Posts tagged: jonathan martin

Inside Our War Room: #MockFour Begins

April 16, 2012, by 44 comments

(Note: This is a continuation of a series where we take you inside our War Room for the #MockOne draft series. This particular version is for #MockFour. If you are unfamiliar with what it is all about, you should probably start off by reading about what we did in the previous #MockThree.)

We are at it again. I had such a blast participating in #MockThree that I decided to just keep rolling right in to #MockFour. This time, though,  I’m the General Manager. Not only that, but everyone’s favorite Vikings writer, Adam,  is a member of the War Room. We’ve also added a new manager to the team: Ryan Broser, a great writer for Bruno Boys, Fantasy Victor and Bleacher Report Vikings. (Josh Deceuster, our GM for #MockThree has returned to provide his valued opinion in the War Room as well.) So, let’s cut to the chase, shall we?

The first two picks of this draft started off much like the previous drafts. Andrew Luck is selected by the Indianapolis Colts and Robert Griffin ends up with the Washington Redskins. Now on the clock at #3, we were prepared to select OT Matt Kalil, the sure thing that I so vehemently defended selecting in me and Adam’s recent debate. Ironically enough, we actually ended up not selecting Matt Kalil.

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Top Tackle Prospect To Visit

March 24, 2012, by 1 comment

Some in the media think Rick Spielman should undergo a brain scan should he pass on USC left tackle Matt Kalil in April.  Others think writers that aren’t qualified to have such opinions should keep quiet.

The Vikings seem hell bent on making sure other teams don’t know exactly who they plan on selecting third overall, while also keeping their options open in terms of trading back.

With so many options available, it makes sense that the Vikings do their due diligence with as many prospects as they possibly can.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that the Vikings are reportedly hosting Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin to a pre-Draft visit.

Martin (6’ 5” – 312 pounds) was part of a star-studded Stanford team and he was tasked with protecting Andrew Luck’s blind side.  He is known as an athletic left tackle, plenty capable of blocking for the passer and a dominant run blocker.

He joins Luck, tight end Coby Fleener, and guard David DeCastro as a Stanford product seemingly destined to be selected in the first round next month.

Community Mock: Day Thirteen

March 22, 2012, by 1 comment

Our Community Mock Draft (click here to see it) is clipping along nicely.

The last selection went to the Seattle Seahawks and Michael Floyd was nearly the winner.  Instead, however, defensive end Melvin Ingram squeaked it out and that is who we have the Seahawks picking up.

Next up are the Arizona Cardinals.  This was a tough one for me to narrow down, hence all the choices, so I imagine you will have an equally tough time casting a vote.  But, they are on the clock, so you must, you must I say!

Hit up the poll below.

Community Mock: Day Twelve

March 20, 2012, by 4 comments

Day Eleven of our Community Mock is updated with the results from our last poll.  We awarded nose tackle Dontari Poe to the Chiefs and now it is the Seattle Seahawks that are on the clock.

The Seahawks recently signed quarterback Matt Flynn to compete with Tarvaris Jackson in the starting lineup, but there are plenty of other needs to fill and that will start with this selection.

View the Community Mock by clicking here.

Cast your vote below.

Community Mock: Day Eleven

March 18, 2012, by 4 comments

The VT community has spoken once again, and this time you all have decided that cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick will join the Bills defense that has also just acquired defensive end Mario Williams.

Now, it is the Kansas City Chiefs that are on the clock.  Please cast a vote and leave your analysis in the comments section.

Kalil Looks The Part

February 25, 2012, by No comments yet

Speculation surrounding the Vikings first round pick has been mostly centered around USC left tackle Matt Kalil ever since it became obvious their 2011 season was going nowhere.

Fans tuning into the combine this weekend were treated to a display of strength and athleticism that should confirm Kalil’s status as the top left tackle of this Draft prospect, ahead of Iowa’s Riley Reiff and Stanford’s Jonathan Martin.

Kalil had the second fastest 40-time of all the offensive linemen with a 4.99 official time.  He had 30 reps on the bench press, which is plenty respectable for an outside lineman.  He (and guard David DeCastro) blazed through the 3-cone drill posting a time of 7.33 seconds. 

He did post some disappointing results on the high jump and broad jump, which could lead to some worries about his burst off the line, but overall Kalil should have solidified his status as the top tackle in Indy.

It remains to be seen if the Vikings will draft Kalil, somebody else, or trade out of the three spot, but it is comforting to know that there will be such a talented option available in the top three this April.