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 4 - Jalyn Holmes (DE/DT)
I was hoping that the Vikings would identify someone that could rush from the edge and in the middle. Holmes may be a little slow to get around the corner consistently in the NFL but as a rotational guy I am most excited about this pick. That would be ratcheted up if the Vikings can convince Brian Robison to come on one more fishing trip.
Never the flashiest guy on the team, B-Rob would be a great example of a rotational guy who can play in & out on the defensive line. That's an unknown for now but we know that the Vikings made another move to bolster a strong area on the roster.
In terms of his immediate impact, I predict that it will come in the form of the number of snaps that he earns in the defensive line rotation. Showing enough to the coaches so that they put him on the field early in the game would be significant in keeping the elite guys fresh in the fourth quarter.