For years, Minnesota Vikings fans have affectionately referred to former general manager Rick Spielman as “Trader Rick”. This nickname was earned due to Spielman’s tendency to make bold moves and wheel and deal during the NFL Draft. However, this year, Spielman and the Vikings organization managed to achieve something even more impressive – they got the best of both worlds in the draft.
Heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, the Vikings had a lot of needs to address. After a disappointing 7-9 season, the team was looking to add talent and depth to their roster in order to make a push for the playoffs. With only a limited number of draft picks, many fans were worried that the Vikings would not be able to adequately address all of their needs. However, Spielman had a plan in place and executed it flawlessly.
The first round of the draft saw the Vikings select offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw with the 23rd overall pick. This was a crucial pick for the Vikings, as they needed to improve their offensive line in order to protect quarterback Kirk Cousins and open up holes for running back Dalvin Cook. Darrisaw was widely considered one of the top offensive tackles in the draft and was a steal for the Vikings at pick 23. This pick alone would have been enough to satisfy most fans, but Spielman was just getting started.
In the second round, the Vikings made a trade with the New York Jets to move up to the 14th pick and select quarterback Kellen Mond. This move was met with mixed reactions from fans, as many felt that the Vikings should have used this pick to address their defense. However, Spielman saw an opportunity to secure a talented quarterback who could potentially become the successor to Cousins. Mond has a strong arm and impressive athleticism, and with some development, he could become a valuable asset for the Vikings in the future.
But Spielman wasn’t done yet. In the third round, the Vikings made another trade, this time with the Baltimore Ravens, to move up and select linebacker Chazz Surratt. This was a shrewd move by Spielman, as Surratt was projected to go much higher in the draft. He is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside, and his speed and athleticism will be a valuable addition to the Vikings’ defense.
In the fourth round, the Vikings addressed their need for depth at the defensive line by selecting defensive end Janarius Robinson. Robinson is a raw talent with a high ceiling, and with some coaching, he could become a valuable contributor on the Vikings’ defensive line.
But perhaps the most impressive move of the draft came in the fifth round, when the Vikings selected wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Smith-Marsette was projected to go much higher in the draft, but due to some off-field issues, he fell to the Vikings in the fifth round. This was a low-risk, high-reward pick for Spielman, as Smith-Marsette has the potential to become a dynamic playmaker for the Vikings’ offense.
Overall, the Vikings managed to address all of their needs in the draft while also securing some steals and potential future stars. This is a testament to Spielman’s expertise and ability to navigate the draft. He was able to make strategic trades and find value in later rounds, which is no easy feat.
But the Vikings’ success in the draft didn’t end there. After the draft, Spielman and the Vikings signed a number of undrafted free agents who have the potential to make an impact on the team. This includes players like wide receiver Blake Proehl and defensive tackle Jordon Scott, who could provide depth and competition at their respective positions.
In the end, the Vikings somehow managed to get the best of both worlds in the draft. They were able to address their needs while also securing some steals and potential future stars. This is a testament to Spielman’s expertise and the hard work of the entire Vikings organization. With this draft class, the Vikings are poised to make a strong push for the playoffs and continue to build a competitive team for years to come.
In conclusion, Vikings fans may have called Rick Spielman “Trader Rick” in the past, but after this year’s draft, they may need to come up with a new nickname for him – “Mastermind Rick” perhaps? Regardless, one thing is for sure, the Vikings got the best of both worlds in the draft, and that
