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I think we checked a lot of boxes and put ourselves in position to have a competitive roster for this coming season and beyond. Having the volume of picks enabled us to make multiple selections at each position of need, but what also stood out to me was already having great depth at positions like running back and tight end enabled us to use all of that draft capital on the positions of greatest need. I think that [Vikings GM] Rick [Spielman], the coaches and scouts did their usual excellent job of finding talent in all rounds of the draft. I couldn't help but notice the graphic shown multiple times during the telecast stating that 56% of the 2019 roster was made up of our own draft picks. That certainly speaks to the ability of our front office to continue to find quality players from the college ranks. SKOL!
— Bill Shaw in Rochester, New York
Bill, you are simply spot-on with your draft analysis/recap. It was no secret that the Vikings endured a bit of roster turnover this offseason. As many as a half-dozen starters from the Vikings most-recent playoff game might not be back, including four potential guys on defense, and that doesn't include names such as Mackensie Alexander, Stephen Weatherly, Andrew Sendejo, Laquon Treadwell and others.
In the weeks leading up to the draft, the main positions of need appeared to be WR, CB, T and the defensive line. Perhaps it's no surprise that nine of Minnesota's first 10 picks focused on those four groups.
Trade Stefon Diggs? Respond by drafting LSU star Justin Jefferson at No. 22. See three corners leave? Draft three corners in Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler and Harrison Hand. Release Linval Joseph and lose Weatherly and possibly Everson Griffen? Pick up defensive end D.J. Wonnum and DT James Lynch on back-to-back picks in the fourth round.
There wasn't much of a need for position groups such as TE, RB and the specialists, so there was no reason for the Vikings to address those spots. And with a NFL record of 15 picks in a seven-round draft — which certainly made for a long but fun weekend — the front office could devote plenty of resources to the areas they thought needed it the most.
I also noticed that graphic you referenced, and you can believe that Spielman and his staff are certainly proud of that. They love finding talent and keeping it right here in Minnesota.
Very happy with Jefferson pick! But can you make me feel better [about Gladney] and name a perennial lockdown corner that's 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds? I hope I'm wrong but that is a huge disadvantage when you're giving up on average 2-4 inches and 20-30 pounds every play. Can be done in college but much more difficult at NFL level where everyone is good. Go Vikes!
— RJ in Texas
RJ certainly makes a valid point about Gladney not being the biggest cornerback out there, but that hasn't stopped others from being successful. Coach Zimmer actually said that the former TCU standout reminds him of some other shorter cornerbacks he's coached in his career.
A name that comes to mind there is Terence Newman, who wasn't 6-foot either, but had a pretty successful career if you ask me. He's a guy who used his athleticism and smarts to succeed, even if he wasn't the tallest guy on the field.
Spielman referenced Gladney's arm length and noted that the cornerback plays bigger than he appears. And Gladney himself said that he isn’t going to back down from anyone on the field.
"I play very physical," Gladney said. "It doesn't matter what size opponent I'm playing, I'm going to bring the physicality to him and see if he wants it, or if he doesn't."
Plus, if Gladney does get some work in the slot — a possibility as we go forward — he could thrive at that spot no matter what his height is.
View images of all of the Minnesota Vikings 2020 NFL Draft picks.
CB Jeff Gladney
Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland (76) on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Hawaii, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 59-37. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
CORRECTS DATELINE TO TALLAHASSEE, FLA., INSTEAD OF ORLANDO, FLA. - Boise State running back Robert Mahone (34) is lifted in congratulations by offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland (76) for scoring the winning touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland, left, battles against Hawaii defensive lineman Kaimana Padello, right, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 59-37. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Mississippi State defensive back Cameron Dantzler (3) defends on a pass play against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi State defensive back Cameron Dantzler runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler (3) returns an interception against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler (3) defends Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley (2) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Mississippi State won, 38-28. (AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
Mississippi State assistant coach Terrell Buckley talks to cornerback Cameron Dantzler (3) in the second half of their NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Lafayette in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Mississippi State won, 38-28. (AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, file photo, Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) attempts to elude South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Columbia, S.C. The Southeastern Conference is filled with young quarterbacks this season, with many teams putting their offenses in the hands of freshmen or sophomores. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)
South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) pursues Florida quarterback Malik Zaire (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Florida 28-20. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) and Taylor Stallworth (90) react after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. Clemson defeated South Carolina 34-10. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Tennessee running back John Kelly (4) runs for yardage as South Carolina defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum (8) chases in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Florida quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is stopped for a 1-yard loss by South Carolina defensive lineman Kelsey Griffin, left, and defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
TCU running back Kyle Hicks (21) looks for room against Baylor safety Davion Hall (12) and Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU won 45-22. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch (93) sacks West Virginia quarterback Will Grier (7) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson)
Rice quarterback Wiley Green (5) pitches out to wide receiver Cameron Montgomery (8) as Baylor defensive tackles Bravvion Roy, left, and defensive tackle James Lynch close in during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) dives and sacks Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/George Frey)
Colorado running back Phillip Lindsay (23), blows past Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35), in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Thomas Boyd)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35), celebrates an interception that set up a last minute second quarter touchdown against Arizona State in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Thomas Boyd)
Temple cornerback Harrison Hand (23) stops Maryland place kicker Mike Shinsky (41) on the fake field goal during the first half of an NCAA college football, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia. Temple won 20-17. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Memphis wide receiver Damonte Coxie (10) gets tackled by Temple cornerback Harrison Hand (23) to end the second half of an NCAA college football, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Philadelphia. Temple won 30-28. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami wide receiver K.J. Osborn runs against Florida after a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Miami wide receiver K.J. Osborn (2) sets up for a play at the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Miami wide receiver K.J. Osborn, center, fumbles the ball as he is hit by Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard, left, and defensive back Shawn Davis during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Miami wide receiver K.J. Osborn runs against Florida after a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) warms up before the first half of an NCAA college football game against the on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Oregon State offensive lineman Blake Brandel, left, blocks Washington State defensive lineman Kingston Fernandez (52) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) warms up before the first half of an NCAA college football game against the on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) celebrates a play in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) runs out of the pocket against Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) tackles Florida running back Lamical Perine (22) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, left, runs Ohio State receiver Parris Campbell out-of-bounds during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Middle Tennessee quarterback Chase Cunningham (16) throws a pass, defended by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14), in the third quarter of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Michigan won 40-21. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2018, file photo, Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes rushes the line during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan in East Lansing, Mich. Ohio State visits Michigan State needing a win to stay on track for a Big Ten East showdown with Michigan in two weeks. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins is sacked by Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) recovers a fumble for a turnover by Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) carries the ball in front of Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Michigan State's Kenny Willekes reacts against Ohio State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Penn State linebacker Ellis Brooks, center, pressures as Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley pulls back to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley gets set during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley warms up before an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley, left, talks with the offense in a huddle during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) passes against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Mississippi State defensive back Brian Cole II (32) warms up before an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at Mississippi St. in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi State Bulldogs Cameron Dantzler (3) celebrates his interception with teammates Brian Cole II (32) and Chauncey Rivers (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Lafayetter in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
Mississippi State defensive back Brian Cole II (32) reacts during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at Mississippi St. in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi State quarterback Garrett Shrader (6) passes while safety Brian Cole (32) defends during the team's spring NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, April 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The virtual draft has come and gone. I scratch my head with some of our selections though knowing what some of our needs might be down the road. Anthony Harris may not be back next year yet we passed on Antoine Winfield, Jr., and took an undersized CB in Gladney. Justin Jefferson could be a good one in the slot, but we have a logjam at slotback. I realize Diggs started for us at slot but he had the speed to move outside where we needed him. Is Kirk Cousins the future? Not really, but Jordan Love could've been. And for some reason no one drafted [LSU tight end] Thaddeus Moss (Randy's son) — no idea why. Overall, we got lots of bodies with no idea who'll work out. We could have moved many of those picks for a few real good ones — just saying. Help me understand their thought process please.
— Nicholas Balkou
Remember that teams sometimes take both a short and long-term look at their roster in the same draft.
Harris has been franchise tagged, so he's under contract for 2020, and the team could work with him on a longer extension. Cousins has been extended through 2022, so the Vikings have him in mind for the foreseeable future. With so many losses in other positions — namely at CB, DL, and WR — there's a reason that five of the team's first six selections focused on those spots.
Also, we don't know what grades the Vikings had on players who went to other teams. The Winfield and Moss connections would have been fun for fans and media, sure, but we don't know how Minnesota felt about their draft board as the rounds evolved.
There will always be praise and criticism from the outside world about each and every draft class,but the general consensus surrounding Rick Spielman and the Vikings is that they crushed it the past few days.
I was truly impressed by the Vikings draft this year. I believe they hit big on holes that badly need to be filled. But with such young talent in the secondary, especially at corner, would it be wise the organization to pursue a former first-round pick who has played 'good', such as Eli Apple? Under Coach Zimmer, he could evolve into an elite player as well as help the rookies improve. Is there potential for a deal?
— Jason Rosser
Rick Spielman said both before and after the draft that the Vikings could take a look at some veteran free agents that were still out there. We'll be sure to let you know about any future free agent signees.
