Friday at 6:00 came and for the next 5 hours I watched the NFL draft with a smile on my face and a pen and paper in hand to take notes as it went. I thoroughly enjoy hearing breakdowns of every player and some of the info is noteworthy to me.
I start by saying I love how Commissioner Goodell is handling the draft and I love the Draft-a-thon going helping raise money for the Covid 19 relief program. I have really enjoyed Roger announcing the picks while he stood the first 69 picks then pick 70 he sat in his comfy chair and by picks in the 90’s he was starting to slouch in a sleepy manner. I laughed when the NLF hosts o ESPN made the comment if the draft goes too late into the night we might see Goodell sleeping.
Thursday night was awesome to watch and found out tonight it was the most ever watched NFL draft night in history. One of the most interesting picks in the 2nd round came by way of the New England Patriots taking at pick 37, Kyle Dugger a Division 2 player and I am thinking this is the team to know how to draft as they prove year in and year out they know how to find players in the draft.
It was seemingly not to long ago running backs went first round but yesterday only one went and then in the 2nd round we saw D’Andrea Swift, Georgia go to the Detroit Lions at pick 35 and pick 41 Jonathon Taylor,Wisconsin go to Indianapolis. These guys were both high profile in college and the Vikings schedule sees both these guys along with their teammates. JK Dobbins, Ohio State was taken by Baltimore at pick 55.
Houston at pick 40 took Russ Blacklock and the interesting info on him is that his dad played for the Harlem Globetrotters and now is the head coach of them.
Los Angeles Rams take Wide Receiver, Van Jefferson at pick 57 and his dad Shawn played 13 years in the NFL at wide receiver.
Former Minnesota Gopher, Antoine Winfield Jr. was taken at pick 45 by the Tampa Bay. Winfield was the highest draft pick from the U since 2014. I wanted him to be a Viking but not to be but instead he is a teammate of Tom Brady and yes the Super Bowl is in Tampa so could Antoine have a chance to play in the Super Bowl.
Former Viking, Stefon Diggs brother Trevon Diggs who played safety at Alabama was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. I could not believe how much Trevon looked like Stefon.
Green Bay in the first round shocked the world by drafting quarterback, Jordan Love and now Friday night I believe the Philadelphia Eagles shocked the world by drafting Quarterback, Jalen Hurts. I think with Carson Wentz unfortunate injuries each year the Eagles wanted a young quarterback.
The Vikings pick at 58 finally came and it was Offensive Tackle out of Boise State, Ezra Cleveland. I admit I did not know much about him but believe me when I saw the pick I did research quickly and loved everything I read plus listening to the guys on TV gave me a very good feeling about the pick.
I am loving the Vikings first three picks as we are addressing needs with a wide receiver, cornerback and now Offensive tackle. I am biased and a homer so I am giving the team an A plus thus far.
I say this every year but as each player is drafted the info they have instantly is just amazing and yes I know there are many people involved but I can still be wowed.
The 4th round saw the Vikings take at pick 89 cornerback out of Mississippi State, Cameron Dantzler which I applaud again giving the team two needed cornerbacks and yes they need to prove themselves but at least they are in purple.
This draft overall has over exceeded my expectations hundred fold. It has been such a pleasure to watch and learn. I am really liking the war rooms and what I like even better is the coaches and GM’s having their kids with them making it a family event.
I also love the fact that 60 players allowed cameras in their places giving fans a real appreciation of what these young men are going through hoping their phones ring and it’s a team telling them they want them.
The draft was coming to an end for the night and I knew the Vikings had one more pick but then I see the word trade come across screen. Yes the Vikings traded their pick to the dreaded New Orleans Saints. I was shocked what the Vikings got for the move and that was four more draft choices. Are you kidding me 13 picks on Saturday? I would be shocked if we do get 13 as I envision moving up by packaging deals.
The thought coming in to the draft was the Vikings trading for Redskins Tackle, Trent Williams which I believe after Friday is a dead deal
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I can’t wait for 7 more hours of draft coverage Saturday but also know after Saturday it’s back to reruns of sporting events so I am going to enjoy it while I can Saturday.
I love twitter and you can follow me at purple_ stick but here are the draft choices twitter if you want to follow:
Cam Dantzler @camdantzler3
Justin Jefferson @JJettas2
Jeff Gladney @JGreatness_12
Ezra Cleveland @Ezra508
Thank you for reading
Purplestick
SKOL
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