Who do we draft?

[Mothman]

All things considered, I'm starting to wonder if it would be a mistake to go through the first few rounds of this RB-loaded draft class without drafting a running back. I'm sure doing so would tick people off but there's some fantastic talent at the position this year. I'd love to see Tevin Coleman in Vikings purple next year and for many years to come. I think he'd be a great fit.

[dead_poet]

All things considered, I'm starting to wonder if it would be a mistake to go through the first few rounds of this RB-loaded draft class without drafting a running back. I'm sure doing so would tick people off but there's some fantastic talent at the position this year. I'd love to see Tevin Coleman in Vikings purple next year and for many years to come. I think he'd be a great fit.

If Peterson returns in Purple, does that change your opinion? It doesn't for me, because I think even if he's back this year at his current contract, I don't know if he'll be here next season, nor how the next class will shape out (though Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry Devontae Booker and James Conner are names to watch). I've been a fan of Coleman the more I watch of him.

Via Lance Zierlein:

Indiana RB Tevin Coleman's "violent running style is a joy to watch, but might have to be tempered to extend his career. "He is a 'race car in the red' on just about every snap and refuses to give in, which leads to many big runs. Zone, gap, power ... it doesn't really matter because Coleman can fit all schemes. Has the burst and top-end speed to be a game-changing running back for a team looking for a workhorse."

Sound like anyone we know?

[Mothman]

If Peterson returns in Purple, does that change your opinion? It doesn't for me, because I think even if he's back this year at his current contract, I don't know if he'll be here next season, nor how the next class will shape out (though Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry Devontae Booker and James Conner are names to watch). I've been a fan of Coleman the more I watch of him.

We're of the same mind on this. If Peterson returns that wouldn't change my opinion at all. I just love Coleman's game.

Via Lance Zierlein:
Sound like anyone we know?

It sure does and I want him to be a Viking in 2015!

[frosted]

All things considered, I'm starting to wonder if it would be a mistake to go through the first few rounds of this RB-loaded draft class without drafting a running back. I'm sure doing so would tick people off but there's some fantastic talent at the position this year. I'd love to see Tevin Coleman in Vikings purple next year and for many years to come. I think he'd be a great fit.

Agreed, Coleman will better pro than Gordon IMO. He's a nice player.


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[Mothman]

Dead_poet, thanks for the 'heads up" about Kevin Johnson. here's a little more about him:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/play ... in-johnson

Wake Forest doesn't produce NFL prospects with the consistency of ACC peers Clemson, Miami or Florida State.
Perhaps that is the reason Johnson has largely been allowed to slip under the national radar despite his 41 career starts and four years of all-conference recognition. Johnson is hardly an unknown among scouts, however, who are excited about his combination of length, agility and ball-skills.

Johnson is a fluid athlete with the change of direction and acceleration to excel in man coverage. He possesses the awareness and closing speed to handle zone, as well, but he isn't a big hitter. Johnson's lanky frame is a bit of a concern, especially given that he's already worked hard to maximize it.

He signed with Wake Forest weighing just 154 pounds and has gained 20 pounds of muscle since. It is worth noting that Johnson has never missed a game due to injury.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/ ... id=2552261

It sounds like the way teams perceive his physical limitations could influence where he goes but it also sounds like he's an impressive player.

[dead_poet]

Dead_poet, thanks for the 'heads up" about Kevin Johnson. here's a little more about him:It sounds like the way teams perceive his physical limitations could influence where he goes but it also sounds like he's an impressive player.

Those "physical limitations" somehow allowed him to log the fastest short shuttle time (3.89) and the fifth-fastest three-cone time (6.89) among corners. But I know what you meant.

Recently ESPN's Kevin Weidl wrote that Johnson "has the cleanest pure movement skills of any cornerback in the class."

"He is loose in the hips and shows excellent flexibility in his lower half that provides him with quality mirror capabilities in man coverage," Weidl wrote. "In addition, Johnson displays strong field awareness, recognizing route concepts, and flashes the anticipation skills to manufacture big plays. At 6-foot and 188 pounds, he has a lean frame and needs to continue to add bulk. However, he is willing to step up in run support, and plays with the type of confident edge you like to see at the position."

He also added:

"Johnson is reminiscent of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie both from a build and skill-set standpoint. He's a tall cornerback (6-foot-1) who is loose in his hips and has excellent flexibility in his lower half. The result is that he has the most natural man coverage skills in this year's class. Johnson also displays strong eyes, anticipation and recognition skills to find and make a play on the ball. Johnson does have a lean frame and needs to continue to add bulk in order to improve strength both in contested situations against bigger receivers and in run support. However, he plays with an edge and is not afraid to throw his weight around."

Per College Football 24/7 writer Bryan Fischer:

"He's not the biggest prospect out there, but he's got the right frame for the job and really developed during his time with the Demon Deacons. Given his athleticism, he's just scratching the surface and could infuse some youth into the New England secondary while playing early in the slot."

Mel Kiper has said he could go in the first while ESPN's Steve Muench believes Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson "could go in the top 15", though I think that's a bit high.

"Those times are impressive considering that taller players generally don't fare as well in these drills, and Johnson measured 6-0. Plus, he posted excellent broad and vertical jump numbers. His cover skills graded out as outstanding and he has above-average instincts when you throw on the tape."

A scout told the Milwaukee Sentinel:

"Somebody's got to go and if it's going to be anybody it's probably going to be him because he's the most steady. I'd really have a hard time taking any corner in the first round. Very good technique, awareness, instinct, ball skills. All that good stuff. But he's not a burner and he's thin. Just a good, solid, all-around corner."

At his pro day NFL.com's Gil Brant noted that "Johnson did go through positional drills and looked very good doing so."

I also found this nugget by Louis Riddick after he watched some film of Johnson, whose opinion I value more highly than most:

Wake CB Kevin Johnson's technique is about as good as it gets. That was fun to watch. Rookie year starter skills in any scheme u want him to play. Johnson's movement patterns and COD/explosion metrics are second to none.

He had seven interceptions last year. I'd be thrilled if we landed him in round 2.

[Mothman]

Those "physical limitations" somehow allowed him to log the fastest short shuttle time (3.89) and the fifth-fastest three-cone time (6.89) among corners. But I know what you meant.

Recently ESPN's Kevin Weidl wrote that Johnson "has the cleanest pure movement skills of any cornerback in the class."
He also added:
Per College Football 24/7 writer Bryan Fischer:
Mel Kiper has said he could go in the first while ESPN's Steve Muench believes Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson "could go in the top 15", though I think that's a bit high.
A scout told the Milwaukee Sentinel:
At his pro day NFL.com's Gil Brant noted that "Johnson did go through positional drills and looked very good doing so."

I also found this nugget by Louis Riddick after he watched some film of Johnson, whose opinion I value more highly than most:
He had seven interceptions last year. I'd be thrilled if we landed him in round 2.

His skills and athleticism sound great but I think the big question is how he'll hold up physically against big NFL receivers and in run support and I'm guessing how teams view that aspect of his game will play a big part in determining where he's selected. he's definitely an intriguing player and I have to believe the Vikes will take a close look at him.

Does anybody know if Zimmer has a "type" when it comes to corners?

[dead_poet]

Does anybody know if Zimmer has a "type" when it comes to corners?

Hasan looked at that a bit: http://vikingsjournal.com/_/minnesota-v ... ndary-r435

Unlike linebacker, where clear patterns emerged immediately, the model for defensive backs are not quite as consistent.

The cornerbacks have a few exceptions to any model that would fit a majority of their player transactions and they do not seem to mind taking on safeties who fall behind their peers athletically.

For corners, the Vikings apparently want a fast 40-yard dash (4.45 or better, is the supposed benchmark) and good jumps (a combined score of 157 inches in the two jump events), though in this case it may not be hard-and-fast. The Vikings grabbed a fast (4.25 speed) corner in DeMarcus Van ****, and he had 154.5 combined inches in the vertical and broad jump and Josh Cooper failed both tests. Jabari Price also didn’t meet the jump requirements.

The cornerbacks who meet those athletic requirements are D’Joun Smith of Florida Atlantic, Craig Mager of Texas State, Charles Gaines of Louisville, Ronald Darby of Florida State, Trae Waynes of Michigan State and Jalen Collins of LSU.

I assume Johnson didn't make the cut here based on his 4.52 40-yard dash.

[DK Sweets]

Does anybody know if Zimmer has a "type" when it comes to corners?

From what I understand, he likes good ones.

[Mothman]

From what I understand, he likes good ones.

Wow! Just like me...

Thanks for the link to that Hasan article, Dead–Poet.

[720pete]

Honestly is LB or WR really more of a good pick than OL in your guy's opinion? Sure it depends on who is available when we get on the board but if I had to choose between LB or WR versus keeping our young TB upright a few more times this year, I would pick the latter.

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[dead_poet]

More Kevin Johnson love. I'm starting not to like it because I'm having a hard time seeing him get out of the first round anymore.

http://www.footballsavages.com/kevin-jo ... undersold/

[dead_poet]

Per Evan Silva:

#Vikings often mocked 1st-round WRs. I'll bet that doesn't happen considering how high on this guy Norv Turner is [Charles Johnson]

IMO that's placing quite a bit of faith on a former 7th-rounder/practice squad guy but it's an interesting perspective nonetheless.

Josh Norris' latest mock: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/5 ... mock-draft

11. Minnesota Vikings - CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State - There was a report that Waynes dealt with cramps or a leg injury, which led to poor change of direction drills at the Combine. Waynes has makeup speed, but my question is the separation he allows on breaks. Mike Zimmer has a history of being connected to defenses that invest picks and/or money in corners.

[dead_poet]

Kevin White - WR - Player

After studying West Virginia WR Kevin White's college tape, NFL Films' Greg Cosell came away believing White's game and build were "reminiscent" of Terrell Owens.

"That kind of sort of big, powerful, fast guy," observed Cosell. "White is big and explosive. I mean I think he was about 6-foot-2 1/2, 215. He's a quick-twitch explosive athlete for a kid that size. And he looks physical playing. When you see him on film, he just looks powerful and strong. And he has that explosive burst to him for a big wideout. He was very strong run after catch." Cosell suggested White might best fit in a "Don Coryell" type vertical offense. You can listen to Cosell's take on this year's wide receiver class at the link below.
Source: Ross Tucker Podcast

---
Jaelen Strong - WR - Player
After watching Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong's college tape, NFL Films' Greg Cosell believes Strong doesn't maximize his speed because he is an unrefined route runner.

Draftniks were shocked when Strong ran 4.44 at the Combine; he doesn't play that fast. Cosell believes this can be fixed. "He's a kid that needs to tighten his route running quite a bit," said Cosell. "Lot of wasted motion in his route running, which prevents him from maximizing his speed. My guess is that can be taught." Cosell praised Strong for "very, very good body control" and his ability to win contested catches. Strong is a polarizing prospect, but should be a top-50 pick.
Source: Ross Tucker Podcast

---
DeVante Parker - WR - Player

Based on tape study, NFL Films' Greg Cosell envisions Louisville WR DeVante Parker as a "complementary" Michael Crabtree-type receiver in the pros, as opposed to a true No. 1 wideout.

Cosell believes Parker is "not really vertically explosive" and more of a "short-to-intermediate receiver" who presumably may need offensive scheme to threaten downfield. "DeVante Parker to me is probably a second-tier wide receiver in the NFL, not a lead dog," said Cosell. Parker ran forty times of 4.45 and 4.50 at the Combine. He measured in at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds.
Source: Ross Tucker Podcast

[Mothman]

Kevin White - WR - Player

After studying West Virginia WR Kevin White's college tape, NFL Films' Greg Cosell came away believing White's game and build were "reminiscent" of Terrell Owens.

"That kind of sort of big, powerful, fast guy," observed Cosell. "White is big and explosive. I mean I think he was about 6-foot-2 1/2, 215. He's a quick-twitch explosive athlete for a kid that size. And he looks physical playing. When you see him on film, he just looks powerful and strong. And he has that explosive burst to him for a big wideout. He was very strong run after catch." Cosell suggested White might best fit in a "Don Coryell" type vertical offense. You can listen to Cosell's take on this year's wide receiver class at the link below.
Source: Ross Tucker Podcast

Hmm... now who can we think of that runs "a "Don Coryell" type vertical offense"?