Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Gagnon called the move by Spielman and Company "brilliant."
And it couldn't have panned out any better for a team that gets a physical marvel with an extremely high NFL ceiling – but also added intriguing quarterback Kellen Mond and potential interior starter Wyatt Davis with the two Day 2 selections it landed from Gang Green.
A consensus big board from NFL Mock Draft Database had Darrisaw two spots ahead of Alijah Vera-Tucker, whom the Jets took with Minnesota's original selection. Watch for the large and athletic Darrisaw to make an immediate impact in Minnesota and for the Vikings front office to quietly chuckle over the gravy it gets from Mond and/or Davis.
Vikings tabbed 'top contender' to unseat Green Bay from NFC North throne
The Packers have earned the NFC North title the past two seasons, and the Vikings are looking to take back a throne they haven't sat in since 2017.
In a recent article for NFL.com, Senior Analyst Gil Brandt opined that Minnesota has the best chance at contending for the division crown this season. He did note, though, that the odds are likely "contingent upon Aaron Rodgers remaining the Packers starting quarterback in 2021." Brandt wrote:
However, I think the most likely scenario is still that [Rodgers will] stay, and in that case, there's no reason to think the team he led to 26 wins over the past two seasons won't be the runaway favorites to capture a third consecutive division title. The Lions are rebuilding under [Head Coach] Dan Campbell, while the Bears are in transition at quarterback, with Andy Dalton set to eventually cede the starting job to rookie Justin Fields. That leaves Minnesota, which boasts a quality offense and a defense returning a swath of key veterans to health. Though the Vikings will be formidable opponents, I don't think they'll do much to stand in the way of Rodgers and Co.
As far as the "most vulnerable" division winner from 2020? Brandt pointed to the New Orleans Saints after the retirement of longtime quarterback Drew Brees. Brandt listed – to no surprise – the Buccaneers as top contenders to take the NFC South in 2021.