Random Thoughts Less Than 2 Weeks Out

[JimmyinSD]

True.

But someone in the top 10 is going to make a pick that no one expects.

Oh, absolutely,  I just dont see it being for Ty Simpson.  I usually figure at least 2 in top 12 that have people saying WTF... then 1 in each of the next 4-5 picks so by the time you get to 21 you can likely see at least 3 guys available that you wouldnt have expected to be sitting there,  and this is where the fun begins and you see the trades that nobody expected and everyone's mock drafts go to total shit... its why we tune in!

[JustInTime]

Oh, absolutely,  I just dont see it being for Ty Simpson.  I usually figure at least 2 in top 12 that have people saying WTF... then 1 in each of the next 4-5 picks so by the time you get to 21 you can likely see at least 3 guys available that you wouldnt have expected to be sitting there,  and this is where the fun begins and you see the trades that nobody expected and everyone's mock drafts go to total shit... its why we tune in!

It might not be as far fetched as you think. Prior to his oblique injury, there was talk of Simpson going high. Add to that the Cards propensity for doing the unexpected…

But yes, by 18 there could be several prospects no one expected to be available.

[supafreak84]

From Todd McShay's just released mock draft;

18. Denzel Boston, WR Washington

The Vikings had real issues catching the football last season, and the situation hasn’t exactly improved. With Jalen Nailor now in Las Vegas, they’re currently planning to give Tai Felton and his three rookie receptions a starting role. That’s a problem.

This pick might feel a bit rich for Boston, but based on conversations I had with a couple of teams over the weekend, the gap between him, KC Concepcion, and Omar Cooper Jr. isn’t nearly as wide for some teams as the draft community may think.

It really comes down to stylistic preference, and for Minnesota, the need is clear: a big, physical outside receiver to complement Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Boston fits that mold perfectly. His ball skills—including a 77 percent contested catch rate—stand out, and he brings the size and physicality this offense is missing. He also pairs well with a mobile quarterback thanks to his natural feel for uncovering downfield in scramble situations. As the new era begins with Kyler Murray under center, this would be a strong, clean fit.

[MaroonBells]

From Todd McShay's just released mock draft;

18. Denzel Boston, WR Washington

The Vikings had real issues catching the football last season, and the situation hasn’t exactly improved. With Jalen Nailor now in Las Vegas, they’re currently planning to give Tai Felton and his three rookie receptions a starting role. That’s a problem.

This pick might feel a bit rich for Boston, but based on conversations I had with a couple of teams over the weekend, the gap between him, KC Concepcion, and Omar Cooper Jr. isn’t nearly as wide for some teams as the draft community may think.

It really comes down to stylistic preference, and for Minnesota, the need is clear: a big, physical outside receiver to complement Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Boston fits that mold perfectly. His ball skills—including a 77 percent contested catch rate—stand out, and he brings the size and physicality this offense is missing. He also pairs well with a mobile quarterback thanks to his natural feel for uncovering downfield in scramble situations. As the new era begins with Kyler Murray under center, this would be a strong, clean fit.

There's so much wrong with this I don't even know where to begin. Of all the draft analysts McShay has to be the worst. I'm not opposed to taking a WR at 18, but there's a lot of Laquon Treadwell in Boston's tape.

[JimmyinSD]

From Todd McShay's just released mock draft;

18. Denzel Boston, WR Washington

The Vikings had real issues catching the football last season, and the situation hasn’t exactly improved. With Jalen Nailor now in Las Vegas, they’re currently planning to give Tai Felton and his three rookie receptions a starting role. That’s a problem.

This pick might feel a bit rich for Boston, but based on conversations I had with a couple of teams over the weekend, the gap between him, KC Concepcion, and Omar Cooper Jr. isn’t nearly as wide for some teams as the draft community may think.

It really comes down to stylistic preference, and for Minnesota, the need is clear: a big, physical outside receiver to complement Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Boston fits that mold perfectly. His ball skills—including a 77 percent contested catch rate—stand out, and he brings the size and physicality this offense is missing. He also pairs well with a mobile quarterback thanks to his natural feel for uncovering downfield in scramble situations. As the new era begins with Kyler Murray under center, this would be a strong, clean fit.

I am not advocating for WR in the 1st,  but if  you look at a smart use of resources.... using higher round picks ( where the odds of hitting are greater and getting more immediate participation) on players in positions that eat larger portions of the cap ( like WR, and obviously QB,  DE, OT)  then this allows you to not have to be filling those higher priced positions with veterans which will make cap management easier over all.  from this standpoint I would not hate a WR.

[purplefaithful]

I dont hate a WR in the first either....Lord knows we didnt "need one" in 98 starting Carter/Reed.

But there aint any Randy Moss' in this draft (I dont think) and this would be a WR3 most likely on this team.

Where as a DL or S would most likely be starting and there is a more dire need for bodies.

[JustInTime]

[greediron]

There's so much wrong with this I don't even know where to begin. Of all the draft analysts McShay has to be the worst. I'm not opposed to taking a WR at 18, but there's a lot of Laquon Treadwell in Boston's tape.

"starting role"?

Yes, the #3 may start at times, but that is a bit of a stretch.

[MaroonBells]

I dont hate a WR in the first either....Lord knows we didnt "need one" in 98 starting Carter/Reed.

But there aint any Randy Moss' in this draft (I dont think) and this would be a WR3 most likely on this team.

Where as a DL or S would most likely be starting  and there is a more dire need for bodies.

Agree with everything you say here. I don't think there's much question that IDL and S are our two biggest needs. But if you consider where the value is in this draft, you can make an argument that there are no IDLs in this draft worth the 18th pick, and the safeties on day two of this draft aren't too far off the 1st rounders.

Most years it's been pretty easy to predict where the Vikings will go in the 1st round. This year seems more open (despite the fact that everyone and his mother has been mocking Thieneman to us). I do still think he's the most likely pick. But unless we trade down, it's not hard at all to see a BPA strategy on Thursday night while we wait until Friday night to fill bigger needs.

[JustInTime]

"starting role"?

Yes, the #3 may start at times, but that is a bit of a stretch.

We’re in 11 personnel about 65% of the time under KO.