Questions Answered: Borrowed Time for Bradbury, Spielman Ardor for Kyle Hamilton, Dalvin Tomlinson
The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the April 25th 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.
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Q: It doesn’t sound like the Vikings will pick up the final year for Garrett Bradubry’s deal. Will they draft a replacement center?
A: You are correct that Minnesota will not opt for Bradbury’s expensive fifth year. And, as a result, the team is likely to explore a center after Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Unless Bradbury is unlocked by Kevin O’Connell, he will be considered a major disappointment for the Vikings. He run-blocks well — and that’s about it. His pass protection is lacking, and that’s a big problem when Minnesota employs a pocket passer.
The team also signed Austin Schlottmann this offseason, who could get a look at center if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn’t draft one this week.
Q: So, Spielman really likes Kyle Hamilton this draft? Will Kwesi get him if he falls to the Vikings?
A: Yes, Spielman told Darren Wolfson about his respect for Hamilton. Moreover, if he somehow falls to the 12th spot in the draft, the Vikings will select him.
And that would be a wondrous turn of events. Some folks classify Hamilton as the best player in the draft, so a tumble to #12 would be magnificent for the Vikings. Harrison Smith should be good to go for a few more years, but Hamilton is a fabulous running mate at safety and an eventual Smith replacement.
Q: What role will Dalvin Tomlinson have inside this new defense?
A: A huge one — and arguably even bigger than 2021.
Michael Pierce doesn’t play for the Vikings anymore, so Tomlinson’s role should enhance. Zimmer used him as a three-technique defensive tackle last season, but Tomlinson is more of a nose tackle.
In Ed Donatell’s new 3-4 defense, Tomlinson will clog up the middle of the defensive line. He will be showcased to the utmost, barring injury.
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 Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
