Draft Series: Episode Who Cares - Vikings Draft Recap

Round 1 (11) – CB | Trae Waynes| Michigan State

Admittedly I am hard on Waynes and CBs that profile similarly. To me he is a press-man and bail type CB. Zimmer plays a lot of cover 3 which press man, so Waynes is just what the doctor ordered. But guys like Waynes tend to struggle to cover underneath routes, which is why Zimmer relies on his linebackers to be able to drop into zone. So schematically a good pick, but I feel he will get eaten alive by WRs that force him to close-and-open his hips. With those tight hips, changing directions is a rough-go and Waynes responds with a lot of pass interference penalties. What’s funny is that all Michigan State CBs seem to have these same problems. Which goes counter to the assumption that Spartan defenders are well coached up, guess not the cornerbacks. From an NFL comparison I see a cross between Dee Milliner and Darqueze Dennard.

Round 2 (45) – MLB | Eric Kendricks | UCLA

It’s questionable if Kendricks has the size to remain at the Mike LB, and could use a lot of weight room time, but he is a very instinctual and very productive football player. He’s one of my favorite players in this draft class, a do-it-all LB that can play all 3 downs. An extremely valuable aspect of his game is his value in relation to roster composition management. Obvious passing downs are no longer defined as ‘situational football’, the NFL is a passing league. So teams that have to carry a designated nickel LB are losing out on a valuable roster spot, which is why Kendricks gives the Vikings immense value. If down the road Kendricks is asked to shift over to Will LB, the Vikings should get many more years of production out of him.

Round 3 (88) – DE | Danielle Hunter | LSU

I think this was a very risky pick in round 3, boom or bust. John Gruden has a saying, “if you’re saying he has potential, then you’re telling me he has never done it before”. Now imagine that, a guy named Danielle is a perfect fit for the ‘looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane’ tagline. From a combine measureables standpoint he is top shelf, his physical profile is also impressive, so what’s the problem? Problem is that he doesn’t make plays. In LSU’s defense, Hunter had plenty of opportunity to shine, as LSU gives their defenders NFL situations to flash their potential. Therefore his production (or lack thereof) is highly suspect. So me wonders if he is “soft”… which is different than flaccid.

Round 4 (110) – OT | TJ Clemmings | Pittsburgh

Boom or bust candidate #2. Prime candidate for ‘steal of the draft’ designation, Clemmings was #15 on my Big Board… and my #1 offensive tackle. So how did he slip so far? Fractures in the foot… and a very raw football IQ. I’m not saying he is dumb, I’m saying he doesn’t know what he’s doing (yet). After only playing on the offensive side of the ball for 2 years, give the guy some seasoning. Insert good coaching and repetition and he projects as the best offensive tackle in this year’s class. So yes, projections [see aforementioned Gruden quote]. But from a need perspective, offensive tackle was great spot to upgrade. If he figures out how to match is game to his athletic makeup, he can avoid the bust label.

Round 7 (232) – OLB | Edmond Robinson | Newberry

I would monitor this guy. The risk is very low, but the reward is exceptionally high. Take him out of a tiny school gym and put him in an NFL regiment and who knows... These are the types of picks NFL teams need to make in the 7^th round. Projects that have the physical tools.

Skipping everyone else, as either they are not worth mentioning (i.e. - practice squad fodder), or my consistent refusal to talk about any offensive skill positions. #HateKeepers