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 6 - Ade Aruna (DE)
From yesterday forward one of the things I was most interested in see was how high and how often certain positions would be addressed. For example, a second or third round pick at Linebacker or Wide Receiver would have been a tip off to the teams thoughts regarding Barr & Diggs going forward. Well the team didn't draft any WR's or LB's but did double down on the pass rushers.
That could be an indicator of what they think could happen with Danielle Hunter but a couple months from now we may be talking about his extension. We just don't know about all that. What I think the selection of Aruna could signal is that the team doesn't think Robison is coming back and they wanted to make sure they had as many bodies with as much talent as possible at the position.
As an end of the round, sixth round guy I think it would be irresponsible to say, allude to or even think that he'll be more than a practice squad level guy on the Vikings. But as with all the picks, we won't have any idea until they strap up and start getting to work.
What we do know is that he's an athletic enough guy to have played college Basketball and has many of the measurable's that are sought out in rushers. So it's a good pick and may be the first real sign of what's to come for the rosters Defensive End's.