Friday mailbag: The McCarthy intrigue

Fans want to know if the Vikings' interest in JJ McCarthy is legit

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By Matthew Coller

Whew, it’s been quite the month. Counting down the days to the NFL Draft — and make sure your eyes peeled for whatever breaking news could still be coming down the pipe because the Vikings are possibly the most interesting team heading into April. Anyway, off we go to your questions…

Eldon… With the conversations at the owners meeting, it sounds like the Broncos and Giants could also be thinking about moving up for a QB does this make it more expensive to move up? And do the Vikings jump before the draft just to be sure they get a QB? I just keep hearing some fans say stay at 11 and 23 then just look next year but every single time the Vikings are looking at QB a large group of fans think that the Vikings should just keep waiting for a top prospect to be at wherever they pick. Isn't that just the same thing they have done every year?

The Vikings should try to make the jump before the draft, yes. If they get into the top four then at least they can’t walk away without a QB.

Looking at next year is out of the question, in my opinion. The ball can’t be kicked down the road here. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talked about the team having their eye on this draft class for a while and they seem to have lined up everything with their timeline from the start to pick one this year so it’s time to make it happen.

To your point, yes, it’s likely to be expensive to move up but they can survive the cost that it takes. If the Vikings didn’t have Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson then I’d be pretty hesitant about paying the price to play poker here. Defense can be built with free agents, trades and development, it’s hard to get elite tackles and receiving weapons.

Everyone will have their opinions but I won’t be down on any outcome that results in them picking a first-round QB, even if it’s Michael Penix Jr. at No. 23 instead of Maye or McCarthy at the top.

Marv… I have been a loyal subscriber from the start and enjoy everything you do…except your handling of the current QB conundrum. Let me admit right up front that I am clearly biased because I am a Michigan fan and have watched every play of JJMC in his career. But putting aside bias, I believe based on JJ’s game performances, Combine and Pro Day etc, and having watched him grow and mature over the years, that KOC absolutely wants to select JJMC over any of the other QBs. My quibble with you is that you don’t see this too (ha ha). How can you miss this?

Let’s be clear about my stance on McCarthy: Based on what I saw this year, I was not wowed. Over the years it feels like there has been quite a few quarterbacks that I was supposed to talk myself into despite the fact I didn’t see it upon watching them in a handful of games. The statistics are underwhelming and I can’t stop thinking about the Penn State game where they wouldn’t let him throw on third-and-long.

Other quarterbacks who I felt similarly about during the lead up to the draft have included: Bryce Young, Desmond Ridder, Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Daniel Jones, Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Mitch Trubisky, Jameis Winston and Blake Bortles.

What you notice about that list is that sometimes I was right, sometimes wrong. Such is life.

I’m not taking a hardcore stance against McCarthy. Not by a long shot. If Kevin O’Connell picks him, I’ll give them an A grade and fully believe that he can win in Minnesota and become a Pro Bowl type QB under the right circumstances and give them a chance to legitimately chase a championship by building a complete roster around him. I just wonder if he’s going to be able to fundamentally change some of the things that held him back and it seems more like a bet on projecting skills and having already seen them play out. Being skeptical about the price I’d give up for him vs. taking over guys and being a “hater” are different things.

Pickle Enjoyer…How many draft picks are you willing to give up of it secured Drake Maye? Four firsts and a 2026 second?

Mr. Pickle Enjoyer, I’d say three firsts and a 2025 third-rounder is as far as I would go. Four firsts is going too far considering the risk the team is taking on with an unproven player, no matter how good a prospect he might be.

Zac… If (when?) the Vikings draft a QB, it would seem their window could open in 2025 at the earliest with their cap situation. With that in mind, what positions should they target in the draft? Perhaps they should draft positions this year that often take 1-2 years to develop (like a guard) to best line up with their SB window?

Well, outside the No. 11 and 23 picks the Vikings’ next picks are 108, 129, 157, 167 and so on. When you’re drafting at that point then you can only take guys you like regardless of position. Because those players generally take a few years to develop, the aim of every pick is just to get somebody who might have a chance to contribute in some way. For example, Josh Metellus. Out of college it didn’t look like he had big time potential but he’s a super high IQ player with some toughness and potential positional versatility so they took him. Three years later, he’s a key piece.

There is a discussion about which positions might have the best chance at developing into something. I tend to think defensive linemen, cornerbacks, quarterbacks and offensive tackles need to be taken higher, whereas linebackers, running backs, receivers, safeties and guards have good chances to overcome some physical limitations. The Vikings’ depth chart does badly need depth at linebacker and guard.

Paul… Do you think the Giants will be able to beat a Viking’s trade up offer considering they have the 6 pick, which would still allow the other team to draft one of the top 3 receivers?

I’m not sold on the Giants making the move yet. We’ll see. I wonder if their ownership wants to see it through considering all the money they put down. We know a thing or two about a team chasing it’s bad decision to justify it, right? If the G-Men do want to beat the Vikings out for a top-four pick, they probably can. The No. 6 pick is way more valuable than No. 11 and they can tack on a high second-rounder to go with future capital. The whole thing may hinge on whether the Giants are for real in their interest in McCarthy.

Ben… Do you think the kickoffs returning saved a roster spot for Kene Nwangwu??

Very possible, yeah. We can’t forget how special Nwangwu was over his first two years. From 2021-2023 he averaged 27.6 yards per return, which was tied for No. 1 by any returner with at least 25 returns. He may not be fit for a full-time running back role but his size, explosiveness and top speed are impossible to deny. I’m guessing that they will have a competition with him but if he’s healthy then they have to keep him.

I can’t get enough of the new kickoff. I understand at first it looks a little strange but once you see it in action it’s just so much more exciting than watching the ball fly out of the back of the end zone over and over. Long live the kickoff return specialist.

Paul… The tampering allegations against ATL seem to be gaining momentum. Could the Vikings be waiting to trade up because they think there’s a chance the NFL will rule the Vikings and Falcons will swap 1st round picks?

Nah. The chances that the NFL gives the Vikings a first-round pick because Kirk talked to somebody with the Falcons before he signed there are pretty low. The time that Roger Goodell did take away a first-round pick from the Dolphins it was unbelievably blatant with their owner taking Tom Brady for a cruise and working out details of him signing with Miami.

Marv… When and where are the Vikings meeting privately with JJMC?

I’m not sure. It was a report, not an announcement. They weren’t inviting me to watch and hang out for pizza, so I didn’t think much about when/where. Were you thinking that after the meeting could be the time they decide to pull the trigger on a move up or not? You might be right…

Jason… Are the odds so much greater with McCarthy that it isn’t worth just taking Nix or Penix at 11 and getting another shot at a good starter at 23v I guess this is my way of saying trade to 3 or just take one of the other qbs.

Based on the history of the draft, if Nix or Penix Jr. is actually worth the No. 11 overall pick then their odds of success aren’t very different than McCarthy at No. 3 or 4 overall. QB5 has become the best of the lot before and future HOF QBs have been taken in the same range.

The hard part about analyzing this decision is that I have my own opinions about the guys from watching them but I’m aware those takes might be way off what KOC thinks. I believe him more than I believe me. I’d rather have Penix Jr. at 11 than trade everything for McCarthy. But I could absolutely see McCarthy being KOC’s type and working out and it wouldn’t be shocking if the NFL let Penix Jr. slip the same way they did with Hendon Hooker or Will Levis last year.

Ben… What team in the NFC do you see likely taking a step back in 2024??

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles slip down even more without Jason Kelce. Neither their offense or defense was the same last year without their assistants who got HC jobs and I’d guess that continues to be an issue. San Francisco was so dominant (+194 point differential) that they might not be able to maintain quite that level of performance. Going to the Super Bowl usually takes a toll on teams, as you saw from Philly when they ran out of gas last year. The Saints would be another potential pick. They went 9-8 but had a better point differential (+75) than the Packers. I don’t see where they got better at all and Carr gets more beat up every year.

Zac… “Talk me into” the North being the strongest division in the NFC in 2025

Usually “talk me into” is something tough to talk you into. In this case the combination of a strong Lions roster that was built through the draft and probably won’t be wildly expensive until 2026+ along with the No. 1 overall pick in Caleb Williams and Jordan Love with a team that’s just coming into its own at that point… there’s the potential for all of them to be legit Super Bowl contenders. Where the Vikings fit into that mix depends on what happens next. If the Vikings’ QB pick is a success, then it’ll be similar to when Zim arrived with four teams with QBs good enough that they could win the division. If they miss on the pick then they are falling way behind the pack.

The only other division with this type of potential for 2025 is the AFC South. All young QBs with dollars to spend.

Ch0… There's a lot of steam around the Vikings with McCarthy and Maye, specifically. Likelihood that's not steam but smoke and they're actually into Penix, Daniels, or Nix?

I don’t know if the Vikings actually like McCarthy. Nobody does except for KOC and possibly KOC’s wife. It’s all speculation. I’ve always said that NFL teams do not tell people who they’re going to draft and every year that gets proven to be true. Could I see McCarthy being a KOC type QB? Oh absolutely. The mental side and leadership will be huge, huge factors for KOC.

I have noticed that former QBs seem to really like Bo Nix. Who knows if that means anything but a dude getting the ball out in under 3 seconds even when he’s throwing more than 10 yards in the air (per PFF) might be attractive when “processing” is at such a premium. Penix Jr. has the rocket. Daniels has the playmaking. There’s a lot to like. We won’t know for sure who KOC likes until they make the pick.

IceColdNorth… Best guess as to what the Commanders do at pick #2?

I go back and forth between Daniels and Maye. I have been leaning Daniels for a long time because of the way the Commanders handled the offseason and I wonder if their decision makers will value the production more. So I’ll stick with that even with recognition that Maye was locked in as the No. 2 pick from the start of 2023. I don’t see any chance they trade out.

Timothy… Multiple draft analysts have predicted a trade for a more proven commodity (Kyler Murray, Justin Herbert, etc.) vs drafting a rookie... Is this an area actively being explored by MIN or filling air time for the next month?

I believe we call that boredom. The Cardinals are wise to stick with Murray and build around him like the Lions did with Goff. He’s a good QB. Not great but good enough to win with a great team. They can’t build that through free agency because their organization stinks and their QB is expensive so the only other way is through accumulating a boatload of draft picks, which they could certainly do with a trade down to No. 11. The Herbert idea is just bizarre. It doesn’t work with the cap or in any sane world — and I say that as being a little less hot on him than others.

Kip… Which Division would you like to see on “in Season Hard Knocks ? Besides NFC North ?

I want to say the NFC South because it’s probably going to be a gong show and it might be pretty interesting to see calamity. The AFC South makes more sense if you are thinking intrigue. Those teams are all trying to be the next club that takes a young QB and makes it big. I’d like to see that play out. However, Hard Knocks has gone super vanilla in the last five years. It went from must-see TV to meh.

Paul… What are the chances the Wilfs step in and save us from Glen Taylor and make an offer to buy the TWolves and Lynx? (I know Glen said they are no longer for sale, but I don't believe him).

It’s a heck of a lot more possible than it was two days ago. If I recall there was some reporting that they were a serious potential buyer before. The thing is, NBA teams are a lot more expensive than they were when the team initially went on sale. I don’t have any knowledge about whether they would want to put up that much money for another team but that has to be a factor to be considered versus when the sale first came about a few years ago.

Devin… If the Vikings can't trade into the top 3, do you see a scenario where they try to trade up from 23 using next year's 1st round pick and keeping pick 11?

There’s so many options on the table that pretty much any combination is possible. If we were ranking the most likely, at the top of the list is the Vikings trading up to No. 4 or 5 using No. 11 and 23. After that is sticking with their pick and taking whichever quarterback is there. There is a tendency when five or six QBs are mocked in the first round for at least one of the quarterbacks to be taken lower than we expect. Maybe there is a situation where they are trying to get up only a couple spots to stay ahead of Denver rather than going all the way up. I’m not sure there is a scenario where they move up and get to hang onto No. 11 though because it’s unlikely another team is OK moving all the way back from the top 10 to 23.

Todd S…. Can you provide the inside scoop on Dalton Risner? When he finally was signed, he became a staple on the left side. He's run blocking might not be he's strength but his pass block was pretty darn good. What gives?

Sure can. Dalton Risner thinks he’s worth more than he is actually worth. Same story as last year. It’s obvious that teams do not want to pay $10+ million for a guy who struggles that much with run blocking. If he’s willing to accept the fact that he isn’t an upper echelon player at the position then maybe the Vikings could get him back for $3-$5 million and that would be a good deal. I’d still rather them bring in two or three guys to compete for the spot and try to upgrade the run blocking.

Jeff… Most of the focus on the upcoming draft has been on the QB position. Free agency has also wound down now, so the rest of the roster is beginning to take shape. What are the other couple holes we should expect to see the Vikings try to address, early on day 3? Seems to me the biggest ones are D-line, Corner and the interior of the O-line. Maybe you could throw another recover in that mix as well.

They shouldn’t try to address holes on Day 3. If we look back at Day 3 picks over the last five years for the Vikings the only players that have been produced as starters have been Akayleb Evans, Cam Bynum and Josh Metellus. We can say that speaks to their draft/development but it also points to how rarely those players turn out. The Day 3 guys should be aiming to fill out positions where they lack depth and where there might be potential upside at development project players.

For current roster needs, there’s plenty of free agents who are still hanging around. Quick list:

G Laken Tomlinson, G Greg Van Roten, G Nick Gates, G/C Connor Williams

WR Tyler Boyd, WR DJ Chark, WR Hunter Renfrow

ED Mike Danna, ED Kyle Van Noy, DE Shaq Lawson, DE Emmanuel Ogbah

CB Ahkello Witherspoon, CB Steven Nelson, CB Adoree Jackson

Vikingman62… What are the chances that the chargers include their current QB Herbert in the trade with Minnesota to get his quarterback of the future JJ for themselves?

If it isn’t zero, then it’s extremely close to zero. Herbert is 26 years old and already has four very good NFL seasons under his belt. It would be insanity to give that away. Not to mention the $108 million dead cap hit that they were to trade him before June 1.

JimD… Do you feel like the use of Void years by Kwesi is a bad thing? Kwesi has been lowering cap hits using void years for his contracts for alot of his signings It's not a bad strategy in my eyes as it gives the team cap space now, and the void years can be offset by the yearly cap rise. Also any unused cap space carries over which can help to offset the void years. I've seen some people calling void years negative interest loans.

Salary cap work-arounds like void years always require a bigger context when we’re talking about whether they are a good idea or not. When they are in position to soon have tons of cap flexibility, then it’s not a bad idea if that’s what is required to get a deal done for a player like Jonathan Greenard done today. He can be a long-term part of their team and they won’t be penalized for a very long time and with a very small number ($3.3 million in 2028). When the Vikings were using void years on players like Anthony Barr while they slid down a slippery mountain with an aging roster that couldn’t truly compete, then it was a bad idea.

When the Vikings hit 2025-2027, they are going to be in a window to win once they draft the QB of the future. Go nuts with the cap. Move heaven and earth. Barrow on the future credit line. Bleep them picks. Whatever it takes to get talent. But don’t do that once the window is over and you need a rebuild year. That’s why last year was so important toward getting the cap right. Had they pushed money down the road to keep Dalvin, Thielen, Kendricks etc., then it wouldn’t have been as rosy for 2025.

Richard… If the Bears suddenly pick someone other than Williams how do you think that shakes out for the rest of the QB class.

If they shocked the world and picked Drake Maye then Caleb would go No. 2 to Washington and then No. 3 and 4 wouldn’t be much different. There would be a debate for the Patriots over whether to pick Daniels and Arizona would get all the calls to move up, assuming McCarthy really is worth it.

The real chaos is if one of the top four is actually the Will Levis of this draft or if Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. is the Daniel Jones (he was projected as a late first-rounder went No. 6 overall). Now that could really throw things for a loop.

Jerry P… Matthew, it' a little hard to contain my excitement about the upcoming draft. I did find piece and solace knowing KOC will be able to spot what he determines to be a franchise QB for years to come. That being said, if they let one fall to them by staying put with 11 or 23, should I still feel confident about their process?

Yeah, I think so. With lots of teams jockeying for position it’s not always possible to get exactly what you want. It seems that they have created avenues where they will be comfortable with the outcome either way. Let’s say they end up picking 11 and they think Nix/Penix Jr. will be on the board at 23. Then they are going to get possibly the No. 1 or No. 2 defensive player in the entire draft and a quarterback. That’s a pretty good worse-case scenario. If they end up with Nix or Penix Jr., there will be more pressure to hit on moves around them because both guys aren’t the type to carry a franchise but we have seen plenty of similar caliber QB prospects have success in their rookie contracts. It’s good process to have multiple ways to make it work.

Chris… What do you think LSU's head coach openly saying Jayden Daniels will make plays "For Washington"?

That was weird. Hard to say if he spilled the beans or if he was trying to speak it into existence.

Dennis… What do you realistically think it is going to take to trade up to 4 or 3 considering the Broncos, Raiders, Giants looking to trade up as well. Do you think they would also have to trade up to get Penix? If so, where and how much would they have to give to get Penix? In the final analysis, its seems like its a 50/50 crapshoot in drafting a franchise QB and its likely comes down to value.

I think that in order to get up to No. 3 they are going to have to pull some Mike Ditka stuff and give up three firsts and then something significant. Number four is probably just the three firsts. I don’t believe they will have to trade up to get Penix Jr. They could likely stay at No. 11 and get him and then still pick at 23 and take a defensive player.

There is definitely a philosophical argument to say that the odds between taking the third or fourth QB off the board vs. the fifth or sixth — if they are all first-round talents — are probably not different. But it’s all about the head coach’s opinion. If he’s comfortable with McCarthy or Penix Jr., then you roll with the guy you don’t have to trade up to get. If he’s only good with McCarthy, get him.

Kyle… Rank the best situations for a rookie quarterback among the teams most likely to draft a QB this year (Bears, Commanders, Patriots, Giants, Vikings, Broncos, Raiders).

Easily the Vikings No. 1. After that I’d go Bears, Commanders, Raiders, Broncos, Giants, Patriots. The Bears have a budding good defense and some weapons to work with now but they don’t have the advantage of an offensive minded head coach. All those other teams are pretty much disasters.

peter… I feel that the Patriots are hoping for a Hershal Walker type bonanza. I hope we don't make that mistake again.

There is no comparison because — let me point out the extremely obvious part of this — they would not be trading for a running back. What would have happened if they traded all those picks to pick the No. 1 quarterback in the 1989 draft and then eventually gave that fella Jake Reed and Cris Carter? I suppose Troy Aikman wouldn’t have looked as good in purple as he did with the star on his helmet but I bet it would have been worth the trade.

Jeff G… Matthew - thanks for regularly featuring Chris Trapasso on your podcasts - a very thoughtful and well respected NFL draft analyst! Chris recently wrote an insightful column ranking the "blue chip" QB's from the 2020 through 2024 drafts inclusive - 22 QB's total. Burrow was number 1 and Lance number 22. He has Maye at #4 in the 2020-2024 cumulative rankings, Williams at #6, Daniels at #8, McCarthy at #14, Nix at #16 and Penix at #17. Interestingly he has McCarthy behind Levis (at #10) and Nix & Penix behind Fields (at #15.) I agree with you that the Vikings should be "all in" on Maye - and try to get him at likely #3 or #4. That being said, based on Mr. Trapasso's rankings, and some of your past podcasts (including the thoughts of Jeremiah Sirles - also an extremely credible analyst & former Viking)- I will be very concerned if the Vikings give up their 1st round pick in 2025 to get McCarthy. If Maye is taken by Washington or the Patriots, I think we should just stick at 11 and draft Nix or Penix. Sure there will be premium defensive players available at that point (#11) but you can't risk Denver, LV or some unknown team selecting consensus QB's #5 and #6 before pick #23. Draft night can't come soon enough! Thoughts Matthew?

I’m a huge fan of Chris as well, which is why he’s the official draft analyst of the Purple Insider podcast.

I don’t think you are being irrational by preferring Penix Jr. at 11 over McCarthy with the massive trade up. That is only in the case that the Vikings believe Penix Jr. is a first-round pick. If he turns out to be a third-rounder, then I take it all back. But there is a really good argument for taking a prospect considered less talented and then getting the added benefit of an extremely good defensive prospect.

In the base case for the Vikings it would turn out like the 2014 draft where Derek Carr and Jimmy G both worked out or 2020 where Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts became good QBs despite not being taken at the top.

Ch0… In order of preference and regardless of what would have to be given up, which qb situation would you most enjoy watching for the Vikes next year? Maye, Daniels, Mccarthy, Penix, Nix, "see what KOC can get out of Darnold"... (not who is better, what would be the most fun to watch?)

Entertainment value ranking is a good idea. 1) Daniels 2) Penix Jr. 3) Maye 4) Darnold 5) McCarthy

Obviously Daniels’ crazy playmaking would be fun to watch but Penix Jr. launching the ball downfield over and over to Jefferson has some entertainment potential.

Rod… Out of the box thought .. If the NYG trade up to 4 and grab JJ (Arizona chooses them because they don’t want to be all the way to 11 ) could the Vikings move up to 5 and take Marvin Harrison. We send #11 and our 2025 first. Then at #23 we take Penix Jr. giving the Vikings potentially the best skill position group in the NFL. If Penix is even just decent it could be an unstoppable offense. (Bookend tackles, unparalleled skill positions, big armed QB who can challenge the entire field, and a fantastic and imaginative OC/HC) with 100M in cap room in 2025 you can pay JJ/Darisaw and restock the defense… the more I consider this possibility the more I like it, If MHJ is as advertised it could be like 1998

I’m never one to be against creating the new Three Deep. The one issue there is that Jake Reed caught 34 passes in 1998 and TE Andrew Glover caught 35. Are you going to spend a first-round pick on Addison and second-rounder acquiring Hockenson plus making him the highest paid tight end only to spend another high pick and not throw the ball to the other guys very often? Last year Kirk called JJ/JA/TJ/KJ the best group of weapons that he ever had in his career. It’s tremendous bunch. If they are picking QB at 23, I think taking Dallas Turner or Byron Murphy II would be the best route.

john… Hey Matthew, thanks for the insights on the QBs. In my opinion the fan base is strongly into group think on jj McCarthy. I'm not sold on him. I prefer guys who have shown larger sample size of productivity. I'm actually in on Penix, although I can see why people have issues with his injury history. Having said that, is there any history on prospects that shot up draft boards and how they turned out? Would be curious if it was mostly hype or did the teams picking them see something other teams should have.

The draft is so funny, right? Josh Allen completed 55.7% of his passes and threw 44 TD and 21 INT in college and Patrick Mahomes had a 5,000+ yard season and 93 career college TD passes and these are the top two quarterbacks in the NFL. Neither even went to a great college program. How can anyone figure this thing out?

Whether McCarthy is hype or worth a massive trade up is the most interesting question of the draft. I’ve been trying to think of similar players to come out in the draft recently that had less impressive stats but tools and a winning pedigree enough to go high in the first round. The best I could do was Mark Sanchez.

Purpfoolio… I’ve been so impressed with the Vikings offseason so far. It renewed my faith in Kwesi. Buuuutttt…. I can feel that old uhoh feeling slowly creeping back in as I fear he will trade back for more picks. Eventually picking Rattler and some “high valued picks”. Because that data says 3 top 50 picks is better than blah blah blah. How realistic is this scenario I’m having nightmares about?

It’s not very realistic. Listening to everything that was said at the owner’s meetings, they all know that they are picking a quarterback in the first round. Nothing else is acceptable. The data says that taking QBs anywhere outside of the first round is very rarely successful. The data says that if you have a great quarterback, you give yourself a chance to win the Super Bowl every year.

David… Mina Kimes said on her pod last week that whoever the Vikings pick will likely have the best chance of success due to the coach and situation. I know this is something you’ve said too. Whoever they take, should I just have faith in the process?

It’s football so anything can happen. The 49ers have the best supporting cast in the NFL and their first-round pick failed and seventh-round pick took them to a Super Bowl. If we could predict football then it wouldn’t be as much fun. But they have done everything they can (outside of tanking last year after Kirk got hurt) to put this next quarterback in position to succeed. That’s all you can really do.

Derrick… Do you think all this hype for JJ is smoke because teams like other QBs and/or want to increase the trade value of their picks?

I’m not sure. He has a lot to like about him. That’s why I keep trying to make it clear that I don’t “hate” him. I do think if there’s a guy who is most likely to be the Will Levis of the program, it’s McCarthy. Some years the draft analysis world absolutely nails it and other years they are out to lunch. I’ve seen really good analysts grade McCarthy as a second-round pick and others put him as as a clear-cut top-five pick. It is always interesting when someone’s rise happens around the NFL Combine rather than holding a certain spot during the entire year. I guess we’re gonna find out!

Stanley H… This draft appears to loaded on blue-chip defensive prospects. Who would be a good fit/value at #11 and/or at #23 assuming no first round trades and the Vikings get their QB with one of these picks.

I’m a huge believer in the value of defensive tackles. Not that edge rushers are easy to replace either but DTs can cause havoc to opposing offenses in a different type of way, which is why I’m into the idea of Bryon Murphy II from Texas if they were to pick 11th. At 23 possibly Johnny Newton of Illinois or there may be some intriguing cornerbacks, including Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama or Nate Wiggins from Clemson. That’s still a position I think they really need.

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