Minnesota Sports Forum

Write-up in ESPN on Christian.

http://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/25302/christian-mccaffrey-says-it-would-be-awesome-if-broncos-selected-him

RB Bench press results.
http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/christian-mccaffreys-bench-press-skills-didnt-exactly-impress-at-the-combine-030217

khans2k5 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:

khans2k5 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:

bleedspeed177 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:

bleedspeed177 wrote:Combine time. I think this will tell us how stacked the draft is at RB.

I'll say that regardless of whether the Vikings kept or plan to keep AP or not looking at RB in this draft makes a lot of sense.

I agree. That Mixon kid that the Lion's GM was upset about not being here is probably better than anyone we have and he likely will go undrafted because of his past.

How do you feel about drafting Mixon? I know enough about his past (it was bad) I'm curious about what he has done since then. I'd be curious about what Thelien's agent would have to say. He was an interesting listen on the purple podcast.

I think there is about a 0% chance Zimmer and Spielman draft Mixon or even entertain him being here. I still would love to land McCaffrey on this team. The guy is a beast of an all-around running back. He was the best player in college football 2 years ago and it wasn't even close when you watched him play. I think he's a real modern day back that's gonna be a really good player.

Why do you think there is a 0% chance? I'm not disagreeing I am just curious your thoughts on how you are coming to that position. I'm intruiged with his talent but I'm also intruiged by how this will all play out.

Zimmer and Spielman want high character guys almost to a fault.

http://m.vikings.com/news/article-1/Zimmer-Spielman-Want-High-Character-Players-on-Vikings-Roster/61490dcf-2402-40d2-8c72-0d0fdf5c8485

Good point thanks for the reminder. I read more about the parking ticket incident last year and...it sound like it was more than just tearing it up and throwing it on the ground. For a guy that had issues with losing it before...not a good look at all. I think I'll pass.

The bench press might be the most overrated aspect of any draft assessment. I hope it makes him fall...so the Vikings can get him.

monsterpile wrote:The bench press might be the most overrated aspect of any draft assessment. I hope it makes him fall...so the Vikings can get him.

I agree. I do think historically low numbers might be a concern. He certainly doesn't look the part of ground and pound back I like, but he looks like he could be the modern spread type back that can line up in slot and backfield. I am curious if he will be able to block in backfield if asked.

Here is the draft profile on Mixon

NFL link below
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/joe-mixon?id=2557976
NFL COMPARISON Le'Veon Bell


ESPN Insider below
Running Back Specific Traits

Competitiveness 3 Steps out of bounds to avoid contact at times but he tends to fight for yards and good overall effort with ball in his hands. While he's not the most physical blocker he's willing to step up and sacrifice body. 2016 fumble percentage on offensive touches (2.2%) is a concern. Career fumble percentage (1.6%) is better but still a concern.

Vision/Patience 3 Frequently bounces outside when he doesn't have to but flashes above average instincts and the ability to hit the hole as it opens when he stays the course running between the tackles. Reads blockers' body position and makes sound decisions when blocking is there. Reads flow of defense and good feel for cutback lanes. Patience is one of his strengths at times and it's a weakness at other teams as he dances in the backfield a little too often at this point.

Agility/Acceleration 2 Excellent feet for size. Slaloms in out of gaps between the tackles. Makes defenders miss with violent jump cuts in the hole. Smooth bouncing outside. Doesn't have elite open field elusiveness but makes defenders miss when gets into space. Above average quickness to and through the hole. Deceptive burst around the corner but quicker than fast and not a true breakaway threat.

Power/Balance 2 Above average finishing power and tends to fall forward at the end of runs. Above average balance and shrugs off most would-be arm tackles. Flashes the ability to lower shoulder and grind out tough yards between the tackles. Yet doesn't have an elite power base or overly physical running style for a bigger back and would like to see him pick up yards after contact with more consistency.

Passing Game 1 Above average route runner with the quickness and change-of-direction skills to separate releasing out of the backfield and working out of the slot. Occasionally takes eye off the ball and has a focus drop but a natural pass catcher that plucks the ball out of the air and has the body control to adjust to passes thrown out of his frame. A threat to pick up chunk yards after the catch. Technique is a little inconsistent but he's still an above average pass blocker that shows the ability to locate his assignment, get into position and hold his ground.

McCaffrey may not wow in the 40 (hearing he'll probably come in around 4.5), but if you watch him play two years ago he has game speed. He has patience and doesn't just charge the hole at 100mph before it develops like AP. And then there's this quote from the ESPN article linked above:

McCaffrey suffered what he called a bruised hip during the 2016 season and still led the nation with 2,327 all-purpose yards, including 1,603 rushing yards."

He actually had better stats his junior year even playing through an injury. Hopefully he falls to us because a smart team would see how he's an ideal fit in the modern NFL where RB's have to do more than just run between the tackles and are actually becoming important receiving options.

khans2k5 wrote:McCaffrey may not wow in the 40 (hearing he'll probably come in around 4.5), but if you watch him play two years ago he has game speed.

I agree. I think he is a perfect back as part of a 1-2 combo like what the Patriots did.

bleedspeed177 wrote:

khans2k5 wrote:McCaffrey may not wow in the 40 (hearing he'll probably come in around 4.5), but if you watch him play two years ago he has game speed.

I agree. I think he is a perfect back as part of a 1-2 combo like what the Patriots did.

And the Falcons.

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY - 4.49 in 40
LEONARD FOURNETTE - 4.51 in 40

More results
http://www.nfl.com/combine/tracker#day=friday

You know who would be a nice enough RB for this team? Chester Taylor. He wasn't a big play guy but he could run the ball, catch out of the backfield and was a terrific pass protector. If the Vikings could find that level of player out of this draft I would be pretty thrilled.