Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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McShay wrote:
Even though Minnesota doesn't have Aaron Rodgers, it's clear it has the most well-rounded roster in the NFC North. And a big reason is the way General Manager Rick Spielman continues to approach the draft. The Vikings made a ridiculous 15 selections, including two first-rounders. And man, did they make some good ones.
Justin Jefferson is a great fit as a replacement for Stefon Diggs opposite Adam Thielen. The LSU receiver will do most of his work out of the slot, and he's probably the best contested-catch playmaker in the entire class. Jefferson will do the dirty work over the middle and can make some defenders miss with the ball in his hands. Minnesota followed up that pick by moving back a few spots in the first round and addressing the cornerback position with TCU's Jeff Gladney. With good man-to-man skills, he's a future starter and might break through as a top-three option in a barren CB room as a rookie.
McShay also liked what Spielman and his staff did after Day 1, too, as he believed the Vikings added plenty of talent and depth to help restock the roster.
Minnesota was just getting warmed up. Boise State tackle Ezra Cleveland was a steal at No. 58 overall. He has a lot of upper-body strength and will thrive in the Vikings zone-blocking scheme. If he can win the left tackle job, Riley Reiff can bump inside to guard and boost the line overall. I also like the late-round grab of Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley. He has a huge arm and sets up as a good long-term backup at value in Round 7.
If we want to talk about steals, though, I'm not sure it gets much better than Baylor defensive lineman James Lynch at No. 130 in Round 4. The athleticism and testing numbers aren't going to wow anyone, but his tape is impressive. He can play inside or outside, and he displays loads of power and a great ability to finish. In all, it was a really strong three days for the Vikings.
While McShay is a fan of the selection of Lynch, so was former Vikings defensive tackle John Randle.
The Hall of Famer texted Andre Patterson, the Vikings Co-Defensive Coordinator and defensive line coach, soon after the pick and expressed his excitement.