Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2018 2:02:52 GMT -6
When looking at the myriad of mock drafts available, one thing is clear, the Vikings will be taking an offensive lineman with their first pick. I mean, 75% of draftnicks believe it, so why shouldn't we?
When I first became interested in draft analysis and prediction, I figured all those gurus knew what they were talking about; the Vikings were "definitely" drafting Manti Teo in 2013 if he was available, lock it in!
So on draft night, Vikings fans waited for pick 23 to roll around, and when it did, Manti Teo was still on the board. It's a no-brainer then; Teo is the guy because the gurus said so! Then the Commish walked to the microphone and announced: "With the 23rd pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings select ... Sharrif Floyd, defensive tackle, Florida." Wait, what did he say?
And this is why the Vikings won't necessarily select an offensive lineman with their first pick. The draft is an ever-evolving beast full of half-truths, smoke screens, hype, intrigue, lies, and imperfect evaluations.
So if it's not an offensive lineman, then who might it be? I have compiled this list of potential candidates:
Rashaan Evans (LB) Alabma 6'3" 234lbs
Evans is an athletic, quick mover and the type of guy Mike Zimmer values. He can play sideline to sideline, has good instincts, and is rarely out of position. Covers well, but could use work to improve this aspect of his game, although most rookie LBs do.
Evans is expected to go mid to late first round.
Josh Jackson (CB) Iowa 6'1" 192lbs
Jackson was a receiver in high school, but Iowa coaches had other plans for him. Because he is still relatively new to the position, he has a ton of upside as he continues to hone his craft. Last season Jackson led the nation with 8 interceptions and 27 passes defensed in his first year starting. As to be expected from a former receiver, Jackson tracks the ball well in the air and has exceptional ball skills and route anticipation. He is not a grabby corner as he trusts his balls skills and anticipation to stick with receivers. He does, however, struggle sometimes in coverage and can have problems making plays with his back turned to the ball. These are the two biggest areas he needs to work on. He has the size that Zimmer likes and takes well to coaching.
Jackson is expected to come of the board late first - early second round.
Carlton Davis (CB) Auburn 6'1" 203lbs
This guy is my favorite corner in the draft. He has prototypical size and strength with long arms to jam receivers at the line. Great ball skills and anticipation together, with good technique, make him a tough matchup for receivers. The biggest problem that scouts have is he knocks down too many passes that he could take away, and that will impact how NFL evaluators view him.
Davis is expected to come off the board mid first - early second round.
Da'Ron Payne (DT) Alabama 6'2" 311lbs
Payne is a human wall who possesses superior strength and athleticism. He has the ability to crush opposing linemen and move them backwards in a hurry. He is without doubt the best run stopper in this draft. He keeps his linebackers clean and is able to get into the backfield.
Payne has high first-round talent, but some teams may view him as just a run-stuffer, so he could slide to late round one.
Maurice Hurst (DT) Michigan 6'2" 282lbs
Hurst is a prototypical 3-technique defensive lineman. He has elite quickness and blasts off the snap with great anticipation and low pad level. He has light feet and uses his hands well to counter offensive linemen. Hurst is able to get skinny and find his way into the backfield in a hurry. He is smallish for an interior lineman and was medically flagged at the combine for a heart irregularity, which he has since been cleared of.
Another first-round talent who may slide due to his size and medical issue, which makes a prediction difficult. He could be taken anywhere from mid-first to mid-second round.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out my other piece: [OC] With The 30th Pick
When I first became interested in draft analysis and prediction, I figured all those gurus knew what they were talking about; the Vikings were "definitely" drafting Manti Teo in 2013 if he was available, lock it in!
So on draft night, Vikings fans waited for pick 23 to roll around, and when it did, Manti Teo was still on the board. It's a no-brainer then; Teo is the guy because the gurus said so! Then the Commish walked to the microphone and announced: "With the 23rd pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings select ... Sharrif Floyd, defensive tackle, Florida." Wait, what did he say?
And this is why the Vikings won't necessarily select an offensive lineman with their first pick. The draft is an ever-evolving beast full of half-truths, smoke screens, hype, intrigue, lies, and imperfect evaluations.
So if it's not an offensive lineman, then who might it be? I have compiled this list of potential candidates:
Rashaan Evans (LB) Alabma 6'3" 234lbs
Evans is an athletic, quick mover and the type of guy Mike Zimmer values. He can play sideline to sideline, has good instincts, and is rarely out of position. Covers well, but could use work to improve this aspect of his game, although most rookie LBs do.
Evans is expected to go mid to late first round.
Josh Jackson (CB) Iowa 6'1" 192lbs
Jackson was a receiver in high school, but Iowa coaches had other plans for him. Because he is still relatively new to the position, he has a ton of upside as he continues to hone his craft. Last season Jackson led the nation with 8 interceptions and 27 passes defensed in his first year starting. As to be expected from a former receiver, Jackson tracks the ball well in the air and has exceptional ball skills and route anticipation. He is not a grabby corner as he trusts his balls skills and anticipation to stick with receivers. He does, however, struggle sometimes in coverage and can have problems making plays with his back turned to the ball. These are the two biggest areas he needs to work on. He has the size that Zimmer likes and takes well to coaching.
Jackson is expected to come of the board late first - early second round.
Carlton Davis (CB) Auburn 6'1" 203lbs
This guy is my favorite corner in the draft. He has prototypical size and strength with long arms to jam receivers at the line. Great ball skills and anticipation together, with good technique, make him a tough matchup for receivers. The biggest problem that scouts have is he knocks down too many passes that he could take away, and that will impact how NFL evaluators view him.
Davis is expected to come off the board mid first - early second round.
Da'Ron Payne (DT) Alabama 6'2" 311lbs
Payne is a human wall who possesses superior strength and athleticism. He has the ability to crush opposing linemen and move them backwards in a hurry. He is without doubt the best run stopper in this draft. He keeps his linebackers clean and is able to get into the backfield.
Payne has high first-round talent, but some teams may view him as just a run-stuffer, so he could slide to late round one.
Maurice Hurst (DT) Michigan 6'2" 282lbs
Hurst is a prototypical 3-technique defensive lineman. He has elite quickness and blasts off the snap with great anticipation and low pad level. He has light feet and uses his hands well to counter offensive linemen. Hurst is able to get skinny and find his way into the backfield in a hurry. He is smallish for an interior lineman and was medically flagged at the combine for a heart irregularity, which he has since been cleared of.
Another first-round talent who may slide due to his size and medical issue, which makes a prediction difficult. He could be taken anywhere from mid-first to mid-second round.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out my other piece: [OC] With The 30th Pick
... and neither is this Chris guy.