2014 Vikings Draft Discussion

[Mothman]

I think it would be a mistake for the Vikings to go into this draft with the mindset that they will draft a QB at #8 or with the mindset that they will draft a defensive player at that spot. They should draft the highest-rated player on their board, within reason (for example, it obviously wouldn't make much sense to draft a left tackle). At that point in the draft, there are always extremely talented players available. Missing out on one that could become a key piece to the team's future just because they've already decided to address a particular need or position would be a mistake.

If the player who can help them most (over time, not just in 2014) is a QB, draft him If it's an MLB, draft him. Just draft talent first. Need is a secondary concern at that point in the draft.

[Husker Vike]

I agree, we have so many holes to fill that best available player is the way to go,our defense is in need of a nearly complete overhaul.

[PurpleKoolaid]

I think it would be a mistake for the Vikings to go into this draft with the mindset that they will draft a QB at #8 or with the mindset that they will draft a defensive player at that spot. They should draft the highest-rated player on their board, within reason (for example, it obviously wouldn't make much sense to draft a left tackle). At that point in the draft, there are always extremely talented players available. Missing out on one that could become a key piece to the team's future just because they've already decided to address a particular need or position would be a mistake.

If the player who can help them most (over time, not just in 2014) is a QB, draft him If it's an MLB, draft him. Just draft talent first. Need is a secondary concern at that point in the draft.

I am kind of torn with this. Even at the position we don't need that BPA like maybe LT. But imo, we don't need LB. We needs system that can coach and use all the ones we have. What we do need is Nix, err a NT. Badly. And a CB, just as much. So if a safety or DE come up as BPA do we take them? PLus who is Zimmer going to bring with him (if he is our new HC). I swear he ran a 3-4 for more then just 1-2 years, but what if he does in fact, switch to the 3-4? That would really throw a wrench in BPA.

Plus, If Rickie can do something right, and work some magic and get Teddy with the first pick, that will change the rest of the draft to need. But then the games at the TCM maybe in fact maybe get into shape seasons, and see what we got. I hope to god whoever we get, can figure out what to do with the 8 man fronts and their continuous run blitzing by the D's we face.

[SkyFire]

Just curious, if we don't draft a QB in the first round, what should we do with our QB situation? Do we stick with Cassel for another year, do we pick a QB up from the free agency, or do we draft a QB in the later rounds of the draft?

[Mothman]

Just curious, if we don't draft a QB in the first round, what should we do with our QB situation? Do we stick with Cassel for another year, do we pick a QB up from the free agency, or do we draft a QB in the later rounds of the draft?

Yes.

In other words, they should explore all of their options.

[PA VIKE]

What about the idea of trading down out of the #8 spot to late in the first round and pick up one or more additional high picks (2nd/3rd's). Then try to trade that late first round pick for a first round in 2015 along with more 2014 2nd/3rd pick (s). Given we have so many holes on defense, use those accumulated picks this year to fill some glaring holes, and perhaps pick up a 2nd tier qb who has dropped in the draft .

Go into 2015 draft with 2 first round picks, to provide ammo to move up and grab a "lower risk/top tier" QB like Mariota, Hundley, Winston.......based on how their seasons play out next year .

This could cost us another year of mediocrity (or worse) but since we need to build the D anyway, we are clearly more than a year or two away from really being in the SB hunt....and of course need a top 10 QB to get us there. thoughts?

[Pondering Her Percy]

Our defense is in need of a nearly complete overhaul.

We have needs but I wouldn't go that far.....


Positions we are set at (starter wise):

Defensive End- Brian Robison and Everson Griffen (I imagine he will be re-signed)
3-tech Defensive Tackle- Shariff Floyd
SAM Linebacker- Chad Greenway (Had a somewhat down year. He did play with a broken wrist for a lot of the season. Either way he is still a decent starter)
1 out of 2 Outside CB's- Xavier Rhodes
Free Safety- Harrison Smith


Positions we have possible in-house replacements at (Based on who we get for a coach and what he can make of some of these guys):

MIKE Linebacker- Audie Cole or Mike Mauti
WILL Linebacker- Gerald Hodges or possibly Mike Mauti
Strong Safety- Jamarca Sanford, Andrew Sendejo, or even Mistral Raymond
Slot Cornerback- Josh Robinson (I would give him another year in a new system)


Positions of immediate need:

-Nose Tackle
-Defensive End depth (Obviously a starter if we don't re-sign Griffen)
-Linebacker (at least 1, possibly more)
-Outside Cornerback (someone to start opposite of Rhodes)



.....I believe we have more pieces in place than many think. Granted, our defense is much weaker than our offense right now but I don't think we need to do a complete "over-haul" whatsoever. Especially if we land a coach like Zimmer than knows how to make the most out of his players and runs a MUCH better system than Leslie's out-dated Tampa 2.

[Demi]

Naming every guy we have as backups as "in house replacements"? Right now, from what we've actually seen. We need a couple linebackers, a couple defensive linemen, a safety, and another starting corner. That's half the defense. That's currently manned with no name special teamers. So major overhaul sounds about right...

[Pondering Her Percy]

Naming every guy we have as backups as "in house replacements"? Right now, from what we've actually seen. We need a couple linebackers, a couple defensive linemen, a safety, and another starting corner. That's half the defense. That's currently manned with no name special teamers. So major overhaul sounds about right...

Do you really think Mauti, Hodges or Cole (who actually played pretty solid) couldn't start for us?? Especially under a guy like Zimmer?? And as for safety and slot CB, some are current starters, not backups.

And if you read close enough, I was referring to who is starting in what spots. I wasn't focusing as much on depth. Every team can use depth. I'm referring to starters and in turn, I'm not sure why we need a "couple" defensive lineman?? Assuming we re-sign Griffen, that would give us 3 out of 4 defensive line starters (Griffen, Floyd, and Robison). I don't see safety as THAT big of a need. Sanford is a halfway decent starter. As for LB, that's why I said AT LEAST 1. Either way, I also believe there is AT LEAST 1 starter within the group of Cole/Mauti/Hodges as well.

There are some needs on defense, but some are acting like we need to clear house and start from scratch. I'm simply saying, we have more in place than some think. I also think that many will be surprised with what a new coach can do (I'm banking on Zimmer here). A guy that knows how to properly utilize his players and makes the most out what he has. Also, I think you will be surprised with what a new scheme can do as well. The article that Texas Vike posted in the coaching thread explains the same thing.

[Demi]

Do you really think Mauti, Hodges or Cole (who actually played pretty solid) couldn't start for us??

Why should I think they could? They have about 2 NFL starts between the three of them. They were mid to late round picks. And I haven't heard anything to make me think they could.

I'm referring to starters and in turn, I'm not sure why we need a "couple" defensive lineman?? Assuming we re-sign Griffen

Either way, I also believe there is AT LEAST 1 starter within the group of Cole/Mauti/Hodges as well.

Ok, now we're assuming? Assume we resign two while you're at it. And we don't need anyone on the dline. Hell assume we fill every defensive need in free agency and the draft and our current roster and we're set!

I guess I see now why you don't think we need an overhaul...a lot of assuming and believing. Not a lick of knowing...

I know we have one linebacker with any real experience. Two dline under contract that are capable of starting. One good safety, and one special teams level backup quality who blows angles and misses tackles way too often. And one starter at corner and a bunch of below average backups. Could one of the three linebackers pan out? Sure. All three could fail to pan out just as easily. Regardless of who's coaching them...

[PurpleHalo]

Me too.

Smokescreen!

Why would Houston have to smokescreen? They have the first pick.

[PurpleHalo]

[Slick Rick]

With the 2nd pick.... In the 2014 NFL Draft.... The Minnesota Vikings select.... Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M.

[PacificNorseWest]

Why would Houston have to smokescreen? They have the first pick.

I don't have an answer to that.

[VikingLord]

With the 2nd pick.... In the 2014 NFL Draft.... The Minnesota Vikings select.... Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M.

While I think it's likely the Rams will trade out of that 2nd spot, I just don't know if I want the Vikings to be the team on the other side of that trade. It would cost them at least their first pick of the 3rd and their 1st pick of the 2015 draft to move up to that spot, and it could cost even more than that if there is competition for that pick. As much as I like Manziel, he's not a sure thing. Also, do the Vikes move up that high and pass on a guy like Clowney who could be a once-in-a-decade prospect at DE? While Clowney has his issues, there is no question he could bring terror from the DE spot, and great pass rushers are almost as hard to find as great LT's and great QB's.

I think Spielman needs to take care of QB before the draft even starts. He needs to find a vet, be that Cassel or someone else, who he feels can be a viable, competent starter next year. With that nailed down, go into the draft with a clear idea of Plans A, B, and C at QB in the draft. Maybe he does want to move up to get Manziel. If so, how much is he willing to give up and how high can he go with it? If he can't move up and the QB he likes isn't on the board at #8, what are his moves? IMHO, there is no QB outside of Bridgewater and Manziel worth #8. So what is Rick's plan in that case? Does he target a guy in Round 2? Try to get back into late Round 1 to get a guy? Or maybe sit tight into Round 3 and hope a guy like Murray drops into his lap?

If Spielman does feel the need to move up, he's taking a big risk even for him. He's doubling down at QB after he already took a big risk with Ponder at #12. If he hits on the bet it could pay off big, but if he misses he surely won't survive that, plus he'll hamstring the new coaching staff. I'll keep my fingers crossed that Spielman has learned his lesson and is willing to be patient, even if that means Cassel ends up the starter next year.