2018 Vikings Off-Season Thread

[Mike Sixel]

Or we could be. But I'm not the one applying the problematic logic.

In going by years of history here, not just this year.

[TheLeviathan]

The problem is your assumption that we are passing on help.

 

There have been a lot of OL taken early over the years that wouldn't have helped us at all. We could Treadwell (draft need) our whole line by taking them early if that makes you feel better.

 

I wouldn't feel better though.

[Mike Sixel]

The problem is your assumption that we are passing on help.

There have been a lot of OL taken early over the years that wouldn't have helped us at all. We could Treadwell (draft need) our whole line by taking them early if that makes you feel better.

I wouldn't feel better though.

Even though four of the next nine picks were on the OL, I should believe there was no good talent there? Like, the data is just bad?

[TheLeviathan]

They could all be poor players, yes. They could all be good. The measuring stick later will be how impactful they are relative to Hughes. Time will tell.

 

This FO has hit far more than they have missed, they deserve some trust for that IMO.

[nicksaviking]

The Vikings didn't need interior line, they needed a tackle so Remmers could move inside.

 

O'Niell was the first actual projected Tackle picked since Kolten Miller was selected. Looks like the Vikings got the top Tackle on their board that was available to them even back at their first pick.

[Strato Guy]

I wouldn't be surprised to see O'Neill catch a pass or two in red zone situations in a tackle eligible formation. 

 

[Mr. Brooks]

The Vikings didn't need interior line, they needed a tackle so Remmers could move inside.

 

O'Niell was the first actual projected Tackle picked since Kolten Miller was selected. Looks like the Vikings got the top Tackle on their board that was available to them even back at their first pick.

IMO they still need competition at the other guard spot as well.

 

But, I'm fine with the 1st round pick.

[Mr. Brooks]

Even though four of the next nine picks were on the OL, I should believe there was no good talent there? Like, the data is just bad?

Perhaps they liked some of the OL talent on the board, but not as much as they liked Hughes?

[TheLeviathan]

Some nice talent still available at OT and all over the front seven.

[Vanimal46]

The Vikings didn't need interior line, they needed a tackle so Remmers could move inside.

 

O'Niell was the first actual projected Tackle picked since Kolten Miller was selected. Looks like the Vikings got the top Tackle on their board that was available to them even back at their first pick.

I bet once Slick Rick is interviewed O'Niel was the top tackle on their draft board... And it was an incredible value.

[Vanimal46]

A kicker in the 5th round? So glad OL continues to be a priority for Slick Rick.

[Mike Sixel]

Some nice talent still available at OT and all over the front seven.

A kicker? In round five?

[TheLeviathan]

Yeah, I'm not going to defend the kicker.  That better work out, otherwise it's terrible.

 

Especially to trade up to do it.  I'd have much preferred one of the WRs on the board or a back.

 

Though....I think we'll all appreciate it if it does work out. 

[Mike Sixel]

Agreed, it's more of a value question. That seems early for a kicker. So, one OL, and he's not strong. And depending on who you read, not a starter this year. Hope those people are wrong.

[TheLeviathan]

It was poor value IMO. I do hope they add someone for the OL but I honestly don't know a lick about anyone left.

[Mike Sixel]

It was poor value IMO. I do hope they add someone for the OL but I honestly don't know a lick about anyone left.

Anyone added now is a project for sure. I fear an injury.... Heck, not sure I even like the starters, but we'll see

[TheLeviathan]

I believe we still need a starting guard. I don't know how we find one though.

[Mr. Brooks]

I believe we still need a starting guard. I don't know how we find one though.

From everything I've read about the T they drafted, he's more of a project guy, not a day 1 starter, too.

So that's possibly two starting OL we need.

Of course, they might disagree with the "experts" and see him as a starter right away, who knows.

[TheLeviathan]

From everything I've read about the T they drafted, he's more of a project guy, not a day 1 starter, too.

So that's possibly two starting OL we need.

Of course, they might disagree with the "experts" and see him as a starter right away, who knows.

Well, we have Easton, Reiff, Remmers, and Elflein so it should only be one. I also consider the tackle a project.

[TheLeviathan]

Alex Boone anyone?

 

*ducks*

[Mr. Brooks]

Well, we have Easton, Reiff, Remmers, and Elflein so it should only be one. I also consider the tackle a project.

Well I hope they aren't just handing Easton a job. I don't consider him a starting caliber player.

[TheLeviathan]

Well I hope they aren't just handing Easton a job. I don't consider him a starting caliber player.

I thought he was ok last year.

[Mr. Brooks]

I thought he was ok last year.

Yeah, I don't mean to say he can't play. I just see him as a guy who should be the first guy off the bench. Not a starter, ideally.

[TheLeviathan]

I would prefer that as well. I hope the team is active looking for an upgrade. I won't feel good about O'Neill starting at RT.

[TheLeviathan]

Anyone see the UDFA list? Impressive haul with WR Wienke, CB Hill, and a guy we may all end up loving as a ST player: Hercules Mata'afa.

 

Really strong group.

[Vanimal46]

I'm not going to pretend I know any of these guys beyond the first round... Overall I'm disappointed that they didn't focus on OL, clearly the team's biggest need.

 

From what I'm reading, O'Niell in the 2nd round is a 1-2 year project. With paper thin depth as it is, can they afford to wait for a project tackle?

 

Maybe the guard they took in the 6th round is good. I don't know. But that's it. I figured they would load up on OL with UDFAs but they didn't even do that.

 

A lot still needs to be done IMO in order to protect our fully guaranteed contract QB.

[TheLeviathan]

I understand wanting an OL emphasis, I really do.  Up thread I (poorly) laid out some options I thought the team would have in which they could've taken two guards with their first two picks.  That's what I wanted.  What happened in this draft is teams went hard and heavy on guards earlier than typically expected and the team picked 30th.  The only way to have fixed that was to give up future picks to move and I don't love that idea either.  Maybe they should have anticipated better, I think that's fair.  Maybe we're in a new world of valuing guards more in the draft.  I don't know.

 

Personally, I'm glad they didn't reach for need.  Part of why this team was a Super Bowl contender last year is because they draft the best players on their board and don't reach for need.  That's how you build depth.

 

But I hope they are actively seeking upgrades though.  Right now I think Tom Compton starts at RG and Remmers at RT.  I don't love that, but offensive line talent is at a premium these days.

 

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I understand wanting an OL emphasis, I really do. Up thread I (poorly) laid out some options I thought the team would have in which they could've taken two guards with their first two picks. That's what I wanted. What happened in this draft is teams went hard and heavy on guards earlier than typically expected and the team picked 30th. The only way to have fixed that was to give up future picks to move and I don't love that idea either. Maybe they should have anticipated better, I think that's fair. Maybe we're in a new world of valuing guards more in the draft. I don't know.

 

Personally, I'm glad they didn't reach for need. Part of why this team was a Super Bowl contender last year is because they draft the best players on their board and don't reach for need. That's how you build depth.

 

But I hope they are actively seeking upgrades though. Right now I think Tom Compton starts at RG and Remmers at RT. I don't love that, but offensive line talent is at a premium these days.

If Compton and Easton are our starting guards, we're in trouble from the start, and in disaster territory if there are injuries.

 

And there will be injuries, this is football. It won't be "bad luck" when there are injuries.

 

I don't really have a problem with their draft strategy, but it's still a choice to draft that way, not a right or wrong way.

So if the o-line is bad, there shouldn't be any excuses. It may be becoming harder and harder to assemble a really good offensive line, but it's not impossible, as there are some teams with good o- lines.

[Vanimal46]

I understand wanting an OL emphasis, I really do. Up thread I (poorly) laid out some options I thought the team would have in which they could've taken two guards with their first two picks. That's what I wanted. What happened in this draft is teams went hard and heavy on guards earlier than typically expected and the team picked 30th. The only way to have fixed that was to give up future picks to move and I don't love that idea either. Maybe they should have anticipated better, I think that's fair. Maybe we're in a new world of valuing guards more in the draft. I don't know.

 

Personally, I'm glad they didn't reach for need. Part of why this team was a Super Bowl contender last year is because they draft the best players on their board and don't reach for need. That's how you build depth.

 

But I hope they are actively seeking upgrades though. Right now I think Tom Compton starts at RG and Remmers at RT. I don't love that, but offensive line talent is at a premium these days.

I get that more OL went earlier than expected. If we gave Rick truth serum they were zeroed in on Ragnow but the Lions took him at 20. However, there were still options to choose from throughout the draft that they didn't capitalize on...

 

Hernandez would have been a fine selection at 30 instead of Hughes. Maybe Hughes ends up being the better player, that's fine.

 

Later on in the draft one of your favorite targets, Crosby from Oregon was there for the taking. He went in the 5th round. Will the DE from Ohio State be better? I hope so.

 

Eventually they do have to draft for need, otherwise it will continue being a need.

 

I was really hoping to exit the draft feeling good about finding an OL that can start day 1, and another OL or 2 for depth. Instead, we have a project OT in the 2nd round, and a guard in the 6th.

 

There's really no room for error or injuries given the players we have signed right now.

[Vanimal46]

Nobody wants to hear this, but I'm impressed with Green Bay's draft. They selected 2 solid CBs to solidify their defense. Of course their offense with Rodgers is going to be great again too.