Minnesota Vikings Undrafted Free Agents

After the Annual NFL Draft comes to an end there's a 32-team scramble to sign the college football players that weren't drafted. The Minnesota Vikings signed 15 Undrafted Free Agents.

Player Position  College Height  Weight Jeff Badet WR Oklahoma 6'0" 172 Mike Boone RB Cincinnati 5'10" 205 Curtis Cothran DT Penn State 6'5" 301 Garrett Dooley LB Wisconsin 6'2" 227 Armanti Foreman WR Texas 6'0" 210 Chris Gonzales G San Jose State 6'3" 310 Holton Hill CB Texas 6'2" 196 Tyler Hoppes TE Nebraska 6'4" 245 Hercules Mata'afa DL Washington State 6'2" 254 Trevon Mathis CB Toledo 5'10" 186 Tray Matthews S Auburn 6'0" 196 Kamryn Pettway RB Auburn 6'0"  235 Pete Pujals QB Holy Cross 6'2" 215 Korey Robertson WR Southern Mississippi 6'1" 212 Roc Thomas RB Jacksonville State 5'10" 198 Jake Weineke WR South Dakota State 6'4" 205 Jonathan Wynn DE Vanderbilt 6'5" 265

***

The Vikings were a game away from the Super Bowl last season and should be in the mix to make it to the big game this year. They have a talented roster. A roster that will be tough to crack. Offensive tackle Aviante Collins, linebacker Eric Wilson, and defensive end Tashawn Bower made the roster as undrafted free agents last year. So, it can be done. It's just getting more difficult to do. Rick Spielman and company have signed one of best undrafted groups in recent memory. I can pick three of the above that will be tough to cut this year.

Holton Hill
Hercules Mata'afa
Roc Thomas

It wouldn't have been a surprise to see Holton Hill selected at any point after the second round. Until the Vikings selected selected Central Florida corner Mike Hughes in the first round I thought Hill could be a Vikings target. Apparently he was. They just waited until the draft was done. Character concerns kept him from being drafted. If he can keep those concerns in the past he has the talent to not only make the roster but contribute early. Hercules Mata'afa was a one-man wrecking crew on the Washington State defense. He played defensive tackle at 6'2" 254 lbs. It was unusual to see a player his size on the interior of the defensive line but he sure was effective. His positional uncertainty must have been the reason for his not being drafted. That seems like a silly reason as Mata'afa has a place on an NFL football team. The Vikings defensive coaches have to find that place. The Vikings had a running back hole to fill after versatile Jerick McKinnon left for the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. They didn't find that back in the draft. They signed three candidates for the job after the draft. Roc Thomas, Mike Boone, and Kamryn Pettway. All three showed intriguing potential in college. Any one of the three could take the job in training camp. Right now, I think that Thomas has the greatest potential but all that could change when everyone gets on the field in pads.

The Vikings pre-draft receiver group looked like this:

Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Kendall Wright
Stacy Coley
Cayleb Jones
Tavarres King
Brandon Zylstra

Unless something truly surprising takes place, Diggs, Thielen, Treadwell, and Wright will top the 2018 depth chart. That leaves an opening for one, maybe two, receivers on the roster. The competition for those one, or two, spot(s) is likely wide open. Coley might have an edge simply by having been on the team last year. UDFAs Jeff Badet, Armanti Foreman, Korey Robertson, and Jake Weineke have a shot at the roster. They have a real shot at the practice squad. Badet ran a 4.27 at a Pro Day. The Vikings don't have a receiver like that. Weineke has size that the Vikings really don't have. The competition should be fun.

Due to the talent already on the roster and the eight players added in the draft, I didn't really think it possible that the Vikings could add any undrafted free agents with a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster. They did.

Minnesota Vikings 2018 Draft Picks

Three days of drafting is in the books. The Minnesota Vikings came out of it with eight football players

Round Player  Position College Ht  Wt 1 Mike Hughes CB Central Florida 5'10" 189 2 Brian O'Neill OT Pittsburgh 6'7" 297 4 Jalyn Holmes DE Ohio State 6'5" 283 5 Tyler Conklin TE Central Michigan 6'3" 254 5 Daniel Carlson K Auburn 6'5"  213 6 Colby Gossett G Appalachian State 6'5" 315 6 Ade Aruna DE Tulane 6'5" 262 7 Devante Downs LB California 6'2" 252

***

1. Mike Hughes. The Vikings selection of a cornerback in the first round was a slight surprise. They were supposed to be "locked-in" on an offensive lineman. General manager Rick Spielman said that they weren't. Everyone thought that he was lying. In the current NFL a team can never have enough corners. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has already stated that Hughes will start out on the outside. It's assumed by many that he will ultimately compete with Mackensie Alexander for the nickel job with Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes on the outside. No matter how the cornerback position plays out Hughes is probably penciled in as the kick returner, and perhaps even the punt returner, right now. He will contribute this year.

2. Brian O'Neill. After the Vikings hired John DeFilippo as offensive coordinator and signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a giant contract improving the offensive line was priority #1. So, I guess that actually makes it priority #3. Whatever. The Vikings had to improve the offensive line. Coming into the draft guard seemed to be the biggest need. They didn't pick one in the first and saw a run on the position at the the top of the second round. That led them to pick the very athletic O'Neill at the bottom of the second. He'll probably compete with Mike Remmers at right tackle. Perhaps the position is closer to being his if Remmers is moved inside to guard as injuries forced him to do in the playoffs. More likely, O'Neill will spend a year getting NFL-strong and make the right tackle spot his in 2019. He has the talent and potential to eventually flip to the left side.

4. Jalyn Holmes. The Vikings have often employed 4th-round defensive ends. Everson Griffen, Brian Robison, Jared Allen, Ray Edwards. It'd be nice if Holmes turns into something closer to the first three. Like Griffen and Robison,  Holmes should kick off his NFL days as a defensive tackle on passing downs. He should be a solid contributor in the line rotation this year.

5. Tyler Conklin. The Vikings traded up to insure that they added a versatile, pass-catching tight end. The Eagles offense was often in two-tight end sets while DeFilippo was the quarterbacks coach. The Redskins did the same with Kirk Cousins as their quarterback. It's no stretch to assume that the Vikings will do the same. Conklin could see significant time as one of those tight ends. DeFilippo wanted a tight end that could be a match-up mismatch. Conklin is that sort of tight end.

5. Daniel Carlson. Kicking has been an issue in Minnesota since the last kicker that the Vikings drafted, Blair Walsh, had a season-and-a half long meltdown that included a missed game-winning field goal in the 2015 playoffs. Kai Forbath is on the roster but it would be a surprise if Carlson isn't the Vikings kicker moving forward.

6. Colby Gossett. The Vikings finally found their guard. With Joe Berger's retirement the right guard position is open. There's been chatter that Remmers might factor into the guard equation but he was much better at right tackle during the regular season than he was at guard in the playoffs. I think it's best if Remmers stays at right tackle (with O'Neill getting stronger and backing him up) and have a training camp competition at right guard. Gossett should be part of that competition with 2017 fifth-round pick Danny Isidora and free agent addition Tom Compton. Perhaps Josh Andrews will be part of the battle as well. In a draft in which the Vikings didn't select a guard early I was thrilled that they were able to find one with the potential of Gossett late.

6. Ade Aruna. Aruna continues a Vikings draft tradition of adding a long, athletic defensive end late in the draft (or after). Like Stephen Weatherly, Ifeadi Odenigbo, and Tashawn Bower. Aruna is a developmental pass rusher with absolutely ridiculous test scores. Actually, his test scores look more like those of a back or receiver. He's probably a year or two from an NFL field unless he's a super-quick study.

7. Devante Downs. As a Cal alum I was thrilled with this pick. Downs might've been the best defensive player in the Pac-12 until an injury ended his season after seven games. That's in a conference that included Vita Vea. Downs was all over the field leading a surprisingly improved Bears defense. The strange thing about the injury was that I never heard it labeled as anything other than a lower body injury. Is this the NHL? I've heard some say that it was a knee injury but I haven't seen confirmation of that. The Vikings need linebacker depth and if healthy Downs can provide that.

Next up. Undrafted Free Agents.

Day 2

Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft played out yesterday.

Round 2

1.  Cleveland Browns-Austin Corbett, G, Nevade
2.  New York Giants-Will Hernandez, G, Texas-El Paso
3.  Cleveland Browns-Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
4.  Indianapolis Colts-Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
5.  Indianapolis Colts-Braden Smith, G, Auburn
6.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
7.  Chicago Bears-James Daniels, C, Iowa
8.  Denver Broncos-Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
9.  Tennessee Titans-Harold Landry, DE, Boston College
10. Miami Dolphins-Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
11. Detroit Lions-Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
12. San Francisco 49ers-Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
13. Green Bay Packers-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
14. Kansas City Chiefs-Breeland Speaks, DE, Mississippi
15. Arizona Cardinals-Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
16. Los Angeles Chargers-Uchenna Nwosu, LB, USC
17. Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
18. Dallas Cowboys-Connor Williams, OT, Texas
19. Chicago Bears-Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
20. Indianapolis Colts-Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina
22. Cincinnati Bengals-Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest
23. Carolina Panthers-Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
24. New England Patriots-Duke Dawson, CB, Florida
25. Oakland Raiders-P.J. Hall, DT, Sam Houston State
26. Atlanta Falcons-Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
27. Washington Redskins-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-D.J. Chark, WR, LSU
30. Minnesota Vikings-Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
32. Indianapolis Colts-Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State

***

The run on interior offensive linemen (4 of the first 7 picks) to start the second round was painful to watch for this Vikings fan. Real painful. It was to be expected since I didn't expect Will Hernandez or James Daniels to make it out of the first round.Hernandez, Daniels, and some of their friends were sure to come off the board early in the second. That led the Vikings to select Pitt tackle Brian O'Neill when the draft finally made it down to them. Maybe they were always looking at tackles over interior linemen. Who knows? I don't. 

It's way too early to judge any of these picks but I think that the Colts have had a nice draft through two rounds. Quenton Nelson was a no-brainer in the first round. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets All-Pro consideration as a rookie. The Colts were busy in second round with four picks. 

Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State

Braden Smith, G, Auburn

Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers

Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State

I really like Leonard and Smith, especially Smith. I was hoping that Smith might be available at the 30th pick of the second round but was 25 spots short of that. A damn shame. The Colts found pass rush potential with Turay and Lewis. 

The Buccaneers have really reconstructed their defense this offseason. They added proven defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Vinny Curry before the draft. They've done some promising defensive work through two rounds of the draft. 

Vita Vea, DT, Washington

M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina

Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

The Bucs defensive line is going to be a challenge. Curry, Pierre-Paul, Vea, and Gerald McCoy. They already had terrific linebackers (Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander). They added two cornerbacks with great potential in the second. There's a new defense in Tampa Bay. If the new and old players develop together nicely this new defense could be a solid one. 

Round 3

1.   Oakland Raiders-Brandon Parker, OT, North Carolina A&T

2.   New York Giants-Lorenzo Carter, LB, Clemson

3.   Cleveland Browns-Chad Thomas, DE, Miami

4.   Houston Texans-Justin Reid, S, Stanford

5.   New York Giants-B.J. Hill, DT, North Carolina State

6.   San Francisco 49ers-Fred Warner, LB, BYU

7.   Denver Broncos-Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon

8.   New York Jets-Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State

9.   Miami Dolphins-Jerome Baker, LB, Ohio State

10. Washington Redskins-Geron Christian, OT, Louisville

11. Kansas City Chiefs-Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State

12. Pittsburgh Steelers-Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

13. Cincinnati Bengals-Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State

14. Cincinnati Bengals-Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

15. Seattle Seahawks-Rasheem Green, DE, USC

16. Hoston Texans-Martinas Rankins, OL, Mississippi State

17. Dallas Cowboys-Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State

18. Detroit Lions-Tracy Walker, S, Louisiana-Lafayette

19. Baltimore Ravens-Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

20. Los Angeles Chargers-Justin Jones, DT, North Carolina State

21. Carolina Panthers-Rashaan Gauldin, CB, Tennessee

22. Baltimore Ravens-Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

23. Oakland Raiders-Arden Key, DE, LSU

24. Green Bay Packers-Oren Burks, LB, Vanderbilt

25. Los Angeles Rams-Joseph Noteboom, OT, TCU

26. Atlanta Falcons-Deadrin Senat, DT, South Florida

27. New Orleans Saints-Tre'Quan Smith, WR, Central Florida

28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan

29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State

31. San Francisco 49ers-Tavarius Moore, S, Southern Mississippi

32. Buffalo Bills-Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford

33. Arizona Cardinals-Mason Cole, C, Michigan

34. Houston Texans-Jordan Akins, TE, Central Florida

35. Denver Broncos-Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College

36. Kansas City Chiefs-Dorian O'Damiel, LB, Clemson

***

The third round lost it's sizzle when the Vikings traded out of it. The trade shouldn't surprise. General Manager Rick Spielman has stated for nearly as long as he's had the job that he has a target of ten picks for each draft. The Vikings entered this draft with eight picks and none in the fourth round. Since they pick late in the fifth it's tough to go nearly two rounds without a pick. Spielman fixed that by trading the 30th pick of the third round (94 overall) to the Buccaneers. The Vikings received the second pick of the fourth round (102 overall) and the sixth pick of the sixth round (180 overall). The Vikings now have a fourth round pick that's eight picks later than the third round pick that they once had. The Vikings decision-makers now have to get up early tomorrow. They are scheduled to make seven picks today.
4th-2nd pick (102 overall)
5th-30th pick (167 overall)
6th-6th pick (180 overall)
6th-30th pick (204 overall)
6th-39th pick (213 overall)
6th-44th pick (218 overall)
7th-7th pick (225 overall)

It was perfect that Oklahoma tackle Orlando Brown was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round. His late father played there. Now, he does too.

It was great to see former Bills players Andre Reed and Fred Jackson recognize fan Panco Billa. He's fighting cancer and traveled to Dallas for his team's draft. Reed and Jackson had Pancho announce the third round pick of Stanford defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. It felt right that Phillips landed in Buffalo as he's a damn near clone of long-time defensive tackle Kyle Williams. NFL Network analyst Charles Davis mentioned the strong tie between Bills fan and Bills players. He isn't wrong. In my experience this fan base is one of the best in the league. All the best to Pancho Billa. Get well. 

It was awesome to see various pick announcers give Dallas some hell. Former Eagles kicker David Akers was terrific. A kicker? 

It's on to Day 3. 

Real Draft

After months of mock drafts it's nice to finally have the real thing. The 2018 NFL Draft kicked off last night. Here's the first round.

1.   Cleveland Browns-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
2.   New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3.   New York Jets-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
4.   Cleveland Browns-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
5.   Denver Broncos-Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
6.   Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
7.   Buffalo Bills (from Bucs)-Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
8.   Chicago Bears-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
10. Arizona Cardinals (from Raiders)-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
11. Miami Dolphins-Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
13. Washington Redskins-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
14. New Orleans Saints (from Packers)-Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
15. Oakland Raiders-Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
16. Buffalo Bills (from Ravens)-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Derwin James, S, Florida State
18. Green Bay Packers (from Seahawks)-Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
19. Dallas Cowboys-Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
20. Detroit Lions-Frank Ragnow, C/G, Arkansas
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Billy Price, G, Ohio State
22. Tennessee Titans(from Ravens)-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
23. New England Patriots-Isaiah Wynn, G/T, Georgia
24. Carolina Panthers-DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
25. Baltimore Ravens-Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
26. Atlanta Falcons-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
27. Seattle Seahawks-Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Terrell Edmonds, S, Virginia Tech
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
30. Minnesota Vikings-Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
31. New England Patriots-Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
32. Baltimore Ravens (from Eagles)-Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

***

Some thoughts on the happenings of the first night of the draft.

The Vikings got Mike Hughes!

Most talking heads, including this one, expected the Vikings to select an offensive linemen. The best of the interior line group, excluding Quenton Nelson, were expected to come off the board over the last third of the first round. A mini-run on the position did start at #20 when the Lions selected Arkansas guard Frank Ragnow. Ohio State C/G Billy Price and Georgia G/T Isaiah Wynn soon followed. All three were linked to the Vikings at some point in the draft evaluation process. Guard wasn't the only need in Minnesota. Cornerback, defensive line depth, linebacker are also needs. They filled the cornerback need first. Hughes and Jaire Alexander topped my list at the position after Ohio State's Denzel Ward. I didn't think that Hughes would make it to #30 so I never really considered him when I thought of the possibility that the Vikings selecting a corner. Of the two, I actually thought that they'd have a better shot at Alexander. I love the kick return skills that Hughes brings.

There were seven trades last night. The Bills, Packers and Ravens were involved in six of those trades. The Bills used the picks obtained in trades last year and earlier this offseason to move up twice. First to get Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen at #7 and then to get Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmonds at #16. The Packers started the night at #14. They traded back to #27 with the Saints. Then they traded up to #18 with the Seahawks to select Louisville corner Jaire Alexander. Look what happens when Ted Thompson is booted from the building.The Ravens danced all over the draft board. They started at #16, traded back to #22 with the Bills, traded further back to #25 with the Titans and selected South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst. To cap the night they traded back into the first round with the Eagles to select Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson at #32.

It's funny how teams are often automatically praised when they bounce around the draft. Sometimes the movement is shrewd. Sometimes it might be done because the team is thwarted in their selection of a particular player and they bounce back for lack of a better thing to do. Who knows? I don't. I'm not in that room. I was just getting a little tired of the fawning over the Packers movement last night and I'm going with the theory that they had no idea what they were doing and lucked into Jaire Alexander.

In the hours leading up to the start of the draft the hot rumor was that the Browns were going to select Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first pick. This simply couldn't be since general manager John Dorsey was said to be keeping the identity of the first pick as an absolute secret between him and no one. How could it possibly leak out if he was the only one that knew it?

I got a grand total of two picks right on my final mock draft.
New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
That's about par for the course for me.

A lot of Vikings beat writers and fans were saying that general manager Rick Spielman wasn't being entirely truthful when he said earlier this week that they weren't necessarily "locked into" taking an offensive lineman at #30. Why anyone would expect a GM to be truthful the week of a draft is beyond me. Well, it looks like the Vikings weren't "locked into" taking an offensive lineman at #30 after all.

Speaking of Hughes. In the 52 drafts prior to 2013 the Vikings picked a cornerback in the first round a grand total of once. That was DeWayne Washington in 1994. In the last six drafts the Vikings have selected a cornerback in the first round three times. Xavier Rhodes (2013), Trae Waynes (2015), and now Mike Hughes. It's nice to see the Vikings finally emphasizing the position.

A few surprises.
Washington Redskins-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
This pick surprised me simply because the Redskins took a similar sort of player last year in Payne's former and now current teammate Jonathan Allen. I thought that Florida State safety Derwin James would be the pick.

Los Angeles Chargers-Derwin James, S, Florida State
If James to the Chargers at #17 isn't the steal of the first round I don't what pick is. Despite being a top-10 talent there was some pre-draft chatter that James could drop out of that range. Each time that he wasn't the pick after the tenth pick was a surprise.

Seattle Seahawks-Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
It's not so much that I'm surprised Penny went in the first round. I'm surprised that he was the second running back selected. I'm surprised that the was selected ahead of Sony Michel in particular.

Pittsburgh Steelers-Terrell Edmonds, S, Virginia Tech
Edmonds is a talented football player but I wasn't expecting him to go in the first round. The cool thing about this pick was that he was at the draft as part of the party of his brother, Tremaine Edmonds. In the opening round of the 2018 NFL Draft the Edmonds family (father Ferrell and sons Tremaine and Terrell) joined the Matthews and Mannings as recent football-playing families.

It's on to Day 2.

Final Flea Flicker Mock Draft

The real draft is today. Finally.

1.   Cleveland Browns-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2.   New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3.   New York Jets-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
4.   Cleveland Browns-Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
5.   Denver Broncos-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
6.   Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Derwin James, S, Florida State
8.   Chicago Bears-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
10. Oakland Raiders-Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
11. Miami Dolphins-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
12. Buffalo Bills-Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
13. Washington Redskins-Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
14. Green Bay Packers-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
15. Arizona Cardinals-Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
16. Baltimore Ravens-Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
18. Seattle Seahawks-Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
19. Dallas Cowboys-DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
20. Detroit Lions-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
22. Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, C, Iowa
23. New England Patriots-Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
24. Carolina Panthers-Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
25. Tennessee Titans-Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
26. Atlanta Falcons-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
27. New Orleans Saints-Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
30. Minnesota Vikings-Frank Ragnow, C/G, Arkansas
31. New England Patriots-Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

Here's to all of the football players with NFL dreams. Some are about to come true.

Another Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

The last few days before the NFL Draft are the worst. Rumors and nonsense. It sure will be nice to finally get to the real thing. Until then, here's another 7-round Minnesota Vikings mock draft.

1. Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
2. Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
3. Nyheim Hines, RB, North Carolina State
5. Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State
6. Durham Smythe, TE, Notre Dame
6. Davontae Harris, CB, Illinois State
6. Vycint Smith, WR, Limestone College
7. Eddy Pineiro, K, Florida

1. The Vikings have a talented and deep roster. If one looks at a projected starting lineup, guard stands out as the biggest need. Improving the offensive line, in general, is the team's biggest need. The good thing about that is that this draft has solid guards into the second day of selections. Personally, I'd rather add Wynn, Frank Ragnow, Billy Price, or Willie Hernandez with the team's first pick than wait for the second day. The Vikings recent offensive line issues are partially due to relying on the development from later-round picks and undrafted free agents. Adding high-end talent might be a nice change in strategy.

2. Unlike the offensive line, the Vikings defensive line is is one of the best in the league. The offseason addition of defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson completes the starting lineup but depth is a concern. Shepherd would help that and create a terrific interior line rotation with Richardson, Linval Joseph, and Jaleel Johnson. Richardson only signed for one year so his stay in Minnesota could be a short one. Shepherd could step into the starting lineup after rookie season of seasoning and learning.

3. Hines is essentially a replacement for the departed Jerrick McKinnon in free agency. He has similar run/pass skills as well as returning kicks. The Vikings didn't get much in kick returns after Cordarrelle Patterson departed last offseason.

5. Cappa gives the Vikings more offensive line options. Who knows, perhaps he wins the right tackle job in training camp.

6. The Vikings could use another tight end. I'd like to pick one earlier but it didn't work out that way. There are several good tight ends in this draft and Notre Dame has often been a good place to find one.

6. Cornerback. A team can never have enough cornerbacks. As with tight end, I'd like to pick one earlier but that didn't happen. The Vikings have shown interest in Harris.

 6. Vyncint Smith from itty-bitty Limestone is simply too intriguing to pass. Size and speed. He's got both.

7. The Vikings could use a kicker to challenge Kai Forbath in training camp.

The fourth-round hole in the Vikings draft makes a trade out of the first round a real possibility. General manager Rick Spielman sets an annual goal of at least 10 draft picks. They are scheduled to make eight picks so the best way to get to 10 and fill the that hole in the fourth round is to trade out of the first. Dabbling in draft trade predictions is a greater degree of lunacy than dabbling in draft pick predictions. So I won't do it here.

What this mock draft is missing:

Linebacker
Safety
Edge rusher

The Vikings might return all three starting linebackers but they don't have much depth. The four game suspension of Kentrell Brothers further reduces that depth. Linebacker needs to be addressed and I believe that it will. Trading out of the first and adding a fourth could give them the pick that gives them that linebacker. I really don't see the Vikings not addressing the position somewhere in the draft.

The real thing starts tomorrow.

Blind Mock Draft

Here's something different. Each pick of this mock draft was pulled out of a hat. Literally. Sometimes it seems that a few of the teams use that very same strategy.

1.   Cleveland Browns-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
2.   New York Giants-Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
3.   New York Jets-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
4.   Cleveland Browns-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
5.   Denver Broncos-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
6.   Indianapolis Colts-DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
8.   Chicago Bears-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
10. Oakland Raiders-Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
11. Miami Dolphins-Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
12. Buffalo Bills-Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
13. Washington Redskins-Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
14. Green Bay Packers-Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
15. Arizona Cardinals-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
16. Baltimore Ravens-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Derwin James, S, Florida State
18. Seattle Seahawks-Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
19. Dallas Cowboys-Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
20. Detroit Lions-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
22. Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, C, Iowa
23. New England Patriots-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
24. Carolina Panthers-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
25. Tennessee Titans-Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
26. Atlanta Falcons-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
27. New Orleans Saints-Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Billy Price, G/C, Ohio State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
30. Minnesota Vikings-Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
31. New England Patriots-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

If the real draft were to fall like this a lot of general managers would be fired. A few will be applauded for their brilliance because their peers were idiots.

The team most thrilled by the idiocy of others? The Detroit Lions. Saquon Barkley at #20!

Three teams blindly selected players the same players that I had placed with them in several of many mock drafts. San Francisco 49ers-Roquan Smith, Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, and Minnesota Vikings-Isaiah Wynn. I don't think that means a thing.

2 more days.

Monday Musings

It's NFL Draft Week! Here are some football thoughts that have been pounding through the Flea Flicker mind recently.

The New England Patriots. The only drama that I like in football is the drama that drives every football game. I really can't stomach the drama that's often manufactured outside of the games. Many hate the Patriots. I get that. Success builds love, hatred, envy, jealousy, whatever. Ridiculous success simply intensifies those feelings. In the nearly two full decades with the trinity of Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick, and Tom Brady the Patriots have had ridiculous success. Five Super Bowl wins. Eight Super Bowl appearances. If they celebrated their successes as the Indianapolis Colts do the Patriots would have banners raised for nearly each of the last 17 seasons. Ridiculous success. Football is a game, an interest, a passion for most of us. It's a business for those that actually do it. It's their job. There's tension, disagreements, confrontations in every job. Unlike most businesses this one plays out on an international stage for anyone even remotely interested to follow. It's click bait for those with a sick fascination in such things. The Patriots drama is really no different than that found with most teams. It's especially common with teams that have experienced ridiculous success. Green Bay Packers players hated playing for Vince Lombardi. Five titles made it work. The Cleveland Browns played in Championship games from 1946-55 but Otto Graham wanted to call his own plays. Paul Brown wouldn't allow that. Again, winning made the relationship work. Buddy Parker quit on the Detroit Lions on the eve of the 1957 season because be could no longer manage his players. For whatever reason Weeb Ewbank had a problem with Alan Ameche. Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw barely even had a professional relationship. Al Davis and Marcus Allen? What's truly astonishing about the Patriots is that it took 17 years for their drama to show.

Well, that ended up running a little longer than I'd intended. It's Draft Week! That's fun. It's a helluva lot more fun than the media coverage of the Patriots.

The draft evaluation of UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen has gone beyond ridiculous. He's a bright, inquisitive kid. In what world can that possibly be a negative? Only in an NFL world led by old-school, backward-looking antiques. One thing that seemed to skip the attention of apparently everyone was that just as team decision-makers and talking heads were criticizing Rosen for questioning his coaches about play concepts and designs they were praising that very same quality in Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. That's actually the thing that bothers me about these player evaluations. When a scout, analyst, wannabe draftnik doesn't like a player they'll often use whatever "knock" is convenient. Questioning coaches is a negative for Rosen but a positive for Barkley. Running back "A" is slow to the hole but running back "B" is patient. Or this back makes defenders miss but that back is afraid of contact. Many player evaluations are more about pushing that analyst's narrative than the player's actual talent and potential. Rosen might be a challenging player for a coach but it can be, or should be, a good challenge. If approached in the proper manner it's a relationship in which player and coach will be better for it. And, as a result, the team will be better for it.

Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame receiver Raymond Berry said that he had developed 88 moves to get by a defender. With his legendary preparation in mind it's tough to doubt that total. It does raise the question. Did he use them all?

Thoughts of Berry's preparation routines reminded me of the story of Stefon Diggs' first training camp with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. He was spotted at night, alone on a Mankato State practice field, running routes. Over and over and over.

It's Draft Week!

Last year the Vikings had no first round pick. It sure felt like they got a first round pick when they were able to land running back Dalvin Cook in the second round. He was a top-10 talent that fell to the second round because of off the field concerns. Those were concerns that seemed to melt away if a team actually took the time to talk to Cook. Fortunately the Vikings did. I can't wait to see Dalvin Cook back on the football field. He's a special talent.

We're on to this draft. Here's the Flea Flicker Top-10 players in the 2018 NFL Draft

1.   Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2.   Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3.   Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
4.   Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
5.   Derwin James, S, Florida State
6.   Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
7.   Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
8.   Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
9.   Vita Vea, DT, Washington
10. Sam Darnold, QB, USC

The funny thing about ranking the players is that the actual draft never matches those rankings. First of all, rankings are subjective. Second of all, team needs change things. Third of all, position value changes things. Guards don't get first pick consideration so Nelson, despite being great and quite possibly the safest pick in the draft, could go anywhere from the second pick to the bottom of the top-10. Fourth of all (and perhaps most importantly), quarterbacks change everything.

With all of that in mind, here's how I see the first ten picks of the 2018 NFL Draft. I don't dabble in draft trade predictions. That's for lunatics.

1.   Cleveland Browns-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2.   New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3.   New York Jets-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
4.   Cleveland Browns-Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
5.   Denver Broncos-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
6.   Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Derwin James, S, Florida State
8.   Chicago Bears-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
10. Oakland Raiders-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

Of those, the pick that felt the most iffy for me was the Broncos selection of Mayfield. If I were to predict a draft day trade, which I won't because I'm not a frickin lunatic, I'd start there.

It's Draft Week!

Mike Mayock's New Position Rankings

I like Mike Mayock's take on players. His one, and only, mock draft will be televised on NFL Network on the eve of the real draft.

Quarterback

1. Sam Darnold, USC
2. Josh Allen, Wyoming
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA
4. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
5. Lamar Jackson, Louisville

Fall: Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State (T-5)

Running back

1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. Sony Michel, Georgia
3. Derrius Guice, LSU
4. Nick Chubb, Georgia
T-5. Ronald Jones II, USC
T-5. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

Rise: Michel (3), Chubb (T-5)
Fall: Guice (2), Jones (4)

Wide receiver

1. DJ Moore, Maryland
2. Calvin Ridley, Alabama
3. Courtland Sutton, SMU
4. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
T-5. James Washington, Oklahoma State
T-5. Anthony Miller, Memphis

Rise: Moore (2), Sutton (4), Washington (NR)
Fall: Ridley (1), Kirk (3), Sutton (3), DJ Chark, LSU (T-5)

Tight end

1. Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
2. Mike Gesicki, Penn State
3. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
4. Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
5. Chris Herndon, Miami

Rise: Gesicki (3), Herndon (NR)
Fall: Goedert (2), Will Dissly, Washington (5)

Tackle

1. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
2. Kolton Miller, UCLA
3. Connor Williams, Texas
4. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
T-5. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
T-5. Geron Christian, Louisville

Rise: Miller (3), Christian (NR)
Fall: Williams (2), Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State (T-5)

Interior OL

1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
2. James Daniels, Iowa
3. Billy Price, Ohio State
4. Will Hernandez, UTEP
T-5. Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
T-5. Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
T-5. Austin Corbett, Nevada

Rise: Daniels (3), Price (T-5), Corbett (NR)
Fall: Wynn (2)

Interior DL

1. Vita Vea, Washington
2. Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
3. Taven Bryan, Florida
4. Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays State
T-5. Harrison Phillips, Stanford
T-5. Derrick Nnadi, Florida State

Rise: Shepherd (NR), Nnadi (NR)
Fall: Maurice Hurst, Michigan (4)

Edge rusher

1. Bradley Chubb, N.C. State
2. Marcus Davenport, UTSA
3. Harold Landry, Boston College
4. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
5. Rasheem Green, USC

Rise: Green (NR)
Fall: Arden Key, LSU (T-5), Sam Hubbard, Ohio State (T-5)

Linebacker

1. Roquan Smith, Georgia
2. Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
3. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
4. Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
5. Uchenna Nwosu, USC

Rise: Smith (2), Evans (4)
Fall: Edmunds (1), Vander Esch (3)

Cornerback

1. Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. Jaire Alexander, Louisville
3. Mike Hughes, UCF
4. Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
T-5. Donte Jackson, LSU
T-5. Josh Jackson, Iowa

Rise: Hughes (4), Oliver (5), Donte Jackson (NR)
Fall: Josh Jackson (3)

Safety

1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. Derwin James, Florida State
3. Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
4. Justin Reid, Stanford
5. Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest

Rise: Reid (5)
Fall: Bates (4)

Vikings By Colleges

With a bunch of college football players less than a week away from being NFL players here's a look at where the current Minnesota Vikings football players played their college football.

UCLA
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Kevin McDermott
Kai Forbath

Michigan State
Kirk Cousins
Trae Waynes
Josiah Price

Clemson
Mackensie Alexander
Jayron Kearse

Florida State
Xavier Rhodes
Dalvin Cook

Iowa
Riley Reiff
Jaleel Johnson

LSU
Danielle Hunter
Tashawn Bower

Miami(FL)
Danny Isidora
Stacey Coley

Missouri
Sheldon Richardson
Kentrell Brothers

Northwestern 
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Trevor Siemian

Notre Dame
Harrison Smith
Kyle Rudolph

Oregon State
Mike Remmers
Josh Andrews

Southern Mississippi
Rashod Hill
Dylan Bradley

Texas-El Paso
Cedrick Lang
Nick Dooley

Arizona
Cayleb Jones

Augustana
C.J. Ham

Baylor
Kendall Wright

Boston College
Ryan Quigley

Central Florida
Latavius Murray

Cincinnati 
Eric Wilson

Concordia College
Brandon Zylstra

East Carolina
Linval Joseph

Florida International
Dieugot Joseph

Florida
Mack Brown

Georgia
Tavarres King

Georgia Southern
Antwione Williams

Harvard
Nick Easton

Maryland 
Stefon Diggs

Michigan
Ben Gedeon

Minnesota
Marcus Sherels

Minnesota State-Mankato
Adam Thielen

Mississippi
Laquon Treadwell

North Carolina State
Jack Tocho

Northern Colorado
Kyle Sloter

Ohio State
Pat Elflein

Oklahoma
Blake Bell

Portland State
Cornelius Edison

Rice
Andrew Sendejo

South Dakota
Tom Compton

South Florida
Reshard Cliett

Southern Methodist
Horace Richardson

Texas
Brian Robison

Texas Christian
Aviante Collins

Texas-San Antonio
David Morgan

Toledo
Storm Norton

Tusculum
Caushaud Lyons

USC
Everson Griffen

Vanderbilt
Stephen Weatherly

Virginia 
Anthony Harris

***

One of the surprises is that University of Texas-El Paso is better represented on the Vikings roster than the University of Texas.

Minnesota Vikings 2018 Schedule

The 2018 NFL Schedule was released last night. Despite knowing the "who" and the "where" of the schedule since the end of the 2017 season, this is a big deal. It's such a big deal that the NFL Network spent two hours announcing and debating the new schedule. We now know who plays who, where, and when. Here's the Minnesota Vikings slice of the schedule.

Week	Day	Date	Opponent	Time (PST)
1	Sunday	Sep 9	San Francisco 49ers	10:00 AM
2	Sunday	Sep 16	at  Green Bay Packers	10:00 AM
3	Sunday	Sep 23	Buffalo Bills	10:00 AM
4	Thursday	Sep 27	at Los Angeles Rams	5:20 PM
5	Sunday	Oct 7	at Philadelphia Eagles	1:25 PM
6	Sunday	Oct 14	Arizona Cardinals	10:00 AM
7	Sunday	Oct 21	at New York Jets	10:00 AM
8	Sunday	Oct 28	New Orleans Saints	5:20 PM
9	Sunday	Nov 4	Detroit Lions	10:00 AM
10	Sunday	Nov 11	Bye
11	Sunday	Nov 18	at Chicago Bears	10:00 AM
12	Sunday	Nov 25	Green Bay Packers	5:20 PM
13	Sunday	Dec 2	at New England Patriots	1:25 PM
14	Monday	Dec 10	at Seattle Seahawks	5:15 PM
15	Sunday	Dec 16	Miami Dolphins	10:00 AM
16	Sunday	Dec 23	at Detroit Lions	10:00 AM
17	Sunday	Dec 30	Chicago Bears	10:00 AM

*** 

A Week 10 bye is nice. Playing nine straight games without a break is a fairly long haul but the bye week break is better in the second half of the season than the first. The Vikings do get a mini-break after the Week 4 Thursday Night game against the Rams. That break comes courtesy of the NFL-mandated two games in five days. If the league gave a hint of a concern about player safety they'd get rid of the Thursday games. But money trumps all.

Four prime time games is a fine total. Anything more is excessive. So the NFL gave five prime time games to 10 teams.

The Vikings will be doing a lot of flying this year. That's what happens when a team from the middle of the country is matched against teams from the east (AFC East) and west (NFC West).

A lot of debate goes into NFL schedules. A two-hour televised release is clear proof of that. And that's just the start. Many analysts and fans will even dish out wins and losses. That exercise is nothing but silly in April. The debates and silly exercises will continue until most people are again distracted by the shine of next week's draft. As schedules go, the Minnesota Vikings 2018 schedule looks like a fine one. The home and away games are balanced throughout. Last year they had a majority of their home games in the first half. That left a road-heavy second half. It was a second half that included a stretch during which they didn't play a home game in over a month. There's none of that in 2018. They have a well-placed bye week and their Thursday night game is early. It's a challenging schedule but a team that was 13-3 and a step away from the Super Bowl last year should face a challenging schedule this year.

The NFL's next season just got a whole lot closer.

Throwback Thursday: Last Year's NFL Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft is a week away. Here's a look back at the 2017 NFL Draft.

1.   Cleveland Brows-Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
2.   Chicago Bears-Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
3.   San Francisco 49ers-Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford
4.   Jacksonville Jaguars-Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
5.   Tennessee Titans-Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
6.   New York Jets-Jamal Adams, S, LSU
7.   Los Angeles Chargers-Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
8.   Carolina Panthers-Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
9.   Cincinnati Bengals-John Ross, WR, Washington
10. Kansas City Chiefs-Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
11. New Orleans Saints-Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
12. Houston Texans-DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson
13. Arizona Cardinals-Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
14. Philadelphia Eagles-Derrick Barnett, DE, Tennessee
15. Indianapolis Colts-Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
16. Baltimore Ravens-Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
17. Washington Redskins-Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
18. Tennessee Titans-Adoree' Jackson, CB, USC
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
20. Denver Broncos-Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
21. Detroit Lions-Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
22. Miami Dolphins-Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
23. New York Giants-Evan Engram, TE, Mississippi
24. Oakland Raiders-Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
25. Cleveland Browns-Jabril Peppers, S, Michigan
26. Atlanta Falcons-Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
27. Buffalo Bills-Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
28. Dallas Cowboys-Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
29. Cleveland Browns-David Njoku, TE, Miami
30. Pittsburgh Steelers-T.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
31. San Francisco 49ers-Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama
32. New Orleans Saints-Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

***

With only a year of work it looks like there are some happy teams. Perhaps more than the average number of happy teams a year after a draft. There are some teams still waiting to see what they have. The teams that took receivers at the top of the draft (Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers) stand out. The Titans got a couple of glimpses as to what Corey Davis can do but injuries slowed him all season. Injuries were an issue with Mike Williams as well. Both rookie years were more of a quick glance than a solid look.

It's amazing that only two offensive linemen were taken in the first round.

All three quarterbacks taken in the first round are the unquestioned leaders of their respective teams. That should be fun. DeShaun Watson has easily showed the best but his brilliant rookie year was cut short by an ACL tear. His rehab and return will be something to watch. If he can return to the form that he showed the last time that he was in an NFL game, the Texans could challenge the Jacksonville Jaguars for the AFC South title. .

Ohio State is a defensive backfield factory. Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker, and Gareon Conley were selected in the first round last year. Denzel Ward should be top-10 pick this year. The Buckeyes just keep reloading.

The San Francisco 49ers are probably experiencing some regrets for trading into the first round to select Alabama linebacker Rueben Foster.

The Minnesota Vikings skipped the first round fun last year as payment for quarterback Sam Bradford. It's great to see them scheduled to make a first round selection this year.

All Big 10 Mock Draft

How about a Mock Draft with only players from the Big 10?

1.   Cleveland Browns-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
2.   New York Giants-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
3.   New York Jets-DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
4.   Cleveland Browns-Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
5.   Denver Broncos-Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
6.   Indianapolis Colts-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
8.   Chicago Bears-Billy Price, G/C, Ohio State
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Daesean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
10. Oakland Raiders-Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State
11. Miami Dolphins-Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin
12. Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, C, Iowa
13. Washington Redskins-Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
14. Green Bay Packers-Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers
15. Arizona Cardinals-Simmie Cobbs Jr., WR, Indiana
16. Baltimore Ravens-Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Christian Dilauro, OT, Illinois
18. Seattle Seahawks-J.C. Jackson, CB, Maryland
19. Dallas Cowboys-Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State
20. Detroit Lions-Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
22. Buffalo Bills-Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin
23. New England Patriots-Tanner Lee, QB, Nebraska
24. Carolina Panthers-Jerome Baker, LB, Ohio State
25. Tennessee Titans-Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State
26. Atlanta Falcons-Marcus Baugh, TE, Ohio State
27. New Orleans Saints-Mason Cole, C, Michigan
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Tegray Scales, LB, Indiana
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Chris Covington, LB, Indiana
30. Minnesota Vikings-Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
31. New England Patriots-Garrett Dooley, DE, Wisconsin
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Drew Brown, K, Nebraska

Not much quarterback help in the Big 10 this year.

All Pac-12 Mock Draft

Following on the heels of the All-SEC Mock, here's a mock made up of players from the Pac-12.

1.   Cleveland Browns-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2.   New York Giants-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
3.   New York Jets-Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
4.   Cleveland Browns-Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
5.   Denver Broncos-Justin Reid, S, Standord
6.   Indianapolis Colts-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
8.   Chicago Bears-Rasheem Green, DE, USC
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Uchenna Nwosu, LB, USC
10. Oakland Raiders-Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
11. Miami Dolphins-Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah
12. Buffalo Bills-Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
13. Washington Redskins-Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford
14. Green Bay Packers-Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
15. Arizona Cardinals-Scott Quessenberry, C, UCLA
16. Baltimore Ravens-Deontay Burnett, WR, USC
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
18. Seattle Seahawks-Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
19. Dallas Cowboys-Christian Sam, LB, Arizona State
20. Detroit Lions-Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State
21. Cincinnati Bengals-James Looney, DE, Cal
22. Buffalo Bills-Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
23. New England Patriots-Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
24. Carolina Panthers-Darren Carrington II, WR, Utah
25. Tennessee Titans-Peter Kalambayi, LB, Stanford
26. Atlanta Falcons-Aaron Springs, CB, Oregon
27. New Orleans Saints-Dane Cruikshank, CB, Arizona
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Salesi Uhatafe, G, Utah
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Phillip Lindsay, RB, Colorado
30. Minnesota Vikings-Davante Downs, LB, Cal
31. New England Patriots-David Bright, OT, Stanford
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Ryan Nall, RB, Oregon State

All SEC Mock Draft

This comes from the files of "why the hell not." It's a Mock Draft that includes only football players from the SEC.

1.   Cleveland Browns-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
2.   New York Giants-Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB. Alabama
3.   New York Jets-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
4.   Cleveland Browns-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
5.   Denver Broncos-Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
6.   Indianapolis Colts-Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Donte Jackson, LSU
8.   Chicago Bears-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
10. Oakland Raiders-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
11. Miami Dolphins-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
12. Buffalo Bills-Arden Key, DE, LSU
13. Washington Redskins-Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
14. Green Bay Packers-Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
15. Arizona Cardinals-Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
16. Baltimore Ravens-D.J. Chark, WR, LSU
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Martinas Rankins, OT, Mississippi State
18. Seattle Seahawks-Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
19. Dallas Cowboys-Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
20. Detroit Lions-Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Breeland Sparks, DT, Mississippi
22. Buffalo Bills-Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
23. New England Patriots-Jeff Holland, Edge, Auburn
24. Carolina Panthers-Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
25. Tennessee Titans-Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
26. Atlanta Falcons-Braden Smith, G, Auburn
27. New Orleans Saints-Rashaan Gaulden, CB, Tennessee
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Tony Brown, DB, Alabama
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-J'Mon Moore, WR, Missouri
30. Minnesota Vikings-Frank Ragnow, C/G, Arkansas
31. New England Patriots-Toby Weathersby, OT, LSU
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State

Several nice defensive players but teams seeking quarterbacks won't find much in the SEC this year.

One More Flea Flicker Top 51 Draft Prospects

Some adjustments were made so a new Top 51 was needed.

1.   Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2.   Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3.   Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
4.   Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
5.   Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
6.   Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
7.   Derwin James, S, Florida State
8.   Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
9.   Vita Vea, DT, Washington
10. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
11. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
12. Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
13. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
14. Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
15. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
16. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
17. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
18. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
19. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
20. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
21. Mike Hughes, Central Florida
22. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas Tech
23. Will Hernandez, OG, Texas-El Paso
24. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
25. Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
26. D.J. Moore, Maryland
27. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
28. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
29. Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
30. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
31. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
32. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
33. Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
34. James Daniels, C, Iowa
35. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
36. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
37. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
38. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
39. Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
40. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
41. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
42. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
43. Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
44. Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
45. Justin Reid, S, Stanford
46. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
47. DJ Chark, WR, LSU
48. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
49. Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
50. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
51. Devante Downs, LB, California

Another Flea Flicker Top-5 Draft Prospects By Position

It's amazing how much tweaking is done to these lists even though the college football season ended months ago. Some tweaking was done so here's a new positional Top-5.

Quarterbacks
1. Sam Darnold, USC
2. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA
4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville
5. Josh Allen, Wyoming

Running Backs
1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. Sony Michel, Georgia
3. Derrius Guice, LSU
4. Ronald Jones II, USC
5. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

Wide Receivers
1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama
2. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
3. D.J. Moore, Maryland
4. Anthony Miller, Memphis
5. Courtland Sutton, SMU

Tight Ends
1. Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
2. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
3. Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
4. Ian Thomas, Indiana
5. Mike Gescki, Penn State

Offensive Tackles
1. Connor Williams. Texas
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. Kolton Miller, UCLA
4. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
5. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon

Offensive Guards/Centers
1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
2, Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
3. Will Hernandez, UTEP
4. Billy Price, Ohio State
5. James Daniels, Iowa

Defensive Ends
1. Bradley Chubb, North Carolina State
2. Marcus Davenport, Texas-San Antonio
3. Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
4. Arden Key, LSU
5. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma

Defensive Tackles
1. Vita Vea, Washington
2. Maurice Hurst, Michigan
3. Taven Bryan, Florida
4. Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
5. Harrison Phillips, Stanford

Outside Linebackers
1. Tremaine Edmunds. Virginia Tecn
2. Harold Landry, Boston College
3. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
4. Uchenna Nwosu, USC
5. Malik Jefferson, Texas

Inside Linebackers
1. Roquan Smith, Georgia
2. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
3. Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
4. Darius Leonard, South Carolina State
5. Josey Jewell, Iowa

Cornerbacks
1. Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. Jaire Alexander, Louisville
3. Josh Jackson, Iowa
4. Mike Hughes, Central Florida
5. Donte Jackson, LSU

Safeties
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. Derwin James, Florida State
3. Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
4. Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest
5. Justin Reid, Stanford

2018 NFL Preseason Schedule

The Preseason Schedule is out!

HALL OF FAME GAME: AUGUST 2

Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens (NBC)

WEEK 1: AUGUST 9-13

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals

Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos

Tennessee Titans vs. Green Bay Packers

New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins

Washington Redskins vs. New England Patriots

Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets

Detroit Lions vs. Oakland Raiders

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers

Indianapolis Colts vs. Seattle Seahawks

WEEK 2: AUGUST 16-20

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons

Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers

Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys

Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos

New York Giants vs.Detroit Lions

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers

San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans

Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts (ESPN, Aug. 20)

Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Oakland Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Minnesota Vikings

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots

Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Tennessee Titans

New York Jets vs. Washington Redskins (ESPN, Aug. 16)

WEEK 3: AUGUST 23-26

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills (FOX, Aug. 26)

New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns (FOX, Aug. 23)

Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys (NBC, Aug. 26)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts

Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers (CBS, Aug. 25)

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Rams

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins

Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings

New York Giants vs. New York Jets

Green Bay Packers vs. Oakland Raiders

Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (CBS, Aug. 24)

Denver Broncos vs. Washington Redskins

WEEK 4: AUGUST 30-31

Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals

Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons

Washington Redskins vs. Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears

Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns vs. Detroit Lions

Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans

Green Bay Packers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints

New England Patriots vs. New York Giants

New York Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers

Oakland Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans