Day 1 of the NFL draft is in the books

 

I love football might be an obvious statement and with that loves came one of my favorite times of the NFL season with the NFL draft. My wife and I go to the Vikings drafty party every year and love being a  part of the fans especially when the Vikings announcement comes. The SKOL chant is going loud and awesome to be a part of. The pick is announced and streamers from the US Bank Stadium begin to fall heavily. It’s an amazing sight and then seeing people wear the streamers afterward is just as much fun.

The Vikings slotted for pick 24 thanks to a phenomenal 2024 campaign. I was convinced in my head knowing the team has only 4 picks in the entire draft unless of course the team makes a trade or trades. It seemed like forever until 24 would be called and eventually the Vikings were on the clock. The TV screen showed Kwesi and Coach O’Connell on the phones so wondering if a trade is being talked about.

We soon got the answer is the screen at US Bank Stadium shows the Vikings pick Is in. The net anxious moment is waiting for Commissioner Goodell to make the long walk to the microphone. Oh boy what name is going to be revealed? Is it a position of need? A safety, offensive or defensive side of the ball?

The answer as we all was out of The Ohio State University, Donovan Jackson who can play offensive tackle or offensive guard?

I love the pick and as they say in the business not a sexy pick such as quarterback, running back, wide receiver, safety or cornerback? But what the Vikings picked was a player of huge need. The team’s run game has been brutal the last few years and Quarterbacks Cousins and Darnold have had to run for their lives way to much in my opinion.

The NFC North was the best division in NFL based on the incredible records each team had. The draft made the division even better. The Lions have had phenomenal drafts the last few years and their record speaks for itself. The Lions pick at 28 was DT, Tyliek Williams who is now added to a very good defense.

The Green Bay Packers pick at 23 was their first receiver chosen in the first round since 2002 and that was Matthew Golden. The Chicago Bears pick 10 was Tight end, Colston Loveland so he is added to a very talented tight end group.

I look at the NFL draft and see teams that got players I really like starting with the Denver Broncos pick 20 took DB Jahdae Barron who is now paired up with one of the best in the business, Patrick Surtain.

I love the Raiders pick at 6 running back, Ashton Jeanty who has the most scrimmage yards in the FBS. The Eagles who I don’t like whatsoever I thought got a great pick with pick 31 taking out of Alabama linebacker, Jihaad Campbell.

The shock of the night for me was hearing the Giants trade back into the first round and I was confident it would be a quarterback and that would be Shedeur Sanders. It was obviously not as they took Jaxson Dart out of Missisippi.

I love to look at the Vikings schedule and see who they will face from the first-round picks. The Vikings will see 2 of the top 10 picks on the road with #3 and # 5 picks.

The home schedule

#10 Chicago TE Colston Loveland

#17 Cincinnati DE Shemar Stewart

#23 Green Bay WR Matthew Goldn

#27 Batimore S  Malaki Starks

#28 Detroit DT Tyleik Williams

#29 Washington OT Josh Conerly Jr

#31 Philadelphia LB Jihaad Campbell

 

Away

#3 NY Giants DE Abdul Carter

#5 Cleveland DT Mason Graham

#12 Dallas OG Tyler Booker

#18 Seattle OG Gray Zabel

#21 Pittsburgh DT Derrick Harmon

#22 Los Angeles Chargers  RB Omarion Hampton

 

The overall NFL draft saw 17 offensive players and 15 defensive players.

Thursday April 24^th is in the books and I loved from start to finish. I can’t wait for Friday night and Saturday afternoon for the rest of the draft.

That’s all for now

Thank you for reading

Purplesstick

 

 

 

Christmas in April for NFL fans

 

This is the time I year I look so forward to as draft week is here and all the mock drafts I have seen or read I am ready for the real deal starting this Thursday night April, 24,2025.

The team last season surprised even me with all the success they had with double digit wins after Las Vegas has them winning 6-7.  I of course will take that surprise again and again.  I am a diehard but looking at last year’s schedule and so many new players how would it go?

I am very concerned this year again with the draft because our GM, Kwesi seems to have missed on more than he has not. I am a positive person and state here in this blog I love the job he has done signing free agents.

It’s a twofold thought because I love the new players but on the other hand, we are not getting younger by adding veterans. I look at the NFC North and see so much success with their drafts we can’t afford to get behind the youth movement.  I love what the Lions have done. In the last few years and the Packers I believe are one if the youngest teams in not the youngest.

I love the roster up and down and wonder what we need with so many veterans. I start with safety after losing Cam Bynum to free agency to the Colts and know Harrison Smith’s time is winding as the older, he gets. I am appreciative of his coming back for another year. I know the team signed Theo Jackson resigned Safety, Theo Jackson however he has very little play time in the secondary with most of his time om special teams. It will be an interesting makeup with Smith and Jackson. I know Josh Metellus is very versatile and will be needed. I look at the draft and have seen mock drafts with looking like Nick Emmanwori out of South Carolina is slotted to be in purple. The other safety, Azarey’eh Thomas from Florida State to be a potential pick.  I have watched highlights on both on would love to see either one in purple.

My other thought on the draft knowing we only have 4 picks I would not be surprised whatsoever to see a trade back to 26,27,28, or 29 and get more picks. If I was a betting man this is what I would bet on.

The other positions or positions I would like to add depth is offensive line or defensive line. I love to see the two new veterans signed in free agency Justin Skula (TB), Ryan Kelly (Ind) and Will Fries (Ind). I am glad the Vikings moved on from Garrett Bradbury at center. I do thank him for his time here but I thought he was too small and got pushed around a little too much for my liking.

One thing that has bothered me the last few years is watching the opponents get 3-4 yards before being touched while the Vikings running back might get a couple yards and then fight like heck to get more.  Our running backs have had to work much harder than they should have to at the line of scrimmage.

I have been looking at a couple mock drafts and see what is projected for the purple and a name I see are Grey Zabel,a guard from NDSU and Kelvin Banks Jr., out of Texas. I read what people like Is his reach ability.

I look at our current tackles both Brian O’Neil and the other book end, Christian Darrisaw which I love the duo however after early season ending surgery on Darrisaw how will he be?

I think right now on paper the offensive line will be much improved from last year and the Vikings will run the ball with authority.

It’s such an exciting time of hype and hope for all of NFL fans.

I am a big fan of giving JJ McCarthy the keys to the convertible and know our backup for now is unproved Brett Rypien. I know the time will sign a veteran and NO I DO NOT WANT AARON RODGERS!!!!!

 

Thursday night can’t come soon enough for me.  I have been to over 20 draft parties and honestly well over half of them fans have booed the Vikings pick.  It was last year the biggest cheers came with the drafting of JJ McCarthy at pick 10 then the team surprising the fans and moving up to 17 to take Dallas Turner.

How will Thursday go at US Bank Stadium will fans boo or cheer? Only time will tell.

 

That’s all for now.

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

SKOL

 

 

 

TRAINING CAMP 2024 HAS OFFICIALLY BEGAN FOR FANS

 

Saturday July 27^th was Day 1 of Vikings TC in Eagan, Minnesota and this IS my 31^st year of attending this wonderful event.

The strange thing about me or at least one of the strange things is I dislike heat like I can’t describe yet year after year I sit out there watching the team train. It seems like the weather knows when it’s training camp time it’s automatically going to be hot. Saturday July 27^th, 2024 did not disappoint. It was sticky and icky!!!!!

I got to Eagan around 11:30 and waited in line as the gates don’t open until noon. That is ok because I love being there with the other hundreds of Viking fans.

Security is walking up and down the sidewalk making sure people didn’t have questions but reminding people they can’t bring full size footballs or helmets in but mini helmets are ok. I saw a few people making the trip back to their vehicles.

The gates open and I feel like I am in Willy Wonka as so many fans are walking quickly. There is a scratch off area to the left where kids can get a scratch off to hopefully meet the player they wanted to meet.

The rest of us seemed to go in the Vikings Locker Room for 2 fold reason potentially with a chance to get in air conditioning or shop while cooling off. All I know is it was packed in there and hard to move around.

I recommend if you come bring a water bottle empty with a lid on it as they have water stations around camp where you can fill your water bottle for free.

There is plenty to do for families but when I go I wait around and at 1pm the gates open for practice which doesn’t start until 2:30. My reasoning is I go to the top of the bleachers and get a back rest and it seems to be cooler with a little breeze coming through. There are often other fans up there so I can talk to people if they want to. I have learned through the years every one there has one thing in common and that is our favorite team in purple.

The practice itself is nothing special as there is so much going on its hard to pick one area you want to watch which I believe this a good problem.

I love 7 on 7 watching. I have seen like everyone else highlights but to see these guys in person is a whole different animal.

I love watching Justin Jefferson because he seldom makes a regular catch he seems to practice his art or making the easy catches tougher by going one handed or leaping. All I know is he brings a ton of joy to fans.

I am extremely impressed with JJ McCarthy’s arm strength and accuracy although he did have a forced pass that was intercepted but I saw way more good than bad.

One guy to watch for in camp will be Jalen Nailor. I liked him in camp last year and he is back wearing #8. He made 3 TD catches including one of them a pass thrown behind him. He made a catch in the corner of the end zone that I thought the defender had good coverage but Nailor made the catch. How nice was the catch ? It seemed every offensive skill position player congratulated him including a big high 5 for Justin Jefferson.

The defensive side of the ball the player that stood out to me was first round pick, Dallas Turner. It seemed every time he was lined out right he was crashing down on the offensive line to the quarterback. A point I must add he was going vs the 2^nd unit Oline but still his speed was on display.

Practice was cut a little short making fans happy as random player’s grabbed sharpies and footballs signing them and throwing them to the crowd. I always enjoy this because it’s my chance to get a closer picture of players as they are not that far away.

That’s all for now from Eagan so until Monday have a great Sunday!!!

 

SKOL

PURPLESTICK

Home opener disappointment

 

It was January 15, 2023 and the Vikings hosted the New York Giants in the opening round of the playoffs. The Vikings favored to win and I was so sure and of course the game needs to be played.

Yes the Vikings lost 31-24 to the Giants and most of the talk was the 4^th down and game on the line we see a four yard pass Kirk Cousins to TJ Hockenson which ends up short and game over. The Giants celebrating and Vikings leaving the field with fans so quiet.

The streets of Minneapolis might have been the most quiet I have heard in some time with fans seemingly slowly making the walk back to their vehicles.

We now bring on the 2023 season with the Vikings hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at US Bank Stadium. The crowd out on front of the stadium was packed with purple clad fans with a sprinkle of Tampa Bay fans. It was to the point it was extremely hard to get through people which I like because it’s a place of happiness for now.

The doors of the stadium were open with the nice weather. The atmosphere was as good as I hoped and even better.

It is classis Vikings everywhere all over the stadium with the end zones painted old school and the fan flags were same theme.

The place was electric with the full American flag across the whole field, a fly over by three military helicopters really brought the chills. The Vikings offensive players were announced one by one with the last being Justin Jefferson. It was an incredibly loud cheer for the best receiver in the NFL.

The pregame brings a tear to me as the loss of my dad six years ago brings so many memories of my bond with him during the season. All I could do is look up to the glass knowing he was watching with me. It’s incredibly hard to think about the way he left but all I can do is hold my memories.

The Skol chant is going crazy while Bud Grant’s family is blowing the Gjallarhorn. I tell you it was loud and proud to be part of this Bud Grant was to start a game.

I knew the game would be tough and Vike 5.5 point favorite I was extremely nervous because the team seems to have a history of playing down to the competition.

I heard from multiple sources on the radio the Bucs would be a bottom five team when all is said and done.

I have been to way to many games in fact over 200 games in my life having the hand sweats. The only season I can remember was my first year of season tickets in 1998 when Randy Moss came into the league and we saw the Vikings destroy everyone at home until of course the NFC Championship game.

The first half went as I feared leaving the Bucs in the game although when Kirk Cousins found Jordan Addison wide open and then a TD the place went crazy.  Is this the point where momentum goes to the Vikings and we destroy Tampa Bay? Nope!!!

Halftime 10-10 and my gut not feeling so well. You have to be kidding letting this team play with you? Halftime was very cool with the Vikings players of the decade out in chairs in the end zone with Mark Rosen and Ahmad Rashad each speaking about Bud and his team of the decade. Rashad wore #70 and explained to the crowd he is in support of Jim Marshall and the effort to get him in the NFL Hall of Fame.

It’s crazy at halftime Kirk has thrown for 273 yards in one half alone and the Vikings are tied, it felt like a game the Vikings should be ahead.

The obvious many reasons account for the loss. A player lining up off sides on a field goal giving the Bucs another chance as three comes off the scoreboard and eventually a seven.

Three turnover by the Vikings and 0 by the Bucs doesn’t help. The offensive line which has been beat up in twitter and all social media avenues I will agree. I honestly felt like I was watching 2022 season extended.

It’s brutal to watch the front five get destroyed wat to many times. I like being at games because you can watch so much more and I watch Kirk especially seeming not to have awareness of the pass rush. I wish he could read my mind as I say repeatedly watch out!!! Get rid of the ball!!!

The Vikings can’t afford a loss at home especially with the schedule ahead. You HAVE to win your home games!!!!!!!

January 15, 2023 the fans leave quietly and now add September 10^th as two very quiet departures from US Bank Stadium.

Philadelphia Eagles up next and I am sure they are licking their chops to tear apart the Vikings O Line but again the game must be played.

I know the chance is slim being prime time and Eagles are one of a couple teams favored to make it to the NFC Title game.

I can only hope the Vikings shock America and beat the Eagles!!!

My prediction Vikings 21 Eagles 17???   I can hope can’t I?

 

Thank you for reading

SKOL

 

December 17th,2022 will be a day I will never forget

 

I have been sked by so many people what was being at US Bank Stadium like watching the historical comeback.

Yes it’s been a few days since but the game still is fresh In my mind and may stay like that for quite some time,

I start with offering my pregame thinking as I know the Vikings are 4.5 point favorite and know the Vikings are 9-0 when favored.

I tell you I walked in US Bank with the best feeling as I know a win and I will get to see the NFC North champions and see the hat and T-shirt.

Yes, I was pumped with really no fear of a letdown and I was just plain excited. The excitement pregame was even high for me as I see Tommy Kramer and Ahmad Rashad walking up to the Gjallahorn to sound it and lead the SKOL chant.

The crowd stands as one as the Vikings kick it off and there is the boom as Paul Allen says. I watched in disbelief as the Colt return man just sliced up the Vikings special teams on his way to a long return setting up the Colts in great field position.

It seemed that was the trend the rest of the first half with so many things going right for the Colts and wrong for my favorite team.

I was at the Dallas Cowboy debacle and thought that was horrible but somehow this first half seemed worse. My wife leans over to me and says this is the worst football I have ever seen and you know I couldn’t disagree.

The first half was so much booing by the fans and yet once in a while I heard cheers. I thought what on earth can people be cheering for? Here I find out the paper airplanes people made and tossed the cheers were for the plane making the field. It wasn’t too much longer and I saw security up in the upper levels looking for the offenders.

It was finally halftime and all I could do was shake my head in disbelief. I came in so confident it hurt to see this awful performance. Yes fans let the team know just what they thought by thousands of boos.

The halftime was Mascots vs youth football which was interesting watching mascots stiff arm kids to the ground. I guess I am not too much of a fan of this yearly halftime but that’s only my opinion.

The second half was about to start and I thought if we can get one touchdown not a field goal it would be a good start I guess an obvious statement.

I am thinking to myself the Dallas- Indianapolis game where Dallas scored 33 points in the 4^th quarter so I guess anything is possible.

I really thought seeing the first couple drives the Vikings offense looked like they would not be stopped. The thing is could the 32^nd ranked Vikings defense make not one stop but every Colts drive would have to be a stop.

I really thought the Vikings D looked as good as they have in a long time as I actually saw several blitzes and penetration by the Vikings defensive line.

The Vikings made it 36-21 and I really thought we had a chance but wondered when Vikings Coach KOC would go for two.

I am not going to go into all the missed calls by the refs as that has been beaten into the ground. I will say the one fumble return I jumped out of my seat and yelled watching the Vikings score. My wife grabs my jersey and says um the play was called dead. “WHAT?” You have to be kidding.

I will say one of the missed fumble returns for a TD drew a crowd reaction where I don’t know if I have ever seen. I saw many beer cans thrown onto the west end zone that’s how upset people were. There were no players in that end so security hustled to pick everything up.

I really don’t believe the Colts were trying to not score the Vikings D just finally made plays.

The screen pass from Kirk Cousins to Dalvin Cook was as good as I have ever seen as once again I am out my chair going crazy yelling as if Dalvin could hear me.

I know it’s a little over two minutes and the time is now to go for two to tie, I watch Kirk drop back survey the field and find TJ Hockenson and we are tie. You can only jump so high at your chair but I am sure I jumped max high.

The game goes to OT and win the coin toss. My confidence we were going to win was maxed out but then the disappointment of having to punt.

The Colts just didn’t scare me but somehow we still needed to make a stop and they did. The story goes like this as I have seen this before.

Yes we drive to set up the game winning field goal on the last play of OT. I had my phone turned to video pushed record and stepped back so my phone would not go anywhere except my hands. It was tough as my hands were soaked in sweat as how many times has my heart been broken with a missed kick or the other team kick a field goal to win.

I was at the 1998 NFC Championship game and watched the Falcons break my heart and I was the 2010 NFC Championship game and watched the Saints break my heart.

Yes, Saturday December 17^th, 2022 it was the Vikings turn. Yes. I know it’s not the playoffs but still needed to see a game winner in huge pressure.

What a day seeing the Minnesota Vikings make history with the biggest comeback in NFL history. The Vikings now have 10 wins of 8 points or less which is tied for most in NFL history.

I am 57 going on 58 and hope my heart can keep on taking this because it sure is a fun ride!!!!

SKOL

The Vikings host the New York Giants Christmas Eve in a whiteout. I will not predict a score just know it’s going to be one exciting Saturday afternoon. It’s the last regular season home game so the outcome has to be in favor of the good guys.

Purplestick

 

Observations of early Vikings Training Camp

 

Training Camp 2022 has begun and with it has begun a new attitude with new leadership and it’s apparent when I am seeing players seemingly happier and the energy early on is so fun to take in.

The camp itself sees 2 practices with a walk through from about 12:15-12:45 then back out about 2:20 and they have been going to anywhere from 4:15-4:45.

The weather early on has been awesome with a little on the hot side but at least for now Tuesday and Wednesday every fan is given a water and there are plenty of refill stations. You are allowed to bring your own water bottle but it must be empty before you enter camp. The gates open at 11:45 and close around 5:15pm.

The players themselves I really want to watch extra especially with a new coaching staff. I really enjoy watching Coach O’Connell interact with the offensive side of the ball. I notice he carries a little walky talky to call the plays in. He stands back and watches the plays develops then approaches different players. I am noticing he will go to receivers after a route and point the way he would like to see the routes run. He is very good at communication from where I sit. He spends so much time with quarterbacks and his offense as they are designing a new system.

The offensive line has been a concern for so long so coming into the season a chance to get five guys to work together. It was last season left tackle, Christian Darrisaw dealt with post-surgery getting back into the swing of it. I was excited to see him out there working the line and getting everyday reps. I am seeing thus far from left to right: Darrisaw (71), Cleveland (72) Bradbury (56), Jesse Davis (73) and O’Neil (75) to complete the line. Jesse Davis is the newcomer and looks solid from what I have seen thus far.

The concern last season of center, Garrett Bradbury being beat at times by bigger guys is still a concern so time will tell. He is undersized and that is a fact, but can he be quicker than the big men he faces.

The defensive side of the ball is so intriguing with the potential of using both the 3-4 and the traditional 4-3.

The Vikings have added some great veteran defensive players with Harrison Phillips (DT), Jordan Hicks (LB) and Z’Darius Smith (DE).

It’s so exciting to see these new ads inserted into the lineup for now. I am seeing Danielle Hunter, Harrison Phillips, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Z’Darius Smith on the defensive line.

Eric Kendricks is looking solid as ever and now as the Vikings let Anthony Barr go we now see Veteran Jordan Hicks next to Kendricks. It’s strange to not see Barr (55) next to Kendricks (54) but as they say life goes on. The new 55 belongs to Z’Darius Smith.

In speaking about (55) Smith it was awesome to see him come out of the locker room along with Patrick Peterson as they came to the fans in the stands to leads the SKOL chant. What a great start for Smith coming over from the Packers.

I see Hunter and Smith together much of practice and it reminds me of the Williams Wall with Pat and Kevin always being together. Yes I know Smith and Hunter are both Defensive Linemen but its’s just something I see.

I wish I understood football just a little more as I watch the defense lineup I see Smith and Hunter standing as if linebackers but then the next play I see Hunter and Smith play the tackle spot. One player to keep an eye on in preseason is (91) Patrick Jones II as he is as quick as it gets especially standing up as a defensive lineman.

I watch practice, read twitter and always listen to KFAN as I watch but can’t watch everything. If I reads or hear about a player I like to play especial attention to that player and I truly enjoy people’s opinions.

The secondary is going to be one of the best in recent history with Patrick Peterson, left corner and across from him is Cam Dantzler who changed his jersey to # 3, The safeties are All Pro, Harrison Smith and his partner for now is Cam Bynum who really looks the part early on.

There are two guys who really are looking hungry and both 2022 draft choices with Andrew Booth Jr (23) and Akayleb Evans (21). These two have no fear of anyone and are so physical.

It is right now Evans, Booth Jr and rookie safety, Lewis Cine are getting a majority reps with the 2^nd group of defense. It’s going to be an exciting preseason to watch the battles.

The quarterbacks as we know Kirk Cousins is the starter but for backup I am pulling hard for Kellen Mond to be the backup. I really think he really got treated unfairly by Coach Zimmer. I loved Mond in college and he may or not make the stride to the NFL but I believe he deserves a chance. I have seen Mond look so good and is getting more reps with the 2^nd offense then Shawn Mannion for now.

The receiving corp looks as they took no time off from last season and are catching everything. I speak specifically of Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and KJ Osborne. There is a ton of youth battling but no one sticks above the other one in my opinion. They are all catching a majority of balls which is a great problem to figure who stays.

The running backs lead by Davin Cook and Alexander Maddison but then the fight begins as Kene Nwangu who looked sharp last season  is currently sitting out so who will take the advantage? I really like # 32 Ty Chandler rookie draft choice who looks like a real deal catching balls out of the backfield and his quickness after a handoff.

The tight ends with Irv Smith having thumb surgetry after missing all of last year who will step up. I am liking many but two who stick out is veteran wearing # 86 Johnny Mundt and came from the Rams system. I am also intrigued by #40 Zach Davison a 2021 draft choice is having a very nice camp. He is 6’6” and catches everything especially down the middle.

This camp also has seen the return of the player’s autographs after practice with different position groups taking turns. It is for kids 17 and under so I am happy these kids get the chance after a 2 year wait.

That’s all for now as I return to Eagan Friday.

SKOL

Purplestick

 

9 days in the books with youngsters coming to play

 

Irv Smith Jr. having a camp of a lifetime early on

The first 9 days are in the books and 18 hours of afternoon practice I have watched and enjoyed. I love watching the like of Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Kirk Cousins on the offensive side and have thoroughly enjoyed some of th young offensive weapons and want you to see these guys in preseason and see what you think. They are full of speed, energy and very solid with their hands.

 Here is 5 guys I want you to watch:

 

26- Kene Nwangwu RB rookie out of Iowa State is extremely fast

15-Ihmir Smith-Marsette WR out of the University of Iowa

84-Irv Smith Jr TE in 2nd year is catching everything thrown his way

17-KJ Osborn WR never seems to let a ball hit the ground as he always has his body flying all over to catch low or high balls

12-Chad Beebe WR "Mr Hustle"

There are several players making crowd pleasing catches but for the first 9 days these players have wowed me.

Thank you for reading

Enjoy Preseason and watch the 90 players fighting for the 53 man roster spots.

Purplestick