DJ's first mock draft

Lol

Another Dawg S???

ps
Love the player too. But not a S at 24, with desperate needs elsewhere.

If that would be the pick, I would rather trade down for extra picks.

Has Kwesi done anything to improved his scouting and drafting department? Cuz if not trading down would be disastrous

Still Hurtn wrote:
Has Kwesi done anything to improved his scouting and drafting department? Cuz if not trading down would be disastrous

Yup, something aint right...

I dont know where the problem is (Grigson? KAM? Other?? All??) but I hope at least internally they have identified this as a big problem to solve. It's not sustainable..

Their pro scouting have been great with JG, Gink and Cash. If they can get their college scouting figured out we’ll be good.

purplefaithful wrote:

Yup, something aint right...

I dont know where the problem is (Grigson? KAM? Other?? All??) but I hope at least internally they have identified this as a big problem to solve. It's not sustainable..

 
Considering the amount of picks we had, the performance of players we could have had ((Hamilton), the performance of the players we selected, and the trade down return, the 2022 was maybe the worst draft in the history of the franchise. Actually, no maybe there at all. It just was. 

But after that it doesn't look too bad really. We don't know anything about 2024 yet. But 2023 wasn't bad at all with Addison and Blackmon. A year later, Bleacher Report graded it the 10th best draft of 2023.

Still Hurtn wrote:
Has Kwesi done anything to improved his scouting and drafting department? Cuz if not trading down would be disastrous

I would take my chances with trading down than to take a safety at pick 24 in the first round.

LOL, buddies with Cine?

I really don't put much validity into mock drafts, especially this early and before free agency. Signing free agents usually changes the needs for all teams, Vikings included. If certain needs are met through free agency, other needs can be addressed through the draft.

I mean, that's beyond awful...so maybe something Kwesi considers? No more safeties, and no more Georgia safeties. Safety is not a need on this team, even if Harrison Smith doesn't come back.

supafreak84 wrote:
I mean, that's beyond awful...so maybe something Kwesi considers? No more safeties, and no more Georgia safeties. Safety is not a need on this team, even if Harrison Smith doesn't come back.

Right???  Even assuming worst case scenario...  Harry retires and Bynum leaves for a big deal with another team...  We still have Metellus and Theo Jackson.  You find some cheap depth to compete and go from there.

If we re-sign Bynum and have Metellus and Theo Jackson, safety is at the bottom of the list of draft needs.

One thing I just noticed about this mock is that DJ has two IOLs going 10th and 11th overall. This is the first time I've seen any ranking at all with IOLs in the top 30 or so, but DJ's a little more plugged in than most, especially this early.

MaroonBells wrote:
One thing I just noticed about this mock is that DJ has two IOLs going 10th and 11th overall. This is the first time I've seen any ranking at all with IOLs in the top 30 or so, but DJ's a little more plugged in than most, especially this early.

The thinner the position group,  the more it will be in demand for the teams with needs, promting some to jump earlier than the talent dictates?

DT, C, OG instead please.

pattersaur wrote:
DT, C, OG instead please.

most likely DT,  I agree with others that IOL needs to be addressed in FA in order to have a competent OL for JJM to grow behind.

A good argument for trading down from 24. A good argument for teams not to trade up with us. 

This is an interesting draft class. The strength is the middle class. Picks 20-60 are pretty much the same.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 28, 2025

MaroonBells wrote:
A good argument for trading down from 24. A good argument for teams not to trade up with us. 

This is an interesting draft class. The strength is the middle class. Picks 20-60 are pretty much the same.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 28, 2025

As a big Kwesi defender I really don't wanna see another first round fleecing. The ingredients might be there but I'm sure he's learned his lesson. Right. Right?

JimmyinSD wrote:

most likely DT,  I agree with others that IOL needs to be addressed in FA in order to have a competent OL for JJM to grow behind.

They swung a big bat for a DT last FA, wouldn't surprise me if they did it again. Hopefully they wont strike out this time. 

A pass rushing DT is such a big need, they had to blitz a S or LB a lot to get pressure last year. That left too many gaping holes in the middle of the field too often.

purplefaithful wrote:

They swung a big bat for a DT last FA, wouldn't surprise me if they did it again. Hopefully they wont strike out this time. 

A pass rushing DT is such a big need, they had to blitz a S or LB a lot to get pressure last year. That left too many gaping holes in the middle of the field too often.

well I know we have a fat bank account for FA,  but I dont think we have enough to add high tier talent to the OL,  and DL, and still fill the other holes we have.  We are going to likely have to use that first rounder on a player that we fully expect to make a first year impact at an area of need.  IMO DT is likely that spot.

JimmyinSD wrote:

well I know we have a fat bank account for FA,  but I dont think we have enough to add high tier talent to the OL,  and DL, and still fill the other holes we have.  We are going to likely have to use that first rounder on a player that we fully expect to make a first year impact at an area of need.  IMO DT is likely that spot.

Other teams have fat bank accts too, players will benefit. 

I think FA is open to IOL, DT or CB...Any or all!

How they prioritize those will be interesting to see.

I suspect we'll see Akers or Jones back next season too.