Vikings Offseason Plan 5.0 - Mockzilla

by MarkSP18 on Feb 14, 2012 9:30 PM CST

I wanted to do a mock draft that has plenty of trades. What else would I do?

We know that there are 17 free agents and 1 retiring player. There are another 4 players that may be leaving as well due to salary cap reasons.

The free agents are ...

Visanthe Shiancoe 31
E.J. Henderson 31
Erin Henderson 25
Husain Abdullah 26
Tyrell Johnson 26
Scott Kooistra 31
Fred Evans 28
Letroy Guion 24
Sage Rosenfels 33
Benny Sapp 30
Devin Aromashodu 27
Greg Camarillo 29
Jarrad Page 27
Lorenzo Booker 27
Xavier Adibi 27
Matt Katula 29
Kenny Onatolu 29 RFA

These free agents have 4 weeks left to get offered new deals. Who knows if they would accept the deals or would want to test the market? The team may want to wait to see what their market price will be and/or what other options may be out there.

The players that could be released and or traded are ...

Steve Hutchinson 34
Anthony Herrera 31
Cedric Griffin 29
Antoine Winfield 34

I think Winfield could stay since his salary has been lowered and Hutchinson could stay too.

I am not sure how much the Vikings will have available in free agency if they released all these players because there could still be some dead money from players released last year (Madieu Williams comes to mind) and if they release Griffin and Herrera. Also, Robison earned about an extra 1 mil or so too. I think they could have anywhere from 25 to 40 mil. It really is an exercise in futility trying to figure out exactly where a team is at in relation to the cap.

Here are the free agents I would target and hope to sign.

CB – Brandon Carr 25 6-0 207 4.43 - 6 year 52.5 mil
SS - Tyvon Branch 25 6-0 205 4.31 - 6 year 36 mil
LB - David Hawthorne 26 6-0 246 4.67 - 6 year 45 mil
WR – Laurent Robinson 26 6-2 199 4.38 - 5 year 27.5 mil

I only put four because I think the Vikings should try very hard to get just a few really good and young free agents and then fill in the rest of the roster via the draft, undrafted free agents, or the inevitable veterans that get released and can be had for cheap. I may be overly ambitious even in these four.

So now to the draft.

1. Indianapolis selects Andrew Luck QB obviously

I think St Louis wants badly to trade down but teams know that they will not select a QB and therefore can deal with the Vikings and give up less than they would have to give up to St Louis. The Vikings are in a pretty good spot and Spielman can put the word out to teams that they can do a deal with the Vikings instead of the Rams and give up less. Thus I think ...

2. St Louis selects Matt Kalil OT

So that leaves the Vikings in a pretty good position. They have told teams to make a deal with them instead of the Rams for less. Here is an article detailing the cost of acquiring a QB on draft day ...

http://www.foxsportsohio.com/02/08/12/What-would-it-cost-to-move-up-in-draft-f/landing_browns.html?blockID=662162&feedID=3659

Here is a little bit of that article ..

Could the Browns get the second pick from St. Louis for those two picks?

Not likely. The value of their two picks is 20 points light. But more important, precedent shows it takes multiple picks or players to acquire quarterbacks on or near draft day, not two:

Cleveland might be able to avoid giving up both its first rounders this year - general manager Tom Heckert and president Mike Holmgren have gone on record saying they got extra picks to rebuild the team - but it would have to give next year's No. 1.

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I first thought that the Vikings should just take RG3 themselves to make sure they get a team to do a deal. But that is very risky for a team like Cleveland. Do they want to try and call the Vikings bluff? Do they want to let Washington or another team blow them out the water with a better deal while they are d*cking around? The Vikings would have no problem dropping down to #6 for Washington's first, second, and sixth (the one we gave to them for McNabb) this year plus their 1st and 3rd next year or something like that. Cleveland has picks this year to use to ensure they get their guy. Cleveland may want to hang onto the #22 pick this year but they could be bad again next year and that first round pick in 2013 has a good chance of being a top 10 pick. So they are better off giving up the #22 this year than a probable top 15 pick next year. I think the Browns will cave and the Vikings want picks this year to speed the rebuilding.

Thus, the Vikings trade the #3 pick to the Browns for the #4, #22, & #118 picks this year plus their 2013 4th round pick.

3. Cleveland selects Robert Griffin III QB

Now Minnesota has a couple of first round picks and can select Blackmon, Claiborne, or someone else like Trent Richardson perhaps. But Washington wants to be sure to get Justin Blackmon. Washington has Santana Moss (11 years), Jabar Gaffney (10 years), and Donte' Stallworth (9 years). These are old WRs. They need WR help bad just like the Vikings but at least the Vikings have Percy. The Redskins take a page out of the Falcons playbook and get the top WR in the draft. They may even sign a top free agent WR too.

Thus, the Vikings trade the #4 pick to the Redskins for the #6 and the #70 picks.

4. Washington selects Justin Blackmon WR

Next up is Tampa who needs all kinds of help but since Aquib Talib is always in trouble and Ronder Barber is really old and may retire they play it safe.

5. Tampa Bay selects Morris Claiborne CB

Now the Vikings are up again. But Buffalo really needs to get a defensive end and Coples is the top 4-3 DE easily.

Thus, the Vikings trade the #6 & #67 picks to Buffalo for the #10, #41, & #105 picks.

6. Buffalo selects Quinton Coples DE

Note: If the Vikings had any inclination of trading Jared Allen then picking Coples here would be the wise move. But trading Allen is not in this mock.

7. Jacksonville selects Dre Kirkpatrick CB

8. Carolina selects Devon Still DT

9. Miami selects Riley Reiff OT

So now the Vikings are finally ready to make their first pick. They have picks 10,22,35,41,70,comp,98,105,118,130,164,193,206,222,comp and an extra 4th round pick in 2013.

10. Minnesota selects Jonathan Martin OT
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/martin%20jonathan319c0d51aa/1.html

11. Kansas City who select Trent Richardson RB
12. Seattle selects Luke Kuechly LB
13. Arizona selects Courtney Upshaw OLB/DE
14. Dallas selects Peter Konz C
15. Philadelphia selects David DeCastro OG
16. New York Jets select Michael Floyd WR
17. Cincinnati selects Janoris Jenkins CB
18. San Diego Selects Melvin Ingram OLB/DE
19. Chicago selects Mike Adams OT
20. Tennessee selects Cordy Glenn OG
21. Cincinnati selects Mark Barron SS

22. Minnesota selects Michael Brockers DT 6-5 306 4.95
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/post/2012/01/michael-brockers-2012-nfl-draft-scouting-reports.html

23. Detroit selects Alphonso Dennard CB
24. Pittsburgh selects Dontari Poe DT
25. Denver selects Jerel Worthy DT
26. Houston selects Kendall Wright WR
27. New England selects Fletcher Cox DT
28. Green Bay selects Nick Perry OLB/DE
29. Baltimore selects Dont'a Hightower ILB
30. San Francisco selects Mohammed Sanu WR
31. New England selects Alshon Jeffery WR
32. New York Giants select Dwayne Allen TE
33. St Louis selects Brandon Thompson DT
34. Indianapolis selects Brandon Washington OG

35. Minnesota selects Zach Brown OLB 6-1 236 4.48
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/brown%20zach4d1fa3b353/1.html

36. Tampa Bay selects Lavonte David LB
37. Cleveland selects Zebrie Sanders OT
38. Jacksonville selects Whitney Mercilus DE
39. Washington selects Ryan Tannehill QB
40. Miami selects Kelechi Osemele OG

41. Minnesota selects Stephen Gilmore CB 6-1 195 4.52
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/gilmore%20stephondd7fe0e2c1/1.html

42. Carolina selects Chase Minnifield CB
43. Kansas City selects Andrew Datko OT
44. Seattle selects Andre Branch DE
45. Dallas selects Jared Crick DE
46. Philadelphia selects Vontaze Burfict LB
47. New York Jets selects Vinny Curry OLB/DE
48. New England selects Markelle Martin FS
49. San Diego selects Nate Potter OT
50. Chicago selects Reuben Randle WR
51. Philadelphia selects Bobby Wagner LB
52. Tennessee selects George Iloka FS
53. Cincinnati selects Lamar Miller RB
54. Detroit selects Chandler Jones DE
55. Atlanta selects Coby Fleener TE
56. Pittsburgh selects Kevin Zeitler OG
57. Denver selects David Wilson RB
58. Houston selects Antonio Allen SS
59. New Orleans selects Travis Lewis OLB
60. Green Bay selects Billy Winn DE/DT
61. Baltimore selects Ben Jones C
62. San Francisco selects Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE

The Vikings jump back into the second round here by trading their 2013 2nd round pick plus pick #98 to the Patriots for pick #63. Maybe they would be interested in Winfield and then the 2013 pick could be a 3rd or 4th?

63. Minnesota selects Orson Charles TE 6-3 242 4.64
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/charles%20orsone08f354034/1.html

64. New York Giants selects Bobbie Massie OT
65. Indianapolis selects Trumaine Johnson CB

Now the Vikings want to get another 3rd round pick so they trade Chris Cook and a 2013 5th round pick to the Rams for pick #66.

66. Minnesota selects selects Alameda Ta'amu DT 6-3 337
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/taamu%20alamedae58c4b13a8/1.html

67. Buffalo selects Nick Toon WR
68. Cleveland selects Cam Johnson DE
69. Tampa Bay selects Harrison Smith SS

70. Minnesota selects Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 183 4.44
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/boykin%20brandon699f8fce71/1.html

71. Jacksonville selects Dwight Jones WR
72. Buffalo selects Shea McClellin OLB/DE
73. Chicago selects Leonard Johnson CB
74. Miami selects Kendall Reyes DE/DT
75. Kansas City selects Josh Chapman DT
76. Seattle selects Nigel Bradham LB
77. Philadelphia selects Marcus Forston DT
78. New York Jets selects Matt McCants OT
Oakland used pick in Supplemental draft on Terrelle Pryor QB
79. San Diego selects Jamell Fleming CB
80. Chicago selects Michael Brewster C
81. Arizona selects Micthell Schwartz OT
82. Dallas selects Casey Hayward CB
83. Tennessee selects Josh Kaddu LB
84. Cincinnati selects Stephen Hill WR
85. Atlanta selects Senio Kelemete OG
86. Detroit selects Brandon Mosley OT
87. Pittsburgh selects Josh Norman CB
88. Denver selects Tony Bergstrom OT
89. Houston selects Jayron Hosley CB
90. New Orleans selects Amini Silatolu OG Sean Spence OLB
91. Green Bay selects Lucas Nix OG
92. Baltimore selects Marvin McNutt WR
93. San Francisco selects Brandon Brooks OG
94. New England selects Jonathan Massaquoi OLB/DE
95. New York Giants selects Doug Martin RB

comp. Minnesota selects Joe Adams WR
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/adams%20joe8d790598cf/1.html

96. St Louis selects Brian Quick WR
97. Indianapolis selects DaJohnn Harris DT
98. New England selects Ryan Broyles WR
99. Philadelphia selects Tommie Streeter WR
100. Cleveland selects T.Y. Hilton WR
101. Jacksonville selects Aaron Henry FS
102. Washington selects James Brown OG/OT
103. Carolina selects Audie Cole LB
104. Miami selects Ladarius Green TE

105. Minnesota selects Chris Polk RB
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/post/2011/09/christopher-polk-scouting-reports.html

106. Kansas City selects Shuan Prater CB
107. Seattle selects Malik Jackson DE
108. New York Jets selects Nick Foles QB
109. Washington selects Jeff Allen OG
110. San Diego selects LaMichael James RB
111. Chicago selects James-Michael Johnson LB
112. Arizona selects Tim Benford WR
113. Dallas selects Kheeston Randall DE/DT
114. Philadelphia selects Coryell Judie CB
115. Tennessee selects Philip Blake C
116. Cincinnati selects Mike Martin DT
117. Detroit selects Emmanuel Acho LB

118. Minnesota selects Juron Criner WR 6-2 220 4.52
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/criner%20juron91cb32d0d7/1.html

119. Pittsburgh selects Isiah Pead RB
120. Denver selects Chris Givens WR
121. Houston selects Levy Adcock OG
122. New Orleans selects Jarius Wright WR
123. Green Bay selects Donnie Fletcher CB
124. Buffalo selects Brandon Weeden QB
125. San Francisco selects Trenton Robinson FS
126. New England selects Bruce Irvin OLB/DE
127. New York Giants selects Brandon Taylor SS
128. Indianapolis selects Josh Robinson CB
129. Denver selects Dwight Bentley CB

130. Minnesota selects Janzen Jackson FS
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/jackson%20janzen310a725641/1.html

131. Cleveland selects Sean Spence LB
132. Tampa Bay selects Terrell Manning LB
133. Washington selects Mychal Kendricks LB
134. Jacksonville selects Markus Zusevics OT
135. Miami selects Akiem Hicks DT
136. Buffalo selects DeQuan Menzie CB
137. Carolina selects Marvin Jones WR
138. Kansas City selects Michael Egnew TE
139. Seattle selects Bernard Pierce RB

Now the Vikings want to get another 5th round pick so they trade the #164 & #193 picks to the Raiders for the #140 pick.

140. Minnesota selects Jake Bequette DE 6-5 264 4.62
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/bequette%20jakea7c9d18380/1.html

OK. That is enough mocking. The rest of the picks are ...

206. Minnesota selects Demario Davis LB 6-2 233 4.60
http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/davis%20demario81384e68ba/1.html

222. Minnesota selects Joe Long OT 6-5 308 5.25
http://wsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4556 *looks like he can long snap too which is an added bonus!

comp. Minnesota selects Emil Igwenagu FB 6-1 245 4.73
http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2012/2/11/2792303/emil-igwenagu-nfl-draft-2012

I like these UDFAs ...

Darren Thomas QB Oregon 6-3 215 4.58
Chigbo Anunoby DT Morehouse 6-4 324 5.?? http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/anunoby%20chigbod8f62289e6/1.html
Dominique Hamilton DT Missouri 6-5 320 5.02 http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/hamilton%20dominique403348aeb3/1.html
Desmond Marrow CB Toledo 6-2 210 4.52 http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/marrow%20desmond64cdd74488/1.html
Tony Dye SS UCLA 5-11 216 4.52 http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/dye%20tony8385d5df1f/1.html
Broderick Binns DE/OLB Iowa 6-1 261 4.79 http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/binns%20brodericke5d250d773/1.html
Adrien Hamilton DE/ILB Prairie View A&M 6-2 255 4.84 http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/hamilton%20adrianca1796c365/1.html
James Carmon OT/DT Mississippi State 6-7 330 5.43 http://www.fanaticalfootballfiend.com/3/category/carmon%20jamesc6ba9620d9/1.html

A recap of the Vikings picks ...

10. JONATHAN MARTIN OT
22. MICHAEL BROCKERS DT
35. ZACH BROWN LB
41. STEPHON GILMORE CB
63. ORSON CHARLES TE
66. ALAMEDA TA'AMU DT
70. BRANDON BOYKIN CB
COMP. JOE ADAMS WR
105. CHRIS POLK RB
118. JURIN CRINER WR
130. JANZEN JACKSON FS
140. JAKE BEQUETTE DE
206. VIKINGS. DEMARIO DAVIS LB
222. VIKINGS. JOE LONG OT
COMP. EMIL IGWENAGU FB

I could have included a couple of more player trades perhaps but I will leave like it is for now.

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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Comments

Too many trades

I can’t see it going down like that. At all. I mean, why would Washington give up two picks to move up a whole two selections? Obviously Blackmon is there, but it isn’t as if they’re going to miss out on drafting some player who can’t help out their team a couple picks later. I just don’t see them moving down, especially with RGIII already off the board. Least of all to take a WR, a position which seems to have a high rate of busts.

I already know what you’ll cite as a precedent of teams moving back like this already. (‘09 Browns) but I really only recall that happening the once in recent years. Plus it isn’t like its helped them to rebuild all that much, they’re still a shitty team who needs talent and gave up their chance to draft the supposedly more sure-fire players in exchange for a boatload of crappy ones.

Your mocks are always so trade heavy. I can see the Vikes possibly moving down once, but not 2 or 3 times in the first round alone.

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 14, 2012 9:55 PM CST reply actions

mock draft rule number 1

Mark is a crack monster when it comes to trades

by Jepp The Viking on Feb 14, 2012 10:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

lol He just can't help himself

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 14, 2012 10:19 PM CST up reply actions

I took some trades out!

by MarkSP18 on Feb 14, 2012 10:49 PM CST up reply actions

mock draft or an acid trip!!

Interesting, I know it took awhile get that deep. Everyone has their own idea of needs and prospects, but if the first round did turn out that way one thing I would like to see is the Vikes trading back up in the first, maybe with dallas and picking up DeCastro. What a coup that would be. A couple later round guys I like: NT Jean-Baptiste from Baylor, I heard he was a manster at the senior bowl… cb Chris Greenwood from Albion…fb/te Bruce Figgins from Georgia(the new Kleinsasser)

by bigjohn53 on Feb 14, 2012 10:43 PM CST reply actions

Wow... You did say it involves a lot of trades...

But do you really think we will go after 3 DEs through draft and UDFAs? I mean I know we draft at leat one DE a year (which btw, we do seem to have a good eye for them somehow, Kenichi Udeze, pre-leukemia that is, Jayme Mitchell, Brian Robison, Everson Griffen, and I know I’m missing at least one more) but 3 seems excessive. And 2 DTs in the first 3 rounds seems like a lot, unless if you’re really advocating for us to trade KWill away. I would hope to see more safety help or corner help there, but from what I hear this draft is bad when it comes to safeties… Can we not draft a FB again, and get the kicker Chris listed in his mock? Also, imo I kinda thought D’Imperio didn’t do half bad, I liked the kid, good worker, good special teamer, and not a terrible run blocker. I wouldn’t mind having the kicker locked up instead of doing the whole UDFA mess and hope we get him. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Longwell, but he hasn’t been as money as usual, and we had hoped the new KO rule would help him but he still didn’t produce many touch backs. Kinda surprised you didn’t load up on lineman too.

by nmatt71 on Feb 14, 2012 10:50 PM CST reply actions

DT is a huge need contrary to public opinion

Evans and Guion are free agents and really are not that impressive at all. KWill is 32 and probably has a couple of good years left before things start to fall apart on him which is not bad but just the way it goes (see Hutch as an example). Ayodele is a huge disappointment so far and Ballard is about 15 to 20 pounds too light.

The team has not even bothered to offer Guion or Evans new deals yet so I am thinking there will be a couple of new DTs (as there should be).

I only picked one DE in the draft. The other two are UDFA wish list guys. Hamilton is a pure pass rusher and would only be good for 3rd downs. Binns could possibly be a strong side LB. He played LB in high school at Eden -Prairie in St Paul.

D’Imperio is still an unknown. Competition is good for every position. As soon as you think a player is the one he turns out to not be that one. You have to always bring in someone to compete. They should have tried to sign Hynoski last year as many here were calling for. he played FB in college and lo and behold, is doing it well in the NFL.

Besides, the 7th round picks will probably be practice squad guys anyway. It is just that the Vikings can draft their PS guys instead of competing with other teams for their services.

I think kickers can be added as UDFAs.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 14, 2012 11:03 PM CST up reply actions

Fair enough assessment on the DTs of our team

I have been a little surprised we haven’t tried to sign anyone, but I think everyone is hoping we cut Remi. Guion wasn’t bad just wasn’t consistant, and Ballard looked good for a rookie, IMO.

Agreed, it depends on how D’Imperio progresses in this offseason, truly.

As long as we get him, is all I’m concerned with, he sounds decent, and Longwell is seemingly starting to decline.

Overall, still surprised you didn’t select more lineman, since our line has been so atrocious and the fastest way to impeove our offense is improve our line.

by nmatt71 on Feb 14, 2012 11:15 PM CST up reply actions

As much as we hope Remi gets cut, I don't think it will happen.

Not after a single year. I mean, look how long it took them to cut Berrian, when we already had five or six recievers. With the other DTs scheduled to be FAs, I don’t think they’ll shoot themselves in the foot depthwise at DT by cutting him. We’ll have to suffer through one more year unless a rookie comes in and simply outplays him.

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 15, 2012 9:29 AM CST up reply actions

Would be amazing.

Only thing I would change would be to draft Malik Jackson at 105 and Isaiah Pead at 118. I’d then possibly grab another WR with one of the final four picks depending on who is on the board, such as Eric Page, BJ Cunningham, Devier Posey or AJ Jenkins.

by UGAVike on Feb 15, 2012 12:30 AM CST reply actions

I think Big10 WRs are underrated too. I would take Jenkins out of that bunch. That's about it.

White Horn Gold Pants

by DM_Purp on Feb 15, 2012 8:58 AM CST up reply actions

66. Minnesota selects selects Alameda Ta’amu DT 6-3 337

I’m 90 percent sure you’ve had the Vikings taking this guy in everyone of your mocks. He continues to plummet down your board..

Case of the beet bandit. Missing beets from all over the farm, no footprints. Inside job. Mose in socks. Boom. Case closed. -Dwight Schrute

by mjschaefer on Feb 15, 2012 12:41 AM CST reply actions

It is still early

Last year I had Nate Solder in my very first mock and then flip flopped around on him but by the time the real draft came around I wanted the Vikings to take him at #12.

Ta’amu is an intriguing prospect. I expect that he will go late first early second when the draft does roll around. 6’2.4" and 341 DTs that can penetrate are very hard too find.

Sometimes you have to go with your first instinct.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 5:19 AM CST up reply actions

looks like a madden

franchise trade on draft day mode .

by skol viking on Feb 15, 2012 2:14 AM CST reply actions

This is the freaking best thing I've ever read in my life.

That was great. I love all the picks….I swear you got the Vikings down to 10 so that you could get them Jonathan Martin at an acceptable value :P but still…awesome job. Best mock yet, and I really liked the trade projections.

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain

by Landonio on Feb 15, 2012 2:49 AM CST reply actions

But you had fun doing it

This is a trying time between football and free agency, especially for writers :) However half the fun here was the what if scenarios right? I understand the draft position value chart brought into the league by the Cowboys (boo hiss!!!) but personally don’t see teams giving up the number of picks many people keep throwing out just to grab a QB like RG3.

I personally think that Cam Newton did last year n a positive way what Jamarcus Russell did in a negative the year before. A lot of people live in the moment and think that the second prospect is a guarantee. However the key with Cam was they built the offense around his strengths and weaknesses similar to what Denver did with Tebow.

Guess my point is I don’t see a team giving up three 1st round picks (this year and next) just to take him. But hey, you only get a couple of shots at a premier QB every 8-10 years so I could be 100% wrong. and like I said, half the fun is playing What If.

Enjoyed the article and posts

by fox1962 on Feb 15, 2012 2:55 AM CST reply actions

Thanks but I only have the Browns giving up two firsts though

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 5:20 AM CST up reply actions

Unless your the Browns or Detroit of the 90's

Unless your the Browns or Detroit of the 90’s…. they seemed to get a shot every year. I feel their pain and hope the Vikings aren’t in the cellar for the third year in a row.

by fox1962 on Feb 15, 2012 2:58 AM CST reply actions

Puke...

Sorry…
I feel if this is how the draft turned out, I would think it to be a complete & utter FAIL…
I would rather have Justin Blackmon @ #3… and I really don’t want to take a WR at that spot…
I could belt out some trades (picks only) that I would make on Madden…
5th, 6th & 7th for a 4th rd… Two 4th rnds for a 3rd… Two 3rd rnds for a 2nd…
Then you have a first rnd & 2 seconds… or you could do Two 2nds for a 1st rnd, then you have 2 1st rnd picks… (Don’t know if that’s realistic by the pick value chart…)
Of course that’s throwing away a lot of picks, but you would have some long term “hypothetically” super-star starters… (IMO, almost better than swinging for the fences for the diamond in the rough…) Instead of some below average bench-fodder. I know that there’s always a bit of success in the later rounds, but I wouldn’t mind dealing with two 1st rounders & the supplemental picks), or a 1st & two 2nd rounders & the supplemental picks… At least then, you will have some solid talent… Again… “Hypothetically”.

I’m really not trying to be a jerk…
I’m just saying that I think there are a lot of wasted picks here…
I’m scattered to say that there is some good, some alright, some ehhh, and some… who?
I can’t say “Oh… that is great!”

I will say that I applaud the effort that you did put into this, you racked your brain doing this, and it was a lot of work. (I swear I’m not being sarcastic.)

I do like the #10 Jonathan Martin & the #118 Juron Criner picks.
I don’t like the Orson Charles pick.. I don’t want to draft another TE, but if we MUST, I think I would prefer to wait, and take Michael Egnew later on.
I would rather have Ryan Broyles @ the #95-96 supplemental spot instead of Joe Adams. I think I would also take a shot at LaMichael James before Chris Polk… although I do ALSO like Polk…
I don’t like the idea of trading both Winfield & Cook. I think we should try to restructure Winfield’s contract & bump him to Safety, & give Cook a last chance (only because we are horrifically weak at the position.)
I’m not too fond of grabbing 2 new DT’s, I would rather stick with drafting 1 and keeping either Guion, or Evans, maybe making a pick-up in free agency, for a slight upgrade.
I’m glad you didn’t have the “take RGIII” approach & trade him later… Ugh!
I am glad you didn’t have us taking Alshon Jeffery… I don’t know what I’ll do if we take another South Carolina WR… Puke, again!

Mark… that probably sounds like I’m being a total JackA$$… I don’t mean for it to… Thanks for the hard work,, it is sincerely appreciated. Keep posting! It’s good to have something interesting to knit pick at.

I’m sure I’ll get a bit of negative feedback on this anyways, I’m too tired to do any real research right now… This is all just opinion, I’m no GM…

by Jester01 on Feb 15, 2012 3:02 AM CST reply actions

All feeedback is good.

Not everyone is going to like the same players I do or would do a similar draft.

Some may take later picks and move back up into some rounds.

Here is the thing though. The Vikings have 17 free agents. Most are backups. I think that they will fill those spots with rookies. Rookies are cheaper than veterans even if it is at the veteran minimum. At the same time, draft picks are not guaranteed and some could be practice squad types. The Vikings need to replace those players.

I do not have the Vikings trading Winfield. I said he could be released but will probably stay. I did mention a thought of trading him but did not actually trade him.

I do not play video games and have never played Madden. Ever. I am too old school for that.

I may have to start though since my little ones will eventually want to play.

I am more interested in what picks you would take though.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 5:28 AM CST up reply actions

A better game for you might be....

NFL Head Coach09. This was/ is one of my favorite games whenever I need a GM fix. I personally don’t really care about the in season so much as I enjoy the off-season aspect of the game and the trades you can make.

Enjoyed the Mock although it did get a bit to Patriotism with moving down so much and possibly missing out on a real gem. Keep up the good work and I look forward to the spin you’ll take when you actually draft RGIII for the Vikings to keep.

by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 15, 2012 7:24 AM CST up reply actions

I do not think I am going to do a draft with the Vikings taking RG3

That is a hot topic that has been debated very well and probably enough. I suppose once he performs in the combine that there could be some more hype.

I could do one just to see what direction I think the team could go if they actually did take RG3.

I have to actually buy a game system because I do not even have one of those.

I am in favor of acquiring more picks because there are so many holes to fill. The more second and third round picks you get the better chance you have of finding a good player. Some will bust for sure and that is why you want more picks.

I think this year is when I want more picks. Next year I could be inclined to try and get the “quality” players that people believe are first round picks.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

Im high on Egnew too!

Only thing is that he is exactly like rudolph, I think we need a TE that can block

by viking_#28 on Feb 15, 2012 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

I wanted to get a smaller pass catching TE to go with Rudolph.

I think Rudolph will get better at blocking and become adequate.

You can always pick up a late round blocking type TE.

The pass catching types are harder to find.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 12:21 PM CST up reply actions

The as i have put in before when is put up a few of my selections that I would go with Egnew.

I think he will be a top TE and be able to be taken in the middle rounds

by viking_#28 on Feb 15, 2012 2:03 PM CST up reply actions

I think you missed the news

Redskins want to trade with us for the number 2 pick very badly. They want RGIII so bad they can taste it. That is something you need to consider.

by OakCityRam on Feb 15, 2012 7:15 AM CST reply actions

We have the #3 pick

And If anyone’s heard any “inside” information even before the Combine, then throw it out the window. NFL GMs just don’t give out their intentions before draft day. The only thing you will know is that the Colts will sign Andrew Luck coming up in a few weeks.

White Horn Gold Pants

by DM_Purp on Feb 15, 2012 9:11 AM CST up reply actions

"Us" referred to the Rams

by Zach_Bodenner on Feb 15, 2012 10:37 AM CST up reply actions

I don't see why..

Its not like you guys are going to possibly take RGIII with your pick. They can wait a selection and try to nab him right before the Browns. That’d be the smarter/cheaper option.

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 15, 2012 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

Then the Redskins run the risk

Of someone else swapping with the Rams to get ahead of a team hoping to trade with the Vikings.

"none of us is a fan of the team" - Judd Zulgad (also fabricated the "schism" reports of 09')

by Grape Drank on Feb 15, 2012 11:17 AM CST up reply actions

Yes that is true

But if Spielman is doing his due diligence then he is speaking to the Browns, Redskins, Dolphins, and Seahawks to let them no what he would accept to get to the #3 pick.

These teams can go up to the #2 pick very easily and that is OK. It is a gameof poker for sure because a team may not want to risk another team jumping them to get to the #2 pick.

Either way the Vikings are winners. If the Rams trade down then the Vikings can stay put and select Matt Kalil.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah the Vikings are in very good position this draft

What do you think the possibilities of trading down are even if the Rams have already traded down? Would a team like Washington still be willing to trade up for Blackmon? (that is if they had not traded with the Rams)

Depending on who the Rams traded with, Kalil might still be there at number 6. The Browns have no need to draft a LT and Tampa Bay seems likely to take Morris Claiborne. This really could only occur if the Rams did a trade with the Dolphins or Seahawks instead of the Browns or Redskins.

With the third pick (worth 2,200 points) we could expect to get the Redskins 6th (1,600), 39th (510) and possibly the 70th (240). That adds up to 2,350 so we might need to send them a 4th or 5th round choice. Not likely to happen but it is fun to brainstorm alternative ways to gain draft picks.

"none of us is a fan of the team" - Judd Zulgad (also fabricated the "schism" reports of 09')

by Grape Drank on Feb 15, 2012 2:18 PM CST up reply actions

This is a possibility

If people believe that Blackmon really is that good (and he was in college yet I still would not select him at this point in time) then moving up 3 spots to get him may be worth it.

By the time the Skins get to the 2nd round there may not be a WR they want or that they feel is as good as Blackmon. Of course free agency will be key but as of today they could want to get the top WR in the draft.

I would take their first, third, and second next year. The question is do they feel Blackmon is worth two picks?

There could be a team that wants Trent Richardson before the Browns can take him. He is really good and already catches the ball very well out of the backfield and is a good pass blocker (supposedly).

Any moves to get more picks is OK with me.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

Kinda hopin the bengals want Trent bad enough

To give us their2 first rounders.

by IL PurpleRain on Feb 15, 2012 9:15 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

... Why swap with them?

They (Rams) won’t take him. There’s no way they give up on Bradford after all of two seasons. I’m not just saying one team thinks this, they all should be. Let St. Louis ‘burn’ their pick, and then wait until the last selection you need to in order to move up. That would be us, right before Cleveland.

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 16, 2012 1:16 AM CST up reply actions

traded to far back

I really liked how you traded down and got us to the redskins’ spot, and getting a lot to get there. But I didn’t like that you traded even futher back and lost Riley Reiff since I think he is way better than Martin.
I also didn’t like the trade up for future picks. I think we need to keep our draft picks of the future, also I really really didn’t like trading Chric Cock.. His value will be very low, and he will be worth much more to the team if he comes back without having to face jail time.

by Malte on Feb 15, 2012 9:16 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Bill Simmons calls this type of dealing a"pu pu platter"

You take a quality asset, such as a star player, or a high draft choice, then trade him or it for a whole bunch of nothing. In your mock draft scenario, the Vikings give up high draft picks to load up on lower selections. True, this will give them more chances to find hidden gems, but given the team’s recent history, I think their ability to root out true quality in the lower rounds is questionable.

I’ve said it before - I would much rather see the Vikings make their first selection an elite left tackle, whether it be Kalil or Reiff, then trade back UP and get DeCastro. IMO, the Vikings will be far better off coming away from this draft with a few of the best players available in it, than to stock up on bunch of mediocre talent that will probably never come close to becoming the impact kind of talent we need on this roster.

That’s just my opinion, for what it’s worth (and that is nothing), but I have to say that I appreciate the time and effort that you put into preparing these mocks.

by Vikinole on Feb 15, 2012 9:34 AM CST reply actions

That is a good idea too

The problem is the Vikings have 18 free agents to replace and may decide to cut some of the highly paid aging veterans. If you use up your draft picks to get a couple of guys then you end up with less players and have to fill the roster with UDFAs or veterans who will accept less.

I think this is the year to load up on draft picks. Next year I would like to see them move up to get a Robert Woods for example.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 12:26 PM CST up reply actions

Nice work

Obviously too many trades for my taste, but you were up front about your intentions. I like many of the picks. I personally would take Hayward over Boykin at #70. I also think the Vikings will take Cam Johnson if possible. Alan Williams was really impressed by him in Mobile. Maybe they take Ta’amu at #63 and Johnson at #66.

Janzen Jackson and Demario Davis could be steals where you got them. I might flip Hamilton for Long, as I think Hamilton has a chance to get drafted. Long could too with his pedigree and versitility, but might fly under the radar enough to land him as an UDFA.

"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 Feb 15, 2012 9:55 AM CST reply actions

not a big fan of giving Cleveland our pick

As you suggest, the Vikings might give the browns our # 3 pick for their 4th, 22nd, & 118th along with next years 4th round pick. I don’t like this at all. 4th..maybe, but after that the picks are too low to get the kind of player that would most likely make an immediate impact. The trouble is that the Vikings have MANY holes to fill and simply throwing bodies into the mix may not help much. RGIII is a rare talent that has tremendous upside and if the Vikings pick him and then put him out there as trade material, I suspect they would get more than what Cleveland has to offer. But should they do this because, with Christian Ponder, frankly nobody knows if he can last a full season and he raises just as many questions as he answers. I’m not 100% convinced he’s the guy to take the Vikings to the next level. I’d be tempted to take RGIII and let Ponder go and hope to get a decent player (s) in return. On the other hand, provided they can somehow get a decent pass blocking line, RGIII would have an immediate impact. If nothing else, the Vikings would be FUN TO WATCH next season with him behind center.

by jjlovesfootball on Feb 15, 2012 10:23 AM CST reply actions

Someone has too much time on their hands.

This is absurd imo. No way that many teams trade with us and give us that many picks. Plus, why two DT’s when our offensive line is clearly more necessary? Got to have offensive live, secondary, linebackers, and wide receivers to help us out, period.

"Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction." - Old Cowboy proverb.

by TexVike55 on Feb 15, 2012 11:03 AM CST reply actions

Then why don't you take the time and throw up a mock?

by viking_#28 on Feb 15, 2012 11:25 AM CST up reply actions

Jeez.

Harsh. We did get Jonathan Martin in this mock, which sends Charlie Johnson to RG and actually solves two problems on the line. And he does have all of the needs you listed, if you read the mock.

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain

by Landonio on Feb 15, 2012 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

Well I expected a Jared Allen and AD trade in there man

Kinda disappointing.. Anyway, I’m not a big fan of trading future picks out always seem to expensive for me when we can just wait a year and pick a guy a hole round earlier. I do however like the idea of trading people so we get future picks (for the same reason..)

Other than that I think you covered our needs pretty well, but then when you have 15 people coming in off the draft it would be hard not to. Oh and you did miss something, the kitchen sink. :D

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.

by Grime on Feb 15, 2012 11:31 AM CST reply actions

I was thinking about trading Allen

There is already one fanpost about that now. I could have included that in this mock. I think if I were to trade Allen I would try Seattle and offer him for the #12 & #76 pick. If I could do that then I think I would have stayed put at #6 and took Quintin Coples right there. Then at #12 I could have taken Jonathan Martin perhaps?

But this mock is biased because no other teams are making trades with other teams and all the picks I want somehow magically fell to the Vikings. Imagine that.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 15, 2012 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

You would have had more puke posts for sure.

And no one would take you seriously. However, I think Coples will be a beast in the NFL and will be that beast for a long time to come. Coples and Martin and suddenly we’re looking at a draft that would be hard to ever consider a bust in my opinion. I honestly don’t think we can skip on a LT in this draft unless we have a deal in the back ground for a solid LT (McNeil, Gaither)

I still don’t think we should trade future picks though.

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.

by Grime on Feb 15, 2012 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

Good Lord I hope we do NOT do this plan

It’s awful. We just slide further and further down, missing out on surefire players along the way.

Sorry but no thanks, man. This is what they’ll do if they don’t want to improve, imho.

We really just need to land Kalil or Blackmon or Clairborne…if we fail to nab any of those 3, we’ve blown it yet again. :(

by Wytefang on Feb 17, 2012 10:46 AM CST reply actions

Have to agree

We’re in this position because of our lack of talent at three positions.. WR. CB. And O-line (particularly T.) It just so happens that those three needs are also going to be three of the best players available, assuming the Rams trade to somebody looking for RGIII. Why mess that up?

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 17, 2012 11:01 AM CST up reply actions

Is Claiborne the consensus top CB? I thought it was close between him and Kirkpatrick?

by viking_#28 on Feb 17, 2012 12:38 PM CST up reply actions

Last I heard...

Claiborne may be better than top pick Peterson (Cardinals) last year…
I read that Kirkpatrick benefited more from the talent he had around him, and that Janoris Jenkins was actually better (barring his legal problems)…

Not saying that Claiborne didn’t benefit from the talent around him also…
Eh… who really knows… people write all sorts of stuff, we just have to hope that our F.O. can decipher between legitimate talent & the BIG BUST.

by Jester01 on Feb 17, 2012 1:00 PM CST up reply actions

Let me clarify...

1. Claiborne
2. Jenkins
3. Kirkpatrick

by Jester01 on Feb 17, 2012 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

One more cool tool...

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2012_CB

This shows
1. Claiborne
2. Kirkpatrick
3. Jenkins

But it’s pretty cool…

by Jester01 on Feb 17, 2012 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

I disagree ...

We really just need to land Kahlil or Reiff…if we fail to land one of those 2 , we’ve blown it yet again. In 2010 Farve got killed behind that putrid line. I really thought that the Vikings would have addressed that last year. There were a couple of really good prospects available in the first round last year. Instead they waited until the sixth round.

by vking1 on Feb 17, 2012 1:28 PM CST up reply actions

Well, they only had one selection in the first round..

And they clearly felt that Franchise QB > O-lineman. Which is true. Hard to fault them for that. The only way I can really despise them for the Ponder pick is if they end up taking RGIII. Then it would be a wasted pick.

Rudolph was a falling bargain they traded up to get. I don’t recall if there were any decent O-linemen taken in the 2nd round. And without our 3rd, we had to wait until the 4th to select again.

What they really should have done was focus on O-line in the ‘10 draft, instead of reaching to grab Chris Cook. But that’s just an observation made in hindsight, CB was also needed because of Griffin’s ACL injury.

Really, looking back on it, they haven’t had too many opportunities to get some ultra-good O-lineman in the first few rounds the past couple years and I don’t recall any free agent O-lineman who would have been worth trying to grab since ’09. It was a bad time to need a better line.

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 17, 2012 8:43 PM CST up reply actions

Ponder probably would have been there in the second round.

If another team wanted a quarterback in the first, they probably would have taken Andy Dalton. The Vikings panicked and reached. Ponder may become a very good QB, but they need to address the offensive line.

by vking1 on Feb 17, 2012 9:49 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think he'd have lasted to our 2nd pick at all.

He’d have to have gotten past Seattle, the Bengals, the 49’ers, and the Redskins to get back to us. I find it highly unlikely he makes it past all four of them. So yeah, it was a bit of a reach, but in this case, it was a necessary one.

Pretty sure, if anyone, the Redskins would have snagged him, just to have a plan aside from Beck/Grossman.

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 19, 2012 3:02 PM CST up reply actions

Washington already came out and said they were planning on taking him at #17

by viking_#28 on Feb 20, 2012 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

Seems I read somewhere

That Miami was planning on taking him at 16 as well.
There is no way it looks like Ponder was falling out of the top 20, which would make me wonder what his trade value might be now.

by VikesFanInTulsa on Feb 20, 2012 11:18 AM CST up reply actions

All these teams were gonna draft Ponder, yet none of them were interested in Andy Dalton.

There is a lot of games played around draft time, and you can’t believe everything you hear.

by vking1 on Feb 20, 2012 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

No, this came out after the draft, there is no reason to play a game

Dalton was left because he played in a weak college divsion and no one thought he could dominate in the NFL. That is why he fell, and he only fell 2 picks out of the first in a round where 5 others were chosen

by viking_#28 on Feb 21, 2012 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

WOW!

You have way too much time on your hands! 98% chance NONE of this comes to fruition.

by MGM2500 on Feb 18, 2012 6:41 AM CST reply actions

Proof positive that with a little imagination anything is possible.

Wow! What a run of trades!

I personally would not have the guts to keep trading at the top of the 1st round. We ended up with a LT, but we could have ended up out in the cold haivng done one trade too many.

I don’t like giving away next year’s picks in order to move up. If we have to move up, I’d rather use this year’s picks. I never like mortgaging the future.

I was surpised that we took two DTs. We need 1 for sure, but I’m surprised that we took 2. I was also surprised that we took a RB. I don’t think we need to draft a mid round RB. We’ve got Celeb King who did fine in preseason last year. We’ve got 2 very good running backs who will be back from injury. Plus we can pick up someone on the cheap somewhere to do spot duty. We might need help at the front end of the season at RB, but I wouldn’t use a 4th round pick to be a 3-4 week fill in.

Lastly, if Kalil is gone and the trades don’t come in like you predicted, I’d be very tempted to take RG3. My money says that someone trades with the Rams for RG3, and we get Kalil.

"Men are creatures with two legs and eight hands. - Jayne Mansfield

by kcskol on Feb 18, 2012 8:45 AM CST reply actions

The Vikings need DTs

Guion and Evans are average at best and it looks like they have reached their ceilings. Maybe not Guion but how long are the Vikings going to wait? He has had 4 years since coming out of college and the only thing I can remember is him jumping off sides. The Vikings have not resigned either yet as well.

Ayodele was a disappointment last year to put it mildly. I find it hard to believe he dropped off that much in one season especially when given the opportunity to play between KWill and Allen. That could be part of the reason why they let Dunbar go. They brought in a 28 year old DT to play next to KWill and he did not get utilized effectively. The front office decided it was Dunbar who did not get the most out of him. I do not know if that is the case or not but something was up.

Then you have an undersized Ballard who really is only a third down pass rushing DT right now. He needs to get up to 310 or so to even play every down at DT. I still think he maybe a 4-3 base end or even a 3-4 DE.

I have to keep banging the drums about the DT position because it is far from settled and who knows if they want to invest in another free agent DT?

AP should not play until the middle of next year at the earliest IMO. I would not rush him or let him play until he practices full speed significantly. King and Todman have done nothing yet. They may or may not develop.

They may not take a back but I think that they will.

by MarkSP18 on Feb 18, 2012 9:51 AM CST up reply actions

All fair points.

I think Ballard picks up more weight though. He’s pretty good I think. I agree about Evans and Ayodele. And certainly we’ll need depth at the position. However, I’d like to see more drafting on the OL, CB and Safety before taking the 2nd DT. Evans and Ayodele will be fine as backups.

Gerhart should be back for the start of the season. It’s a good opportunity for him to carry the load of a starting RB. King and Todman (didn’t even know we had a guy named Todman) may be unproven, but they got to the NFL. Again, I’d be okay with filler at RB for the first part of the season. I’d rather put a 4th round pick at OL, CB, Safety or, yes, even DT or TE.

Where are the good Centers and Guards in this draft? We need some of those…badly.

"Men are creatures with two legs and eight hands. - Jayne Mansfield

by kcskol on Feb 18, 2012 11:09 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

There are none this draft.

Its a CB/WR draft this year. O-lineman talent seems to steadily drop off after Kalil/Martin

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Feb 19, 2012 3:05 PM CST up reply actions

I do agree that DT needs to be addressed but only at NT

Remi was not effective until the end of the year when he started doing what they really wanted from him, but it was also Dunbar’s fault for not adjusting to Remi’s strengths and for trying too hard to make hm into Phat Pat 2.0 which did not work. From what I have read it looks like they are not givivng up on Remi and are going to give him another shot to prove himself.
Ballard will be fine but they need to decide where he is going to play whether it’s at DE or DT.
I think we are pretty set at Center with Sully, and with Fusco and Berger backing him up. Now OG we will probably need to pick two of them this offseason and there are quite a few good ones this year in the draftso we should be able to get one there in rounds 2-4.