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 20th
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 14th 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 14th 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 2nd
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
