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***OFFICIAL*** Minnesota Vikings 2015 Season Thread (1 Viewer)

The Vikings currently have these draft picks:

Round Pick Overall
1 11 11
2 13 45
3 12 76
4 11 107
5 1 129
7 11 204
7 15 207

I certainly do not mean to suggest that the Vikings trade Peterson away for nothing. Just that part of their decision may be based on who is still available at pick 11 and what offers they may have for that pick as well.

There are so many different things the Vikings could do and many of them we will never know about.
 
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I certainly do not mean to suggest that the Vikings trade Peterson away for nothing. Just that part of their decision may be based on who is still available at pick 11 and what offers they may have for that pick as well.

There are so many different things the Vikings could do and many of them we will never know about.
LOL, it's all good. I should probably just back away from all AP related posts. This situation has me so disgusted I should focus on xmas being here in < 48 hours...

 
I would likely be more on the side of keeping Peterson if he were not now 30 years old. I do think he is worth 3 wins for the Vikings as a starter and that would have been close to the Vikings being in the playoffs last season. So he is certainly worth a lot to any team, but especially the Vikings who have built a lot of their personnel around complimenting Peterson.

However he is 30 years old and even if he does have 2 monster seasons left in him, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to get some value for him in trade and move on at this point.

I like McKinnon a lot and would not mind seeing him get the opportunity to be the main RB. But there are some talented RB in this draft class as well, and teams need more than one RB. So adding another RB for the future makes sense unless they are certain Peterson will be their main RB for 2015 and 2016.

 
Spielman goes on at length talking about the analytic consulting they are using and how that helps them to break ties in decision making process between closely graded prospects. He says they always go by the tape as their primary way of grading players. But that the analytic consulting has been influencing their decision making process. He gives an example of Jerrick McKinnon being a player they drafted in part because of the analytic consulting.

He kind of unintentionally caps on the coaching staff saying he is a smart guy but not as smart as the consulting information. That its needs to be broken down for him to understand it and that he is pretty smart, that he has to simplify that information even more for the coaches Zimmer and the staff.

He mentions that they have five or six years of data compiled from the last several draft classes. That they have evaluated the results of those processes and found ways to improve on them.

He also thanks Scott Studwell for staying with the team for another year working as the head of the scouting department. But says that there will be a transition. That he is grateful to Studwell for making the transition much smoother by staying on another year.

He says they are wide open as far as which direction they will go. That he has mocked several scenarios into the fourth round of different combinations of players they could draft to address their team needs with players they grade highly enough to justify each of those draft positions.

He says they will not move up. Even though he suggested there were six players that they have graded as the best prospects of this draft class, then the seventh or eighth players perhaps not being much higher than players down in the 20 range. That players in that range are very talented, but they may not be that different in how they are graded from a talent stand point.. So they do not expect any of those six players to fall to pick 11. But if they did then the Vikings might just pick that player instead of trading down. But the most likely situation is that they want to trade down.

He talks about filling a need when players are graded very close. The position of need then becomes more of a priority. That is why he did the scenarios of different player combinations. To see which group of picks would best fit the Vikings needs. He says he thinks they will be able to fill some of those needs in this draft based on how their draft board developed.

He would love the opportunity to move down and collect more picks. He says his goal is to always have 10 picks in each draft. The reason his goal is to have 10 picks is because of the opportunity that makes possible, to move up and down in the draft and target specific players in the draft that best fill their needs. He says right now they may not have the full currency (ammunition) in draft picks that they may need to have that flexibility to move up and down during the draft process.

Later on he says that he values sixth and seventh round picks because those are players they would prioritize over other potential UFAs. Mentions finding Shamar Stephen.

He talks about being happy about having the first pick in the 5th round and that possibly being a pick that teams might want to trade up to as the draft unfolds.

He talks about studying the value of draft picks historically and that being a part of their pick valuation process.

He talks about only using free agency to fill short term needs with one year deals. That they prioritize re-signing their draft picks and sticking with the players they know the best.

He talks about meeting with the offensive coaching staff and presenting players and scenarios while getting the coaches feedback on what they think of those players, and which players the coaches think will best fit their system and what they are trying to do. He has a separate meeting with the defensive coaching staff with the same evaluation on that side of the ball.

His philosophy on trading down is that if there are three or four players that the Vikings value evenly, then being able to trade down and still get one of those players is very appealing. Because he looks at it as getting one of those players plus another player (for the additional draft pick). The tricky part of it is to understand how far back can you trade down. To understand the other teams needs who will be drafting after the trade down, and if they can risk one of those players still being available if they do trade down.

He talks about how the coaches feedback on how they would use players who may be considered tweeners to determine how they should value those players who may have niche roles in the offense or defense.

He talks about the success of players by position. Where you need to draft those players based on the historical analysis of those positions. That this form of analysis is somewhat new to their evaluation process.

They have ten different psychological areas they test and evaluated based on their position. Some categories he mentioned were being coachable, is the player combative, social maturity. He says they are weighted differently according to position. But that it still comes down to meeting the players. He says he asks Zimmer if he can handle these players. Zimmer says that he might need a baseball bat for some of them. But that they talk that over about some characters in the draft.

He talks about how his relationship with Zimmer is much closer now after working together for a year. He understands the coach much better now than last season.

 
Loving the way the defensive backfield is shaping up. Been 20+ years since they were this good back there.

 
Waynes is who I hoped they would go after if they kept their 11th pick. I hope they can build the secondary even more with their 2nd round pick with Damarious Randall or Shaq Thompson up next for us? Randall might go late 1st though.

 
I am glad the Vikings addressed the corner position. I know Tray Waynes isn't a favorite for some but I trust Zimmer and Gray to take the player they think fits what they want to do best. That Waynes contributes as a run defender, his ability to play press and clean character relative to some of the other corners they may have been considering are parts of that.

It is a bit anti-climatic because this is something that has been one of the strongest predictions over the past few months. I am a bit disappointed the Vikings were not able to trade down for extra picks. Spielman has already said he does not think they will be able to trade into the second round now. Not enough currency.

 
I'm excited for this pick. How many times have the Vikings been up by a score only to allow a long passing drive to lose the game?

 
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2015/4/30/8526995/2015-nfl-draft-best-players-available-round-two-three

19. Eric Kendricks, 6'0, 230 pounds, ILB, UCLA

28. Jaelen Strong, 6'3, 212 pounds, WR, Arizona State

31. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, 6’3 1/2, 266 pounds, DE, UCLA

35. Preston Smith, 6’4 3/4, 270 pounds, DE, Mississippi State

39. Denzel Perryman, 5'10 5/8, 242 pounds, ILB, Miami

44. Jake Fisher, 6’6 1/8, 306 pounds, OT, Oregon

Bold would be my preference.
It is somewhat difficult to know who will still be available for the Vikings at pick 45 which is 13 picks away.

Instead of Kadars board I would rather use Arifs big board.

Here are the top rated prospects still available:

Edge Randy Gregory

Tackle/Guard La'el Collins

Safety Landon Collins

Off Ball LB Eric Kendricks

NT Eddie Goldman

OL TJ Clemmings

WR Jaelen Strong

Edge Owamagbe Odighizuwa

Tackle Jake Fisher

Edge Eli Harold

TE Maxx Williams

WR Dorial Green-Beckham

Edge Preston Smith

NT Carl Davis

NT Jordan Phillips

CB Jalen Collins

UT Michael Bennett

RB Duke Johnson

Off Ball LB Bernardrick McKinney

CB PJ Williams

CB/S Eric Rowe

WR Devin Smith

RB Jay Ajayi

WR Devin Funchess

G AJ Cann

Off Ball LB Denzel Perryman

Edge Nate Orchard

Edge Danielle Hunter

Edge Mario Edwards

I bolded the main players I can see targeting with pick 45.

I somewhat doubt Kendricks will be available at 45 but he would be my top target at this point. There may be medical concerns with him that has caused him to still be available that I don't know much about.

Guard La'el Collins would be terrific value at this point but his legal issues are what caused him to drop. No way of knowing when that might be resolved or how it will play out. So he is likely not an option.

I do not really have a strong opinion about Clemmings or Fisher, but they should certainly be considerations, particularly if they can play guard. Not sure what the outlook on that for them might be.

Odighizuwa may be the BPA for the Vikings unless they like Gregory. There are many DE options available surprisingly.

Bennett isn't a need but my understanding is he is one of the better 3 technique tackles of this draft. Could be a good pick especially if he can also play some DE (not sure about that).

Cann may be the best guard available. I believe he can also play center if needed so that would be some long term insurance for Suliivan down the road.

I liked what I saw of Perryman but I don't think he is as good in coverage as Kendricks. He would still be a good option if Kendricks is not there at pick 45.

There may be some other good options I haven't considered. Who do the rest of you think the Vikings should be targeting?

 
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I agree with the calls you guys made...I would also put in Landon Collins or Eric Rowe for the other safety spot. My guess is they will move down in the 2nd round if they get a decent offer.

 
There is a rumor the Eagles were trying to trade up to the Vikings pick.

All five of the players I targeted this morning are still available.

 
The Jaguars took AJ Cann.

What other offensive linemen might the Vikings be targeting?

Orchard and Preston are gone at the edge position but Owamagbe Odighizuwa is still there for now.

 
Wonder if they aren't trying to get toward the end of the third to take a chance on Collins. Spielman loves his value picks. 1st round grade, being questioned about the murder of his ex but not a suspect. If they did their homework and he had nothing to do with it could be a steal... or it could blow up in their face.

Just a thought.

 
So after the trades the Vikings currently have these draft picks:

Round Pick Overall Player picked

1 11 11 Tre Waynes
2 13 45 Eric Kendricks
3 12 88 Danielle Hunter
4 11 107
5 1 129
5 7 143
6 17 193
7 11 204
7 15 207

Spielman did mention that he anticipates teams will be interested in trading up to the 5th round when talking about pick 129 value.

They gained a more valuable pick for moving 8 spots with the Lions than they did moving four spots with the Chiefs.
 
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One would have to think they plan on picking up Kalil's 5th year option having not taken an OT in the draft thus far...

 
Here is what CBS Sports has as the best day 3 prospects......

10. Tre McBride, WR, Williams & Mary (6-0, 210, 4.41): An FCS All-American, McBride leaves school with several William & Mary receiving records and has a Pierre Garcon-like skillset for the NFL. And like Garcon, who made the jump from Division III, McBride faces a transition from "small school" to the NFL. Growing up in a military family, he lived in seven states during his childhood, so he is accustomed to change and adjusting quickly to new surroundings. McBride isn't explosive or sudden, but he is smooth and athletic and although his ability to create separate isn't a strength, he has polish and seasoning that most FCS receivers lack, projecting as a NFL starter by year two.

9. Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Miss (6-2, 307, 5.02): Born and raised in Dangriga, Belize, Nunez-Roches arrived in the United States with his mother in 2000 and they traveled across the country, living out of their car at times, before setting in Alabama for his high school years. He picked up football and developed into Southern Miss' top defensive player, playing primarily the one- and zero-technique positions. Nunez-Roches is a quick-footed penetrator who is at his best shooting gaps or using his quick extension to attack and drive blockers backward. He needs to be coached up to groom the technical side of his game, but the raw tools and motivated attitude are there for him to develop into a disruptive role player in the NFL and eventual starter, possibly in his rookie season.

8. James Sample, SS, Louisville (6-2, 209, 4.56): A Washington transfer, Sample spent less than a calendar year at Louisville but showed the potential that made him a top high school recruit. A tough competitor, Sample is a true hunter against both the run and pass with terrific diagnosis skills to stack at the point of attack and make stops near the line of scrimmage. He is still developing his cover instincts, but catches on quickly and does a nice job with zone responsibilities. Simply put, Sample's sample size raises some doubt, but the tape he produced in 2014 is impressive enough to think he can start in the NFL.

7. Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State (6-2, 293, 4.97): The son of parents who each graduated from West Point, Bennett played both the three- and one-technique positions at Ohio State, starting 30 games over his career. His initial quickness and fluid movement skills are his best assets, but he can be controlled by single blockers and lacks the natural power to work through bodies. Although he can play above his measureables, Bennett needs to turn those flashes into consistency, struggling to answer if he doesn't win off first movement and blockers are able to take away angles. He has starting potential as a three-technique in a 4-3 scheme and is viewed as a potential nose tackle by other squads.

6. Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State (5-11, 182, 4.53): The leading receiver on three ACC Championship teams and one National Title team, Greene leaves Tallahassee with a number of Florida State records, including career catches and receiving yards. Although his top-end speed is average, his route coordination and short-area quickness to create separation are his best strengths. Greene will fight the ball at times, especially when he lets the ball come to him, but he has soft hands and the hand/eye coordination to improve his ballskills. Greene has the skill-set ideally suited for the slot where he can be an impact player in the NFL, but his lack of size and physicality are question marks in his transition and will scare off some teams.

5. Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson (6-1, 304, 5.06): A barrel-chested bowling ball, Jarrett didn't have the production of Vic Beasley or Stephone Anthony in Clemson's front-seven, but the coaches say he was the glue of the Tigers' defense and the type that outworks everyone in the locker room. He grew up around the NFL game and benefited from the tutelage of his father (Jessie Tuggle) and adopted uncle (Ray Lewis). He has a "little tea cup" skillset (short and stout) with a wrestling background, using his initial quickness, natural leverage and pad level to attack gaps and win angles. Jarrett is limited to a one-gap scheme and lacks the brute strength to overwhelm blockers, but projects as a poor man's Aaron Donald, shooting gaps and disrupting the backfield.

4. Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas (6-2, 266, 4.85): Although he doesn't have the gaudy production of other defensive end prospects, Flowers has NFL size/strength dimensions and was consistently effective since arriving at Arkansas, doing his best work against the run. He doesn't cheat himself and uses every asset in his bag of tricks to make plays, showing the mentality for the trenches to do the dirty work. Flowers isn't a dynamic athlete, but he plays passionate and tough with the high energy level to always play at full speed. He projects best as a 4-3 defensive end who is at his best taking on blocks and setting the edge as a stout run defender.

3. Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State (6-0, 221, 4.57): Ajayi is a case of another very talented player who won't be drafted as high as he should because of injuries. This past season, he became the first player in FBS history to rush for 1,800+ yards and collect 500+ receiving yards. However, several teams have dinged him for a knee injury earlier in his career that has progressively gotten worse. He is healthy right now, but the question is longevity and teams wonder if he'll be able to play out his full rookie contract. Ajayi should be drafted soon on day three, but it's an unfortunate set of circumstances for a talented player.

2. La'el Collins, OT, LSU (6-5, 305, 5.12): A wrecking ball in the run game, Collins isn't always the most controlled, but he sells out to eliminate bodies in his path that are wearing the other color jersey. He needs to show better bend and consistency in pass protection, too often falling off balance with limited range in his kickslide, but there is no question about his 100 percent effort and mean streak. Collins is a first-round talent, but because of his connection with an off-field incident, it appears he will remove himself from this draft to re-enter next year.

1. T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh (6-5, 309, 5.14): A former defensive end, Clemmings has explosive upper body strength and powerful hands to dominate and knock defenders off their feet, playing like a strong oak tree made out of muscle fibers (once he gets his hands on you, it's over). He's very raw in several areas, but he has untapped potential with moldable traits to be a long-term NFL starter at offensive tackle or guard. A stress fracture in his foot appears to be the reason for Clemmings' drop down boards.

Of this group, I liked Ajayi but it seems he'll have a short career in NFL with his knee issues. I like Clemmings but not sure how severe his health is and I like Grady Jarrett, who could fit in nicely in the DL rotation and Sample who sounds like he would be an upgrade over Robert Blanton.

As for who else is available, not from this list, I'd like to see someone who can play G/T to challenge David Yankey this year and perhaps slide to one of the Tackle spots if we don't keep Kalil or Loadholt. Also David Cobb is still available.

Who else?

 
TJ Clemmons in round 4.

I didn't follow pre-draft coverage at all but it sounds like we've gotten good value with every pick so far. As well as fill several needs.

 

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