2014 Vikings Draft Discussion

[Slick Rick]

We need a NT more then LB, CB, or DT. We aernt going to land Teddy. If we go BPA none of this matters. If we go by need, we trade down a few spots and get Nix.

If Teddy's available at #8, and I don't expect him to be unless the four teams who need a QB more than us who are drafting ahead of us are really that stupid to pass on him, I would snatch him up in a heartbeat.

With that said, I don't think he will be available, and I agree we need a nose tackle more than anything. Ra'Shede Hageman should be the guy, I think he's got a legitimate chance at being the next great defensive linemen. He can beat double teams, he plays mean and he has an uncanny ability to jump up and deflect passes before they even have a chance to be caught, a la JJ Watt. He's 6'6 and 315 lbs, has a 38" vertical, and I think he's probably both faster and stronger than Nix is, and I'd say much more compatible with a 4-3 scheme that we'll most likely be running. Otherwise if we do decide to run a 3-4, as Coach Zimmer has said he has no preference and has coached both schemes before, then definitely Nix.

Hoping that we also land Purifoy in the 2nd round. Earlier this year there was no way that could have happened, but his draft stock has been taking a tumble as of late, and many sources expect him to be a 2nd or even 3rd rounder. After that, I hope they address offensive guard, safety, DE, RB (we need a new 3rd down back, since Gerhart will most likely not be coming back) and obviously a QB. Tajh Boyd, Zach Mettenberger and AJ McCarron may all be available in the 2nd round, but I could very easily see the team bringing back Josh Freeman on a one year deal.

[NextQuestion]

Do you guys think with Zimmer on board and not attached to underdog darlings like the Erin Henderson's of the world...we might be active in FA?

[Slick Rick]

Do you guys think with Zimmer on board and not attached to underdog darlings like the Erin Henderson's of the world...we might be active in FA?

Well I don't think we were attached to Henderson at all, he was just a good fit in our scheme. I know a lot of people liked to hate him because of his off-the-field problems or for being below-average in coverage, but he is a solid tackler and fundamentally sound. With that said, I think we would definitely be more active in FA this year with all of the money we have to spend.

[Delaqure]

Frankly I don't get the don't pick a QB at #8 unless its one of the top 2 QBs. I did a little checking and all but about 5 starters at QB in the NFL were picked in the first round. Baring us falling apart next year we will never sit at the #1 or #2 spot in the draft to grab one of those top 2 guys. I don't really see some of the other good QBs lasting until round 2. We will be waiting forever to grab a #1 or #2 qb. I still think grabbing one of the top 4 at #8 is a good attempt at finding someone who can lead This team. There will be plenty of other pretty decent players out there by round 2 that can help his team in other areas. I think we are more likely to waste a 2nd round pick on a qb than we are if we pick another position in the 2nd. Now if all top 4 qbs are gone by #8 then by all means pick something else. But if they are there then I say grab him.

[VikingLord]

http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/vide ... f8bcc5cfe1


.....interesting

It's not interesting - it's depressing. On multiple levels.

First level it's depressing on is the analysts use the word "desperation". Desperation is what produced the reach on Ponder. If desperation drives the first pick for the Vikings yet again, Spielman should be fired, plain and simple. I've seen so many mocks with the Vikings taking either Carr or Bortles I'm starting to get scared. Neither of those players merits the #8 spot in the draft, and yet apparently the Vikings have such a dire need they have to reach for a developmental guy who may in the end be no different from Ponder (and I'd say both are likely to end up no different from Ponder). If the Vikings want to spend a pick on a developmental guy fine, but just make it the late 3rd or the early 4th rounder. Don't waste #8. #8 should be spent on a guy who can come in and make a difference at his position from the first day he's on the roster, and there will be guys like that who play positions other than QB. I would love to see the Vikings add a guy like Mack or Barr at LB, both of whom would be immediate starters. Or how about a guy like Nix? Maybe even Evans at WR?

Second level it's depressing on is the fact that the Vikings are sitting at #8 to begin with. In a completely lost season Frazier still managed to win just enough games to both get himself fired *and* take the Vikings out of the top 5 picks where they might have had a legit shot at one of the top 2 QBs in the draft. That is what I call a spectacular job. Honestly, he could not have done better on either front. The end result of this is either Spielman is going to have to trade up to get one of the two legit QB prospects in this draft, or he's going to be tempted to reach again. I hope he has the cajones to take BPA at #8 and not reach for a QB just because the Vikings have a need there.

Third level it's depressing on is the Vikings actually have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball. They do have a decent set of receivers. Their running game is effective. The offensive line needs a swift kick in the pants, but they have continuity there and solid athletes assuming Charlie Johnson is replaced. What Spielman needs to do at QB this offseason is find competence and consistency. He doesn't need to reach or try to hit a home run in either FA or the draft. He needs to find a guy who can run the offense. It looked pretty good with Cassel. If he can find a better option than Cassel in FA, great, but even if the Vikes go into the season with Cassel as the starter, that's not the worst thing that could happen.

I just hope Rick doesn't give in to the dark side. #8 is intended for an impact player. Find that impact guy and don't waste the pick on another Ponder.

[Texas Vike]

It's not interesting - it's depressing. On multiple levels.

First level it's depressing on is the analysts use the word "desperation". Desperation is what produced the reach on Ponder. If desperation drives the first pick for the Vikings yet again, Spielman should be fired, plain and simple. I've seen so many mocks with the Vikings taking either Carr or Bortles I'm starting to get scared. Neither of those players merits the #8 spot in the draft, and yet apparently the Vikings have such a dire need they have to reach for a developmental guy who may in the end be no different from Ponder (and I'd say both are likely to end up no different from Ponder). If the Vikings want to spend a pick on a developmental guy fine, but just make it the late 3rd or the early 4th rounder. Don't waste #8. #8 should be spent on a guy who can come in and make a difference at his position from the first day he's on the roster, and there will be guys like that who play positions other than QB. I would love to see the Vikings add a guy like Mack or Barr at LB, both of whom would be immediate starters. Or how about a guy like Nix? Maybe even Evans at WR?

Second level it's depressing on is the fact that the Vikings are sitting at #8 to begin with. In a completely lost season Frazier still managed to win just enough games to both get himself fired *and* take the Vikings out of the top 5 picks where they might have had a legit shot at one of the top 2 QBs in the draft. That is what I call a spectacular job. Honestly, he could not have done better on either front. The end result of this is either Spielman is going to have to trade up to get one of the two legit QB prospects in this draft, or he's going to be tempted to reach again. I hope he has the cajones to take BPA at #8 and not reach for a QB just because the Vikings have a need there.

Third level it's depressing on is the Vikings actually have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball. They do have a decent set of receivers. Their running game is effective. The offensive line needs a swift kick in the pants, but they have continuity there and solid athletes assuming Charlie Johnson is replaced. What Spielman needs to do at QB this offseason is find competence and consistency. He doesn't need to reach or try to hit a home run in either FA or the draft. He needs to find a guy who can run the offense. It looked pretty good with Cassel. If he can find a better option than Cassel in FA, great, but even if the Vikes go into the season with Cassel as the starter, that's not the worst thing that could happen.

I just hope Rick doesn't give in to the dark side. #8 is intended for an impact player. Find that impact guy and don't waste the pick on another Ponder.

Unless you're talking about Spielman having "big boxes" (Cajones) you mean "cojones".

More importantly: good take. I completely agree. Do not reach for a QB at 8: if Manziel or Teddy are there and you like them, cool. If not, let's get a D stud. I also think Watkins (WR) has superstar written all over him.

[PurpleKoolaid]

It's not interesting - it's depressing. On multiple levels.

First level it's depressing on is the analysts use the word "desperation". Desperation is what produced the reach on Ponder. If desperation drives the first pick for the Vikings yet again, Spielman should be fired, plain and simple. I've seen so many mocks with the Vikings taking either Carr or Bortles I'm starting to get scared. Neither of those players merits the #8 spot in the draft, and yet apparently the Vikings have such a dire need they have to reach for a developmental guy who may in the end be no different from Ponder (and I'd say both are likely to end up no different from Ponder). If the Vikings want to spend a pick on a developmental guy fine, but just make it the late 3rd or the early 4th rounder. Don't waste #8. #8 should be spent on a guy who can come in and make a difference at his position from the first day he's on the roster, and there will be guys like that who play positions other than QB. I would love to see the Vikings add a guy like Mack or Barr at LB, both of whom would be immediate starters. Or how about a guy like Nix? Maybe even Evans at WR?

Second level it's depressing on is the fact that the Vikings are sitting at #8 to begin with. In a completely lost season Frazier still managed to win just enough games to both get himself fired *and* take the Vikings out of the top 5 picks where they might have had a legit shot at one of the top 2 QBs in the draft. That is what I call a spectacular job. Honestly, he could not have done better on either front. The end result of this is either Spielman is going to have to trade up to get one of the two legit QB prospects in this draft, or he's going to be tempted to reach again. I hope he has the cajones to take BPA at #8 and not reach for a QB just because the Vikings have a need there.

Third level it's depressing on is the Vikings actually have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball. They do have a decent set of receivers. Their running game is effective. The offensive line needs a swift kick in the pants, but they have continuity there and solid athletes assuming Charlie Johnson is replaced. What Spielman needs to do at QB this offseason is find competence and consistency. He doesn't need to reach or try to hit a home run in either FA or the draft. He needs to find a guy who can run the offense. It looked pretty good with Cassel. If he can find a better option than Cassel in FA, great, but even if the Vikes go into the season with Cassel as the starter, that's not the worst thing that could happen.

I just hope Rick doesn't give in to the dark side. #8 is intended for an impact player. Find that impact guy and don't waste the pick on another Ponder.

^
This. If Teddy isn't there, trade down. Take BPA. And Im hoping that's Nix.

[S197]

Do you guys think with Zimmer on board and not attached to underdog darlings like the Erin Henderson's of the world...we might be active in FA?

I don't think so, Spielman still has last call on personnel and he's shown he doesn't break the bank often. Plus Spielman has already said one of the attributes he liked about Zimmer is he gets the most out of his guys so that leads me to believe they'll target second and third tier free agents with the main focus being the draft. I'm okay with the strategy, I think long-term it works out better, plus they'll need to pony up if they want to keep either Griffen or Allen.

[saint33]

Frankly I don't get the don't pick a QB at #8 unless its one of the top 2 QBs. I did a little checking and all but about 5 starters at QB in the NFL were picked in the first round. Baring us falling apart next year we will never sit at the #1 or #2 spot in the draft to grab one of those top 2 guys. I don't really see some of the other good QBs lasting until round 2. We will be waiting forever to grab a #1 or #2 qb. I still think grabbing one of the top 4 at #8 is a good attempt at finding someone who can lead This team. There will be plenty of other pretty decent players out there by round 2 that can help his team in other areas. I think we are more likely to waste a 2nd round pick on a qb than we are if we pick another position in the 2nd. Now if all top 4 qbs are gone by #8 then by all means pick something else. But if they are there then I say grab him.

Honestly, IMO there are only 2 QBs worthy of the #8 pick in this draft. Neither Carr nor Bortles should be drafted that high, and I personally think neither will. It's still so early in the draft process, Geno Smith was almost universally considered the likely #1 draft pick this time last year. Bortles and Carr are going to fall down draft boards.

[CbusVikesFan]

Now that Zimmer is the HC, and he is defensive minded, and defensive backs coach is where he cut his teeth, I wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings selected Dennard with the 8th pick. And that would not be a bad pick, in fact that kid could be better than Revis. Why not? Since we have Rhodes and he seems to be gaining stability it would be kind of reverse team building(from the back to the front, instead of front to back) but that kind of player is not out there every year for the Vikings. Who does not think that this kid could come in and start immediately?
Whatever we do, do not be disappointed if one of the desired QB's are indeed there and the Vikes pass.

[Purple Rage]

Now that Zimmer is the HC, and he is defensive minded, and defensive backs coach is where he cut his teeth, I wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings selected Dennard with the 8th pick. And that would not be a bad pick, in fact that kid could be better than Revis. Why not? Since we have Rhodes and he seems to be gaining stability it would be kind of reverse team building(from the back to the front, instead of front to back) but that kind of player is not out there every year for the Vikings. Who does not think that this kid could come in and start immediately?
Whatever we do, do not be disappointed if one of the desired QB's are indeed there and the Vikes pass.

Agree 110%! Unless one of the top prospect dramatically changes my mind....I'm sold with Dennard! I even think if
Johnny or Teddy fall to 8 we still REALLY think about taking this kid! Class act, Very smart (on and off the field), passionate and one of the best defensive talents I've seen come out in years. XAVIER n DENNARD could arguably be one of the best tandems at cb for years to come. I'm not sold on any of the top qb's , tho I think there is some great potential in Manziel and bridgewater Mabye even Bortles ...but I am sold on DD! Zimmer pick this kid and don't look back.


http://youtu.be/KcIhsOv5aX0

http://youtu.be/7mhZ_bx-bjo

[CbusVikesFan]

Agree 110%! Unless one of the top prospect dramatically changes my mind....I'm sold with Dennard! I even think if
Johnny or Teddy fall to 8 we still REALLY think about taking this kid! Class act, Very smart (on and off the field), passionate and one of the best defensive talents I've seen come out in years. XAVIER n DENNARD could arguably be one of the best tandems at cb for years to come. I'm not sold on any of the top qb's , tho I think there is some great potential in Manziel and bridgewater Mabye even Bortles ...but I am sold on DD! Zimmer pick this kid and don't look back.


http://youtu.be/KcIhsOv5aX0

http://youtu.be/7mhZ_bx-bjo

YES, I am not alone! lol. The only bummer....we have to wait until MAY this year for the draft. Agonizing.

[Pondering Her Percy]

It's not interesting - it's depressing. On multiple levels.

First level it's depressing on is the analysts use the word "desperation". Desperation is what produced the reach on Ponder. If desperation drives the first pick for the Vikings yet again, Spielman should be fired, plain and simple. I've seen so many mocks with the Vikings taking either Carr or Bortles I'm starting to get scared. Neither of those players merits the #8 spot in the draft, and yet apparently the Vikings have such a dire need they have to reach for a developmental guy who may in the end be no different from Ponder (and I'd say both are likely to end up no different from Ponder). If the Vikings want to spend a pick on a developmental guy fine, but just make it the late 3rd or the early 4th rounder. Don't waste #8. #8 should be spent on a guy who can come in and make a difference at his position from the first day he's on the roster, and there will be guys like that who play positions other than QB. I would love to see the Vikings add a guy like Mack or Barr at LB, both of whom would be immediate starters. Or how about a guy like Nix? Maybe even Evans at WR?

Second level it's depressing on is the fact that the Vikings are sitting at #8 to begin with. In a completely lost season Frazier still managed to win just enough games to both get himself fired *and* take the Vikings out of the top 5 picks where they might have had a legit shot at one of the top 2 QBs in the draft. That is what I call a spectacular job. Honestly, he could not have done better on either front. The end result of this is either Spielman is going to have to trade up to get one of the two legit QB prospects in this draft, or he's going to be tempted to reach again. I hope he has the cajones to take BPA at #8 and not reach for a QB just because the Vikings have a need there.

Third level it's depressing on is the Vikings actually have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball. They do have a decent set of receivers. Their running game is effective. The offensive line needs a swift kick in the pants, but they have continuity there and solid athletes assuming Charlie Johnson is replaced. What Spielman needs to do at QB this offseason is find competence and consistency. He doesn't need to reach or try to hit a home run in either FA or the draft. He needs to find a guy who can run the offense. It looked pretty good with Cassel. If he can find a better option than Cassel in FA, great, but even if the Vikes go into the season with Cassel as the starter, that's not the worst thing that could happen.

I just hope Rick doesn't give in to the dark side. #8 is intended for an impact player. Find that impact guy and don't waste the pick on another Ponder.

I agree as well. I don't want Bortles either....I just thought it was interesting that they had us taking him. If Manziel and Teddy are gone I want either Mosely, Mack or Nix.

[Texas Vike]

I wouldn't mind trading back in the first and getting ammo to end up with 3 picks in the top 40.

Then I'd target:
1) Gilbert/ Dennard/ CJ Mosely in the teens;
2) Ra'Shede Hageman (DE, UMN) in the late first or Jason Verrette (CB, TCU) if top pick wasn't CB;
3) top rated QB on your board at #40.

Of course, they should go BPA in the many areas of need that they have, but it's fun to think in terms of specific players to imagine just how impactful the change would be. The scenario above would dramatically change our D and potentially our O.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Jimmy Garoppolo looked pretty solid in the east-west shrine game. Former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah has a 2nd round grade on him. I'm starting to like him more and more every time I see him play. Scouts are saying it should be an easy transition to the NFL for him because he ran a pro-style offense at Eastern Illinois. I think he would be a great pick for us in the 2-3 round. Especially with Norv Turner running the show now.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap200000 ... hrine-game