2021 Week 3 - Which College Players Are Future Vikings ?

We are two weeks into the college football season and there have been a few upsets (perhaps?) that have possibly given us a glimpse at the real true contenders. It is probably too early to tell but having one loss is about as most a team can afford if they want to make the final four. Right now the teams vying for the final four are Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Oregon, Iowa, Texas A&M, Cincinnati, Penn State, Florida, and possibly Michigan and UCLA. All this will change of course.

Below are some games for this week that may be of interest to you. Some of the players I will try to watch will be in bold. They could be future Vikings. If you look forward to college football and can keep an eye towards the future (as it pertains to the Vikings) then feel free to post the players or games you are going to try to take a look at. The more information the better.

Friday, September 17

UCF at Louisville 7:30 PM

Louisville - Bralen Trahan - S

Louisville - Malik Cunningham - QB

UCF - Dillon Gabriel - QB

UCF - Jaylon Robinson - WR

UCF - Cole Schneider - IOL

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Maryland at Illinois 9:00 PM

Maryland - Dontay Demus Jr. - WR

Maryland - Jaelyn Duncan - OT

Maryland - Taulia Tagovailoa - QB

Illinois - Doug Kramer - IOL

Illinois - Jake Hansen - LB

Saturday, September 18

#15 Virginia Tech at West Virginia 12:00 PM

Virginia Tech - Amare Barno - EDGE

Virginia Tech - James Mitchell - TE

Virginia Tech - Lecitus Smith - IOL

Virginia Tech - Tre Turner - WR

Virginia Tech - Jordan Williams - DL

Virginia Tech - Bryan Hudson - IOL

Virginia Tech - Changa Hodge - WR

West Virginia - Doug Nester - IOL

West Virginia - Leddie Brown - RB

West Virginia - Dante Stills - DL

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Boston College at Temple 12:00 PM

Boston College - Zay Flowers - WR

Boston College - Zion Johnson - IOL

Boston College - Phil Jurkovec - QB

Boston College - Alec Lindstrom - IOL

Boston College - Tyler Vrabel - OT

Boston College - Ben Petrula - IOL

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#8 Cincinnati at Indiana 12:00 PM

Cincinnati - Ahmad Gardner - CB

Cincinnati - Myjai Sanders - EDGE

Cincinnati - Desmond Ridder - QB

Cincinnati - Josh Whyle - TE

Cincinnati - Coby Bryant - CB

Cincinnati - Leonard Taylor - TE

Cincinnati - Ja’Von Hicks - S

Indiana - Tiawan Mullen - CB

Indiana - Ty Fryfogle - WR

Indiana - Micah McFadden - LB

Indiana - Peyton Hendershot - TE

Indiana - Caleb Jones - OT

Indiana - Marcelino Ball - CB

Indiana - Michael Penix Jr. - QB

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#16 Coastal Carolina at Buffalo 12:00 PM

Coastal Carolina - Isaiah Likely - TE

Coastal Carolina - Grayson McCall - QB

Coastal Carolina - Jaivon Heiligh - WR

Coastal Carolina - Jeffrey Gunter - EDGE

Coastal Carolina - D’Jordan Strong - CB

Coastal Carolina - Jerrod Clark - DL

Coastal Carolina - Silas Kelly - LB

Buffalo - Kadofi Wright - LB

Buffalo - James Patterson - LB

Buffalo - Taylor Riggins - EDGE

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Michigan State at #24 Miami (FL) 12:00 PM

Michigan State - Kenneth Walker III - RB

Michigan State - Jordan Reid - IOL

Michigan State - Matt Allen - IOL

Michigan State - Xavier Henderson - S

Miami (FL) - Zion Nelson - OT

Miami (FL) - Bubba Bolden - S

Miami (FL) - Tyrique Stevenson - CB

Miami (FL) - D’Eriq King - QB

Miami (FL) - Cam’Ron Harris - RB

Miami (FL) - Charleston Rambo - WR

Miami (FL) - Corey Gaynor - IOL

Miami (FL) - Dee Wiggins - WR

Miami (FL) - Al Blades Jr. - CB

Miami (FL) - Nesta Jade Silvera - DL

Miami (FL) - Will Mallory - TE

Miami (FL) - Zach McCloud - LB

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Nebraska at #3 Oklahoma 12:00 PM

Nebraska - Cam Taylor-Britt - CB

Nebraska - Austin Allen - TE

Oklahoma - Spencer Rattler - QB

Oklahoma - Nik Bonitto - EDGE

Oklahoma - Perrion Winfrey - DL

Oklahoma - Wanya Morris - OT

Oklahoma - Eric Gray - RB

Oklahoma - Isaiah Thomas - EDGE

Oklahoma - Kennedy Brooks - RB

Oklahoma - Austin Stogner - TE

Oklahoma - Jalen Redmond - DL

Oklahoma - Marquis Hayes - IOL

Oklahoma - Jadon Haselwood - WR

Oklahoma - Michael Woods II - WR

Oklahoma - Theo Wease - WR

Oklahoma - Brian Asamoah II - LB

Oklahoma - Delarrin Turner-Yell - S

Oklahoma - Woodi Washington - CB

Oklahoma - David Ugwoegbu - LB

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Minnesota at Colorado 1:00 PM

Minnesota - Daniel Faalele - OT

Minnesota - Mohamed Ibrahim - RB

Minnesota - Nyles Pinckney - DL

Minnesota - Boye Mafe - EDGE

Minnesota - Chris Autman-Bell - WR

Minnesota - Tanner Morgan - QB

Colorado - Nate Landman - LB

Colorado - K.D. Nixon - WR

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Purdue at #12 Notre Dame 2:30 PM

Purdue - George Karlaftis - EDGE

Purdue - David Bell - WR

Purdue - Cory Trice - S

Notre Dame - Kyle Hamilton - S

Notre Dame - Kyren Williams - RB

Notre Dame - Jarrett Patterson - IOL

Notre Dame - Jack Coan - QB

Notre Dame - Kevin Austin Jr. - WR

Notre Dame - Cain Madden - IOL

Notre Dame - Drew White - LB

Notre Dame - Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa - DL

Notre Dame - Bo Bauer - LB

Notre Dame - Isaiah Foskey - DL

Notre Dame - Zaire Mitchell - TE

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Kent State at #5 Iowa 3:30 PM

Kent State - Dustin Crum - QB

Iowa - Tyler Linderbaum - IOL

Iowa - Tyler Goodson - RB

Iowa - Jack Campbell - LB

Iowa - Sam LaPorta - TE

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Georgia Tech at #6 Clemson 3:30 PM

Georgia Tech - Tre Swilling - CB

Clemson - Andrew Booth Jr. - CB

Clemson - Justyn Ross - WR

Clemson - Tyler Davis - DL

Clemson - Joseph Ngata - WR

Clemson - Xavier Thomas - EDGE

Clemson - Jordan McFadden - OT

Clemson - Jake Venables - LB

Clemson - Lannden Zanders - S

Clemson - James Skalski - LB

Clemson - Sheridan Jones - CB

Clemson - Will Putnam - IOL

Clemson - Frank Ladson Jr. - WR

Clemson - Braden Galloway - TE

Clemson - Lyn-J Dixon - RB

Clemson - Nolan Turner - S

Clemson - Darnell Jefferies - DL

Clemson - K.J. Henry - EDGE

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#1 Alabama at #11 Florida 3:30 PM

Alabama - Evan Neal - OT

Alabama - Christian Harris - LB

Alabama - Jordan Battle - S

Alabama - John Metchie III - WR

Alabama - Josh Jobe - CB

Alabama - Jahleel Billingsley - TE

Alabama - Henry To’oto’o - LB

Alabama - D.J. Dale - DL

Alabama - Phidarian Mathis - DL

Alabama - Justin Eboigbe - DL

Alabama - Emil Ekiyor Jr. - IOL

Alabama - Darrian Dalcourt - IOL

Alabama - Brian Robinson Jr. - RB

Alabama - Christopher Allen - EDGE

Alabama - LaBryan Ray - DL

Alabama - DeMarcco Hellams - S

Alabama - Daniel Wright - S

Alabama - Jameson Williams - WR

Alabama - Xavier Williams - WR

Alabama - Byron Young - DL

Alabama - Shane Lee - LB

Florida - Kaiir Elam - CB

Florida - Brenton Cox Jr. - EDGE

Florida - Ventrell Miller - LB

Florida - Trey Dean III - S

Florida - Jeremiah Moon - EDGE

Florida - Emory Jones - QB

Florida - Zachary Carter - DL

Florida - Jacob Copeland - WR

Florida - Amari Burney - S

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Tulsa at #9 Ohio State 3:30 PM

Tulsa - Tyler Smith - OT

Tulsa - Justin Wright - LB

Ohio State - Chris Olave - WR

Ohio State - Garrett Wilson - WR

Ohio State - Zach Harrison - EDGE

Ohio State - Nicholas Petit-Frere - OT

Ohio State - Thayer Munford - OT

Ohio State - Sevyn Banks - CB

Ohio State - Jeremy Ruckert - TE

Ohio State - Haskell Garrett - DL

Ohio State - Tyreke Smith - EDGE

Ohio State - Marcus Hooker - S

Ohio State - Harry Miller - IOL

Ohio State - Taron Vincent - DL

Ohio State - Palaie Gaoteote IV - LB

Ohio State - Master Teague III - RB

Ohio State - Dallas Gant - LB

Ohio State - Tyreke Johnson - CB

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USC at Washington State 3:30 PM

USC - Drake Jackson - EDGE

USC - Kedon Slovis - QB

USC - Drake London - WR

USC - Isaiah Pola-Mao - S

USC - Jalen McKenzie - OT

USC - Kana’i Mauga - LB

USC - Isaac Taylor-Stuart - CB

USC - Bru McCoy - WR

USC - Chris Steele - CB

USC - Nick Figueroa - EDGE

Washington State - Abraham Lucas - OT

Washington State - Max Borghi - RB

Washington State - Jarrett Kingston - IOL

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South Carolina at #2 Georgia 7:00 PM

South Carolina - Kingsley Enagbare - EDGE

South Carolina - Kevin Harris - RB

South Carolina - Zacch Pickens - DL

South Carolina - Jordan Strachan - EDGE

South Carolina - Nick Muse - TE

South Carolina - R.J. Roderick - S

South Carolina - Dylan Wonnum - OT

Georgia - Adam Anderson - EDGE

Georgia - Jordan Davis - DL

Georgia - Derion Kendrick - CB

Georgia - George Pickens - WR

Georgia - Nakobe Dean - LB

Georgia - Tykee Smith - S

Georgia - J.T. Daniels - QB

Georgia - Lewis Cine - S

Georgia - Zamir White - RB

Georgia - Nolan Smith - EDGE

Georgia - Jamaree Salyer - IOL

Georgia - Devonte Wyatt - DL

Georgia - Kearis Jackson - WR

Georgia - Dominick Blaylock - WR

Georgia - Travon Walker - DL

Georgia - James Cook - RB

Georgia - Quay Walker - LB

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Virginia at #21 North Carolina 7:30 PM

Virginia - Brennan Armstrong - QB

Virginia - Nick Jackson - LB

Virginia - Joey Blount - S

North Carolina - Sam Howell - QB

North Carolina - Joshua Ezeudu - IOL

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#22 Auburn at #10 Penn State 7:30 PM

Auburn - Owen Pappoe - LB

Auburn - Roger McCreary - CB

Auburn - Smoke Monday - S

Auburn - Bo Nix - QB

Auburn - Nehemiah Pritchett - CB

Auburn - Zakoby McClain - EDGE

Auburn - Colby Wooden - DL

Auburn - Big Kat Bryant - EDGE

Auburn - Christian Tutt - CB

Auburn - JaTarvious Whitlow - RB

Auburn - Tyrone Truesdell - DL

Penn State - Rasheed Walker - OT

Penn State - Jahan Dotson - WR

Penn State - Brandon Smith - LB

Penn State - Jaquan Brisker - S

Penn State - Tariq Castro-Fields - CB

Penn State - Ellis Brooks - LB

Penn State - Joey Porter Jr. - CB

Penn State - Arnold Ebiketie - EDGE

Penn State - Noah Cain - RB

Penn State - Adisa Isaac - DL

Penn State - Sean Clifford - QB

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#19 Arizona State at #23 BYU 10:15 PM

Arizona State - Jayden Daniels - QB

Arizona State - Merlin Robertson - EDGE

Arizona State - Rachaad White - RB

Arizona State - Dohnovan West - IOL

Arizona State - Jermayne Lole - DL

Arizona State - Chase Lucas - CB

Arizona State - D.J. Davidson - DL

Arizona State - Jack Jones - CB

BYU - Tyler Allgeier - RB

BYU - Isaac Rex - TE

BYU - James Empey - IOL

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#14 Iowa State at UNLV 10:30 PM

Iowa State - Breece Hall - RB

Iowa State - Charlie Kolar - TE

Iowa State - Mike Rose - LB

Iowa State - Colin Newell - IOL

Iowa State - Will McDonald IV - LB

Iowa State - Xavier Hutchinson - WR

Iowa State - Greg Eisworth II - S

Iowa State - Brock Purdy - QB

Iowa State - Chase Allen - TE

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Fresno State at #13 UCLA 10:45 PM

Fresno State - Arron Mosby - EDGE

Fresno State - Jake Haener - QB

UCLA - Sean Rhyan - OT

UCLA - Zach Charbonnet - RB

UCLA - Greg Dulcich - TE

UCLA - Otito Ogbonnia - DL

UCLA - Caleb Johnson - LB

UCLA - Paul Grattan - IOL

UCLA - Dorian Thompson-Robinson - QB

UCLA - Quentin Lake - S

As usual, I will provide a mock draft for next year because I am always looking ahead while at the same time trying to enjoy the current season. It is difficult to remain positive and upbeat when our team does not make an expanded playoff field last year and starts off this year with a poor performance. For some reason, this concept eludes some fine folks and they really take offense. I apologize that it makes them feel bad but there is not much I can do to change. If the team starts winning more consistently then I can assure you my outlook would brighten. Enough of that though.

What will the team be looking at next year? There could be changes in the leadership positions (GM & coach) but I do not know nor am I advocating for it. I will say that making the playoffs 4 times in 9 years and never consecutively for a GM is not a good record. Well, not good enough for a team that has never won the Super Bowl. Same thing for a coach who has made the playoffs 3 times in 7 years and never consecutively. Not good enough. Sometimes a fresh perspective is necessary regardless of the outcome.

But for now, assuming no changes at the top, what could we be looking for in the draft. Sadly, interior line could be near the top of the list. I think cornerback will be high because of the one-year contracts doled out this year and the fact that overthecap has the Vikings at negative 11.1M and spotrac has them at negative 9.3M for 2022.

We are already under the cap with the 45M cap hit for Cousins and the 26M cap hit for Hunter. Obviously, those two contracts will be dealt with one way or the other. I can only pray they are not dumb enough to extend Cousins again. He will turn 35 right before the 2023 season and I think we have seen enough. He is solid and even above average but rarely makes plays on his own. The playoff appearances (never mind playoff success) does not justify spending so much for a QB no matter who the QB is or was. Would the team draft a QB early?

What if they decided to NOT pay Hunter a ton of money? If they cut (doubtful) or trade him they would save 18M according to spotrac which would give them about 9M in cap space. But would that then push defensive end to the top of the list?

Are they comfortable enough at safety and how much would it cost to keep Woods if he proves worthy? He could and should be looking for a decent payday. There are a couple of safeties I like early but Zimmer said it is not that important.

What do we have in Darrisaw? I think we have to stick with it for at least a couple of seasons and I do think he will be able to play soon. They are smart to be certain he has no lingering issues with his injury.

Can we assume receiver is OK for 2022? Osborn looked nice in week one but Thielen will turn 32 right before the 2022 season. We will have to see how he plays the rest of this year but he looked really good in week one. Still, from a contract and salary cap perspective, he could be a player that they want to approach about an “adjustment”.

Is Barr going to get a new deal after this season? If not, would they take any cap hit? It looks like they should take a 9.9M cap hit when he is released but both overthecap and spotrac do nothing when you play around with their simulator and release him. I think if there really is a cap penalty that the Vikings could/should consider making him a post-June 1 release so the dead money would hit the 2023 cap. Saying all that, would linebacker be at or near the top of the list? I am not sure there will be a linebacker worthy of a first-round pick though.

What about defensive tackle? Can they afford to keep Richardson? Will Pierce, Tomlinson, Watts, and Lynch be good enough with the knowledge that Twyman will be ready next year? I think that is likely a yes.

Lots of possibilities to consider before attempting a mock. Thus, I will just use the force and proceed already. Sheesh!

Trade Partner: New Orleans Saints

Sent: Round 3 Pick 12

Received: Round 3 Pick 22, Round 4 Pick 37

12: R1 P12 CB Kaiir Elam - Florida 6’2” 196 4.38

Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

44: R2 P12 G Kenyon Green - Texas A&M 6’4” 325 4.96

Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

86: R3 P22 DL Jordan Davis - Georgia 6’6” 340 4.98

Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

114: R4 P12 LB Nakobe Dean - Georgia 6’0” 225 4.42

Photo by David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

139: R4 P37 EDGE Myjai Sanders - Cincinnati 6’5” 258 4.62

Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

170: R5 P28 WR Jalen Tolbert - South Alabama 6’3” 195 4.36

Photo by Bobby McDuffie/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

191: R6 P12 S Jaquan Brisker - Penn State 6’1” 200 4.42

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

210: R6 P31 TE Isaiah Likely - Coastal Carolina 6’4” 240 4.54

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

An alternate mock ...

Trade Partner: Baltimore Ravens

Sent: Round 4 Pick 12

Received: Round 4 Pick 28, Round 5 Pick 32, Round 7 Pick 28

12: R1 P12 C Tyler Linderbaum - Iowa

44: R2 P12 QB Carson Strong - Nevada

76: R3 P12 WR Treylon Burks - Arkansas

130: R4 P28 LB Brandon Smith - Penn State

170: R5 P28 EDGE Myjai Sanders - Cincinnati

174: R5 P32 S Jaquan Brisker - Penn State

191: R6 P12 TE Isaiah Likely - Coastal Carolina

210: R6 P31 G Ed Ingram - LSU

247: R7 P28 S Isaiah Pola-Mao - USC

Well, there you have it. Enjoy the games and remember, you can enjoy the current season (as best as possible) AND look forward to future seasons too!