Random Thoughts Less Than 2 Weeks Out

[Canthony]

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 think the natural fit would be Cooper Jr if we were to go this route, unless Lemon fell to us at 18. Cooper Jr will be that weapon and Deebo type for this offense. He is a playmaker and a natural fit with Jefferson and Addison. Lemon will be your Cupp type slot WR that would be more traditional to this offense. Either one would be a perfect fit. Cooper Jr is just that X factor type for KOC to play with. Think of what we could do with Cooper with JJ and Addison on the field.

[medaille]

I think WR3 is on the table, I just don’t think it’s likely with a first, because I think they’ll plan on resigning Addison, but it’s tough to allocate two expensive WR contracts plus a 1st round draft pick. If you draft a WR in the first, I kind of see that as Addison is out, and now you are in the same spot in a year or two. You saved a little money, but have another starter sized hole in the roster.

I might be completely out in left field, but I really like a lot of the IDL available. I just don’t think they’re the classic 3 Tech body types, but I think there’s a lot of big bodies that can move, which lines up for us.

[supafreak84]

Was listening to Pat Kirwin on NFL Radio today talk about the Vikings. Thinks out of our top four picks, we have to come away with a RB, DT, S, and anything on top of that is gravy. Said the 3rd round would be the sweet spot for the Vikings to take a safety with one of our two picks as there will be talent there. He thought if we took Thienaman or one of the other safeties in the first round we "won't like" what's left available at defensive tackle if we waited to take one with our second or third round picks.

I think Pat is right on. We can find a quality safety in the 3rd and the defensive line talent dwindles after about pick 45 and there will be a run on defensive lineman

[StickierBuns]

Prepare yourself, fans: I think if Jermod McCoy is there at #18, he MIGHT be the selection. Can he break the CB draft jinx for the Vikings? Methinks yes. He's got the ability to neutralize one-on-one big play speedsters at WRer....I think BFlo might make damn good use of that X factor on D. Would be a new dimension defensively IMO. I think a guy like McNeil-Warren will be there in round 2 if they want that safety....but all the way to 49th? Not sure about that, but probably.

JMO, but I think the Vikings let the Draft come to THEM this year.

[Knucklehead]

Prepare yourself, fans: I think if Jermod McCoy is there at #18, he MIGHT be the selection. Can he break the CB draft jinx for the Vikings? Methinks yes. He's got the ability to neutralize one-on-one big play speedsters at WRer....I think BFlo might make damn good use of that X factor on D. Would be a new dimension defensively IMO. I think a guy like McNeil-Warren will be there in round 2 if they want that safety....but all the way to 49th? Not sure about that, but probably.

JMO, but I think the Vikings let the Draft come to THEM this year.

With the signing of James Pierre, CB isn't a screaming need. But no doubt if McCoy drops to #18, he would be BPA.

[StickierBuns]

With the signing of James Pierre, CB isn't a screaming need. But no doubt if McCoy drops to #18, he would be BPA.

If the Vikings somehow trade down, getting Kayden McDonald and a guy like CB Chris Johnson might rock in first few picks. Lots of ways to go.

[purplefaithful]

Prepare yourself, fans: I think if Jermod McCoy is there at #18, he MIGHT be the selection. Can he break the CB draft jinx for the Vikings? Methinks yes. He's got the ability to neutralize one-on-one big play speedsters at WRer....I think BFlo might make damn good use of that X factor on D. Would be a new dimension defensively IMO. I think a guy like McNeil-Warren will be there in round 2 if they want that safety....but all the way to 49th? Not sure about that, but probably.

JMO, but I think the Vikings let the Draft come to THEM this year.

With the signing of James Pierre, CB isn't a screaming need. But no doubt if McCoy drops to #18, he would be BPA.

You'd have to run to the podium if somehow McCoy was there at 18, but I highly doubt either him or Delane are there so late. 

Honestly, I dont think CB is a huge need for this team, not with how BFlo deploys the scheme. Maybe in the mid rounds? 

Look what they did last year with literally no rush from the DT's and lesser knowns playing the corners.

[StickierBuns]

Look what they did last year with literally no rush from the DT's and lesser knowns playing the corners.

But its just a LOT easier having better players. If we as fans keep expecting BFlo to continually pull rabbits out of hats, that to me isn't realistic nor an optimal strategy for getting to The Show.

[purplefaithful]

But its just a LOT easier having better players. If we as fans keep expecting BFlo to continually pull rabbits out of hats, that to me isn't realistic nor an optimal strategy for getting to The Show.

Yah, it sure is...Thats how I feel about our pedestrian RB's too. 

My $ is on DL (Faulk or Woods) unless someone hits the bong and posts pix next Wednesday night. They cant wait till 49 to draft one. If they can trade down to the 20's and pull it off, they'll be even happier.

[JimmyinSD]

You'd have to run to the podium if somehow McCoy was there at 18, but I highly doubt either him or Delane are there so late. 

Honestly, I dont think CB is a huge need for this team, not with how BFlo deploys the scheme. Maybe in the mid rounds? 

Look what they did last year with literally no rush from the DT's and lesser knowns playing the corners.

still a very good chance that he is trying to make his D work without a future HOF safety.  I dont care who we draft or have waiting in the wings,  you dont just plug and play anybody to fill that role and provide the onfield flexibility and leadership that the Hitman brought to that D and to that DB room.  if he is gone,  we are going to see the difference.