Day 3 Targets

WR
I do wonder why Franklin is still on the board. He's basically a taller version of Xavier Worthy - obviously not as fast (but none are) - and like Worthy, he doesn't have the route-running chops to be an "X". Both are "Z" receivers who win by free releases at the line and running "go" & downfield posts to clear out the safeties, which allows the underneath stuff in the middle of the field to open up. He doesn't play ST (coverage or returns) and he does have a double-digit drop rate, which is a big turn-off from me.

I'm a really big fan of Malik Washington and while he's only 5'8" and I've wanted a bigger-framed WR for a few years now to compliment Jefferson more (to allow Addison/Jefferson more routes in the slot), Malik plays well above his height/weight and catches everything (2% drop rate is tremendous and many reports have him with the best hands in the entire class). He's also like a RB with the ball in his hands as he's 200+ lbs, so when he catches it, he can absorb contact down the field rather easily. He doesn't have the speed that vertical threats like Worthy/Franklin have, but this guy is a catch-machine.

IOL
I would still like IOL Hunter Nourzad or Van Prann and possibly Mason McCormick at #108 though because you can still still get a developmental WR later (they won't be as polished as Franklin/Washington) but you can't get an developmental IOL in the 6th/7th that have any shot at winning a starting spot in 2025. I'm not worried about Nourzad/Van Prann/McCormick winning the starting spot in 2024, but the goal is to have them win either OG or OC spot in 2025.

DL
One guy I want no business with is Oregon DL Brandon Dorlus - a tweener with no position along the DL and reminds me of former Texas A&M DeMarvin Leal who Pittsburgh drafted and still hasn't done anything. He'll be "just a guy" along the DL and I don't think even Flores can get the best out of him.

Along the DL, it might be possible to land Northern Iowa DT Kristian Boyd with our first pick in the 6th, and if not, another similar developmental NT beyond him is FAU NT Evan Anderson, who has a "bowling ball" build at 6'2" 330 lbs and isn't easily moved in the middle. He'll push pockets and is great in the run game, but doesn't offer the pass-rush which is why he'll be available late in the Draft or even afterwards.

CB
In terms of CB, while I would love TJ Tampa or Cam Hart at #108, I am intrigued by Qwan’tez Stiggers - the CFL player who shined at the Shrine Bowl. He can play ST early (showed that at the Shrine) and can develop as an outside CB because he does have athleticism & ability. He should be available with our 1st pick at the top of the 6th.

Talent left by Grade (Round):

2nd - 2 players
3rd - 8 players
3rd-4th - 3 players
4th round - 29
4th-5th - 4
5th - 21 (?!)

For some reason, teams started to raid my 5th round prospects yesterday so now there's less than even the 4th rounders. Just a interesting tidbit.

Vikings fans are at a crossroads:

That poll isn't very scientific, but I see optimism in the purple fandom. If these two first rounders bust, that will mean two thin drafts because both this year and next look like Kwesi has sold the cupboard stocks for magic beans. If we can get beyond the Giants in the playoffs, the goose better lay golden eggs.