With the 23rd pick, your Minnesota Vikings select...
Feb 15, 2023 8:37:34 GMT -6
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Funkytown, Uncle, and 3 more like this
Post by MidwinterViking on Feb 15, 2023 8:37:34 GMT -6
Because Adam Thielen had 70 catches on 107 targets and was largely ineffective with them. He had a career low in yards per catch and yards after catch. To my eyes, he was creating very little separation and forcing Cousins to make high precision throws to get him the ball. This was with frequent double teams on Jefferson and a high performing TE in Hockenson.
I'm a big fan of KJ Osborn, he does all the little things that make the team better; he's a willing, aggressive blocker, he's dependable on 3rd downs, he tracks deep balls well. He brings a ton of positive emotion on the sideline. He basically maximizes the assets of the team around him. He has wildly exceeded the expectations of a 5th round pick. But he's not a speedster or someone who creates a lot of space with his routes.
When you look at the receiving pair on the threatening playoff teams, how would a Jefferson / Osborn combination compare to:
AJ Brown + Devonta Smith
Deebo Samuel + Brandon Ayiuk
Chris Godwin + Mike Evans
JaMarr Chase + Tee Highins
Steffon Diggs + Gabe Davis
The entire Chiefs receiving corps
2021 Dallas' with CeeDee Lamb + Amari Cooper to had almost 900 more yards than 2022 Dallas CeeDee Lamb + Noah Brown
As much as I like Osborn, he's a weak link in that group.
Receivers change the game more than most other positions. If there is an elite receiver talent on the board I'm all for it (emphasis on "elite"). The Vikings could got a lot of value out of a non-blue chip corner in Duke Shelley this last year. I'd be happy with something like adding a LB and depth behind Dantzler/Booth/Evans in free agency if it meant a 2nd stud receiver.
Look at that receiver group a second time and consider the resources required to get those receiving combos. There are a lot of high round picks and large contracts. We talk about positions being neglected, but don't seem to include receiver. In the last 6 drafts (2017-2022), the Vikings have spent exactly 1 pick on a receiver in the first 4 rounds. DL has been brought up as neglected, but there have been 5 DL picks over the same round / timeline (they were one 3rd and four 4ths, so 5 mid round darts at DL vs one 1st round receiver).
The need is there, the reward / upside has been proven in the playoffs, the history of drafting receivers is thin.
I'd absolutely consider a receiver in round 1. (along with CB, DE, LB, QB)
... and neither is this Chris guy.