The NFL
combine is over and after watching every day and many hours I like what I saw
out of a few future hopeful Vikings draft choices.
I do feel
the draft does not always guarantee but since it is part of the game it is
truly fun to speculate. The NFL draft consisting of 7 rounds and over 230
players is exciting but sometimes what is more exciting is seeing how the kids
that are not drafted and come by way of undrafted rookie free agents.
I look at
Tom Brady who was drafted in the 6th round and the 199th
pick and now a shoe in for Hall of Fame when he is done. Do you ever wonder how
many times teams look back and wonder what if we wound have taken him? I look
at the undrafted players and give you 2 examples both former Viking players,
John Randle and Mick Tingelhoff who were not drafted and now funny, Randle are
in the Hall of Fame and Tingelhoff being enshrined this August. The list could
go on for each team with draft busts or prizes as well as each team could list
their undrafted free agents who made it big. Does anybody really know?
The Minnesota
Vikings are coming off a 7 win season making progress however there is much
room to improve. I did read Coach Mike Zimmer state there would not be much
money spent in free agency rather the team would rather build through the
draft. I would like to see the team go after one player in free agency and that
is former 49ers guard, Mike Iupati. Yes, he would come at a huge price but I
believe it would be worth it.
The team has
had very good drafts in the last 3 seasons. There are 2 first round picks that
are concerning but I do have hope they will figure it out. I speak of Matt
Kalil and Cordarelle Patterson. Matt had a Pro Bowl rookie year and now is struggling
and Patterson is blessed with athleticism but now must figure out how to use
especially in getting open and running good routes. I have all the faith in the
world this coaching staff will do what it takes to get it done.
The Vikings
come in with the 11th pick and with Coach Mike Zimmer’s defensive
background I would bet my next pay check a defensive player will be taken. I
will give you in order the positions and players I would like to see in purple.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Trae Waynes (Michigan State) He ran a 4.31 40 yard dash along
with a 38 inch vertical jump and a 10’1” broad jump. He is 6’ tall and weighs
196 pounds. He is a bump and run specialists. The only concern is read is he
grabs which may not translate as well into the NFL but again who better to have
as a coach than Zimmer that can help this potential problem.
Jalen Collins (LSU) ran a 4.43 40 yard dash and has a 36”
vertical jump. He has the rare triple with size, speed and strength. NFL Network
has him compared to Terrence Williams from the NFL.
LINEBACKERS
Vic Beasley (Clemson) He most likely will be gone by 11
but if not this kid is an animal. He is 6’3” and playing at 235 in college came
into the combine at 246. He ran a 4.53,
40 yard dash with a 41 inch vertical and a 10’10” broad jump. He has been given
the compliment as the best edge rusher in the draft.
Dante Fowler Jr (Florida) He ran a 4.6. 40 has a vertical jump
at 32.5 and broad jump of 9.3. He is 6’3” and weighs 261. Fowler can play out of
2 or 3 point stance. He is blessed with long arms and is so athletic covering
sideline to sideline. He is compared to last season rookie, Khlail Mack. I
wanted Mack last year for the Vikings but after seeing what Anthony Barr did
last season I was glad we took who we took but still wish Mack a good season
and he did not disappoint the Oakland Raiders.
SAFETY
Landon Collins (Alabama)
I was not overly impressed by anyone else. Collins comes from a school
that knows how to win. He ran a 4.53, 40 yard dash and has a 35” vertical jump.
He is a tremendous run stopper. He also plays better when attacking rather than
laying back in coverage. He did have a tendency to drop a few balls. I repeat
myself by saying if Collins is the pick who better to have as a coach than Mike
Zimmer.
WIDE RECEIVER
Kevin Smith (West Virginia) This man was my favorite player to
watch in the combine in all positions. I was so amazed by him. I am doubtful he
will still be there at 11 but if he is please turn the card in quickly before
time elapses. Smith is the prototypical NFL receiver with his size. He is 6’3”
and weighs 215. He ran a 4.35, 40 yard dash with a 36.5 vertical jump and 10.25
broad jump. He would be a true pleasure watching him haul in passes from
Bridgewater.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Brandon Scherff (Iowa) He measures at 6”5” and weighs 319.
Ho loves the weight room and I read where he could life your house. He has the measurable
to play tackle but in the Vikings case would love to this weight lifting beast
play at left guard.
RUNNING BACK
This
obviously is the biggest area because of the uncertainty of Adrian Peterson’s
future. I have read the same as I am sure you have about everything. I have no
certainty just a feeling and that is I just don’t think Peterson will be in
purple.
Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) He ran a 4.35, 40 yard dash, had 35”
vertical and 10.5 broad jump. I am a Gopher fan and dislike the Badgers but as
a football fan it was hard not be impressed with his gist of running. I read on
NFL.com that Gordon is compared to ex Vikings back, Robert Smith. Oh would that
be fun again. Gordon is 6’1” and weighs 215.
These are my
thoughts on the combine. I know you all have your favorites and I encourage you
to share your thoughts on who the Vikings should take. I say If Peterson does
leave the Vikes should draft Gordon and if Peterson stays I would be happy with
Waynes, Beasley or Kevin Smith.
I know the
end of April can’t come soon enough. We have seen mock drafts and will see them
until the day of the draft. I enjoy them for a while but then I need to be done
and just watch the draft on TV. Who are the winners and who are the losers of
the 2015 draft?
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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