quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Arif grades the draft:

My grades by round:

1: A-
2: A
3: B-
4: B-
5: D+
6: B
7: A

Yes.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

KJ Osborn is going to bring juice to the return game, and versatility to the offense (in spots).

He’s the player Cordarrelle Patterson was, but drafted with the appropriate equity.

(B Hawkes on Twitter)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I've watched this over and over again. Ezra Cleveland does NOT need to sit on the bench. I call BS. The same was said about O'Neill and for a minute I fell for it but then I called BS after that too. I'm calling BS on Cleveland. He can start at LT.

https://t.co/U0EAVlnIGC

(Vikings Spin on Twitter)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I've watched this over and over again. Ezra Cleveland does NOT need to sit on the bench. I call BS. The same was said about O'Neill and for a minute I fell for it but then I called BS after that too. I'm calling BS on Cleveland. He can start at LT.

https://t.co/U0EAVlnIGC

(Vikings Spin on Twitter)

I hope you are right and I hope that Reiff can make the switch to guard successfully. I also really like our two late picks for the OL Brandel and Hinton.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I've watched this over and over again. Ezra Cleveland does NOT need to sit on the bench. I call BS. The same was said about O'Neill and for a minute I fell for it but then I called BS after that too. I'm calling BS on Cleveland. He can start at LT.

https://t.co/U0EAVlnIGC

(Vikings Spin on Twitter)

I hope you are right and I hope that Reiff can make the switch to guard successfully. I also really like our two late picks for the OL Brandel and Hinton.

Two really mobile Tackles...maybe they would be good guards?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Vikings with the best draft grade average:

https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/vikings-draft-class-praised-as-best-in-nfl

When you have that many picks, you can have 7 guys that bomb and still have a great draft.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson
In the five years that Brad Childress had control of the 53-man roster, the Vikings never had more than 8 picks in the 7-round draft. In the nine years since Rick Spielman has been GM, the Vikings have never had fewer than 8 picks and six times have had 10 or more selections.
Judd Zulgad on Twitter

quote:

ORIGINAL: thebigo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

quote:

ORIGINAL: Arlowe84

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: The Happy Norseman

Assuming our draft picks in the first 3 rounds all pan out, we could really be set up for 2021. We can dump Reiff's big contract, our oline will be young and cheap at both T positions, and we'll be young and cheap at CB. Our WR corps will also be cheaper without Diggs contract. Unfortunately, this year we still have BIG question marks at CB, WR, and OL.

Taking a look at the (likely) post-draft roster, the Vikings have a few needs to fill out via FA. There will be some vets cuts, hopefully a few that can contribute to the Vikings:

CB - we have an influx of talent but almost no NFL experience at the position
S - need depth with NFL experience
OG - currently 3 guards on the roster and one is Eflein(!). Samia will man one spot (33 total snaps in the NFL) and if one of our T move to guard they will have zero NFL experience. Dicey.
WR - very thin at the position, should add a vet with deep speed

If everything breaks right for the Vikings they should be competitive this year, but currently teams like the 49ers and Chiefs seem like they're in a different league than us.

Good stuff. I would add DE and DT to the mix. We were one of the youngest teams the last couple years and got younger. Makes sense to bring Griff back. Be a big year for guys like Watt/Irv to step up.
Guards we have Elf, Collins, Samia, Dozier, Jones - right? Not counting the late rounders drafted.

I think we are more talented in areas than last year (T, CB) and less in others (WR). I enjoy rooting for young players trying to make it vs declining vets.

This was slated to be a rough off-season for sure, and was made more problematic with Diggs leaving
I think as of right now this is probably a 9 and 7 or 10 and 6 type team with enough talent to compete
Should have enough talent to compete for a wild card or NFC North title
We need a couple of these rookies to shine for sure
There is a fair amount riding on them for sure
Let’s remember though Rhodes was freaking terrible, so hard to not upgrade
I’m hopeful with Kubiak more hands on he can get this line and Cousins more in synch
I wouldn’t pencil in San Fran just yet. They were not that far off from Chicago 2 years ago. Garrapalo did not look good and will have to raise his play
KC has Mahomes which we will just never have in the near future

I actually am really impressed by the pass blocking rating of our 6th round Tackle....PAC 10 throws the ball....always happy to get a tackle with the best pass blocking grade.

He was also going against PAC 10 defenses. Just sayin'.

quote:

ORIGINAL: McMurfy

quote:

ORIGINAL: thebigo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

quote:

ORIGINAL: Arlowe84

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: The Happy Norseman

Assuming our draft picks in the first 3 rounds all pan out, we could really be set up for 2021. We can dump Reiff's big contract, our oline will be young and cheap at both T positions, and we'll be young and cheap at CB. Our WR corps will also be cheaper without Diggs contract. Unfortunately, this year we still have BIG question marks at CB, WR, and OL.

Taking a look at the (likely) post-draft roster, the Vikings have a few needs to fill out via FA. There will be some vets cuts, hopefully a few that can contribute to the Vikings:

CB - we have an influx of talent but almost no NFL experience at the position
S - need depth with NFL experience
OG - currently 3 guards on the roster and one is Eflein(!). Samia will man one spot (33 total snaps in the NFL) and if one of our T move to guard they will have zero NFL experience. Dicey.
WR - very thin at the position, should add a vet with deep speed

If everything breaks right for the Vikings they should be competitive this year, but currently teams like the 49ers and Chiefs seem like they're in a different league than us.

Good stuff. I would add DE and DT to the mix. We were one of the youngest teams the last couple years and got younger. Makes sense to bring Griff back. Be a big year for guys like Watt/Irv to step up.
Guards we have Elf, Collins, Samia, Dozier, Jones - right? Not counting the late rounders drafted.

I think we are more talented in areas than last year (T, CB) and less in others (WR). I enjoy rooting for young players trying to make it vs declining vets.

This was slated to be a rough off-season for sure, and was made more problematic with Diggs leaving
I think as of right now this is probably a 9 and 7 or 10 and 6 type team with enough talent to compete
Should have enough talent to compete for a wild card or NFC North title
We need a couple of these rookies to shine for sure
There is a fair amount riding on them for sure
Let’s remember though Rhodes was freaking terrible, so hard to not upgrade
I’m hopeful with Kubiak more hands on he can get this line and Cousins more in synch
I wouldn’t pencil in San Fran just yet. They were not that far off from Chicago 2 years ago. Garrapalo did not look good and will have to raise his play
KC has Mahomes which we will just never have in the near future

I actually am really impressed by the pass blocking rating of our 6th round Tackle....PAC 10 throws the ball....always happy to get a tackle with the best pass blocking grade.

He was also going against PAC 10 defenses. Just sayin'.

Pac-12

quote:

ORIGINAL: Todd M

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Arif grades the draft:

My grades by round:

1: A-
2: A
3: B-
4: B-
5: D+
6: B
7: A

Yes.

Seems reasonable. The 5th stuck out to me as the weakest round initially.

I look forward to analyzing this one over the next few years.

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: McMurfy

quote:

ORIGINAL: thebigo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

quote:

ORIGINAL: Arlowe84

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: The Happy Norseman

Assuming our draft picks in the first 3 rounds all pan out, we could really be set up for 2021. We can dump Reiff's big contract, our oline will be young and cheap at both T positions, and we'll be young and cheap at CB. Our WR corps will also be cheaper without Diggs contract. Unfortunately, this year we still have BIG question marks at CB, WR, and OL.

Taking a look at the (likely) post-draft roster, the Vikings have a few needs to fill out via FA. There will be some vets cuts, hopefully a few that can contribute to the Vikings:

CB - we have an influx of talent but almost no NFL experience at the position
S - need depth with NFL experience
OG - currently 3 guards on the roster and one is Eflein(!). Samia will man one spot (33 total snaps in the NFL) and if one of our T move to guard they will have zero NFL experience. Dicey.
WR - very thin at the position, should add a vet with deep speed

If everything breaks right for the Vikings they should be competitive this year, but currently teams like the 49ers and Chiefs seem like they're in a different league than us.

Good stuff. I would add DE and DT to the mix. We were one of the youngest teams the last couple years and got younger. Makes sense to bring Griff back. Be a big year for guys like Watt/Irv to step up.
Guards we have Elf, Collins, Samia, Dozier, Jones - right? Not counting the late rounders drafted.

I think we are more talented in areas than last year (T, CB) and less in others (WR). I enjoy rooting for young players trying to make it vs declining vets.

This was slated to be a rough off-season for sure, and was made more problematic with Diggs leaving
I think as of right now this is probably a 9 and 7 or 10 and 6 type team with enough talent to compete
Should have enough talent to compete for a wild card or NFC North title
We need a couple of these rookies to shine for sure
There is a fair amount riding on them for sure
Let’s remember though Rhodes was freaking terrible, so hard to not upgrade
I’m hopeful with Kubiak more hands on he can get this line and Cousins more in synch
I wouldn’t pencil in San Fran just yet. They were not that far off from Chicago 2 years ago. Garrapalo did not look good and will have to raise his play
KC has Mahomes which we will just never have in the near future

I actually am really impressed by the pass blocking rating of our 6th round Tackle....PAC 10 throws the ball....always happy to get a tackle with the best pass blocking grade.

He was also going against PAC 10 defenses. Just sayin'.

Pac-12

It's a major college football conference. What should we do? Only draft players from the SEC?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

Murf what are your thoughts on the tackle from Oregon State and the Oregon LB?

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

KJ Osborn is going to bring juice to the return game, and versatility to the offense (in spots).

He’s the player Cordarrelle Patterson was, but drafted with the appropriate equity.

(B Hawkes on Twitter)

His Punt Return numbers are incredible. His Kick Off return numbers are poor.

quote:

ORIGINAL: McMurfy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

Murf what are your thoughts on the tackle from Oregon State and the Oregon LB?

Love the Oregon Pick,
4 year starter, nose for the Ball, huge team guy, leader, ball hawk.
Great on ST, I bet he’ll start outside next year, play a lot on passing downs this year.

The Oregon State guy I’ve honestly never heard of.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

CoronaVirus related or not?
Trader Rick only picked 2 guys outside of the Big 5 Conferences.

quote:

ORIGINAL: McMurfy

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: McMurfy

quote:

ORIGINAL: thebigo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

quote:

ORIGINAL: Arlowe84

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: The Happy Norseman

Assuming our draft picks in the first 3 rounds all pan out, we could really be set up for 2021. We can dump Reiff's big contract, our oline will be young and cheap at both T positions, and we'll be young and cheap at CB. Our WR corps will also be cheaper without Diggs contract. Unfortunately, this year we still have BIG question marks at CB, WR, and OL.

Taking a look at the (likely) post-draft roster, the Vikings have a few needs to fill out via FA. There will be some vets cuts, hopefully a few that can contribute to the Vikings:

CB - we have an influx of talent but almost no NFL experience at the position
S - need depth with NFL experience
OG - currently 3 guards on the roster and one is Eflein(!). Samia will man one spot (33 total snaps in the NFL) and if one of our T move to guard they will have zero NFL experience. Dicey.
WR - very thin at the position, should add a vet with deep speed

If everything breaks right for the Vikings they should be competitive this year, but currently teams like the 49ers and Chiefs seem like they're in a different league than us.

Good stuff. I would add DE and DT to the mix. We were one of the youngest teams the last couple years and got younger. Makes sense to bring Griff back. Be a big year for guys like Watt/Irv to step up.
Guards we have Elf, Collins, Samia, Dozier, Jones - right? Not counting the late rounders drafted.

I think we are more talented in areas than last year (T, CB) and less in others (WR). I enjoy rooting for young players trying to make it vs declining vets.

This was slated to be a rough off-season for sure, and was made more problematic with Diggs leaving
I think as of right now this is probably a 9 and 7 or 10 and 6 type team with enough talent to compete
Should have enough talent to compete for a wild card or NFC North title
We need a couple of these rookies to shine for sure
There is a fair amount riding on them for sure
Let’s remember though Rhodes was freaking terrible, so hard to not upgrade
I’m hopeful with Kubiak more hands on he can get this line and Cousins more in synch
I wouldn’t pencil in San Fran just yet. They were not that far off from Chicago 2 years ago. Garrapalo did not look good and will have to raise his play
KC has Mahomes which we will just never have in the near future

I actually am really impressed by the pass blocking rating of our 6th round Tackle....PAC 10 throws the ball....always happy to get a tackle with the best pass blocking grade.

He was also going against PAC 10 defenses. Just sayin'.

Pac-12

It's a major college football conference. What should we do? Only draft players from the SEC?

I was just pointing out that it is called the Pac-12 and not the Pac-10.

Math Matters

quote:

ORIGINAL: McMurfy

Local article on Troy Dye

https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2020/04/oregon-ducks-linebacker-troy-dye-selected-by-minnesota-vikings-in-fourth-round-of-nfl-draft.html

quote:

ORIGINAL: McMurfy

Local article on Troy Dye

https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2020/04/oregon-ducks-linebacker-troy-dye-selected-by-minnesota-vikings-in-fourth-round-of-nfl-draft.html

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

quote:

ORIGINAL: McMurfy

Local article on Troy Dye

https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2020/04/oregon-ducks-linebacker-troy-dye-selected-by-minnesota-vikings-in-fourth-round-of-nfl-draft.html

It's really cool that he was a roommate of Dillon Mitchell. Also I learned that Irv Smith and the Mississippi St. CB were friends, too.

quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

I liked Brad H’s approach to breaking down the draft. Here is my go it.

Unlike Brad, I prioritize talent over need. The draft, for me, is about packing as much bonafide NFL talent on your roster as possible. Talent gives you options. It’s easier to address needs through trade and FA when you have a lot of talent. Single minded focus on need gets you picks like Christian Ponder and Troy Williamson.

I agree with Brad in that I don’t really give the furry crack of a rat’s ass about the last two rounds. Six picks in the last 2 rounds does nothing for me. They will probably get one or 2 guys who will take up a roster spot for a couple of years and 3 other guys who will spend 2 years on the practice squad.

I was hoping for a first round trade up to get one of the elite OL (really wanted Wirfs). According to PA and Zimmer, Spielman tried very hard to move up, although I didn’t hear speculation on the target.
I thought Justin Jefferson was a nice pairing of real need meeting the top talent. You can make the case that CB and OL were greater needs, but the talent to address those needs was not on the level of Jefferson.
Jeff Gladley looks like a plug and play CB. There isn’t much doubt that he will be in the top 3 CB. Who plays outside and who plays nickel is TBD.
Short of moving up for Wirfs, I was hoping for a Williams trade. Unfortunately, Washington being Washington, played hardball with the Vikings and accepted a less than the Vikings offered from the 49ers after the Cleveland pick. I like the Ezra Cleveland pick. I really hope he can at least be an upgrade from Reiff in a short period of time. Our history of drafting that position makes me uneasy though.

Cameron Dantzler could be a real sleeper. Good value pick at a position of need.

I like DJ Wonnum from the perspective that Andre Patterson REALLY likes him and spent a lot of time with him at the combine. It sounds like the only thing missing is a variety of pass rushing moves and Patterson is a great teacher.
Don’t know much about James Lynch, other than he is a 3T who is supposed to be powerful and very quick off the snap. Seems like taking a DT for the sake of a taking a DT.
Troy Dye looks like a ST player to start out, who can hopefully be developed in a starting LB. No idea if he is good value or not.

Hand is an ST player, K.J. Osborn is a kick returner and Rick Spielman will regret trading 155 instead of taking Tyler Johnson who would have been a tremendous value pick at a position of need in the fifth round.
I don’t believe in letter grades for drafts. Some sites will give out 75% A+, A, A-. This draft to me was a solid draft that had the potential to be lot more. Time will tell if it will be remembered for it’s success or its missed opportunities.