Tony Schultz’s Must-Have List for Vikings Draft
Every year, we get locked into players we want the Vikings to draft.
No matter where the team picks, we look at the realistic possibilities around that pick, fashion an opinion on players, and sometimes can’t loosen up our grip on certain guys. I’m guilty of that for sure. Sometimes it’s a guy the team doesn’t need or have a shot at, that you say, “Man, it would be cool to get that guy.”
Tony Schultz’s Must-Have List for Vikings Draft
Players that make you wring your hands over thinking about giving up him for a player that’s just as good and just as needed. In 2019, I was enthralled with T.J. Hockenson being on the team, even though the Vikings needed offensive linemen like we needed to breathe. He was just a guy I loved watching play, and would be such a great weapon when added to Adam Thielen and Stephon Diggs. The other guy on my list was Dalton Risner, whom I watched with a microscope during the Senior Bowl and knew he would improve the line immediately.
Once T.J. was drafted, I was sure they would take Risner over Garrett Bradbury, feeling that Chris Lindstrom would never reach the Vikings. When they took Bradbury, I wasn’t angry because he was a lauded pick, and I hoped that Risner would slip, and Rick Spielman would actually trade up to snag him. In 2010, I thought it would be cool if the Vikings would draft Toby Gerhart even though they really didn’t need him. I could just picture that backfield with him and Adrian Peterson. When it happened, I was shocked and elated. In 1996, it was Mike Alstott that I was enamored with.
I mostly watched Big 10 Football, so I saw him regularly maul teams on Saturdays. Last year, the struggle was between Darke Maye, Dallas Turner, and Cooper DeJean. Getting one out of three isn’t bad! But they missed out on not getting DeJean, and that could have changed thoughts on this year’s picks.
I have some strong opinions on players this year, and I would like to see the Vikings snag during the draft, whether they need them or not. Without any glaring holes, they don’t have to worry if they fill an open position.
Here they are in ascending order based on when they might be drafted.
4. Oronde Gadsden II (TE)
Syracuse
Gadsden will be a difficult player to figure out at the next level because he will be considered a “tweener” at his position.
He was moved to tight end from wide receiver, but he doesn’t have the size or blocking skills for a starting tight end. It was mostly for matchups in the passing game, which his size, 6’5″ and 236lbs, makes him a problem for shorter linebackers and safeties. However, defensive ends will most likely blow him off the line. He also has a large catch radius. Gadsden mostly lined up in the slot as more of a hybrid wide receiver in college.
While they may draft him late or bring him in as an undrafted free agent, it is intriguing to see how they can use him even though his blocking is less desirable. He could become a goal line target for 50/50 jump balls against shorter opponents. It’s worth noting the Vikings did bring him in on a 30 visit.
3. Jake Majors (C)
Texas
Center is by far considered the weakest position in this year’s draft, with absolutely no first-round player listed as a possibility. Most draft boards don’t have a center ranked above the 80s on their Big Boards. This usually means one won’t be considered until around the 5th round.
Majors obviously has his faults, but I like his smarts the best. Texas feels he’s a great leader and understands his role on the offensive line. The rest of the linemen and team listen when he speaks, and that’s not something you can teach. His physical attributes put him low on the charts, but if an NFL team can improve those things, he could develop into a starting center in a few years, like Will Fries.
Being behind Ryan Kelly for those few years would help him immensely. His intangibles make me want him picked with a late-round pick.
2. Cam Skattebo (RB)
Arizona
In all the mock drafts I’ve run though in full simulation or using the Vikings I come across Skattebo the most. Let’s first look at what the team already has at the running back position: Aaron Jones is a reliable, veteran, fast, do-everything back. Jordan Mason is a fast, powerful, do almost anything back.
Ty Chandler is known for his speed and special team skills, and Zavier Scott is basically unknown. Jones and Mason can catch well out of the backfield and protect the quarterback in blitz protection. Skattebo completes the collection as a bruising runner who won’t go down on first contact or even second contact. He is also adept at catching the ball out of the backfield and has been touted by some as the best receiving back out of the backfield.
Putting Skattebo in the Vikings’ backfield gives them the punch on short-yardage plays with the quickness and vision to avoid would-be tacklers. With him in the mix, the Vikings have a complete backfield arsenal that becomes more threatening with CJ Ham’s lead blocking. However, he isn’t just a “gadget” back and could start for the team if needed. He won’t beat teams with his speed, but he will get positive yardage a high percentage of the time.
If the Vikings offense can get the lead, then he can be the back who bleeds the clock down to all zeroes and takes wear and tear off of Jones and Mason. He will crush defenders and end up regularly on Kyle Brandt’s “Angry Runs” segment on the NFL Network.
1. Grey Zabel (G)
North Dakota State
This guy is a straight-up stud and could become a stalwart guard for years to come. He is strong, tough, intelligent, and versatile in his ability also to play center. When Zabel was at the Senior Bowl, he didn’t merely flash occasionally; he dominated and showed a nasty disposition while doing it. Guys who shine at that showcase usually do very well in the NFL, regardless of their position. Injuries happen and guys get older, but he could jump in at any position and be good.
Left guard will be his main position, but he could start at center and even kick out to tackle if needed to in spot duty. If Zabel is available at 24, then the Vikings should take him unless they have strong information that they can trade back a few spots and still pick him up. Otherwise, they shouldn’t risk it.
Adding him to an already improved offensive line will make that unit stronger and make him, Christian Darrisaw, and Will Fries a unit that should be consistent for quite a few years as Kelly and Brian O’Neill eventually age out of the game. Since the Vikings can take the best player available at any position in this draft, offensive guard seems like the best spot to shore up to protect JJ McCarthy for years to come.
Vikings Boot 2 Players Off Roster
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