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

Quaterbacks return and Dantzler shines on D

 

I was excited to get to Eagan like all other days but more so today as Kirk Cousins and Nate Stanley returned to practice after following protocol of Covid since Saturday.

It’s only practice but these guys need to get the reps with their offense as much as possible since the first preseason game is a week from Saturday.

I noticed players such as Adam Thielen, Patrick Peterson, Dakota Dozier and Hercules Mata’afa were held out pf practice Thursday and Anthony Barr returned back to practice.

The crowd size every day is pretty consistent as I would say the stands are about 30-40 percent full and Thursday’s weather had to be a player’s best friend. The skies were cloudy and it was breezy at times and really never got that warm in my opinion.

I mentioned Dozier out for the offensive line so what I saw first unit a majority of the time from right to left was Brian O’Neil, Oli Udoh, Garrett Bradbury, Ezra Cleveland and Rashod Hill. I did see draft choice, Wyatt Davis with the 2^nd unit. Christian Darrisaw was wearing his helmet but once again only working more in the individual drills.

Cousins was back and I did see some nice balls particularly one to back corner of end zone to Justin Jefferson from 335-40 yards out.

The flip side 2^nd year corner, Cam Dantzler had a huge day with two interceptions and a great play down the sideline breaking up a deep ball that was intended for Jefferson. If Dantzler had not timed his jump it would have been in my opinion a catch by Jefferson.

The absence of Thielen Thursday gave opportunities for KJ Obsborn to line up opposite Jefferson and also a chance for rookie, Ihmir Smith-Marsette to get some action. It is every day the next man up and a chance to build great depth on the roster.

I have gone to Training Camp 26 years and don’t know if I remember seeing a cart drive to the sideline with two or three huge speakers piled on each other.

I watched as they stopped the cart and turned on the speakers and they were loud and got louder.

The team practiced from 99 yards away from me with the noise machine I will call it. It was just not a few plays I would say it went on 10-15 minutes with deep balls, crossing patterns and back coming out of the backfield is what I could see. I love this activity as in the stands it was fairly loud but I am guessing down on the goal line it was very loud.

The practice schedule is 2:15-4:15 every day but I have noticed about 4:00 the whistle blows part of the team heads back to the building and a different position group comes to the south end zone and signs autographed footballs and throw them in the crowd. Thursday was the defensive line as we got to see just how big some of these guys are and yes they are large.

That's all for now 

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

SKOL!!!

Vikings 2nd day in pads saw some good an some not so much

 

Wednesday August 4^th as another beautiful weather day at TCO Performance Center Vikings Training Camp as we get ready for day two of pads.

I was on my way up to the camp as listened to the PA show who had Michael Pierce on to do a radio and was it ever a great interview as I drove, listened and thought as Michael was speaking.

I know the games have not started but I do know this team has a lot of scary potential and I mean that in a great        way.                                                                                                                                              12-Chad Beebe ready to make another great catch

I will refer to the defensive line as who will teams double team on the Vikings defensive line. If you double either inside tackle whether it be Pierce, Dalvin Tomlinson, Sheldon Richardson the other will be singled up. It teams try to attack our tackles it opens it up for Danielle Hunter or whoever plays right end. It’s a scary line and the fact the line destroys who does that help? Yes, Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr or whoever they decide as 3^rd linebacker which like Nick Vigil for now.

The fact if the defensive line can cause havoc like I believe they can it also help the secondary on coverage. I go to camp every day and watch and only envision the potential this defense has. I will guarantee it will be much better that last year.

The kicking game is concerning for now and I need to give it a chance but today Joseph missed 2 of 3 including a 55 yarder. I know I heard a fan yell as soon as he kicked it, “Cut him.” It’s a work in progress so I will give them the benefit of the doubt.

I love watching practice more and more the older I get seeing who is lining up where and what unit is he playing with.

I saw today for the first time since camp start #one pick, Christian Darrishaw had a helmet on and did a little work more work individual and not team but with time we will see him with the number one unit. 2021 Draft choice, Wyatt Davis was back working with the line again which is encouraging.

The line is definitely a work in progress but if these two can get healthy and stay healthy it’s going to be fun to see how the coaches use them and when they finally decide to use them more in practice.

We are still waiting for Kirk Cousins and Nate Stanley to return for covid protocal and that sounds like Thursday so we saw plenty of Jake Browning, Case Cookus and Danny Etling running the units.

What I am liking is the wide out making plays on balls that may have been off a little and force the guys to dive or stretch for the ball.

I am seeing KJ Osborn and Chad Beebe really becoming quite good at laying out for balls. I am a big fan of Beebe as every route and I mean everyone is run full tilt. He made a diving catch in the end zone that brought a great reaction from the fans.

It might sound redundant but one of my favorite players in camp is Tight End, Irv Smith Jr who honestly I don’t know if I have seen him drop any balls.

It’s crazy but seven days into camp there has not been one bad weather day until Thursday I see a potential of rain. It’s been a great camp and the fields are in perfect condition so I have to believe players are loving these conditions.

Thursday Cousins returns so I am real excited to see how fans react to #8 back on the field. Will they cheer or will they boo?  Stay tuned.

That’s all for now

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

First day in pads is in the books at Viking Training Camp

 

Tuesday August 3^rd has come and with that the first Minnesota Vikings full pad practice. The weather was absolutely beautiful with mostly sunny skies with an occasional could and mid 80’s so it’s time to see the team to come out of TCO onto the practice squad.

It has not been since the Vikings last game of last year that the team has been in pads. I know ever since Saturday the talk has been nonstop Covid and vaccinations. You hear it talked about on the radio, you hear fans talk its nonstop but bottom line is the players that are clear I am ready to see practice. There is nothing I can do about the talk of vaccination and its’s out of my hands so I just want to watch football.

The next issue was the report of Jeff Gladney being released with court issues so the distractions tend to mount.

I mentioned yesterday for whatever reason the practice was extremely hard to watch as in my opinion did not seem to be on any pace.

That was yesterday and today is today and I saw a much crisper practice. The offensive line has been an issue for years and now this season a new hope however waiting for first round pick, Christian Darrisaw to return to action after off season surgery and now 2021 Draft choice, Wyatt Davis being held out it makes it difficult to feel good as no idea what the line will eventually look like.

It seems to be Rashod Hill at left tackle or #74-Olissaemaka Udoh taking snaps while left guard is Ezra Cleveland. The center is Garett Bradbury while right guard is Udoh or Dakota Dozier and right tackle in Brian O’Neil.

The play makers continue to make plays as Tuesday Tight End. Irv Smith Jr. made a great catch in the end zone and Adam Thielen made a diving catch down the right side line beating Patrick Peterson. These are just a couple examples of guys making the catch.

The quarterback trio Tuesday was #3- Jake Browning, #5 Case Cookus and just picked up off of waivers on Monday was Danny Etling who will wear #6.

The next man up mentality really can apply to the Vikings with the quarterback Covid isues along with Olabisi Johnson tearing his SACL last week leaving the young receivers fighting even harder to make it. I am a big fan of Chad Beebe if you have not seen runs every route at full speed and it’s obvious on the field tracking down balls and making the catches.

I have not seen a lot of the kickers until today when I watched Greg Joseph for 4 for 5 including hitting a 52 yard game winning field goal as the team was working on the end of the game drills. I did read he has made 17 of 20 thus far in camp but today honestly is the first time I remember seeing him kick.

The wind which was slight seemed to be going west to east so I was interested to see how his kicks would fare. I was sitting at his backside and at an angle so it was hard to see the yard he kicked from but did enjoy seeing it go through the uprights and hearing the fans cheer.

Wednesday will be day seven of camp and now that pads are on should make for exciting to watch as every day that passes is one day less for these youngsters to prove they belong.

That’s all for now

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

SKOL

Thoughts on camp early on

 

3-Jake Browning

The Minnesota Vikings continue their daily schedule including Saturday night family night where the team played in front of a close to full house. The atmosphere was awesome with so many purple clad fans in their jerseys and other purple shirts. The weather was beautiful and add the SKOL chant made for a great way for fans to be involved.

I know I found out that Kirk Cousins, Kellen Mond and Nate Stanley were all out due to Covid Protocol. I really think since people were so excited just to watch football the news was not the end of the world. If this was a game day obviously fans would have reacted to a much different degree. I really believe most fans knew before they sat as I talked too many and they acknowledged they knew.

The Vikings have had 4 quarterbacks in camp since Day 1 and with three out due to the protocol it left one and that was #3 Jake Browning, This is a huge opportunity for him to take advantage not only for the Vikings but if he would be cut later in camp lots of teams may have interest.

It’s early in camp but a few guys I want you to watch for when you watch preseason on TV are young guys starting with two wide receivers I love in camp and that is KJ Osborn and Ihmir Smith-Marsette. KJ is making catch after catch and Smith-Marsette is blazing fast and making catches. The unfortunate season ending ACL injury suffered by Olabisi Johnson has perhaps opened the door for Osborn or Ihmir or both.

                                                                        17-KJ Osborn

                                                            15-Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Chad Beebe is having a good camp with hustle and good route running and is a very good punt returner however with the late signing of Dede Westbrook could present a problem for Beebe but again this is why they have camp to see who is going to step up and pull the so called upset if you want to call it as far as making the roster.

There are two wide receivers who do not have to worry about making the team and that is Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. These two receivers are making catch after catch and some even leaves the crowd in a collective wow like sound,

I believe maybe the player with the best camp offensively is that of Irv Smith Jr who day in and day out in the first five days is so consistent with his routes and beating defenders either by out jumping or just flat out beating on the route. I predict a huge offensive season for Irv.

We all know Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison as well as CJ Hamm but please watch for a rookie out of the University of Iowa State, Kene Nwangwu as all I can say is man is he ever fast. He is a burner so when he gets through the line of scrimmage good luck catching him.

I mentioned quarterback, Jake Browning being the only quarterback Saturday night and I thought he played extremely well considering the circumstances. It looks like he has a very good arm hitting guys down the field.

I will say on the flip side the defense couldn’t touch him so some of his throws may not have happened as he would have been sacked at least a couple times but they didn’t count it so I credit Jake for keep on looking down the field for an open receiver.

It was just last season the defense really took a hit injury wise and thus the defense really didn’t play up in my opinion to the normal standards Coach Zimmer usually produces.

It is 2021 Camp I leave every day excited seeing how big and fast the defensive side of the ball is.

I will say without a doubt the toughest position to make cuts will be the defensive line as I would keep everyone if I could. This D-Line is going to be a tough unit to penetrate and good luck opposing quarterbacks with the likes of a fired up Danielle Hunter coming fast and furious.

I love what I see out of the secondary adding so much veteran help back there. I am willing to guarantee we will see a defense like we have not seen in a very long time.

Monday was a very strange practice almost seeming boring to watch as the pace seemed very slow to me so I look forward to Tuesday when they put their pads and helmets on for the first time in 2021.

Football will officially be back and I can’t wait!!!!!!!

That’s all for now

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

SKOL

Thoughts on the fist three days of Vikings Training Camp

 

Training Camp at last was here so on Wednesday July 28^th made my first trip to TCO Performance Center in Eagan. The gates open at noon but practice is not until 2:15 and goes to 4:15.

There is a morning walk through but no fans are allowed but at least we get to watch one of the practices.

I have been the first 3 days to camp and what I am noticing fan wise is growth and what I mean by that is first day a guestimate of 500 fans plus or minus a few and Friday the stands were packed. I did see a sign that says capacity is 2902 which is a strange number but anyways I am sure the crowd was close to that number.

Practices I used to get so excited for but through the years I tend to watch players and where they line up first team, second team and so forth.

I listened to KFAN on the way up and Paul Allen had Randy Moss on and it was a tremendous interview discussing Justin Jefferson. Randy brought a lot of good points up with Jefferson with the fact rookie year was no mini camps and everything virtual so teams trying to get ready for Jefferson was a little tougher. Randy brought up the 2^nd year to see how Jefferson does as teams now know way more about him obviously.

I have watched Jefferson three days and am so impressed with his routes and how he gets off the line of scrimmage so quickly. I believe Justin will face more double teams this season but feel Justin will be just fine with no proof as of right now other than watching him battle vs the likes of veterans Patrick Peterson on the right side and Bashaud Breeland on the left side. Breeland and Peterson have been around for a while and will give Justin great work.

I add even if Jefferson sees double and or Adam Thielen sees a double team I have seen and loved the play of the tight ends both Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin’s great hands. I think the loss of Kyle Rudolph does hurt a little but I believe Conklin and Smith Jr. are primed for huge seasons.

The offensive line has been tough to watch the last few years but I love how the Vikings addressed it in the 2021 Draft. Christian Darrisaw the new left tackle has not seen any action in camp as of yet as he is out there but watches while wearing a baseball cap. He is supposed to be the real deal so only time will tell. The Vikes also drafted Wyatt Davis out of Ohio State. What excites me about Davis is he comes from a winning program with Ohio State constantly a top 5-10 team in the nation so he knows what it takes to win.

The line I believe is set with Brian O’Neil at right tackle, Garrett Bradbury at center, Ezra Cleveland at left guard and Darrisaw when he is ready. The question spot is the right guard and what a great battle with Davis vs Oli Udoh. Oli is getting majority of snaps but now Friday Davis was seen at center so could be a very versatile player.

The receivers I mentioned with Jefferson and Thielen along with newcomer Dede Westbrook so watch for the battle between KJ Osborn and rookie out of Iowa, Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Ihmir is extremely impressive with his speed. The other player to watch is Chad Beebe.

Running backs everyone knows what Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison bring to the table but watch for rookie #26, Kene Nwangwu and his speed. He is extremely fun to watch.

The defensive side can only get better after last year’s disappointment with so many injuries. The team added in the draft and also free agency.

I love the defensive line talent starting with Danielle Hunter who is a beast every day with his blazing speed. I have also seen him lined up on the line standing up. I don’t know what NFL Tackle would not be concerned by this.

I love being at camp to see the size of these guys because you read Michael Piece 6’0” and 340 and say that’s big but you see him in person and yes that’s huge and pair him with 6’3” Dalvin Tomlinson at 319 you have 650 pounds of men.

Sheldon Richardson is back and wearing #9 in camp and I must say he is the biggest #9 I have ever seen.

The names to watch preseason are Janarius Robisonson and Patrick Jones III with both big and very explosive coming off the ball.

Linebackers it looks like Anthony Barr is back Barr like and you have Eric Kendricks so who is the 3^rd? I recommend watching #59 Nick Vigil and #45 Troy Dye and see what you think?

k.

The secondary made major improvements in the offseason and what I am seeing is Patrick Peterson out right and Cam Dantzler and Bashaud Breeland out right which will be a great battle.

Safeties all world, Harrison Smith and Veteran Free Agent, Xavier Woods have the majority of snaps with the 1^st team. Smith is an obvious but I am curious to see how Woods does with Anthony Harris gone. I am excited for the secondary to make major strides in improvements.

Quarterbacks with Kirk Cousins but I am keeping my eye on Kellen Mond and see how he does in camp. I can’t believe how big Mond is. The other two in camp Nate Stanley and Jake Browning.  All three seem to have big arms but who does the best in preseason games will be an interesting watch.

Kicking I honestly have not seen one kick which I think is strange but obviously it’s being done just not seen close up by fans. This is one area we have to have someone reliable and not give fans heart attacks when it comes to extra points or field goal attempts.

That’s all for now

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

SKOL

Vikings Training Camp is finally here

 

Wednesday July 28th is the day Viking fans as well as myself have been waiting for and that is Minnesota Vikings Training Camp in Eagan.

The new facility opened in 2018 after 52 years in Mankato and I do enjoy it but sincerely miss the Mankato days.

It was last season no one was allowed at camp or games making this year like everything else in life we lost that we loved to do just that more special.

Training camp is free as you go to the Vikings website and look for Training Camp. You are allowed up to four tickets each. Parking if you buy online is 10.00 or you can pay at the Eagan facility for 20.00.

I found out practice is not the old 2 a day at least not for fans but we will get to watch from 2:15-4:15. Yes I will be in heaven watching the battles to make the 52 man squad.

The gates do open at noon as you can hang out in the Viking Village outside the practice fields and stay until 5:00. It was announced there will be no player interaction with fans do to Covid protocol and I understand as I can’t wait to just watch practice. There will be Viking Alumni in the Vikings museum available for autographs if you wish. I just don’t know who the alumni that will be there.

What do I look forward to watching in camp? Of course everything but to break it down there are several areas of the team I am intrigued with.

Kirk Cousins love him or not needs to be protected as we have seen what a nice ball he throws when given time.

I am excited to see number one pick Chrisitian Darrisaw perform at left tackle taking on the likes of Danielle Hunter who when healthy is as elite as they come.

I also want to see Guard Wyatt Davis out of Ohio State see how he can compete. I know Bradbury will at center and Brian O’Neil at right tackle so the guard both left and right will be a huge battle all camp.

Running back has Mr Versatilty, Dalvin Cook who I love but also a big fan of Alexander Mattison and his tough running. I love the one two punch but like every year health will be a main topic because when healthy is as scary as they come running with the football. It is always fun to see the battle for the 3^rd back.

Tight end will be interesting with Kyle Rudolph leaving via free agency. I was not shocked but will always remember him as the man I didn’t think the Vikings used enough with his size and more important his hand size. I do love the talent the Vikes still have with Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin as we saw what they both are capable of catching and running.

Wide Receiver I can’t wait to see Justin Jefferson in person running routes and catching balls form the quarterbacks. I know Adam Thielen and Jefferson are a potent one two punch so the intriguing will be the battle for the 3^rd,4^th, 5^th and 6^th if they keep that many.

The young man just signed this week from Jacksonville, Dede Westbrook everything I have read makes me believe he has the best shot at 3 but again this what camp is all about. Who will be the camp stud and surprises everyone but himself?

I am a big fan of Bisi Johnson and  Chad Beebe as they have shown their value so they both need monster camps to make the 53 man squad.

The Vikings had a great draft on paper in my opinion but no its time to show why they were each drafted. The Vikes in my opinion like to keep a majority of their picks on the roster but again time will tell.

It was last year the Vikings went with youth in the secondary which at times was painful to watch and yet a few moments they flashed. I know Jeff Gladney is dealing with legal issues so he won’t be in Eagan but Cam Dantzler will be for year two. Mike Zimmer this year saw the team bring in big name veterans for secondary help and d-line help.

The team brings in Patrick Peterson, Xavier Woods and Rashaud Breeland in the secondary so camp battles just got that much better with the rookies trying to bat out these vets. I can’t wait to see Thielen and Jefferson go up against these guys.

The defensive line made major improvements with the adding of last year Michael Pierce and this year bring back Sheldon Richardson and sign Dalvin Tomlinson. I have read Piece and Tomlinson cold be a new age Williams Wall although Pierce is dealing with an injury but I believe Richardson will be just as good.

Linebackers I can’t wait to see Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr who is coming back off a season he suffered an injury. These two have unlimited talent but the concern I have is letting Eric Wilson leave via free agency. This 3^rd linebacker battle will be huge and I can’t wait to see who steps up??

The kicking battle I honestly have no opinions until I see them in camp. I just want a kicker who can put the ball through the uprights and not give me a heart attack when I see the snap, the hold and the kick and not have to pray as the ball is sailing through the air and I am saying to myself please, please, please go through. This might be a top story in camp. I just want a guy after we score a touchdown and he comes through and drills it automatically through not just once but all game and all season!!!

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

SKOL!!!!

Fired up for Vikings Training Camp

 

The year like everything else saw no Vikings Training Camp for fans in 2020 as we lived through the pandemic. I am a passionate Vikings fan and 20 year Season ticket holder proud to say have only ever missed two home games up until last year.

Vikings Training Camp have been so much of my summer time over the past 25 years starting back in 1994 in Mankato.

I had so much so fun when I started going I was taking anywhere from 80-100 hours of vacation from work to make the journey to Mankato ad now Eagan to live my dream life of a football fan.

I know when I first started going I would drive over for morning practice go back to Owatonna and back to Mankato for the afternoon practice. I used to tell people I would do an oil change before and after Training Camp was over as I would be about 1200- 1500 miles on my car going twice to Mankato a day.

The memories I make each year is a lot of reason I go back and of course watching the players trying to make the 53 man squad each camp.

The words Training Camp also brings the word heat as yes late July to early August it is typically steamy and you can’t drink enough water sometimes to help. Yes I am the man who makes the decision to go and watch in the heat but I can’t help it as it is a true passion being committed to my favorite team.

I know one memory amongst many and not so good of memory is having a kidney stone attack at camp and was it ever a painful drive home to Owatonna only to end up in the ER to get some IV’s and help alleviate the pain and hopeful to pass it which I did a day later.

Training Camp is huge for me as stated earlier and know its football we are watching but what I truly love is meeting fans from all over. I know we all share something in common as we are fans of the Vikings so it makes for easy to converse.

I have met fans from Germany, Belguim, Hawaii and other fans from all over. I know many years back I met three guys at camp who said they left their wives for three weeks to see how many NFL camps they can get to. I loved talking to these guys as they had a plan to get to 13 different camps.

I know through the years camps have changed but back in the mid 90’s the Vikings weight room was under tents outside on the parking lot at MSU-Mankato. I had more fun meeting players who were typically very kind in stopping over to meet fans and give autographs and take pictures with fans. I met many but two that stick out in my mind is meeting Korey Stringer and Robert Smith and getting a picture with each.

The thrill of meeting players after practice can’t be described. It’s strange because I am old enough to be their fathers but the rush is crazy. I know in 25 years of going I have gotten pictures with almost 400 different players through the years. It’s a collection I am so proud of. I know I have got my share of autographs but to get a picture with an NFL star just makes me smile.

The memories continue as one year I had EJ Henderson come up to me and say “ you are here every day aren’t you?” I smiled and said yes while EJ responds, “you should put on a set of pads and come out and hit with us.” Ah, no thanks!! I said.

I have a plastic bin in my basement with a year taped to it having memories in each bin from each year along with pictures I took.

I know the last year of Mankato Vikings Camp was extremely hard on me as there were hundreds of memories including every year going to move in day seeing these large men moving into the dorms. I went to MSU and stayed in the Gage A Tower and know they were small so seeing these guys dragging their TVs, quilts, blankets, clothing and anything else they need for the two to three weeks was so interesting to me.

I look back to 1998 when Randy Moss entered camp and watched him along with Cris Carter and Jake Reed spending time after practice catching ball after ball from the jug machine. There was a ball boy I will never forget as he too practiced catching balls and who was that? Yes, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Oh if I would have only known he would turn out to be an elite athlete in the NFL I would have loved to meet Larry.

I could write page after page and even a book on the Vikings Training Camp but instead I wanted to try and show you reading that camp is a must go and see what you think. I always tell people just try it once and if you don’t like it you never have to go but I got a feeling you may see the thrill that I do.

I can’t wait for July 28^th to make my first trip to Eagan and get ready for the 2021-22 Vikings season.

SKOL!!!!!

Thank you for reading

Todd Walkingstick

 

My thoughts on the Vikes 2021 draft

 

The NFL draft is approaching quickly and I for one can’t wait. Yes, Minnesota Vikings 2021 season is getting closer.

The 2020 season was extremely disappointing for many reasons including my 20^th year as a season ticket holder but was not able to go due to Covid. I do understand but that does not mean I can’t hope for the best this season to be in my purple seats at US Bank.

I am asked every year who do I want the Vikings to take with their first round pick the rest of the draft and I kiddingly say one of every positon. Although sometimes I really think I should listen to myself and hope we get one of every position.

The team finished 7-9 last season and have the 14^th pick in the first round. I have been a football fan my whole life and honestly can say I have never done a mock draft or even tried it. I love reading twitter and watching ESPN and NFL Network to see who the Vikings take. I am hearing and reading more and more about a quarterback should be taken to sit a couple years behind Kirk Cousins.

I would welcome a quarterback but not with the 14^th pick. I am really, really hoping the team drafts offensive lineman. I really like Brian O’Neil at right tackle and I would not mind seeing the move for Ezra Cleveland from guard to left tackle. He is 6’6” and weighs 311 so I would like the size and his athletic ability out on the left side.

Riley Reiff was released and picked up quickly by the Cincinnati Bengals so that is my obvious need if Cleveland is not moved to tackle. The first 13 picks in the draft I see all five quarterbacks gone, then there is 2-3 wide receivers and a tight end that could very easily go leaving the Vikings salivating knowing they can get a needed offensive lineman whether it’s a guard or tackle.

I really truly love what the Vikings did in free agency signing Michael Pierce last year and then he opted out for the season due to Covid so I am excited to see what he does. The Vikings also signed Dalvin Tomlinson after the Giants released him. Dalvin started every game for the Giants which was 64 so he comes in very experienced. It will be exciting to see Pierce and Tomlinson side by side in the middle of the defensive line. I am hopes of the Williams wall all over again with Pat and Kevin for years being the run stuffers.

The linebacker corp lost a big piece in my opinion with Eric Wilson signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Who will step up or do they draft for need here.

I believe the secondary which saw Anthony Harris leave and sign with the Eagles which I am ok with. Harris had a great season 2 years ago with the 7-8 interceptions but last season he just was not the same play maker.

I love the signing of former Arizona Cardinals, Patrick Peterson to help at corner and Xavier Woods signed away from Dallas. These two gentlemen bring much needed experience as last season we saw Cam Dantzler and Jeff Gladney, both rookies struggle at times. Gladney has some legal issue to deal with In Texas but Dantzler has a huge chance this season to go again with his rookie season under his belt.

Harrison Smith, my favorite has got to be smiling knowing the team brought veterans in to help the secondary out.  The team also signed former Viking draft choice, Mackensie Alexander to give more experience in the back field.

The tight end situation saw the release of 10 year vet, Kyle Rudolph. This was not a surprise to me knowing his salary was huge against the cap. I say I never thought the Vikings ever used Kyle enough. The man is 6’8” and when he puts his arms up who on earth can cover that. I will say thank you to Kyle as he put so much effort into the Twin Cities communities.

I do like a lot the two tight ends the Vikings used quite a bit and that is Tyler Conklin and Irv Smith Jr who I believe both will be outstanding as they both showed good hands and knowledge where they were on the field when they caught it always looking to get a few more yards after the catch. I can see the team addressing this position somewhere later in the draft.

The wide receivers position I am the most excited for after seeing Justin Jefferson rip up the league and of course the man, Adam Thielen. What a great one two punch and add Bisi Johnson and Chad Beebe makes for a great group. I believe the team will look to add here as well.

The Vikings currently have 11 picks as I am writing this and who knows will they make trades to move up or back. It stands right now where Minnesota has no 2^nd round picks which I find shocking so we will see.

I know they always say GM Rick Spielman likes the number 10 or 11 draft picks so again I will be watching and reading as we are down to 11 days until the draft.

One position I am real curious is the kicker after the release of Dan Bailey and signing from the World Champions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad, Greg Joseph. I did find info that Greg had 80 kickoffs in his career and 53 were touchbacks.

I predict with the draft the Vikes will take an offensive lineman or two, a tight end, receiver and linebacker in the 2021 draft and look to build depth along the 53 man roster.

Thanks for reading

I can’t wait for football!!!!

SKOL
Purplestick