In the build up to the draft, I had a simple goal for the Vikings of drafting at least three players that could make an impact in 2018. I don't mean getting a couple tackles on special teams, even though that would technically count as making an impact. The exception to that would be if the player managed to lead the team in ST tackles and also got a turnover or was tremendous at limiting returns.
What I would hope they work themselves into is guys that make plays on offense or defense. Keeping the QB upright as an offensive lineman. Getting into the backfield to stop big plays or to sack the Quarterback as a d - lineman. Getting an interception, or multiple, as a defensive back or linebacker. Gaining yards, making catches and scoring touchdowns as an offensive skill position player. You get the point.
So how do those expectations/hopes stack up to how things have gone in the draft? We won't know that until the games are played. I'm a big believer in allowing two seasons to be played out before making a bunch of hard judgements on players. Doesn't mean that immediate and quicker reactions can't be right but in fairness to the young men, I think 32 games is an appropriate sample size for fans. So sorry Laquan, you're a bust. That said, I got some takes on the newest additions to the Purple covenant.
Round 2 - Brian O'Neill (T)
The consensus for the Vikings going into the draft was that offensive line was the clear top priority. The team decided to go a different direction, and I already gave my thoughts about that. Obviously the analysts weren't too far off though because the Vikings went offensive line the next time they were on the clock.
At 6'7" 300 pounds, the guy has the physical potential to slow down pass rushers and be a terror in rec league basketball. The latter part of that may or may not happen but I would hope that he's able to work his way into the top five offensive linemen in rapid fashion. Do that and manage to go the whole season being better than the former Pitt offensive lineman that the Vikings took and he will have made a requisite impact. Or at least an impact. The requisite part would get attached if he can limit the hits on Cou$ins and avoid getting turned like a top by any of the rushers that the Vikings will face this year!
I like the pick, as much as a selection of an offensive lineman can be liked. So that concluded the first two days of the draft. Mostly uneventful for the Vikings but I guess that's a side effect of being one of the best teams in the league. Now it's up to the big body to come in and make one of the best just a little bit better.