monsterpile wrote:
Budda Bowser and Butt those are some great names. Well done.
How many DL do you think this team is gonna have on the roster next year? :) It would be good to have to make some difficult cuts just sayin.
That is pretty funny. I didn't even think of the names.
I am not as sold on the DL as others. I figure Sharrif Floyd will be on IR. Not sold on the rest of the backups. That is why I like Jaleel Johnson here and thought Tu'Ikolovatu could be a practice squad guy. Just don't see a guy on this roster to backup Linval and stuff the run.
They guys we talked about earlier that looked like good projects likely won't be drafted according to boards I see. I really like Demarcus Walker as a DE/DT type, but hope Dante Jones fills that role for us.
I'm mostly just giving you a hard time. Compared to the guys they had on their roster last year Jones takes Floyd's spot and everyone else is back if nobody else gets hurt. Shamar may not be amazing but I think he is good enough to be a factor on the roster. Drafting those guys (or players like them) makes sense because there is no other surefire tackle on the roster to put next to Joseph as a starter and another run stuffer would be nice. That guy we signed from the Jets the previous year is probably available again.
I just saw this in McShay's Insider.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2017/insider/story/_/page/McShay2017DraftPreview/todd-mcshay-ultimate-2017-nfl-draft-preview
Allen is an explosive player at the point of attack. He uses his length (nearly 34-inch arms) to lock out blockers. Tomlinson flashes heavy hands and a powerful punch; he sheds blocks in a hurry. The 330-pound Tu'Ikolovatu rarely gives ground and consistently eats up double-teams.
I think that is where Brantley looked like a good fit. He could play both DT positions.
bleedspeed177 wrote:I just saw this in McShay's Insider.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2017/insider/story/_/page/McShay2017DraftPreview/todd-mcshay-ultimate-2017-nfl-draft-preview
Allen is an explosive player at the point of attack. He uses his length (nearly 34-inch arms) to lock out blockers. Tomlinson flashes heavy hands and a powerful punch; he sheds blocks in a hurry. The 330-pound Tu'Ikolovatu rarely gives ground and consistently eats up double-teams.
I think that is where Brantley looked like a good fit. He could play both DT positions.
I hope Stevie drops to the Vikes later in the draft because he is so old.
What sort of linebacker? Well, that depends on what they want to do with Kendricks. If they want to keep him in the middle, they need a guy to fill the weakside position vacated by Chad Greenway's retirement. If they decide to move Kendricks into that spot, then they need someone to man the middle on first and second down. There's no shortage of players to be had at the position, and we'll take a look at some of them here.
With the Vikings not selecting until #48 overall, I would expect that they'd have no chance at Takkarist McKinley of UCLA or Haason Reddick of Temple. In addition, I think that Alabama star Reuben Foster is going to fall because of a recent drug test, but I don't think he's going to fall far enough for Minnesota to get their hands on him. If he did, however, he'd certainly be a serious consideration.
With that, let's take a look at some linebacker prospects, shall we?
Round 2
Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt - I have a feeling that Cunningham is going to be off the board before Minnesota's selection in Round 2, but he would be an outstanding selection if he did find his way to #48. He could line up at the outside linebacker spot and be an outstanding player from Day 1. He is solid against both the run and the pass and has the ability to get to the passer. He's also as sure a tackler as there is at the linebacker position in this draft.
T.J. Watt, Wisconsin - The range for Watt being selected is anywhere from the end of Round 1 to the end of Round 2. I'm not sure if he's the sort of player the Vikings would target, as he might be best suited as an outside guy in a 3-4. If the Vikings selected him, they'd likely have to ask him to bulk up and play defensive end. Still, you'll hear his name a lot on draft weekend.
Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State - Wu-TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG! If the Vikings want a player that could potentially be a force at middle linebacker, McMillan is someone they should keep an eye on. He consistently brings the hammer in run defense, and is athletic enough to not be a complete liability in coverage. He actually reminds me of E.J. Henderson, and wouldn't it be nice to have someone like that in the middle of the defense again?
Round 3
Duke Riley, Louisiana State - Riley is a very good coverage linebacker, and has the ability to be a playmaker at the position at the next level. He's a bit undersized, however, and wouldn't be as solid against the run. Still, he's one of those players that always seems to be around the football.
Alex Anzalone, Florida - Anzalone is someone that could slot right into the weakside linebacker position on Day 1. The biggest issue he had in college was his durability, as he's dealt with numerous injuries and only had ten career starts for the Gators. Injuries aren't something that can be projected, obviously, but they are a matter of concern.
Tyus Bowser, Houston - Bowser is one of the better pure athletes in this year's draft. A former basketball player, he's shown the ability to both get to the quarterback and drop back in coverage. He missed several games this past season with injuries, and is still a bit unrefined, but all of the tools are there.
Ryan Anderson, Alabama - Anderson is a "high-motor" sort of player that has shown a knack for getting after opposing quarterbacks. His coverage skills need some refining, and he's a bit on the short side, which could limit him at the NFL level, but his on-field effort will get him a contributing role very early on.
Round 4
Jarrad Davis, Florida - A pure inside linebacker, even though he's a bit undersized at the position. Talent-wise he should probably be higher than this, but like his teammate at Florida, Alex Anzalone, injury issues are likely going to push him down a bit.
Anthony Walker, Jr., Northwestern - Walker is another inside linebacker type who would likely have trouble turning and running with tight ends at the NFL level. However, he plays with an aggressive edge and could be the quarterback of a defense in short order.
Elijah Lee, Kansas State - Lee is undersized as well, but has shown the ability to be very good in coverage from the weakside linebacker position. His lack of size is going to go against him in run defense, and he might need a little time to adjust to the physical nature of the NFL.
Later Rounds (Rounds 5-7)
Connor Harris, Lindenwood - Harris holds the NCAA all-division record for tackles in a career with 633. A converted quarterback and free safety, he displays solid athleticism and would likely make a big contribution on special teams immediately. Playing at a small school, however, means he would likely need significant time to adjust to the NFL game before making significant contributions on defense.
Kendell Beckwith, Louisiana State - Beckwith is a classic, two-down middle linebacker with the ability to be a big time player against the run. However, he tore his ACL in November, and any team that drafts him may have to give him a "redshirt" year before they get any contributions from him.
Hardy Nickerson, Illinois - Much like his father, Nickerson is an undersized middle linebacker that has made a name for himself with hustle and sure tackling. Because of his size, however, his contributions in an NFL defense will likely be limited, leaving him to do mostly special teams work.
There are probably quite a few linebackers that I managed to miss that will get their names called over the course of draft weekend. If I missed your favorites, or if there's someone you particularly like, you can hype them up in the comments section.
I missed this. I love this group of Safeties. Obi Melifonwu looks like a game changer to me. If you could land him and Jourdain Lewis as a slot CB you would be able to play nickel on every down but short yardage. He could play weakside LB if needed. Also like John Johnson later in the draft and David Jones late. Obi would be a guy I would take in the second.
My Final draft
http://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/premium/draft.php?d=euynnu
Used Arif board like this Mock
http://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/4/26/15438616/vikings-mock-draft-04-26-17
Paid for Premium and did 2 trades. Traded down twice in second. Traded with Texans to drop from 16th in the second round to 25th. Netted two 4th rounders. Then dropped again from 25tt to 30th with Steelers. Gave up two 4th and my second and got back the 30th pick in second and late 3rd and 5th round picks.
Drafted a pair of starters in Dorian Johnson and Luke Riley. Dorian will start at RG from day one while Riley will replace Greenway and Zimmer will have to figure out who plays where at LB. Then I got rotational help in Demarcus Walker. I see him being able to play DE/DT and play up to 3 downs at DT if needed based on matchups. TJ Logan would compete with McKinnon as 3rd down back and return kicks. I really wanted a starting safety out of this draft, but it didn't happen even though I really like John Johnson. John Johnson would compete for the starting safety spot opposite Harrison Smith, but likely would need seasoning. Sprinkle filled a need at TE after most had come off the board even though I liked that he was dual threat as blocker and receiver yet still has upside. He will compete to be backup TE. Holden-LT, Allen-CB, Roullier-C, and Stewart-NT all would be development guys at this time. I picked Walker over Jaleel Johnson in round 3. I think he will be able to play 3 downs in time at DT, but that might have been something to regret. If I would have goen Jaleel in third I would have gone DE/DT in 6th with Hunter Dimick. In the 7th I would have looked for a C and hoped Roullier wand if not I would have stuck with Stewart.
62: R2P30 G DORIAN JOHNSON PITTSBURGH
Best Interior run blocker Johnson profiles as a plug-and-play starter at guard. He fits best in a zone-blocking scheme. He fires off the ball and shows a good initial surge. Great on- and off-field character. Plays hard, practices hard, and leader in the locker room. Former 5 star prospect. No injury issues
79: R3P15 LB DUKE RILEY LSU
Riley started just one season but showed abnormal savvy for having such little experience. Great instincts. Riley's elite short-area quickness allowed him to hang with smaller running backs in coverage and he has great range defending the run.
86: R3P22 DE/DT DEMARCUS WALKER FLORIDA STATE
Walker displays excellent endurance. He played all 165 snaps against Clemson and Michigan, and there was no noticeable dip in his performance. He is limited athletically, but he's a really smart player: He'd often know the offense's tendencies and how to exploit them because he studied up.
94: R3P30 OT WILL HOLDEN VANDERBILT
Project LT that is 6'7" offensive lineman with a 4.72-second short shuttle and a 7.71-second three-cone. Holden is a 3 year starter appearing in 48 career games with 32 starts. He is a taller OT prospect with shorter arms (33 ¼') but has quick feet and good hands that allow him to overcome his lack of ideal length. Quality positional blocker in the run game. Late add-on at the Senior Bowl and played well.
120: R4P13 TE JEREMY SPRINKLE ARKANSAS
Long arms (34 1/2') and wide catching radius. Shows quality body control adjusting to throws outside of the cylinder. Uses frame to shield defenders from the ball and makes contested catch. Big mitts (10 3/4').
Used as a both an inline blocker and lead blocker out of the backfield. Not an overpowering blocker but has enough size and length to cover up defenders in the run game.
128: R4P21 S /CB JOHN JOHNSON BOSTON COLLEGE
With experience at cornerback and both safety spots, Johnson quietly has become a favorite among NFL teams. Johnson, who tested well at the Combine and provides high character and versatility to his projection, Utility player that could play S/CB. Chance to be a starter.
160: R5P16 CB BRIAN ALLEN UTAH
Project CB in the mold of Rhodes. 6'3" and 215lbs. Allen was recruited as a WR before making the switch in redshirt sophomore season (2014). Most productive season in 2016 where he recorded 6 PBUs and 4 INTs. Also tested extremely well across the board at the Combine. With only three seasons (12 total starts) at the position, Allen is raw but has rare measureables and a favorable tool box. Not as physical as you'd like to see for a bigger CB but will set the edge when hand is forced.
173: R5P29 RB T.J. LOGAN NORTH CAROLINA
At 5-foot-9 and 196 pounds Logan ran lone sub-4.4 40 time of the running back group (4.37), had a top 10 for the broad jump (10 feet, 1 inch), and recorded a respectable 17 reps on the bench test. Logan is polished as a receiver in the passing game. Quick and elusive runner. Above-average lateral quickness. Flashes the ability to string together multiple cuts and can accelerate through cuts. Good stop and start skills to freeze defenders in the open field. Tough runner for size. Lowers pad and good leg churn at the end for runs. Effort blocker with limits due to size.
199: R6P15 C CHASE ROULLIER WYOMING
Roullier is a featured offensive lineman that is versatility, intelligence and high character. He excels at pulling, folding and overall playing like the Cowboys' Jason Kelce. He struggles to sustain due in large part to his shorter arms (32 ¼') and while he posted an outstanding short shuttle time (4.47) at the Combine, his 5.54 40-tme and performance on the bench press (19 reps of 225 pounds) raise red flags.
Roullier ranked as the second-best center in the class by PFF.
232: R7P14 DL GROVER STEWART ALBANY STATE
There are only four defensive linemen who are heavier than Albany State's Grover Stewart drafted after 1999. Stewart compares well to Dontari Poe, B.J. Raji, Haloti Ngata and Brandon Williams as freak nose tackles in this generation of football, but he played Division II. Stewart was a four-time All-SIAC player for the Golden Rams. He was a first-team pick as a freshman (8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks in 10 games), and a second-teamer as a sophomore (7.5 TFL, four sacks). Stewart returned to the top squad in 2015 (15 TFL, seven sacks) and 2016 (12 TFL, 7.5 sacks). Stewart grew from 295 pounds in his first year on campus to 335 in 2016, but his production did not diminish. Grover Stewart: 347 lbs, 7.71 3-cone
Other guys I like in this draft that I missed:
Jaleel Johnson. DT, Iowa - Pass rushing DT
Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida - Big play 3 down back
Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut - Freak Hybrid safety
Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah - Mauler
Jahu Chesson, WR, Michigan - Physical WR
Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky - Best G in draft and might be able to play LT
Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan - Good cover CB and tackler
Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma - Power back
Jake Butt, TE, Michigan - Good 3 down TE with good catch radius
Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan - High motor DT
Hunter Dimick, DE/DT, Utah - High motor DE
Stevie Tu'Ikolovatu, DT, USC - Run stopper
Blair Brown, LB, Ohio - Tackling machine with one missed tackle all last year. (one more than me though)
Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina - Tall Depth threat that averaged 20+ a catch.
Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State - Girty center and leader
Damien Mama. C, USC - Mauling RG
Kyle Kalis, G, Michigan - High motor RG
Josh Carraway. LB/DE , TCU - Speed and length project
Nathan Gerry, S, Nebraska - High motor and iQ
David Jones, S, Richmond - Played CB and has size
Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo - Power back that is good at breaking tackles and catching without fumbling.
Desmond King. S/CB, Iowa - sure tackler and good IQ
George Kittle, TE, Iowa - Blocker that might be able to catch
Kevin King, CB, Washington - Tall press cover like Rhodes
Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama - Elusive TE that causes misses after the catch.
Taylor Moton, OG/OT, Western Michigan -
Joe Williams, RB, Utah - Speed back that will be available late.
Aviante Collins, OG/OT, TCU - Develop G
James Conner, RB, Pitt - Overcame cancer and should only get stronger.
