In attempt to hide their true intentions heading into the draft in recent years, the Vikings have brought in a number of players for pre-draft workouts.
But the Vikings rarely – if ever – drafted the players they brought in, which probably ruined the intended effect. Other teams knew the Vikings were playing mind games and wouldn't end up picking the guys they brought in. But this year the Vikings first two picks – Percy Harvin and Philip Loadholt – had been brought in for private workouts. (Here's my previous post on the Harvin selection.)
So after passing on OT Michael Oher in the first round, the Vikes get a tackle in the second round. Loadholt should challenge Ryan Cook and Artis Hicks for the starting right tackle spot. If he can't beat them, we should probably be concerned the Vikes whiffed on this pick.
But god is Loadholt big. Ten-to-15 years ago, if you were an offensive tackle and weighed 300 pounds, you were a huge guy. Now 300 pounds is almost, I don't know, tiny. What is this all leading to? In another 10 years are we going to be seeing 7'0, 400-pound tackles?
And what are your thoughts on the Vikings picks on the first day? You can't accuse management of not addressing roster weaknesses.
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2 comments:
Even though I ripped on the idea of the Vikes drafting a WR at 22 earlier today, I can't help but feel pretty stoked right now. Harvin is the most exciting option fan-wise for next year, and could also add some dynamic to a lethargic kick/punt return unit.
Surprised Beatty slipped as far as he did - I thought he was better than Loadholt going into the draft. We will see how it works out, but I'm really happy that we had an answer to our O-line needs available in round two.
If Oher becomes a pro-bowl lineman, we'll be all pissed down the line - but the guys we got could ease the pain depending on their performance.
The big "IF" here is "IF" Chili can effectively utilize Harvin - the ol' vanilla offense won't provide much of a stage for the young man.
In closing, at least we didn't pick Heyward-Bey at #7! Man, I really feel sorry for Raiders fans out there.
Travis:
I hear you on the Raiders selection of Heyward-Bey. He's got combine workout warrior bust written all over him. Al Davis strikes again.
As for the Vikes picks. You're can argue with the order that they addressed things, but they're both very defensible selections. However, I find myself unmoved by the selections. Harvin seems to be a guy who won't play regularly in the NFL and as we've both pointed out, even if he is good, will Chilly and Bevell know what to do with him? And it was my understanding that Beatty was more highly regarded than Loadholt as well.
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