Questions Answered: Drafting Bryan Bresee, an Ezra Cleveland 2023 Extension, Kene Nwangwu
Dustin Baker
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The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the February 26th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
Questions Answered: Drafting Bryan Bresee, an Ezra Cleveland 2023 Extension, Kene Nwangwu
Q: Would you rush to the podium for Clemson’s Bryan Bresee for the Vikings 23rd overall pick?
A: Yes.
The Vikings tend to rely on EDGE rushers — and them only — for pressure on quarterbacks. They should get with the times and let a defensive tackle help. Bresee could be a big boost.
Bresee is a big fat maybe right now in terms of falling down the draft board. He hasn’t played much football in the last two seasons, so some general managers might be spooked by drafting him early.
Still, we’d take Bresee at No. 23.
Q: Is now the time to extend Ezra Cleveland’s contract?
A: Yes, this would be about the time Cleveland could reasonably expect a contract extension.
He was selected in the 2nd Round of the draft three years ago, and his deal runs out at the end of next season. Whether he stays with the Vikings depends on his pricetag demand. Cleveland is a decent left guard — not a Pro Bowler.
Q: Do you expect Kene Nwangwu to be the Vikings RB2 in 2023 and play a substantial role in the offense?
A: We expect the Vikings to add one more prominent running back to the mix via free agency or the draft. That would leave Nwangwu still in his RB3 role, with kick-returning duties, of course.
Minnesota might totally wrap its arms around “running back by committee” this offseason, which also means Nwangwu could see more action on offense. Therefore, our answer is sort of — but perhaps not much as you’d like for Nwangwu’s involvement.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.