Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Evaluating Potential Vikings Draft Scenarios

With the NFL Draft on the horizon, it is time to start thinking about the Vikings’ possible options. Daniel House shared several different scenarios! 


With the NFL Draft on the horizon, it is time to start thinking about the Vikings’ possible options. GM Rick Spielman and the front office could implement a variety of blueprints.

However, we all know Minnesota must invest ample draft resources into its offensive line. With that in mind, the Vikings may explore several different strategies. 

Trade up for Slater

If quarterbacks start flying off the board, a top offensive tackle or guard may slide. Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater is one of my favorite players in the entire 2021 draft class. He is a premier athlete with excellent hand technique and quick feet. Slater posted a 9.71 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), including elite outputs in the explosiveness and speed composites, according to Kent Lee Platte’s database. I had an opportunity to study him very closely in the Big Ten. While watching him, I was very impressed with his hand technique. He frequently gets position, punches and anchors down against top pass rushers. Slater’s performance against Chase Young was very impressive. His solid technique and quick feet were on full display during that game. 

Throughout his career at Northwestern, Slater also displayed his mobility and blocking range. He frequently hit the second level and took great angles. Additionally, the Wildcats’ guard got out in front of screens and sparked explosive downfield runs. His skill set features excellent athleticism, hand technique, power and range. Slater would fit well at guard in the Vikings’ zone scheme because of his ability to hit the second level and reach defensive tackles. He could also play on the edge and has past experience at both right (26 games) and left tackle (11 games). 

Based upon his film, testing metrics and team needs, Slater will likely be selected ahead of the Vikings. Minnesota could certainly try moving up a few spots for Slater, but without a second-round pick, things become more complicated. Trade value charts indicate it would take a first-round pick swap, along with No. 78 (third round), No. 119 (fourth round) and No. 134 (fourth round) to trade up with the Panthers at No. 8. However, Carolina seems like a logical fit for Slater, especially after the team recently traded for quarterback Sam Darnold.

An aggressive move for a QB?

In the event Minnesota trades up, an offensive lineman might not be the only target. I wouldn’t be surprised if they made an aggressive move for a quarterback. With Kirk Cousins under contract for two more seasons, the Vikings must begin thinking about the future. The Wilf family does not want to consistently pick in the middle of the first round. That means the front office may consider taking advantage of their current draft position. If a quarterback like Justin Fields or Trey Lance is available, Minnesota could easily move up five spots. I would certainly keep an eye on that scenario if the draft board falls a certain way. 

Stay put and target Vera-Tucker

If the Vikings stay put at No. 14, USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker would be an excellent target. Vera-Tucker aligned at left/right guard and left tackle for the Trojans. After playing left guard as a sophomore, he kicked out to left tackle in 2020. While watching several games, I noted his athleticism, quick feet and sound technique in pass protection. I was also impressed with his agility and movement skills. What's more, Vera-Tucker has underrated power in the running game. He probably projects best as a guard in Minnesota’s system, but certainly has the skills and traits needed to play tackle. He tallied a 9.03 Relative Athletic Score at tackle and a 9.79 output at guard, according to Kent Lee Platte’s database. That type of athletic ability gives him so much positional versatility. Overall, outside of Slater, Vera-Tucker is my favorite fit for the Vikings at No. 14. 

Trade back and accumulate more resources

GM Rick Spielman could also explore trading back. In fact, this scenario makes so much sense. The Vikings do not have a second-round pick (traded for Yannick Ngakoue) and may try getting one back. Depending upon which team Minnesota talks with, it is possible a second-round selection could be received as part of trading back. If the Vikings do make this move and obtain more picks, North Dakota State’s Dillon Radunz, BYU’s Brady Christensen and Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins are all logical targets in the No. 25-50 range. 

Due to the depth and talent in this offensive line class, it may actually make sense to move back. The additional draft capital could be invested into other positions. Ultimately, Minnesota would have more draft flexibility if it can regain its second-round selection. In that scenario, the Vikings could explore drafting a pair of offensive linemen with their first two picks. The team would also have the resources needed to target a defensive player (cornerback or pass rusher) and offensive lineman. 

After taking a wide-angle look at possible scenarios, I think trading back provides the Vikings with more intriguing options and flexibility. However, that is completely dependent upon how the first 10-12 picks shake out. An extremely talented player could certainly slide down the board. In that case, Spielman would need to think about staying at No. 14 and selecting a talented wide receiver, pass rusher, cornerback, or offensive lineman. 

A draft-night trade for Orlando Brown Jr. 

Finally, the team could work out a trade for Ravens left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. A deal for Brown would likely require a first-round pick swap and future mid-round compensation. If a top receiver is available at No. 14, the Ravens may consider including Brown Jr. in a draft-night package. Spielman and Co. should strongly evaluate the pros and cons of a trade like this.

Brown is a rock-solid pass protector with proven potential at the left tackle position (that's where he wants to be). Many people are currently questioning how Brown’s below-average testing metrics would fit in Minnesota’s zone scheme. However, I’ve been told his private workouts (pre-draft) yielded different results. Brown's film also features strong pass protection fundamentals and flashes of mobility in the ground game. I think this type of move would solidify the Vikings’ future at both right and left tackle. The Vikings could also draft the best player available or trade back again from No. 27. Not to mention, Spielman would have the flexibility to target another offensive lineman in the No. 27-50 range (if they trade back again). 

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are a variety of draft options for the Vikings. Minnesota may explore trading up, moving back, or staying put. However, many of these possible scenarios will be shaped by what happens in front of the Vikings. 


3 comments:

  1. Would prefer them to trade down for assets....If Slater fell to 14 it would be awesome though and AVT seems quite good as well. If they traded down a bit and then pick DE, who would be your top 2?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Always enjoy reading your articles, good stuff. I feel that if Slater is still available at 14 you have to take him. Also think that if he's available after Dallas picks at #10, the Vikings should consider jumping ahead of San Diego to get him. Having said that I prefer trading back and picking up extra picks and taking Vera-Tucker whom I feel will be available in the early 20's. You didn't mention Christian Darrisaw whom I think would also be a great fit with the Vikings. In my mind Sewell, Slater, and Darrisaw are all good picks at 14, and Darrisaw and Vera-Tucker both may be available if we could trade back into the 20's.

    ReplyDelete
  3. If You are looking for something different, then I am ready. Low Rate Call Girls in Manali I am well educated, Nepali Call Girls in Manali have an open mind and have the girlish charm that Is fun and easy to be found.Top Call Girls in Agra You will always find me smart,Escorts Rate in Dehradun clean and fresh as I am very conscientious about my hygiene and I expect all Escorts Rate in Dehradun my clients to reciprocate in the same manner.Foreigner Escorts in Faridabad Check our other Services.

    ReplyDelete