Post by SiteWolf on May 15, 2023 5:27:16 GMT -6
The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2023 NFL draft with five selections and myriad questions. Unlike a lot of teams, there wasn’t any clear sense of direction as to what the Vikings would do. As late as the hour before the draft, there were rumors that they were looking to trade with the Arizona Cardinals to get the third-overall pick and select a quarterback. They weren’t able to go up and get one, so the focus shifted to the 23rd-overall pick.
What they were going to do with their selections was still up for debate. The process that the Vikings followed was slightly different than last year. The one trend that Minnesota followed last year was wanting a 10-yard split above the 80th percentile, with five of their players above the 97th percentile.
This season, they didn’t seem to follow anything specific in terms of testing metrics. Why? Each pick was a slightly different scenario. The process was interesting with each pick. Let’s explore their process and see how the Vikings are building their team moving forward.
What they were going to do with their selections was still up for debate. The process that the Vikings followed was slightly different than last year. The one trend that Minnesota followed last year was wanting a 10-yard split above the 80th percentile, with five of their players above the 97th percentile.
This season, they didn’t seem to follow anything specific in terms of testing metrics. Why? Each pick was a slightly different scenario. The process was interesting with each pick. Let’s explore their process and see how the Vikings are building their team moving forward.
The process in which Adofo-Mensah used to build this draft class seemed to be taking advantage of players that were being devalued due to other factors. Addison didn’t have a great 40-yard dash time, Hall was older and inconsistent but fits the offense and McBride has questions with the passing game. Finding value is currently the only theme between the two drafts, and it’s something that we will look at moving forward in his tenure.
Did they really look at 10 yd splits last year or was quickness just another trait in those 5 players. Did they really look at players this year that were 'devalued' (whatever that really means) for one reason or another. Every team looks for value with each pick. I would hope they're simply not concerned with Addison's 40 time because the eye test shows his quickness. I would think they liked what they saw with Hall while not concerned with age (tho I'm betting truth be told they wanted to get Hooker in the 3rd but the Lions surprised them). McBride- like there wouldn't be questions with a 7th rounder...if there weren't, they wouldn't be a 7th rounder.
All in all, while it was frustrating watching how much the other teams in the division 'seemed' to improve (why does nobody talk about the fact the Packers drafted not one but TWO of the top 5 TEs in the best TE draft in decades), I'm overall happy with the draft.....but would have loved to have gotten Hooker.
... and neither is this Chris guy.