A Trio of Round 2 Offensive Players if Minnesota Trades Back
K. Joudry
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Earlier in the week, PurplePTSD spent a few moments discussing three defenders who may be attainable in the draft’s 2nd round. Reasonably enough, the focus now shifts to offense. Just like defense, the offensive side of the ball boasts some great talent.
If Minnesota trades back – a likelihood that is looking increasingly appealing – there will be some great players to onboard.
Kevin O’Connell boasts an ascending offensive line, a top 12 QB, the best receiver in the NFL, a top 5 TE, and strong contributors scattered throughout the remainder of the offense (K.J. Osborn, Alexander Mattison, C.J. Ham, Josh Oliver). Piling on just a couple more pieces could solidify this group as being among the best in the NFL.
Adding one of the players listed below could allow Minnesota’s offense to keep asserting itself in not just 2023 but (hopefully) for many more years.
If Minnesota Trades Back: 3 Offensive Players to Monitor
Prospect #1 – John Michael Schmitz, Interior OL
6’3″, 301 pounds. 24 years old.
Some Vikings fans react negatively to the mere thought of sinking a high selection into a center (they’re probably among the Here-We-Go-Again Pessimists). One would assume Minnesota’s decision makers aren’t beholden to the same perspective. If not, they may consider someone from their own backyard: Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz.
He allowed a couple sacks in 2022 but didn’t allow any in ’21 or ’20. Combined, he has only allowed 14 hurries in those three seasons. Impressive stuff, especially when we remember his strong grades as a run blocker. At 24, he’s a touch older but can slide to guard if there’s a need.
PFF puts him at 65th and The Draft Network sees him as their 22nd-best player.
Prospect #2 – Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back
5’9″, 199 pounds. 21 years old.
The last time Minnesota opted for a RD2 RB was in 2017. The selection? None other than Mr. Dalvin Cook, who is currently fuelling not shortage of trade speculation. Gibbs doesn’t have the size that Cook has but could very possibly end up being a Day 2 selection for Minnesota.
The analytics site insists Gibbs “probably won’t be a bell-cow back, but he should add a ton of value as a receiving back” and that he “is a home run waiting to happen.” He ran an impressive 4.36 forty. Adding him to the RB fold would mean Minnesota boasts a triple-threat of RB speedsters who all run below a 4.4: Gibbs, Ty Chandler, and Kene Nwangwu.
PFF has the RB down at 50th but The Draft Network slots him in at 6th overall.
Prospect #3: Josh Downs, Slot Receiver
5’9″, 171 pounds. 21 years old.
The diminutive Downs has some excellent feet. In theory, he could partner with Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn by being a slot specialist. PFF gives him an elite 92.1 grade against man coverage, underscoring his ability to shake loose from the overwhelmed corner trying to stay tight in coverage.
He possesses 4.48 speed, more than enough to create separation in the NFL (especially when partnered with great elusiveness and quickness). He has scored 19 TDs over the past couple seasons and is near 200 total receptions. He’s also well past 2,000 yards for his final couple of seasons in college.
PFF has him at 40th in their rankings and The Draft Network puts him in at 27th.
Editor’s Note: Shout out to PFF and The Draft Network for providing the rankings that helped me build the list.
