Post Draft - Vikings Review

As a classic over-thinker I can relate to Rick Spielman. This label that I'm placing on Spielman is one I believe he deserves. Ever since he took over as General Manager back in 2012, he has built a draft day legacy that he (himself) has tried to live up to. As a fellow over-thinker, our biggest downfall is assuming you have all the angles figured out. But as a GM of a team, I feel there are times that you have to approach the unpredictable draft in a very predictable and patient approach.

This year, the Vikings have brought in a premier coaching staff that that the rest of the NFL should be jealous of. Norv Turner is hands-down one of the best offensive minds in football. Last year, he was able to coax breakout years out of Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. As a Browns fan, I know I can't expect the same type of production this year, but I know what great coaching can bring out of those guys. So this year, all Spielman had to do was give Turner the proper chess pieces... and get out of his way. Did he do that?

On the defensive side of the ball, Mike Zimmer is a genius on the sidelines. His ability to get the most out of sub par, over-the-hill, athletically-limited defenders is quite frankly amazing. Case-in-point, Terance Newman and James Harrison were (I mean are) old, slow, and unwanted but Zimmer turned them into cogs in an elite defense. He even turned one-dimensional strong safeties, Taylor Mays and George Iloka, into assets instead of the liabilities that they are in pass coverage. So long story short, Zimmer can coach.

But back to the over-arching theme of this post, let's review the draft class.

Yet another year, Spielman took the Browns to the cleaners in another draft day trade. Or did he? .................. A-n-y-w-a-y-s, after the Browns traded down to 9 with the Bills, the cost to trade up from 9 to 8, should have been 150 points (based off of the trade value chart) or a 3rd round pick. But somehow the Browns got away with only giving up a 5th round pick (33.5 pts). But as is customary, teams trading up never tell the other team whom they covet. So when the Browns picked CB Justin Gilbert, I believe Spielman experienced his first negative outcome from over-thinking.

So if you can't read between the tea leaves here, I believe the Vikings wanted Gilbert to play opposite Xavier Rhodes. The one-year prove-it deal they gave to underachieving CB Derek Cox is no ringing endorsement. And as I've said before, 5'8" Captain Munderlein is far from a perimeter CB to counter 6'4" WRs in the NFC North. Sure Cox could be Zim Dawg's Terence Newman... but I'm just not sold. Either way, (OLB) Anthony Barr was tabbed at #9 to attack the QB, which he could excel at. Sure some draftniks have questioned his inability to hold up at the point of attack, his lack of counter pass rush moves, and his zero experience in dropping into coverage. But no one intelligent would dare challenge Barr's athletic prowess or impressive frame. At Zimmer's SAM position, Barr will easily be the most explosive pass rusher he's ever worked with at LB.

Next, the Vikings traded up into the 1st to select (QB) Teddy Bridgewater. You all know where I stand on Bridgewater, you all know where Rod Jerks stands on him too. So I won't belabor the analysis here. What I will say is, Spielman was very wise to trade up into the 1st. The Texans could have picked him at the top of the 2nd. But the added plus is that in the new CBA, 1st round draft picks have a 5th year team-option. This is an under-the-radar value added aspect to trade. In today's NFL, the financial flexibility of having a 5th year option (at a predetermined rate) gives teams more time to know what they have in a player and make a wise investment.

In the 3rd round, (DE) Scott Crichton was an amazing value. If you remember, Crichton is easily one of my favorite players. I like him so much, that I think he could be a darkhorse candidate for DROY. But for that to materialize, he will have to beat out Brian Robison and Corey Wooton for playing time. Robison will be an over-priced nickle rusher, while Wooton hasn't capitalized on his ability... so I think he has a chance.

The second 3rd round pick went toward joining the out-of-no-where run on running backs. Eight RBs were selected in 43 picks, between the 2nd and 3rd round. Had you told me that this was going to happen before the draft, I would have told you to stop stop drinking and I'd get you a cab. So needless to say, I think that Spielman reached, over-thinking the need justifies the pick. The insatiable need for a quality backup RB, a world-class athlete by the way, over-ruled the need for a CB or S or OT. I'm a little harsh, but in my heart of hearts (RB) Jerick McKinnon I have a man-crush. Don't tell Scott Crichton.

Then there is (OG) David Yankey, who was once thought of a top flight OG, until everyone realized that playing for Stanford doesn't automatically make you an amazing player. As we got closer to the draft, most thought that he would go undrafted. Before you think this is a smokescreen, GMs don't bother creating false rumors on players outside of the top 2 rounds. I would have preferred CB Shaq Richardson, S Vinnie Sunseri, or DT Caraun Reid.

In the 6th and 7th round, the Vikings selected 5 more players. 3 CBs, 1 DT, and 1 OLB. Most of these guys will contribute by playing special teams, and some will max out on the practice squad. That said, (CB/S) Antone Exum and (DT) Shamar Stephen could get decent backup reps.


The negative outlook:

As a whole, I feel that Rick Spielman under-valued the need for a CB and chose to pick some eye-catching big name players. But building a team with big name draft prospects is a strategy that has been done before, the Cowboys and Redskins have been doing it for years. In 3 years time, the potential is there for none of these guys to be on the Vikings roster, that's how risky these guys are. Over-reaching for names, over-trading draft assets, and over-thinking how the draft will shake out is awfully risky business. Overall, this draft class is far from a bad one, but is also far from a good one.

The positive outlook:

As a whole, Spielman has done a masterful job drafting high-upside players at some critical positions. Trading up for what some think is the best QB in the draft, at the backend of round 1, was a critical need for a rebuilding team. In a division that features superstar canon arms like Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, and Matthew Stafford... the Vikings needed someone who can lead the Vikings out of the cellar of the NFC North. Barr and Crichton will join Everson Griffen and Brian Robison to generate consistent pressure on opposing QBs. While Yankey will help fortify the interior of the offensive line. As many as six rookies will see significant playing time, and will be coached up by two of the best coaches in football.


You can pick what you want to believe.

Post Draft Thoughts

Like filling out a perfect NCAA bracket or hunting a chupacabra, correctly predicting the NFL Draft is an exercise in futility. I stole the aforementioned line from an article I recently read, but it's painfully accurate. All the research, analysis, educated guesswork that is put into a mock draft is thrown out the window, when the clock starts.

Now that the draft has come and gone, all that matters is how much production each team can squeeze out of a draft pick. In typical years, if a team can get 2 starters... or 3 years after a draft they have 4 players still on the roster, it was a very good draft class. Below I reflect into my (Vikings & Browns centric) post-draft thoughts. [I will add the Vikings breakdown later]

Cleveland Browns

With the pending Josh Gordon suspension, nay sayers will point to the lack of WR picks as the biggest downfall of the Browns draft. But in Ray I trust. I have zero doubt that GM Ray Farmer knows what he is doing. Even though the draft process is fast and chaotic, he appears to be intelligent, strategic, and prepared. When Farmer says that a draft strategy has to be based on team building not "perceived" gap filling, I agree.

"Trader Ray" as his NFL counterparts have come to call him, traded 3 times in the first round, to nab two boom-or-bust PLAYMAKERS. First, (CB) Justin Gilbert is a press-man CB that can play on the outside on an island. Opposite Joe Haden, these two will form an elite CB duo that will allow HC Mike Pettine's attacking 34 defense to produce a boat load of QB sacks and turnovers galore. Gilbert needs to clean up his footwork, which can be coached up, but has the ball skills, eye discipline, and raw athletic ability will be a scary risk-reward proposition for QBs that are looking to challenge him.

The second first rounder was (QB) Johnny Manziel, which is far from the play-it-safe strategy I prefer in the first round. But the gamble on greatness between Gilbert and Manziel is well worth the draft assets if either (or both) become reality. Manziel has the requisite hand size and arm strength to play 8 games on the shores of cold and windy Lake Erie. Defenses will try to keep him in the pocket, but OC Kyle Shannahan's offense will have plenty of bootlegs that will keep LBs and Ss honest as they have to honor Manziel's running ability. We'll see how this turns out.

At the top of the 2nd, most folks thought it would be high-way robbery if the the Browns took WR Marquise Lee... which was the popular choice. Myself, I preferred WR Allen Robinson out of Penn State, as I bought into the concerns with Gordon's suspension and lack of outside WRs. Either way, Farmer and the Browns went in another direction with (OT) Joel Bitonio out of Nevada. I was very very high on Bitonio so I think the value was there. He also makes the offensive line insanely good, and more importantly very nasty.

(ILB) Christian Kirksley was the last impact inside backer on the board, and WR Donte Moncrief was still there. I had Moncrief higher on my board, but that seemed to be counter to the entire league. Other than Moncrief I didn't think there was a smart WR option in the 3rd, so I'm not complaining... even though I want to. In Kirksley, I hear he is physically gifted and has "it" characteristics that could lead to something special.

In the late 3rd, Farmer was fearful that the Broncos, Vikings, Ravens, and Falcons would take (RB) Terrance West before thieir pick at the top of the 4th. Trader Ray then traded up with the Niners to get a solid RB to back up frequently injured Ben Tate. Sure the trade was a bit lop-sided in San Francisco's favor, but Farmer was proven correct when three RBs came off the board before their original 4th round pick.

In the entire 3rd day of the draft, they walked out with only one pick... but oh what a pick. My boy (CB) Pierre Desir, out of small school Lindenwood, was the selection. Obviously, in no way was this a "need" pick. Ray Farmer was sticking to his board, and saw amazing value at a marquee position. Desir is a height/weight/speed guy with amazing length. His fluidity is evident, as he can flip his hips and run with most WRs. Then you add his elite ball-skills to high-point and pluck the ball... he will be the steal of the draft.

Of note, for the second year in a row, the Browns have traded for a future draft pick with an in-division rival. Obviously this is not a common practice, and comes with immediate risks, but it worked last year with the Steelers. This year they traded with the Ravens, giving up a back end 7th rounder for a 2015 6th rounder. The Ravens then selected the slipping diminutive slot WR out of Wake Forest Michael Campanaro. So we'll see if this comes back to haunt them. But walking into next year's draft, the Browns have an extra 1st, 4th and 6th rounder.

So what about the WR position? I think the answer will come from [1] Trading a low 2015 draft pick for someone; or [2] Picking up a a soon-to-be cut player after the draft. Any WR that is cut will see Cleveland as a very attractive destination, as the allure of playing time, supporting cast, and Johnny Manziel will be very attractive.

Teams I am looking at are:

• Indianapolis: With TY Hilton, Reggie Wayne, Hakeem Nicks and newly added Donte Moncrief... I see the Colts cutting/trading DaRick Rodgers or Lavon Brazill.
• Packers: Davante Adams, Jared Abbrederis, and Jeff Janis are 3 WRs now joining Jordy, Cobb, and Jarrett Botkin. Chances are that one of these guys is expendable.
• Patriots: They have a ton of mediocre WRs, and can't possibly roster as many as they have. So I think Kenbrell Thompkins or Josh Boyce are obvious possibilities.

Minnesota Vikings : NEXT

BOTTBALL 2014 NFL Draft Blog

OH HELL YES.

Draft Day is here.

Finally.

Mercifully.

This is going to be a night (and subsequent few days) full of lots of bold, and likely preposterous, opinions. I'm throwing this out there as a central place to save all of these HOT SPORTS TAKES.

Having them here saves them forever, so we can always remind Gow that he said "Desmond Bryant is close to JJ Watt".

BTW, I didn't make that up. He actually said that. On 11/4/13 at the Pourhouse. I saved it because I knew it would be fun to revisit... which is exactly the point of this post.

Let's have some fun tonight.


***UPDATE: This is still a live blog for the remainder of the draft, so stay engaged and comment. Gow, I'm looking to you for updates on these dudes since you actually know who they are.

Also, Josh Gordon out for the year? So much for the Cleveland Renaissance. 

Predicting the Vikings Big Board

Scheme and need will weigh heavy influence on each team's big board. Here is my guess as to where Vikings see the prospects ranking. Feel free to give feedback, or your own big board.

1 - DE | Jadeveon Clowney | South Carolina
>>> No brainer. He would be a stud as a 43 DE.

2 - OLB | Khalil Mack | Buffalo
>>> Over the last 3 years Zimmer has folded in a rush LB concept into his 43.

3 - DT | Aaron Donald | Pittsburgh
>>> Will Gow ever shut up about this guy? No I will not.

4 - CB | Justin Gilbert | Oklahoma State
>>> Currently, the 5'8" Captain across from the likes of Calvin, Marshall, Alshon, and Jordy. OUCH!

5 - OT | Jake Matthews | Texas A&M
>>> Here is the first instance of where value overrides need. Too good to pass up.

6 - CB | Kyle Fuller | Virginia Tech
>>> I like him better than some, but that's because I'm smarter than they are.

7 - OT | Greg Robinson | Auburn
>>> Robinson takes a backseat to Matthews, due to scheme fit.

8 - OT | Zach Martin | Notre Dame
>>> OG is a huge need, and at worst Martin is a stud OG if he flames out at RT.

9 - QB | Derek Carr | Fresno State
>>> Norv Turner offense needs a canon arm and the balls to stare down the gun barrel of a pass rush.

10 - WR | Mike Evans | Texas A&M
>>> This would be a luxury pick, but Evans is in the VJax mold that Turner likes.

11 - WR | Sammy Watkins | Clemson
>>> He has to be on the board, it's just where.

12 - WR | Odell Beckham | LSU
>>> He will take the top off a defense, to keep the safety honest and off the crossing Kyle Rudolph.

13 - ILB | C.J. Mosley | Alabama
>>> Jasper Brinkley only a 2 down Mike LB. Mosley is a 3 down Mikes that can read/react and cover.

14 - FS | HaHa Clinton-Dix | Alabama
>>> I think Zimmer likes deep half zone FS. Harrison Smith might be more of a SS.

15 - OT | Joel Bitonio | Nevada
>>> Very similar to Zach Martin, not as refined but very nasty.

16 - CB | Bradley Roby | Ohio State
>>> Probably the most athletically gifted athlete in this entire draft class. Let Zimmer coach him up.

17 - OLB | Anthony Barr | UCLA
>>> Rush LB. But due to coverage liabilities he will only play on obvious passing downs.

18 - DT | Dominique Easley | Florida
>>> Stock has taken a hit due to injury, but he is a STUD. Easy peasy, he could be the steal of the draft.

19 - QB | Zach Mettenberger | LSU
>>> Like I said about Derek Carr, same. NFL arm talent with touch.

20 - WR | Donte Moncrief | Ole Miss
>>> Talent for days. Luxury pick again, but a fit for Norv.

21 - OLB | Ryan Shazier | Ohio State
>>> Not exactly a Zimmer LB, but he offers 3 down capability that Gerald Hodges might not have.

22 - QB | Blake Bortles | UCF
>>> Capable but not great fit for Norv. Could be considered due to a high floor potential.

23 - DE | Scott Crichton | Oregon State
>>> Relentless pass rusher that has some of the best hand fighting in the class. Gow fav list.

24 - WR | Jordan Matthews | Vanderbilt
>>> Complete WR, somewhat like Keenan Allen ability.

25 - CB | Phillip Gaines | Rice
>>> Shut down Mike Evans and you get no love. Not fair at all.

26 - OG | Xavier Su'a-Filo | UCLA
>>> Mike Remmers, Brandon Fusco, and Valdimir Ducasse. Those are your current choices.

27 - CB | Darqueze Dennard | Michigan State
>>> I don't like him, but you might. He plays a need position, and some like him out there.

28 - DE | Kareem Martin | North Carolina
>>> 6'6" / 272 lbs strong and athletic. Perfect Zimmer DE.

29 - WR | Allen Robinson | Penn State
>>> Similar to Jordan Matthews, he has the size and ability to meet Norv's demands.

30 - TE | Austin Seferian-Jenkins | Washington
>>> Norv runs some 2-TE sets where a gifted athlete like ASJ would come in handy.

Bold Calls – "Trade Frenzy" - On the surface these might seem like a reach, but after I qualify them they might seem more realistic.

Three Four reasons why… 3 Trades will happen in the first 6 picks

1.       Every team in the top 6 have many roster holes. Trading down makes sense in the deepest draft class EVER.

2.       Relative to other draft classes, this year’s crop of top prospects are seen as extremely safe picks. So why not push in your chips on a sure thing?

3.       There is a slight drop off after the top guys. It’s the difference between plugging a need and having a dynamic game changer.

4.       The top 6 teams have been rumored in a lot of potential scenarios, may it be self-generated or league-wide rumors. As mentioned in the Detroit scenario above, it can be misdirected smoke-screen generation.

At least four 2015 1^st Round Picks will exchange hands between Thursday and Friday.

This will easily change the dynamics of this draft. Teams that lack trade assets this year, will tap into future 1s. As said over-and-over again, by anyone and everyone, this year’s draft class is the best ever. Teams will be itching to mortgage future 1^st rounders. Besides, trading a “next year’s” 1^st is always devalued due to the lack of immediate return… but for a rebuilding organization they are pure gold.

Detroit trades up to grab Khalil Mack, not Mike Evans

All the rumors of the Lions wanting to trade up for a WR smells like rancid garbage. Out is Scott Linehan’s pass-happy offense, and in is HC Jim Caldwell’s ball control offense. Tack on the addition of Golden Tate, to play opposite Calvin Johnson, why would they need to trade up for a premier WR? My guess, is that they are on the 2-3 year plan to switch to the 34. DC Teryl Austin is the former Baltimore Ravens secondary coach and could see Mack as a key cog for a future transition. This feels like a good possibility as they haven’t been eager to extend the contracts of Suh and Fairley at DT, which I can’t blame them. I just don’t think that the production will never meet the requisite sticker price to keep these guys.

Per Rod's Request - No Trade Mock

Yes, I already had one on the ready. No frills, no comments, but I did go all the way down to the Vikings 2nd round pick.


ROUND 1

#1 - Houston Texans : Jadeveon Clowney [OLB/DE, South Carolina]

#2 - St. Louis Rams : Sammy Watkins [WR, Clemson]

#3 - Jacksonville Jaguars : Johnny Manziel [QB, Texas A&M]

#4 - Cleveland Browns : Greg Robinson [OT, Auburn]

#5 - Oakland Raiders : Mike Evans [WR, Texas A&M]

#6 - Atlanta Falcons : Jake Matthews [OT, Texas A&M]

#7 - Tampa Bay : Morgan Moses [OT, Virginia]

#8 - Minnesota Vikings : Justin Gilbert [CB, Oklahoma State]

#9 - Buffalo Bills : Zach Martin [OT/OG, Notre Dame]

#10 - Detroit Lions : Kyle Fuller [CB, Virginia Tech]

#11 - Tennessee Titans : Khalil Mack [OLB, Buffalo]

#12 - New York Giants : Odell Beckham [WR, LSU]

#13 - St. Louis Rams : HaHa Clinton-Dix [FS, Alabama]

#14 - Chicago Bears : Aaron Donald [DT, Pittsburgh]

#15 - Pittsburgh Steelers : Darqueze Dennard [CB, Michigan State]

#16 - Dallas Cowboys : Brandin Cooks [WR, Oregon State]

#17 - Baltimore Ravens : Ra'Shede Hageman [5T, Minnesota]

#18 - New York Jets : Marquise Lee [WR, USC]

#19 - Miami Dolphins : Donte Moncrief [WR, Ole Miss]

#20 - Arizona Cardinals : Jeremiah Attaochu [OLB, Georgia Tech]

#21 - Green Bay Packers : Eric Ebron [TE, North Carolina]

#22 - Philadelphia Eagles : Anthony Barr [OLB, UCLA]

#23 - Kansas City Chiefs : Jordan Matthews [WR, Vanderbilt]

#24 - Cincinnati Bengals : Bradley Roby [CB, Ohio State]

#25 - San Diego Chargers : Taylor Lewan [OT, Michigan]

#26 - Cleveland Browns : Derek Carr [QB, Fresno State]

#27 - New Orleans Saints : Phillip Gaines [CB, Rice]

#28 - Carolina Panthers : Joel Bitonio [OT/OG, Nevada]

#29 - New England Patriots : Weston Richburg [C, Colorado]

#30 - San Francisco 49ers : Kyle Van Noy [OLB/ILB, BYU]

#31 - Denver Broncos : C.J. Mosley [ILB, Alabama]

#32 - Seattle Seahawks : Pierre Desir [CB, Lindenwood]


ROUND 2

#33 - Houston Texans : Blake Bortles [QB, UCF]

#34 - Washington Redskins : Louis Nix [NT, Notre Dame]

#35 - Cleveland Browns : Allen Robinson [WR, Penn State]

#36 - Oakland Raiders : Calvin Pryor [SS, Louisville]

#37 - Atlanta Falcons : Kareem Martin [DE, North Carolina]

#38 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Teddy Bridgewater [QB, Louisville]

#39 - Jacksonville Jaguars : Dominique Easley [DT, Florida]

#40 - Minnesota Vikings : Zach Mettenberger [QB, LSU]

Mock Draft 2.0 - Final

#1 - Houston Texans : Jadeveon Clowney [OLB/DE, South Carolina]

Option #1 is to trade down and get more picks in this stacked draft class, so that the new brass can get "their guys". Unfortunately for the Texans, GM Rick Smith looks like a $2 slut who will give it up for next to nothing. My guess is that Smith has eyes for Khalil Mack or a QB at a later draft slot. But something tells me that teams won't want to give up may coveted picks this year, only next year.

#2 - St. Louis Rams : Sammy Watkins [WR, Clemson]

I've said it in the previous mock, the Rams need a #1 WR. Watkins is a #1, though not as good as some prognosticators are making him out to be, but he is a #1 by all definition. The question becomes what combination do they like better at 2 and 13. Watkins and the best availble OT (likely Zach Martin or Taylor Lewan). OR their pick between Greg Robinson / Jake Matthews and WR Odell Beckham.

#3 - Jacksonville Jaguars : Johnny Manziel [QB, Texas A&M]

Johnny Football goes from the 2nd round to 3rd overall in one motion. This just exemplifies the common dynamic view-points that go with Manziel. Do I think this is a reach? Yes and No. Yes, in that he has way too many red flags. No, in that he is everything Jacksonville needs. He will be the face of an organization whose owner is looking for global appeal. And he fits the new offense like a glove.

#4 - Cleveland Browns : Greg Robinson [RT/LT, Auburn]

Over all the years I've been a Browns fan, I've never had a more difficult time trying to figure out what the team would do in the 1st round. I blame and credit this to GM Ray Farmer, and the changing coaching staff. If I had to guess, I would think that Watkins is at the top of the their board. All bets are off if he is gone, and trade scenarios open up. Like the Texans, best player available is the pick.

#5 - *** TRADE *** Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Oakland) : Jake Matthews [LT, Texas A&M]

Tampa Bay trades:
> 1st Round (#7)
> 3rd Round (#69)

Oakland trades:
> 1st Round (#5)
> 2015 - 5th Round Pick

Blame this one on predictability. You, me, and the NSA all know that the Falcons will be picking Jake Matthews at 6. Year one GM Jason Licht has already pulled off two small but significant trades, been shopping FA like pro, so why wouldn't he trade up for a top-tier LT when the team needs one badly? Obviously, that was a rhetorical question in this format. So just agree with me and we'll move on.

#6 - Atlanta Falcons : Khalil Mack [OLB, Buffalo]

If this happens, "Pissed Off" and "Full of Rage" are the two new nicknames for Dimitroff & Pioli. They'll wish that they met the asking price of a team in front of them, when they had the chance. The drop off from Robinson/Matthews down to every other OT is sizeable. So in turn, they'll try to leverage interest in WR Mike Evans but will likely fail. But Mack is no slouch, and will be a key cog for their 34 hybrid sets.

#7 - Oakland Raiders (from Tampa Bay) : Mike Evans [WR, Texas A&M]

I can see it now. Praise will rain down from the media when Oakland trades down and still gets Evans. The "uncharacteristically" smart move will flow from lips, like everyone is reading the same script. But the roster is abysmal, key FAs don't want to go there, so getting more picks and building through the draft is a no-brainer. At least Evans is a difference maker that the team can build around. Start somewhere.

#8 - Minnesota Vikings : Justin Gilbert [CB, Oklahoma State]

Only because you guys won't let me mock Bortles or Carr here, and you seem to somehow like Bridgewater and Manziel, I have to go another direction. Over the last few weeks, Gilbert has taken his fair share of pot shots and I blame his agent for not responding to the negative remarks. Projecting measurables and characteristics, Gilbert could be special. Spielman should take a chance on greatness here.

#9 - Buffalo Bills : Zach Martin [OT/OG, Notre Dame]

I chose Martin here, because he is a safer pick (than Taylor Lewan) and adds more position flexibility (than Morgan Moses). In an era where teams only keep 7 or 8 o-linemen, guys like Martin are highly sought after. Recent rumors to trade up make little sense to me, unless they want to jump up for Robinson or Matthews. But since they lack trade assets, I think this is a more likely outcome.

#10 - Detroit Lions : Kyle Fuller [CB, Virginia Tech]

Start the career comparisons of Gilbert and Fuller. Did the Vikes make the right choice? The need is there and pressing need for a starting caliber CB in the Lions defensive backfield. Fuller seems like the most logical pick, but Darquenze Dennard and Bradley Roby will be in play also. Another dark-horse candidate would be in-state product OT Taylor Lewan, as well of OTs will run dry by round 2.

Decided not to continue... Investing my time toward other topics.