Questions Answered: Irv’s Return, Duke Shelley and Khyiris Tonga, Mock Draft Season
The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the January 5th 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: Irv’s Return, Duke Shelley and Khyiris Tonga, Mock Draft Season
Q: Will Irv Smith actually return for the postseason, and what impact will he have?
A: Indeed, Smith is trending to return for Round 1 of the playoffs. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips confirmed Thursday with reporters, “I certainly expect Irv to be a part of this playoff run and another piece for us.”
He won’t see as many targets as in Weeks 1 thru 8 — T.J. Hockenson is on the team now and took Smith’s job — but Smith can reasonably grab a few targets per game. Don’t expect him to be showcased at TE1, though.
Also, remember that he is likely at the end of Smith’s Vikings career. He’s a free agent in March, and Minnesota is married to Hockenson.
Q: I know Duke Shelley and Khyiris Tonga last played for the Bears, but why did Chicago cut them if the Bears defense is so bad and those two are playing so well?
A: Chicago made several silly decisions last offseason, and Shelley + Tonga’s release can be added to the pile.
The Bears appear to be amid a transformational rebuild — that’s why they have a 3-13 record — but will perhaps stay with Justin Fields at quarterback? Chicago’s blueprint at the moment is a little goofy.
Shelley and Tonga have performed unexpectedly well in Minnesota, and the Bears could’ve used both this season.
The two might even perceive Week 18 as a revenge game.
Q: I see it’s mock draft season. What’s the most common position drafted to the Vikings so far?
A: Wide receiver with a side dish of cornerback.
Adam Thielen suddenly slowed down in 2022, and it is unclear if K.J. Osborn is a clear WR2 for the future. So, the Vikings might spend their late-1st-Round pick on a wideout. And fans will welcome it because Vikings loyalists adore when the team picks WRs early in the draft.
Keep an eye on corner, too. There will be an offseason debate running up to the draft about whether the team has enough talent at CB.
ESPN Mock Draft Sends Vikings a CB
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 Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).