2020 off-season thread

[Mike Sixel]

Going for the oldest staff ever?

[FormerMinnasotan]

First off I hope the Vikings let Zimmer’s and Cousins’ contracts play out next year (both are in the final year of their contracts). Secondly since we have a high priced immobile starting QB we need to beef up the o-line because Cousins will never be mobile or move in the pocket that much. There’s going to be some salary cap casualties, but if we draft smart we may find some pieces that might replace what we will lose. Hopefully we draft a QB somewhere between rounds 3-5 because we might not need that QB this year, but he should be ready to replace Cousins next year (2021).

[Mike Sixel]

Rhodes and Joseph released..... No real surprise.

[Vanimal46]

Kirk Cousins signs a 2 year extension... Not excited.

[Mike Sixel]

I'd like it more if it was for less money and more years......There aren't a lot of good options for this team, it really needs to be blown up.

[gunnarthor]

Traded Diggs for a bunch of draft choices. No idea who Cousins is going to throw the ball to now. Maybe we'll see a lot of 1 WR, 2 TE, FB, RB sets?

[Mr. Brooks]

Traded Diggs for a bunch of draft choices. No idea who Cousins is going to throw the ball to now. Maybe we'll see a lot of 1 WR, 2 TE, FB, RB sets?

 

Ah, the old fight fire ( Diggs wanting the hell out of an offense far too vanilla to get him the ball) with fire (making the offense even more vanilla to try to fill his shoes) strategy.

 

I can't really blame Diggs for wanting out of this sinking ship, even though I'm generally opposed to people throwing fits to get their way.

[DocBauer]

Late to the thread so I read through every post but didn't take time to "like" due to being late.

 

We are clearly entering a re-build now, no question. I thought I'd just state my thoughts in bullet points.

 

1] Despite a poor ability to draft WR, and questionable ability (or refusal to address early enough) to draft OLm I think Spielman has done a good job. I feel he and his scouting department have, generally, drafted well and found quality talent, and done an excellent job with later picks and undrafted FA.

 

Every GM misses on some of their choices. My biggest problem with his selections have been some of the mid round choices, 3-5. For every Hunter than have been too many Brothers, Beavers, etc. Maybe he gave in too much to Zimmer's preferences?

 

2] I think Zimmer is a fine defensive coach, and a decent head coach. I no longer feel he is a great head coach because I've just seen too many bad games, too many bad losses, too much "misdirection" of what the offense is doing, or how it was built. Is he just too stubborn? I don't know. But he'd better figure out a new approach, or new way to delegate, or he won't be around much longer, even if Spielman stays.

 

Additionally, some of his players just li3ve him and would seem to be willing to run through a wall for him. Others simply don't seem to like playing for him. While you can't befriend everyone, or be loved by everyone, I'm starting to see a negative trend.

 

3] Regarding the player moves thus far:

 

A] The Diggs move stinks! Even so, I think all the bridges have been torched the last 2 seasons...after getting a big payday...and thus the mk3ve makes sense. No animosity, but it sure feels like Diggs has entered perpetual primadonna territory.

 

B] Griffin and Joseph hurt, but make sense considering salary, age and re-build mode.

 

C] Rhodes has lost it, and his composure more than a few times. Waynes was underrated in my opinion but $14M?? No way. The loss of Alexander for such a small 1yr deal tells me he was out no matter what. Kearse seemed to feel the same way. Are we seeing a trend that relates back to Zimmer??

 

D] The Cousins move makes sense to me. It frees up $ and keeps a quality QB in place to build your team around. Quality starting QB are bard to come by. And unless you want a 2-4 win version of blow up/re-build, it makes sense to keep him in place, build around him, and look for a young signal caller over the next draft or two. It allows you to then plug your young QB in to a more optimal situation.

 

E] Its nice to have a good K and P on your team. Can't argue with the re-signings here. But if you ARE in re-build mode, maybe you should use ,ate round picks, UDFA, and the waiver wire for auditions and spend your $ elsewhere.

 

F] How on earth can you let a young DE who shows promise and provides depth at least like Weatherly leave??!! I am stunned by this!

 

G] Letting Kline go, only 30yo, and your 2nd best OL, when your OL,is and has been, perhaps your teams largest Achilles heel is just ridiculous. We already needed 2 OL, now we need 3!

 

I like a lot of things about Spielman and what he has done. But the rest of this off-season and the draft is going to define him, IMO. And Zimmer is going to have to work on re-inventing himself or he won't be back in 2021.

[Mr. Brooks]

Late to the thread so I read through every post but didn't take time to "like" due to being late.

 

We are clearly entering a re-build now, no question. I thought I'd just state my thoughts in bullet points.

 

1] Despite a poor ability to draft WR, and questionable ability (or refusal to address early enough) to draft OLm I think Spielman has done a good job. I feel he and his scouting department have, generally, drafted well and found quality talent, and done an excellent job with later picks and undrafted FA.

 

Every GM misses on some of their choices. My biggest problem with his selections have been some of the mid round choices, 3-5. For every Hunter than have been too many Brothers, Beavers, etc. Maybe he gave in too much to Zimmer's preferences?

 

2] I think Zimmer is a fine defensive coach, and a decent head coach. I no longer feel he is a great head coach because I've just seen too many bad games, too many bad losses, too much "misdirection" of what the offense is doing, or how it was built. Is he just too stubborn? I don't know. But he'd better figure out a new approach, or new way to delegate, or he won't be around much longer, even if Spielman stays.

 

Additionally, some of his players just li3ve him and would seem to be willing to run through a wall for him. Others simply don't seem to like playing for him. While you can't befriend everyone, or be loved by everyone, I'm starting to see a negative trend.

 

3] Regarding the player moves thus far:

 

A] The Diggs move stinks! Even so, I think all the bridges have been torched the last 2 seasons...after getting a big payday...and thus the mk3ve makes sense. No animosity, but it sure feels like Diggs has entered perpetual primadonna territory.

 

B] Griffin and Joseph hurt, but make sense considering salary, age and re-build mode.

 

C] Rhodes has lost it, and his composure more than a few times. Waynes was underrated in my opinion but $14M?? No way. The loss of Alexander for such a small 1yr deal tells me he was out no matter what. Kearse seemed to feel the same way. Are we seeing a trend that relates back to Zimmer??

 

D] The Cousins move makes sense to me. It frees up $ and keeps a quality QB in place to build your team around. Quality starting QB are bard to come by. And unless you want a 2-4 win version of blow up/re-build, it makes sense to keep him in place, build around him, and look for a young signal caller over the next draft or two. It allows you to then plug your young QB in to a more optimal situation.

 

E] Its nice to have a good K and P on your team. Can't argue with the re-signings here. But if you ARE in re-build mode, maybe you should use ,ate round picks, UDFA, and the waiver wire for auditions and spend your $ elsewhere.

 

F] How on earth can you let a young DE who shows promise and provides depth at least like Weatherly leave??!! I am stunned by this!

 

G] Letting Kline go, only 30yo, and your 2nd best OL, when your OL,is and has been, perhaps your teams largest Achilles heel is just ridiculous. We already needed 2 OL, now we need 3!

 

I like a lot of things about Spielman and what he has done. But the rest of this off-season and the draft is going to define him, IMO. And Zimmer is going to have to work on re-inventing himself or he won't be back in 2021.

Rebuilding teams don't keep the GM, head coach, and extend their 30+ year old expensive quarterback.

This team does not view themselves as rebuilding, even if they should be.

[DocBauer]

Rebuilding teams don't keep the GM, head coach, and extend their 30+ year old expensive quarterback.

This team does not view themselves as rebuilding, even if they should be.

I agree with you in theory. Though I would argue this is the type of re-build of a non-successful/competitive team. In all sports, we have seen teams hit walls due to age, injury, payroll, etc, where a re-tool either doesn't cut it or is simply not viable. There is an interesting article over at VIKINGTERRITORY that opinions Spielman and Zimmer, (the Vikings in general), are in fact beginning a re-build. One that Zimmer and Spielman both hope, in theory, shows enough promise via player development, coaching changes, the draft and FA to equate to contract extensions.

 

It's something I'd suggest anyone/everyone read. I found it interesting and well worth the time.

[Mr. Brooks]

I agree with you in theory. Though I would argue this is the type of re-build of a non-successful/competitive team. In all sports, we have seen teams hit walls due to age, injury, payroll, etc, where a re-tool either doesn't cut it or is simply not viable. There is an interesting article over at VIKINGTERRITORY that opinions Spielman and Zimmer, (the Vikings in general), are in fact beginning a re-build. One that Zimmer and Spielman both hope, in theory, shows enough promise via player development, coaching changes, the draft and FA to equate to contract extensions.

 

It's something I'd suggest anyone/everyone read. I found it interesting and well worth the time.

I'll check out the article, but honestly I don't think there is a combination of words in the English language that could sway me into thinking this franchise is acting like they are rebuilding.

 

The only move, IMO, that even superficially looks like rebuilding is trading Diggs for draft picks. But I think they only did that because he left them little choice.

[DocBauer]

Just my opinion, but with QB locked up for now, and so many holes on the roster, I'm really hoping Trader Rick can contain himself and hold on to what he has when draft time comes along.

 

With at least some cap room available at this time, it appears the Vikes have room to add at least a few veteran pieces to settle the roster here and there. And surprisingly, there are a couple DB's and a WR or two who could be had to lessen any "panic" of depth.

 

But in a draft that is reported to be one of the best and deepest in years, especially at certain positions, I really hope we hold on to the 12 selections we have. Now, if there is someone they truly like and believe in, I'm OK with moving up to nab them. But, as is Trader Rick's normal mode, I hope he also won't be afraid to trade back a spot or two here and there to accumulate more picks.

 

Usuaĺly, most teams with 12-14 picks are lousy teams coming off lousy seasons. And the draft is always filled with hope and "prospects" like all drafts. But the more bullets, the better chance of re-stocking. And right now, today, there is virtually NOTHING in the secondary, the WR group, or the OL. There are also concerns on the DO.

 

DO keep all 12 picks but trade up if you have the chance to grab someone special. DO trade back at any point, in any round, if its only a few spots to acquire or re-acquire a lost pick from trading up.

 

DON'T draft a QB THIS YEAR, unless it is a mid-selection steal or a late rounder you think has a chance to develop in to a decent back-up plus. You have your QB, wait until next year to make your move. DON'T grab any more guys in the mid rounds ranked lower than everyone else just because they are tough or you think you will outsmart everyone else. DON'T draft a player just because you need one, especially WR.

 

Rick, despite a few setbacks here and there, you and your staff have been Very good at early picks and late picks. But for some crazy reason, with few exceptions, like Hunter, you have BLOWN the value of your mid round selections.

 

Quit trying to be "slick Rick" and be smart Rick. You need as many talented players as you can this year for instant help, depth, and potential for tomorrow. Whether it is your intention to re-load or not, think of this as a re-build opportunity and bring in all the prospects you can.

[Danchat]

Hey all, I've been working on some NFL Draft content for Purple Pain. Here's a look at my draft board:

 

 

Board Link: https://purplepainforums.com/thread/3092/danchats-nfl-draft-board-2020?page=1

 

You can also check out my rankings on the rookie QBs and HBs here:

 

https://purplepainforums.com/thread/2968/oc-rankings-2020-draft-class?page=1

 

https://purplepainforums.com/thread/3078/oc-rankings-2020-draft-class

 

 

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

side note, there should be a draft thread that will have lots of chatter on it as well... if you're looking for something to do this weekend...

[Vanimal46]

Pre-Draft Wishlist:

 

If any of the top 4 OT are available (Wirfs, Wills, Thomas, Becton) are available after 10 overall I would aggressively trade up for one of them.

 

If Tua slides past Carolina at 7 overall, I’d really consider trading up as well. I think his recent injury is overstated and he will be fine.

 

I have zero interest in a WR for the 1st round. The draft class is simply too deep, and the Vikings’ scheme does not require 2 great WRs.

 

I really want to beef up the line on both sides of the ball. The interior OL as it stands today lacks depth and experience. There’s still no replacement for Griffen on the edge, nor is Shamar Stephen a starting caliber DT.

 

Lots to do over the next few days!

[nicksaviking]

Maybe I'm out of my gourde, but I think the Vikings have set themselves up to take a QB. 

 

Maybe it's been talked about on the Vikings site, but I think the Cousins extension makes it MORE likely that they get a young QB this year. That third year salary on Cousin's extension is nuts, and it is only avoidable if he isn't on the roster come the early part of the 2021 season. Sounds like a ripe opportunity for the team to draft a developmental QB and have him sit for a year learning from the Kubiaks.

 

If Cousins struggles this year his natural successor is in place, and if he's good, the Vikings have a useful trade chip for next year.

[Vanimal46]

 

Maybe I'm out of my gourde, but I think the Vikings have set themselves up to take a QB. 

 

Maybe it's been talked about on the Vikings site, but I think the Cousins extension makes it MORE likely that they get a young QB this year. That third year salary on Cousin's extension is nuts, and it is only avoidable if he isn't on the roster come the early part of the 2021 season. Sounds like a ripe opportunity for the team to draft a developmental QB and have him sit for a year learning from the Kubiaks.

 

If Cousins struggles this year his natural successor is in place, and if he's good, the Vikings have a useful trade chip for next year.

 

I like the idea. For me, I only like Tua and Burrow in this class to be game changing QBs. Jordan Love and Justin Herbert have question marks relating to pocket presence and accuracy that scare me away. 

[nicksaviking]

I feel the same about Love and Herbert, though I might feel differently about Love if the Vikings actually took him because I really don't see Spielman picking a QB at this point in his career without deferring to the experts on his staff, and I don't think Gary Kubiak would give the thumbs up on a guy who he doesn't truly believe can be fixed as far as accuracy and mechanics go. I'd probably not feel the same about Herbert just because I want a new age QB, not your traditional statue in the pocket.

 

But if Tua falls a bit, I'd be all for going hard for him.

[Mike Sixel]

Can Herbert hit the broad side of a barn from 5 yards out? I doubt it....at least not every time (yes, this is an exaggeration).

 

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think taking a guy like Hurts in the 3rd might be smart. Following the BB example of taking a QB every year and seeing what you can develop could pay dividends...

 

Oh... Purple pain draft thread if people are bored tonight.

 

https://purplepainforums.com/thread/3175/official-draft-thread-2020-round

[DocBauer]

Pre-Draft Wishlist:

If any of the top 4 OT are available (Wirfs, Wills, Thomas, Becton) are available after 10 overall I would aggressively trade up for one of them.

If Tua slides past Carolina at 7 overall, I’d really consider trading up as well. I think his recent injury is overstated and he will be fine.

I have zero interest in a WR for the 1st round. The draft class is simply too deep, and the Vikings’ scheme does not require 2 great WRs.

I really want to beef up the line on both sides of the ball. The interior OL as it stands today lacks depth and experience. There’s still no replacement for Griffen on the edge, nor is Shamar Stephen a starting caliber DT.

Lots to do over the next few days!

Mostly agree here.

 

The OL needs to be addressed. Just can't keep hoping later round picks can somehow be developed in to studs even though it happens once in a while, (I do have hopes for Us on however). I don't know that I'd trade up for a tackle though as it seems there are another 4-5 past the first few that have real ability and potential later in the 1st or even the 2nd. But the time to get one is NOW. Interior OL is scarce this year, but I feel there are a few guys who have real potential 3rd round on if you get one that fits the current system.

 

I would take a WR in the 1st if the right guy slid. And there is no doubt we've seen some awsome WR talent come in to the league the last few years in the 1st. But how many busts have we seen? I read a half serious joking comment not so long ago that Spielman shouldn't be allowed to draft a WR until the 3rd round or later based on history, lol. But there may be some truth to that. I am absolutely fine waiting until day 2. But they need to bring in at least 2 If not 3 thjs year.

 

Also agree on the DL. Need to find someone who can play the 3 technique well. Especially since I think they are going to shift more back to the old "Tampa" defense and cover 3 they used to play. I'm all in on a quality DT in the first 3 rounds and depth/potential seems to be there. Call me a homer, but Khalil Davis from Nebraska is a guy I really like if they wait until the 4th or 5th round. They absolutely have to come out of this draft with TWO DE prospects for Patterson to work with. Losing Griffen hurts...though I STILL think he might be back as his and the team's best option...but we also lost Weatherly who developed in to a nice role player with potential. We need a couple nice, long, athletic kids to work with here, whether one comes early or not.

[DocBauer]

Maybe I'm out of my gourde, but I think the Vikings have set themselves up to take a QB. 

 

Maybe it's been talked about on the Vikings site, but I think the Cousins extension makes it MORE likely that they get a young QB this year. That third year salary on Cousin's extension is nuts, and it is only avoidable if he isn't on the roster come the early part of the 2021 season. Sounds like a ripe opportunity for the team to draft a developmental QB and have him sit for a year learning from the Kubiaks.

 

If Cousins struggles this year his natural successor is in place, and if he's good, the Vikings have a useful trade chip for next year.

Absolutely not out of your gourd, but going to disagree with you. The Vikings are minus 7 players from last season via trade/cut/FA and a couple signings to the plus side. I would be looking to stack prospects/talent to fill those holes best I could for this year at CB/WR/OL/DL/S and look to QB next year.

 

People kind of laugh at Trader Rick moving down to acquire later round picks, but when you look at how many later round selections and UDFA have been developed by this staff in to good players, it makes sense. Hell, unless the board goes crazy and works against the Vikes...always can happen...I'd love to move back a time or two, not far, and end up with 14 picks instead of 12. Especially considering the depth of this draft.

 

Unless there is a big run on QB, there are some intriguing guys in the, ate rounds that could develop in to nice backup options. You need those guys too. I mean, what do we have now?

 

I'd be all in on building up the roster depth/talent for this draft, maybe a late round development guy unless someone just falls to us, and then go all in/trade up next year for the next potential franchise QB.

[DocBauer]

I think taking a guy like Hurts in the 3rd might be smart. Following the BB example of taking a QB every year and seeing what you can develop could pay dividends...

 

Oh... Purple pain draft thread if people are bored tonight.

 

https://purplepainforums.com/thread/3175/official-draft-thread-2020-round

Just to echo your thoughts, I have ALWAYS believed you draft a QB every couple of years to see what happens. And I don't necessarily mean early selections. But QB is such a special and unique position that I have always believed you look for the next guy with potential you could develop. You always want to have a good #2. You need those. Sometimes they become your next starter. Sometimes they offer great trade value to someone else. We've seen that time and again. A guy who sits and learns and then gets a shot somewhere else. And then you bring in the next guy.

 

Back in the day, Wade Wilson and Brad Johnson were late round QB who would be FA today in a shortened draft. Todd Bouman was another find. You just never know what you will find if you bring in a good arm and smart head and let them sit for a year or two and develop.

[Mike Sixel]

Is this the most boring draft ever?

[gunnarthor]

WR Jefferson. Seems like a good pick. I dunno. I'm ok with it. I was hoping a top 10 guy would fall but that was probably wishful thinking.

 

[Mike Sixel]

Terrible pick for a run first team with an immobile QB and mediocre OL and tons of holes on D.

 

Draft a WR later. They under used Diggs, now they take a WR in round 1?

[Mike Sixel]

CB makes way more sense in round 1.

[nicksaviking]

 

CB makes way more sense in round 1.

 

It does, but this team should have rebuilt this offseason. They lost too much on defense, have money committed to the wrong players forcing them to lose better and younger players, they're stuck with an average QB which might be worse than having a bad QB and the HC and GM are getting stale. I still think they'll be forced to rebuild, get a new brain trust and change the team over in a year or so. If these players are good, they should still be around, so I'm fine if they pick good players regardless of position.

[nicksaviking]

Even with the holes on this team, they have no room for 14 draft picks on the roster. If Spielman does any more of his typical schtick of trading back, and trading back, and trading back again to get more 6th and 7th round picks I'm not going to be happy. Use the draft capital and move up, not down. If they used every one of their 6th and 7th round picks to move up to get the guys at the top of their board in rounds 2-5, they'd still have 9 draft picks.

[akmanak]

Disappointed in picking up a wide receiver in the first round. We have glaring holes in our OL and a quarterback who drops the ball simply being jump scared.