Minnesota Vikings followers react from the decrease bowl throughout third-quarter motion in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, with Sep. 24, 2023 capturing the tense second in Minneapolis. Feelings rise within the crowd as momentum shifts throughout a tightly contested recreation contained in the Vikings’ dwelling venue. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker–Imagn Pictures.
Minnesota Vikings interim common supervisor Rob Brzezinski left final week’s draft with a completely stocked cupboard on protection, making 4 of his first 5 choices gamers whom Brian Flores may deploy earlier than too lengthy. Alongside the best way, the membership left some meat on the bone, as is the case for each crew in each draft.
Minnesota addressed a number of huge spots whereas leaving a couple of helpful paths unexplored.
So, right here’s what the Vikings left on the desk from Thursday via Saturday final week.
The Board Supplied Assist at Key Positions, however the Vikings Selected In any other case
Of us anticipated these items to occur — after which they didn’t.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates after a defensive cease, energizing teammates as momentum swings at U.S. Financial institution Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The second captures Brian Flores’ unit dictating tempo within the second quarter in opposition to Arizona, with Greenard’s response reflecting a quick, linked protection. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
1. No OLB Alternative after Jonathan Greenard Commerce
After six weeks of rumors — the rumors even nailed the right commerce associate — the Vikings pressed the button on a commerce with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending exterior linebacker Jonathan Greenard east in alternate for 2 Third-Rounders. The Eagles additionally peeled away a Seventh-Rounder from Minnesota.
Certainly, as a result of that deal occurred on Friday, Minnesota would draft an EDGE rusher in Spherical 3 or 4, proper? Nope. How about Rounds 5 via 7? Completely not. The Vikings traded Greenard and changed him with no rookies.
If Minnesota desires extra OLB depth for 2026, it should both pursue free company for a participant like Joey Bosa, Von Miller, or Jadeveon Clowney or commerce for a extra reasonably priced participant on the similar place.
Brzezinski most notably handed on Jaishawn Barham of Michigan and Dani Dennis-Sutton of Penn State after the Greenard commerce.
2. No RB Taken till Spherical 6
This was going to be the second, proper? The Vikings hadn’t used Spherical 1, 2, or 3 draft capital on a working again since Alexander Mattison in 2019. Sure, seven years in the past. Throughout the draft buildup, they met with Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson a few instances — a hometown product who vocally expressed his enthusiasm about becoming a member of the Vikings. In addition they sat down with Washington’s Jonah Coleman.
In the long run, the Vikings didn’t draft a working again till Spherical 6. That was Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne, who could be the subsequent Nyheim Hines — or the following De’Von Achane. Gamers from Spherical 6 are cube rolls. They don’t normally work out.
All informed, Minnesota mentioned “nope” to those rookie halfback choices:
Kaytron Allen
Kaelon Black
Jonah Coleman
Emmett Johnson
Adam Randall
Nicholas Singleton
Mike Washington Jr.
3. Clear-Minimize CB for the Future Not Recognized
Do you keep in mind Xavier Rhodes? The man who shut down prime Odell Beckham Jr. in that 2016 Monday Evening Soccer recreation? He’s the final quarterback drafted by the Vikings to stay round for longer than his rookie contract. Everybody else since 2013 has not been definitely worth the squeeze of a second contract at cornerback.
Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith stands alongside head coach Mike McDaniel throughout apply preparations at PSD Financial institution Area on Nov. 2, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany. The scene highlights collaboration between offensive leaders as they oversee drills and finalize recreation plans throughout a world journey. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities.
So, with such a drought in place, Minnesota would most likely depart the draft with a cornerback earlier than it’s too late, wouldn’t you assume? Fallacious. Brzezinski waited till Spherical 5 to draft Stephen F. Austin’s Charles Demmings, and followers will spend the following few months convincing themselves he may be the true deal. Maybe he’ll; maybe he’s simply one other Fifth-Rounder destined to change into a reserve CB within the NFL.
For correct recordkeeping, let it’s recognized that Minnesota needed nothing to do with these rookie CBs:
Keith Abney II
Brandon Cisse
Tacario Davis
Daylen Everette
Jalen Huskey
Colton Hood
Davison Igbinosun
Will Lee III
Jermod McCoy
Devin Moore
Malik Muhammad
Julian Neal
D’Angelo Ponds
Ephesians Prysock
Chandler Rivers
Keionte Scott
Avieon Terrell
4. WRs Ignored
Lastly, the huge receiver spot. Jalen Nailor vamoosed in March to Las Vegas. He’s a Raider. The present WR3, Tai Felton, didn’t play a lot on offense final 12 months. Due to these proof morsels, coupled with the truth that the Vikings met with a number of rookie wideouts earlier than the draft, followers assumed Minnesota would spend one in all its 9 picks on a pass-catcher.
That assumption was improper. Brzezinski signed undrafted free agent Dillon Bell of Georgia after the draft, however he didn’t prioritize WR3 as many anticipated.
Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Tai Felton will get his first on-field reps throughout rookie minicamp classes in Might 2025, working via drills and timing ideas as coaches set up early offense. The footage captures his introduction to the system, providing a glimpse of growth potential as a mid-round addition to Minnesota’s receiver group. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube.
These WRs, earlier than the tip of Spherical 4, joined non-Vikings groups:
Chris Bell
Skyler Bell
Germie Bernard
Denzel Boston
Zachariah Department
Chris Brazzell II
Okay.C. Concepcion
Omar Cooper Jr.
Caleb Douglas
Malachi Fields
Ted Hurst
Bryce Lance
Ja’Kobi Lane
Makai Lemon
Elijah Sarratt
De’Zhaun Stribling
Zavion Thomas
Brennan Thompson
Kaden Wetjen
Antonio Williams
Fortunately, Minnesota apparently has a plan at WR3, because the powers that be of NFL reporting tweeted Tuesday night time that free-agent pass-catcher Jauan Jennings will meet with the Vikings. Until Felton turns into the true deal in a rush, WR3 is a obvious want. Possibly Jennings was the plan all alongside.
