NFL Draft Talk

Not to turn this into another Kirk thread, but he will be 35 before the start of the season and YOU DO have to worry about when and if he falls off the cliff of regression like Matt Ryan or the countless other QB's in league history not named Brady. Kirk has taken a lot of hits behind our porous offensive line over the years and as you age you naturally become more susceptible to injury. It's really been a miracle he has been able to drag himself up off the ground and continue playing after some of the shots we've seen him take. The handling of our backup QB situation has been almost criminal in the way it was handled by both Spielman and Kwesi keeping the Sean Mannion's of the world employed. 

I don't think the Vikings will draft a QB this year and hitch their future wagons in a move up for Richardson or the Will Levis's of the world. I think most likely we sign Kirk to another short extension kicking the can down the road, backload money to open up some cap space this year, and we bring in another mid-tier option as a back up. Wash, rinse, repeat, is the cycle we have put ourselves into due to cap and the money we pay Cousins. Until they hit that wall and decide its time for a rebuild it will be the same predicament we will continue to be stuck in. Good, not great middle age QB making top ten money with no real succession plan. That's why I think taking a swing at a high upside young QB like a Zach Wilson as the backup just makes sense on multiple levels. 

@"purplefaithful" said: Geoff, whats going on with Z'Darius? Is he going to be back? 

As far as KC goes I hope they can sign him to a team friendlier deal and buy themselves some time to find that QBOTF.

Just like last year, we need to ask ourselves what are our options? Dalton? Carr? Mariota? Jimmy G? 

The reality is that there is no current NFL QB who could be available to the purple who is clearly better than Cousins. 

Now find me that RPO next guy soon KAM and I'll be a happy camper. 

One last point I'll make is this - Justin Jefferson. I suspect he would very much like to have Cousins tossing him td balls again in 23 and maybe 24 too. 

I tend to think he will be, at least I don't think they will release him. So trade? Maybe. His contract/production may have some value to team in a win-now window. I know that during exit interviews he was guaranteed a return, but he still fits the scheme. Longer term the bigger question that's been put in the backset is how they're going to handle Hunter. There is next to no chance he is going to show up on his current deal and play it out. 

@"mgobluevikes" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"dadevike" said:

@"purplefaithful" said: On Monday, Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network released his latest mock draft, in which he helped the Vikings out by having them select Minnesota Gophers center, John Michael Schmitz.

“John Michael Schmitz was one of the biggest risers after the Senior Bowl and the Vikings desperately need a versatile interior offensive lineman to upgrade that position. The Vikings need to add an element of toughness to their offense to be able to impose their will running the football. Schmitz should help them do both things.”

While not a splashy pick, this would definitely fill a need for the Vikings and give them stability at the center position for the next decade or more. Schmitz has incredible strength and is a technician with his hands and footwork. He should thrive wherever he is picked.  It’s also noteworthy that Schmitz’s agent is former Vikings offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/the-draft-network-sends-gophers-center-to-the-vikings-in-latest-mock-draft/ar-AA17JuSD?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=1fe72b95dabe481e9a4eed67b9e99f6f

I would really hate that pick. I will bet that the history of first round centers is bleak to awful. I wonder if anyone would like this pick if the player had not played his college ball in Minnesota. Nothing against Schmitz; I saw him at the Senior Bowl practices. He's very good. But he's a Center. Hard pass for me.

He's got a lot in common with Bradbury. Both outside zone centers, identical in size, reach blocking specialists. But this is what I call the "green grass" period, where every draft pick and everyone else's free agents are better than the ones we've already got.  

To me there are some pretty easy decisions to make on the roster, but Bradbury isn't one of them. This one's all about the money. I don't want to spend a ton of money on him and I absolutely don't want to commit to him long-term. But the LAST thing we need is a downgrade at the position, which is pretty easy to do if we're not careful.

Not exactly identical in size. Schmitz outweighs Brabury by 20 lbs and an inch taller. 

We took Bradbury in the first and he is just average and a free agent, let him walk and take JMS. He is a lot stronger. Unless someone better is available  at 23 at a position of major need (and not a CB, we have plenty to work with) he should be a benefit to passing game unlike Bradbury. Keep the QB upright instead of leading the sack and hit column. JMS should make the guards much better.

@"oldman2" said: We took Bradbury in the first and he is just average and a free agent, let him walk and take JMS. He is a lot stronger. Unless someone better is available  at 23 at a position of major need (and not a CB, we have plenty to work with) he should be a benefit to passing game unlike Bradbury. Keep the QB upright instead of leading the sack and hit column. JMS should make the guards much better.

ive seen this sentiment a few times regarding our CBs, I have yet to see anything from our young group of corners to say that we are set,  or that we dont need to keep looking,  aside from a DT that can collapse a pocket,  I think a CB that can win the physical battles with the larger receivers,  but still has the feet and hips to cover the quicker guys down field is something we should be on the lookout for.  We've seen what happens to our pass coverage when we dont have any corners that have any size to them.  I am not advocating for taking a CB @23,  but I certainly dont think our situation would preclude us from looking that direction with our first pick.  I do think though that Bradbury has not shown to be strong enough and that our interior OL play is being drug down since he cant be left alone again many DTs.

so many holes... so few draft choices...

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"oldman2" said: We took Bradbury in the first and he is just average and a free agent, let him walk and take JMS. He is a lot stronger. Unless someone better is available  at 23 at a position of major need (and not a CB, we have plenty to work with) he should be a benefit to passing game unlike Bradbury. Keep the QB upright instead of leading the sack and hit column. JMS should make the guards much better.

ive seen this sentiment a few times regarding our CBs, I have yet to see anything from our young group of corners to say that we are set,  or that we dont need to keep looking,  aside from a DT that can collapse a pocket,  I think a CB that can win the physical battles with the larger receivers,  but still has the feet and hips to cover the quicker guys down field is something we should be on the lookout for.  We've seen what happens to our pass coverage when we dont have any corners that have any size to them.  I am not advocating for taking a CB @23,  but I certainly dont think our situation would preclude us from looking that direction with our first pick.  I do think though that Bradbury has not shown to be strong enough and that our interior OL play is being drug down since he cant be left alone again many DTs.

so many holes... so few draft choices...

@"oldman2" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"oldman2" said: We took Bradbury in the first and he is just average and a free agent, let him walk and take JMS. He is a lot stronger. Unless someone better is available  at 23 at a position of major need (and not a CB, we have plenty to work with) he should be a benefit to passing game unlike Bradbury. Keep the QB upright instead of leading the sack and hit column. JMS should make the guards much better.

ive seen this sentiment a few times regarding our CBs, I have yet to see anything from our young group of corners to say that we are set,  or that we dont need to keep looking,  aside from a DT that can collapse a pocket,  I think a CB that can win the physical battles with the larger receivers,  but still has the feet and hips to cover the quicker guys down field is something we should be on the lookout for.  We've seen what happens to our pass coverage when we dont have any corners that have any size to them.  I am not advocating for taking a CB @23,  but I certainly dont think our situation would preclude us from looking that direction with our first pick.  I do think though that Bradbury has not shown to be strong enough and that our interior OL play is being drug down since he cant be left alone again many DTs.

so many holes... so few draft choices...

I'm thinking to look at FA market for decent CB and develop what we have. Or make a trade. Donnetell was a big problem for our DBs Only real dud CB is Sullivan

@"oldman2" said: We took Bradbury in the first and he is just average and a free agent, let him walk and take JMS. He is a lot stronger. Unless someone better is available  at 23 at a position of major need (and not a CB, we have plenty to work with) he should be a benefit to passing game unlike Bradbury. Keep the QB upright instead of leading the sack and hit column. JMS should make the guards much better.

I agree..But if there is a stud WR there to pair with JJ or a replacement for Kendricks/Hicks - then I would rather go that route. 

FA will tell us a lot in regards to filling needs. 

To borrow from @MB, I love the grass is greener season! 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"oldman2" said: We took Bradbury in the first and he is just average and a free agent, let him walk and take JMS. He is a lot stronger. Unless someone better is available  at 23 at a position of major need (and not a CB, we have plenty to work with) he should be a benefit to passing game unlike Bradbury. Keep the QB upright instead of leading the sack and hit column. JMS should make the guards much better.

I agree..But if there is a stud WR there to pair with JJ or a replacement for Kendricks/Hicks - then I would rather go that route. 

FA will tell us a lot in regards to filling needs. 

To borrow from @MB, I love the grass is greener season! 

@"mgobluevikes" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"dadevike" said:

@"purplefaithful" said: On Monday, Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network released his latest mock draft, in which he helped the Vikings out by having them select Minnesota Gophers center, John Michael Schmitz.

“John Michael Schmitz was one of the biggest risers after the Senior Bowl and the Vikings desperately need a versatile interior offensive lineman to upgrade that position. The Vikings need to add an element of toughness to their offense to be able to impose their will running the football. Schmitz should help them do both things.”

While not a splashy pick, this would definitely fill a need for the Vikings and give them stability at the center position for the next decade or more. Schmitz has incredible strength and is a technician with his hands and footwork. He should thrive wherever he is picked.  It’s also noteworthy that Schmitz’s agent is former Vikings offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/the-draft-network-sends-gophers-center-to-the-vikings-in-latest-mock-draft/ar-AA17JuSD?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=1fe72b95dabe481e9a4eed67b9e99f6f

I would really hate that pick. I will bet that the history of first round centers is bleak to awful. I wonder if anyone would like this pick if the player had not played his college ball in Minnesota. Nothing against Schmitz; I saw him at the Senior Bowl practices. He's very good. But he's a Center. Hard pass for me.

He's got a lot in common with Bradbury. Both outside zone centers, identical in size, reach blocking specialists. But this is what I call the "green grass" period, where every draft pick and everyone else's free agents are better than the ones we've already got.  

To me there are some pretty easy decisions to make on the roster, but Bradbury isn't one of them. This one's all about the money. I don't want to spend a ton of money on him and I absolutely don't want to commit to him long-term. But the LAST thing we need is a downgrade at the position, which is pretty easy to do if we're not careful.

Not exactly identical in size. Schmitz outweighs Brabury by 20 lbs and an inch taller. 

And speaking of their Big Board and centers...they have JMS ranked 60th and there's a lot of decent center prospects projected to go in the range of our 3rd round pick, so I don't see any reason to reach on a center early if we lose Bradbury

The hype train has left the station on this kid. Tell me a few NFL GMs won't be able to help themselves and make him a top 5-7 pick in round 1? Happens every year, regardless of whether he flames out as a pro or not. 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2023/insider/story/_/id/35719104/2023-nfl-draft-scouts-florida-gators-quarterback-anthony-richardson-strengths-flaws-team-fits-ranking-comps

@"StickyBun" said: The hype train has left the station on this kid. Tell me a few NFL GMs won't be able to help themselves and make him a top 5-7 pick in round 1? Happens every year, regardless of whether he flames out as a pro or not. 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2023/insider/story/_/id/35719104/2023-nfl-draft-scouts-florida-gators-quarterback-anthony-richardson-strengths-flaws-team-fits-ranking-comps

Speaking of hype, there's always a downside. 

@"supafreak84" said:

@"mgobluevikes" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"dadevike" said:

@"purplefaithful" said: On Monday, Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network released his latest mock draft, in which he helped the Vikings out by having them select Minnesota Gophers center, John Michael Schmitz.

“John Michael Schmitz was one of the biggest risers after the Senior Bowl and the Vikings desperately need a versatile interior offensive lineman to upgrade that position. The Vikings need to add an element of toughness to their offense to be able to impose their will running the football. Schmitz should help them do both things.”

While not a splashy pick, this would definitely fill a need for the Vikings and give them stability at the center position for the next decade or more. Schmitz has incredible strength and is a technician with his hands and footwork. He should thrive wherever he is picked.  It’s also noteworthy that Schmitz’s agent is former Vikings offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/the-draft-network-sends-gophers-center-to-the-vikings-in-latest-mock-draft/ar-AA17JuSD?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=1fe72b95dabe481e9a4eed67b9e99f6f

I would really hate that pick. I will bet that the history of first round centers is bleak to awful. I wonder if anyone would like this pick if the player had not played his college ball in Minnesota. Nothing against Schmitz; I saw him at the Senior Bowl practices. He's very good. But he's a Center. Hard pass for me.

He's got a lot in common with Bradbury. Both outside zone centers, identical in size, reach blocking specialists. But this is what I call the "green grass" period, where every draft pick and everyone else's free agents are better than the ones we've already got.  

To me there are some pretty easy decisions to make on the roster, but Bradbury isn't one of them. This one's all about the money. I don't want to spend a ton of money on him and I absolutely don't want to commit to him long-term. But the LAST thing we need is a downgrade at the position, which is pretty easy to do if we're not careful.

Not exactly identical in size. Schmitz outweighs Brabury by 20 lbs and an inch taller. 

Any thoughts on your guy Mazi Smith? Have seen some different rankings on him. GBN just updated their big board and have him ranked as the 102nd rated prospect. 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"StickyBun" said: The hype train has left the station on this kid. Tell me a few NFL GMs won't be able to help themselves and make him a top 5-7 pick in round 1? Happens every year, regardless of whether he flames out as a pro or not. 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2023/insider/story/_/id/35719104/2023-nfl-draft-scouts-florida-gators-quarterback-anthony-richardson-strengths-flaws-team-fits-ranking-comps

Speaking of hype, there's always a downside. 

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@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"StickyBun" said: The hype train has left the station on this kid. Tell me a few NFL GMs won't be able to help themselves and make him a top 5-7 pick in round 1? Happens every year, regardless of whether he flames out as a pro or not. 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2023/insider/story/_/id/35719104/2023-nfl-draft-scouts-florida-gators-quarterback-anthony-richardson-strengths-flaws-team-fits-ranking-comps

Speaking of hype, there's always a downside. 

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View post on X →

I like AR's upside too. It's huge. But I'm not so sure it's all that much higher than Hooker's, whom you can probably get 30 picks later. But I think you could make an argument that AR's floor is probably a little higher than Hooker's.