Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has made it routine to acquire extra first round picks in recent years. From 2012 to 2014, he brought seven first round picks to Minnesota. That sort of top end talent made for terrific drafts on paper and very good drafts, so far, on the field. In the 2015 NFL Draft, Spielman showed that he could effectively handle having only a single first round pick. A week after the selections, this draft looks great. Even with a single first round pick.
1. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St.
2. Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
3. Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU
4. T.J. Clemmings, T, Pittsburgh
5. MyCole Pruitt, TE, Southern Illinois
5. Stephon Diggs, WR, Maryland
6. Tyrus Thompson, T/G, Oklahoma
6. B.J. Dubose, DT, Louisville
7. Austin Shepherd, T/G. Alabama
7. Edmond Robinson, LB, Newberry
The Vikings entered the draft with needs at corner, middle linebacker, depth at defensive end, receiver and improvement on the offensive line. If Trae Waynes can refine some issues with his technique he could be a day one starter. If he becomes the player that his skills would indicate the Vikings will have a pair of corners in Waynes and Xavier Rhodes that will compete well with any of the excellent receivers in their division and across the NFL. The sort of coverage that will allow the rest of the Vikings defense a great deal of freedom. The Vikings have been searching for a three-down middle linebacker for so long. Too long. With Eric Kendricks that search is at an end. Head coach Mike Zimmer and defensive coaches George Edwards and Adam Zimmer will make great use of Kendricks' instincts, quickness, and coverage ability. Danielle Hunter is freakishly talented but very raw. If his play can scratch his potential he's an impact defensive end. T.J. Clemmings was supposed to be a first round pick. Word seemed to spread late in the draft prep process that he had a fracture in his foot. An injury that he's had for a while. It hasn't kept him off of the field but it caused a draft slide. Fortunately for the Vikings. He fell in their lap in the fourth round. He provides insurance at left tackle if Matt Kalil doesn't rebound from two sudpar seasons or he's the eventual right tackle. He might even move inside and fill the hole at left guard. Clemmings gives the Vikings excellent options of the offensive. Now and in the near future. Mycole Pruitt is a very productive small school tight end. He joins the battle at what has become a crowded position for the Vikings. Stephon Diggs is a talented, big play receiver. His best chance for immediate contributions is probably as a returner. Tyrus Thompson will provide nice offensive line depth at guard and/or tackle. He likely competes with David Yankey and Joe Berger for the left guard spot this summer. B.J. Dubose has a tough task in front of him. The interior of the Vikings defensive line is one of the most set positions on the team. His position flexibility helps his cause. Austin Shepherd joins Thompson in the competition to provide improved line depth. Last year, seventh round picks Shamar Stephen and Jabari Price not only made the roster but made contributions. Edmond Robinson is my pick as the player to emerge from the back of the draft to make the team and contribute. He's a raw player and he played at little Newberry but he's got skills. He entered my view at the East-West Game and remained in my view throughout the draft process. . It think that he's going to be tough to cut.
Spielman has made it quite clear that ten picks is a goal in each draft. They entered the draft with seven selections. They exited with ten. Goal reached. Waynes and Kendricks clearly highlight this draft. Both were drafted to become franchise cornerstones and each could reach that early in their careers. Hunter can make a splash in the defensive line rotation. If he can harness his great natural talent that could be a big splash. Clemmings might be too talented to keep on the bench despite the presence of established starters at both tackle spots. In a couple of years, the top four picks of this draft could be big-time contributors for the Minnesota Vikings. Pruitt and Diggs will likely have specific roles on the offense as early as this season. Diggs could impact special teams immediately. Very nice draft. I guess that Spielman doesn't really need those extra first round picks after all.
Oh yea. And Adrian Peterson is still on the team.
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