2014 Vikings Draft Discussion

[Mothman]

Thanks for the info. He sounds very different from Mack, which makes me wonder if teams will be split on which of the two is the best LB in this draft. It may just be a question of how they fit with what teams want to do. Barr sounds like one of those athletic talents that just stands out on the field.

Here is an analysis done by CBS/NFLdraftscout.com:

[Pondering Her Percy]

It may just be a question of how they fit with what teams want to do.

I think that's exactly what it will come down to.

[Orion]

Teddy bridgewater sounds like a good QB pick, if he's still around when we pick.

[PurpleHalo]

Thanks for the info. He sounds very different from Mack, which makes me wonder if teams will be split on which of the two is the best LB in this draft. It may just be a question of how they fit with what teams want to do. Barr sounds like one of those athletic talents that just stands out on the field.

What about Mosely?

[Pondering Her Percy]

What about Mosely?

STRENGTHS: Mosley does a nice job using his length and lower body fluidity to keep himself clean through a crowd and finishes at the ball, wrapping and driving through his target. He is very smart and keeps his eyes on the ball to track and attack and rarely makes mental mistakes, which is a result of his high football IQ and preparation skills.

WEAKNESSES: Isn't always fundamentally consistent as a tackler, at times opting to throw himself at his target or drop his head on contact. Missed time in 2011 with a dislocated elbow.

COMPARES TO: Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Like David, Mosley's combination of toughness, elite instincts and superb athleticism offer the versatility of lining up inside or out, and have enabled him to be one of the nation's top all-around linebackers.

[Mothman]

What about Mosely?

Sorry, I should have specified that I was talking about outside linebackers. Mosely is obviously in the top LB mix too.

[Texas Vike]

Great thread.

@ Fiesta: really liked your comments on Garoppolo vs. Manziel. I like Manziel for the most part, but I completely recognize the point you make about Evans bailing him out. I watched Garoppolo play one half of football and I was pretty impressed. As you & Moth point out, though, it is very hard to evaluate his talent due to the level of competition he's faced. I would bet money that the Vikings are the team mentioned as in love with him. I think a 2nd, at this point, is high for a player from that level of FB. I will be interested to see how he measures up in the pre-draft evaluations which make an attempt to level the playing field a bit.

@ Moth: Glad you asked about Barr. i had the same question. I watched a (very) little bit of a UCLA game and didn't really notice him. CJ Mosely, OTOH, stands out to me every time I watch Bama play. He is just a force to be reckoned with. What's Mack's story (strengths/weaknesses, etc.)?

@OP: I agree that Cole has looked decent, but we need some LBs regardless, don't you think? It's such an important position and we have done so little to invest in it. I really want to see a new D Coordinator in here and hope he infuses the team with new energy and focus. And talent; our D is very hit and miss with talent.

[Mothman]

@ Moth: Glad you asked about Barr. i had the same question. I watched a (very) little bit of a UCLA game and didn't really notice him. CJ Mosely, OTOH, stands out to me every time I watch Bama play. He is just a force to be reckoned with. What's Mack's story (strengths/weaknesses, etc.)?

He's a three down linebacker with several years of experience and strong play at the position. He can sack the QB, cover, intercept the ball, tackle, force fumbles, shed blocks... the guy is a complete football player and he wreaks havoc behind the line of scrimmage. He plays for Buffalo and was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and a Butkus Award finalist this season. He's set NCAA records for tackles for loss and forced fumbles and he won the Jack Lambert Award (Patrick willis is a former Lambert Award winner so he's in good company there). I really like his game and I think he might be just what the doctor ordered to help the Vikings improve one of their weakest areas.

[Texas Vike]

He's a three down linebacker with several years of experience and strong play at the position. He can sack the QB, cover, intercept the ball, tackle, force fumbles, shed blocks... the guy is a complete football player and he wreaks havoc behind the line of scrimmage. He plays for Buffalo and was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and a Butkus Award finalist this season. He's set NCAA records for tackles for loss and forced fumbles and he won the Jack Lambert Award (Patrick willis is a former Lambert Award winner so he's in good company there). I really like his game and I think he might be just what the doctor ordered to help the Vikings improve one of their weakest areas.

Sounds great. Sounds like exactly what we need to get our LB corps back to a strength instead of such a glaring weakness. We are some GD soft in the middle it just drives me nuts.

[Mothman]

Sounds great. Sounds like exactly what we need to get our LB corps back to a strength instead of such a glaring weakness. We are some GD soft in the middle it just drives me nuts.

Me too and I'll admit, if I were in Spielman's position, I'd be leaning heavily toward drafting one of the 3 LBs we're discussing in the first round.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Me too and I'll admit, if I were in Spielman's position, I'd be leaning heavily toward drafting one of the 3 LBs we're discussing in the first round.

Even with an outstanding NT like Nix? Whens the last time we wearnt soft in the middle? Im afraid its because of the type of D we use. The LB's are set up to have things play out in front of them, and then tackle (which they all have problems with). Was Studwell or Del Rio good in coverage? I just cant remember when the middle of the field wasn't soft. But I dream about Nix and Floyd shutting down the run (like the Williams wall). And yes, if we lose Kwill, because of a million dollars or so, im going to be almost as mad as when they cut Winfield. Kwill just cant start every game. But if he isn't asking too much, he can still play. And I want him to retire here.

[PurpleKoolaid]

They showed Todd McShay's mock Top 10 earlier. He had Teddy going #1 to HOU, Bortles 3rd to JAX, Manziel 4th to OAK, and Carr 6th to CLE.

He had us taking Khalil Mack 8th.

Yeo a few have been saying Mack, which would also be nice. But we need a dominate NT more.

[S197]

They showed Todd McShay's mock Top 10 earlier. He had Teddy going #1 to HOU, Bortles 3rd to JAX, Manziel 4th to OAK, and Carr 6th to CLE.

He had us taking Khalil Mack 8th.

Matt Kalil and Khalil Mack. Reminds me of the Dylan McDermott or Dermot Mulroney SNL skit.

[mondry]

They showed Todd McShay's mock Top 10 earlier. He had Teddy going #1 to HOU, Bortles 3rd to JAX, Manziel 4th to OAK, and Carr 6th to CLE.

He had us taking Khalil Mack 8th.

Would be super happy if that's how it played out. All the QB needy teams reaching for QB's? hell yeah, we'll take Mack and now there's no one too interested in a QB so don't have to rush for our guy.

[Purple bruise]

I really do not see having a chance to grab a franchise QB out of this draft selecting in the 6-9 range and I am not sold on any of the early round QBs either. I am more and more leaning towards wanting Louis Nix. Losing KW will leave a huge gap and I could see Floyd and Nix becoming the next Fairly SUH combination with Robison and Griffin on the edges forming a devastating D-line. And why not bring another ND player into the mix? The Vikings have been doing great with ND players witness Sully, Rudolph, H. Smith, and Carlson .
I think that the LB situation, although not real good is adequate now that Cole has emerged and having Mauti and Hodges waiting for their chance. I think that the coaches wanted to give Mauti a light work load this year do to his injuries and next year should be fully healed and ready to compete.