PHP's Final 2020 Mock Offseason

[Pondering Her Percy]

PLEASE READ- this is an updated mock offseason from my previous one. I have updated our free agent signings, Diggs trade, etc. I added in cuts, trades, signings that I still think will happen so make sure not to skip over that section!


This is meant to be fun. I always say, I'm not saying this is what's going to happen. Will it be correct, no. I have hit on a decent number of picks over the years (Tajae Sharpe, Daniel Carlson, Waynes, Patterson, Hodges, Harrison Smith, Floyd, Lee, etc.) but it's next to impossible to ever get these anywhere near correct but I know you guys enjoy the read. I look to assess our current needs as best as I can and keeping it as realistic as possible.

I will say, I do a lot of research on these guys and if you look at my previous mocks, many of the guys I have us selecting may not be making an impact for us but they are making a big impact elsewhere.


REMEMBER ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!!!!





2020 Vikings Free Agents/Cuts/Restructures/Trades


TRADES


***Vikings trade WR- Stefon Diggs, a 2020 7th round pick to the Buffalo Bills for 2020 1st round pick, 5th round pick, 6th round pick and 2021 4th round pick.




PROJECTED- ***Vikings trade LT- Riley Reiff and a 2020 4th round pick to the Washington Redskins for LT- Trent Williams and a 2021 7th round pick




EXTENSIONS

QB- Kirk Cousins- 2 year, saves $10 million

RB- Dalvin Cook- 4 years, $30 million (backloaded, first year is only counting for $5 million) -PROJECTED



RESTRUCTURED


DE- Danielle Hunter



CUTS

CB- Xavier Rhodes- Signed w/ Colts

DT- Linval Joseph- Signed w/ Chargers

RG- Josh Kline- currently unsigned

LG- Pat Elflein- Saves $2.1 million -PROJECTED

DT- Shamar Stephen- Saves $2.3 million -PROJECTED



Restricted Free Agents

FB- CJ Ham- re-signed

LB- Eric Wilson- re-signed



Unrestricted Free Agents



Re-Signed

S- Anthony Harris- Franchise tagged for ~$11 million

G/C- Brett Jones- 1 year

OG- Dakota Dozier- 1 year

OT- Rashod Hill- 1 year

RB- Ameer Abdullah- 1 year

QB- Sean Mannion- 1 year

K- Dan Bailey- 3 years

P- Britton Colquitt- 3 years


Let Walk

DE- Everson Griffen- currently unsigned

CB- Trae Waynes- Signed with Bengals

CB- Mackensie Alexander- Signed with Bengals

DE- Stephen Weatherly- Signed with Panthers

SS- Jayron Kearse- Signed with Lions

SS- Andrew Sendejo- Signed with Browns

WR- Laquon Treadwell- Signed with Falcons

LB- Kentrell Brothers- currently unsigned

TE- David Morgan- currently unsigned

PR- Marcus Sherels- currently unsigned





CONFIRMED

1 tech DT- Michael Pierce- 3 years.




WR- Tajae Sharpe- 1 year




DE- Anthony Zettel- 1 year




LB- DeMarquis Gates- 1 year.




PROJECTED- CB- Darqueze Dennard- 3 years, $12 million. Dennard was recently signed by Jacksonville but the deal fell apart so he remains a FA. Dennard plays primarily the slot and will be a plug and play.




PROJECTED- S- Darian Thompson- 1 year. Thompson gives us some much needed depth at the safety position.











Round 1 (22nd via Buffalo)

WR- Justin Jefferson- LSU

Jefferson is an absolute stud and can operate from anywhere on the field. I was tempted to wait on WR but if Jefferson is sitting here at 22, it’s a no-brainer IMO.

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWubep0BMRI





-------TRADE-------

Vikings trade their 1st round pick (25th) and 6th round pick (206th) to the Tennessee Titans for their 1st round pick (29th) and 3rd round pick (93rd)



Round 1 (29th via Tennessee)

CB- Kristian Fulton- LSU

We actually met with Fulton at the combine so there is some interest there for sure. He seems to really fit Zim’s style when it comes to size and ability.

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ipi0ugIzg




Round 2 (58th)

DE- Curtis Weaver- Boise St.

-Weaver is an exceptional pass rusher and has a get-off that reminds me of Everson Griffen. I’m not 100% sold on throwing Odenigbo into the starting lineup. I think he will start the year but Weaver will quickly have an impact.

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6msU7eXdjLM




-------TRADE-------

Vikings trade their 3rd round pick (89th) to the New England Patriots for their 3rd round pick (98th) and 4th round pick (127th)



Round 3 (93rd via Tennessee)

CB- Damon Arnette- Ohio St.

Arnette had the potential to be a top 20 pick if it wasnt for off the field concerns. By the looks of it he’s going to slide and it could be as far as the 4th round. We decide to jump on him here and really start to revamp our CB group.

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHe9zRYdpWU





Round 3 (98th via New England)

OG- Jonah Jackson- Ohio St.

Jackson might be the best pass blocking guard in the draft. He is also a great scheme fit for this offense.






Round 3 (105th compensatory for Sheldon Richardson)

DT- Jordan Elliott- Missouri

Elliott was the highest grade defensive tackle in the country last year but for whatever reason it looks like he could slip. Huge value pick right here.





Round 4 (125th via New England)

OG- Netane Muti- Fresno St.

Muti is arguably the most powerful guard in this draft. Muti fits this run first scheme and has a legitimate shot to start.





Round 4

TRADED TO WASHINGTON (Trent Williams deal)



Round 5 (168 via Buffalo)

S- Khaleke Hudson- Michigan

-Hudson is a tackling machine that is an excellent blitzer. He fits our scheme very well and will provide good depth and give us a potential starter.





Round 6 (202nd via Buffalo)

QB- Cole McDonald- Hawaii

-McDonald has the arm and athleticism to compete at this level. He would be a good developmental QB to have and learn under Cousins






Round 6

NO SELECTION (Traded to Tennessee in 1st round trade down)




Round 7 (via Miami- Danny Isidora trade)


DE- Alton Robinson- Syracuse

-One of our local boys here in NY. Robinson has all the athletic tools you can ask for. This is the type of ends Zim looks to develop. Robinson is excellent against the run and has great speed and power off the edge. He would be a solid depth piece.





Round 7

NO SELECTION (Traded to Buffalo in Diggs trade)




Round 7 (Compensatory- for Tom Compton)


DT- Khalil Davis- Nebraska

-Davis can rush the passer and we need more of that at the DT position





Round 7 (Compensatory- for Trevor Siemian)

WR- Justin Hill- Mount Union

-Division III school that many might not know about but it is where Pierre Garcon went. Hill tore it up at Mount Union scoring 23 TDs and having over 1,600 yards. A good low risk potential high reward type signing.







Projected 2020 Roster

Bold is free agent signing
Underlined is rookie
Italics is trade

I have 60 players listed but I’m not going to predict who the final 53 are.


OFFENSE- 29

QB- Cousins / Mannion / McDonald / Browning
RB- Cook / Mattison / Boone / Abdullah
FB- Ham
WR1- Thielen / Hill
WR2- Jefferson / Beebe
WR3- Sharpe / Johnson
TE- Rudolph/Smith Jr. / Conklin
LT- Williams / Hill
LG- Jackson / Dozier
C- Bradbury / Jones
RG- Muti / Samia
RT- O’Neill / Udoh / Collins


DEFENSE- 27

DE- Hunter / Robinson
DE- Odenigbo / Weaver / Zettel
3 tech DT- Elliott / Watts / Mata’afa / Holmes / Davis
1 tech DT- Pierce / Johnson
SLB- Barr / Wilson
MLB- Kendricks / Gates
WLB- Gedeon / Smith
CB1- Fulton / Hill
CB2- Hughes / Arnette
SCB- Dennard
FS- Smith/ Hudson
SS- Harris/ Thompson


SPECIAL TEAMS- 4
K- Bailey
P- Colquitt
LS- Cutting
KR- Abdullah
PR- Abdullah


OVERALL: As you guys can see, I added in a few more free agent signings and a few more cuts. Also added in the Trent Williams trade. I think in this situation, we drastically improved areas of weakness. Especially the OL and CB. Definitely have to rely on a lot of rookies in these areas but if we pick them right, we should be just fine. I’m really like the look of this specific OL. The one area of “weakness” still might be 3 tech DT. Jordan Elliott is a stud but we also have a lot of depth at that position and no true starter. Hopefully it would be Elliott. Obviously they arent keeping that many guys at DT but I projected a 60 man roster because I didnt want to have to deal with deciding the final 53.


OFFENSE reflection:

QB- Not much change. Added in McDonald as a developmental QB.

RB/FB- No change

WR- Drafting Jefferson and then adding Hill late, along with the signing of Sharpe definitely improves this area

TE- no change

OT- Trading for Williams will give us arguably the best pass blocking OT tandem in the NFL with O’Neill and Williams.

OG- Jackson and Muti are definitely going to be a gamble but it’s one we NEED to take IMO. Having two holes at guard after the Kline release, I think we can still find two starters in the draft. Outside of Tristan Wirfs, there arent many guards going early but a lot of depth in the middle rounds.

C- No change


DEFENSE:

DE- Weaver and Odenigbo should split reps quite often and one of the two will eventually take over. I can see either one happening. Adding Robinson too gives us a lot of pass rush juice in this group.

DT- As mentioned above, 3 tech we have a ton of options, the most likely being Elliott but it’s all about who steps up and performs. Pierce is going to be locked in at 1 tech and should be a dominant force.

LB- No change

CB- Another giant position of need. Drafting Fulton and Arnette would be huge plus adding Dennard. This went from a giant weakness to a potential strength.

S- Simply added depth here

ST- No change


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

[Maelstrom88]

Great read! Would be very happy with this outcome. Definitely gave me some prospects to look up.

[S197]

Nice job as always PHP.

Jefferson falling to 22 would be surprising but I agree, too enticing to pass up. Interesting you have us grabbing multiple players from the same team, I feel like this has happened in several Spielman drafts (UCLA, Notre Dame, Arkansas, etc), definitely possible.

As someone who has season tickets to Hawaii games, it’s nice to see Cole getting some attention but I don’t think he fits well in this offense. His mobility and size will be intriguing to teams but he takes too many risks for Zimmer’s style IMO.

Stephen would be an interesting cut, I feel like he’s shown more than Jaleel or Holmes but is certainly replaceable.

[StumpHunter]

What about Logan Ryan over Dennard? The guy has been solid everywhere he has played and is coming off a pretty good year.

I think the Vikings look for a vet outside Corner at some point too. Even if it is just to compete with a rookie for the starting spot.

Outside of WR, CB and, OG, the pass rush is the biggest weakness on the team. Good to see you address that early.

[VikingsVictorious]

I appreciate the effort.

On the Draft picks it would be great if we could get those guys, but I see the following as very unlikely.

Fulton at 29 IMO no way. Question is will he be available at 22.
Arnette Late 3rd nope
Elliott is rated 41 on NFL.Com not at 105.
Alton Robinson is rated 56th and you have us getting him in the 7th.

I hope I'm wrong and we get them all.

[J. Kapp 11]

Having looked into Justin Jefferson some more ... nothing would make me happier than being able to draft him at 22 ... even better if we can get him at 29.

To me, Jerry Jeudy is the top WR in the draft, and there's no way he'll be available when we pick. Beyond that, I think people are seeing Lamb's production and Ruggs' insane combine and naturally touting them as the next best receivers in the draft. But I think some consideration needs to be given that Lamb played in the no-defense Big 12 and Ruggs needed a lot of schematic help to get the ball in space (and having Jeudy on the other side of the field sure didn't hurt). Meanwhile, Jefferson has been vastly underrated. He has everything you need ... size at 6-3 1/2, route running in a complex pro offense, adjusting routes on the fly based on coverage, surprisingly good speed at 4.4, ability to make contested catches ... Chris Simms says his tape reminds you of Michael Thomas, and I agree. The only thing he doesn't have is great ability after the catch. He also may need to add some upper body strength, as almost all college receivers do, to beat press coverage against bigger corners.

Jefferson could be a Day 1 starter at WR, which isn't easy to do in the NFL. He'll benefit a lot playing opposite Adam Thielen, who's going to draw a lot of attention and leave any opposite wideout with a lot of single coverage.

[Pondering Her Percy]

I use certain big boards for assistance since I dont directly make my own. My main one is PFF because they dig a lot deeper into analytics, which is something many others pass over.

Fulton at 29 IMO no way. Question is will he be available at 22.

I've seen Fulton mocked anywhere from top 15-20 all the way to mid 2nd round.

Arnette Late 3rd nope

Arnette has a lot of off the field concerns. He's falling no doubt. It's a matter of who wants to take the chance on him. Many mocks are showing 3rd round.

Elliott is rated 41 on NFL.Com not at 105.

Same here. Elliott is rated high on just about every big board I've seen but mocked in the 3rd round or later in every mock I have seen.

Alton Robinson is rated 56th and you have us getting him in the 7th.

Again, you're going off of your one source. Robinson isnt even on PFF's top 150. Different big boards, different opinions.

[Pondering Her Percy]

What about Logan Ryan over Dennard? The guy has been solid everywhere he has played and is coming off a pretty good year.

I think the Vikings look for a vet outside Corner at some point too. Even if it is just to compete with a rookie for the starting spot.

Outside of WR, CB and, OG, the pass rush is the biggest weakness on the team. Good to see you address that early.

I've thought about Ryan recently as well. I went with Dennard simply because of the defense he came from. I think he arrived in Cincy the year Zim left but they were still running the same defense. Plus, with Dennard being a slot CB, he'd come cheaper than Ryan would. Cap is going to be tight w/ Williams deal

[Pondering Her Percy]

What about Logan Ryan over Dennard? The guy has been solid everywhere he has played and is coming off a pretty good year.

I think the Vikings look for a vet outside Corner at some point too. Even if it is just to compete with a rookie for the starting spot.

Outside of WR, CB and, OG, the pass rush is the biggest weakness on the team. Good to see you address that early.

The bengals just released Dre Kirkpatrick today. I would say that’s another one to keep our eye on. Both him and Dennard came from a similar zimmer scheme. Zim actually was there when Kirkpatrick was drafted. The year Dennard was drafted was zims first year in Minnesota. Makes me wonder if kirkpatrick is who Zim was waiting for. After the bengals signed a lot of our guys, it was rumored that Kirkpatrick would be gone. It makes complete sense trying to sign him

[VikingsVictorious]

I use certain big boards for assistance since I dont directly make my own. My main one is PFF because they dig a lot deeper into analytics, which is something many others pass over.

Fulton at 29 IMO no way. Question is will he be available at 22.

I've seen Fulton mocked anywhere from top 15-20 all the way to mid 2nd round.

Arnette Late 3rd nope

Arnette has a lot of off the field concerns. He's falling no doubt. It's a matter of who wants to take the chance on him. Many mocks are showing 3rd round.

Elliott is rated 41 on NFL.Com not at 105.

Same here. Elliott is rated high on just about every big board I've seen but mocked in the 3rd round or later in every mock I have seen.

Alton Robinson is rated 56th and you have us getting him in the 7th.

Again, you're going off of your one source. Robinson isnt even on PFF's top 150. Different big boards, different opinions.

Mistake going off PFF. Their mock draft had the Vikings taking a grand total of 0, Zero, Zilch, Nada Offensive linemen. Time will tell if I'm right, With Arnette and Elliott there is a big difference between going in the third and going in the very late third. If not for compensatory picks 105 is 9 picks into the 4th round. As for Alton Robinson NFL.Com is probably a bit too high on him, but he shouldn't be going after pick 200.

[Pondering Her Percy]

I use certain big boards for assistance since I dont directly make my own. My main one is PFF because they dig a lot deeper into analytics, which is something many others pass over.



I've seen Fulton mocked anywhere from top 15-20 all the way to mid 2nd round.



Arnette has a lot of off the field concerns. He's falling no doubt. It's a matter of who wants to take the chance on him. Many mocks are showing 3rd round.



Same here. Elliott is rated high on just about every big board I've seen but mocked in the 3rd round or later in every mock I have seen.



Again, you're going off of your one source. Robinson isnt even on PFF's top 150. Different big boards, different opinions.

Mistake going off PFF. They're mock draft had the Vikings taking a grand total of 0, Zero, Zilch, Nada Offensive linemen. Time will tell if I'm right, With Arnette and Elliott there is a big difference between going in the third and going in the very late third. If not for compensatory picks 105 is 9 picks into the 4th round. As for Alton Robinson NFL.Com is probably a bit too high on him, but he shouldn't be going after pick 200.

Yes I saw the mock. However, their big board is based quite a bit off of how they graded during the college football season as well. I dont think they have a clue regarding team needs but I do like to take the analytic end of it into consideration

[Texas Vike]

Having looked into Justin Jefferson some more ... nothing would make me happier than being able to draft him at 22 ... even better if we can get him at 29.

To me, Jerry Jeudy is the top WR in the draft, and there's no way he'll be available when we pick. Beyond that, I think people are seeing Lamb's production and Ruggs' insane combine and naturally touting them as the next best receivers in the draft. But I think some consideration needs to be given that Lamb played in the no-defense Big 12 and Ruggs needed a lot of schematic help to get the ball in space (and having Jeudy on the other side of the field sure didn't hurt). Meanwhile, Jefferson has been vastly underrated. He has everything you need ... size at 6-3 1/2, route running in a complex pro offense, adjusting routes on the fly based on coverage, surprisingly good speed at 4.4, ability to make contested catches ... Chris Simms says his tape reminds you of Michael Thomas, and I agree. The only thing he doesn't have is great ability after the catch. He also may need to add some upper body strength, as almost all college receivers do, to beat press coverage against bigger corners.

Jefferson could be a Day 1 starter at WR, which isn't easy to do in the NFL. He'll benefit a lot playing opposite Adam Thielen, who's going to draw a lot of attention and leave any opposite wideout with a lot of single coverage.

I see all that too, but I also see him having success because of all the extreme talent that surrounded him at LSU. Watching his highlight video, what really stands out is Joe Burrow dropping dimes constantly. He was a man among boys.

I like that Jefferson comes from a school that has had a lot of WR prospects prosper in the NFL and that he played in an offense that had him running a wide range of routes (his tree has many branches), but I think it's also worth taking into account that he excelled in college partially because his teammates were simply on another level than their competition, which makes him look better than he might actually be.

You mention Cee Dee Lamb benefiting from playing in the 'no defense' Big 12 (TCU would beg to differ here, BTW. Coach Patterson always has a solid D.) But if you watch Jefferson's highlights, many of them are from their nationally televised games against the Longhorns and then the semi-final game vs. the Sooners. Did he dominate against SEC secondaries too? I don't watch SEC football much, so I'm genuinely curious and unaware and too lazy to look it up haha.

[VikingLord]

I want to thank you again Pondering for your amazing work on your mocks. I always look forward to them and reading your thoughts on the various moves the Vikings might make.

RB- Dalvin Cook- 4 years, $30 million (backloaded, first year is only counting for $5 million) -PROJECTED

I'm skittish on extending Cook. There is no doubt he's a talented runner, but I'm not convinced he can stay healthy at a position with a short shelf life as it is. Plus, I think San Fran showed you don't need uber-talent at RB. It's far more important to have the blocking up front that can enable a consistent running game with less talented and less highly-paid RBs. I think the Patriots likewise have demonstrated that over the years. Cook is not a player I would extend. That money is better allocated to either or both of the lines IMHO.

Round 1 (22nd via Buffalo)

WR- Justin Jefferson- LSU

Jefferson is an absolute stud and can operate from anywhere on the field. I was tempted to wait on WR but if Jefferson is sitting here at 22, it’s a no-brainer IMO.

I'm intrigued by Jefferson but I can't say if this is a good choice at #22 without knowing who else is available. While the Vikings technically have a need to replace Diggs, I think both lines are higher priorities. The OL has gaping holes at both guard positions and the LT position isn't exactly locked down either, while the DL has gaping holes in the middle and is questionable at RDE. All things being equal, if a talented DT, DE, OG, or LT is on the board here along with Jefferson, I'd be more inclined to draft that player than a WR. I can't say Jefferson would be a bad choice here though. It depends on who else is on the board.

Round 1 (29th via Tennessee)

CB- Kristian Fulton- LSU

We actually met with Fulton at the combine so there is some interest there for sure. He seems to really fit Zim’s style when it comes to size and ability.

My feelings on this pick are similar to my feelings on Jefferson at #22. Do the Vikings have an immediate need at CB heading into this season? Yes. Losing 3 vets at the position in a single offseason creates obvious need. Is the draft the best place to meet that immediate need? Maybe. Any rookie CB is likely going to struggle if thrust into a starting role, especially in the NFC North. Further, I'm just not sold on the CBs in this draft. There is a lot of potential in the class, but its a flat class. The various mocks highlight how flat it is. I've seen various names at CB going in the mid-first in some mocks, and the same names going in the mid-second or even third in others. Given how flat the class is, I'm really hoping the Vikings find another talented OL or DL player falling to them with their 2nd 1st round pick. Otherwise I fear they will effectively be tossing a coin at the position hoping the guy they choose can step in and do something immediately. Tough to spend a 1st rounder by effectively talking themselves into it.

Round 2 (58th)

DE- Curtis Weaver- Boise St.

-Weaver is an exceptional pass rusher and has a get-off that reminds me of Everson Griffen. I’m not 100% sold on throwing Odenigbo into the starting lineup. I think he will start the year but Weaver will quickly have an impact.

I like Weaver and he might be good value in the 2nd, but I'm not convinced he has anywhere near the ceiling that Griffen had. Still, he does fit another position of immediate need, so maybe he's a good choice here. But in my view this pick is one to target a CB or a WR.

Round 3 (93rd via Tennessee)

CB- Damon Arnette- Ohio St.

Arnette had the potential to be a top 20 pick if it wasnt for off the field concerns. By the looks of it he’s going to slide and it could be as far as the 4th round. We decide to jump on him here and really start to revamp our CB group.

Boom or bust pick here. I agree with you that Arnette has the ball skills and temperament to justify a 1st round pick, but those character concerns are significant. If he can get it together, he could become a stud in the NFL and to get him in the 3rd would be a steal.

Round 3 (98th via New England)

OG- Jonah Jackson- Ohio St.

Jackson might be the best pass blocking guard in the draft. He is also a great scheme fit for this offense.

I've had this ongoing fantasy that the Vikings get Ben Bartch with this pick. I continue to have that fantasy...

Round 3 (105th compensatory for Sheldon Richardson)

DT- Jordan Elliott- Missouri

Elliott was the highest grade defensive tackle in the country last year but for whatever reason it looks like he could slip. Huge value pick right here.

Elliott is that classic guy who looks the part and sometimes plays the part but you can't count on him for whatever reason. If someone can light a fire under him and get him consistently motivated this is a great pick at this spot in the draft. But I could easily see Elliott just outright cut before his rookie contract expires too.

Round 4 (125th via New England)

OG- Netane Muti- Fresno St.

Muti is arguably the most powerful guard in this draft. Muti fits this run first scheme and has a legitimate shot to start.

Muti has spent the majority of his college career injured it seems. Would be a good pick based on his tape, but I really worry about his ability to stay healthy, especially given the position he plays. Another pick that has great potential if Muti stays healthy.

I'll have to pick this up later.

Your draft does reflect how Spielman seems to approach his drafts in that he likes to swing for the fences in each round. He'll take players with higher upsides even if they have significant question marks, which probably isn't a bad overall strategy and has produced some really good players for the Vikings over the years.

[VikingsVictorious]

I want to thank you again Pondering for your amazing work on your mocks. I always look forward to them and reading your thoughts on the various moves the Vikings might make.

RB- Dalvin Cook- 4 years, $30 million (backloaded, first year is only counting for $5 million) -PROJECTED

I'm skittish on extending Cook. There is no doubt he's a talented runner, but I'm not convinced he can stay healthy at a position with a short shelf life as it is. Plus, I think San Fran showed you don't need uber-talent at RB. It's far more important to have the blocking up front that can enable a consistent running game with less talented and less highly-paid RBs. I think the Patriots likewise have demonstrated that over the years. Cook is not a player I would extend. That money is better allocated to either or both of the lines IMHO.

Round 1 (22nd via Buffalo)

WR- Justin Jefferson- LSU

Jefferson is an absolute stud and can operate from anywhere on the field. I was tempted to wait on WR but if Jefferson is sitting here at 22, it’s a no-brainer IMO.

I'm intrigued by Jefferson but I can't say if this is a good choice at #22 without knowing who else is available. While the Vikings technically have a need to replace Diggs, I think both lines are higher priorities. The OL has gaping holes at both guard positions and the LT position isn't exactly locked down either, while the DL has gaping holes in the middle and is questionable at RDE. All things being equal, if a talented DT, DE, OG, or LT is on the board here along with Jefferson, I'd be more inclined to draft that player than a WR. I can't say Jefferson would be a bad choice here though. It depends on who else is on the board.

Round 1 (29th via Tennessee)

CB- Kristian Fulton- LSU

We actually met with Fulton at the combine so there is some interest there for sure. He seems to really fit Zim’s style when it comes to size and ability.

My feelings on this pick are similar to my feelings on Jefferson at #22. Do the Vikings have an immediate need at CB heading into this season? Yes. Losing 3 vets at the position in a single offseason creates obvious need. Is the draft the best place to meet that immediate need? Maybe. Any rookie CB is likely going to struggle if thrust into a starting role, especially in the NFC North. Further, I'm just not sold on the CBs in this draft. There is a lot of potential in the class, but its a flat class. The various mocks highlight how flat it is. I've seen various names at CB going in the mid-first in some mocks, and the same names going in the mid-second or even third in others. Given how flat the class is, I'm really hoping the Vikings find another talented OL or DL player falling to them with their 2nd 1st round pick. Otherwise I fear they will effectively be tossing a coin at the position hoping the guy they choose can step in and do something immediately. Tough to spend a 1st rounder by effectively talking themselves into it.

Round 2 (58th)

DE- Curtis Weaver- Boise St.

-Weaver is an exceptional pass rusher and has a get-off that reminds me of Everson Griffen. I’m not 100% sold on throwing Odenigbo into the starting lineup. I think he will start the year but Weaver will quickly have an impact.

I like Weaver and he might be good value in the 2nd, but I'm not convinced he has anywhere near the ceiling that Griffen had. Still, he does fit another position of immediate need, so maybe he's a good choice here. But in my view this pick is one to target a CB or a WR.

Round 3 (93rd via Tennessee)

CB- Damon Arnette- Ohio St.

Arnette had the potential to be a top 20 pick if it wasnt for off the field concerns. By the looks of it he’s going to slide and it could be as far as the 4th round. We decide to jump on him here and really start to revamp our CB group.

Boom or bust pick here. I agree with you that Arnette has the ball skills and temperament to justify a 1st round pick, but those character concerns are significant. If he can get it together, he could become a stud in the NFL and to get him in the 3rd would be a steal.

Round 3 (98th via New England)

OG- Jonah Jackson- Ohio St.

Jackson might be the best pass blocking guard in the draft. He is also a great scheme fit for this offense.

I've had this ongoing fantasy that the Vikings get Ben Bartch with this pick. I continue to have that fantasy...

Round 3 (105th compensatory for Sheldon Richardson)

DT- Jordan Elliott- Missouri

Elliott was the highest grade defensive tackle in the country last year but for whatever reason it looks like he could slip. Huge value pick right here.

Elliott is that classic guy who looks the part and sometimes plays the part but you can't count on him for whatever reason. If someone can light a fire under him and get him consistently motivated this is a great pick at this spot in the draft. But I could easily see Elliott just outright cut before his rookie contract expires too.

Round 4 (125th via New England)

OG- Netane Muti- Fresno St.

Muti is arguably the most powerful guard in this draft. Muti fits this run first scheme and has a legitimate shot to start.

Muti has spent the majority of his college career injured it seems. Would be a good pick based on his tape, but I really worry about his ability to stay healthy, especially given the position he plays. Another pick that has great potential if Muti stays healthy.

I'll have to pick this up later.

Your draft does reflect how Spielman seems to approach his drafts in that he likes to swing for the fences in each round. He'll take players with higher upsides even if they have significant question marks, which probably isn't a bad overall strategy and has produced some really good players for the Vikings over the years.

Who is actually better? Jackson or Bartch? Elliott that late is a gift. Don't look it in the mouth.

[VikingLord]

Who is actually better? Jackson or Bartch? Elliott that late is a gift. Don't look it in the mouth.

That's hard to say. Here are the https://www.walterfootball.com/draft2020OG.php takes on both:

Ben Bartch, G, St. John's
Height: 6-5. Weight: 308. Arm: 33. Hand: 9.13.

The Senior Bowl has done a great job of identifying small-school offensive linemen who have the skill sets to play in the NFL and giving them an opportunity to show they can compete with the better competition of Power Five football players. Bartch kept that tradition alive, as he competed well in Mobile. Bartch has good size, and showed that he could hold his own against the speed, size and athleticism of the all-star defensive linemen. The Senior Bowl definitely helped Bartch, and he looks like he has the potential to start out his NFL career as a backup before working his way into becoming a starter.

Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 306. Arm: 32.88. Hand:10.

Jackson was decent for Ohio State in 2019, although he had some penalty issues against Cincinnati. Team sources are lukewarm on him and all of the Ohio State offensive linemen for the NFL. Jackson did not impress at the Senior Bowl and showed that he has very short arms.

Jackson is a Rutgers transfer who should help an Ohio State line that lost a lot of experience to the 2019 NFL Draft. Jackson received some Big Ten honors before deciding to transfer for his senior year. Jackson played mostly guard at Rutgers but also took some snaps at center. That versatility and experience could help him to rise as a senior.

That site has Bartch ranked as the 7th best guard prospect, and Jackson as the 12th best (out of 25 total guard prospects).

Bartch played at a small school and didn't get the national exposure that Jackson has gotten playing for Ohio State, so he's kind of flown under the radar, but it sounds like he stepped up at the Senior Bowl, while Jackson regressed a bit. Of the two, I'd say Bartch has the higher ceiling as well provided he gets good coaching, which I think the Vikings could give him. Of course, it's impossible to say which will be a better pro, but I get the sense that Bartch is going to develop into a Matt Birk-like pro. It might not happen right away, but give it a season or two and I think he's a reliable, maybe even impact, starter.

I'll take your word on Elliot.