POLL OF THE WEEK: You’re the General Manager
Austin Belisle
|
Earlier today, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman addressed the media, offering a few insights into his plans for the 2015 NFL Draft. The usually cryptic Spielman left little to the imagination, making three points emphatically clear:
1. The 11th-overall pick is FOR SALE
2. The Vikings are not interested in an Adrian Peterson trade
3. Analytics = critical to 2015 draft planning
As mentioned in previous articles, and most recently by Ryan Boser, Spielman wants to accumulate nine or 10 total picks each year. With just seven in his pocket before the draft begins on Thursday, fans can expect Spielman to play an active role in early trade negotiations.
It’s unlikely that the Vikings trade up in the first round, but a trade back (or back into the first round) wouldn’t be out of the question. Yesterday, Ryan proposed two major trades, both of which included first round selections:
Minnesota sends 1(11) to Houston for 1(16), 3(82) and 4(116)
Minnesota sends 2(45) and 3(76) to Indianapolis for 1(29) and 5(165)
In his post Tuesday afternoon, Arif also envisioned situations where Rick Spielman parts ways with the 11th-overall pick. The first would involve the Dolphins (14) or 49ers (15), who may move up if one of the top three receivers is still on the board. The other sees the Saints move up from the 13th spot to draft one of the remaining edge rushers.
As it stands, the Viking have no intention of trading Adrian Peterson, but history suggests otherwise. After insisting he wouldn’t trade the disgruntled Percy Harvin, Spielman sent the receiver to the Seahawks for two 2013 draft picks and a mid-round pick in 2014.
Until Peterson suits up for the Vikings this year, his status with the team remains a question. Could the Vikings surprise the NFL and part ways with their superstar during the draft? It seems far-fetched now, but anything can happen once a team is “on-the-clock”.
Fast-forward to April 30th; it’s 6:15 pm CT, and the Vikings are slated to make a decision with the 11th-overall pick. You’re Rick Spielman, sitting at the head of a long conference table in the Vikings’ war room. You’re “looking forward” to moving back in the draft, but at what cost?
Take the poll below and let us know what you’d do in Rick Spielman’s shoes! We can’t wait to provide you all the best Vikings draft coverage around!
DIsclaimer: For straight trades (49ers, Browns, Saints, Dolphins), fair compensation and later picks are implied. The Houston Texans trade comes straight from Ryan Boser’s Rick Spielman Mock Draft 1.0. Feel free to include your own scenarios in the comments below.