** Official 2013 Draft Thread **

[Rus]

Vikings get back the 7th they traded to NE

Wow, Tampa really wanted a smallish, slow running back pretty badly apparently. At least he's built pretty stoutly.

[S197]

Two of the 7ths are high and back to back, might be able to package to get back in the 6th.

[saint33]

Ha ha, arguing with guys over drafting a punter to replace an established one. Absolutely classic.

You do know, too, that there are a LOT of college punters that don't get drafted, don't get seen as much by scouts, and are signed AFTER the draft?

You guys keep accusing me of "not seeing something". No, I see it, and the benefits are usually outweighed by the negatives.

It is patently obvious that there are players that can still help in THIS draft, not last years, not 2009's, but right now. It may not be that way next year, but there are good players right now that are still there...and they drafted a punter. You guys are obsessed with pointing out that in other years, because every year is obviously the same...no. It's a case by case basis.

No what we're pointing out is that at this point it's a crapshoot. Simple odds suggest that the players you draft in the 5th-7th round are likely to see careers as backups, if they even catch on the roster at all. This is not in reference to the Vikings history but the history of the draft in general.

However, when you take the best punter in the country, odds are usually pretty good he'll work out. A guy compared to Anger (who I believe was All Pro last year) and was suggested by at least one source to be a possibility in the 3rd or 4th round. I would say those are pretty good odds that he is not just some random Punter signed after the draft but a highly regarded punter that should win a starting job and secure the position for years to come. While you certainly can still find a guy like that at a more important position, the odds of that happening are very low, no matter how good your scouting department is

[Rus]

No what we're pointing out is that at this point it's a crapshoot. Simple odds suggest that the players you draft in the 5th-7th round are likely to see careers as backups, if they even catch on the roster at all. This is not in reference to the Vikings history but the history of the draft in general.

However, when you take the best punter in the country, odds are usually pretty good he'll work out. A guy compared to Anger (who I believe was All Pro last year) and was suggested by at least one source to be a possibility in the 3rd or 4th round. I would say those are pretty good odds that he is not just some random Punter signed after the draft but a highly regarded punter that should win a starting job and secure the position for years to come. While you certainly can still find a guy like that at a more important position, the odds of that happening are very low, no matter how good your scouting department is

What I am basically saying is that depth at a position that sees the field more often is important for a team that is looking to make a run into the playoffs. Like this team.

[Eli]

Two of the 7ths are high and back to back, might be able to package to get back in the 6th.

For what? These are random players being taken off the board now. Slow running backs, short cornerbacks, kickers, long snappers...

[Crax]

Wouldn't mind seeing the Vikings pick up Joe Kruger here, but we probably don't need more DE's.

[Rus]

For what? These are random players being taken off the board now. Slow running backs, short cornerbacks, kickers, long snappers...

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/tracker#d ... y-position

There. Look at the list on the bottom, select different positions, check out the grades.

[Angels Wings]

vikings take jeff baca G UCLA

[saint33]

Jeff Baca, OG UCLA

[Rus]

Good, they drafted a guard. Finally.

[S197]

Know nothing about him but at least he played both guard and tackle.

[Eli]

[CbusVikesFan]

I was wondering if they were going to add depth to the Oline, Jeff Baca pick 196 G UCLA

[Rus]

From NFL.com:

Strengths
As tenacious a blocker as there is in this draft class. Strong punch in pass pro, stuns tackles to knock them backwards and works to move the line, not just hold his ground. Quick to recognize blitzes. Re-directs blitzers out of the hole, keeps his feet moving to take them away from the play. Shows awareness in assisting teammates in pass protection. Gets after his run target, attacks with a venom. Hustles to help his tackle prevent inside rushes, at times just attacking the end without any need to. Stones twists inside. Good mobility to pull, gets around the line quickly and has the flexibility to adjust to inside defenders once through the hole. Fits on his second-level block well and engulfs the defender.
Weaknesses
Average height and size for an NFL offensive lineman. Stronger defenders can push him back with a power rush, and can use their superior strength to rip off blocks or control his upper body. Aggressiveness can backfire when overextending his punch, as he lacks great length to re-direct once he loses contact.

[saint33]

Hamilton right behind us