pony. His one trick though is running the seam route in the passing game which is something the Vikings lack from the inside with Harvin moving all around the offense. He could add some weight to his 6'8" frame and blocking is a technique that can be taught as long as he is willing he get better at it. TE is a spot that will be in flux with the potential loss of both Shiancoe and K-Sauce. They may take one much earlier than this.
7C - Omar Bolden, CB 5'10" 195 Arizona State - As a final pick, I went with a big on potential play. Bolden is recovering from injury and is still getting back into form. He should be healthy by the time the combine and all star events roll around, but his lack of tape over the last two years combined with the depth of the corner back talent could lead to a late round find for the Vikings depleted secondary.
This mock reflects the strategy we'll see from the Vikings. The Vikings were good about drafting evenly offense/defense in 2011, but with an odd number of picks the emphasis will lean toward the defense, with a focus on rebuilding the secondary. With the offensive picks, look for OL early instead of skill position players. Age, injuries, and talent pool have left the Vikings with issues across the OL and they won't get anywhere without heavily investing in it.
Grabbing a top offensive lineman seems to be the way to go. It helps both things the Vikings want to feature on offense: Ponder and Peterson. Some may feel tempted to take a top WR to pair with Ponder, but the WR class is going to be very deep and a top offensive lineman will help the offense as a whole, not just the passing game. With Rudolph, Harvin, Jenkins, and a decent possibility that Shiancoe comes back, there will be some good receiving weapons for Ponder. A WR will be drafted, but I don't think it will be as high a priority that a 1st is used on one. Protecting Ponder and AP will be a bigger priority on offense. If the top OL are gone when the Vikings eventually draft, I would expect the Vikings to look for top talent for the defensive secondary before WR as well. A lot of turnover is coming for the DBs and it will be a big focus across the whole draft.
Here is a look at the 53 man roster with these draft picks (in bold) in tow:
OL: J. Martin Hutch Sully C. Johnson Loadholt
R.Watkins J.Berger Fusco D.Love
* Charlie Johnson is projected better at guard than tackle. Hopefully he can be beat out by the younger talent, but good to have as insurance as the young develops. Love and Watkins can play both guard and tackle, while Berger and Fusco can back-up guard and center.
QB: Ponder, FA QB, Webb
*I don't know who is going to be a FA at QB, but expect whoever they sign to play the offense in a similar fashion to what they want out of Ponder. Webb should be playing all over the field, but for roster purposes, he will be the 3rd QB.
RB: AP, Gerhart, Booker
*No change here. No need for any real change either.
TE/FB: Shiancoe, Rudolph, D'Imperio, J. Chichester
* Unless Shiancoe makes ridiculous demands for his next contract, I think he will be back in Minnesota. He'll see a lot of action in the 2 TE offense and won't have to worry about who the QB will be over the course of his contract anymore either.
WR: M. Jenkins P.Harvin J.Criner
J.Webb S.Burton D. Aromashodu
*Harvin will continue to be a "do everything" player, but a bigger role for Webb and drafting a big WR like Criner will allow Harvin to stay in the slot when playing WR and utilize him as a major mismatch from the inside. Burton can play inside out and Aromashodu adds size and play making depth, but could also be the first to be replaced.
DL: J. Allen KWill K.Short B. Robison
E.Griffen L.Guion Ballard D.Reed
*Outside of finding a way to replace Ayodele's snaps, there won't be much change along the DL. Ballard will see lots of time on the inside in passing situations, but a space eater next to KWill will be key.
CB: Winfield C.Cook
S.Gilmore B. Sapp
S. Burton M. Sherels O.Bolden
*This part was tough. Mostly because there is a good chance that both of the names at the top of the list may not be back on the roster. The potential of losing the top two talents at one position is big and one of the reasons why there are so many names here.
FS: C.Griffin, M.Raymond, R.Golden
SS: H.Abdullah, J. Sanford
*Not much real change here, but moving Griffin will add a new dimension to the fold with lots of playing time for the younger players.
LB: Greenway Brinkley Erin Henderson
A.Cole Larry Dean
*LB took a hit with the uncertainty at CB. The loss of Winfield or Cook could open up a spot for a guy like Onatolu
Add Loeffler, Longwell, and Kluwe and you have 53. Let me know what you think and leave your own mocks and rosters.
This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.
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Interesting
For Cole, this year its a conditional pick whilst in 2013, its a 6th rounder. With the loss of Ray Edwards and Sidney Rice we should look to go with a supp 3rd round and maybe a 7th round. So hopefully that will 4 picks in the 7th, and two picks in the 3rd.
On the losses side, we should have Charlie Johnson who is a total waste of a roster spot irrespective of where he might be on the line. An undrafted free agent would be a better use.
Free agents I would look to add include:
QB Brady Quinn – we need to replace McNabb
TE John Carlson – Shiancoe is getting on, Carlson a younger version
RT Ryan Harris – full fit after back surgery will push Loadholt and spell our LT
CB Terrell Thomas – coming off an ACL but speed, size, and youth to replace Winfield
WR Pierre Garcon – a young deep threat replacement for Berrian
DT Amobi Okoye – a young attacking DT
In the draft I would trade down with Bengals for their two R1 selections and do the following
R1a WR Michael Floyd 6’3" 224lbs, Notre Dame
a genuine No1 WR
R1b NT Devon Still 6’5" 311lbs Penn State
an attacking DT who gets penetration
R2 LT Nate Potter 6’6" 300lbs Boise St
a strong LT, maybe not with elite athleticism but more than adequate. If it doesn’t work out he has also been a very good LG and can take over from Hutchinson
R3 CB Micah Hyde 6’1" 185lbs Iowa
a very good young and quick DB
supp CB/FS Trumaine Johnson 6’2" 204lbs Montana
quick enough for CB, big enough for FS
R4 LB Audie Cole 6’5" 239lbs North Carolina St
for the reasons you’ve given
R5 LB Tyler Nielsen 6’3 235lbs Iowa
We are weak at LB, so lets have an overhaul
R6 OL Trevor Olson 6’6" 300lbs Northern Illinois
versatile G/T for depth
R7 TE Drake Dunsmore 6’3" 235Lbs Northwestern
an eventual replacement for Kleinsasser
R7 OL Tom Compton 6’6" 315lbs South Dakota
a big Minnesotan to play at RT
R7 SS Matt Daniels 6’0" 210lbs Duke
a long term starter and special teams captain
R7 OL Jeff Adams 6’6" 305lbs Columbia
An Ivy Leaguer and potential sleeper
I like the 2 first round picks...
…but I just don’t think we can roll the dice on the left tackle again for next year. We need O-line help so desperately. You could reasonably argue that EVERY position on the O-line needs to be replaced. If we lose our way into the 2nd or 3rd pick of the draft, I think we have to take a sure thing at LT if one exists. If we aren’t sure, then I’d be okay moving back if someone is willing to give up picks to get it. With so many needs, I think trading for picks is a good idea… but not without having a sure fire solution at LT. I’d also make the point that solving for the LT problem also gets us a starter at RG. I don’t know any RG in the league who could play as a stop gap LT. Charlie Johnson has my respect for be a team player on this one. I’m sure he’d much rather be playing a guard position right now.
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
Left Tackle
R2 Nate Potter LT, Boise State.
His WalterFootball scouting report which have been echoed by other scouting reports is:
“Potter is having an excellent season. He does not have elite physical talent, and that pushes him into second round. Potter is one of the few left tackle options who looks available after the first round. He had a strong debut against Georgia, the best team Boise State has faced this season. Potter constantly gave quarterback Kellen Moore ample time to throw the ball plus was effective as run blocker. Even though Potter is not a heavy tackle, he showed the strength to anchor against bull rushes. Potter was slow to react to pick up a zone stunt on one play, but he showed the ability to recover. With his quality performance, Potter is proving that he can stay at left tackle in the NFL and won’t have to move to the right side.”
Kalil might seem a can’t miss prospect but there are concerns he can’t get over and stay at 300lbs+. Martin was bossed against Oregon. Some think Reiff is a right tackle. I don’t think there is a ’can’t’ miss LT, and if Potter struggles, he is ready made to replace Hutchinson. None of the prospects at LT are ’can’t miss’ prospects IMO
Potter is right around/under 300 lbs too
He’ll get drafted in the 3rd IMO.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
We can’t rely on any size measurements until the combine. To my (untrained) eye, Kalil looks bigger (and bigger framed) than Martin, even though Martin is listed as being about 10 lbs. bigger. And last year USC maybe underlisted the size of Tyron Smith (about whom many also said he’d never get big enough but showed up at the combine an in-shape 305 or so). But we’ll see. I agree with your point that there is no perfect LT prospect this draft.
One thing that bugs me a little about Kalil is his on-field intensity sometimes seems a bit, um, McKinnie-esque. I’m not talking about weight issue or work ethic/dedication or anything like that; I just watch him and a lot of the time when he senses the play is moving away from him he just stops and watches. Or last Saturday against Oregon, I recall a play where the USC running back was stood up and several members of the SC line jumped into the fray to try and push the pile for yardage, and Kalil, who was in the screen, just stood and watched. Now, I’d still take him. Because I think “motor” is ultimately important on the d-line but isn’t quite as mandatory on the o-line (compared to qualites such as technique, teamwork, balance, short-area agility…) But it bugs me a little.
Self preservation
I notice that about him too and he is probably trying to ensure he does not get hurt before he gets drafted.
As a coach, I would pass.
I haven’t seen him play, but no great coach wants a guy who doesn’t give 100% effort. It will only get worse as he gets older, and these guys always pass the buck on being responsible for their performance. I would rather take a less talented guy who busts his butt all the time.
by liveforadrenaline on Nov 22, 2011 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
I am of the opinion that Floyd is NOT
a 1st round talent. I am also in the camp that we should go for an elite LT. That means not trading down. This could change if either Cincy or Oakland (that is who Cincy gets their other 1st rounder from) falter and at least one of those picks become a higher pick.
Your fantasy football expert since Jerry Rice's rookie year.
Completely agree
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
I agree too.
Besides, I could make the argument that Alshon or McNutt are better than Floyd so I don’t understand how anyone can say he’s a no-doubter #1 WR, especially with his off-field issues.
There is a small gap from a couple OTs to some projected later in the 1st round. I would be ok risking it and trading down to get another 1st and/or 2nd rnd pick. I’m sorry, when you’re in rebuilding mode, getting the more picks the better. In the first two rounds, if we could get an OT, CB, LB, and WR, that would be a pretty good deal
White Horn Gold Pants
I think Floyd’s easily a 1st round talent. He’s big, got good speed, and runs good routes. And he’s as good a deep threat as anybody with how he’s able to go up and pluck the ball.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Nov 22, 2011 4:02 PM CST up reply actions
The issue isn't so much his talent
It has much more to do, as Josh states above, the depth at WR in this year’s draft. The gap from McNutt to Floyd to Jeffery to Blackmon may not be that big of a difference. So, the point is why draft someone 1st when we have many glaring needs that we can get similar results way back in the 3rd round.
White Horn Gold Pants
You’ve got a point there. I guess I’d personally put Blackmon slightly ahead of Jeffery and Floyd, and those two slightly ahead of McNutt.
I think the first three are better deep threats then McNutt. They all seemly slightly better at going up and getting the ball, which would help the Vikes a lot. Though, if a top LT is still available it’d be hard to justify passing him up.
Fire Slocum
by packallday555 on Nov 22, 2011 9:33 PM CST up reply actions
I dislike your first picks
We mainly need O-line help with the top pick, then immediately afterwards we need to pick for the Secondary…and probably pick again for the Secondary – WRs are on the backburner, even though we need one or two. Everything else is FAR too important, as this season shows. :(
Really?
Without WR talent, teams can simply stack against the run. Give Ponder a proper WR target to go alongside Harvin and Rudolph and you give AD even more opportunity to rack up the yards.
Alongside Williams, DT has been a total wreck. Ballard needs to bulk up to be a full time NT. Put a 311lbs guy who can get into the backfield and pressure the QB, and our secondary automatically improve. Add a young FA CB and a couple of CBs before the end of Day2 and our secondary improves.
All of the top 3 OTs aren’t sure things.
You raise fair points
BUT I’m not saying we don’t need a WR eventually but just not so early in the draft. I am content to see them go for either DL or Secondary as long as they go for that early as possible. We simply have to be able to stop strong passing attacks somehow.
I don't have an issue getting a playmaking WR in the first.
Problem is: there isn’t anyone that’s head and shoulders above the rest and good enough to take with the top pick. This WR class is so frickin’ deep, it’s unbelievable. Very very good WRs could be gotten well into the 3rd round. If Floyd ran a sub-4.4 40 than I would come close to buying it, but he runs a 4.5 along with all of the other WRs in this years draft. Let me put it this way. If Julio or AJ Green were available this year, I would pick one of them, but I think they are both way more talented than any WR in this year’s draft and thus, not worth it that early. The OT prospects get watered out the later you go in the draft so it’s important to jump on them early. Besides, like Josh pointed out, an improved OL gives benefit to ALL areas of offense, not just the passing game.
White Horn Gold Pants
completely agree with this
There is no AJ Green or Jones in this draft. All the “top” receivers are for the most part interchangable. I think we could just as easily score someone decent in free agency and that’s something I’d take a gamble on. OL and CB however are things that we CANNOT take a gamble on. That Raiders game was embarrassing.
Don't forget...
We signed Jenkins, Ayodele and Johnson in free agency which reduces the amount of compensation we get for losing Ray and Sid.
Trade Issue
The Bengals have the 22nd and 25th picks. If we have he number 2 overall, the Bengals entire draft, 1a,1b,2,3,4,5,6,7 would not equal our pick in terms of the NFL draft trade chart. Now the Browns with the #12 and #21 could throw in their 2nd rounder to almost give us equal value. The number 2 overall pick is very valuable.
I have a question
Should the Vikings hold back on free agent signings this year? With the new CBA, maybe that’ll be tough as I sense that the Vikings have to spend in order to keep their salaries without 95%(?) of the cap. However, I think we have so many positions of need, and the draft produces so few first year quality starters that I think we really do need 2 and maybe even 3 years of talent acquisition. I’d hate to go get a bunch of free agents that degrade by the time we’re ready to compete for the playoffs. This off season I think it’s a no brainer to get a high quality OL player if he’s in the 25 – 27 year old bracket. O-line players seem to be able to play well into their 30s. QBs and CBs seem to last too. Most other positions fade quickly when reaching their late 20s and play on “reputation” rather than results (most times but not always I’ll confess). I also think the stricter performance enhancing drug testing will make the decline in older players even more likely.
Anyway, I’ve been scratching my head on this one but hoping that the Vikings will have some patience and look to grow the team next year through the draft and some pickiness in the free agent market (i/e/ focusing on position, skill AND age). I’m curious what others think.
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
I don’t have an opinion on if the “should” or not (don’t know who all is going to be available), but I dont expect them to go after any big names in free agency. One reason being, as you mentioned, they don’t have a lot of cap space to begin with (last I checked they were just $4M under the current cap. I don’t think anyone on the roster with a large contract will be going anywhere, so there wont be much more space created with cuts or trades.
Secondly, the Vikings are rarely in on the big name FA. If you really think about it, who was the last Vikings FA to have any lasting impact? Allen and Hutch were both traded for, so they are out. The only player I can think of is Antoine Winfield and that was a long time ago. I would rather the Vikings focused on the draft and found depth in FA. FA is great in the moment, but there is so much that goes into being integrated and successful part of a team that it always looks better than what it really is. Just look at the Eagles. They might be a lot better next year with all the signings they had this offseason, but so far it hasn’t worked out for them
Mocking the Draft - Writer
MTD's Prospect Library - http://www.youtube.com/user/JoshMTD
Impact or not
The Vikes have paid heavily for FA’s; namely Brett Favre, Bernard Berrian, and Madieu Williams recently. Prior to that they signed Hutchinson (not part of a trade), Winfield and Pat Williams. Shiancoe was rewarded well for his services, especially considering that he was a backup in NYG. Longwell and Sharper also come to mind. Let us not forget the Fred Smoot debacle.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
I expect that they'll release a bunch of people and/or not renew contracts.
Which ought to help the cap.
FA signings I can recall include Hutchinson, Winfield, P. Williams, Favre, Shiancoe, Berrian, M Williams. In fact, I think trades are really rare. Jared Allen was perhaps the biggest move of the bunch.
I do agree that it would be nice to build through the draft and then add a piece every now and then through FA.
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
Focus on the O-line
I don’t know if Christian Ponder is going to be the QB of the future for the Vikings, but we’ve placed our bet and now we need to get him some reliable protection. If he ends up not being the guy, then we can make a switch but at least we’ll have a good O-line to support the new guy with.
The two worst guys on the line (playing their regular positions) are John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt. I believe Berger can replace Sullivan, but we don’t currently have an answer for Loadholt. Brown tried earlier in the season and was not good. I have confidence that we’ll be picking very high this season. It’s too bad that Luck will get away from us, but I think we’ll get a great to very good LT out of this draft. Hutch may or may not last another season. Sullivan has to go. Charlie Johnson can probably manage the right guard spot. We then need to figure out the right tackle spot. I don’t follow college football players close enough to name names, but I’d be thrilled if at #2 or #3 in the draft we picked a LT in the 1st round and a Rt in the 2nd. Our pick in the 2nd round is essentially a late 1st round talent sort of pick. I think we could solve a lot of our offensive woes by solidifying the O-line in the 1st and 2nd rounds of the draft.
If we end up picking at #4, 5 or 6, then I don’t really know what to do. We need a LT, but I don’t want to appear to do what we were criticized for last year and “reach” for a positional need.
I’d also make sure we have an absolutely great O-line coach who is prepared to teach a line made up almost entirely of new players.
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
Ryan Harris RT
I think the Vikings still have some concerns that Harris hasn’t fully recovered from back surgery, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was signed. They have brought him in for a medical in October, but that was only two months after his op. He would be an upgrade over Loadholt.
Johnson couldn’t manage to run a bath, let alone anything else more challenging.
I would take 2-3 college LTs towards the end of the draft as one could well develop into a starting RT behind Harris. No need to blow a R2 selection when we have other critical needs at WR, DT and CB as well as Safety
Couple of comments
I love to do a 7 round mock, but I do it for all 32 teams. Helps you figure out who will be available in each round.
As to your positions addressed. Agree, except with the order.
1. Ta’amu DT – Big Warpig in the middle who can not only eat up blockers but collapse the pocket. Our issues in the secondary would be solved (based on our scheme) if our DT’s could collapse the pocket on passing downs, not to mention how many more sacks our edge rushers would get if QB’s weren’t allowed to step up into the pocket away from the pressure.
2. Jeffrey WR – Nice big possesion guy who catches about anything that gets close, much like Rice did.
3. Sanders LT – Big tall rangy athlete.
4. Minnifield or Banks CB – Depending on what happens to Cook I might move this up higher, but right now I would get rid of Winnfield, start Asher and Cook and move Griff to the nickle. Don’t get me wrong, Winnfield is great in run support but he cannot stay with a receiver anymore and is our worst CB when it comes to pass defense.
Fill out the rest of the draft with depth at LB, OG and a WR who can stretch the field (Sanu or Mcnutt) if there is one available at 5.
all of those guys.
Will be gone by the top of Round 3. Ta’amu, Jeffery and Minnifield will be 1st rounders.
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
He's listing team needs
Not mocking those players in the respective rounds listed.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
Are you sure?
He references the draft at round 5 and filling out positions the rest of the draft…I can see how you would get that, though.
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
Yes, I think
As to your positions addressed. Agree, except with the order.
CB – Depending on what happens to Cook I might move this up higher,
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
Doesn't matter.
Any plan that involves starting Asher is no plan.
by Shawn Gillogly on Nov 24, 2011 6:37 PM CST up reply actions
Man I can hope Minnifield slips to round 2...
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
Nice work Josh
I had been thinking about a similar post, but with FA included.
I totally agree with most of your post. I am glad you don’t include Fred Evans in our future. The dude is not getting it done. I also like your ideas about our safeties. I too don’t believe that moving Winfield to Safety solves anything. I am starting to warm up to the idea of moving Cedric.
I also like that you include Shank in the future. I think he has gas left in the tank, even if they only resign him to a 1 or 2 year deal he is worth keeping around. The only difference is that I would rather move Reisner up from the PS than draft a TE in the 7th.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
Forgot Reisner was on the practice squad. Players on the practice squad generally don’t make the move to the 53 man squad, so I don’t usually consider them. Reisner has been moved up and down the roster, but I don’t think that guarantees him a spot next year if the Vikings lose a TE or 2. If they can’t resign Shiancoe and K-Sauce retires, they could still draft a TE (probably earlier than the 7th) and promote Reisner. Lots that can happen in the next 6 months.
Mocking the Draft - Writer
MTD's Prospect Library - http://www.youtube.com/user/JoshMTD
Obviously what the Vikes decide to do in FA, including with their own FA’s, will affect their draft strategy. All I’m just saying is that at this point I think there is not much to be gained in drafting a TE in the 7th over promoting Reisner, especially since Reisner will have a year in the system under his belt. That is how the Vikes approached it with guys like Albert Young in the past.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
My point though is that for every Albert Young (and really, what did he accomplish coming off the practice squad) there are 100 other guys that could be named that accomplished even less, were developed and never moved up, or developed, signed to another teams squad, and still did nothing. Its great when a guy can come off the practice squad and contribute, but it happens so rarely that its not something to be counted on. In theory, yes, his experience on the practice squad would put him ahead knowledge-wise, but it won’t make him more talented or athletic. If history can give us any kind of indication, its that 7th round draft picks in the current draft have a better shot of making the roster than any of the 8 guys that occupy the practice squad roster over the past season, or at the very least, those 7th round picks are replacing the talent on the practice squad. Regardless of what fans think of them, its best not to expect much from the practice squad guys.
Mocking the Draft - Writer
MTD's Prospect Library - http://www.youtube.com/user/JoshMTD
Tough for anyone to accomplish much when youre behind AP and Chester on the depth chart
But I was just using him as an example of a practice squad player who was called up for active duty. We’ve seen a few more this year in Arceneaux and Mistral Raymond. And lets not forget that orginally Reisner was on the active roster to start the season. Musgrave realized that he needed a FB to be more diverse so D’Imperio, another practice squad player, was called back up.
If Shank is resigned and Rudolph continues to grow, the 3rd TE will be a glorified lineman used primarily to block. Reisner can fill the role nicely IMO.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
I think Reisner can fill in nicely too. I'm biased, of course.
I understand Josh’s POV on that and I also understand yours. I think we’re in a weird time for the Vikings. I think their practice squad means more to them than other teams do. Let me explain that by saying the Vikings put a lot of young guys on that practice squad and are kind of waiting to dump some more of the older vets that are on their team. I think they are truly using their practice squad as a minor league like system to call them up and get them ready to play. I could be wrong but the following is how I feel about the TE position for example.
Personally, I think we can do without Shank and sadly, KSaws as well. They were great to have on our team, but they don’t bring that much to the table anymore. We’ve got Rudy to take over as a primary TE and I think we could use Toby as an H-Back type player to fill in for Ksaws. I think Reisner can help in a 2 TE system with his blocking and he’s shown to have good hands and decent enough athleticism out of the TE position. He’s from a college that spits out solid TEs year after year so I think he can come in and be solid. He’s not a burner or even really a stud, but if we can put our drafts towards secondary, DT, or OL help, then it would be better served there. Of course, in any draft, if we see a player as a steal in the later rounds, they’ll take them.
White Horn Gold Pants
Frankly the rules that govern practice squad and player movement don’t allow teams to treat the PS like a farm team. The best 53 men make the roster no ifs, ands, or buts; or you risk losing them to another team with no compensation. If they can play, there is no incentive not to play them.
If players on the Vikings PS were talented enough to play in the league, they would be on someone elses active roster.
It isn’t to say Reisner or other PS players won’t make an active roster in the future, but I would suggest that if a player can’t make this Vikings roster, he doesn’t stand a chance in this league.
True, but at TE?
There’s two obvious starters ahead of Reisner in Shank and Rudy that are never going to get cut/benched so Reisner can play. Then you have KSaws who is a long-time Vike. My point is that Reisner is a late-round rookie. There aren’t teams that are going to grab him off our PS because he has an extremely limited sample. I’m just saying that with what I’ve seen from him in college and in the limited reps during preseason, I think he can play pretty well in the NFL. When you consider Shank and KSaws possibly not being back next year, I think Reisner can step right in and be serviceable. That’s all that I meant by the farm system angle. I think they will look to have him on the active roster next year to replace those players.
White Horn Gold Pants
Not only that but Reisner was an undrafted FA
So teams didn’t even get a look at him until after FA was allowed. I think he is talented enough to make the team and contribute, he showed soft hands and good blocking in preseason.
We don't need another veteran QB
It will just take up much needed cap space and we already have a very capable backup. We should pick up a cheap QB to develop in the 6th or 7th round, maybe even a UDFA to save even more money for our bigger needs (O-Line, DB).
"Let's go our there, and stick our fists through their ribcages, rip our their hearts, eat them, and shit them back out on the field!!" - Blue Mountain State
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Nov 22, 2011 12:22 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I disagree
I like Joe Webb a lot. I am glad he is on the Vikings roster. But I don’t see him being anything more than a 3rd string QB/situational QB. I would like to see him tried more at receiver. With that said, I think the Vikes will be in the market for a low profile FA QB this offseason, and perhaps even draft a late rounder or sign an UDFA rookie for the practice squad.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
We pretty much agree then, with our only difference being our separate faith in Webb. I think he’s a solid #2 from what he’s shown us in his starts. I bet if we released him (hypothetical, of course), he’d be getting calls from 15 different teams.
"Let's go our there, and stick our fists through their ribcages, rip our their hearts, eat them, and shit them back out on the field!!" - Blue Mountain State
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Nov 22, 2011 2:33 PM CST up reply actions
no doubt about it
Even if those teams wanted him as a WR, they would pick him up. There’s enough coaches out there that would feel they could use his talents to better their football team, even if it would be situational. Do you think the Bears would pick him up and probably start him this weekend if he was available? I think so.
White Horn Gold Pants
You seriously think our 3rd string QB is better than the bears 2nd stringer?
The bears are defending NFC north champs. The Vikes are the cellar dwellers 2 years running. There’s only 4-5 players (AP, Percy, Jared, KWill, Greenway) on the Vikes that could start for the bears. Period. Joe Webb is not one of them. Even if Cutler is out.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
Uhh,
Webb was pretty good for a backup that was thrown in under bad circumstances (not to mention our horrible O-Line and “receivers”). A lot of teams would love to have him as a backup, and I would take him over Caleb Hanie any day, but he’s not ready to start for anyone until he digests their playbook.
"Let's go our there, and stick our fists through their ribcages, rip our their hearts, eat them, and shit them back out on the field!!" - Blue Mountain State
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Nov 22, 2011 10:19 PM CST up reply actions
A lot of teams would love to have him as a backup
There is no way for you to verify that claim, so I’ll chalk that up to the homer in you coming out. I like Joe, I really do. He’s very athletic. He showed poise and some leadership qualities. Thing is anything that win in Philly last year looked so much better than it really was because of the circumstances of the entire season. But seriously he’s not even the #2 on the Vikes right now.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
I think he would could start for the jags, for one
and the reason I brought up the Bears is because Hanie is getting thrown in there. The offense changes with Webb in there, but yeah, I think the Bears would prefer to have had Webb backing up Cutler as opposed to Hanie. That’s just my opinion. I wasn’t trying to turn that comment into Webb>[insert other 2nd string name]. If you reread my comment, my main point was that there were be a lot of teams interested to get him on their team. He’s an athletic freak. Not saying all those coaches would use him at QB or even any of them.
White Horn Gold Pants
Hanie 13/20 153 (65%) 1/2 in a half, actually thrown into the NFCCG as a rookie with a new offense.
Webb 54/89 (60%) 477 0/3 in 5 meaningless games at the end of last season.
Webb had game plans designed to his strengths while Hanie was thrown into the action.
What are you talking about?
There were no designed runs (other than QB sneaks in short yardage situations), or major differences in the offense, besides it being simpler due to him being a rookie.
Stats are liars. For one, you can’t compare 20 passing attempts to 89, and you left out TD to INT ratio, 1-2 for Hanie, 2(rushing)-3 for Webb (one passing TD was called back, one was dropped). I’d say it’s pretty close, but I’d give the edge to Webb because he has the extra talent of scrambling and buying time.
"Let's go our there, and stick our fists through their ribcages, rip our their hearts, eat them, and shit them back out on the field!!" - Blue Mountain State
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Nov 23, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions
That's the point I was making
It’s an opinion and this is why we are all on this site is to argue opinions. I think that if Webb was a rookie for the Bears last year and this year, they would feel better about him stepping in as opposed to Hanie. That’s what I’m saying. No more. No less.
White Horn Gold Pants
I love how stats lie, but you’re willing to use them to argue your point. I didn’t leave out td/int ratio, but I can’t compete with stats that include td’s called back (ie. never existed) or dropped (don’t count).
They were both rookies, so I don’t even know what point you’re trying to make. One WAS thrown in there and the other had a game plan designed around them. One completed a higher percentage of passes, but thats probably one of the liars.
If you just grant Webb an Extra talent, then there is no debate. I just point to Hanie’s actual performance when he had an opportunity and his actual familiarity with the offense the Bears run.
Your stats were lying, because you left out vital information
The two TD’s for Joe Webb I listed were not make believe they were rushing TD’s, although you can’t forget about dropped passes, as they are not the QB’s fault. While dropped passes and TD’s don’t count on the stat sheet, they are still very important to remember because he completed his part of the deal by throwing perfect passes for would be TD’s. This should be included in evaluation.
Your second point is nonexistent, because both didn’t have the game built around them, just a smaller, simpler playbook to work with. Though Hanie did have a slight edge in experience.
Are you Danny Lloyd? Seriously, because you just pull random arguments out of nowhere. I did not grant him the extra talent, he showed his escaping abilities while he was on the field.
"Let's go our there, and stick our fists through their ribcages, rip our their hearts, eat them, and shit them back out on the field!!" - Blue Mountain State
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Nov 23, 2011 1:16 PM CST up reply actions
Your mother is Danny Lloyd. Whatever that even means.
I didn’t list rushing statistics because they really aren’t pertinent to a qb discussion.
I guess Webb is a better option than Hanie. Your debate skills are so sharp and concise. Not really!
They don't give up around here...
When talking about Webb, everyone loves his rushing TD’s… They don’t pay any attention to the fact that he’s a QB and he needs to throw the ball into the end zone to last in this league. We obviously thought we needed help at QB this off-season, going out and getting McNabb and Ponder. That alone should prove to all the Webb fans that he has no role as this team’s future QB…
But it doesn’t seem to matter to some. He’s not a very good QB. I would rather have Hanie than him. I would rather have Flynn than him. I would rather have Shaun Hill than him. (I think he’s still DET’s back-up)…
He’s a freak athlete. I like the guy. He deserves a spot on this team. I don’t see it as QB though. If he’s happy playing 2nd fiddle to Ponder, or maybe 3rd fiddle to Ponder and the vet we bring in next year (I’m hoping for Brady Quinn), leave him there. I just think it’s a waste of talent. Get him on the field, WR is still a position of need isn’t it?
BTW, he looked pretty good at WR when he made that catch last game. He also did more for the team on that catch than any of the “Webb-Cat” plays that I remember…
Just look at the situation that the Chiefs and Bears are now in...
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
by NMVike on Nov 22, 2011 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree.
But I sure do hope they are giving Webb the back up reps right now. If McNabb is getting those back up reps, I’ll put it at the top of my list of reasons why I just don’t think Frazier is getting the job done.
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
Kalil won't go to the Panthers @ #2.
They’ve spent two first round picks on tackles already in Jeff Otah and Jordan Gross. They’ll go with Quinton Coples b/c of how bad their defense is. Most allowed points in the NFL.
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
Otah (5 yr vet) has never played a full season and even now is hurt. Gross (10 yr vet) is fine, but also has injury and performance issues and can play RT or OG as well. Kalil is considered one of the top OL prospects to come out in a long time and is also the brother of the Panther’s center, Ryan Kalil, who the Panthers just made the highest paid center in the NFL. Much like how the Vikings want to have a great blindside protector for their recent 1st round QB, I think the Panthers will look at that option as well and because of the family connection he will be on their radar.
They could go Coples (that is who I had them taking in the latest Glaring Team Needs article at Mocking the Draft), but it is not out of the realm of possibility that they attempt to upgrade their offensive line early just the the Vikings would like to.
Mocking the Draft - Writer
MTD's Prospect Library - http://www.youtube.com/user/JoshMTD
Yeah, I see what you mean,
but still, they’re paying first round money to two offensive tackles. While they could go that route, their defense hasn’t been the same since Julius Peppers bolted for Chicago, and Quinton Coples is the next coming of Julius Peppers in some peoples’ eyes. I see them upgrading their defense, which is why the Coples pick makes more sense IMO. But either way it would work haha.
Also, really quality write up. :)
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
Eh
Jeff Otah is a complete monster when he’s healthy, but I could understand the tackle pick easy. Gross is playing like the best LT in the league right now. I live in NC, and I know for a fact that Panther fans would be disgusted if they picked a tackle that high. No, the Panthers need some defensive help, and I’m fairly confident that both Kalil and Martin will be available if the draft were to fall like this.
10-0. Hell yeah.
I agree
Especially when you consider the fact that their young QB is mobile enough to avoid some of that pressure. Also, its not like their offense can’t put up points. They really need help on defense, particularly on that DL.
White Horn Gold Pants
What about Arceneaux?
I think there’s a chance Arceneaux makes the active roster next season. That could potentially be one less spot the Vikes have to address.
"Bibbity, bobbity, bacon!"
by Adrian Thompson on Nov 22, 2011 3:17 PM CST reply actions
just a few thoughts
Kellen Moore is a lefty in Boise…so Potter isn’t watching his blind side. Unless a stud FA at LT is signed, LT will be the way to go in the draft. The way it looks we are top 5 bound so unless a serious trade offer comes around I would like to see
Kalil or Martin first.
2nd rd. CB
3rd rd OL,
supplemental DB
4th rd WR (McNutt)
5th rd lb
A wr would be a good target as a free agent. And I’m talking ‘throw some freakin’ money out there kind of free agent’!! I like our young dl. Brady Quinn makes zero sense as a free agent pick up. We need someone who can be a back-up if needed, a cagey vet is more the job description than first round bust. I love trades, and there will be a sweet supplemental pick(s) hopefully in the third. Is there potential to trade down to around 10-15 and be able to get CB’s Claiborne, Kirkpatrick or Dennard? Reiff or Mike Adams mid 1st rounders will be available. Get extra 2nds and/or 3rds.
Hey, what about Big Phil at RG??
Priorities: OL, DB, LB, WR, DL
McNutt will be gone by end of 2nd round.
Too bad I really want him in purple.
by Dodger48 on Nov 23, 2011 11:20 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I don't know about that.
I could see 3rd or 4th rd even. I think a lot will depend on his 40-time at the combine. They’re going to see plenty of game film on him and his catches will amaze, but he’s had a lot of inexplicable drops this year too. If he gets his 40 under 4.5, I think he could possibly sneak into the 2nd round. There’s a TON of WRs that appear solid in this year’s draft: Jeffrey; Blackmon; Wright; Floyd to name a few and I don’t think teams are going to go crazy drafting them. I could see 2 maybe 3 in the first round at most. Is he the top of the 2nd tier? Thats the question. He isn’t even a finalist (top-10) for the Beian/;ljfa Award(holy fuck, I dont know how to spell that). That is for the nation’s top WR.
White Horn Gold Pants
kyle orton
Just hit waivers… Not that we need a qb just sayin
by Lunchpail on Nov 22, 2011 4:50 PM CST via mobile reply actions
da bears are reportedly goin
To put in a waiver claim on orton after cutlers thumb boo boo
by Lunchpail on Nov 22, 2011 6:50 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Who backs up Tebow without Orton?
"I saw a wino eating grapes and I was like, dude, you have to wait!" - Mitch Hedberg
That's right.
He’s not all that bad.
"I saw a wino eating grapes and I was like, dude, you have to wait!" - Mitch Hedberg
Way better than McSuck
I think the Vikes should cut McNabb and grab Orton. Let the Bears be the latest to figure out the hard way that McNabb is done.
by Torstein on Nov 22, 2011 7:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Maybe Favre hits up another North team?
I CAN’T BELIEVE NO ONE HAS BROUGHT THIS UP YET!!!!!!!!
White Horn Gold Pants
by DM_Purp on Nov 22, 2011 8:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
whos starting in seattle
Nowadays, I thought I read somewhere that tjack sucks…
by Lunchpail on Nov 22, 2011 9:47 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
It was on ESPN yesterday
I shit you not.
"Let's go our there, and stick our fists through their ribcages, rip our their hearts, eat them, and shit them back out on the field!!" - Blue Mountain State
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Nov 22, 2011 10:03 PM CST up reply actions
Well what'd ya say?
"I saw a wino eating grapes and I was like, dude, you have to wait!" - Mitch Hedberg
Orton will want to get paid
Plus if the Vikes put in a waiver claim, they have to pay his current salary.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
Yeah, there's ZERO reason to claim Orton on waivers(unless the Bears seriously want him and we want to be dicks by not allowing him to go there)
White Horn Gold Pants
except for next year's rebuilding
If we let McNabb go (most likely), and/or if we want to use Webb as something other than qb (likely), then that will leave us with the need for either 1 or 2 qb’s on the depth chart. We pick up Ortin as a serviceable back up, we plug the back up gap….rather than wasting too much money and/or draft picks on another stop gap starter elsewhere in the lineup.
I thought about that too
We certainly don’t claim him(and he’ll get claimed by either HOU, KC, or CHI; IMO) because then we are on the hook for his salary this year. I think Orton’s a guy that could still start in this league somewhere. He would make more sense even for a team like the Jags if they aren’t sure about Gabbert because well, he’s looked terrible. I know we would still need some backups, but I think those could be found for a better price. If the price is right, I’ve love to have him as a backup in purple.
White Horn Gold Pants
Thanks for headlining the post Ted. Much appreciated.
Mocking the Draft - Writer
MTD's Prospect Library - http://www.youtube.com/user/JoshMTD
And much deserved!
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
Rec'd cause I can
U mad, Viking fans? I kid, I kid, great post buddy. What about trading down and drafting Trent Richardson? No, seriously, hear me out, teams will be sh?ting themselves when they line up and see Peterson and Richardson in a 2 back set. In fact, Minny could take a page from Bellichek and his 2 TE formation, and use a 2 RB set as their bread and butter. No? Bad idea? Ok, I’ll go now.
10-0. Hell yeah.
I'd be down,
as long as we have an offensive tackle. Richardson/Peterson would be scary, although I don’t think it’ll happen because of how many other glaring holes we have on our roster. :(
"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen
RB is one of only two spots on this team that doesn't have a gaping hole that needs filled (DE is the other)
Why the hell would we draft Trent Richardson in the first round??? That’s not a bad idea, that’s an insane idea.
Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!
How the world will end in 2012: George of the Roses builds a Machine that Pommels everyone with La Violencia during Whiteouts.
It would be fun to see the two of them back there..
They would be playing 11 in the box.
The Vikes aren't in a remodeling or reconstruction they are in a burn the place down and start praying they don't mimic the Lions rebuilding process.
Mock Draft
The Vikings’ position in the 2012 NFL Draft will, obviously depend on their record. But a single win could drop them a lot of spots due to strength of schedule (thanks, NFC North).
This mock draft is not based on the current order, but what I believe will be the final order come April. I should mention that I have used some "tools", you gotta have some tools, and mine has been CBS Sports’ Prospect Ranking. There, Riley Reiff is listed higher than Jonathan Martin. So without further ado, here we go.
(The Vikings priorities could look something like this: OL | DB | WR | DL)
Draft Order Scenario 1 (Vikings 3-13 – last win @ Washington Redskins)
- Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB
- St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR
- Washington Redskins: Matt Barkley, QB
- Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil OT
- Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE
- Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff, OT
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffrey, WR
- Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT
- Miami Dolphins: Robert Griffin, QB
- Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB
The Pick: OL is a huge need for the Vikings. Matt Kalil, one of the best OT prospects in a long time, is a beast in both pass- and run blocking, and already looks like an athletic NFL LT. This would help clean up the OL big time, with Charlie Johnson moving to guard, and ultimately help both protect Ponder and pound Peterson. 2nd round pick should be DB, for example: Chase Minnifield, Xavier Rhodes or Stephon Gilmore.
Draft Order Scenario 2 (Vikings 4-12 last win @ Washington Redskins)
- Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB
- St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR
- Washington Redskins: Matt Barkley, QB
- Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE
- Kansas City Chiefs: Matt Kalil, OT
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffrey, WR
- Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, CB
- Arizona Cardinals: Reily Reiff, OT
- Miami Dolphins: Robert Griffin, QB
- Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB
The Pick: The secondary of the Minnesota Vikings is a mess! The futures of our top 2 corners are hanging in the balance. If the Vikings want to be competitive in a division with Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford they’ll have to fix the situation this offseason. Morris Claiborne is the best DB in the country this year, and will be the instant upgrade, that is highly needed. Facing Megatron and the likes of Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson, combined 4 times a season, will keep him on his toes. 2nd Round pick should be OL, for example: Zebrie Sanders.
Notes: I’m afraid Kalil might be taken by St. Louis. But if he isn’t, the Vikings will snag him in the blink of an eye. IMO they should wait on a WR until the 3rd round and also go pick up someone in free agency. Our receivers can’t get any separation at this point, and that’s problematic…
Draft 2 scenario
Can you really see the Vikings passing on Jonathan Martin in your 2nd draft scenario? Has he really dropped that far that Reily Reiff is not considered the better selection?
Skoll!!!
He’s the best fit for us due to our needs. If we don’t select Kahli or Martin, I fear my wall might have two more holes in it.
"Let's go our there, and stick our fists through their ribcages, rip our their hearts, eat them, and shit them back out on the field!!" - Blue Mountain State
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Nov 23, 2011 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
Riley Reiff has passed Martin on a couple of draft boards,
but everything can change. Right now it’s impossible to foresee the prospect ranking come April after the combine, but as of now he is as good as Jonathan Martin is, pass or run. To answer your question: yes, passing on a gifted LT would be tough for the Vikings, but there are talks about Morris Claiborne being a better prospect than Patrick Peterson was. And he was taking #5 last year, so #7 isn’t bad for a player who maybe has the potential of being a shutdown corner on the next level. Tough choice. But Matt Kalil IS the top option.
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
There is bound to be a little roster purging, but I don’t expect any wholesale changes.
12 guys who’ve started for the Vikings this year, and that’s not wholesale? Wow…
I like the idea in theory, but I hope Spielman doesn’t exhibit his usual gross incompetence in handling player exits. Also, I don’t see Sapp going anywhere, not with Cook down the tubes, Winfield likely leaving, and Griffin perpetually injured.
I’m not sure where Webb is on his contract, 3 or 4 years, but if it’s up and he has half a brain, he’ll be looking for his career with another team other than the Vikings. He’s just going to get screwed over in Minnesota. If that happens, the Vikings will need to bring in another QB from somewhere.
Any experienced Head Coaches available who might be interested in taking over this train wreck?
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
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