10 Players I’d be Thrilled to See Minnesota Draft
K. Joudry
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Right off the top, I’ll begin with the warning: my knowledge of college football is low. Very low, even. If there is a Minnesota draft expert within PurplePTSD‘s borders, I’m not it (check in with Mr. Frey for that title).
I haven’t spent hours grinding film on this year’s best players. Rather, I’ve learned a bit through Josh Frey’s Vikings Draft Thermometer series and some of the broader draft discussion taking place on our sites (PurplePTSD & Vikings Territory).
Otherwise, I’ve gleaned some insight from PFF and The Draft Network. Looking up college stats on Sports Reference CFB can be illuminating and RAS scores are similarly helpful.
All of these sources of info get tossed into a cauldron. The process then involves stirring things up with an understanding of Minnesota’s roster needs. Does that make me a Minnesota draft expert? Far from it. The opposite, in fact. I merely get a general sense and begin cheering for players who could fill a roster need.
In essence, I’m eschewing a predictive or rigorously evaluative approach to instead highlight players who I’ve grown fond of during the pre-draft phase. My ability to predict or forecast with any certainty is lacking. Instead, I’ll offer a (brief) reason why I like the player and how they could plausibly help the Vikings.
The Minnesota Draft and 10 Prospects I Really Like
1) Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
The Rationale: He’s super athletic and still only 22. Not many linebackers combine his length and speed, especially as a middle linebacker. He looks like an edge rusher but is instead an off-ball linebacker. In that sense, Campbell will bring back memories of Anthony Barr.
PFF: 39th – TDN: 41st
2) Josh Downs, Slot Receiver, North Carolina
The Rationale: Watch some clips and see how he separates. Ultra quick. Take a look at his feet. A good complement to the talent already present, especially with Jefferson & Osborn along the outside. He scored plenty in college, too. Despite the size, Downs could possibly be a chain mover and touchdown scorer.
PFF: 38th – TDN: 27th
3) Mazi Smith, NT, Michigan
The Rationale: Can’t teach size. Smith would instantly make the iDL considerably more imposing, partnering with Harrison Phillips and Khyiris Tonga to clog up running lanes on early downs. DT is a sneaky need.
PFF: 36th – TDN: 110th
4) Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
The Rationale: He’d a hybrid defender who will remind some of Micah Parsons. Having a middle linebacker who can create pressure off the edge is a luxury most DCs don’t have (but wish they did). Few are expecting him to reach Parsons’ heights but the overall hope for a versatile weapon is noteworthy.
PFF: 48th – TDN: 37th
5) Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Rationale: Long and strong corners will always be in demand. Some room to clean up his technique, perhaps, but very few possess Ringo’s size and speed. Some of the very basic descriptions I’ve seen make me think of Xavier Rhodes. Immediate competition for a spot along the outside.
PFF: 66th – TDN: 24th
6) Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Rationale: The son of a former NFL All Pro, Porter could immediately slide into a starting role. Like Ringo, he possesses great size and speed. The main concern is simply that he won’t be available at 23.
PFF: 21st – TDN: 15th
7) Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Rationale: Look, I think MN would be wise to add a couple corners in the draft. Snagging one of the super long, very fast options seems prudent. Banks has been praised far and wide and more than a few smart people have highlighted him for Minnesota.
PFF: 18th – TDN: 36th
8) Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The Rationale: Count me among those who believes that the NFL has overcorrected. Are RBs as valuable as in yesteryear? Probably not, and yet they still can be crucial to succeeding on offense. A specialist for the passing game similar to Alvin Kamara.
PFF: 34th – TDN: 6th
9) John Michael Schmitz, iOL, Minnesota
The Rationale: Things are finally trending upward for the offensive line. With the starting 5 OL (and most of the depth) returning, the Vikings have the luxury of adding to a strength rather than fixing a weakness. The hometown prospect could push the trio of interior offensive linemen.
PFF: 35th – TDN: 22nd
10) Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
The Rationale: Admittedly, Washington is a bit of an odd fit given the presence of T.J. Hockenson (a recent trade acquisition) and Josh Oliver (a recent FA signing). Would Minnesota really toss a high draft pick into the mix? If they did, Washington offers some appeal due to his monstrous size: 6’7″ and 270 pounds. Imagine Oliver and Washington bulldozing opposing defenders while Kirk Cousins Alexander Mattison gets to the edge to pick up huge yards on the ground.
PFF: 37th – TDN: 39th
