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 5 - Daniel Carlson (K)
A second straight pick that has me scratching my head. Not because the Vikings have some hall of fame level kicker or because I think it's unacceptable to draft kickers or punter. I just didn't think that this would be a position to be addressed with a pick.
I wasn't alone in that opinion. When I reached out to PA about positions with the lowest odds of a drafting, he quickly replied back that he thought Kicker and Punter were down with Quarterback. So even one of the closest guys to the organization can get it wrong some times.
Carlson is another guy that the Vikings traded up to get so that all but assures that he'll be on the final 53. In terms of getting guys that can make an immediate impact, he might be the leader in the clubhouse right now. Say he goes 32/34 on field goals, with 4 from 45+, and nails all the extra points. That's as easy a measure of impact as there may be from all these guys. Don't get me wrong, he's still a Kicker but in terms of what I was hoping to happen this weekend, he fits the bill. Would I have liked to have seen the selection go a different way? Sure! Specifically with no trade up, but I'm rolling with the silver-lining on this one.