2014 Vikings Draft Discussion

[PacificNorseWest]

I think Exum will see the field quite a bit. I feel like those CB picks were to fit certain packages and fill in the depth gaps.

I'm extremely intrigued with their linebackers. I get the feeling that Zimmer really liked a lot of the guys that were already on the roster and given that most were really young/inexperienced, there's things we just haven't seen or don't know yet.

[Mothman]

this is a general question, not Vikings specific, but i thought I'd post it here anyway, where it might get the most views and have the best chance of getting answered.

I heard Mike Mayock refer to many offensive linemen in this draft as players who have "heavy hands" and while that seemed to be a positive, I have no idea what the expression means. What are "heavy hands"?

[Texas Vike]

this is a general question, not Vikings specific, but i thought I'd post it here anyway, where it might get the most views and have the best chance of getting answered.

I heard Mike Mayock refer to many offensive linemen in this draft as players who have "heavy hands" and while that seemed to be a positive, I have no idea what the expression means. What are "heavy hands"?

Yeah, he did use that expression quite a lot. In fact, I don't know that there were any lineman that DIDN"T have heavy hands in his mind, which begs the question--is it just an inherent quality to ALL lineman?

I understood it to mean that they pack a punch with their hands. When they get their mitts on a guy, the defender feels the impact.

[PurpleKoolaid]

I thought I had something to do with holding calls.

[Mothman]

Yeah, he did use that expression quite a lot. In fact, I don't know that there were any lineman that DIDN"T have heavy hands in his mind, which begs the question--is it just an inherent quality to ALL lineman?

I understood it to mean that they pack a punch with their hands. When they get their mitts on a guy, the defender feels the impact.

That makes sense. Thanks!

[Eli]

What's the story behind why David Yankey fell to the 5th round?

[HardcoreVikesFan]

What's the story behind why David Yankey fell to the 5th round?

Over analysis. The 'experts' felt he played too high in pass protection, was a waist bender, and was an 'overrated' run blocker. The scouts in the NFL must have felt the same way.

Lol, I am not complaining. We just got a two time All-American in the fifth round. That never should happen if they don't have character concerns.

[PacificNorseWest]

Yankey probably just one of those guys that just slide for not being overwhelmingly good. All the spots ahead of where he went, teams when with need or with higher ceiling guys and then it got to the point where Yankey's value in the 4th round became too much too pass up for the Vikings. Should be a serviceable pro for awhile. Love that he's versatile.

[Eli]

I also heard somewhere that he was kind of a G/T tweener. Some teams thought he was too tall to play G and would be better at T, but not a good enough T to be a T I guess...

The Vikes just signed a 6'9" guard/tackle in undrafted free agent Matt Hall of Belhaven.

[PurpleMustReign]

that's awesome! maybe he'll play tackle?

Id sign him and put him in the middle of thr fg blocking team.

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[Eagle07]

Hey vikings fans,

I'm a Georgia Southern fan and I have watched (Jmac) for the past few years. As you know the kid is a freak, here is a list of positions he has played the last few years, ( "QB", RB*, PR, KR, S, CB). Notice the quotes on QB as at Georgia Southern we do not have your typical QB position. Also the * by RB because we have multiple RB positions that are in our formations. Jerick excelled at every position he was asked to do, we were decimated on defense during our 2011 season heading into the playoffs and he was asked to play safety after basically playing RB all season. What does he do, just 3 picks in 2 games. He is a monster, I'm not saying he is going to come in and be perfect, but he will learn, and FAST. You're going to be happy with what you got....

Oh and the Florida game where he was chased down, he had a bum ankle....

[Purple bruise]

Hey vikings fans,

I'm a Georgia Southern fan and I have watched (Jmac) for the past few years. As you know the kid is a freak, here is a list of positions he has played the last few years, ( "QB", RB*, PR, KR, S, CB). Notice the quotes on QB as at Georgia Southern we do not have your typical QB position. Also the * by RB because we have multiple RB positions that are in our formations. Jerick excelled at every position he was asked to do, we were decimated on defense during our 2011 season heading into the playoffs and he was asked to play safety after basically playing RB all season. What does he do, just 3 picks in 2 games. He is a monster, I'm not saying he is going to come in and be perfect, but he will learn, and FAST. You're going to be happy with what you got....

Oh and the Florida game where he was chased down, he had a bum ankle....

Welcome to the VMB

The coaches really like him and see a lot of potential with his game. I am happy to have him on board.

[mondry]

Hey vikings fans,

I'm a Georgia Southern fan and I have watched (Jmac) for the past few years. As you know the kid is a freak, here is a list of positions he has played the last few years, ( "QB", RB*, PR, KR, S, CB). Notice the quotes on QB as at Georgia Southern we do not have your typical QB position. Also the * by RB because we have multiple RB positions that are in our formations. Jerick excelled at every position he was asked to do, we were decimated on defense during our 2011 season heading into the playoffs and he was asked to play safety after basically playing RB all season. What does he do, just 3 picks in 2 games. He is a monster, I'm not saying he is going to come in and be perfect, but he will learn, and FAST. You're going to be happy with what you got....

Oh and the Florida game where he was chased down, he had a bum ankle....

Welcome to the board, appreciate the insight.

I actually wondered about that play, I thought "well how does he get caught from behind with that much daylight if he's so "gifted" so that would explain a lot.

[JD_Fiction]

I still don't understand how they pick Jerick Mckinnon over De'Anthony Thomas.

[Eagle07]

I still don't understand how they pick Jerick Mckinnon over De'Anthony Thomas.

Not saying its the reason but McKinnon has about 30lbs on him and isn't afraid to truck somebody. Not saying Thomas wouldn't but 30lbs will prolly help alot on whether you continue to move forward or just get stood up. Also not saying Mckinnon will be running people over either, he's not a big back, but he is very good at taking contact. I think many on your board are correct that he will be used as a sproles like rb, more screen, short passes, etc. May even run a reverse or two with him like patternson