The NFL Draft has a way of messing with time. The prospect evaluation process often feels like a process without an end. It felt even longer this year due to the messed-up situation in the world. When the draft finally does arrive it's over in a blink. Yet, when the New York Giants announced Georgia linebacker Tae Crowder as the 255th player selected in the 2020 NFL Draft it felt like it'd been a long haul since Joe Burrow's name was announced. Maybe it's just me. Anyway, the Minnesota Vikings entered the third day of the 2020 NFL Draft with a ridiculous 13 picks. They had already selected four players in the first three rounds. They were on pace to make 17 selections. 17! Vikings general manager Rick Spielman couldn't possibly make that many selections. He had to use some of those picks to trade up a few times. Right? He couldn't possibly trade back. Again. Right? Well, Spielman traded back twice on Day 3. But he added picks to next year's draft instead of this one. The Vikings are now scheduled to have 10 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. They now have two extra picks in the fourth round and an extra pick in the fifth. Compensatory picks could boost the 2021 to 12. Before Spielman starts trading. But that's next year's draft. This is about this year's draft. On Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Vikings added 11 football players to the roster.
Minnesota Vikings Day 3 Selections
4. (117) D.J. Wonnum, Edge, South Carolina
4. (130) James Lynch, DT, Baylor
4. (132) Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
5. (169) Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
5. (176) K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla)
6. (203) Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State
6. (205) Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
7. (225) Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State
7. (244) Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
7. (249) Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
7. (253) Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn
Some Day 3 Thoughts
Much of the reaction to the selection of D.J. Wonnum in the fourth is similar to the reaction to the selection of Danielle Hunter in 2015. That's fitting seeing as each entered the league as raw, athletic, long edge defenders. In both situations, fans and media honks were more like "who" rather than "wow." The Vikings targeted Wonnum and I trust the team's defensive teachers. No one is saying that Wonnum will follow Hunter's great development but sure would be nice if he does.
I'm not sure if the Vikings were seriously eyeing some of the top 3-techniques of the draft (Ross Blacklock, Justin Madubuike, and Neville Gallimore). If the Vikings were eyeing those players and missed on them, James Lynch was behind them in name recognition only. He exceeded those taken before him in college production. Perhaps it's his ginger hair but he's triggered memories of Chris Hovan. I can't wait to see Lynch on the field.
As a Cal alum and fan, Troy Dye is a player that I'm truly happy to see leave the Pac-12. Some might find it a ludicrous comparison but Dye did a lot of the same things in Oregon's defense that Isaiah Simmons did in Clemson's defense.
Louisiana Tech corner Amik Robertson was one of my favorite players in the draft. His size, grit, and play reminded me of Antoine Winfield. Despite needing a few corners, I figured that after selecting Jeff Gladney in the first and Cameron Dantzler in the third it was unlikely that the Vikings would spend a fourth on another corner. After sadly seeing Robertson go to the Raiders in the fourth round, Harrison Hand was the next corner up in my book. I'm glad that he was added to the roster.
Speaking of corners, I feel better about the current position group than I would've if any one of Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, or Mackensie Alexander were re-signed. I really like the potential of a young group of corners topped by the following:
Mike Hughes
Jeff Gladney
Holton Hill
Cameron Dantzler
Kris Boyd
Harrison Hand
I was surprised that the Vikings selected a single receiver after selecting Justin Jefferson in the first. With so many promising receivers in this draft I assumed that a second receiver would be selected before the fifth round and perhaps a third as a late-round flier. I'm not sure what K.J. Osborn will add as a receiver but I'm intrigued by his potential as a punt returner.
I like the developmental potential of late-round offensive linemen Blake Brandel and Kyle Hinton. Especially Hinton.
I really like the late-round safeties Josh Metellus and Brian Cole II. Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris were the only safeties on the roster. From a purely numbers perspective, Metellus and Cole have roster spots right there for them. It's up to them to secure those spots. I've seen some mentions that Hand could transition to safety as well.
I really liked Kenny Willekes as a possible fourth round pick. So much so, that I neglected to look at some of the edge rushers that projected in the middle rounds. Including Wonnum. Getting Willekes in the seventh-round feels like a steal.
I think that I really like the name "Wonnum"
The Vikings drafted a quarterback! Nate Stanley is the first quarterback drafted by the Vikings since Teddy Bridgewater was drafted in 2014. The battle for the backup QB jobs should be interesting.
Wonnum! The 2020 NFL Draft is done.
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