Minnesota Vikings Team Thread (2 Viewers)

[rockaction]

To be honest, I'm starting to become convinced the NYG are going Sanders at #3.

The Browns like Sanders, apparently, so they might not even get to select him.

But to wrap it back around to Tannehill and Minnesota, I don't think guys just take years off and come back rejuvenated. Usually their talents have declined even further than when they ended their playing days the first time. It's like the problem drinker that falls off of the wagon. He doesn't go back to being so fair and so debonair with a drink in his hand. It's a progressive thing that just gets worse the more we chase the youth or experience. He goes back to being a slurring, crying drunk in about a day or two.

And thus we see Tannehill retired. It would probably (though not certainly) behoove him to stay there. He will make better decisions than Winston, but the defenses will shrink the field like they do with Minshew and Tannehill will show you that he's not even as efficacious as Winston right now, decision-making or not.

 

[Biabreakable]

I am not really interested in Tannehill.

Not sure who is available that might work.

Maybe they really like Rypien?

 

[BeTheMatch]

Flacco

 

[Donnybrook]

Slow news day but the rumor is that the Vikings might not have to use a early pick on a CB.

https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/...45-million-free-agent-target-to-vikings-zach3

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I'd greatly prefer Tannehill. He was great when he had weapons, I'm not sure any non-elite QB would have worked in Tennessee after 2021. I think Tannehill's year off could be a benefit as it allowed him to get healthy. Flacco to me is a slightly better Jameis (blows my mind Giants fans, not just Nabers owners, are excited about him) you just know he's gonna sink you with a horrible INT, just a matter of when and how many.

I think the reason fans love Jameis is because he throws deep and plays exciting. Nobody is fooling themselves that Jameis will control himself and not turn the ball over playing hero ball. You know how baseball went all analytics and it bored the hell out of fans and made the game unwatchable? Seems like the modern movement towards short passing and the running game is doing the same in football. Fans are looking for gunslinging quarterbacks because they're exciting. Nothing is more boring than watching a team have to piddle its way down the field against a Fangio-copied defense.

It's not fun football to watch. Jameis takes shots and fans love Jameis. Chicks dig the long ball. All that stuff goes into it.

There, you've been put on notice regarding why a crappy team's fans will rejoice at a Jameis signing. Fans of that team will get to watch exciting, sometimes competent football that is up-and-down and all around with the turnovers, too. For the moments that ball is in the air, the excitement is crazy, even when he makes one of those horrible throws into triple coverage where even the receiver wants to know what the heck he's doing. It might cost you the game, but at least its more exciting than watching Daniel Jones miss every throw and scrape out five yards a pop with an RPO that is aesthetically unpleasing beyond a doubt.

"Ooh look, there's a fifty-yard bomb!"

"Wait, you haven't seen Daniel Jones break off five yards on the ground!"

That's why the fans love Jameis even when they groan about him. At least you feel alive for a minute and have hope.

Fair enough. I think these 2 things are both true:

Jameis Winston is more fun than Daniel Jones. Daniel Jones is a better QB than Jameis Winston. There isn't a worse decision maker at QB in the NFL than Winston. To be honest, I'm starting to become convinced the NYG are going Sanders at #3.

Personally, as it pertains to a backup QB, I'd take Tannehill over either of them.

It’s almost a relief when Jameis throws the interception. Up to that point it’s very stressful anticipating it.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Slow news day but the rumor is that the Vikings might not have to use a early pick on a CB.

https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/...45-million-free-agent-target-to-vikings-zach3

That would be a coup.

 

[rockaction]

Slow news day but the rumor is that the Vikings might not have to use a early pick on a CB.

https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/...45-million-free-agent-target-to-vikings-zach3

Donnybrook, just so you know, SI is run by click farming agents these days. It’s highly speculative at times and poorly sourced. There are lots of declarations made from think pieces with no basis in fact. I didn’t read the Asante article, but I can tell you SI is constantly doing that and trading on their name as far as credibility will take them. They don’t deserve any of that (cred) anymore. Ever since the bots were writing their articles, they’ve been an engagement farm. It’s sad, but that’s one to grow on for the future.

If you can find another source or if this is sourced well, then by all means get your hopes up, but SI has fallen so far as to be virtually useless and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality or accuracy. Took me a while to realize it, but that’s the realm in which it now operates, sadly.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality of accuracy

*cough* swimsuit issue *cough*

 

[rockaction]

and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality of accuracy

*cough* swimsuit issue *cough*

Good point. The Swimsuit Issue is like one of @eighsse2’s Battlebots.

Still going even with the bots! Still going! Oh, would you look at that!

 

[eighsse2]

and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality of accuracy

*cough* swimsuit issue *cough*

Good point. The Swimsuit Issue is like one of @eighsse2’s Battlebots.

Still going even with the bots! Still going! Oh, would you look at that!

I have no idea what this means but have a laugh reaction

 

[rockaction]

and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality of accuracy

*cough* swimsuit issue *cough*

Good point. The Swimsuit Issue is like one of @eighsse2’s Battlebots.

Still going even with the bots! Still going! Oh, would you look at that!

I have no idea what this means but have a laugh reaction

You're a Battlebots fan, right? Well, when AI writes an article, we say a "bot" did it. Any automatically or computer-created content is put there by a bot. Well, Sports Illustrated got busted using said bots for their sports "articles," and it was obvious they were because those articles sucked and were of low quality. But their Swimsuit Issue, as Hot Sauce Guy points out, is still about the flesh and blood and is still human and extant. And it does. not. suck. So it's like the ladies of the Swimsuit Issue were up against the Battlebots and the ladies won!

Whoohooo!

It all made sense in my weird mind.

 

[eighsse2]

and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality of accuracy

*cough* swimsuit issue *cough*

Good point. The Swimsuit Issue is like one of @eighsse2’s Battlebots.

Still going even with the bots! Still going! Oh, would you look at that!

I have no idea what this means but have a laugh reaction

You're a Battlebots fan, right? Well, when AI writes an article, we say a "bot" did it. Any automatically or computer-created content is put there by a bot. Well, Sports Illustrated got busted using said bots for their sports "articles," and it was obvious they were because those articles sucked and were of low quality. But their Swimsuit Issue, as Hot Sauce Guy points out, is still about the flesh and blood and is still human and extant. And it does. not. suck. So it's like the ladies of the Swimsuit Issue were up against the Battlebots and the ladies won!

Whoohooo!

It all made sense in my weird mind.

Ohh, I see, haha. Yes, major Battlebots fan! It would have probably made more sense to me had I been following the entire conversation. I saw the talk of SI's lacking quality, but I didn't make the "bot" connection!

 

[rockaction]

and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality of accuracy

*cough* swimsuit issue *cough*

Good point. The Swimsuit Issue is like one of @eighsse2’s Battlebots.

Still going even with the bots! Still going! Oh, would you look at that!

I have no idea what this means but have a laugh reaction

You're a Battlebots fan, right? Well, when AI writes an article, we say a "bot" did it. Any automatically or computer-created content is put there by a bot. Well, Sports Illustrated got busted using said bots for their sports "articles," and it was obvious they were because those articles sucked and were of low quality. But their Swimsuit Issue, as Hot Sauce Guy points out, is still about the flesh and blood and is still human and extant. And it does. not. suck. So it's like the ladies of the Swimsuit Issue were up against the Battlebots and the ladies won!

Whoohooo!

It all made sense in my weird mind.

Ohh, I see, haha. Yes, major Battlebots fan! It would have probably made more sense to me had I been following the entire conversation. I saw the talk of SI's lacking quality, but I didn't make the "bot" connection!

Oh! I’m the one who made that mental leap, so if you were confused that is my fault. I thought I said something about the bots at SI but I merely said they were an “engagement farm,” which doesn’t necessarily include bots. Anyway, my bad and back to the Vikings!

 

[Donnybrook]

Slow news day but the rumor is that the Vikings might not have to use a early pick on a CB.

https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/...45-million-free-agent-target-to-vikings-zach3

Donnybrook, just so you know, SI is run by click farming agents these days. It’s highly speculative at times and poorly sourced. There are lots of declarations made from think pieces with no basis in fact. I didn’t read the Asante article, but I can tell you SI is constantly doing that and trading on their name as far as credibility will take them. They don’t deserve any of that (cred) anymore. Ever since the bots were writing their articles, they’ve been an engagement farm. It’s sad, but that’s one to grow on for the future.

If you can find another source or if this is sourced well, then by all means get your hopes up, but SI has fallen so far as to be virtually useless and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality or accuracy. Took me a while to realize it, but that’s the realm in which it now operates, sadly.

I did say it was just a rumor. I didn't want to report the more unreliable source of SKOR North's Phil Mackey - who got it from a fan who neighbours daughter supposedly met Asante in a Florida nightclub.

At least I could see the Vikings outbidding the Saints due to their cap management.

Probably should have said nothing at all but we really have come to the dog days of free agency when there literally nothing else to talk about.

 

[rockaction]

Slow news day but the rumor is that the Vikings might not have to use a early pick on a CB.

https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/...45-million-free-agent-target-to-vikings-zach3

Donnybrook, just so you know, SI is run by click farming agents these days. It’s highly speculative at times and poorly sourced. There are lots of declarations made from think pieces with no basis in fact. I didn’t read the Asante article, but I can tell you SI is constantly doing that and trading on their name as far as credibility will take them. They don’t deserve any of that (cred) anymore. Ever since the bots were writing their articles, they’ve been an engagement farm. It’s sad, but that’s one to grow on for the future.

If you can find another source or if this is sourced well, then by all means get your hopes up, but SI has fallen so far as to be virtually useless and compelling only to us old guys because of its name rather than its quality or accuracy. Took me a while to realize it, but that’s the realm in which it now operates, sadly.

I did say it was just a rumor. I didn't want to report the more unreliable source of SKOR North's Phil Mackey - who got it from a fan who neighbours daughter supposedly met Asante in a Florida nightclub.

At least I could see the Vikings outbidding the Saints due to their cap management.

Probably should have said nothing at all but we really have come to the dog days of free agency when there literally nothing else to talk about.

Please don’t let me dissuade you from sharing. Just wanted to let you know about SI from one fan to another.

eta* Yeah, please share when faced with a decision to do so or not. Err on the side of sharing. I just wanted you to know that those are often articles that quote other opinion articles as the source.

For example, their favorite new thing to do is take a beat reporter’s opinion about who the team they cover should sign and then treat that opinion from the beat reporter almost like the team is indeed interested in doing just that. They alter the headline of the article ever-so-slightly to where it’s not passed off as fact, but you have to read carefully to catch it. Then they cite the beat reporter and say it’s only his opinion about 3/4 into the article, an article you have already clicked on and whose advertising you have presumably already seen. Bang. Zoom. Revenue.

 

[King of the Jungle]

It sounds strange that a 14-3 team could actually be tougher to face, but the Vikings have that feel. Added center Kelly, guard Fries, RB Mason, DL Allen, WR Moore…and really lost nobody of significance. Huge fan of Mason and they now have a nice duo backfield to work with and a back to chew clock with. All depends on the young man behind center…but this team could actually be better than last year.

 

[rockaction]

It sounds strange that a 14-3 team could actually be tougher to face, but the Vikings have that feel. Added center Kelly, guard Fries, RB Mason, DL Allen, WR Moore…and really lost nobody of significance. Huge fan of Mason and they now have a nice duo backfield to work with and a back to chew clock with. All depends on the young man behind center…but this team could actually be better than last year.

But they’ll still lose more games due to their schedule. Donnybrook and I would disagree and we did just that the other night, but I would argue Minnesota’s schedule last year was as paper soft as Charmin bath tissue. They’re probably primed for a solid 11-6 or 12-5. If they hit 13-4, I’ll be really surprised. But they’re better with all those guys.

One big hesitation about making them that good, even: I used to think McCarthy replacing Darnold was a wash, but the more I think about it I realize that I’m just being too hard on Sam. McCarthy will be very lucky to be even close to as effective as Sam was. So that’s huge and can’t be overstated, really. Things could go very south with an unknown commodity back there at QB.

 

[Donnybrook]

It sounds strange that a 14-3 team could actually be tougher to face, but the Vikings have that feel. Added center Kelly, guard Fries, RB Mason, DL Allen, WR Moore…and really lost nobody of significance. Huge fan of Mason and they now have a nice duo backfield to work with and a back to chew clock with. All depends on the young man behind center…but this team could actually be better than last year.

I agree the Vikings could definitely have a worse record than last year because they go up against the AFC North, AFC East, and their divisional opponents. Injuries can derail any team as always. First time in along time you can say their weakness isn't in the middle of both lines. This could make them a good team in the playoffs (if they get there).

A lot people think they are build to win now and don't want to turn the reigns over to McCarthy. I like the gamble. You have to find out some time. The kid is probably the most dedicated rookie QB I have ever experienced. Stays around the facility, attacks his rehad, does all the small thinks that could make himself better.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Just noting that I said tougher to face, not better record. I think this team has a chance to overall be a better team than they were last year. However, the tougher schedule may produce more losses. It will be fun to see how McCarthy functions in this offense, obviously the key to their season.

 

[rockaction]

Just noting that I said tougher to face, not better record. I think this team has a chance to overall be a better team than they were last year. However, the tougher schedule may produce more losses. It will be fun to see how McCarthy functions in this offense, obviously the key to their season.

Oh yeah. I was just talking about the weird paradox of being better but worse at the same time. The worse record thing wasn't directed at your post, but rather was piggybacking off of a thought I had because of it.

 

[menobrown]

It sounds strange that a 14-3 team could actually be tougher to face, but the Vikings have that feel. Added center Kelly, guard Fries, RB Mason, DL Allen, WR Moore…and really lost nobody of significance. Huge fan of Mason and they now have a nice duo backfield to work with and a back to chew clock with. All depends on the young man behind center…but this team could actually be better than last year.

I know you love you some Mason but I also think the team will be better next year but mainly due to what they did on both lines.

Don't think people realize how bad that OL was last year in pass protection, think people just focused it all on Sam Darnold. Heard Nate Tice expand on this recently but at one point 3/5th of their starting OL were first or second in the league for their positions for worst pressure rates when facing one on one matchups. They all gone(Texans signed two of them). Other injuries will crop up but I'd argue Darrisaw was/is their third most important offensvie player and getting him back with Hockenson the full year removed from the ACL is a good starting point.

 

[King of the Jungle]

It sounds strange that a 14-3 team could actually be tougher to face, but the Vikings have that feel. Added center Kelly, guard Fries, RB Mason, DL Allen, WR Moore…and really lost nobody of significance. Huge fan of Mason and they now have a nice duo backfield to work with and a back to chew clock with. All depends on the young man behind center…but this team could actually be better than last year.

I know you love you some Mason but I also think the team will be better next year but mainly due to what they did on both lines.

Don't think people realize how bad that OL was last year in pass protection, think people just focused it all on Sam Darnold. Heard Nate Tice expand on this recently but at one point 3/5th of their starting OL were first or second in the league for their positions for worst pressure rates when facing one on one matchups. They all gone(Texans signed two of them). Other injuries will crop up but I'd argue Darrisaw was/is their third most important offensvie player and getting him back with Hockenson the full year removed from the ACL is a good starting point.

Busted, I do like Mason. I don’t think he is a transcendent back, but liked the way he ran since his rookie year. I think his physical element helps this team tremendously. KOC can mix and match a bit with Jones/Mason like Detroit does with Gibbs/Monty. This along with the oline improvements should present McCarthy with about as good of an environment as possible for a first ime starter. Note: I do not point the finger at Darnold for the issues they had at end of year, the oline definitely let him down and were a primary cause for their season ending the way it did.

 

[Donnybrook]

Just going to leave this here.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gn4Z5-nWUAAoGQJ?format=jpg&name=small

 

[Donnybrook]

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2025-nfl-mock-draft-giants-travis-hunter-browns-quarterback-trade

Imagine trading down multiple times and lose value with every trade down. Shades of 2022.

At the same time, all the usual suspects for the Vikings are off the board at 24. I have also seen Hairston and Revel ranked above Amos so there is that.

 

[Donnybrook]

Put me down for the Daniel jeremiah plan:

https://x.com/i/status/1915107060808905025

Over the Peter Schrager's mock draft

 

[Donnybrook]

Some guys really love their job: https://x.com/i/status/1915207295081816081

 

[Biabreakable]

Put me down for the Daniel jeremiah plan:

https://x.com/i/status/1915107060808905025

Over the Peter Schrager's mock draft

No idea why Schrager is employed.

Terrible pick for the Vikings there. They do not need a RB.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Put me down for the Daniel jeremiah plan:

https://x.com/i/status/1915107060808905025

Over the Peter Schrager's mock draft

No idea why Schrager is employed.

Terrible pick for the Vikings there. They do not need a RB.

They do, just not over their other needs at that pick.

 

[Biabreakable]

Put me down for the Daniel jeremiah plan:

https://x.com/i/status/1915107060808905025

Over the Peter Schrager's mock draft

No idea why Schrager is employed.

Terrible pick for the Vikings there. They do not need a RB.

They do, just not over their other needs at that pick.

Well sure drafting a RB late or even a UDFA but not in the 1st round.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Put me down for the Daniel jeremiah plan:

https://x.com/i/status/1915107060808905025

Over the Peter Schrager's mock draft

No idea why Schrager is employed.

Terrible pick for the Vikings there. They do not need a RB.

They do, just not over their other needs at that pick.

Well sure drafting a RB late or even a UDFA but not in the 1st round.

Not that I agree with him, BUT everyone ridiculed the Lions for the Gibbs pick and it turned out to be a great pick! If you have a RB that you feel is top 10 value and he slips and you feel he is a difference maker, then you make that pick...

(edited to add: I think that RB is a good position to have on a rookie scale deal - especially if they are elite)

 

[skol asylum]

Vikings draft OL Donovan Jackson: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel

Jackson started 40 games between left tackle and guard across four seasons with the Buckeyes, including the 2024 national championship.

www.nytimes.com

 

[Donnybrook]

My wingnut takes after the day one:

1. Asante Samuel Jr. rumored potential signing is getting more plausible at least to me. If not Griffin, will be back.

2. If the 96 pick is destined to be a running back, who do you want? Sign me up for Damien Martinez. Lots of good options though.

3. If we can't get Tannehil out of retirement. Do we draft a backup QB and hope KOC can wield his magic? I am not even opposed to getting Will Levis for a 5th round pick.
Also, Kyle McCord is getting the Kirk Cousins - (not very mobile but a good game manager) comparisons. Could he be our next Nick Mullens?

Hopefully all will answers be revealed in the next few days.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

My wingnut takes after the day one:

1. Asante Samuel Jr. rumored potential signing is getting more plausible at least to me. If not Griffin, will be back.

2. If the 96 pick is destined to be a running back, who do you want? Sign me up for Damien Martinez. Lots of good options though.

3. If we can't get Tannehil out of retirement. Do we draft a backup QB and hope KOC can wield his magic? I am not even opposed to getting Will Levis for a 5th round pick.
Also, Kyle McCord is getting the Kirk Cousins - (not very mobile but a good game manager) comparisons. Could he be our next Nick Mullens?

Hopefully all will answers be revealed in the next few days.

I'm hoping Kaleb Johnson makes it to 97...

 

[BigJim®]

The Texans and Rams, the two teams picking after the Vikings, traded back, sending their picks to the Giants and Falcons, respectively. But the Vikings didn't. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said talks heated up right before they picked. Instead of dealing back, they stayed at No. 24 to make Donovan Jackson the fifth offensive linemen they’ve taken in the first two rounds since 2018.

"I think the mindset is, ‘If the play is to hit the ball down the fairway, let’s go do that,” Adofo-Mensah said. “If it's gonna be four picks of four positions that we really want, four great character people, or skill sets we require, let's go do that and we'll figure out everything else out.”

No, that's not the play. It should never be the play. It's convincing yourself it's ok for fear to overwhelm aggression. Sigh. This just isn't the mentality a GM should have when draft picks are commodities. Our competition is squeezing every ounce repositioning for value.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

The Texans and Rams, the two teams picking after the Vikings, traded back, sending their picks to the Giants and Falcons, respectively. But the Vikings didn't. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said talks heated up right before they picked. Instead of dealing back, they stayed at No. 24 to make Donovan Jackson the fifth offensive linemen they’ve taken in the first two rounds since 2018.

"I think the mindset is, ‘If the play is to hit the ball down the fairway, let’s go do that,” Adofo-Mensah said. “If it's gonna be four picks of four positions that we really want, four great character people, or skill sets we require, let's go do that and we'll figure out everything else out.”

No, that's not the play. It should never be the play. It's convincing yourself it's ok for fear to overwhelm aggression. Sigh. This just isn't the mentality a GM should have when draft picks are commodities. Our competition is squeezing every ounce repositioning for value.

I get what you are saying, but if you are in a prime position in the golf tourney (up 3 shots on 18), then you definitely "play it safe" and I think that was the right move last night...the Ravens were looking at guards and if they dropped below them, they probably wouldn't have gotten Jackson. The guards really drop off after Jackson, IMO, so if that is someone that had rated highly, you don't want to add some lower picks just for value's sake.

I think the team is set up quite nicely and getting McCarthy more protection only makes them better for the present.

 

[BigJim®]

I get what you are saying, but if you are in a prime position in the golf tourney (up 3 shots on 18), then you definitely "play it safe" and I think that was the right move last night

Respectfully disagree - unless you can explain what scale has the Vikes being up 3 strokes on the 18th. Inability to accumulate young/cheap talent under Kwesi will only get worse with 4 2025 picks. They are at the very bottom in terms of draft pick equity & I consider that 3 strokes behind the competition on the 18th.

The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers each have the most picks with 11, while the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys each have 10.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I get what you are saying, but if you are in a prime position in the golf tourney (up 3 shots on 18), then you definitely "play it safe" and I think that was the right move last night

Respectfully disagree - unless you can explain what scale has the Vikes being up 3 strokes on the 18th. The Vikes have been generally horrid at accumulating young & cheap talent under Kwesi, and that is only becoming worse this year. With 4 picks in this draft, they are at the very bottom in terms of draft pick equity. I consider that 3 strokes behind the competition on the 18th in a general sense, and 6-7 strokes behind several having 10 or 11 picks.

The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers each have the most picks with 11, while the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys each have 10.

You can't ignore JJ McCarthy and Dallas Turner...I thought that was a great use of draft capital! (and the big reason why they are short on picks this year - but still had a first rounder) If there is one thing Spielman taught me, it is that more picks, doesn't necessarily mean better...

I was referring to finishing a great offseason rebuild of the offensive line with the golf reference.

 

[BigJim®]

You can't ignore JJ McCarthy and Dallas Turner...I thought that was a great use of draft capital!

Hey, I'm a fan of those picks but acting like they are definitively hits already is just optimism. Overpaying for picks when you need them must be counterbalanced with recouping value when you can. They can't just flatly lose the value of a 3rd rounder every year.

ETA: I don't know, maybe I am overreacting assuming they lost value. I am seeing some rankings with D Jackson higher. I just hoped they would add dice rolls to the 2025 draft crapshoot.

 

[Biabreakable]

Put me down for the Daniel jeremiah plan:

https://x.com/i/status/1915107060808905025

Over the Peter Schrager's mock draft

No idea why Schrager is employed.

Terrible pick for the Vikings there. They do not need a RB.

They do, just not over their other needs at that pick.

Well sure drafting a RB late or even a UDFA but not in the 1st round.

Not that I agree with him, BUT everyone ridiculed the Lions for the Gibbs pick and it turned out to be a great pick! If you have a RB that you feel is top 10 value and he slips and you feel he is a difference maker, then you make that pick...

(edited to add: I think that RB is a good position to have on a rookie scale deal - especially if they are elite)

The Lions had a complete offensive line and another quality RB when they did that.

Maybe now the Vikings offensive line will be complete enough to be able to fully leverage such a decision in the future.

From a team building perspective RB should be one of the last pieces added to an otherwise complete roster. Imo of course.

This draft is very deep at the RB position and the Vikings have 2 quality RB they want to use as other reasons to not use a 1st round pick on RB.

 

[Biabreakable]

The Texans and Rams, the two teams picking after the Vikings, traded back, sending their picks to the Giants and Falcons, respectively. But the Vikings didn't. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said talks heated up right before they picked. Instead of dealing back, they stayed at No. 24 to make Donovan Jackson the fifth offensive linemen they’ve taken in the first two rounds since 2018.

"I think the mindset is, ‘If the play is to hit the ball down the fairway, let’s go do that,” Adofo-Mensah said. “If it's gonna be four picks of four positions that we really want, four great character people, or skill sets we require, let's go do that and we'll figure out everything else out.”

No, that's not the play. It should never be the play. It's convincing yourself it's ok for fear to overwhelm aggression. Sigh. This just isn't the mentality a GM should have when draft picks are commodities. Our competition is squeezing every ounce repositioning for value.

The golf analogy goes over my head. I don't play golf.

As far as trade down options I don't think the Vikings wanted to move down as Jackson was the last of the top tier of guards and the Texans or other teams right after the Vikings pick might take him. Certainly before pick 40 something or whatever it would have been.

Sure a 1st round pick next year a great return for such a trade, but the Vikings are playing for this year not next year.

I am surprised you are not happy about this?

We have been wanting them to fix the offensive line for decades. You have talked about how QBs can't develop without solid offensive line play.

Now they have gone and done what we've been saying they should do for years but you want them to trade down instead?

 

[BigJim®]

I am surprised you are not happy about this?

We have been wanting them to fix the offensive line for decades. You have talked about how QBs can't develop without solid offensive line play.

I don’t mind drafting value at trenches for sure. Is Jackson value at 24? We’ll see. I’d only heard Booker and Zabel in late first at G. Whatever tracker I was following had Jackson 59th best prospect, CBS has him 39, PFF 46. I would not have done the Rams deal out to 2026, but would think there are options that would have him available. Texans traded 25 -> 34 and got 2025 3rd and 2026 3rd. Heck KC got a 5th trading down a single slot 31 to 32.

Listening to Kfan, sounds like they feared the Texans would pounce on Jackson. I think getting extra pick value moving 24 -> 34 is worth that risk.

Let me ask you… would you prefer D Jackson @ 24 or D Jackson at 34 plus another 2025 3rd and a 2026 3rd? Worse case, is it really that bad to get your next best guy and still get two 3rds? I just feel like a GM and scouting department should have enough targets to make that always the no brainer move.

FWIW, I read Jackson’s strength is run block and weakness is pass protection. I hope that was off or too critical. Definitely need a G who keeps pockets clean.

 

[skol asylum]

Really good breakdown of Tai Felton.

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[VikingFrog]

Really good breakdown of Tai Felton.

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This was such a weird pick to me, when I think about it from a perceived team needs perspective.

 

[skol asylum]

Really good breakdown of Tai Felton.

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This was such a weird pick to me, when I think about it from a perceived team needs perspective.

They don't trust Addison I think plus they don't have that speed receiver.

 

[Deamon]

Just traded for Howell. Stupid decision. Now Howell and JJ have to battle for the backup spot, and one of them gets bumped to QB3 and maybe practice squad.

 

[Donnybrook]

Vikings quarterback room:

J.J. McCarthy
Sam Howell
Brett Rypien
Max Brosmer

According to Will Ragatz

 

[Biabreakable]

I am surprised you are not happy about this?

We have been wanting them to fix the offensive line for decades. You have talked about how QBs can't develop without solid offensive line play.

I don’t mind drafting value at trenches for sure. Is Jackson value at 24? We’ll see. I’d only heard Booker and Zabel in late first at G. Whatever tracker I was following had Jackson 59th best prospect, CBS has him 39, PFF 46. I would not have done the Rams deal out to 2026, but would think there are options that would have him available. Texans traded 25 -> 34 and got 2025 3rd and 2026 3rd. Heck KC got a 5th trading down a single slot 31 to 32.

Listening to Kfan, sounds like they feared the Texans would pounce on Jackson. I think getting extra pick value moving 24 -> 34 is worth that risk.

Let me ask you… would you prefer D Jackson @ 24 or D Jackson at 34 plus another 2025 3rd and a 2026 3rd? Worse case, is it really that bad to get your next best guy and still get two 3rds? I just feel like a GM and scouting department should have enough targets to make that always the no brainer move.

FWIW, I read Jackson’s strength is run block and weakness is pass protection. I hope that was off or too critical. Definitely need a G who keeps pockets clean.

2025 Consensus Big Board | NFL Mock Draft Database

The 2025 Consensus NFL Big Board from NFL Mock Draft Database. We've compiled all featured big boards into a single board.

www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com

The above concensus board shows Jackson was 39th overall and at one point of data collection was at 34.

You can also see that Booker 28th and Zabel 25th Banks at 11 and Membou at 7th. All of these players besides Jackson were gone before the Vikings pick.

The next offensive lineman after this was Ersery at 45 who I would not have minded the Vikings taking. He is a tackle who likely converts to guard. The next lineman ranked 51st.

I see a clear tier gap in the quality of player between Jackson and the next guys.

Some rankings had Jackson higher than Zabel or Booker but obviously those were more popular names coming up.

Bottom line no way they get Jackson if they move down to 45 or whatever and no I wouldn't prefer Ersery and a 3rd round pick over Jackson.

Everything I've heard is Jackson is good in pass protection. Moreso than run blocking but he is good at both.

Jackson can also play tackle. He's quick and agile. Moreso than Booker or Zabel are.

 

[Biabreakable]

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