2014 Vikings Draft Discussion

[S197]

It's a tough spot for the Vikings because I think the biggest needs are QB and ILB. I don't see an ILB worth the pick and QB looks so uncertain after Bridgewater. I'd rather they not force the pick and grab someone like Barr or Mack. I have a feeling either Manziel or Bortles will be there for them to choose but I'm not sold on either although I'd lean towards Manziel. The only pick that would really disappoint me is Carr.

If they can trade back and pick up Mosley, that would be a good move too. I really like what I saw out of Mike Evans but I don't think the Vikings go receiver and he's graded high/mid first round from most of the mocks I've seen.

[Laserman]

I hope Spielman and Co have learned from Ponder not to reach. If a Quality sure hit QB isn't there go defense, use cassel again next season and draft a QB in 3rd or 4rth round

[MrPurplenGold]

It's a tough spot for the Vikings because I think the biggest needs are QB and ILB. I don't see an ILB worth the pick and QB looks so uncertain after Bridgewater. I'd rather they not force the pick and grab someone like Barr or Mack. I have a feeling either Manziel or Bortles will be there for them to choose but I'm not sold on either although I'd lean towards Manziel. The only pick that would really disappoint me is Carr.

If they can trade back and pick up Mosley, that would be a good move too. I really like what I saw out of Mike Evans but I don't think the Vikings go receiver and he's graded high/mid first round from most of the mocks I've seen.

CJ Mosley? I wouldn't be a big fan of that only because I don't think Alabama defensive players translate well into every scheme in the NFL. Nick Saban runs a specific defense and picks up players that he knows can be successful in that specific scheme, so depending on who we pick up as our HC or DC I would be a little nervous about picking up CJ Mosley. I think he's done a great job at Alabama and I've watched a lot of Alabama and Auburn games living in Alabama but I think he won't test very well at the combine and is better suited for 3-4 schemes or hybrid 4-3/3-4 schemes.

I wouldn't mind a Louis Nix or Tuitt for the D-Line (Take that with a grain of salt I am a biased ND fan and I'm not afraid to admit it). Depending on what the Vikings do in free agency I wouldn't mind Khalil Mack, OLB or Darqueze Dennard, CB. I do think the pick should be defense though. With 2 or 3 QB's possibly taken before the Vikings pick, I think they should wait until the 2nd round and pick up a QB.

[maembe]

There are five other teams who desperately need a QB. All of them draft ahead of us. Do we really want to draft a QB who got passed up by five other QB-needy teams? I think we need a big-time linebacker if one is available.

[mondry]

There are five other teams who desperately need a QB. All of them draft ahead of us. Do we really want to draft a QB who got passed up by five other QB-needy teams? I think we need a big-time linebacker if one is available.

Russel Wilson got picked in the 3rd round so 32 teams passed on him at least twice and he is turning out just fine!

A lot of these teams, like us, haven't been able to succeed at quarterback so who's to say anyone they take is the right guy? Actually if the browns and raiders pass on you that's my guy LOL!

[Mothman]

Russel Wilson got picked in the 3rd round so 32 teams passed on him at least twice and he is turning out just fine!

A lot of these teams, like us, haven't been able to succeed at quarterback so who's to say anyone they take is the right guy? Actually if the browns and raiders pass on you that's my guy LOL!

[Mothman]

That makes me think of an interesting idea. Maybe the Vikings should hire Matt Millen to produce scouting reports and make suggestions on who to draft, who to target, etc, and then put a red "M" by those guys names on the teams board. It could be a good way to avoid a lot of probable busts in the draft.

That's a clever, innovative approach. I like it!

[mansquatch]

I think Mondry is closest to correct on the QB prospects. The reality of this position is that there could be 10 NFL worth QBs in this draft and the most likely outcome is that maybe one of them will be a starter in five years. There is no guarantee at any level that that one guy is Bridgewater or some outside unknown guy who goes in the 4th round. The NFL has yet to crack the code when it comes to drafting QBs, it is as much luck as anything. I’d say the more interesting topic at this point is the Head Coach and what happens on offense. That is going to play into what they do in the draft and what type of guy will work best here.

I’m also quite interested to see if they bring back Cassel. I’d like to see him return if only to have some stability at the position for a few years. Lots of questions right now, very few answers. Probably will not be any until after the Super Bowl.

[Mothman]

I’m also quite interested to see if they bring back Cassel. I’d like to see him return if only to have some stability at the position for a few years.

*shudder*

I don't want to see Matt Cassel as the QB of this Vikings team for a few years.

[mansquatch]

I think Cassell is excellent insurance. What if at Pick #8 there is nobody to take at QB in the draft? IMO, if they have Casell they will have some comfort and not be forced to reach for somebody to fill the QB hole at #8 or trade the farm to get higher up.

I think people need to keep in mind that in order to move up the Vikings are going to need to give up picks in subsequent rounds. That means barring some monster coaching turnaround the defense would enter 2014 with most likely even less talent than it has right now. That is not a rosy picture in my view.

[mondry]

I think Cassell is excellent insurance. What if at Pick #8 there is nobody to take at QB in the draft? IMO, if they have Casell they will have some comfort and not be forced to reach for somebody to fill the QB hole at #8 or trade the farm to get higher up.

I think people need to keep in mind that in order to move up the Vikings are going to need to give up picks in subsequent rounds. That means barring some monster coaching turnaround the defense would enter 2014 with most likely even less talent than it has right now. That is not a rosy picture in my view.

Yep, one of our top priority's is making sure we keep Cassel around. Otherwise you're literally going to be looking at QB = #1 Ponder, #2 reached for rookie bust with the #8 pick, #3 who knows!

They can't trade up, I don't even see it as an option honestly. They have to stand where they are and take the best defensive player, or if someone is dumb enough to trade with us and we can move down 5-7 spots for an extra 2nd and some change then do that but trading up to take one of these shaky QB prospects would be the nail in the coffin for me and this team until Spielman's fired.

[Mothman]

I think Cassell is excellent insurance. What if at Pick #8 there is nobody to take at QB in the draft? IMO, if they have Casell they will have some comfort and not be forced to reach for somebody to fill the QB hole at #8 or trade the farm to get higher up.

I understand that he provides a certain level of insurance as a backup QB who can step in and help the team win some games or even as a bridge to a younger QB. I'm just shuddering at the idea of Cassel being the Vikings starter for a few years.

I think people need to keep in mind that in order to move up the Vikings are going to need to give up picks in subsequent rounds. That means barring some monster coaching turnaround the defense would enter 2014 with most likely even less talent than it has right now. That is not a rosy picture in my view.

Nor in mine, although I fear going into 2014 with a less talented defense is a possibility even without a trade up.

How did we get on the subject of moving up? I feel like I missed something.

[maembe]

Russel Wilson got picked in the 3rd round so 32 teams passed on him at least twice and he is turning out just fine!

A lot of these teams, like us, haven't been able to succeed at quarterback so who's to say anyone they take is the right guy?

Right, I'm saying let's take a chance on a guy in the second or third, but would you really want to risk a QB at pick 8 after he's been passed up by 5 teams who need a QB as bad as we do. At least with a second or third round pick we can draft another QB next year if we need to, but if we take a guy at 8 overall and miss, that's another 3 years down the drain.

[mondry]

Right, I'm saying let's take a chance on a guy in the second or third, but would you really want to risk a QB at pick 8 after he's been passed up by 5 teams who need a QB as bad as we do. At least with a second or third round pick we can draft another QB next year if we need to, but if we take a guy at 8 overall and miss, that's another 3 years down the drain.

Well I think it's safe to say we're on the same page for the most part then!

Hopefully they learned their lesson about just anointing the draftee the unquestioned starter and just handing him the job because to me, that was also a big part of the problem.

[Mothman]

Yep, one of our top priority's is making sure we keep Cassel around. Otherwise you're literally going to be looking at QB = #1 Ponder, #2 reached for rookie bust with the #8 pick, #3 who knows!

Maybe... or maybe there will be some good options in free agency. I can't view Cassel as a top priority. He's just too mediocre. However, I agree that having a better veteran QB than Ponder on the roster is a priority. I just don't see any reason that has to be Cassel.

They can't trade up, I don't even see it as an option honestly. They have to stand where they are and take the best defensive player, or if someone is dumb enough to trade with us and we can move down 5-7 spots for an extra 2nd and some change then do that but trading up to take one of these shaky QB prospects would be the nail in the coffin for me and this team until Spielman's fired.

... unless, of course, that QB turned out to be good!

It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.