2014 NFL Draft 5th through 7th Round Thoughts

Here's where the Vikings could land some role players or potential starters down the road. However, there can be the lucky gem that turns into an immediate impact player. If the Vikings can find one or more of those, they will be in great position for this coming season and the seasons after. Here is what I would like to happen:

5th Round

De'Anthony Thomas, OW Oregon. As we all know, Toby Gerhart left in free agency. He was a solid backup for Adrian Petersen, but I don't blame him for wanting to see what he can do in a starting role. Matt Asiata may turn out to be ok, but the Vikings could use someone else. How about an offensive weapon type back that could fill a Darren Sproles? I'm sure Norv Turner could think of something to do with him. Thomas is small, 5'9" and about 175 lbs, but he's shifty. The Vikings are set at returners with Cordarrelle Patterson and Marcus Sherels but having another dynamic returner can't be a bad thing. The Vikings will hopefully use Patterson more in the deep and intermediate passing game and the screen passing game, but Thomas could be used in that same manner  coming out of the backfield or shifted out wide like the Saints did with Sproles last year.

from: bleacherreport.com

Charles Sims, RB WVU. Sims rushed for just over 1000 yards last year with 11 touchdowns and had 401 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns (nfl.com). At 6' and 214 lbs, he has great size and speed. His receiving ability is also great, so he could help on third downs, blocking and catching screens. He won't be breaking too many tackles at the next level, though. Nfl.com says he needs to bulk up more and run with a lower pad level.

Justin Ellis, DT Louisiana Tech. At 6'1" and 334 lbs, Ellis would add another huge lineman that could backup Linval Joseph. The Vikings defensive line would be in a good spot with this pick. He'd mainly be used to occupy blockers while others attack the gaps, as nfl.com says he tires easily and is not good at rushing the passer.

from: news.yahoo.com

6th Round

Dontae Johnson, FS NC State. At 6'2" and 200 lbs, he has good size for the position. He goes for tackles aggressively and plays great in zone or shadowing a tight end. The main knock on him I got from nfl.com is that he struggles against the faster receivers. I'm betting if he plays safety in the NFL, he won't be asked to cover a slot in man too often.

James Hurst, OT North Carolina. At 6'5 and 296 lbs, he's almost the same size as Matt Kalil was coming out of college. James Hurst isn't going to be Matt Kalil, though. He's limited athletically but is very smart. He could be a decent backup tackle. If the Vikings take Billy Turner in an earlier round, they could play Turner or Hurst at guard or tackle. 

from: cbssports.com

7th Round

Hakeem Smith, SS Louisville. He's not going to hit like Harrison Smith does, but Hakeem will show up admirably in zone coverage. He's a bit small at 6' and 190 lbs, but he has room to bulk up. May prove to be a good rotational player.

Alden Darby, SS Arizona State. He's another smaller safety at 5'10 and 192 lbs, but he's smart and versatile. He played all the positions in the secondary during his college career, and he could be a good special teams player. Not great in man coverage, so it depends on what Zimmer and Edwards decide to do with the defense.

from: bleacherreport.com

Isaiah Johnson, SS Georgia Tech. Another safety? Why, yes. The Vikings need one, but I hope it's not something they decide to address early on. Jamarca Sanford isn't great, but he is serviceable. At 6'2" and 205 lbs, Johnson has great size but is coming off knee surgery (bleacherreport.com). He could be solid if he's healthy. Another one that would have to help on special teams.

Taylor Martinez, QB Nebraska. Two quarterbacks for the Vikings? The Redskins did it in 2011, and it worked out well; rumors of trade offers for Kirk Cousins are floating around about now. But I don't see Taylor Martinez making it very far if he stays at the quarterback position. Like Logan Thomas, I would love to see what he could do at a different position. According to nfl.com he was worked as a receiver and a cornerback at his pro day. I understand the Vikings tried the quarterback-to-receiver thing with Joe Webb (bring him back!) and Webb, in my opinion, was a much better athlete than Martinez. But Martinez is a better quarterback than Joe Webb was. The Vikings probably don't need a developmental receiver or cornerback, but Martinez probably has the knowledge there even if he doesn't have the skills yet. He could be interesting if he's willing to switch positions.

from: espn.go.com

I'm thinking the Vikings will go running back and safety in these rounds. They only need depth at running back, so I would prefer they draft players at other positions who could potentially start in the other rounds. As far as safety, Jamarca Sanford is serviceable, so if they find someone who can beat him out in these later rounds, that's all the better. May 11th usually isn't nearly as exciting as the first couple days; most of the big names are off the board. But this year Logan Thomas could still be around, and there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the extremely athletic but troubled tight end from Oregon, Colt Lyerla. There's Tajh Boyd, the quarterback from Clemson who I once thought I'd like the Vikings to take in the first or second round (shamefully) who had receivers Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant to throw to. And biggest of all, Michael Sam, the Missouri defensive end who became the first [potential] NFL player to be openly gay, will probably go in these rounds. It could be exciting, and I'll definitely be watching.

2014 NFL Draft 2nd through 4th Round Thoughts

The Vikings have four picks from the 2nd round to the 3rd round, one in each plus an additional third from the Percy Harvin trade with Seattle. This could obviously change, as the extra third round pick is prime ammunition if the Vikings trade up in the first, but Spielman has also expressed a wish to have ten picks in the draft. If the Vikings trade down, they will most likely get a third or maybe even a second depending on how far their trade team is jumping up. Another possibility is the Vikings staying at eight, but trading back into the first if Bridgewater or Carr still remain and they haven't taken Bortles at the top of the first. Either way, a lot of this could change. Here is what I would like:

2nd Round

Demarcus Lawrence, DE/OLB Boise State. Lawrence played defensive end for Boise State, but he projects as a rush linebacker in the NFL. At 6'3" and 250 lbs, he's about the same size as Khalil Mack. However, he only ran a 4.8 second 40 yard dash at the combine, a bit off from Mack's 4.61. But he wouldn't be used like Mack would. Lawrence would probably step in on passing downs as an outside linebacker for the Vikings, as he doesn't seem ready for pass coverage yet. But for what Zimmer has planned for the defense, that may not be needed. NFL.com says Lawrence's pass rushing ability is in the best of this year's class. That's saying something in a class with Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack, and Anthony Barr. And seriously, look at those arms! If he's not in the best position to make the tackle, he'll probably be able to get at least one hand on the ball carrier or passer. In a more recent mock draft, Lawrence was actually projected in the bottom of the first round. The Vikings may not get a shot at him.

from: NFL.com

Chris Borland, ILB Wisconsin. Like the Lawrence prediction, if the Vikings go quarterback with their 1st round pick (or second 1st round pick??) they should go linebacker with the second round pick. Last year he had 143 tackles, 19 of them for a loss in twelve games. He might be in the conversation for a first round pick-the Broncos are in need of a middle linebacker, and C.J. Mosley could be gone by the time they pick-except he's considered undersized with small hands. He's 5'11", yet that didn't ever seem to stop him. He's not the fastest-Borland ran a 4.86 forty yard dash at the combine-but he has a knack for being around the football. The only knocks on Borland seem to be his size and his ability in man coverage. However, his size shouldn't be an issue if he's always in the right spot, which he usually is; his awareness and instincts are great. As for his man coverage, the Vikings run a Cover 2 more than anything else, so the most man coverage he may be asked to play is to cover a tight end or running back in the flat. Smart players are always good to have.

Zach Mettenberger, QB LSU. If the Vikings pass on a quarterback with their top pick, and they don't trade back into the 1st if one of the big 3 (or Carr) start to fall, they'll still need to address the position quickly. Mettenberger has been on the Vikings' radar for a while now. He's the ideal size according to today's NFL standard, 6'5" and 225 lbs, and has a rocket for an arm (apologies for the cliche). NFL.com lists a slow delivery and heavy footwork as some of his faults. That means more work for the offensive line as they'll need to protect him for a bit longer. But his size and arm strength are ideal for Norv Turner's downfield passing attack. The good news is that he won't have to step in on day one. Mettenberger will benefit greatly from sitting behind Cassel for at least a year before he needs to jump in and lead the offense. The other thing to consider with this is that Mettenberger could fall to the third round. 

from: gridirontribune.com

3rd Round

Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB Nebraska. Most mock drafts have Jean-Baptiste going in the latter part of round 3, but he probably won't be there for the Vikings second pick in the round if they hold onto it. He's 6'3" and 218 lbs, which fits what the Seahawks were doing with Sherman and Browner that most of the league might be trying to copy. He's not the fastest, but he'd be great in press coverage. Lined up in combination with Xavier Rhodes and Captain Munnerlyn, Jean-Baptiste could make the Vikings secondary a bright spot for the future.

from: detroitlions.com

Martavis Bryant, WR Clemson. This would be a luxury pick. If Mack falls to 8, and the Vikings then decide to trade back up into the 1st round, they will most likely need to give up a 2nd and a 3rd. While I would prefer they take a cornerback, with two of their three main needs taken care of, adding another weapon for Cassel and the new quarterback would be great. Cordarelle Patterson will be used much more this coming year, and Greg Jennings is solid. Jerome Simpson, even though he is coming off a much better season than in 2012, can be inconsistent, and he's had some off-field issues. Jarius Wright looks pretty good, too, but I think he's best in the slot. While not a polished route runner or great at going over the middle, the 6'4" Bryant has 4.4 speed. Granted, it's only the combine, but that's a faster time than fellow wide receiver Sammy Watkins, the top prospect at the position, posted.

from: detroitlions.com

Shayne Skov, ILB Standford. At 6'2" and 245 lbs, he has prototypical linebacker size. He's another very smart player. If the Vikings pass on C.J. Mosley and Chris Borland, if they can grab Shayne Skov the Vikings should be pleased with the outlook for their linebacker unit.

4th Round

Billy Turner, OT/G North Dakota St. He has great size for whatever position he plays at 6'5" and 315 lbs. He obviously needs some work; NFL.com notes that he plays too tall to get great leverage. Turner could slide over and play guard if the Vikings liked him better than Charlie Johnson and Jeff Baca, but he could also be a good swing tackle behind Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt. 

from: sportingnews.com

Christian Kirksey, OLB Iowa. I've seen Kirksey play more than all the other prospects combined. He isn't phenomenal, but his speed and awareness will set him apart. He actually played over the slot a lot in college and did well. At 6'2" and 233 lbs., he's been called undersized, but his ability in coverage will stand out.

Logan Thomas, QB Virgina Tech. I know, right? This one doesn't make a lot of sense. I love me my tight ends, and a 6'6", 248 pound body with 4.61 forty yard dash speed lining up alongside Kyle Rudolph gives me shivers. He's as fast as Eric Ebron, the tight end from North Carolina who is lauded for his speed. But Thomas probably won't be open to a position change. If the unthinkable happens and the Vikings go three rounds without selecting a quarterback, Logan Thomas could be an intriguing pick. He will definitely need to sit for a while, but behind Cassel and with Norv Turner to work with him, he could surprise people in a year of two.

Greg Cosell of Yahoo Sports wrote an article about how Logan Thomas looks to be a more developed passer at this stage than Cam Newton was coming out of Auburn in 2011. Here it is if you want to check it out: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/the-case-for-logan-thomas-as-nfl-draft-s-most-intriguing-qb-prospect

from: houstonchronicle.com

Pierre Desir, CB Lindenwood. This could be a steal here in the fourth round. Pierre Desir is good, but scouts fear going from MIAA competition to the NFL is going to be a very long and difficult transition. He's fast enough to compete, though, and he attacks the football in the air. That would be a nice change; the Vikings had just twelve interceptions last year. 

from: seahawks.com

A lot can happen in these rounds, as the cornerback position is fairly deep at the second level. Ideally, I would love the Vikings to land Khalil Mack in the first at 8, or trade back and get C.J. Mosley, then trade up in the first to nab a falling Teddy Bridgewater or Derek Carr. Hopefully that would still leave the Vikings with at least two picks in rounds 2 through 4. I'd really like Billy Turner and Stanley Jean-Baptiste, but Pierre Desir would also be a great pick. If you follow all the prospects incessantly and nearly insanely pour over mock drafts, May 9 should be just as exciting as May 8. 

2014 NFL Draft 1st Round Thoughts

It seems pertinent to start my brand new Vikings blog by talking about the draft; it's less than two weeks away, May 8th through the 10th. I've already struggled through the last few weeks, as this year it's later than usual. There's been hundreds of mock drafts out so far, and the Vikings, in my opinion, are in a difficult spot at number 8. They obviously need a quarterback, but they could really use a linebacker or defensive back or three. Here are a couple scenarios I would like to happen:

Khalil Mack, LB Buffalo. This most likely won't happen; not unless the Vikings trade up. He's considered one of the top four best players in the draft. If the Vikings were to trade up, though, Mack would most likely be the target (I'm hoping they don't take a quarterback unless they trade down). He's best rushing the quarterback, but he's such a good athlete that he could be just as good in the 4-3 the Vikings run as either their weak side or strong side linebacker. Zimmer would find some great ways to utilize him. I'd also like to add that in an article posted yesterday by Bleacher Report, author Rob Goldberg predicts Mack will fall to 8. Quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel were already selected, and two wide receivers and two left tackles were taken. Add in Jadeveon Clowney atop, and that drops Mack to the Vikings. If that were to happen on May 8, I have a feeling the Vikings would be getting quite a few calls about trades. This would put the Vikings in a great spot, as Mack would definitely start if taken, but they could also trade back and pick up a top cornerback or another outside linebacker such as Ohio State's Ryan Shazier. Who knows, if they don't trade back too far, UCLA's Anthony Barr could still be available as well.

from: blogs.atlantafalcons.com

Blake Bortles, QB UCF. Until recently I've been high on Teddy Bridgewater, even after all the crap about how he looked average at best in his pro day. Bridgewater was still the best quarterback in the NCAA last year. But the more I look at what he could bring as a starter, the more comfortable I get with Cassel as our quarterback. I doubt Bridgewater would be able to beat Cassel for the starting spot, so he would sit for at least the next year. If that's going to be the plan, we might as well shoot for Bortles. He's much more raw than Bridgewater and Manziel but he looks to have a higher upside than either of the others. I'd love if the Vikings could trade down a few spots, maybe grab an extra third round pick, and still take Bortles. But if Spielman felt that Bortles was their answer at 8, I would be okay with that. WalterFootball.com has the Vikings trading up to 5 in order to draft Bortles after the Browns take Manziel at 4. If Mack is off the board, and the Vikings are afraid Bortles could be gone before 8, trading up may be their best option.

from: chronicle.northcoastnow.com

These are really the only two I'd like Spielman to take that high, at 8 or with a trade up (though I'd rather they not have to trade up to get Bortles, as I doubt he will be able to start right away). But there are multiple options I'd love the Vikings to take if they could swing a trade down:

C.J. Mosley, ILB Alabama. He's the highest rated inside linebacker in the draft. As the NFL has become a passing league, the nickel defense is used more to put more defensive backs on the field. The number of linebackers that can play all three downs on a regular basis, stop the run and drop into coverage, is low. Mosley would be one of the extraordinary ones. At 6'2", 238 lbs, Mosley would be an every down linebacker for the Vikings. Greenway, though he's slowed down a bit in the past year or two, will still be the Vikings starter at one of the outside spots for another couple years. Putting Mosley in beside him would be a great addition to a very weak, though largely untested, linebacker corps. Most mock drafts don't have Mosley going until 20 or after, so again, a trade down would be advisable if someone is willing to jump up to 8.

from: detroitlions.com

Justin Gilbert, CB Oregon State. He's dropped a bit recently as his technique has been called into question, but he's still a crazy athlete. He ran a 4.37 forty yard dash at the combine. At 6' and 200 lbs, he has great size for the position. He may not be able to step in and take over the second starter spot opposite Xavier Rhodes right away, but the signing of Captain Munnerlyn will allow Zimmer and defensive coordinator  George Edwards to bring him along slowly.

from: zimbio.com

Ryan Shazier, OLB Ohio State. At 6'2" and 230 lbs, Shazier is another linebacker that could stay on the field for passing and running downs. It could be argued that the Vikings may be better off in the middle than they are at the other outside linebacker spot. Audie Cole, the third year player out of North Carolina State, recorded 45 tackles last year. That's not an eye popper or anything, but Cole did have 18 tackles in the first game of the 2013/2014 season against Green Bay (vikings.com). I could see the Vikings feeling a bit more comfortable with Cole as their starter in the middle than with Gerald Hodges on the weakside. Ryan Shazier could jump in right away, and the linebacking unit would definitely be better than they were last year.

from: theozone.net

The obvious conclusion is that the Vikings need to address one of three positions in the first round, then address one of the remaining positions in the next couple rounds. I would prefer linebacker be addressed first, as the quarterbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft are kind of all over the board. Is there really that much difference between Teddy Bridgewater and AJ McCarron, or between Derek Carr and David Fales, especially when whoever is taken will hopefully be sitting for at least a year behind Matt Cassel? I'm not a scout, but I'd prefer to wait. Defensive back is deep in this draft as well, and I'd be okay with someone like Stanley Jean-Baptiste from Nebraska in the second round, or third of he falls that far. The Vikings can afford to wait until a later round, unless they trade back to the end of the first (or back up into the first, as they've done the last two years) to grab their quarterback. Eleven more days, that's all the longer we have to wait. Eleven, excruciating days and this mystery will be over. For another year, at least.