This is a good analysis of the weird inflection point that this class is at. So curious how this draft class still has a high chance of being evaluated as terrible (if both Bradbury and Irv Smith take a step back) or average (if both turn into only slightly above players), while also having a maybe 25% chance of turning into a great draft (if both turn into dependable top-ten-ish long-term starters, while simultaneously two or three other players such as Mattison/Cameron Smith/Udoh/Watts/Bisi turn into useful rotational pieces).
If I were to guess I would suggest that it'll turn into an average class (any draft where you get two useful starters and a handful of other interesting guys is not a bad draft), but I wouldn't bet on it.
appreciate that and I agree, things have to really swing their way in order for this to work out as a good class. It is funny how things can change quickly... we woulda said Bisi, Watts, Mattison and even Udoh were trending in the right direction after 2019 but 2020 wasn't good for any of them. Maybe that changes
My concern here with this class is that the philosophy is playing a significant role in the lack of development. If the Vikings aren’t going to throw the ball why draft Irv Smith? Why draft Mattison if your only going to use him 10 snaps a game. I don’t think they are bad players (except Samia) I think they are not using them correctly but maybe that changes this year who knows.
They still targeted tight ends 102 times last year, so it's a valuable position in a Kubiak style offense. The Mattison pick is definitely questionable no matter what way you look at it. I can understand with the injury issues why they'd want another option but using him only in case of injuries isn't worth a 3rd round pick
Definitely something I don't recall being mentioned more... if Bradbury is talking about getting healthy and his stats 2/3 of season were graded well, safe to say year 3 has a lot of promise. Feels like a nice added bonus this growth is happening along with the QB.
As for Irv Smith, there is a sneaky suspicion the Vikes have zero interest in drafting WR until 4th round or later.
Numbers say the young TE is versatile, and if the coach thinks O-line is fine, I believe everything will continue to go through RB Cook.
Speaking of RB brilliance, Mattison felt like an odd addition at the time... but with health concerns for Dalvin Cook, the logic wasn't completely far-fetched. Can't say Minnesota would've called the offense any different if they drafted other RBs in that area: Bryce Love, Justice Hill, Benny Snell, Tony Pollard. Solid options to relieve the starter, but it only works best if the pieces are utilized.
Very excited to see if Kubiak Jr. can send this offense into hyper speed. With or without Zimmers approval.
This is a good analysis of the weird inflection point that this class is at. So curious how this draft class still has a high chance of being evaluated as terrible (if both Bradbury and Irv Smith take a step back) or average (if both turn into only slightly above players), while also having a maybe 25% chance of turning into a great draft (if both turn into dependable top-ten-ish long-term starters, while simultaneously two or three other players such as Mattison/Cameron Smith/Udoh/Watts/Bisi turn into useful rotational pieces).
If I were to guess I would suggest that it'll turn into an average class (any draft where you get two useful starters and a handful of other interesting guys is not a bad draft), but I wouldn't bet on it.
appreciate that and I agree, things have to really swing their way in order for this to work out as a good class. It is funny how things can change quickly... we woulda said Bisi, Watts, Mattison and even Udoh were trending in the right direction after 2019 but 2020 wasn't good for any of them. Maybe that changes
My concern here with this class is that the philosophy is playing a significant role in the lack of development. If the Vikings aren’t going to throw the ball why draft Irv Smith? Why draft Mattison if your only going to use him 10 snaps a game. I don’t think they are bad players (except Samia) I think they are not using them correctly but maybe that changes this year who knows.
They still targeted tight ends 102 times last year, so it's a valuable position in a Kubiak style offense. The Mattison pick is definitely questionable no matter what way you look at it. I can understand with the injury issues why they'd want another option but using him only in case of injuries isn't worth a 3rd round pick
Definitely something I don't recall being mentioned more... if Bradbury is talking about getting healthy and his stats 2/3 of season were graded well, safe to say year 3 has a lot of promise. Feels like a nice added bonus this growth is happening along with the QB.
As for Irv Smith, there is a sneaky suspicion the Vikes have zero interest in drafting WR until 4th round or later.
Numbers say the young TE is versatile, and if the coach thinks O-line is fine, I believe everything will continue to go through RB Cook.
Speaking of RB brilliance, Mattison felt like an odd addition at the time... but with health concerns for Dalvin Cook, the logic wasn't completely far-fetched. Can't say Minnesota would've called the offense any different if they drafted other RBs in that area: Bryce Love, Justice Hill, Benny Snell, Tony Pollard. Solid options to relieve the starter, but it only works best if the pieces are utilized.
Very excited to see if Kubiak Jr. can send this offense into hyper speed. With or without Zimmers approval.