Printable View
I'm surprised that no one has yet considered the possibility of moving DOWN with one of those 1st-rounders, into the 2nd. We could still grab a good WR prospect there, plus pick up some extra picks to boot.
I have no idea who potential trade partners might be, but surely someone would consider it.
That would be an option if the team didn't need so much. Right now we still need at least 1 WR, a starting MLB, a starting CB (unless we resign Winfield, because Cook and Jefferson starting is a joke)Quote:
Originally Posted by Traveling_Vike
We also need depth at many positions which is something we can do in the later rounds. DT is also high on the priority list IMO. I think the Vikes will keep both 1st rd picks and take a WR and either a LB/CB with the 2 picks. Then in the 2nd rd they will take a DT/LB/CB whichever one they don't select with one of the 1st rd picks. Then I think we take another WR in a later round. Should be interesting, and I hope they get it right.
Curb your tongue Knave! ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by NodakPaul
Larry Fitzgerald. As long as we're dreaming...
You all know he needs to play for us sometime.
Let's not wait until he needs a Rascal. Cardinals are in rebuilding mode. Put the man in PURPLE where he belongs!
It is written, so let it be done. Amen.
With all the draft picks Spielman has, he does have the ability to trade & move up. Only thing preventing him from doing so is if the teams ahead of us aren't willing to trade.Quote:
Originally Posted by jmcdon00
Keenan Allen clocks 4.71 in 40; Mayock doesn't 'care' - NFL.com
Quote:
The Cal wide receiver was clocked by NFL Network's Mike Mayock at 4.71 and 4.75 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Allen's pro day Tuesday, confirming that blazing speed is not a quality he offers.
Won't help his draft status, but probably misleading with his knee still healing. May slip to end of first or into second though?Quote:
"Three months ago, I said -- if you watch this kid on tape -- if you like him, he's Anquan Boldin. If you don't like him, he's speed-deficient. So I don't really care what he runs in the 40. On tape, to me, he's a 4.55 guy all day long."
Just curious about who you think is worth moving up for ?Quote:
Originally Posted by singersp
Keenan Allen just had a pro day and ran a 4.71 & 4.74. I would much rather have Hunter OR Woods. I think many are passing up Woods, he is a very good route runner and a hands type WR.Quote:
Originally Posted by VikesfaninWis
The groupings have changed now. If you want Austin you need to be in the top 16. If you want Patterson you had better be in the top 12. Allen's forty puts him in the second round IMO and Hunter's measurables are moving him up. Don't be suprised to see Hunter go in the back end of the first round now.Quote:
Originally Posted by tastywaves
Minnesota Vikings Draft: Arif's Vikings-specific Big Board
Argument for horizontal vs. vertical stretching. Another key point is selecting a WR that is ready to contribute instantly for Ponder's sake.Quote:
So, while the Vikings have been striving to grab a deep threat that can stretch the field at the split end spot, it's actually much more important to find receivers that can ensure the ball finds itself in the hands of Vikings instead of the opposition.
For that, the most important qualities won't be deep speed, but the ability to create large passing windows for Ponder, generating separation and maintaining possession. Receivers that operate well in a timing-oriented offense are critical because the Vikings value receptions more than a chance at big-play potential-gaining first-downs is critically important in a ball management offense.
Stretching out the defense horizontally creates more running room for Adrian Peterson, and there's a good reason that it does better for the running game than stretching a defense out downfield: it creates more difficult pursuit and tackling angles for the defense and is generally much harder to adapt to than downfield passing threats (rolling a safety over doesn't help against a receiver who masters timing and route-running, but it does against a speedy receiver).
There's some statistical support behind this approach. Big plays don't correlate nearly as well to wins as simply being successful on a passing down. In fact, at the Colts' SB Nation site—Stampede Blue—they ran a number of statistics and found that general drive success rate (the ability to get first downs) was the single best determinant of winning teams.
That doesn't mean that the Vikings don't need players who will be open deep, but that deep passing will be part of the playbook dealing with "constraint" plays and not part of the base offense. Chris Brown of Smart Football describes the constraint theory of offense, which Bill Walsh was a big advocate of:
More accomplished route runners with a wide catch radius may get more consideration (Allen, Hopkins, Woods,..) if that is on the FO's mind.Quote:
Finally, evaluating Christian Ponder is a top priority. If the receiver is not ready to contribute right away, then there's not much they can do to help the front office evaluate Christian Ponder. It will be difficult to find a receiver who can do that. In the past ten years, the top 64 picks have produced 14 receivers who have had over 800 yards from scrimmage in their rookie year (out of 79 who played in games). Of those, only four chosen between pick 23 and 52 produced 800 yards (out of 36 who played games). This doesn't include those who haven't made an impact in games, like A.J. Jenkins.