Who do we draft?

[dead_poet]

Best and Worst Case Scenarios for Minnesota Vikings' Top 3 Picks

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2430 ... op-3-picks

[dead_poet]

Some Coleman commentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRAFni ... t=1h33m54s

[Mothman]

Some Coleman commentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRAFni ... t=1h33m54s

Interesting stuff... thanks for the link.

As I listened to them talk about the limitations of various backs, it was hard not to think about how well Adrian Peterson does it all. If he's not a Viking this season, I'm sure going to miss watching him run for our team.

Anyway, I think they make a good point about fit. It's always important and one of the reasons I like Coleman is because I think he could fit well with the Vikes.

[S197]

Interesting stuff... thanks for the link.

As I listened to them talk about the limitations of various backs, it was hard not to think about how well Adrian Peterson does it all. If he's not a Viking this season, I'm sure going to miss watching him run for our team.

Anyway, I think they make a good point about fit. It's always important and one of the reasons I like Coleman is because I think he could fit well with the Vikes.

I remember his first preseason game, did a spin move then took it to the outside and finished by lowering his shoulder into the defender rather than run out of bounds. He's been special to watch from the start, this would certainly be a disappointing ending to his Viking career assuming it comes to fruition.

[dead_poet]

Todd Gurley - RB - Bulldogs

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah says it's more likely that Georgia RB Todd Gurley goes in the top 10 than that he goes at the end of Round 1.

"I think he's more likely to go in the top 10 than he is to go in the bottom 10 of the first round," Jeremiah said. "More likely he's going to go in that 10 to pick 22. I have very little doubt he's going to be a first-round pick, it's just a matter of how high he'll go." Gurley (No. 13 on Jeremiah's board) and Melvin Gordon (No. 14) have both been invited to Chicago for the draft, as strong an indication as any that a player is first-round bound. "He's a special player," Jeremiah said of Gurley.
Source: NFL.com

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Kevin Johnson - DB - Demon Deacons

Per TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline, Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson is one player the Packers are targeting in Round 1.

Pauline wrote that he was given this information "by several sources." We've heard Johnson's name officially attached to the Cowboys, Chargers, Falcons, Eagles, Patriots, Cardinals and Panthers, though there isn't a team that would deny his job application. Johnson is jockeying for draft position with Trae Waynes, Marcus Peters and Byron Jones.
Source: TFY Draft Inside


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Tevin Coleman - RB - Hoosiers

Indiana RB Tevin Coleman's forty times at his personal pro day ranged from the high 4.3's to the low 4.4s and he could go "much earlier than most expect," reports TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline.

"Some teams grade Coleman almost the equal to another Big Ten running back in the 2015 NFL Draft, Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin, and the opinion of many scouts is Coleman ranks as one of the top three backs in the draft," Pauline wrote. "There's also a belief the junior is not a very motivated player, which upon further investigation is wrong. Coleman has a quiet personality and, at times, has to have the conversation drawn from him." Hoosiers head coach Kevin Wilson is telling teams that Coleman works on the little things like film study and his introverted personality should not be mistaken for a lack of work ethic. Reps from 22 teams -- including RB coaches of the Jags, Cards, Cowboys and Colts -- were at Coleman's workout, with the Chargers intriguingly sending all of their offensive coaches. Coleman dined with the Texans Tuesday and is meeting with the Lions, Titans and Patriots Wednesday.
Source: Walter Football


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Eric Rowe - DB - Utes

TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline reports that "quite possibly no defensive back is moving up draft boards faster than" Utah DB Eric Rowe.

"There’s a feeling Rowe will end up in the second half of round one and won’t get past the 40th pick," Pauline wrote. "The teams I’m hearing highest on Rowe in round one include the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have doubled up on Rowe, that is worked him out and will bring him in for an official visit, as have the Detroit Lions, who believe Rowe can start at either safety or cornerback." Pauline says that a few teams, realizing that Rowe's stock is surging, are now in a predicament: "Teams who like Rowe but select late in the rounds face a dilemma as most realize if they don’t draft him with their initial selection he won’t be on the board when they’re called on the clock in round two. Teams love Rowe’s size, athleticism and versatility but also feel he’s a smart, coachable player. The New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Bucs and Oakland Raiders are also bringing Rowe in for a visit. The Atlanta Falcons are working him out in a few weeks.
Source: TFY Draft Insider

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Mario Edwards - DL - Seminoles

An NFL evaluator told CBS that he expects FSU DL Mario Edwards Jr. to go in Round 1.

"Why aren't any of you guys writing about Mario Edwards?" he said. "I look around the Internet at these mock drafts and I don't think I've seen him in the first round in one of them. He's not showing up in any of them. I think you're missing on him. He's going to surprise some people. I think he goes in the first round. In this [not overly talented] draft, he's definitely a first-rounder for me." Interestingly, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora passed along that he thinks many other evaluators are playing coy and not talking about Edwards because they're hoping that he slides. "There was a dropoff across the board from that defense, and a lot of it I think was from losing their coordinator," another evaluator said. "He was the man. But if you look at some of those kids over the last two or three years, man, there are a lot of players there. I think Edwards and [Seminoles defensive tackle Eddie] Goldman are first-rounders." Concluded La Canfora: "
Source: CBS Sports

Note: Edwards just feels like a Zimmer guy. 6-foot-2 1/2, 272-pounds. I'm not saying taking him at 11, but if he slips to round 2, he could be a target to replace Robison in a couple of years.

[fiestavike]

anyone have opinions on alvin dupree?

[dead_poet]

anyone have opinions on alvin dupree?

I haven't watched much of him but he's apparently headed up draft boards. Here are a couple of resources:

Hangout with evaluators Matt Waldman and Jene Bramel:



And another report:

BUD DUPREE: ATHLETICISM VS TECHNIQUE
Dupree is a bit of an enigma to me.

His jumps are unparalled. A vertical leap of 42 inches and a broad jump of 11-6 are frighteningly impressive. On tape his first step is laughably quick. His second and third step are blurry, even at half speed. It's a level of explosiveness that cannot be taught.

And it comes in a 6-4, 270 pound package.

But I watched every Kentucky defensive cutup I could find. On nearly every play in which Dupree destroyed an offensive tackle with his early explosiveness, he didn't get near the quarterback due to poor technique. He struggled terribly to dip his shoulder and use the proper footwork to turn the corner. There were times where he was even with the offensive tackle by his second step but wasn't moving toward the pocket until ten yards past the line of scrimmage.

I reached out on Twitter and asked, "Is edge rushing technique a learnable skill?" Two responses resonated with me.

First, Ryan Riddle, a successful former edge rusher, answered my question with one of his own. "Can you be taught to moonwalk respectably?" That's a variation of a something I use every day in lots of situations daily -- as a parent, as a coach, and mostly importantly as a pediatrician trying to decide whether a toddler has development delays -- "Can he?" or "Will he?" If your child cannot physically form words due to problem with his anatomy or because he has a larger issue like autism, there's a lot of work to be done to improve his speech. If your child has everything she needs to speak well and won't, you may see her blossom in another 3-6 months with continued teaching and encouragement. I don't know which category fits Dupree.

Second, Alen Dumonjic, who is one of the most underrated and underappreciated writers in the football industry, told me he likes to look at a player's feet and ankles. If a player can't get them turned, it's a sign their frame and joints may not support the flexibility needed to pull off a successful pure edge rush. That's not athleticism necessarily, but I wonder if it can be measured in the cone drills.

Dupree's short shuttle was 4.47. His three cone time was 7.49. That short shuttle time is in the 34th percentile. The three cone time is around the 10th percentile. And the three cone drill involves a turn.

Dupree is a #ForcePlayer (see sidebar) on the strength of his impressive jump times and size. I'd bet on him to be successful in the NFL. Even if he never learns an elite edge rush, his first steps will set up a speed-to-power move and other counter moves he can win with.

Whatever happens, he's going to be one of the most interesting edge rushers to track in years.

To see video examples of these impressive attributes and why I'm concerned, check out this film room hangout with Matt Waldman.

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/app ... ct_preview

[dead_poet]

NFL Draft Truth or Hype: DE/OLB Vic Beasley

Having said all this though, I think he could honestly play either defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL, unlike Nebraska’s Randy Gregory. His stock soared after the combine, and I’m buying into the hype. If Beasley can add a few pounds and develop counter moves as a pass rusher with his hands, he’s going to be a pretty good defensive player.

On a side note, this honestly seems like a player Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer would love to have on his team. Imagine pairing Anthony Barr with Beasley and the defensive line the Vikings already have? The flexibility and athleticism with Beasley and Barr would keep Zimmer up all night in the summer scheming blitz packages.

That would be scary.

http://blog.startribune.com/sports/acce ... ic-beasley

[Mothman]

I can't keep up with all the draft info you keep dropping on us. Thanks!

[dead_poet]

I can't keep up with all the draft info you keep dropping on us. Thanks!

No problem. Dupree was a fun guy to watch some tape on. Zimmer guy for sure. Big, fast, strong but not very refined. His first step (first three steps) are lightning. Could be a stud but I worry about his flexibility some. I have the same issue to a larger extent with Shane Ray (mostly because Ray doesn't exhibit nearly the athletic traits as guys like Beasley, Gregory and Dupree). Lots of possibilities. Too many.

[fiestavike]

I can't keep up with all the draft info you keep dropping on us. Thanks!

For sure, thanks DP.

Dupree is interesting but I think he's the kind of pick you maybe don't get a ton of snaps out of year one? The good news for the Vikings is that it appears moves and counter moves that all these scouts are looking for in a DE don't matter that much in this scheme. Watching Griffen stick a hand in the chest of the tackle, extend it, and drive him back down after down after down seems to indicate that its a pretty straigforward approach that demands size and strength, discipline, and a certain level of technical proficiency. Can Dupree convert speed to power? can he put on 20 pounds? Can he become technically proficient enough to control the tackle he is engaged with once he diagnoses the play? From my perspective that's what they are looking for in a DE.

As you know, I love Beasley at OLB under Zimmer, probably my #1 choiced in this draft if he's there at 11.

[nightowl]

NFL Draft Truth or Hype: DE/OLB Vic Beasley
http://blog.startribune.com/sports/acce ... ic-beasley

I wouldn't mind if they went Defense early and often. I want the Vikes defense to be nasty and terrifying. I want them to be fast, ruthless and aggressive.

[dead_poet]

DeVante Parker - WR - Cardinals

Two of four CBS draft analysts mock Louisville WR DeVante Parker to the Vikings at No. 11 overall, and colleague Frank Cooney calls Parker the best fit in the draft for the Purple.

"Not only does he already have an established connection with Teddy Bridgewater, but Parker has legitimate No. 1 ability, in the mold of A.J. Green," Cooney wrote. "Norv Turner's offense and Bridgewater would substantially benefit with a talent like Parker at their disposal." Dane Brugler was one of the analysts mocking Parker to Minny, writing: "Minnesota added Mike Wallace to the wide receiver depth chart, but the Vikings are still in search of a No. 1 caliber pass catcher. Parker has the talent to fill that need." Interestingly, the two dissenting voices -- Pete Prisco and Rob Rang -- both have Minnesota taking MSU CB Trae Waynes.
Source: CBS Sports
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl- ... t-at-no-11

[Mothman]

DeVante Parker - WR - Cardinals

Two of four CBS draft analysts mock Louisville WR DeVante Parker to the Vikings at No. 11 overall, and colleague Frank Cooney calls Parker the best fit in the draft for the Purple.

"Not only does he already have an established connection with Teddy Bridgewater, but Parker has legitimate No. 1 ability, in the mold of A.J. Green," Cooney wrote. "Norv Turner's offense and Bridgewater would substantially benefit with a talent like Parker at their disposal." Dane Brugler was one of the analysts mocking Parker to Minny, writing: "Minnesota added Mike Wallace to the wide receiver depth chart, but the Vikings are still in search of a No. 1 caliber pass catcher. Parker has the talent to fill that need." Interestingly, the two dissenting voices -- Pete Prisco and Rob Rang -- both have Minnesota taking MSU CB Trae Waynes.
Source: CBS Sports
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl- ... t-at-no-11

I wonder how seriously they're considering Parker. They seem very high on Bridgewater and you have to believe getting to throw to Parker again would make him happy. How much does that factor into their desicion?

[dead_poet]

I wonder how seriously they're considering Parker. They seem very high on Bridgewater and you have to believe getting to throw to Parker again would make him happy. How much does that factor into their desicion?

I think it depends on how they view their current WRs. It's such a weird roster of guys. So much potential but nothing is really set, especially for 2016 and beyond.

On one hand Wallace could be one-and-done, Patterson could be a return specialist only, Johnson could see his ceiling as a #3 guy and Wright could left to test the market next year. In that scenario, taking a "stud" WR at 11 makes complete sense, especially if you think he's going to be an A.J. Green type of player in the next couple of years.

On the other hand, Wallace-Bridgewater-Turner combo could be lethal (enough to satisfy Wallace for a few years and keep him happy and producing), Patterson could turn it around and unseat Johnson, Johnson could be a legitimate "diamond in the rough" and the Vikings could have 3-4 incredibly productive and quality receivers for Teddy. In that case, can a case be made for drafting Parker at 11, even retrospectively?

I think if Cooper is there, you may have to take him based on your player grades (I assume). Maybe they have Parker ranked that high, who knows. I think the "need level" for WR really depends on how you (and the Vikings) view the potential/quality currently on the roster. While Parker is highly intriguing, how is he ranked compared to others that might be there? And there's really no guarantee he will be that "#1 WR" that will unseat Johnson or Patterson. Taking a WR at 11, for me, would further muddy the waters at receiver. Who's the odd man out? There aren't enough reps to go around in practice or targets in games (you're not going to run four-wide all game). Or do you sit a guy like Cooper and/or Parker for a year to learn while you see how the rest of the guys shake out? Is that smart? Would that stunt development?

My feeling is that unless Cooper is there (unlikely), we probably wait to select a WR until after the first round. And I would think (hope?) protecting Teddy takes precedence over another weapon. Though I know Rick has a history of not taking interior offensive linemen early.