“Voice of Vikings” Predicts Vikings’ Draft Pick
Minnesota Vikings draft predictions are rolling in hot and heavy, with the team on tap to choose four new rookies between Thursday night and Saturday afternoon.
“Voice of Vikings” Predicts Vikings’ Draft Pick
Of course, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could trade back on Thursday night, hoping to secure more selections in Rounds 2, 3, and 4. But that’s just one theory of many with the draft mere hours away.
One credible and noble personality has weighed in on the Vikings’ pick with a prediction — Paul Allen of KFAN, who also calls all Vikings games on the radio and has done so for over 25 years.
Allen said on his show Thursday that an offensive guard, probably Tyler Booker — possibly Grey Zabel — seems to be the likely pick.
Paul Allen Says OG Tyler Booker, Maybe Grey Zabel
Allen said Thursday morning, the day of the draft, that he leaned toward Alabama’s Booker, an offensive guard, for Minnesota’s first pick. Based on the verbiage, Booker felt like the “1A” choice, with Zabel, also a guard, the clear “1B.”
And if both men don’t pan out per the draftboard, Allen seemed to hint at a defensive back for the Vikings, a safety or cornerback.
Other guard options not named Zabel or Booker include Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson. At safety, Malaki Starks (Georgia) and Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) represent the top Round 1 options. For cornerbacks, Round 1 choices might be Will Johnson (Michigan), Jahdae Barron (Texas), or Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina).
The Details on Tyler Booker
Booker is 6’5,” 325 pounds, and 21 years old. That’s ideal size and age for a 1st-Rounder. His Relative Athletic Score checked in horribly, but fans would simply hope that doesn’t much matter.
NFL Draft Buzz‘s Wyatt Brooks on Booker: “The physical tools and foundation are in place for Booker to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. His massive frame, natural power, and length project perfectly to the interior offensive line, while three years of high-level SEC competition have prepared him for the next step. His impressive development as a pass protector stands in contrast to his less refined run blocking, creating an intriguing evaluation for NFL teams.”
“Booker’s best fits will be in offenses that can maximize his advanced pass protection skills while continuing to develop his run blocking. His anchor and technical polish in pass pro suggest immediate contributions in passing situations, though teams will need patience as he refines his run game technique.”
Booker would presumably take over the Vikings’ left guard spot before too long, the job held by Blake Brandel at the moment.
Brooks added, “His quick adaptation to scheme changes at Alabama demonstrates versatility that will serve him well at the next level. Look for Booker to compete for a starting role immediately with the ceiling to develop into a cornerstone guard.”
“His combination of physical tools, technical foundation, and competitive fire give him Pro Bowl upside if he can bring his run blocking up to the level of his pass protection.”
Grey Zabel’s Scouting Report
At age 23 and 6’6,” Zabel is slightly older and taller than Booker. He’s jetted up draftboards since his dazzling showing at the Senior Bowl. Many mock drafts have him attached to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 18, so he may not even be in play for Minnesota.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on Zabel: “Tough-guy profile on this prospect coming out of North Dakota State. Zabel has an NFL frame with room for additional mass and possesses a good starting point in terms of his play strength.”
“He has to play with really quick hands and good feet in order to compensate for short arms that make sustaining blocks and controlling pass rushers more challenging. Teams might ask Zabel to snap during draft season in order to project positional flexibility.”
The 2025 Offensive Line if Allen Is Correct
Minnesota’s 2025 offensive line would look like this, if Allen’s prognostication comes true:
RT: Brian O’Neill
RG: Will Fries
C: Ryan Kelly
LG: Tyler Booker | Grey Zabel
LT: Christian Darrisaw
It’s worth noting that Booker is a stone-cold offensive guard and won’t offer the OL position flexibility that Zabel will provide.
Other Popular Predictions
If the pick is not an offensive lineman, Adofo-Mensah’s selection will likely be one of these men:
- Jahdae Barron (CB)
- Nick Emmanwori (S)
- Kenneth Grant (DT)
- Derrick Harmon (DT)
- Benjamin Morrison (CB)
- Walter Nolen (DT)
- Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)
- Malaki Starks (S)
Oddsmakers expect Minnesota to choose a cornerback or safety. Defensive tackle and offensive line aren’t too far off sportsbooks’ leaderboards.
Fan-Favorite Viking Leaves Team
You must be logged in to post a comment.