FanPost

Post combine/Pro days and FA Mock Draft

Good afternoon everyone and thanks for stopping by to read my blogs as usual. Well are beloved Vikings again haven't done much in FA again other than the additions of Alex Boone, Andre Smith and Micheal Griffin. Albeit good solid role players for a team that is on the cusp of making a real run in the league, the real strength of this team has been its drafting for the better part of 3 seasons with Slick Rick, Norv and Zimmer. You look at the teams that are consistent contenders its not just the 1st round where they are finding play makers its all throughout the draft.

I've been reading all the message boards, listening to the experts and all are either pounding the table for a all OL draft, trade AP, or get Teddy some new play makers to help the offense. I cant argue Kalil has been a dumpster fire since his rookie season and with the injuries we had along the O Line last season and we still won the North that was a feet all in itself. This team is in a position in general where we added a few pieces in FA and going into the draft and where we are picking you can honestly go BPA and I dont think you could go wrong. Lets get to it

1st- Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia- When you plug the tape in on Floyd the 1st thing you are going to notice is how Georgia was using him, Primarily as a rush LB off the edge in a 3-4 scheme, but when I watched him he was extremely quick and had great side to side movement. At 6'6 230 I'd like to see him bulk up a bit but like Barr of a few years ago if Zimmer gets his hands on him Floyd could round out a young athletic and disruptive LB core that could become the strength of this defense.

2nd- Sterling Sheppard, WR, Oklahoma- Maybe not the WR everyone was hoping for when this mock started but don't kid yourself put a game on of his kid and watch him work. Is fearless over the middle and is possibly the best route runner in the draft. Sheppard is explosive out of his breaks, and although I see him playing primarily out of the slot don't forget some of the most productive WR's of the past few years have been slot guys, like Edelman, Welker just to name a few. I also take into consideration that we still have Peterson on the roster and I don't know even with a improved OL if Teddy is the best deep ball thrower. Yes, it was basically a expansion game at the pro bowl but Teddy's pass to Allen Robinson was still under thrown. Although Robinson made a good adjustment on the ball i still think Teddys strength is the short to intermediate routes with WR's that can get open with exceptional route running and YAC.

3rd- Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M- I've said it before and I'll say it again I love versatile OL that can play at every position on the line and Ifedi has that ability. A 3 year starter for the Aggies and a standout at both RG and RT Ifedi could come in next year and again with the additions of Smith and Boone, and Still having Clemmings and Loadholt, you could coach him up to eventually be the Starting LT in 2017 if Kalil hasn't improved over the course of the season.

4th- Jayron Kearse, SS, Clemson- Its been a rough offseason for Kearse who has been falling down draft boards since the NCG. Theres no doubt hes got the size to play in the NFL but his lack of toughness and tackling ability was really magnified during the Oklahoma and Alabama games. Kearse would've benefited from another year in college to really work on his game but there's no denying his physical attributes. at 6'4 210 he has room to bulk up no doubt and shows flashes at times but is so inconsistent a late 3rd to early 4th round pick is a solid spot for him.

5th-Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas - There is no doubt you see the talent that Ridgeway has, some even in the circles I've talked to say he has more talent than Malcolm Brown did last season but conditioning is a big issue with him. If he would've stayed on field more he very well could've been a 1st round pick as well but in a DL rich draft you get a good player late in the process

6th- De'Runnya Wilson, WR, Miss St- Some will say this is too low for Wilson but I don't see him being any more than a RZ target in the NFL. He doesn't blow you away with top end speed and even at the top of his routes lacks separation. His size is intriguing but him not having good showing during the combine or his pro day

7th- Jeff Driskel, QB Louisiana Tech- At one time was the #1 overall recruit in the nation when he went to Florida. But when Urban Meyer left to "retire due to health concerns" Driskel suffered under a change in offensive philosophy. For the bulldogs this season Driskel had a solid year throwing for 4,033 yards and 28 TDS

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.