If we take a WR at #11, I'm sure it will be with the intention of that player starting this year. Sure, Wright has shown some flashes and Johnson played well down the stretch, but if we take a WR that high we have to be reasonably confidant it will be our #2 guy behind Wallace. If Wright and Johnson play lights out in training camp and the preseason and keep our first round pick off the field, that's one thing, but i doubt that happens.dead_poet wrote: 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.
My prediction as of right now is Beasley. He might not be rated that high by the media, but neither was Barr. If we feel that we can make him fit our defense, then he's a Spielman guy. When asked about taking Patterson and Barr the last two years, Spielman said something along the lines of not passing up those physical freaks, because they are so hard to find. Beasley is both a freak and a productive college player, much like Barr. Now, he might be too similar to Barr, in which case we might pass, but if Zimmer and Spielman come to the conclusion that both can be on the field much of the time, I think he's the pick. If he's not there, then I think we trade down. As much as I love the idea of Sherff, I assume the Vikings have a plan for LG, either by waiting to see if someone is cut, or by addressing it later in the draft, or possibly if they think Yankey is ready.