Image courtesy of Vikings.com
107 picks down, 146 to go.
The final day of the 2017 NFL draft has arrived and with it comes the ultimate challenge for scouting departments — find the hidden gems amidst a massive pile of rubble. This isn’t an impossible task, but it has a special way of separating good teams from champions. Behind seemingly every extended run of success is a Hall of Fame quarterback and multiple quality starters acquired on Day 3 or during undrafted free agency:
This trend has a rather simple explanation: Few teams are consistently able to find impact players during Rounds 4-7, which allows organizations that accomplish this task on an annual basis to collect talent faster and easier while being able to keep championship rosters together longer by using bargain rookie contracts.
Rick Spielman is no stranger to striking gold on Day 3 or during undrafted free agency; and the Minnesota Vikings’ current wide receiver depth chart is definitive proof of this success and likely his best work to date:
There is still a copious amount of talent available entering Day 3, and, if nothing else, Spielman has the odds in his favor, as Minnesota is scheduled to make seven selections on the final day of the 2017 NFL draft:
AFC Midwest Scout (via Lance Zierlein): “You worry about the physical limitations a little bit because teams will find your weaknesses and exploit them. But he’s just so steady and productive and tough. He loves football and I think he’ll just find a way.”
Tim Yotter (via Scout.com): “He doesn’t seem to have a lot of pass-rushing moves, but he can still find ways to get penetration, using angles to his advantage. He is also good at following the action down the line.”
AFC Director of Scouting (via Lance Zierlein): “He is playing way too heavy right now, and I don’t think he’s in the shape he needs to be in. But, hey, he’s always productive and he plays in a physical conference, so that’s a plus. He can run but he’s not a great athlete. I think he’ll be a much better player if he plays around 230.”
NFC Scout (via Lance Zierlein): “Hard-nosed and smart. I like everything about him — his length, his frame, his toughness, his durability, his consistency. Ten-year starter in the league.”
NFC Director of Scouting (via Lance Zierlein): “He’s a character flag for us. He’s talented but I just don’t think he loves the game enough for me to back him in our room. Who doesn’t love those long arms? We all do, but I think he’s lazy and will head south as soon as he has more time and money on his hands.”
AFC Director of Scouting (via Lance Zierlein): “He’s going to be a good pro. Everyone wants Kelce, Olsen or Gronk but those are elite players. Butt is dependable and will make first downs. They all get better as blockers once they get up here.”
PFF Scouting Team (Pro Football Focus): “The lack of consistency and overall production against the run is something of a concern with Lawson, but his talent as a pass-rusher is impossible to deny. In the very least though, he has the talent teams are going to fall in love with as a pass-rusher.”
Notable No-Name Prospects (Vikings Territory): “Bucknell’s football program rarely produces intriguing NFL talent, but offensive tackle Julie’n Davenport certainly warrants this distinction. Honestly, I have more questions about the spelling of Davenport’s first name than I do about his NFL potential, as the FCS blind-side OT consistently mauled edge rushers en route to a likely fifth- or six-round selection.”
Notable No-Name Prospects (Vikings Territory): “Tennessee’s Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a projected Day-3 selection, but his limited game film argues him as a Day-2 prospect. The versatile linebacker prospect is a fundamental tackler with gifted coverage talent from a power conference school — so what gives?
Reeves-Maybin missed the majority of his senior campaign due to a shoulder injury and completely lacks a combine testing profile, effectively plummeting his draft stock. Threat of the unknown (or lesser-known) has a way of pushing talented athletes to Saturday selections, and Reeves-Maybin is no different.”
NFC North Scout (via Lance Zierlein): “I love the player, but he’s too small for what we are asked to look for. He falls below our minimum size requirements. But someone else is going to get a good player. I would fight for him if I could.”
QB: Brad Kaaya, Miami; Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh; Chad Kelly, Mississippi.
RB: Wayne Gallman, Clemson; Semaje Perine, Oklahoma; Brian Hill, Wyoming.
WR: Chad Hansen, California; DeDe Westbrook, Oklahoma; Rodney Adams, South Florida.
TE: Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech; Jordan Leggett, Clemson; George Kittle, Iowa.
OT: David Sharpe, Florida; Will Holden, Vanderbilt; Dan Skipper, Arkansas.
OG: Damien Mama, Southern California; Isaac Asiata, Utah; Nico Siragusa, San Diego State.
OC: Chase Roullier, Wyoming; Tyler Orlosky, West Virginia; Jon Toth, Kentucky.
DT: Elijah Qualls, Washington; Carlos Watkins, Clemson; Chunky Clements, Illinois.
DE: Deatrich Wise Jr., Arkansas; Keionta Davis, Chattanooga; Avery Moss, Youngstown State.
LB: Ben Boulware, Clemson; Elijah Lee, Kansas State; Hardy Nickerson, Illinois.
CB: Damontae Kazee, San Diego State; Jalen Myrick, Minnesota; Howard Wilson, Houston.
S: Rayshawn Jenkins, Miami; Eddie Jackson, Alabama; Tedric Thompson, Colorado.
Statistics courtesy of Sports-Reference; Combine Results courtesy of NFL.com
Follow BJ Reidell on Twitter @RobertReidell for Live Reports from Winter Park and Instant Pick Analysis
View Comments
BJ, Nice write up. You and the Vikings Territory staff have been feeding my Viking NFL draft addiction for a several years now. I try to join in on the chat room during the draft because its a lot of fun. I spend way too much time looking at draft boards and this year using the draft simulator.
This is the 1st year in a long time that I have been happy and dare I say flat out astounded as to who we have drafted so far. In the past I have been disappointed with out picks because they were big time reaches IMO. Look no further than Ponder, Williams etc. Usually after the draft, you guys get me off the ledge by painting those picks with purple so I accept that I'm not the expert. Then reality sets in and the results are not so good all the time. I know we have had some good picks but I'm a fan and I want it all. LOL. This year we are on a path to have the best draft in many years and I hope that Rick and his team get this 4th round right. The Vikings are so close and this could be the draft that sets the tone for our success for several years. Am I overstating this?
The following picks may be obvious but I was up till 2AM looking at who we can pick in the 4th round today. Being I could not have imagined getting Cook and Elflein with the 1st two picks, I'm going to go ahead and give you my wish list for the 4th round. If they get 3 from this list, well just slap me silly.
G Dorian Johnson
LB/DE Carl Lawson
DT Caleb Brantley (read this is an overblown incident so it may be worth the chance). Pick is in already with Jaleel Johnson who was next on my board for today.
If any of the above are not available in the 4th then:
TE Bucky Hodges or Jake Butt
In the 6th grab an OL from this list if they fall:
Isidora, Banner, Asiata, Siragusa
This draft is stacking up to be to good to be true!
Respectfully,
Joe