Let's talk 2014 draft!

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Come on Vikings fans, I know you're out there...perhaps hanging out with all the Wild fans on the board! Anyway, if you're around, let's discuss the Vikings' draft.

First of all, I am an unabashed Rick Spielman fan...I think he's a genius. Yes, I know I also have positive things to say about Terry Ryan and Flip Saunders too, but Spielman is at a completely different level. Other than the Christian Ponder pick, I have been astonished at his ability to make great draft-day moves and picks. That said, the jury is out on day 1 this year.

I have to admit I went to bed last night before the Bridgewater pick, and I was not happy with the Vikings' first round. I wanted a CB or a LB with pick 8, and Rick did get a LB, but I'm not sure he got the right one. I looked closely at the five top-rated LBs before the draft, and the only one I had crossed out was Barr. Yes, I recognize that he is a physical freak, from both a size and athleticism standpoint. But to use a basketball reference, to me he was the LaVine in this draft...an intriguing physical specimen who hadn't shown enough at the college level. Barr certainly was successful as a pass rusher at UCLA, but I view him as only average against the rush and in pass defense. Somehow the coaching staff at UCLA was not able to turn his unique physical gifts into a well-rounded football player. If the Vikings' coaches are able to get him to realize his potential, Spielman's move of dropping down to get Barr plus a 5th rounder will be an A+ move. I'm skeptical that this is going to happen though, and I would have stayed at 8 and taken cornerback Justin Gilbert. We'll have to see.

I really liked his quarterback gambit though. Most importantly, he didn't draft Johnny Manziel, and that was a relief for me. I have to admit the reptile part of my brain was intrigued by Manziel and was hoping for the Vikes to pull the trigger at 8. But the thinking part of my brain was screaming "No"! Everything about Mr. Football spells trouble for me. I do think he will provide some excitement. But eventually his narcissistic personality and gambling style are going to lead to disaster. I can't think of a better town for him to be in than the Mistake by the Lake. I predict he will be hated in Cleveland by mid-season, especially when everyone learns he is a good friend of LeBron James.

But I also like the Bridgewater pick. What a senior year...31 TDs and only 4 interceptions, and a passing rating of 171.1! This guy was the consensus #1 pick for most of the past year, and then plummeted when he didn't throw the football well on Pro Day. 2 years of consistent superior game performance (plus a solid freshman year) carries a lot more weight with me than 1 off day, and apparently with the Vikings also. They had a chance to work him out in private workouts, and must have learned that the Pro Day performance was an aberration. Some pundits have concluded that the Vikings trade to trade up higher, so they could get Manziel. I don't think so. Norv Turner really wanted Bridgewater, and the attempt to move up to 22 was to ensure they would get Teddy, not Johnny. I'm convinced that Bridgewater is going to be an exceptional pro quarterback, it his reign may start as early as this year.

Now on to days 2 and 3, where Speilman has only been average in my opinion. Let's see if he can find some depth at cornerback, D-line and running back.

[Jester1534]

Can't agree with you more LST, even though I think Barr is either a home run or a bust there's no in between. Bridgewater has already been my guy that I wanted, like you said 2 1/2 years of phenomenal football beats one bad pro day. Also think about that Florida game that defense is going to have all 11 guys in the nfl and I believe 4 of them were first rounders including sheriff.

My prediction tonight and what I hope for somehow Hageman Minnesota Dt falls because nobody wants the project of him we trade up get him late round 2 and then early in round three we trade up again and get my corner Stanley Jean-Baptiste from the Huskers. I spent two years playing baseball in Nebraska and I'm secondary Husker fan and watch a lot of games. This guy plays just like Sherman and is really physical off the line.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Nice write up. I actually really liked the Barr pick. With Jared Allen leaving, and the lack of pass rush anyways, Minnesota needed a guy like Barr. He's only been on defense for two years. Guy was a RB before making the switch (thanks Coach Mora Jr.). Let Zimmer and his staff light a fire under his ass and give him some legitimate moves. Potential superstar.

Bridgewater was the safe QB get. I love Manziel and wanted to see him play with AP, but figured that wouldn't happen. In my opinion, the Vikes should have went with Carr. He has the best arm in the draft and seems to have the drive to be great. He also fits what Norv Turner wants to do better than Bridgewater. Tons of PA pass, deep routes and he needs a QB that has a nice deep ball. That isn't Teddy. That isn't him at all, really.

Nonetheless, I liked what Minnesota did last night overall. Let's see if they can have a good 2nd/3rd round.

PS: I love my Chargers pick. Jason Verrett was my 2nd best CB in the draft behind Kyle Fuller, who went to your division rival Bears.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Jester- you and I like the same guys. I would love to have both Hageman and Jean-Baptiste...I just don't think we have enough to offer to move up twice. I would rather focus on the big Nebraska CB, and I think there's a chance he's still there when we pick in the third.

Cam- I gotta agree with you on Verrett...really good pick, and perfectly fills a big need for your Chargers. It's amazing to me how CB's can get downgraded so much because of an inch or two in height. He's such a confident guy and he can back it up. I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be the top CB in this draft.

[Jester1534]

Damn Rasheed just got taken. Cam I completely disagree with Derek Carr I recommend watching him against USC in there bowl game his year when he faced a real defense and they get pressure on him he looks awful. It's the reason why I like teddy his pocket prescience is the best of any qb in this draft

[Monster]

Curtis Conway that Played for Norv in SD has said that Bridgewater is by far the best fir for Norv's offense becasue its all about making the right reads. I wanted Aaron Murray partly because I thought he would be a good value pick, but getting Bridgewater at #32 thats pretty good. Barr is a physical freak that was really productive in college. He is the impact type guy this team hasn't had that can play LB for quite a while. Barr and Griffin's athletic ability will make things fun around the line of scrimmage with different looks.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

The best part was the Browns paying a consulting firm 100K to find the best pro QB prospect and the firm delivered Bridgewater as their pick. And then the Browns completely ignore the report and pick Manziel! Um, thanks Browns?