PHP's "Pre-Combine" Mock Offseason

[Pondering Her Percy]

Nice writeup. I agree a bit more here than the last one.

Thanks much appreciated!

1) I worry about Munnerlyn. At 5'8/186 he makes me nervous on the outside matching up twice/year with guys like Calvin Johnson (6'5/236), Brandon Marshall (6'4/230), Alshon Jeffery (6'3/216) and Jordy Nelson (6'3/217). I guess my preference in Verner isn't much better (5'10), and Verner will likely be even more costly. While Munnerlyn had a good year, I'm curious the type of talent he faced this season and how much can be attributed to a ferocious pass-rush. He certainly didn't have a good game against Boldin in the divisional round. But from what I've read he's a tough guy, takes pride in his work and is a hard worker. That was the type of player the last staff wanted and I'd wager he still has the characteristics Spielman (and Zimmer) is looking for. He also doesn't allow many receiving TDs and is adept at rushing the passer, when asked.

Per PFF: and

In the write up I had on Munnerlyn, I pointed out that he would be playing in the slot It would bump Robinson to our #4 CB. Our outside CB would be Jean-Baptiste who I think is more than capable of starting right away. He stands at 6'3 and would create a solid big man tandem with Rhodes!

I'm also quite curious about Sam Shields. Talib and Vontae Davis make me worry with off-the-field stuff the Vikings can ill-afford. They'll likely be too pricey anyway and re-up with New England and Indy, respectively. It's quite curious the comments made by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, which calls into question his commitment. His history of under-achieving and injury woes are a red flag for me. So I suppose I'd be really curious about Shields, Verner and Munnerlyn if we (hopefully) bring in some (reasonably-priced) corner help. Like most, it'll likely come down to money. But the presence of Zimmer can't hurt. Hopefully it'll offset the fact that they'll be playing outdoors quite a bit over the course of their contract. Maybe we'll get lucky and the corner market will be as surprisingly reasonably-priced as it was last season. This is the pick of your I can get the most behind.

I have thought about Shields as well but I'm very up and down about him. I agree with you about Davis and Talib and their off the field issues. Cromartie's comments are concerning as well and I wouldn't want to see us give him a long term deal. I personally want either Munnerlyn or Verner. Munnerlyn if we can find a big outside guy like Jean-Baptiste in the draft or Verner if we can find a guy that can either split time with Robinson or start in the slot. I would prefer Bene Benwikere from San Jose St.

2) Moats is an underwhelming prospect, and I don't know how much of an upgrade he'd be to anyone we currently have. He's been an efficient tackler on limited opportunities, though I'm not sure getting two forced fumbles in his first two seasons (0 since) constitute a "flash." I don't think he'd be more than a decent depth guy and we already have a lot of questions with guys like Cole, Bishop (if re-signed), Hodges, Mauti who likely can be that guy. I'm not sure it'd just be throwing money away on a guy whose production may be easily matched. From what I understand he's solid as a run-defender, but that's about it. I don't know if you can count on the guy to start, especially in the middle. I'd prefer Cole in this scenario, but Moats would be a decent depth signing, for the right price.

Yes I hear you about Moats. The reason I would like to bring him in (for a decent price that is) is because I would like to see Cole, Mauti, and him battle it out in camp. It basically gives us options. If anything, the Moats signing is more of a luxury signing. If he plays well and can start....awesome. If not, he can provide solid depth not only in the middle but on the outside as well.

3) I'm not a Zane Beadles fan. His pass protection is sub-par and we already have that guy in CJ. If we're going to upgrade on CJ, let's upgrade. Asamoah or Schwartz. Heck, I wouldn't even mind a one- or two-year deal to Willie Colon as we groom someone. Colon will likely come at a pretty good price after tearing his bicep in week 17. Mike Pollak might be another lateral option and is a Bengal, but I don't think he'd give us much of an upgrade.

I wanted Asamoah at first but at the same time, chances are, he will want a lot of money. I think you and I have talked about this before.

Pro Football Focus' top 10 OGs include:

3rd round-Mathis, Vasquez and Warford
4th round- Sitton
6th round- Slauson and Fusco.

...That's 7 out of the top 10!

.....Asamoah isn't even in the top 10 and will be making more money than any of those guys listed after free agency. We could also draft a guard somewhere around rounds 3-5. Either way, I don't think we need to throw big money out for a guard. Beadles is definitely better than Johnson and will be an upgrade no matter which way you look at it. Granted, guard is a priority, but I think throwing bigger contracts out for defensive guys (CB, LB, NT, whichever is may be) will be a better option than to spend that money on a guard. Just a personal opinion.

4) I can't fault you here for Brandon Tate. Provided we're done with Simpson/Webb, we would need another inexpensive body. This may also be an opportunity for Rodney Smith or a late-round or UDFA.

Agreed. He will be a #5 WR if anything.

5) If we trade back here like you suggest, Nix is an excellent target. We've missed a big presence in the middle since Pat Williams left. I'd also consider Darqueze Dennard, Justin Gilbert, C.J. Mosley, Jimmie Ward, Mike Evans or RaShede Hageman here.

Out of the guys you listed, the only other one I would want is Mosely. Not saying the others are bad choices at all but just that I think there are a couple CBs out there that we can get around the 2-4 round range and can come in a start. Jean-Baptiste would be my #1 choice if we decide to wait. We spent a first round pick on a CB last year and just can't see us doing it again but you never know. Spielman could easily take Dennard but I think we would be better suited to grab a NT or LB. As for Hageman...I like him but I just feel that he is too much like Floyd. We need a monster in the middle and that's why I like Nix so much. As for Evans, no offense, but I would be 100% against that pick. I think he's a good WR but a WR in the first round is nothing but a luxury pick. Our current WR's are more than capable of producing, even with below average QB play. If we draft Evans we are doing nothing but filling a position that doesn't need to be filled. We have many other needs and I don't see WR as one of them. Just another personal opinion.

6) I like Garoppolo, but not enough to trade back into the first for him.

I had a feeling some would say that which I understand. However, my guess is, he won't make it to us in the 2nd unless we trade up. Houston, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland, possibly Tampa Bay, Tennessee, and possibly Arizona all need QB's. Lets put Garappolo as the #5 QB on everyones big board behind Bridgewater, Bortles, Manziel and Carr. Now if we pass on a QB in the first, you have Houston, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland, and Tampa Bay all picking twice before our 2nd round pick. You also have Tennessee and Arizona picking once before then. There is a very good chance Garoppolo could be gone if we stand pat. Now I had us trading up to 32nd to get him. I don't see it as a reach if we get him 9 picks ahead of where we were sitting anyways.

7) Love the pick. Hope he lasts until here. Doubt he will.

Not sure who you're talking about here


......overall, I really appreciate the input. You have brought up some very good ideas and thoughts. I really like how you came back and gave other options and say what you would do. It creates a lot of good discussion. Thank you!

[Pondering Her Percy]

Was there news that I missed regarding us shifting the defense to 3-4?

No not at all. I never said anything about us switching.

LB is a black hole. Audie Cole was better than EH, but was he that much better? Not say he wouldn’t be an upgrade, but this position group continues to lack a definitive playmaker. In that respect I would say all three starters are probably less than safe, including Greenway. Of course this assumes they keep the 4-3 alignment. If they go to a 3-4 they may decide some relatively unknown guy is a good fit?

Well Cole was good enough to bump Henderson out of the MLB spot and back to WLB. I can't see Zimmer going to a 3-4. Especially when he just came to a team that has been a 4-3 for years and has the personnel for a 4-3. Not saying he can't change, but I don't see it happening.

[dead_poet]

In the write up I had on Munnerlyn, I pointed out that he would be playing in the slot

Here's my beef about that: how much are we going to pay him to play the slot? I can't see us paying #1 or even #2 corner money for a slot receiver, and I don't think he'd accept much less than that. I think we'd get outbid. And, strangely, he seemed to struggle more in the slot than he did on the outside.

It would bump Robinson to our #4 CB. Our outside CB would be Jean-Baptiste who I think is more than capable of starting right away.

I don't know about starting 2nd/3rd round rookies right away, though we may have to given our lack of depth and talent in the area. If this was a Frazier squad, you could automatically assume he wouldn't start until someone else got injured. I have no idea how Zimmer will play it with rookies. Take it slow and ease them in or start them right away? Either way, it's a bit presumptuous to believe the guy can start right out of the gate (and have immediate success). In the scenario you create, the likeliest route is the same way the Vikings played it with Rhodes last season: Rhodes starting with Munnerlyn on the outside; Munnerlyn moving inside in nickel situations with Jean-Baptiste playing outside.

He stands at 6'3 and would create a solid big man tandem with Rhodes!

Yeah, that's what we all thought with the 6'2 Cook. I'm a little leery of expecting big things with corners, especially early on.

I have thought about Shields as well but I'm very up and down about him.

What are your reservations?

I agree with you about Davis and Talib and their off the field issues. Cromartie's comments are concerning as well and I wouldn't want to see us give him a long term deal. I personally want either Munnerlyn or Verner. Munnerlyn if we can find a big outside guy like Jean-Baptiste in the draft or Verner if we can find a guy that can either split time with Robinson or start in the slot. I would prefer Bene Benwikere from San Jose St.

I think Verner is going to price himself out of our options, so unless we go further down the talent pool, Munnerlyn or Shields seem like the most realistic options.

Yes I hear you about Moats. The reason I would like to bring him in (for a decent price that is) is because I would like to see Cole, Mauti, and him battle it out in camp. It basically gives us options. If anything, the Moats signing is more of a luxury signing. If he plays well and can start....awesome. If not, he can provide solid depth not only in the middle but on the outside as well.

Like anything, it'd depend on the price. It's certainly possible. He has some two-down upside, but I'm really looking for the next stud MLB that excels on all three down. This defense absolutely needs one.

I wanted Asamoah at first but at the same time, chances are, he will want a lot of money.

He might, but will he get it? Wasn't he supplanted by Schwartz? I may not have that right. I think in all likelihood he gets re-signed by KC. But I think we'd have a shot at one of Asamoah or Schwartz. KC likely won't keep both. Frankly, I'm still miffed we never offered Schwartz the opportunity to play LG. He's probably none-too-happy about it, either. His groin injury didn't help matters.

We could also draft a guard somewhere around rounds 3-5.

Yeah, I hope they make it more of a priority than they have in the past.

Either way, I don't think we need to throw big money out for a guard.

True, and I doubt they do. But it'd be silly not to inquire.

Beadles is definitely better than Johnson and will be an upgrade no matter which way you look at it.

I'm still not convinced.

Granted, guard is a priority, but I think throwing bigger contracts out for defensive guys (CB, LB, NT, whichever is may be) will be a better option than to spend that money on a guard. Just a personal opinion.

Probably.

Out of the guys you listed, the only other one I would want is Mosely. Not saying the others are bad choices at all but just that I think there are a couple CBs out there that we can get around the 2-4 round range and can come in a start.

While they can start, I don't necessarily think it's a good idea if they should. Very few rookies can come out of the gate and flourish (or at least be more of an asset than liability). Look only so far as Dee Milliner this season who I'm sure you'd agree was likely rated considerably higher than guys like Jean-Baptiste and any round 2-4 corner coming out this year. He was benched three times and giving up big plays left and right. D.J. Hayden struggled through injuries and sub-par play to rank as the #93 corner by Pro Football Focus among 107 qualifiers. I'm not saying rookies can't step right in and perform well, but it's quite rare.

Jean-Baptiste would be my #1 choice if we decide to wait. We spent a first round pick on a CB last year and just can't see us doing it again but you never know.

It all comes down to how the board shakes out. Given the need and talent that will be there, it's quite possible. Especially if we trade down, I'd be shocked if we didn't spend round 1-4 pick on a defensive back.

As for Hageman...I like him but I just feel that he is too much like Floyd. We need a monster in the middle and that's why I like Nix so much.

I agree, but I think Hageman can be a monster too, at either position. He's 6'6/311. Nix is 6'3/340. He has experience lining up at the nose.

Strengths: Alternately lining up over the nose or as a three-technique, Hageman consistently pushes his counterparts deep into the backfield, demonstrating rare upfield burst for a man of his size, as well as impressive strength. A brute in the middle, combining excellent size and power to push blockers deep into the pocket.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1664241/ra

As for Evans, no offense, but I would be 100% against that pick. I think he's a good WR but a WR in the first round is nothing but a luxury pick. Our current WR's are more than capable of producing, even with below average QB play. If we draft Evans we are doing nothing but filling a position that doesn't need to be filled. We have many other needs and I don't see WR as one of them. Just another personal opinion.

I understand, believe me. But I still love the BPA philosophy. So much so that I'd absolutely consider Sammy Watkins at #8 if the board shakes out that Manziel, Bridgewater, Clowney, and Mack are gone. Jennings won't be around forever, and Watkins has the potential to be the next AJ Green. He's that good and I'd give him a grade higher than guys like Carr, Bortles and Dennard. The prospect of, in a couple of years, having more polished Patterson and Watkins with Rudolph and Turner in charge of the offense has me salivating. As for Evans, again, it depends on who's there in the 15-18 range we may trade down to. I'd agree that Nix would be my preference over Evans, though.

I had a feeling some would say that which I understand. However, my guess is, he won't make it to us in the 2nd unless we trade up. Houston, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland, possibly Tampa Bay, Tennessee, and possibly Arizona all need QB's. Lets put Garappolo as the #5 QB on everyones big board behind Bridgewater, Bortles, Manziel and Carr. Now if we pass on a QB in the first, you have Houston, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland, and Tampa Bay all picking twice before our 2nd round pick. You also have Tennessee and Arizona picking once before then. There is a very good chance Garoppolo could be gone if we stand pat.

It's a gamble, but he could conceivably be there at our pick. QBs drop like a rock all the time and the 2011 draft might have scared some GMs once draft day comes. This is where you stick to your board/evaluation. If you have him ranked higher than some other guys (a la Patterson in 2013), sure, pull the trigger. If not, don't panic. There'll still be impact players available.

Now I had us trading up to 32nd to get him. I don't see it as a reach if we get him 9 picks ahead of where we were sitting anyways.

YMMV

Not sure who you're talking about here

Oh, sorry. Jean-Baptiste. I think he's going to shoot up boards a la Hayden. I can't imagine he gets out of round 2, but you never know.

......overall, I really appreciate the input. You have brought up some very good ideas and thoughts. I really like how you came back and gave other options and say what you would do. It creates a lot of good discussion. Thank you!

Thanks. This is a fun discussion. You're awfully brave to start predicting trades on top of everything. It really gets murky/nebulous when you start doing stuff like that. The draft is nearly impossible to predict as it is!

[CbusVikesFan]

Great read PHP. However, I do have some questions.
Do the Vikings have the cap room to sign the players you seek?
Do you consider Nix a reach at pick #8?
Do you think that the Steelers have any interest in Nix? They are pretty beat up on defense and Kiesel is a FA.
Do you really think that the CB from Nebraska will last until the 3rd round?
Thank you in advance.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Wow you and I have butted heads, but I like both your FA's, and love the draft. Its almost exactly what I would do. And its lets us work on the D a year before we have to let Jimmy play. One thing I hope doesn't happen, and that's losing Simpson. He has to man up (if he even gets to play) and stop with the drugs and drinking and driving. Basic stuff you have to do once you become a man.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Great read PHP. However, I do have some questions.
Do the Vikings have the cap room to sign the players you seek?
Do you consider Nix a reach at pick #8?
Do you think that the Steelers have any interest in Nix? They are pretty beat up on defense and Kiesel is a FA.
Do you really think that the CB from Nebraska will last until the 3rd round?
Thank you in advance.

He mentioned trading down, and getting Nix. Nix is expected to go in the top 15. I think the Steelers go O Line. This is what ive wanted too. Worst case scenario is we grab the NT from the Gophers is someone snatches up Nix. And I think Kwill stays, unless he wants to much. I really hope he does. His smile is infectious. That Williams Wall was awesome.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Here's my beef about that: how much are we going to pay him to play the slot? I can't see us paying #1 or even #2 corner money for a slot receiver, and I don't think he'd accept much less than that. I think we'd get outbid. And, strangely, he seemed to struggle more in the slot than he did on the outside.

I don't think we need to break the bank on him. I would say 4 years $16 million or so. Give or take. With the QB's and WR's in this division, I think there is nothing wrong paying him that.

I don't know about starting 2nd/3rd round rookies right away, though we may have to given our lack of depth and talent in the area. If this was a Frazier squad, you could automatically assume he wouldn't start until someone else got injured. I have no idea how Zimmer will play it with rookies. Take it slow and ease them in or start them right away? Either way, it's a bit presumptuous to believe the guy can start right out of the gate (and have immediate success). In the scenario you create, the likeliest route is the same way the Vikings played it with Rhodes last season: Rhodes starting with Munnerlyn on the outside; Munnerlyn moving inside in nickel situations with Jean-Baptiste playing outside.

Personally, I think it will be a whole different ball game with Zimmer in control. He's a guy that takes no crap and is about as honest as you can get. If he see's Jean-Baptiste has the capability of starting and being effective, there will be no hesitation. Rookie or not. The good thing about Munnerlyn being capable of playing the outside, is that he could possibly play there until Jean-Bapsiste is "groomed". Granted, being small doesn't help Munnerlyn's cause but if he could do it effectively in Carolina, I'm sure he would still be decent at least here.

Yeah, that's what we all thought with the 6'2 Cook. I'm a little leery of expecting big things with corners, especially early on.

Just because it happened with Cook doesn't worry me. You never know what can happen. I still question Cook's effort and love for the game. Not to mention his off the field problems.

What are your reservations?

Shields lacks physicality and makes up a lot with his speed. One thing I do like about him is his playmaking ability. I wouldnt be against signing him but I would put Verner and Munnerlyn just in front of him. More of a personal opinion than anything.

I think Verner is going to price himself out of our options, so unless we go further down the talent pool, Munnerlyn or Shields seem like the most realistic options.

Agreed!

Like anything, it'd depend on the price. It's certainly possible. He has some two-down upside, but I'm really looking for the next stud MLB that excels on all three down. This defense absolutely needs one.

I agree and I don't blame you. Like I said, if anything, that would be more of a luxury signing.

He might, but will he get it? Wasn't he supplanted by Schwartz? I may not have that right. I think in all likelihood he gets re-signed by KC. But I think we'd have a shot at one of Asamoah or Schwartz. KC likely won't keep both. Frankly, I'm still miffed we never offered Schwartz the opportunity to play LG. He's probably none-too-happy about it, either. His groin injury didn't help matters.

Yeah you're right, Schwartz ended up starting over Asamoah but Asamoah was also banged up throughout the season. Who knows what Asamoah will get to be honest. The fact that he couldn't beat out Schwartz somewhat worries me as well. I'm still more of a Beadles fan ( ).

I'm still not convinced.

Some info on Beadles.....

Zane Beadles has spent his three years starting to improve his craft significantly, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2012 for his work. While he does continue to struggle in relation to his trap game, he's proven to be a solid run blocker and excellent pass blocker. He's a smart player who has adjusted his game to compensate for his weak lateral agility and only average strength. He is also very experienced in the no huddle, possibly one of the best lineman the Broncos have in that regard due to having run if under a variety of quarterbacks and offensive schemes his entire career. Beadles appears to be the long term answer at guard and seems to be still improving.

While they can start, I don't necessarily think it's a good idea if they should. Very few rookies can come out of the gate and flourish (or at least be more of an asset than liability). Look only so far as Dee Milliner this season who I'm sure you'd agree was likely rated considerably higher than guys like Jean-Baptiste and any round 2-4 corner coming out this year. He was benched three times and giving up big plays left and right. D.J. Hayden struggled through injuries and sub-par play to rank as the #93 corner by Pro Football Focus among 107 qualifiers. I'm not saying rookies can't step right in and perform well, but it's quite rare.

I think that can go both ways too. Look at Trufant and Rhodes who both had solid seasons. Even though Rhodes battled injuries at times and Frazier waited for Robinson to go down Look at guys like Robert Alford (2nd round) and Micah Hyde (5th round). Janoris Jenkins, Casey Heyward (both 2nd rounders) and Brandon Boykin (4th round) last year.

I agree, but I think Hageman can be a monster too, at either position. He's 6'6/311. Nix is 6'3/340. He has experience lining up at the nose.

But at the same time, it's not his natural position. Nix is a traditional NT, Hageman is more of the traditional 3-tech which we already have in Floyd but has lined up at NT at times.

It's a gamble, but he could conceivably be there at our pick. QBs drop like a rock all the time and the 2011 draft might have scared some GMs once draft day comes. This is where you stick to your board/evaluation. If you have him ranked higher than some other guys (a la Patterson in 2013), sure, pull the trigger. If not, don't panic. There'll still be impact players available.

Agreed 100%

Thanks. This is a fun discussion. You're awfully brave to start predicting trades on top of everything. It really gets murky/nebulous when you start doing stuff like that. The draft is nearly impossible to predict as it is!

Yeah I love doing it. I follow the draft very closely. In the mock I did last year on another forum, I had us taking Rhodes in the 1st and Hodges in the 3rd. The one I did on here last year I had us taking Floyd in the 2nd (before he shot up draft boards) and Hodges in the 4th.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Wow you and I have butted heads, but I like both your FA's, and love the draft. Its almost exactly what I would do. And its lets us work on the D a year before we have to let Jimmy play. One thing I hope doesn't happen, and that's losing Simpson. He has to man up (if he even gets to play) and stop with the drugs and drinking and driving. Basic stuff you have to do once you become a man.

It's about time we agree on something!!!! Thanks for the feedback!

....as for Simpson, I wouldn't be against keeping him. I actually thought he played pretty well this year. I was really getting sick of his antics on the field and jumping around like an idiot but that's just who he is. I'm sure the Zim will straighten him out!

[Pondering Her Percy]

Great read PHP.

Thanks!

Do the Vikings have the cap room to sign the players you seek?

Yes. We currently have about $25 million is cap room and by cutting Henderson and Guion, that will save us an extra $6.75 million.

Do you consider Nix a reach at pick #8?

I had us trading down and taking Nix, not selecting him at 8.

Do you think that the Steelers have any interest in Nix? They are pretty beat up on defense and Kiesel is a FA.

They could but they haven't had a good line in years. They need a tackle extremely bad. They could also use a WR as well.

Do you really think that the CB from Nebraska will last until the 3rd round?

Possibly. Who knows to be honest. After the combine will be a big tell as well. I would say anywhere between rounds 2-3.

Thank you in advance.

You're welcome!

[viking nation]

As you guys can probably tell by now....I enjoy doing these. Granted, my mind will change after the combine but I've been thinking this one over for the past few days. Hope you guys enjoy!!



UFA's Retained

QB- Matt Cassel (Does not opt out of contract)
OG- Joe Berger- 1 year
OT- J'Marcus Webb- 1 year
DT- Fred Evans- 2 years
DT- Kevin Williams- 2 years (fairly cheap)
DE- Everson Griffen- 4 years


RFA's Retained
LB- Larry Dean
CB- Marcus Sherels


Players Released/Cut
DT- Letroy Guion
LB- Erin Henderson


Players Retired
TE- John Carlson


Free Agency


CB- Captain Munnerlyn- 4 years- Munnerlyn is coming off of the best season in his career. He is smaller and is best suited in the slot and will bump Josh Robinson to our #4 CB (because of someone we are taking in the draft). Outside of that, Munnerlyn can do it all. He is a playmaking corner that is very physical for being a smaller guy and is a solid tackler. He has had 10 caused turnovers and 5 sacks in his career.





LB- Arthur Moats- 3 years- Moats was somewhat buried on Buffalo's depth chart but still managed to have a solid season. Moats is a LB that can play inside or outside which is very intriguing. He has also shown flashes of getting to the QB and causing turnovers early in his career. Moats was the one that nearly killed Brett Favre in 2010





LG- Zane Beadles- 3 years- Beadles is currently Peyton's left guard and has been solid throughout his career. He has started 62 out of 64 games in his career. He will be an immediate upgrade over Charlie Johnson.





WR- Brandon Tate- 1 year- Tate is simply a depth signing after letting Simpson and Webb walk. He will be our #5 WR.





2014 NFL Draft


TRADE- The Vikings trade their 1st round pick (8th overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their 1st (15th overall), 3rd round pick, and 2015 5th round pick.


Round 1 (15th) via Pittsburgh

NT- Louis Nix III- Notre Dame- We are able to trade down and still get our guy. Nix will be an immediate starter next to Shariff Floyd and will create one of the best young interior tandems. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcJiW47eHrk





TRADE- The Vikings trade their 2nd round pick (36th overall) and their 4th round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for their 1st round pick (32nd overall)


Round 1 (32nd) via Seattle

QB- Jimmy Garoppolo- Eastern Illinois- Some might not agree trading up for Garoppolo but we have to remember, there are some QB needy teams that will be picking ahead of us in the 2nd that will NOT take a QB in the 1st. Spielman makes this trade in order to jump those teams and assure to get the guy that he wants. Also, this would be something we can afford to do after trading down from our 1st pick and gaining an extra 3rd round pick.

Garoppolo has all the tools to be a franchise QB. He has a lightning quick release, great footwork and is a pure pocket passer. He is also very athletic as well. One thing that scouts knocked him for was his hand size but after the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl, this was quickly shot down and was no longer a worry. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xm-Ezr7E3Y





Round 3

CB- Stanley Jean-Baptiste- Nebraska- Jean-Baptiste is my favorite CB in this draft. I feel like he is tremendously underrated and can be a big time sleeper in this draft. He is a monster CB standing at 6'3 220 lbs. He is a very physical corner that has a lot of play-making ability. I think he can come in and become an immediate starter opposite Xavier Rhodes. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq-FztyrMqQ





Round 3 via Pittsburgh

LB- Telvin Smith- Florida St.- I believe Smith is another big sleeper in this years draft. He has played some MIKE LB but was moved to WILL LB this year. He's an absolute freak athlete with a very high-motor and great leadership skills. I can see him being a stud under Zimmer. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb6YTCFpHjc





Round 3 via Seattle

DE- Chris Smith- Arkansas- Smith has had a good season this year but it has been overlooked because of how bad Arkansas was. He will come in as a rotational DE. Similar to what Everson did this year. The Vikings were talking with him often at the Senior Bowl. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYHjnUJoze8





Round 5

S- Marqueston Huff- Wyoming- Huff's stock has risen somewhat following the Senior Bowl. Huff is a VERY physical safety and was among the nation's leaders in tackles. Huff will come in and give Sanford a run for his money. I think he has a solid chance to become the starter. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TWd7En8-m0





Round 6

RB- James White- Wisconsin- We need a RB to back-up AP. White has the potential to play the "Chester Taylor" role in our offense. He is a solid change of pace RB that was overshadowed by Melvin Gordon all season. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCyp0eqNmU0





Round 7

WR- Cody Hoffman- BYU- Hoffman will come in and compete with guys like Childs, Smith, and Tate for a roster spot. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSGHyipXbtc




....Hope you guys enjoyed the read!!!

I like how you put all this together. I Am not all that sure about resigning Griffen.. The Vikes wanted to resign him in October But he said their offer wasn't in the ball park. & he isn't worth Allen's kind of money & he is looking for something near that he said to be the starting right end... out of 717 snaps Griffen has had only 17 solo tackles this year. I like the draft picks all good players nice picks.

[headless_norseman]

Only one example I know, but it's pretty indicitive of the mocks I've seen over the past week or so.



Minnesota Vikings: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
The Vikings paid Josh Freeman $3 million to find out if he can be their long-term franchise quarterback. That's how desperate they are for one. Christian Ponder isn't the answer, while Matt Cassel, despite playing well at the end of the season, isn't the long-term solution either. Minnesota knows this, as it's been reported that its front office is heavily scouting quarterbacks in this draft class.

Derek Carr can make any throw, but he struggled during the Senior Bowl as well as in his loss to USC in his bowl game. However, reports indicate that teams came away impressed with Carr's maturity. The Vikings met with Carr extensively during the Senior Bowl, so perhaps they'll be desperate enough to pull the trigger at No. 8.


http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php

[CbusVikesFan]

PHP, thanks for the reply. The cap room is much more than I was thinking. I thought we had about 16m total. Nice to know that the Vikings wont be cash strapped and at least be able to sign a high profile FA.
But the question about Nix is specific. I would like to know if you think that Nix would be a reach at pick#8? If we trade back to get him and picks, what's the incentive for the Steelers to actually move up? In other words, who do the Steelers covet to move up 7 spots?

[PurpleHalo]

Yeah I agree Munnerlyn will be way too expensive for a slot guy, you can't pay a 3rd corner that much. He is not that good any ways, got repeatedly burned in 2013. That defensive line covered up a lot of Carolinas deficiencies in the secondary. And he's a midget, not exactly what you want if you are going to play more man up press.

Not keen on trading down and taking a NT either, are we changing to the 3-4? If one of the top 2 QBs fall they have to swoop. But if they do go defense it has to be a MLB or Dennard, they have no great options at MLB which has been a weak link, and secondary outside of Xman is brutal.

[dead_poet]

I don't think we need to break the bank on him. I would say 4 years $16 million or so. Give or take. With the QB's and WR's in this division, I think there is nothing wrong paying him that.

I think that's fair, though I just don't think that's enough to get it done. But maybe his height and the market will drop his value to that price range. I'd be pretty happy if that's how it shook out.

Personally, I think it will be a whole different ball game with Zimmer in control. He's a guy that takes no crap and is about as honest as you can get. If he see's Jean-Baptiste has the capability of starting and being effective, there will be no hesitation. Rookie or not. The good thing about Munnerlyn being capable of playing the outside, is that he could possibly play there until Jean-Bapsiste is "groomed". Granted, being small doesn't help Munnerlyn's cause but if he could do it effectively in Carolina, I'm sure he would still be decent at least here.

I'm still not entirely convinced. I think the physical qualities that the receivers in our division pose are consistently greater than anyone he faced last season during his career year. He'd likely be an upgrade, but he's giving up between five and nine inches to these guys. Unless he's Spudd Webb (or Joe Webb...wait, do you have to be named Webb to jump high?) or allowed to wear pogo stick shoes, that's just a lot to overcome. I suppose I can take some solace in Winfield (5'9), though he never truly "excelled" in coverage, but seemed to hold his own with good technique/awareness.

Just because it happened with Cook doesn't worry me. You never know what can happen. I still question Cook's effort and love for the game. Not to mention his off the field problems.

I don't think his off-the-field problems had much to do with his on-field performance (other than the fact they caused him to miss practices/games that are key for improvement). I'm just cautious. Our track record with DBs isn't great. There's just as much chance the guy bombs as he does excel.

Shields lacks physicality and makes up a lot with his speed. One thing I do like about him is his playmaking ability. I wouldnt be against signing him but I would put Verner and Munnerlyn just in front of him. More of a personal opinion than anything.

It's ticky-tack, but I'd probably put Shields above Munnerlyn. I don't necessarily think he lacks physicality.

Some info on Beadles.....

Zane Beadles has spent his three years starting to improve his craft significantly, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2012 for his work. While he does continue to struggle in relation to his trap game, he's proven to be a solid run blocker and excellent pass blocker. He's a smart player who has adjusted his game to compensate for his weak lateral agility and only average strength. He is also very experienced in the no huddle, possibly one of the best lineman the Broncos have in that regard due to having run if under a variety of quarterbacks and offensive schemes his entire career. Beadles appears to be the long term answer at guard and seems to be still improving.

Some more...

Dud: Left guard Zane Beadles (-5.7) is good out in space but his work in pass protection really leaves a lot to be desired.

Broncos left guard Zane Beadles had a PFF grade of -8.4 from Weeks 1 to 14

Still, I suppose with as bad as Charlie is, Zane might be an upgrade. The bar is pretty low here.

I think that can go both ways too. Look at Trufant and Rhodes who both had solid seasons. Even though Rhodes battled injuries at times and Frazier waited for Robinson to go down Look at guys like Robert Alford (2nd round) and Micah Hyde (5th round). Janoris Jenkins, Casey Heyward (both 2nd rounders) and Brandon Boykin (4th round) last year.

I'm just saying the odds are that rookie corners are more liability than asset in their first season (or two). It's one of the hardest positions to adapt to from college. It's hard for me to feel confident about plugging in/starting a round 2-4 corner and expecting him to hold his own and improve an awful secondary.

But at the same time, it's not his natural position. Nix is a traditional NT, Hageman is more of the traditional 3-tech which we already have in Floyd but has lined up at NT at times.

I don't believe that. You don't need to be 350 pounds to be an effective defensive tackle in an even 4-3 (technically there isn't a "nose tackle"). Hageman has played that position effectively in college. Nix is more of a traditional "nose tackle" in a 3-4 alignment. Both are scheme versatile, though I'd think Nix would be even more appealing to a 3-4 team where his size plays a more important role. Floyd and Hageman could have the potential to be our Fairly/Suh.

Yeah I love doing it. I follow the draft very closely. In the mock I did last year on another forum, I had us taking Rhodes in the 1st and Hodges in the 3rd. The one I did on here last year I had us taking Floyd in the 2nd (before he shot up draft boards) and Hodges in the 4th.

Yeah right. Suuuure you did. Just kidding. When did your premonitions come true? During your "Pre-Combine" or "Post-Combine" Mocks? Or "Day before" or "Full Moon before the third Sunday in February" mock? I need to know which ones to follow the most closely.

[losperros]

As you guys can probably tell by now....I enjoy doing these. Granted, my mind will change after the combine but I've been thinking this one over for the past few days. Hope you guys enjoy!!

And I enjoy reading these. Nice work. Interesting speculation, too. In fact, I've really enjoyed reading this entire thread. Of course, it's making me so freakin' anxious for the draft to come around. Can't wait.

BTW, you're right about the combine. Draft stocks will fall and rise, and no doubt you will change your mind on some things. So will the NFL teams.

So, I guess that means you'll have to do another mock after the combine. Sorry, PHP, but looks as if your work isn't done yet.