Minnesota’s First-Round Draft Strategy Needs Fixing
K. Joudry
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If the NFL and its executives could jump in a time machine, it’s very likely they’d do things differently in the 2020 NFL draft. The Eagles, of course, feel a little silly about their decision to choose Jalen Reagor, but they’re not alone in making regrettable choices. It’s unlikely he’d be chosen 1st – Cincinnati would still select Joe Burrow – but Justin Jefferson would undoubtedly be a top-5 pick. It was an incredible move from Spielman & Friends. Even still, Minnesota’s draft strategy needs some work.
Indeed, the picks that have turned out like Jefferson are few and far between. I know your immediate response, reasonably enough, is that very few teams snag someone at 22 and instantly get an All-Pro caliber player. That’s true. What I’m trying to suggest is that there has been far too few great selections in recent years.
In that same draft, Minnesota chose Jeff Gladney 31st overall. He’s off of the team because of a serious off-field situation. If we just look at his play on the field in his rookie year, it’s safe to say that the team didn’t choose the right player. Trevon Diggs and Jaylon Johnson both went in the second round. So did Antoine Winfield Jr., the son of the former Vikings corner and legend who shares his name. Jonathan Taylor, the consensus All-Pro running back, also went in the second.
Last season, the choice was Christian Darrisaw. That appears to be a strong decision. Despite battling injuries, Darrisaw had a rock-solid rookie season. His size/strength/athleticism combo and his on-field play give the Vikings legitimate reason for optimism.
If we look beyond Jefferson and Darrisaw, we’ll be underwhelmed. 2019 was the Garrett Bradbury selection, which now qualifies as a debacle. There’s a good chance he isn’t in Minnesota for much longer. Josh Jacobs, Montez Sweat, and Deebo Samuel were all available.
2018 was the Mike Hughes selection. Part of what makes this one so frustrating is that he is playing reasonably well for Kansas City. He is PFF‘s 14th-best corner. Minnesota’s decision to invest in corner is a smart draft strategy. Where they erred was in their decision to move him during the offseason for a 6th-round pick. The fact that the Vikings tossed in their own 7th rounder suggests they didn’t value him at all.
The new GM will need to adjust how they proceed. Every team misses on picks, but it’s concerning when there are multiple years of missed first rounders (don’t forget there was no 2017 first and the 2016 first was Laquon Treadwell; 2015 was Trae Waynes). Imagine if Mike Hughes was able to flourish in Minnesota. How much different would the defense look heading into the 2022 season? What about having Sweat on the DL to pressure QBs instead of Bradbury allowing pressures like it’s going out of style?
Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20. It’s easy for me – a certified dweeb – to judge these selections after several years have passed. Here’s the thing, though: general managers get paid boatloads of money to see things that others can’t. They’re the ones who are supposed to have the special insight, the ability to project into the future with a reasonable degree of success.
The incoming general manager would be wise to put Minnesota’s first-round pick into an appropriately important position. By this, I mean edge rusher, corner, offensive tackle, or QB. These are the game’s most important positions. Minnesota’s leadership would be wise to adjust the draft strategy accordingly.
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