2022 NFL Draft: Second and Third Rounds

The 2022 NFL Draft continued last night in Las Vegas.

The second round of the 2022 NFL Draft:

1.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DT, Houston

2.   Green Bay Packers: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

3.   Tennessee Titans: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

4.   New York Jets: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

5.   Houston Texans: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

6.   Atlanta Falcons: Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn State

7.   Chicago Bears: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington 

8.   Seattle Seahawks: Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota

9.   Seattle Seahawks: Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State

10. Minnesota Vikings: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

11. New York Giants: Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky

12. Houston Texans: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

13. Baltimore Ravens: David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan

14. Detroit Lions: Josh Paschal, Edge, Kentucky

15. Washington Commanders: Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama

16. Chicago Bears: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

17. New Orleans Saints: Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee

18. New England Patriots: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

21. Indianapolis Colts: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati 

22. Kansas City Chiefs: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

23. Arizona Cardinals: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

24. Dallas Cowboys: Sam Williams, Edge, Mississippi

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luke Goedeke, OL, Central Michigan

26. Atlanta Falcons: Troy Anderson, LB, Montana State

27. Minnesota Vikings: Ed Ingram, OG, LSU

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

29. San Francisco 49ers: Drake Jackson, Edge, USC

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati

31. Buffalo Bills: James Cook, RB, Georgia

32. Denver Broncos: Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma

The third round of the 2022 NFL Draft:

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Fortner, C, Kentucky

2.   Minnesota Vikings: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

3.   New York Giants: Josh Ezeuda, OG, North Carolina

4.   Cleveland Browns: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

5.   Tennessee Titans: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

6.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

7.   Chicago Bears: Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee

8.   Seattle Seahawks: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State

9.   Indianapolis Colts: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia

10. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

11. Houston Texans: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

12. Baltimore Ravens: Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut

13. Indianapolis Colts: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

14. Cleveland Browns: Alex Wright, Edge, Alabama-Birmingham

15. Los Angeles Chargers: JT Woods, S, Baylor

16. Denver Broncos: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

17. New York Giants: Cordale Flott, CB, LSU

18. Atlanta Falcons: DeAngelo Malone, Edge, Western Kentucky

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M

21. New England Patriots: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

22. Tennessee Titans: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

23. Arizona Cardinals: Cameron Thomas, Edge, San Diego State

24. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama

25. Buffalo Bills: Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor

26. Las Vegas Raiders: Dylan Parham, OG, Memphis

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State

28. Green Bay Packers: Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA

29. San Francisco 49ers: Tyrion Davis-Price, RB, LSU

30. Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Zachary Carter, DT, Florida

32. Indianapolis Colts: Nick Cross, S, Maryland

33. Detroit Lions: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

34. Washington Commanders: Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama

35. Cleveland Browns: David Bell, WR, Purdue

36. Arizona Cardinals: Myjai Sanders, Edge, Cincinnati

37. New York Jets: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

38. Miami Dolphins: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

39. Kansas City Chiefs: Leo Chanel, LB, Wisconsin

40. Los Angeles Rams: Logan Bruss, OG, Wisconsin

41. San Francisco 49ers: Danny Gray, WR, SMU

***

Thanks to their Day 1 deal, the Minnesota Vikings entered Day 2 with the second pick (#34) of the second round. Instead of making that pick they danced around the second round. The Vikings started the night by trading the second pick of the second round to the Green Bay Packers. 

Vikings got:

#53

#59

Packers got:

#34

Just when I was settling into another draft day wait, the Vikings were on the clock at #42. The Vikings swapped picks with the Indianapolis Colts.

Vikings got:

#42

#122

Colts got:

#53

#77

#192

I like this trade. I like this trade a lot. I like this trade because it enabled the Vikings to select Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. at #42. He was my pick at #34 if that pick was made. When corners Roger McCreary and Kyler Gordon came off the board soon after the Vikings dropped back they couldn’t wait for the position to come to them. They had to go get Booth. Through two days, the Vikings have traded back twice and up once. Each trade allowed the next. When the dust cleared, the Vikings ended up with two second round picks, an early third round pick, and a fourth round pick. They entered the draft with a fourth round hole. Sitting out an entire round in the middle of a draft is a tough thing to do. Thanks to the Colts trade, they now have a fourth round pick (#122). 

On Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Vikings added three players:

2(42). Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

2(59). Ed Ingram, OG, LSU

3(66). Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

The selection of Andrew Booth Jr. is huge. Entering the draft, cornerback was the Vikings biggest need. Booth is a first round talent. He was a second round selection because of health concerns. He couldn’t really work out during the pre-draft process. Team decision-makers are often crippled when they don’t have that pre-daft data. A healthy Booth was a notch behind this draft’s elite corners (Derek Stingley Jr. and Ahmad Gardner). A healthy Booth will compete for a starting job this year. Here’s hoping that he is and stays healthy. 

I’m not as excited about Ed Ingram. The Vikings know more about his past than I will ever know. I hope that the team’s decision-makers did their job completely. Ingram is a talented football player. Still, I’d feel more comfortable if North Carolina’s Josh Ezeudu or Memphis’ Dylan Parham had been the pick. 

When it came to Day 2 linebackers, I was more focused on Montana State’s Troy Andersen, Wyoming’s Chad Muma, Alabama’s Christian Harris, and Georgia’s Nakobe Dean. I overlooked Brian Asamoah. I like what I’ve learned. With each day of this offseason, my excitement over the Vikings new defense has grown. Adding Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., and Brian Asamoah to that defense has me losing my damn mind. I can’t wait for September. 

Favorite Day 2 pick: Andrew Booth Jr. 

Looking to Day 3: The Vikings are currently scheduled to make five picks.

4. #122

5. #156

6. #184

6. #191

7. #250

I’m so glad that they have that fourth-round pick. Thank you Colts. That fourth-round hole has caused me agony since the pick was traded for Chris Herndon. 

Moving forward, I’m thinking defensive tackle, edge, and a splash of offense (perhaps receiver and/or tight end). My wish list probably starts with Oklahoma defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey. 

Others:

Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State

Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston 

Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State

Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina

Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU

Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

Amare Barno, Edge, Virginia Tech

Kyle Phillips, WR, UCLA

Dominique Robinson, Edge, Miami (OH)

Makai Polk, WR, Mississippi State

Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State

The rest of the league’s Day 2:

Favorite Day 2 Pick: 

3(85). New England Patriots: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston 

My Day 2 draft crush. I so hoped that Jones would find his way to Minnesota. #77 seemed to be the perfect pick for him. Unfortunately, that pick was sent to the Colts in the trade that brought Booth to Minnesota. I think that Marcus Jones will be a difference-maker for the Patriots. 

Favorite Day 2 Draft:

Once again, I like what the Baltimore Ravens did:

2(13). David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan

3(12). Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut 

The Ravens might not see it until 2023 but David Ojabo could be the steal of the draft. Before the blown Achilles that will rob him of most, if not all, of his rookie season, Ojabo was arguably destined to be a top-15 pick. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Travis Jones had been selected anywhere between late first round to the 12th pick of the third round. Through three rounds the Ravens have added the following to the roster:

Kyle Hamilton

Tyler Linderbaum

David Ojabo

Travis Jones

There were times during the pre-draft process when each was considered a potential first round pick. One could say that the Ravens make easy picks. Like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, Hamilton fell to them. The same can be said of Tyler Linderbaum. How can a team go wrong if they are drafting players that should’ve been long gone. No matter how it happens, I always seem to like the drafts of the Ravens. 

The Quarterbacks:

One quarterback was selected in the first round.

1(20). Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

No quarterback was selected in the second round.

Three quarterbacks were selected in the third round.

3(74). Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati 

3(86). Tennessee Titans: Malik Willis, Liberty

3(94). Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral. Mississippi

A bonanza!

It’s all about the quarterbacks. It shouldn’t be a surprise if the best quarterback of the 2022 NFL Draft isn’t the one that was selected in the first round. Maybe the best quarterback is going to be the one that hasn’t been drafted. North Carolina’s Sam Howell. Who knows? I don’t. 

It’s time for Day 3. 

 

2022 NFL Draft: First Round

After months of prospect talk and thought, the 2022 NFL Draft finally kicked off last night in Las Vegas.

The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft:

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

2.   Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

3.   Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

4.   New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

5.   New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

6.   Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekonwu, OT, North Carolina State

7.   New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC

9.   Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

11. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

12. Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

15. Houston Texans: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

16. Washington Commanders: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

18. Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas 

19. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

22. Green Bay Packers: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

23. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

25. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

26. New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

29. New England Patriots: Cole Strange, OG, Tennessee-Chattanooga 

30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

32. Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

***

The Minnesota Vikings had a long night. They were scheduled to make the 12th pick. They ended up closing the round. It’s probably safe to say that the Vikings were praying for cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Ahmad Gardner to get a little closer to their #12 pick in the first round. Both were off the board by pick #4. When the draft finally did get to #12, Notre Dame safety was probably the top player available. He was my top player available. The Vikings clearly weren’t sold enough on him, or any available player, to stay where they started. They traded the 12th pick and their 46th pick to the Lions for the 32nd, 34th, and 66th pick. At a glance, the trade didn’t feel great. 20 first round spots is quite a drop. I hated that the 46th pick was included but you don’t have a draft day deal unless it’s a “balanced” draft day deal. Upon further thought, new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah got decent value in the trade. He got a 12-pick bump in the second round and the second pick in the third round. It cost those 20 spots in the first round. The strength of this draft wasn’t the first round. The Vikings saw few “elite” players at the top of this draft. If they couldn’t get one of those players, they wanted more opportunities to select players from the strength of this draft. Day 2. This trade gave them more opportunities. Now, they have to make the most of those opportunities. Another struggle for some fans was the player that the Vikings selected with the 32nd pick. Georgia safety Lewis Cine. A safety. They passed on the opportunity to select the best safety in the draft, Hamilton, for arguably the next best safety, Cine. They might play the same position but they play it differently. Hamilton is a great, instinctive football player. A weakness in his game is coverage and short-area quickness. Cine is a fast, explosive, violent football player. No one’s seen the Vikings defense. New coaches, new scheme, new players. It’s a work in progress. Right now, there’s just a plan for the defense. Perhaps Lewis Cine is the right fit for that plan. I’m really forward to seeing that plan. 

I’m also looking forward to the three picks that the Vikings are scheduled to make tonight. My hopes for that first pick (#34) begin with cornerbacks.

Andrew Booth, Clemson

Kyler Gordon, Washington

Roger McCreary, Auburn

I’m fine with any of the three but I think that I like McCreary the best. There’s something about his feisty coverage. 

I like Houston defensive tackle Logan Hall as well. Or injured Michigan edge rusher David Ojabo. Or un-injured Minnesota edge rusher Boye Mafe. Or a tight end. Or an interior offensive lineman. 

As for the rest of the NFL. 

Trades. A record nine teams had multiple picks in the first round. The Jets had three first-round picks. The Jaguars, Lions, Texans, Giants, Saints, Ravens, Chiefs, and Packers had two each. Only 14 teams used their first-round picks. 18 picks were traded. Seven picks were traded twice. Two picks were traded three times. Trades.

The first round of the 2022 NFL started and ended with a Georgia defensive player. In between, three more Georgia defensive players were selected.

1.   Travon Walker-Jaguars

13. Jordan Davis-Eagles

22. Quay Walker-Packers

28. Devonte Wyatt-Packers

32. Lewis Cine-Vikings

That’s a record number of defensive players selected in the first round for Georgia. 

After trading away Davante Adams it was expected that the Packers would select a receiver in the first round of a top-heavy receiver draft. They didn’t. The Packers were smitten with defensive players from Georgia. 

Speaking of receivers. Six were selected in the first round. 

8.   Drake London-Falcons

10. Garrett Wilson-Jets

11. Chris Olave-Saints

12. Jameson Williams-Lions

16. Jahan Dotson-Commanders

18. Treylon Burks-Titans

In addition to the six first round rookies, two veteran receivers were traded during the draft in deals that included a first round pick. 

-the Ravens sent Marquise Brown to the Cardinals for the 23rd pick

-the Titans sent A.J. Brown to the Eagles for the 18th pick

Throw in the earlier deals involving Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill and more than a third of the first round involved receivers. 

The overall winner of first round had to be the Jets. They entered the night with two top-10 picks (#4 and #10). They ended the night with three first round selections. 

4.   Ahmad Gardner, CB

10. Garrett Wilson, WR

26. Jermaine Johnson II, Edge

Gardner was regarded as the draft’s top corner, Wilson was regarded as the top receiver, and Johnson was regarded as one of the best edge rushers. The drop of Johnson from possible top-10 pick was one of the biggest surprises of the first round. It’s safe to say that the Jets did some fine work with their bountiful draft resources. 

It’s on to Day 2. 

 

Final Flea Flicker Mock Draft

It’s Draft Day! In a few hours we’ll have the real draft. Until then, here’s a final mock draft. 

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

2.   Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

3.   Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

4.   New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

5.   New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

6.   Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

7.   New York Giants: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

9.   Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

10. New York Jets: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

11. Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S, Norte Dame

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

13. Houston Texans: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

14. Baltimore Ravens: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Loyd, LB, Utah

16. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

18. Philadelphia Eagles: Drake London, WR, USC

19. New Orleans Saints: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

21. New England Patriots: Dax Hill, S, Michigan

22. Green Bay Packers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

23. Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

24. Dallas Cowboys: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

25. Buffalo Bills: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

26. Tennessee Titans: Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota 

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

32. Detroit Lions: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Until the real one. 

 

Minnesota Vikings 2022 Mock Draft Roundup

Here’s a look at some of the first round predictions in the 2022 NFL Draft for the Minnesota Vikings. There’s a lot of love out there for Derek Stingley Jr. and the Vikings. With each day, that feels less likely to happen. 

NFL.com:

Daniel Jeremiah:

1(12). Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Bucky Brooks:

1(12). Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Cynthia Frelund:

1(12). Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Charles Davis:

1(12). Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Chad Reuter:

Trade w/Pittsburgh Steelers

1(20). Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

2(46). Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

3(77). Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia

5(156). Jesse Luketa, Edge, Penn State

6(184). Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada

6(191). Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin

6(192). Dohnovan West, C, Arizona State

7(250). Jean Delance, OT, Florida

It looks like Reuter has the Vikings swapping picks with the Steelers out of the kindness of their hearts. He has the Steelers making all of their scheduled picks plus the Vikings #12. I’ve never cared much for mock trades but if you’re going to do them, you should complete them. 

Peter Schrager:

1(12). Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

Adam Rank:

1(12). Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Lance Zierlein:

1(12). Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Rhett Lewis:

1(12). Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Maurice Jones-Drew: 

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

NFL Network’s Mock Draft Live:

Rhett Lewis:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

The Athletic:

Dane Brugler:

1(12). Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

2(46). Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

3(77). DeAngelo Malone, Edge, Western Kentucky

Nate Tice:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

2(46). Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

Diante Lee:

1(12). Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

ESPN:

Kiper/McShay Joint Draft:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

2(46). Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

3(77). DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M

Mel Kiper:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Todd McShay:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Matt Miller:

1(12). Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

2(46). Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

3(77). Troy Anderson, LB, Montana State

5(156). Velus Jones, WR, Tennessee

6(184). Chasen Hines, OG, LSU

6(191). Jermaine Waller, CB, Virginia Tech

6(192). Marquis Hayes, OG, Oklahoma

7(250). Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose State

Jordan Reid:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

2(46). Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

3(77). Josh Paschal, DL, Kentucky

5(156). Dawson Deaton, C, Texas Tech

6(184). Danny Gray, WR, SMU

6(191). Cole Turner, TE, Nevada

6(192). Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State

7(250). James Houston IV, LB, Jackson State

Sporting News:

Vinnie Iyer:

1(12). Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

2(46). Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

3(77). Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

5(156). Zamir White, RB, Georgia

6(184). Smoke Monday, S, Auburn

6(191). Jayden Peevy, DT, Texas A&M

6(192). Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota

7(250). Chasen Hines, C, LSU

NBC Sports:

Peter King:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

CBS Sports:

Consensus:

1(12). Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Ryan Wilson:

1(12). Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Chris Trapasso:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Josh Edwards:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Pete Prisco:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Kyle Stackpole:

1(12). Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Still Another Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

The real 2022 NFL Draft is only days away. Finally. Here’s one more Minnesota Vikings 7-round Mock Draft. 

1(12).   Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

2(46).   Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

3(77).   Cam Jurgens, IOL, Nebraska

5(156). Montaric Brown, CB, Arkansas

6(184). Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon

6(191). Neil Farrell Jr., DT, Tennessee

6(192). Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State

7(250). Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech

This one’s a little different. In nearly 100% of these mock drafts I lean defense. Cornerback in particular. Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie was available. More often than not, he’d be my pick. Getting arguably the best receiver in the draft at #12 isn’t a bad thing. Garrett Wilson is a difference-maker. So much so that he might immediately challenge Adam Thielen for #2 on the Vikings receiver call sheet. 

I actually like this draft. Maybe going receiver in the first round isn’t such a bad thing. There’s no edge rusher. That’s not optimum. All seven could be early contributors in their mock Vikings careers.

Garrett Wilson - immediate/early starter

Roger McCreary - immediate starter

Cam Jurgens - early starter/center insurance

Montaric Brown - in the mix at corner

Verone McKinley III - in the mix at safety

Neil Farrell Jr. - eventual starter

Charlie Kolar - early contributor

Erik Ezukanma - should compete for a roster spot

One thing that these mock drafts always reveal is that the Vikings fourth-round draft hole is a problem. Going 77 picks without a pick is brutal. A strength of this draft is the middle rounds. The Vikings are currently scheduled to sit out a bulk of it. Rick Spielman was desperate for a tight end when Irv Smith Jr. was lost for the season last August. There was no way of knowing then that Chris Herndon wouldn’t do much but that trade brought brutal returns. Very little on the field and a painful hole in the draft. 

Colleges With Most NFL Draft Picks

The following is a ranking of the colleges with the most NFL Draft picks since 2000. NCAA.com did the college-by-college count of the 2000-2020 draft years. CBS Sports added the 2021 results. 

25. UCLA

NFL draft picks since 2000: 67

First-rounders: 9

24. California

NFL draft picks since 2000: 67

First-rounders: 11

23. Texas A&M

NFL draft picks since 2000: 71

First-rounders: 11

22. Nebraska 

NFL draft picks since 2000: 72

First-rounders: 4

21. Oregon

NFL draft picks since 2000: 74

First-rounders: 9

20. Texas

NFL draft picks since 2000: 76

First-rounders: 16

19. Stanford

NFL draft picks since 2000: 79

First-rounders: 7

18. Iowa

NFL draft picks since 2000: 79

First-rounders: 9

16(tie). Virginia Tech

NFL draft picks since 2000: 80

First-rounders: 10

16(tie). Auburn

NFL draft picks since 2000: 80

First-rounders: 10

15. Tennessee

NFL draft picks since 2000: 84

First-rounders: 15

14. Penn State

NFL draft picks since 2000: 88

First-rounders: 13

13. Wisconsin

NFL draft picks since 2000: 88

First-rounders: 15

12. Clemson

NFL draft picks since 2000: 89

First-rounders: 16

11. Notre Dame

NFL draft picks since 2000: 100

First-rounders: 12

10. Michigan

NFL draft picks since 2000: 101

First-rounders: 15

9. Oklahoma

NFL draft picks since 2000: 106

First-rounders 16

8. Florida State

NFL draft picks since 2000: 113

First-rounders: 24

7. USC

NFL draft picks since 2000: 117

First-rounders: 23

6. Miami

NFL draft picks since 2000: 123

First-rounders: 32

5. Georgia

NFL draft picks since 2000: 124

First-rounders: 20

4. Florida 

NFL draft picks since 2000: 125

First-rounders: 24

3. LSU

NFL draft picks since 2000: 133

First-rounders: 20

2. Alabama

NFL draft picks since 2000: 137

First-rounders: 37

1. Ohio State

NFL first round draft picks 2000: 151

First-rounders: 32

First Round Favorites For The Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have the 12th pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Over the course of their college playing careers and a few months of pre-draft speculation, I’ve developed a fondness for some players that could be available to the Vikings in the first round. Here are a few of my first round favorites. 

In my opinion, the Vikings greatest positional need entering the 2022 NFL Draft is cornerback. My favorites start there. 

Dreamy favorites:

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

There once was a time when it was thought that both might be available at #12. That was short-lived. Ahmad Gardner shot up the draft board. Derek Stingley Jr. hovered at about #12 until his Pro Day. Now, he’s being thought of as a potential Top-5 pick. Certainly a Top-10 pick. Who knows? If some quarterbacks get snagged before the Vikings pick, some players that shouldn’t be available will be available. Strange things routinely happen in the NFL Draft. 

Another Dreamy favorite:

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

At worst, Kyle Hamilton is one of the three best players in this draft. Some in the business and many that watch the business consider safety a throw-away position. A position better addressed much later in the draft. That and a modest 40-yard time has Hamilton possibly dropping. A player that should be gone by the third pick could be available at the 12th pick. Championships are won by great players. Kyle Hamilton is a great football player. Safeties can and do impact football games. Ronnie Lott? Ed Reed? Troy Polamalu? Safeties can and have played significant roles in helping their teams win championships. They have often even been the heartbeat of great defenses. If Hamilton is available at #12, run, don’t walk, to the podium. I would love it if he’s the Vikings pick.

More Realistic First Round Favorites:

Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

Drake London, WR, USC

The Vikings might be able to draft some of the above with a slight trade down. My preference is that defense is the first round pick. Despite that leaning, I wouldn’t shed a tear if a receiver like Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, or Drake London is the Vikings first pick. 

Of the above, Devin Lloyd feels like something of an outlier. Linebacker isn’t an immediate team need. I feel real good about Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks as the starters. There would probably only be situational opportunities for a rookie linebacker. That wouldn’t be a lot of impact out of a first round pick. There’s just something about Lloyd. I think that he’s going to an outstanding player in the league. Maybe so good immediately that he’d play his way past Hicks and onto the field. Anyway, I like Lloyd a lot. 

I’ll support and cheer for any player that the Vikings pick in the draft. Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, I know that I’ll be most thrilled if the pick is one of my favorites. Favorites ranging from dreamy to a bit more realistic. 

Ranking Minnesota Vikings Position Needs

The 2022 NFL Draft is less than a week away. The Minnesota Vikings added enough in the right places this offseason so that they won’t be forced into drafting for need. That’s not to say that they don’t have immediate needs. They have significant draft needs. The work that they did in the offseason simply means that they can be a bit more flexible in how and when they address those needs. 

1. Cornerback

This is pretty straightforward. The Vikings started the offseason with the following cornerback depth chart.

Cam Dantzler

Kris Boyd

Harrison Hand

Parry Nickerson

That’s pretty bleak. Cam Dantzler is the only corner among those four with more than token starting experience. And he’s still establishing his NFL footing. The Vikings did enough at the position this offseason so that they can field a passable trio of cornerbacks. 

Re-signed:

Patrick Peterson

Tye Smith

Signed:

Chandon Sullivan

Nate Hairston

The Vikings can be by with Patrick Peterson, Cam Dantzler, and Chandon Sullivan on the field. There’s also passable depth. If there are no injuries at the position, the Vikings might be able to get through the season. After that? The Vikings need more at the position. Much more. They need more capable corners now. They need more capable corners for beyond 2022. The Vikings don’t have to draft a cornerback at #12. If Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner miraculously falls to 12, he’s the pick. If LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr.’s available at 12, he’s probably the pick. I like Washington’s Trent McDuffie if Gardner and Stingley are gone. He might not have the natural gifts of the first two but he might be a safer pick than either of them. 

I wouldn’t be surprised if two of the Vikings first four picks are cornerbacks. 

2. Defensive Line

The Vikings are transitioning from a base 4-3 to a 3-4. The most significant adjustment will be edge-rushing linebackers being mixed into defensive line concerns. The Vikings should have a dynamite pass rushing pair in Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith. They can’t take all of the snaps. Nor should they as both are coming off significant injuries. There’s intriguing depth from youngsters ranging from marginally proven to unproven. D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II, Janarius Robinson, and Kenny Willekes might emerge. I like the potential of each but none of them have done much in the NFL. Through two years, Wonnum’s made a few splash plays. Willekes might’ve been the team’s best pass rusher at the end of last season. You can’t have enough pass rushers and the Vikings need some beyond their top two. I like the players that will be putting their hands on the turf. Harrison Phillips, Dalvin Tomlinson, Armon Watts, and James Lynch should form a nice rotation. I really like Lynch as a breakout candidate. Of the four, he’s probably the best at getting after the quarterback. As with the edge rushers, the Vikings need more defensive linemen. 

3. Offensive Line

For the first time in nearly a decade, offensive line isn’t the Vikings top draft need. That doesn’t mean that the offensive line is fixed. It just means that they are finally on the right track, they are finally getting close to a fielding an ok offensive line. They might even have some cornerstone players. Right tackle Brian O’Neill is the best of the bunch. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and left guard Ezra Cleveland look the part. Garrett Bradbury will get one more season to show that he can be a cornerstone center. Right guard is wide open. The need on the offensive line is adding to the right guard competition, adding insurance at center, and adding overall depth. After years of offensive line frustrations it feels like the Vikings are finally getting close to a decent, hopefully much better than decent, group. 

4. Wide Receiver

The Minnesota Vikings have a great wide receiver tradition. That tradition is topped by Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Both are honored in Canton. It’s amazing that Justin Jefferson stands far above Carter, Moss, and the rest with just over 3,000 yards in only two seasons. No receiver in league history has ever started their career like this. Incredible. With Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette the Vikings have a good receiver group. Thielen is 31. Osborn had a nice 2021 season after a redshirt rookie season. Smith-Marsette has nice physical traits. If Thielen can successfully battle aging, Osborn continues to improve, and Smith-Marsette can effectively tap those physical traits, the Vikings should be fine at receiver. In reality, Jefferson is really the only sure thing with this group. 

5. Safety

I actually have faith in the Vikings safety situation as I have a lot of faith in Camryn Bynum. I like him paired with Harrison Smith. Just because I really like Bynum doesn’t mean that he’s the long term answer at safety. And Smith is 33. Behind Smith and Bynum, Josh Metellus and Myles Dorn provide modest depth. If Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton is available at #12, his card is at the podium. If Baylor’s Jalen Pitre is available in the second, I’d love the pick. Safety is a Vikings need. Perhaps it’s even a greater need than #5. But I like Bynum.

6. Tight End

As with the edge rushers, the Vikings top two tight ends are coming off significant knee injuries. Irv Smith Jr. was supposed to be a breakout star last season. He lost the year to a preseason knee injury. Johnny Mundt was added in free agency. He was modestly used by the Los Angeles Rams over the last five seasons. New Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell thought enough of Mundt to bring him along to Minnesota. I love Smith’s potential stardom. I like Mundt’s potential. Both are coming off knee injuries. Behind them are Ben Ellefson and Zach Davidson. Ellefson is a terrific blocker. Davidson is freakishly athletic at 6’7”. After a redshirt rookie season, maybe that athleticism can translate into production on the field. If Smith and Mundt are fully recovered from their knee injuries, I like the Vikings tight ends. 

7. Linebacker

In the Vikings new 3-4, the outside linebackers are more pass rushers than off the ball. This position seems to come down to the middle two players. If Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks continue their current playing pace and quality, they should be impact starters. Behind them are Chazz Surratt, Troy Dye, and Blake Lynch. I like the trio as depth players. Surratt was another 2021 rookie that managed a redshirt season. Despite having done nothing in the NFL I like him as an eventual starter. As with Bynum at safety, just because I like Surratt’s potential doesn’t mean that his future is assured. Dye and Lynch have had some opportunities with mixed results. They can play but they also may never progress from depth players and special teams contributors. With Kendricks and Hicks and decent depth, linebacker isn’t an immediate draft need. Life after Kendricks and Hicks is a concern.

8. Running Back

Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu. Running back is a team strength. If there’s a concern at the position, it’s that Mattison is a free agent after this season. 

9. Quarterback

Kirk Cousins is the Vikings quarterback for the next two seasons. I don’t think that the Vikings draft a quarterback early unless one falls into the lap in the second or third round. With Kellen Mond, the Vikings have a developmental in quarterback in the building. Perhaps later in the draft, I could see the team’s decision-makers adding to the stable. 

Changes To The Pro Football Hall of Fame Voting Process

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has long had a senior problem. The pool of worthy senior candidates for the Hall is enormous. The number of senior candidates that became Hall of Famers each year is tiny. With each year, the pool gets larger. When Jim Porter took over as president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame last October he said that he was open to changes to the voting process. In particular, he was open to changes in the process of electing senior candidates. Yesterday, changes were made. 

With Porter’s support, the Hall’s Board of Trustees approved changes to it’s bylaws for the next three years. From 2023-2025, the number of senior finalists will increase from one to three. Over the next three years as many as nine senior candidates might become Pro Football Hall of Famers. At the very least, more candidates are getting a shot at the Hall. In addition to the increase in the number of senior finalists, 12 senior candidates will be presented as semifinalists to the Hall’s senior committee. Again, more senior players will be discussed at greater length than in past election meetings. According to Talk of Fame Network’s Rick Gosselin, there are 58 All-Decade seniors waiting for their Hall call. 53 of those seniors have not been discussed as finalists. That’s been the biggest problem. It’s way too easy to forget about a player that’s 25 years removed from their playing career. It’s even easier when they are never discussed in a setting that can make a difference. At the very least, all All-Decade players should have their case discussed. It’s shocking that the vast majority haven’t received even that. Actually, “shocking” isn’t the right word. “Failure” is more accurate. 

The Hall’s Board of Trustees also approved a merger of the coaches and contributors into one category. The bylaw changes will boost a possible Hall of Fame Class size to nine. Five modern era players, three senior players, and one coach/contributor. It’s important to remember that all of these changes are currently only for the next three years. 

The Hall also decided to expand the senior and coach/contributor sub-committees by three voters, from nine to 12 each. This could allow for the introduction of persons outside the board of selectors to the voting process. More specifically, the introduction of actual football historians. 

Finally. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is addressing their senior problem. 

So, who’s at the top of the senior candidate list? I’d start with the following.

Lavvie Dilweg, End, Green Bay Packers

Al Wistert, T, Philadelphia Eagles

Ox Emerson, G, Portsmouth Spartans/Detroit Lions/Brooklyn Dodgers

Vern Lewellen, Back, Green Bay Packers/New York Yankees

Pat Harder, FB, Chicago Cardinals/Detroit Lions

All played the majority of their career during the league’s first three decades. A couple played during the first decade. Their Hall wait has been so long. So damn long, that it’s difficult to think about players that played in the 1960s or 1970s before taking care of them. 

Last Year’s Final Flea Flicker Mock Draft

As we wind down the days until the 2022 NFL Draft, here’s a look at the final Flea Flicker Mock Draft of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars-Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

2.   New York Jets-Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

3.   San Francisco 49ers-Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

4.   Atlanta Falcons-Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

5.   Cincinnati Bengals-Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

6.   Miami Dolphins-Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

7.   Detroit Lions-Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

8.   Carolina Panthers-Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

9.   Denver Broncos-Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

10. Dallas Cowboys-Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

11. New York Giants-Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

12. Philadelphia Eagles-DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

13. Los Angeles Chargers-Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

14. Minnesota Vikings-Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

15. New England Patriots-Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

16. Arizona Cardinals-Zaven Collins, LB, Missouri

17. Las Vegas Raiders-Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

18. Miami Dolphins-Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

19. Washington Football Team-Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

20. Chicago Bears-Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

21. Indianapolis Colts-Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

22. Tennessee Titans-Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan

23. New York Jets-Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma

24. Pittsburgh Steelers-Travis Etiene, RB, Clemson

25. Jacksonville Jaguars-Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

26. Cleveland Browns-Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

27. Baltimore Ravens-Rashod Batemen, WR, Minnesota 

28. New Orleans Saints-Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Miami

29. Green Bay Packers-Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi

30. Buffalo Bills-Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia

31. Baltimore Ravens-Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jayson Oweh, Edge, Penn State

For comparison, here’s the actual first round of the 2021 NFL Draft:

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars-Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

2.   New York Jets-Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

3.   San Francisco 49ers-Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

4.   Atlanta Falcons-Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

5.   Cincinnati Bengals-Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

6.   Miami Dolphins-Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

7.   Detroit Lions-Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

8.   Carolina Panthers-Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina 

9.   Denver Broncos-Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

10. Philadelphia Eagles-DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

11. Chicago Bears-Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

12. Dallas Cowboys-Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

13. Los Angeles Chargers-Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

14. New York Jets-Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

15. New England Patriots-Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

16. Arizona Cardinals-Zaven Collins, LB,Tulsa

17. Las Vegas Raiders-Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

18. Miami Dolphins-Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Miami

19. Washington Football Team-Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

20. New York Giants-Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

21. Indianapolis Colts-Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan

22. Tennessee Titans-Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

23. Minnesota Vikings-Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

24. Pittsburgh Steelers-Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

25. Jacksonville Jaguars-Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

26. Cleveland Browns-Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

27. Baltimore Ravens-Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota 

28. New Orleans Saints-Payton Turner, Edge, Houston

29. Green Bay Packers-Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

30. Buffalo Bills-Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami

31. Baltimore Ravens-Jayson Oweh, Edge, Penn State

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Joe Tyron, Edge, Washington

It’s probably much better than most of my mocks. I don’t think that I’ve ever had more than five or six true hits. 

Right team. Right player. Right spot.

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars-Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

2.   New York Jets-Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

4.   Atlanta Falcons-Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

5.   Cincinnati Bengals-Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

6.   Miami Dolphins-Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

13. Los Angeles Chargers-Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

15. New England Patriots-Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

16. Arizona Cardinals-Zaven Collins, LB, Missouri

27. Baltimore Ravens-Rashod Batemen, WR, Minnesota 

Right team. Right player. Wrong spot. 

10. Philadelphia Eagles-DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

-I had the Eagles picking Smith at #12

Right Player. Right spot. Wrong team. 

14. New York Jets-Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

-I had the Vikings selecting Vera-Tucker at #14

I feel like I was more right than the league about Micah Parsons. I felt at the time that #7 was too low for him but the first six teams seemed locked in on six specific players/positions. There’s no way Parsons should’ve been on the board at #10. There’s definitely no way he should’ve still been available to the Cowboys after a trade down to #12. For as long as he plays football, Parsons is going to make several teams regret passing on him. 

Minnesota Vikings 3-Round Mock Draft

ESPN Draftniks Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay posted a three-round mock. Starting with McShay at #1, they alternated picks through three rounds. Trades were not allowed. Here’s what they got for the Minnesota Vikings. 

First Round

12. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Second Round

46. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

Third Round

77. DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M

Kiper had the even picks so he made the Vikings picks in the first two rounds. McShay made the third round pick. 

First Round thoughts:

No complaints on the first pick as Derek Stingley Jr. is my favorite for the pick. I have my doubts that he’ll be there but he’s the pick if he is. 

Second Round thoughts:

Trey McBride is probably the surprise of the trio of picks. With the departure of Tyler Conklin, tight end can be considered a need. Johnny Mundt was brought in from the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. New head coach Kevin O’Connell and new offensive coordinator Wes Phillips know him well. O’Connell was his offensive coordinator for the Rams. Phillips was his position coach. I have decent expections for Mundt because of the faith put in him by his former and current coaches. Still, he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities in the league and he’s coming off a torn ACL. If the Vikings were to be tempted by a tight end at the top of the draft, McBride is the best in the draft. 

If not McBride, who? There were several intriguing receivers on the board when Kiper picked McBride. 

Receivers:

Skyy Moore, Western Michigan

John Metchie III, Alabama

George Pickers, Georgia

Alec Pierce, Cincinnati

Wan’Dale Robinson, Kentucky

Edge:

Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma

Drake Jackson, USC

Interior Offensive line:

Dylan Parham, Memphis

Cole Strange, Chattanooga 

The available receivers is a pretty loaded group. I’m probably leaning Nik Bonitto or the interior linemen as the pick over the receivers and McBride. 

Third Round thoughts:

DeMarvin Leal in the third round has the makings of a steal. There was a time when some thought that he could be a first round pick. He has first round talent. The problem is that he doesn’t always play to that talent. 

If not Leal, who?

One of the my draft favorites is Houston corner Marcus Jones. In this Kiper/McShay mock, he’s available at #77. He’s my pick. Illinois safety Kerby Joseph, Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr, and Kentucky guard Darrian Kinnard are tempting. 

If I was making the picks rather than the Kiper/McShay duo, it looks like I’d end up with a mock like this:

12. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

46. Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma

77. Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

An interesting aspect of the Kiper/McShay mock is the available cornerbacks in the second and third rounds. If the real draft fell similar to this mock, the Vikings have corner options if they don’t select one in the first round. Florida’s Kaiir Elam and Auburn’s Roger McCreary were available at #46. Marcus Jones, Texas-San Antonio’s Tariq Woolen, and Cincinnati’s Coby Bryant were available at #77. The quality corners potentially available in the second or third round open up the options available to the Vikings in the first round. Despite that, I still like Stingley in the first. Even if he’s gone, I probably like Washington’s Trent McDuffie at #12. Some say that McDuffie could still be available with a trade down. I have doubts about that. Kiper gave him to the Baltimore Ravens at #14 in this mock. I don’t see McDuffie being available too far past #12. 

Eight more days until the real draft. 

Minnesota Vikings Offseason Review

With the 2022 NFL Draft zipping closer and the bulk of free agency done, here’s a brief review of the offseason of the Minnesota Vikings. 

One could say that the Vikings offseason started with the hirings of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell. For the first time since the team’s inaugural season, the Vikings have a new general manager and a new head coach. It’s a new era of Minnesota Vikings football. The first task in front of the new decision-makers was the contract of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Dealing with a $45 million cap hit was going to be a tough task. Instead of the trade that was honked about by local and national media the Vikings re-worked/extended the contract of Cousins. He’s the team’s quarterback for at least the next two seasons. 

The new deal for Cousins took the Vikings from the wrong side of the salary cap to about even. Additional contract tweaks provided the salary cap space to do some stuff. The artful contract-whittling of Rob Brzezinski allowed the Vikings to do much more this offseason than many expected. 

It’s fun to start with the players signed from other teams. 

Additions:

Harrison Phillips, DT

Jordan Hicks, LB

Johnny Mundt, TE

Austin Schlottman, OG

Za’Darius Smith, Edge

Chandon Sullivan, CB

Jessie Bates, OL

Nate Hairston, CB

Chris Reed, OG

Jullian Taylor, DT

There was a clear focus to improve the defense and interior offensive line. Tight end Johnny Mundt was the only player added that doesn’t play on defense or the interior of the offensive line. Harrison Phillips, Jordan Hicks, and Za’Darius Smith were brought in to start. Chandon Sullivan is likely at the top of the nickel depth chart. That essentially makes him the fourth defensive starter added in free agency. Right guard is currently the one vacancy on the offensive line. Jesse Bates, Austin Schlottman, Chris Reed will compete with Wyatt Davis and possibly draft pick(s) for that position. With nothing more than a feeling, I currently have Reed as the favorite for the job. 

The Vikings new decision-makers decided to keep a handful of their own free agents.

Re-signed:

Patrick Peterson, CB

Greg Joseph, K

Jordan Berry, P

Tye Smith, CB

Sean Mannion, QB

The offseason’s signings and re-signings brought/returns eight probable starters to the Vikings.

Harrison Phillips, DT

Za’Darius Smith, Edge

Jordan Hicks, LB

Patrick Peterson, CB

Chandon Sullivan, CB

Chris Reed, OG

Greg Joseph, K

Jordan Berry, P

I’m guessing that Johnny Mundt will see plenty of snaps as the team’s second tight end. 

This wasn’t an eye-popping offseason. The Vikings didn’t have the salary cap space to do something like that. This was an efficient offseason. The defense was the focus. It needed to be the focus. Other than right guard, the offense is set. Garrett Bradbury must improve at center. If the Vikings interior offensive line is improved, the offense should be among the best in the league. Heading into the draft, cornerback is probably the team’s biggest need. Adding Chandon Sullivan, Nate Hairston, and re-signing Patrick Peterson helped but none are really long-term answers at the position. The Vikings did enough this offseason so that they aren’t locked into any one position at any point in the draft. Isn’t that where all teams want to be?

A few of the Vikings unrestricted free agents have found jobs elsewhere.

Losses:

Tyler Conklin, TE-New York Jets

Xavier Woods, S-Carolina Panthers

Mason Cole, G/C-Pittsburgh Steelers

Michael Pierce, DT-Baltimore Ravens

Nick Vigil, LB-Arizona Cardinals

Dakota Dozier, G-Chicago Bears

Tashawn Bower, Edge-Las Vegas Raiders

Several others have yet to find jobs. 

Unrestricted Free Agents

Anthony Barr, LB

Sheldon Richardson, DL

Mackensie Alexander, CB

Rashod Hill, OT

Everson Griffen, Edge

DeDe Westbrook, WR

Wayne Galman, RB

Luke Stocker, TE

Chad Beebe, WR

Chris Herndon, TE

Flea Flicker Mock Draft 6.0

Another week closer to the real thing. Another Mock Draft.

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

2.   Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

3.   Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

4.   New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

5.   New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

6.   Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

7.   New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

9.   Seattle Seahawks: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

10. New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

11. Washington Commanders: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

13. Houston Texans: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

16. New Orleans Saints: Devin Loyd, LB, Utah

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

18. Philadelphia Eagles: Drake London, WR, USC

19. New Orleans Saints: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

21. New England Patriots: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

22. Green Bay Packers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

23. Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

24. Dallas Cowboys: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

25. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

26. Tennessee Titans: Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota 

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

28. Green Bay Packers: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

32. Detroit Lions: Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

Until the next one. 

 

Flea Flea Flicker Top Five Draft Prospects By Position

The 2022 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away. These rankings shouldn’t be changing this far into it. Inevitably, they do. Overthinking it?

Quarterbacks

1. Kenny Pickett, Pitt

2. Malik Willis, Liberty

3. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

4. Matt Corral, Mississippi 

5. Sam Howell, North Carolina

Running Backs

1. Breece Hall, Iowa State

2. Kenny Walker III, Michigan State

3. James Cook, Georgia

4. Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M

5. Kyren Williams, Notre Dame

Wide Receivers 

1. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

2. Drake London, USC

3. Jahan Dotson, Penn State

4. Jameson Williams, Alabama

5. Treylon Burks, Arkansas

Tight Ends

1. Trey McBride, Colorado State

2. Greg Dulcich, UCLA

3. Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina

4. Charlie Kolar, Iowa State

5. Jelani Woods, Virginia

Offensive Tackles

1. Evan Neal, Alabama

2. Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State

3. Charles Cross, Mississippi State

4. Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

5. Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan

Interior Offensive Linemen

1. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

2. Zion Johnson, Boston College

3. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

4. Jamaree Salyer, Georgia

5. Cam Jurgens, Nebraska

Edge

1. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

2. Travon Walker, Georgia

3. Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State

4. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

5. George Karlaftis, Purdue

Interior Defensive Linemen

1. Jordan Davis, Georgia

2. Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

3. Travis Jones, Connecticut

4. Logan Hall, Houston

5. DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M

Linebackers

1. Devin Loyd, Utah

2. Nakobe Dean, Georgia

3. Christian Harris, Alabama

4. Troy Anderson, Montana State

5. Chad Muma, Wyoming

Cornerbacks

1. Sauce Gardner, Cincinnati

2. Derrick Stingley Jr., LSU

3. Trent McDuffie, Washington

4. Andrew Booth, Clemson

5. Roger McCreary, Auburn

Safeties

1. Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

2. Daxton Hill, Michigan

3. Jaquan Brisker, Penn State

4. Jalen Pitre, Baylor

5. Lewis Cine, Georgia

6. Elijah Hicks, California

Another Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

Here’s another Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft.

1(12).   Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

2(46).   Travis Jones, IDL, Connecticut

3(77).   Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

5(156). Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

6(184). Chris Paul, IOL, Tulsa

6(191). Damone Clark, LB, LSU

6(192). Thomas Booker, IDL, Stanford

7(250). Neil Farrell Jr., IDL, LSU

It wasn’t my intention to select three defensive tackles. It just happened. 

Derek Stingley Jr. is still a dream pick. I’m so happy when he’s still on the board at #12. I still don’t see it happening in the real thing. The NFL Draft is an unpredictable thing. Randy Moss and Adrian Peterson weren’t supposed to be available when the Vikings picked in those draft. 

I like Travis Jones in the second round. The Vikings don’t have a set nose tackle in their new three-man front. It might be nice to have one. 

Marcus Jones is one of my favorite players in the draft. Despite his size, he’d add juice to the defense and returns. 

Due to a college career disrupted by injuries, Justyn Ross is a first-round talent that might be available in the fifth round. 

In every mock draft attempt I’m hoping to select an offensive lineman in the second or third round. Instead, I’m routinely selecting a player that I like a little more than the available offensive linemen. As a result, I’m always scrambling for one in the fifth or sixth. Chris Paul is that player in this mock draft. 

I’m often intrigued by LSU linebackers. Damone Clark is that player this year. 

Another mock draft. Another selection of Thomas Booker. I keep finding this guy.

Another nose tackle. If the Vikings don’t select a nose tackle in the early rounds, I really like Neil Farrell Jr. in the later rounds. 

2022 NFL Draft Attendees

The NFL released a list of 21 prospects who will attend the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.  

Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Ickey Ekonwu, OT, North Carolina State

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College

George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

Devin Loyd, LB, Utah

Drake London, WR, USC

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Most drafts are identified by the quarterbacks that are clustered at the top of it. This draft isn’t considered a quarterback draft. Malik Willis and Matt Corral are the only quarterbacks that will be present in Las Vegas. Willis is expected to have the shorter wait. Pitt’s Kenny Pickett and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder are the other early-round contenders that apparently won’t be part of the Vegas festivities. 

Three players from Georgia’s ridiculous defense will be in Las Vegas. 

Jordan Davis

Nakobe Dean

Devonte Wyatt

A few of their defensive teammates will also hear their name called early.

Travon Walker

Quay Walker

Lewis Cine

Seeing as he’s likely a Top-5 pick, Travon Walker probably turned down a Las Vegas invite. 

The draft is ticking closer. Less than two weeks. 

 

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

I’m not sure if the evolution of these Mock Draft Simulators are such a good thing. They are too damn easy. Too addictive. This Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft is courtesy of the Draft Network simulator. 

1(12).   Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

2(46).   David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan

3(77).   John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

5(156). Cam Jurgens, IOL, Nebraska

6(184). Thomas Booker, IDL, Stanford

6(191). Isaac Taylor-Stuart, CB, USC

6(192). Juanyeh Thomas, S, Georgia Tech

7(250). Smoke Monday, S, Auburn

This mock draft is topped by three players that I believe are unlikely to be available to the Vikings in the real draft at the spots I grabbed them in this fake draft. Cincinnati corner Ahmad Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. are my dream picks for the Vikings at #12. In order for one, most likely Stingley, to be available the first 11 picks need to be well-peppered with quarterbacks. Before he suffered a torn Achilles at his Pro Day, David Ojabo was a borderline Top-10 pick. Due to his talent and potential, a patient team might still grab him in the first round. More likely, he’s selected early in the second round. Maybe he falls to the 46th pick. He’d be a great investment in the Vikings pass rushing future. I was surprised to see John Metchie III still on the board in the third round. He feels like a second-round pick. 

I’m one of the few Vikings fans that still has some hope for Garrett Bradbury. Cam Jurgens would provide the Vikings some options at center if Bradbury continues to struggle with aspects of his game. 

Despite playing for Stanford, I like Thomas Booker. He seems to be one of the sixth-round picks in many of my Vikings mocks. 

Isaac Taylor-Stuart and Juanyeh Thomas have intriguing athletic traits. They might be available in the sixth round because those traits haven’t always translated into their play on the field. If the Vikings coaches can bring the best out of them, they could be steals. 

I grabbed Smoke Monday mostly for his fantastic name. 

Minnesota Vikings Top 10 Defensive Ends

Still thinking about defensive lines of the Minnesota Vikings. I ranked the defensive tackles yesterday. Today, I rank the great defensive ends in Vikings franchise history. 

Minnesota Vikings Top 10 Defensive Ends

1.   Carl Eller

2.   Chris Doleman

3.   Jared Allen

4.   Jim Marshall

5.   Danielle Hunter

6.   Everson Griffen

7.   Brian Robison

8.   Doug Martin

9.   Mark Mullaney

10. Al Noga

Carl Eller and Chris Doleman are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both were among the most feared pass rushers of their day. Both were beasts. 

Jared Allen will soon join Eller and Doleman in Canton. Like Eller and Doleman, Allen was one of the most feared pass rushers of his day. He took over games. He dominated with technique and hustle. He was also one of the most fun players in Vikings franchise history. 

Seeing Jim Marshall anywhere but #1 on any list is painful. His leadership and play through the Vikings first two decades has him as perhaps the most important, most impactful player in franchise history. In terms of his play on the field, he’s #4 on this list. If Danielle Hunter can stay healthy, Marshall might soon be #5 on this list. Most Vikings fans consider it criminal that Marshall isn’t in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I would love it if Marshall made it to Canton. I’d be at his induction. However, I don’t think that he makes it. Marshall was a very good football player. He’s in the Pro Football Researchers Association’s Hall of Very Good. He made it 2004. That was the PFRA’s second induction class. Marshall was a very good football player on a great defensive line. He was named to only two Pro Bowls. He was named second-team All-Pro three times. He had 130.5 sacks. That’s a great total but it took 20 years. That works out to just over 6.5 sacks per season. Those aren’t really Hall of Fame numbers. If he ever makes it to Canton, it’ll be for his Iron Man career and his fumble recovery record. 20 seasons, 282 games, 277 starts, 270 consecutive starts. At defensive end. I laughed when Brett Favre was celebrated for passing Marshall’s consecutive starts. Favre felt contact a few times each game. Marshall was in thick of contact on nearly every snap he played. And he played damn near every snap. Every snap of every game. For 20 years. If players get knocked by the Hall voters for brief careers, Marshall should get Hall consideration for his ridiculously long, very good, very consistent career. 

Danielle Hunter has missed nearly all of the last two seasons to injuries. Prior to that, he was on a Hall of Fame trajectory. If he can stay on the field, he can return to that Hall trajectory. He has the talent to get to the top of this list. 

When thinking of Everson Griffen, I often think of the surprise and criticism when he was given a contract extension prior to the 2014 season. The national media was stunned by the big, new contract as he’d never even been a full-time starter. Everyone in Minnesota knew that Griffen was deserving of the deal. They’d seen what he could do. When he has on the field, he made things happen for the defense. As soon as he became a full-time starter he started collecting sacks. 

Throughout his 11-year Vikings career, Brian Robison was seen as the other defensive end. First, it was Jared Allen that started opposite him. Then it was Everson Griffen that started opposite him. Eventually, Danielle Hunter took his starting job. Through it all, Robison gave the Vikings one of the best defensive end combos in the league and one of the best defensive end groups in the league. Thanks to his wonderful interactions with fans, he’ll always be a fan favorite. 

Doug Martin is one of the most underrated players in Vikings franchise history. A few defensive linemen had the unenviable task of replacing members of the Purple People Eaters. Martin probably faired the best. He had a 10-year career in Minnesota. Most of it as a starter. During the strike-shortened 1982 season, he led the league with 11.5 sacks. That was a nine-game season. At that pace, he would’ve collected over 20 sacks in a 16-game season. He followed that league-leading season with a 13-sack season in 1983. He had nine sacks in each of the 1986 and 1987 season. He had a very good and sometimes great 10-year career in Minnesota. 

Mark Mullaney was another of the defensive linemen tasked with replacing the Purple People Eaters. He was a first-round pick in 1975. He played 12 seasons with 97 starts. He was a full-time starter from 1979-82. His best sack totals came in 1978 (9) and 1979 (8). 

At five seasons, Al Noga had a fairly brief run in Minnesota. He benefited from being on a defensive line dominated by Chris Doleman, Keith Millard, and Henry Thomas. He collected 11.5 sacks in 1989 and 9 sacks in 1992. Those highs edged out Ray Edwards for #10 on this list. 

Minnesota Vikings Top 10 Defensive Tackles

The Minnesota Vikings have a strong defensive line tradition. From the late 1960s through most of the 1970s, they trotted onto the field one of the greatest defensive lines in the history of the National Football League. The Purple People Eaters. Alan Page and Carl Eller are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A strong  case has been argued for decades that Jim Marshall should join them in Canton. Gary Larsen and Doug Sutherland were the strong contributors that lined next to their much more celebrated teammates. With this strong defensive line tradition, it only follows that the Vikings have a strong defensive tackle tradition. Here’s a ranking of the best defensive tackles in the history of the Minnesota Vikings franchise.

Minnesota Vikings Top 10 Defensive Tackles

1.   Alan Page

2.   John Randle

3.   Kevin Williams

4.   Keith Millard

5.   Henry Thomas

6.   Pat Williams

7.   Linval Joseph

8.   Gary Larsen

9.   Doug Sutherland

10. Paul Dickson

The top two are easy. The order might not be for everyone. In my opinion, Alan Page is the best player in Vikings franchise history. He was the first defensive player to ever be named the league’s MVP. He was an unbelievable football player. I’ve still never seen a defensive player take over a game like he could. It was a real treat to become a Vikings fan during his playing career. He was a big reason that this California kid fell for the Vikings. John Randle was damn near as great as Page. I can understand fans that grew up during Randle’s time ranking him above Page. 

When I think of Kevin Williams I often think of a play that he made as a rookie in 2003. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, he blew through Will Shields, destroyed Tony Richardson, and tackled Priest Holmes in the backfield. It happened so fast I wasn’t sure what I’d seen. I had to rewind it to understand it. Shields is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Richardson was one of the best blocking fullbacks in the game. Holmes was one of the best backs. Williams wrecked all three. Over his 11 years in Minnesota, he had a lot of plays like that. He might have a bit of a wait but I believe that Williams will join Page and Randle in Canton. I’ll be there when he does. 

If injuries hadn’t whittled away at his career, Keith Millard would’ve had a very short Hall of Fame wait. There was a 2-3 year stretch in which Millard’s play rivaled that of Page and Randle. 

Henry Thomas was a very underrated football player. He played on a defensive line dominated by Millard and Chris Doleman. Al Noga even seemed to get more attention than Thomas. He played eight of his 14 years in Minnesota. I wish that he’d played all of his 14 years in Minnesota. 

It was a blast to watch Pat Williams play football. The Williams Wall! No one ran on the Williams Wall! I loved those guys. 

Linval Joseph had a strong six years with the Vikings. Over those six years, he had a couple month-long stretches in which he simply dominated. I believe that nagging injuries kept him from sustaining those month-long stretches and/or having more of them. 

Gary Larsen and Doug Sutherland completed the Purple People Eaters. Someone had to clean up after their more celebrated linemates chased after quarterbacks. Larsen and Sutherland were great at doing that. My earliest years as a Vikings fan were Larsen’s final years. As a result, I have a better memory of Sutherland. 

Paul Dickson was an original Viking. He preceded Alan Page and Gary Larsen. Since his career was before my time as a Vikings fan I know his play through old clips. He was one of the players that helped get the Vikings through their early expansion years and into their title-contending years. 

Sharrif Floyd had the talent to finish in the top half of this list. His football story is one of the most disappointing in all my time as a Vikings fan. I felt like he was about to hit his stride on the football field and it all came to an end with a hacked-up surgical procedure. A routine surgical procedure. His story is proof that no surgical procedure is routine. 

What’s In A Front?

For all but a handful of years in the early 1980s, the Minnesota Vikings have fronted their defense with four down linemen and three linebackers. A 4-3 front. For those handful of years in the early 1980s, the Vikings aligned in a 3-4. It was a strange site then. It’s a strange thought now. Bud Grant and his defensive coaches were willing to try anything to replace one of the greatest defensive lines in the history of the National Football League. The Purple People Eaters. The ageless and irreplaceable Jim Marshall retired after the 1979 season. Alan Page was sadly in Chicago. Carl Eller departed after the 1978 season. Doug Sutherland (RIP) was the last and least known of that brilliant front four. His final season in Minnesota was 1980. In 1981, the Vikings trotted out three down linemen and four linebackers. It felt like a bizarre dream. At the time, I figured that Grant and the guys switched to the 3-4 to get four fine linebackers on the field. Matt Blair and Fred McNeill on the outside. Jeff Siemon and Scott Studwell on the inside. The problem with that plan was that those fine linebackers were four fine off-the-ball linebackers. The 3-4, as we know it today, is often highlighted by the pass rushing talents of the outside linebackers. Blair and McNeill could run sideline to sideline, stop the run, and cover a back or tight end. They were among the best in the league at all of those things. They didn’t terrorize quarterbacks. They certainly didn’t terrorize quarterbacks like Robert Brazile or Lawrence Taylor. It wasn’t until Chris Doleman was drafted in 1985 that the Vikings had an edge player that could routinely disrupt a quarterback’s plans. That was also the last year that the Vikings aligned in a 3-4 front. Doleman went on to a Hall of Fame career as a 4-3 defensive end. From 1981-85, the Vikings defense aligned in a 3-4 front. It feels like something from another team’s story. After 36 years, the Vikings are returning to a 3-4 defensive front. 

What’s in a front?

In the 1870s, American football emerged from a chaotic blend of rugby and soccer with the introduction of scrimmaged downs. A free-flowing game became a more schemed match between offense and defense. At the time, and for most of the next sixty years, the defense was a mirror image of the offense. A seven-man line and a four-man backfield. A seven man front. End-tackle-guard-center-guard-tackle-end. Offenses had to stay in that alignment. Defenses chose to match it. Why wouldn’t they? Damn near every play was a run up the middle. Every play was a close-quarter fight of ground acquisition. It was a grueling and brutal game. In an effort to make the game less brutal and jazz it up a bit, the forward pass was introduced in 1906. The rules around the bold, new play were so restrictive that it didn’t have much impact. It wasn’t until the more liberalized rules of 1933 that the forward pass inched the game closer to the wide open affair that we love today. When the game finally started to open up a bit, coaches and players decided that they needed another layer to their defense. They needed players to back the line. Linebackers. Basically, varying combinations of the seven-man front (mostly the interior three: guard, center, guard) stepped back from the defensive line. They provided a level of defense that now had the freedom to fill as needed from side to side and front to back. The tackles and ends filled the gap left by their former line-mates. That left the defenses that chose to evolve with a four-man front and three linebackers. A 4-3. 

Does it really matter whether a football team fields a 4-3 defense or a 3-4 defense? More often than not, when the ball is snapped, at least four of the defenders are tasked with harassing the quarterback and the remaining defenders are tasked with defending against a potential pass. Sometimes, the play is the run. The hope then is that the run is stopped while on the way to the quarterback. Does the player’s position on a lineup card matter much after the ball is snapped? In today’s game, the defense’s alignment at the snap, or moments before the snap, is often a ruse. A 3-4 before the snap and a 4-3 at the snap? Who knows? Maybe it’s actually a 2-5 when the chaos starts. Maybe it’s a 5-2. When you get down to it, isn’t a 3-4 always a 5-2? The only thing that matters is that the defense stops the offense. That always happens after the snap. 

Best Remaining Free Agents

It’s April. NFL teams are mostly focused on the 2022 NFL Draft. Free agency has drifted to mostly background noise. Despite that, there are still many interesting free agents available. Perhaps after the draft, attention will return to those players. Here are some of the best free agents available. The rankings are those of NFL Media’s Gregg Rosenthal. Initial rankings are in parenthesis. 

1(6).   Tyrann Mathieu, S

2(11). Odell Beckham Jr., WR

3(12). Stephon Gilmore, CB

4(14). Duane Brown, OT

5(18). Jadeveon Clowney, Edge

6(24). Melvin Inrgam, Edge

7(25). Rob Gronkowski, TE

8(26). Jarvis Landry, WR

9(31). Jerry Hughes, Edge

10(33). Akiem Hicks, DL

11(43). Trey Flowers, Edge

12(44). JC Tretter, C

13(48). Will Fuller, WR

14(49). Eric Fisher, OT

15(53). Julio Jones, WR

16(54). Bryce Callahan, CB

17(58). DeShon Slliott, S

18(59). Anthony Barr, LB

19(63). Justin Houston, Edge

20(68). Melvin Gordon, RB

21(78). Sheldon Richardson, DL

22(79). Ndamukong Suh, DL

23(91). Kevin King, CB

24(93). Larry Ogunjobi, DL

25(98). Dont’a Hightower, LB

26(99). Riley Reiff, OT

27(100). Joe Haden, CB

***

Rosenthal’s original Top 100 Free Agents has been reduced to a Remaining 27 Free Agents. 

The above players are available in April for a variety of reasons. Age is one of the biggest. Only nine of the 27 will be on the preferred side of 30 at the start of the 2022 NFL season. 

Odell Beckham Jr.

Jadeveon Clowney

Jarvis Landry

Trey Flowers

Will Fuller

DeShon Elliott

Melvin Gordon

Kevin King

Larry Ogunjobi

Only DeShon Elliott (25) and Kevin King (27) are under 28. 

There are a lot of “names” on this list. It’s a good bet that many will be with a team by June and most will be starting for teams this fall.