The NFL Draft is nine days away, but will the Vikings remain at their eighth selection in the 1st round? Daniel House thinks there is a chance they trade up or move down and explains each scenario with six mock drafts.
All of the draft speculation is starting to drive NFL fans insane, but reality is sinking in that the NFL Draft is just 9 days away. What will the Vikings do? Only the people who have a clear view of the war room draft boards would have the answer to this question. Will they look for a franchise quarterback, or will Mike Zimmer bolster a defense that needs major help? The Vikings hold the eighth selection when the draft begins a week from Thursday. All indications point to the Vikings having a chance to select one of the top-three quarterbacks at this pick. Blake Bortles is reportedly one of the preferred targets for the Vikings at the quarterback position. How accurate is this? I'm not sure we can read between the lines too much. Mike Zimmer could have been totally blowing smoke about Johnny Manziel in order to keep teams on edge. This seems logical, but the current scheme doesn't seem to fit what Manziel will need to do to be successful in this league. The first seven picks will dictate what the Vikings decide to do with their selection. I have formulated a few scenarios for you to evaluate. You will see I believe the Vikings most suitable partner to trade up with is the Oakland Raiders. Oakland really wants to draft an offensive tackle or a dynamic playmaker and can do so by moving down three picks and adding an additional 3rd round selection.
Mock Draft Scenario #1
1. Houston Texans- Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Sammy Watkins
4. Cleveland Browns- Derek Carr
5. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- Khalil Mack
6. Atlanta Falcons- Jake Matthews
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Evans
8. TRADE: Oakland Raiders (via MIN)- Johnny Manziel
*(Vikings send 3rd round pick (72) to Oakland)*
- In this scenario, the Oakland Raiders are able to land a franchise quarterback while adding an additional third round pick. As for the Vikings, they are landing a huge developmental piece for Mike Zimmer's defense. Linebacker play has been weak and Khalil Mack could be an immediate starter on the weak side of the 4-3 defense. He is a pure pass rusher and could wreak havoc off the edge for many seasons to come.
Mock Draft Scenario #2
1. Houston Texans- Jadeveon Clowned
2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Khalil Mack
4. Cleveland Browns- Sammy Watkins
5. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- Blake Bortles
6. Atlanta Falcons- Jake Matthews
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Johnny Manziel
8. TRADE: Oakland Raiders (via MIN)- Mike Evans
*(Vikings send 3rd round pick (72) to Oakland)
- In the second scenario, the Vikings again trade with the Raiders and add a quarterback for the future. Blake Bortles has the prototypical stature of a quarterback and tools that can be groomed. His arm-strength and accuracy have been his strengths, but his footwork has left little to be desired. Norv Turner is a quarterback whisperer and with some work, he could be a very nice asset for the future of this team.
Mock Draft Scenario #3
1. TRADE: Atlanta Falcons- Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Khalil Mack
4. Cleveland Browns- Sammy Watkins
5. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- Johnny Manziel
6. Houston Texans (via ATL)- Blake Bortles
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Evans
8. Oakland Raiders (via MIN)- Jake Matthews
*(Falcons send 2014 first-round pick (6), their 2014 second-round pick (No. 37) and their 2015 first-round pick to Houston)
*(Vikings send 3rd round pick (72) to Oakland)
- I really love this scenario for many reasons. Not necessarily because the Vikings add Johnny Manziel, but because of the talent selected within the first 8 picks. The Falcons really want Jadeveon Clowney and they make it happen by sending the farm to Houston. The Texans add their favorite quarterback, while picking up three picks, including a first round selection next year. It turns out Mike Zimmer was blowing smoke about Johnny Football and loves his tenacity and leadership abilities. He shrugs off the questions about his placement within Norv Turner's scheme and drafts a winner. This scenario could develop one of the best top-ten drafts in a very long time.
What happens if the Vikings really want to trade down and add more talent? I have several logical partners that will fit, which are listed below.
Mock Draft Scenario #4
1. Houston Texans- Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Khalil Mack
4. Cleveland Browns- Sammy Watkins
5. Oakland Raiders- Jake Matthews
6. Atlanta Falcons- Blake Bortles
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Evans
8. TRADE: Dallas Cowboys- Johnny Manziel
9. Buffalo Bills- Taylor Lewan
10. Detroit Lions- Aaron Donald
11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Barr
12. New York Giants- Eric Ebron
13. St. Louis Rams- HaHa Clinton-Dix
14. Chicago Bears- Calvin Pryor
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Justin Gilbert
16. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- C.J. Mosley
*(Cowboys send 1st round pick (16), 2nd round pick (42), 4th round pick (119) to Vikings)*
-In this trade back scenario, the Cowboys make a huge move and add Johnny Manziel. What will Jerry Jones do? Let Johnny sit behind Tony Romo, or get him on the field immediately? Time will tell, but the Vikings were able to secure three picks in this scenario. In addition, they added an immediate plug-and-play starter at a position of need. This move isn't completely out of the realm.
Mock Draft Scenario #5
1. Houston Texans- Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Khalil Mack
4. Cleveland Browns- Sammy Watkins
5. Oakland Raiders- Johnny Manziel
6. Atlanta Falcons- Blake Bortles
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Evans
8. TRADE: Dallas Cowboys- Johnny Manziel
9. Buffalo Bills- Jake Matthews
10. Detroit Lions- Aaron Donald
11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Barr
12. New York Giants- Eric Ebron
13. St. Louis Rams- HaHa Clinton-Dix
14. Chicago Bears- Calvin Pryor
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Justin Gilbert
16. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- Darqueze Dennard
*(Cowboys send 1st round pick (16), 2nd round pick (42), 4th round pick (119) to Vikings)*
-The Vikings need secondary help as the square off with Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers over the first six weeks of the season. It makes sense to add Darqueze Dennard and pair his physicality with Xavier Rhodes on the outside. Not to mention, Captain Munnerlyn could move inside to the slot and the Vikings would have an extremely solid secondary.
Mock Draft Scenario #6
1. Houston Texans- Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Khalil Mack
4. Cleveland Browns- Blake Bortles
5. Oakland Raiders- Johnny Manziel
6. Atlanta Falcons- Jake Matthews
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Sammy Watkins
8. TRADE: San Francisco 49ers- Mike Evans
9. Buffalo Bills- Jake Matthews
10. Detroit Lions- Aaron Donald
11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Barr
12. New York Giants- Eric Ebron
13. St. Louis Rams- HaHa Clinton-Dix
14. Chicago Bears- Calvin Pryor
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Justin Gilbert
16. Dallas Cowboys- Timmy Jernigan
17. Baltimore Ravens- C.J. Mosley
18. New York Jets- Kyle Fuller
19. Miami Dolphins- Zack Martin
20. Arizona Cardinals- Derek Carr
21. Green Bay Packers- Ryan Shazier
22. Philadelphia Eagles- Brandin Cooks
23. Kansas City Chiefs- Marquise Lee
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Jason Verrett
25. San Diego Chargers- Louis Nix
26. Cleveland Browns- Carlos Hyde
27. New Orleans Saints- Dee Ford
28. Carolina Panthers- Morgan Moses
29. New England Patriots- Ra'Shede Hageman
30. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- Teddy Bridgewater
31. Denver Broncos- Kyle Van Noy
32. Seattle Seahawks- Cody Latimer
*(49ers send 1st round pick (30), 2nd round pick (56), 3rd round pick (94) to Vikings)
- The 49ers really want to add a wide receiver they can develop. They lost Mario Mannigham in free agency and Anquan Boldin is another year older. Mike Evans has been compared to Boldin as a reception receiver who could cause headaches in the 49ers offensive scheme. Minnesota drops to pick 30 and are still able to add a player they really like in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. In the process, they were able to add two more picks in a very deep draft. It would mean they would have a first round pick, two second round selections, and three third round picks. This would be scary in an extremely deep draft.
These scenarios are far from my beliefs, but are moves that could be made in the event the draft falls perfectly with the above situations. Vikings GM Rick Spielman isn't afraid to add talent by trading up with the extra third round pick, but he may also trade down and add two additional picks. The door is wide open and the fireworks are sure to explode when the draft begins on Thursday, May 9th.
11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Barr
12. New York Giants- Eric Ebron
13. St. Louis Rams- HaHa Clinton-Dix
14. Chicago Bears- Calvin Pryor
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Justin Gilbert
16. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- C.J. Mosley
*(Cowboys send 1st round pick (16), 2nd round pick (42), 4th round pick (119) to Vikings)*
-In this trade back scenario, the Cowboys make a huge move and add Johnny Manziel. What will Jerry Jones do? Let Johnny sit behind Tony Romo, or get him on the field immediately? Time will tell, but the Vikings were able to secure three picks in this scenario. In addition, they added an immediate plug-and-play starter at a position of need. This move isn't completely out of the realm.
Mock Draft Scenario #5
1. Houston Texans- Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Khalil Mack
4. Cleveland Browns- Sammy Watkins
5. Oakland Raiders- Johnny Manziel
6. Atlanta Falcons- Blake Bortles
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Evans
8. TRADE: Dallas Cowboys- Johnny Manziel
9. Buffalo Bills- Jake Matthews
10. Detroit Lions- Aaron Donald
11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Barr
12. New York Giants- Eric Ebron
13. St. Louis Rams- HaHa Clinton-Dix
14. Chicago Bears- Calvin Pryor
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Justin Gilbert
16. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- Darqueze Dennard
*(Cowboys send 1st round pick (16), 2nd round pick (42), 4th round pick (119) to Vikings)*
-The Vikings need secondary help as the square off with Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers over the first six weeks of the season. It makes sense to add Darqueze Dennard and pair his physicality with Xavier Rhodes on the outside. Not to mention, Captain Munnerlyn could move inside to the slot and the Vikings would have an extremely solid secondary.
Mock Draft Scenario #6
1. Houston Texans- Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Khalil Mack
4. Cleveland Browns- Blake Bortles
5. Oakland Raiders- Johnny Manziel
6. Atlanta Falcons- Jake Matthews
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Sammy Watkins
8. TRADE: San Francisco 49ers- Mike Evans
9. Buffalo Bills- Jake Matthews
10. Detroit Lions- Aaron Donald
11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Barr
12. New York Giants- Eric Ebron
13. St. Louis Rams- HaHa Clinton-Dix
14. Chicago Bears- Calvin Pryor
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Justin Gilbert
16. Dallas Cowboys- Timmy Jernigan
17. Baltimore Ravens- C.J. Mosley
18. New York Jets- Kyle Fuller
19. Miami Dolphins- Zack Martin
20. Arizona Cardinals- Derek Carr
21. Green Bay Packers- Ryan Shazier
22. Philadelphia Eagles- Brandin Cooks
23. Kansas City Chiefs- Marquise Lee
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Jason Verrett
25. San Diego Chargers- Louis Nix
26. Cleveland Browns- Carlos Hyde
27. New Orleans Saints- Dee Ford
28. Carolina Panthers- Morgan Moses
29. New England Patriots- Ra'Shede Hageman
30. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings- Teddy Bridgewater
31. Denver Broncos- Kyle Van Noy
32. Seattle Seahawks- Cody Latimer
*(49ers send 1st round pick (30), 2nd round pick (56), 3rd round pick (94) to Vikings)
- The 49ers really want to add a wide receiver they can develop. They lost Mario Mannigham in free agency and Anquan Boldin is another year older. Mike Evans has been compared to Boldin as a reception receiver who could cause headaches in the 49ers offensive scheme. Minnesota drops to pick 30 and are still able to add a player they really like in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. In the process, they were able to add two more picks in a very deep draft. It would mean they would have a first round pick, two second round selections, and three third round picks. This would be scary in an extremely deep draft.
These scenarios are far from my beliefs, but are moves that could be made in the event the draft falls perfectly with the above situations. Vikings GM Rick Spielman isn't afraid to add talent by trading up with the extra third round pick, but he may also trade down and add two additional picks. The door is wide open and the fireworks are sure to explode when the draft begins on Thursday, May 9th.
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