One Very Popular Vikings Draft Theory Could Be Wrong as Hell
We issue a challenge to you: Use Google to search “NFL Mock Draft.” Sort results by “this week.” Click on the mock draft, preferably a credible version. Scroll down to the Minnesota Vikings’ pick at No. 24.
One Very Popular Vikings Draft Theory Could Be Wrong as Hell
You’ll find South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori or Georgia safety Malaki Starks.
That’s right. National media have decided to laser focus on safeties for Minnesota in Round 1, with the draft just two days away.
While fans wouldn’t necessarily protest a safety selection, there’s some evidence suggesting the theory could be wrong.
Source? Harrison Smith.
Harrison Smith Pumps Up Theo Jackson
Beloved defender Harrison Smith spoke to reporters on Monday, and among many topics, he addressed his teammate Theo Jackson’s trajectory to start in September.
Smith said, “Everything I’ve seen from Theo is he’s got a lot of ability, he’s smart, he knows how to be a pro, which I think is very important, considering the length of a season, all the different roles you can play and whatever role he’s plugged into, special teams, starting role on defense or a few plays here or there on defense, he comes in, he does his job at a high level, he makes plays, he’s energetic. He’s big-time in my opinion.”
Former Vikings defensive back Camryn Bynum left in free agency last month for the Indianapolis Colts, and to the naked eye, many believed Minnesota would need a big-name replacement from free agency or a Round 1 rookie. Jackson’s contract was extended a few days before Bynum’s departure, a move many interpreted as a starter’s deal.
Smith added, “Everything I’ve seen from Theo is he’s got a lot of ability, he’s smart, he knows how to be a pro, which I think is very important, considering the length of a season, all the different roles you can play and whatever role he’s plugged into, special teams, starting role on defense or a few plays here or there on defense, he comes in, he does his job at a high level, he makes plays, he’s energetic. He’s big-time in my opinion.”
If Jackson Is the Real Deal, Vikings Don’t Need a Safety
Jackson is 26. He isn’t old. If Smith isn’t afraid to heap praise on him, forecasting Jackson as the almighty and unsung playmaker, the guy is probably pretty good.
National mock drafters don’t know what a Theo Jackson is. They see “Theo Jackson” on Minnesota’s depth chart and think, “Yeah, no, they definitely need a safety because Camryn Bynum left.”
But that mentality totally glosses over the prospect of Jackson starting — and turning into a formidable football player.
Brian Flores’ Praise of Jackson
Last summer, Vikings defensive coordinator heaped praise on Jackson — not unlike Smith on Monday.
“Anyone who watches Theo work, from a meeting standpoint, from a training standpoint, from just an understanding of concepts and a knowledge of the game, I think he’s starting to put a lot of things together. And he’s growing in confidence, which that comes with preparation and he prepares the right way. And it’s showing up on the field,” Flores said about Jackson last July.
National Mock Draft Consensus = Safety
Here’s the kicker: the momentum during draft week suggests that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will use his 1st-Round pick on the aforementioned Emmanwori or Starks. Down the line, the predictions are lining up to connect Emmanwori or Starks to Minnesota as if Jackson simply doesn’t exist.
One must wonder: Would Smith and Flores, two elite defensive minds, really be utterly wrong about Jackson?
Josh Metellus Extension Around the Bend
Meanwhile, another safety, Josh Metellus, is due for an extension. That agreement should be locked in sometime this summer, almost certain to link Metellus to Minnesota for the next two or three seasons.
If Smith retires — that will probably happen next January — Flores will have Metellus, Jackson, and 2023 draft alumnus Jay Ward for the long haul.
It’s a roundabout way of saying Minnesota has plenty of safeties, and therefore, the mock draft consensus may be wrong.
The Round 1 Safety Plan Failed Last Time
Of course, life would be so much easier if Lewis Cine had panned out, Adofo-Mensah’s very first draft pick in 2022. He plays the same position as Emmanwori and Starks, and if he didn’t flame out of Minnesota’s roster orbit, now would be the time for his depth chart ascension.
But Minnesota has Jackson for that, and he might make dozens of mock drafters look foolish on Thursday night.
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