Minnesota Vikings Discussion- Wednesday SkolAsylum: 23 April 2025

Vikings hump day discussion

Happy hump day, everyone, and welcome to Skoloholics, your home for Minnesota Vikings Discussion! Every day you can join us for the latest Minnesota Vikings news, lots of Minnesota Vikings talk, also NFL news and updates, and most anything else you may have on your mind. At Skoloholics, the real action is in the comments, so if you haven’t checked out the comments section yet, sign up and join the conversation.

Vikings Discussion

Alright, the draft starts tomorrow! The Vikings’ offseason has been exciting so far, with a very active free agency that filled nearly all of the team’s major areas of weakness with talented players on mostly team friendly contracts. From what I’ve seen, Vikings fans are more optimistic than I’ve seen them in a very long time. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has improved steadily in his tenure, but I think most fans would agree that the draft has been his biggest area of weakness. If he can manage to have an average or better draft, this team should make a lot of noise in 2025.

The team doesn’t have a ton of draft capital, with only four picks as of now. They have their first round pick (24), a third round pick (97, compensatory), a fifth (139), and a sixth (187). I wouldn’t be shocked to see the GM swing a draft-day trade in order to gather more picks, but there has been no rumblings of any activity along those lines. Draft day trades are not uncommon, and if there is a run on a position and the Vikings have an expendable talented player at that position, there could be multiple teams interested and you could get an offer you can’t refuse. They say the draft is wider than it is tall, so the Vikings might look to add more day two picks. Then again, they may do nothing. We’ll find out soon!

Vikings News

Lunchbreak: Minnesota Ties Flowing Among Draft ProspectsOver at Vikings.com, version 7 of their Vikings 2025 Mock Draft Tracker, Aaron Jones is fresh and ready for another season in purple, and the team is reportedly looking at several local draft prospects.

CBS Sports shares that J.J. McCarthy is heading into the season with ‘no limitations’. That’s obviously hyperbole, EVERYONE has some limitations, even Superman was vulnerable to kryptonite. Of course, kryptonite isn’t real, but neither is Superman.

ESPN lists all of the Vikings current 2025 draft picks. Of course, you could just read the mythical words up top and get that same information.

NFL News

Kirk Cousins was present for Falcons voluntary team workouts, per NFL.com. Making $40 million this season, I suppose it wouldn’t look very good for him to not show up. Bills RB James Cook was NOT present at Bills voluntary workouts, but he’s making just over 1/8 of what Kirk is making this year (cap hit-wise, anyway).

CBS Sports lists their top 5 first round “fits” for tomorrow night . I don’t like their list, they have Gray Zabel going somewhere other than Minnesota, and I’d love to see the Vikings get him. He’s versatile, talented, and would be the topping on the cake for the Vikings long overdue O-line overhaul. It will be nice to finally see consistent clean pockets and open running lanes.

There are rumors surrounding potential draft day trades for the Cowboys, details from CBS Sports.

Media Selection

I like this “Midwest Safety” channel, it shows an unfiltered version of the crap that our law enforcement folks have to put up with. I know there are bad actors in law enforcement, but the majority are good folks who are just trying to protect the public. Most folks don’t ever have to worry whether or not they’ll be killed for doing their job, which is a very real concern for many in law enforcement, and they are not appreciated enough. They’re far more patient than I am. If I had to do their job, I’d just pre-fill the ending of every one of my reports with “and that’s when I shot him”.

Thread Guidelines

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  • Be respectful and civil. You don’t need to agree with everyone, you also don’t need to make it personal. Attack the argument, not the poster.
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  • To summarize, behave like adults. Treat each other with respect, and things will be fine. Mods will take out content they feel is pushing the boundary. If you want to reach out about something, please do. We want to have robust discussions, that’s why we’re here, just be civil.
  • Twitter sized version: Be cool to one another.

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norseman1
norseman1
23 April 2025 7:40 pm

Heard a new one. DNC. Defending non citizens. I like it.

Mjolnir
23 April 2025 6:14 pm

Steve McMichael dead at 67.

Worthy division adversary and an absolute throwback and joy to watch.

RIP Mongo

🔨🔨🔨

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Mjolnir
23 April 2025 7:09 pm

A truly worthy adversary.
Hope all is well with you, and Goose.

Mjolnir
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 7:23 pm

Thanks pal.

I’m on my feet. A bit punch-drunk but standing. I’ll get into it some other time, or not – focusing on the positives. Baseball in full swing. Grilling weather. The draft. Training camp in a few months. Old man about to hit 70 and looking forward to celebrating that. 1 year anniversary at work soon and things are going well there. The sun still shines.

I do have visitation rights for my best good buddy Goose (won’t be officially divorced until later this summer) things have been amicable so far. Moved into a place a few blocks away. I take him to my dad’s on weekends. He’s happy. He’s healthy.

Looking forward to the draft and football talk that matters. I’ll be on the live thread tomorrow night assuming we’ve got one going.

Hoping all is well in Florida and all across Skoloholicland.

IMG_4248
Yore Mom
Reply to  Mjolnir
24 April 2025 12:06 pm

Don’t do drugs (steroids), kids.

DE Viking
23 April 2025 5:46 pm

I’m in the Cities.
Im on the loose !!!

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  DE Viking
23 April 2025 6:38 pm

We will alert the media.
Law enforcement probably already knows.

Yore Mom
23 April 2025 4:30 pm

Did we win the draft yet? We won free agency…

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  Yore Mom
23 April 2025 5:31 pm

Hard to win the draft with only 4 picks.
But if we can manage it, SB Baby!!

DE Viking
Reply to  Yore Mom
23 April 2025 5:56 pm

Just trade everything for 7ths.
Quantity over Quality.
#winning

Yore Mom
Reply to  DE Viking
24 April 2025 12:07 pm

norseman1
norseman1
23 April 2025 4:20 pm

We trade out of 24 i don’t want to see 2026 picks involved.

norseman1
norseman1
23 April 2025 4:18 pm

Mock talk is dead. Thank goodness.
Tampon State of the State speech tonight. He’ll go after Admin, not mentioning burning a 18 billion surplus. Tax more. MN, free shit USA.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  norseman1
23 April 2025 4:22 pm

I’ve never done a mock draft, but I know it’s a lot of fun for some folks. Tomorrow, I think we’ll see KAM trade down if he can. Don’t wait up all night.

norseman1
norseman1
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 4:28 pm

Guessing they have 1-3 players high on list. Who knows. Think a 24 would be wort 2 2’s but who has that?

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  norseman1
23 April 2025 5:19 pm

What a guy – from Sergeant Major to Governor. Oops forgot, he lied about his rank and even his overseas service.
Seems he has problems counting money too. Oh well, no big thing.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 5:33 pm

Thought he was a Senator in there somewhere.
At least that was his excuse for ditching his battalion, running for Senator.

No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 3:39 pm

The Lions just cut QB Jake Fromm… here comes QB3.

pirateflip
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 3:44 pm

Just call him State Farm.

freezeyface
23 April 2025 2:40 pm

my nephew, who has a physical handicap, got bullied at a playground last night at my youngest’s baseball game.
the kid also bullied my daughter and niece, as they tried to build a sand house/castle, he would repeatedly step on it and then call them names.

i didn’t know the whole story until we got home and the kids told us everything.

when we were leaving the baseball fields, my daughter pointed the boy out and he was walking with his dad. If i had known all the words he used and how he picked on and made fun of my little nephew for his physical handicap…..i would have gotten out and had some words with that little idiot’s dad.

freezeyface
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 2:44 pm

i edited that and rephrased it to “my nephew who has a physical handicap”

SkolfromMT
SkolfromMT
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 3:22 pm

How old are the bullied kids, the bully?

freezeyface
Reply to  SkolfromMT
23 April 2025 3:25 pm

8,9,10 were the bullied kids

bully was maybe 11? bigger than those 3.

KFEY93
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 3:43 pm

Dudes Dad might also be a piece of shit which is why he acts out. Kids suck, even things my 7 year old nephew says when hes smarting off make me want to lay into him but I wont because then I’d have dram with my sister.

freezeyface
Reply to  KFEY93
23 April 2025 3:50 pm

oh yes, it’s for sure his dad sucks as well.

NoDakRube
Reply to  SkolfromMT
23 April 2025 3:25 pm

The more important question is “How big is the Bully’s dad?”

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  NoDakRube
23 April 2025 4:45 pm

Exactly the point.

SkolfromMT
SkolfromMT
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 3:23 pm

Also who won the baseball game?

freezeyface
Reply to  SkolfromMT
23 April 2025 3:25 pm

it’s 1st grade coach pitch….EVERYONE wins haha

SkolfromMT
SkolfromMT
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 3:33 pm

except the parents…LOL

freezeyface
Reply to  SkolfromMT
23 April 2025 3:42 pm

EXACTLY

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 4:15 pm

What a loser attitude. As one of my coaches said, we here to have fun, but winning is more fun than losing.

freezeyface
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 4:19 pm

i can’t help it. at this age 3 outs don’t equal next inning. you bat the entire lineup.
i don’t really care since 1st graders should get as many at bats as possible.

Wrenage
23 April 2025 12:04 pm

I don’t want to brag, but I am really good at eating.

I have literally strung years together without starving at this stage.

If you have any questions about improving your own eating, ask me. I don’t think you are going to find some better at it.

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 12:07 pm

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 12:15 pm

I find that if I eat as much as I used to it is uncomfortable. Habit makes me want to do it but if I can break that habit I feel better/healthier.
I am a work in progress so changes are still occurring.

MT Viking
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 12:17 pm

What are your thoughts on petroleum based food dyes?

pirateflip
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 12:20 pm

I know you didn’t ask me, but I feel they rank right up there with petroleum based alcohol…

MT Viking
Reply to  pirateflip
23 April 2025 12:28 pm

I like petroleum jelly on my toast.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 1:01 pm

If it keeps refineries in business, sounds good to me.

Wrenage
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 1:18 pm

Who wants to eat a colorless Skittle?

I say, more dyes, with more petroleum!

freezeyface
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 1:46 pm

troy dye??

MT Viking
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 1:54 pm

♫When you eat your Smarties, do you eat the red ones last?♫

comment image

JRo_42
JRo_42
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 2:19 pm

More fun to eat colorless! You don’t know what flavor until you chew it!

freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:10 am

well i just won the draft.

gave the vikings depth for this year while also providing future starters…

move over Kwesi, i’m here!

PFN_Draft_result_1745424543143
bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:12 am

Hey all star, you still only have 2 QBs and 2 TEs on your roster.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 11:13 am

That is what UDFAs are for, duh.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 11:14 am

Draft backups and use UDFA for guys that may actually have to contribute. That makes sense. Freezey is fired.

freezeyface
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 11:15 am

how about this. YOU’RE fired for thinking my mock draft sucks. try that on!

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:17 am

I don’t take demands seriously from somebody who doesn’t use proper punctuation/capitalization. This is obviously a scam post.

freezeyface
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 11:19 am

freezeyface
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 11:15 am

oh no!!! i didn’t draft a rookie for my 3rd string qb…whatever will i do!!!!!!!

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:16 am

comment image

freezeyface
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 11:20 am

live look at bow right now

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 1:18 pm

Why you posting selfies?

Wrenage
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:17 am

I have never seen Brashard last that long in my mock drafts.

Maybe his draft stock is going down, so Vikes can snipe him.

freezeyface
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 11:21 am

i don’t think Kenneth Grant is there at 37 either.

that’s what i love about mocks, they are all wrong wrong wronggggggggg

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:23 am

Someone will drop, they always do.
Question is it someone we want or someone another team will trade up to get?

freezeyface
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 11:25 am

i just really hope the packers keep up their tradition unlike any other and reach for someone

vikesfanincheeseland
vikesfanincheeseland
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:30 am

Yes, preferably another wide receiver. That’s really worked out well for them.

Yore Mom
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:23 am

Busts!

freezeyface
Reply to  Yore Mom
23 April 2025 11:26 am

MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:50 am

I had an epiphany watching the video up top. Man am I glad I’m not in law enforcement.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 11:53 am

Amen

No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 10:47 am

I think Bow’s rationale and reasoning regarding a TE is sensible. Like every other position though, whether any of the TE’s in the draft will become real difference makers in the NFL is anyone’s guess. We have pundits telling us their opinions, and we sort of give credence to them. I said I thought Bo Nix was the best QB in the draft last year, and that was just my opinion. He threw the most TD’s (29) of all the rookies.

Wrenage
23 April 2025 10:18 am

Here is how Grok says the draft will go for the Vikes if they don’t trade out of the first…

Round 1, Pick 24

  • Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State.

Round 3, Pick 97

  • Prediction: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Round 5, Pick 139

  • Prediction: Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon

Round 6, Pick 187

  • Prediction: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa Stat
MT Viking
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 10:22 am

I’m happy with that.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 10:27 am

Who is Grok?

I’d say that is a pretty good prediction.

Wrenage
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 10:30 am

AI from Elon.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 10:33 am

Yeah so it is just a compilation of mock drafts from the interwebs.

FloridaSKOL
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 10:34 am

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 10:45 am

Barron is rated in the 10-15 range and almost never lasts until #24. I have hope of him dropping down to us in the 1st but at pick #97??? Forgetaboutit!!
Zabel is a popular homer pick, lazy rather than thoughtful.
IMHO of course.

Wrenage
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 10:46 am

Grok may be drinking…

vikesfanincheeseland
vikesfanincheeseland
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 11:14 am

That’s what I was thinking with Barron also, no way at 97! Yeah, he’s rated 10-15 range like you said, but a lot of mocks I’ve seen have FTP taking him right before our pick.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  vikesfanincheeseland
23 April 2025 11:20 am

Happens to me as well.
That would be bad, hope they trade up for a backup QB again instead.

vikesfanincheeseland
vikesfanincheeseland
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 11:34 am

Talking heads say he’s more of a slot guy though and not suited to be left alone on the outside. That’s why I mentioned Revel, and why I like him more.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  vikesfanincheeseland
23 April 2025 11:52 am

I have heard that there has never been a great modern defense that did not have an excellent Slot CB.
How true that is or how much Coach Flo’s Defense needs a great slot corner is above my pay grade.

FloridaSKOL
23 April 2025 10:09 am

Watching the Draft in FTP Land is going to suck. The “media and experts” will be slobbering all over the Lamblow faithful.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  FloridaSKOL
23 April 2025 10:11 am

Which is why I will watch with the sound off and the draft on a separate browser page. Will keep an eye on it and watch for interesting updates that effect the Vikings.

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  FloridaSKOL
23 April 2025 11:14 am

I agree, but I am watching anyways.

vikesfanincheeseland
vikesfanincheeseland
Reply to  Surly Viking
23 April 2025 11:38 am

Yeah, I’m curious to see if they can break Detroits record from last year with the attendance. I doubt it, 700,000 people over 3 days is a lot.

Wrenage
Reply to  vikesfanincheeseland
23 April 2025 11:45 am

700,000 people over 3 days is a lot.

Name of you sex tape…

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 12:03 pm

How many are counted more than once? Is 200,000 per day of the same people counted as 600,000? What about the fact that the average Packer fan is twice the size of an average person? Do they count as 2?

Yore Mom
Reply to  FloridaSKOL
23 April 2025 11:24 am

Entitled Town TM

MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:08 am

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:12 am

So Trump ‘less-bad’ today??

JRo_42
JRo_42
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 10:15 am

Never. TRUMP ALWAYS HITLER

MT Viking
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 10:18 am

Hard to balance my portfolio with these crazy equity swings.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:27 am

Just don’t look at it for a month or so.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:28 am

Just let the dust settle. The market is always nervous, and people pull money out, and put money in at the slightest whim. The market will be surging soon.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:46 am

Sounds like a 1st world/gouger problem.

MT Viking
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 10:54 am

Many’s the time I wish I had followed in my paternal grandfather’s footsteps, working in a Welsh coal mine. By the time he was my age, he was worrying more about catching his breath with black lung and getting enough to eat from the dole. None of this worrying about 2% equity swings and balancing bonds and equities. Life was just simpler then, a regular old daily episode of “Happy Days”.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 11:09 am

Simpler certainly does not mean ‘better’ or ‘easier’.
My dad laid floors for a living, carpet, tile, lanolium etc. I helped out most summers, a lot of hard work.

John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States, once said 
“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 11:35 am

McCullough’s John Adams was a great book and very insightful to the history of that period in our history.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 11:55 am

Her ‘First Man Of Rome’ series was excellent, I learned a lot from it in addition to being entertained.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 12:04 pm

” Her” – was thinking of David.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 12:06 pm

Colleen, I think that they collaborate.

MT Viking
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 11:53 am

That’s a more cogent example of the old adage of “first world problems”. Most of us are in the market in one way or another, and for each of us a big swing in daily valuation might be $10, $100, $1000, $10000, $100000, etc. It is natural to hate losing money in the market and until you have weathered a couple of recessions it is never easy to sit back and watch. I think of first world problems more like, “should I build a pool or buy a Ferrari?”

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 12:01 pm

My point was that most Americans don’t spend their day worried about how their stock portfolios are doing.
Yes most of us have ‘some stocks’ in a 401 or mutual fund but we might check annually or as we near retirement. Those that focus on the stock market are very much a vocal minority.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 12:03 pm

That which I can do nothing about, I endure.
And enduring is much easier by simply no watching.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 12:10 pm

That similar to the ‘Serenity Prayer’ although more in the ‘worry about things I can control’ vein.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 12:13 pm

Wise indeed!

MT Viking
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 12:33 pm

All credit to James Carville:

“It’s the economy, stupid!”

VikingPhilip
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 8:07 pm

I generally check my retirement balances every day.

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 12:12 pm

I do not have much in the stock market. I have traded options and crypto and proven to myself I should never do those things. I am better at gambling on football. Meaning, I lose less money on football.

I have a 401K, and an ETF. That is it.
Not paying much attention since I just put money in each month, and hope that there is something of value when I hit 72 and have to start taking minimum distributions

JacksonVike
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 12:54 pm

Sounds like “Hard times make strong men; Strong men make good times; Good times make soft men; Soft men make hard times.”

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  JacksonVike
23 April 2025 1:05 pm

I pray that we are at/near the end of ‘soft men make hard times’ part of the cycle.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 1:17 pm

Hard times have not yet begun. Must get rid of the soft men part.

Yore Mom
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 1:20 pm

Ok 5

Yore Mom
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 11:26 am

Buy high! Yore stocks are worth more that way.

Wrenage
23 April 2025 8:15 am

I think the Vikings will trade their 24 pick unless Loveland is there.

What do I base this on? Absolutely nothing beyond my mock drafts…

freezeyface
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 8:22 am

i’m guessing he will be gone by the time we draft.

what do i base this on? nothing other than my desire to disagree for fun

Wrenage
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 8:37 am

You are likely right, even if you are just being disagreeable.

Loveland will go in the teens, I reckon.

Then we will trade back into the second round and end up with safety, guard, edge and RB in whatever order.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 8:50 am

Hmmm… we have one of the highest paid TE’s in the league, and we want to draft one in the first round?

Wrenage
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 8:54 am

Bowbunch had a decent take on it that made sense. I have since forgotten most of it because I only have so much room in my brain.

Any new information that comes in must push something old out…

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 9:03 am

Laughing… well you’re pretty normal then.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 9:04 am

Hock is due like $23 million next year. Draft a TE this year that can replace him and roll 12 personnel this year. The Penn State kid will go top 10 easily but Loveland and Taylor both look good. I saw an overall ranking last night that has Loveland as the 5th best player in the draft. If he drops to 24, take him. I think TE is actually the position that would be the most likely to contribute this year while also providing for the future. I’d rather see OL in the 3-4 round area where it is supposedly the value of the draft. There are a lot of college tackles who are projected as guards in the NFL. Get one of those guys and not only do you have a potential upgrade for Brandel and backup for the RG but somebody who has experience at tackle if you get in a bind. Drafting a safety would be for nothing but the future, barring injury. A corner isn’t likely to see the field much either until next year with Murph back and I think they really like Blackmon.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:06 am

Just trying to look at the big picture and think like an analytics guy, and it’s a different conversation than everybody in the country mocking a guard or center, which is just too easy and lazy. If you think one of the guards or safeties available in the 20s has All Pro type potential, then I’m good with it. Otherwise take a TE that does and can contribute this year while giving you future cap flexibility.

MT Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:06 am

If the Vikings pick a TE in the first round I will throw up a little in my mouth. That is all.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 9:10 am

Who/what would be a better option? If Loveland is there, you have a chance to pick a top 10-15 talent instead of over drafting for a perceived need of next year. This team really doesn’t have any glaring holes and should take whoever is the most talented player. I think you’re more likely to get an All Pro if you land Loveland than if you take a guard from North Dakota.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:11 am

Not trying to be argumentative, legitimately asking. Nobody has yet to dissuade me from this opinion, but I have an open mind. I’m not set on it or going to be upset if it doesn’t happen, but it just seems to make the most sense to me without knowing who else is going to fall in the draft.

NoDakRube
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:15 am

Read this on the interweb (PFF)…I don’t think the Vikes will be interested.

Loveland lacks the density to play as an inline tight end consistently in the NFL, but he brings plenty of value as a tall, long pass catcher with natural hands and crisp routes to line up as a big slot or “X” receiver. He also has some versatility to play attached to the line of scrimmage in certain situations.

JRo_42
JRo_42
Reply to  NoDakRube
23 April 2025 10:12 am

I think he is overrated. Will be average at best.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  NoDakRube
23 April 2025 10:26 am

H-back type who lacks the desired size for in-line blocking but certainly has the technique and willingness to do it. He has good hands and flashes an ability to challenge as a pass catcher on all three levels.

—–
Kittle
has the athleticism and blocking ability to become an effective move tight end if paired in the right system.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  NoDakRube
23 April 2025 10:29 am

Talented young tight end with the athletic ability and ball skills to become an elite talent as a pass catcher. Colston plays the game like a big wideout, capable of separating from man coverage and making plays on all three levels. He has good play speed and runs a route tree full of branches, allowing creative play-callers to move him around as a mismatch option. His routes can be a little hurried and lacking in detail but that should change with coaching. He’s graceful in-air and catches the ball with good timing and strong hands. He will keep filling out his frame but is unlikely to ever become more than average as a blocker. Colston’s collection of athletic traits and catch talent creates a high ceiling with the opportunity to become a high-volume target and future Pro Bowler.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 10:30 am

Loveland projects as a dynamic receiving tight end who can create mismatches from multiple alignments in the passing game. His combination of size, athleticism and natural receiving skills gives him legitimate Pro Bowl upside if he lands with a creative play-caller who will maximize his strengths. While he needs continued development as a blocker, his ability to stress defenses vertically and win in contested situations makes him an immediate contributor in the passing game.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:16 am

I’m just not keen on getting rid of players because. they are very good and thus make more money.
But that side, our WR Corp is really talented so I’m not quite sure we need ‘much’ talent at TE, Hock or otherwise.
Just me, believe we need more talent in our secondary to really be a top notch defense.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Gone fishin'
23 April 2025 9:31 am

If they want to move him next year, OK. But still don’t think we need that much at TE for our offense to excel.
Our defense, we play GB and Detroit who have stout olines and our rush will not always get there. It would be nice to have just one really good cover guy in the secondary.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 9:38 am

There is not going to be a shut down corner available. If they think there is then fine, but that’s why they brought in the FAs they did, brought back Murph and Blackmon is coming back and he looked pretty good pre-injury.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:39 am

If the Kentucky kid is available, I’d be cool with that.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:40 am

If they trade back, miss out on Loveland and Taylor (I think Loveland will end up going top 15 anyway) then Arroyo would be an interesting option in the 2nd.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:45 am

I may be wrong about this but as I remember the Legion of Boom were not first round picks. Rather, they picked guys that ‘fit’ the style of play they wanted, then developed them. Later, they all turned out pretty damn good.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 9:56 am

Yeah, and there may have been character and injury concerns as well that dropped some of those guys some. That’s why I’m saying take an offensive player with the athletic ability, that’s good enough to contribute now, while also having the ability to learn and not be forced to play.

MT Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:19 am

I would trade back ideally for a round 2 and round 3 spot. We’re not likely to pick up a game 1 starter at 24.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 9:30 am

OK, it takes two to trade. Let’s say nobody wants to give you something worth while for a trade back and you have to pick somebody. Where you going? Basically, what backup are you going to draft that everybody is going to call a bust because they don’t see the field year 1?

MT Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:49 am

I’m going LB or CB.

KFEY93
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 9:50 am

In the first?! Gross…now that would make me vom. Draft offense or trenches in first otherwise trade back. No one at those positions is a first round talent (LB., CB, Safety)

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  KFEY93
23 April 2025 9:54 am

Nope and none would provide anything. Safety would be a good for next year if Hitman retires, but if we don’t want to draft a TE this year because we have Hockenson, then why draft a safety when we have Harry and Metellus? We already have a LB that doesn’t play because of the talent in that room. Middle LB depth would be nice, but you don’t draft depth in the first round. No reason to draft a RB high with Jones and Mason. Shoot, I’m getting to the point that I would rather they draft a WR high than a corner unless the right guy is there.

MT Viking
Reply to  KFEY93
23 April 2025 9:59 am

I was talking about what would make me vomit.

KFEY93
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:00 am

Ohhh okay, we agree on the Vomit charts then lol. I misunderstood you. My bad.

NoDakRube
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 9:12 am

Hard to consistently impact the game from the TE position (there are a very few exceptions). Therefore its really hard to take one in round 1.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  NoDakRube
23 April 2025 9:31 am

Sounds like a good reason to get a good TE so you don’t have to pay Hock $48 million in 2026 and 2027.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:33 am

Can’t you do that and also not draft a TE early.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 9:37 am

Since they only have 2 TEs on the roster now, might as well get a guy this year. Otherwise you pigeon hole yourself next year and end up overpaying a free agent (in which case they would probably just keep Hock), or you end up over drafting a guy next year the busts. Do it now and the kid can learn, provide depth and also get on the field. Hock doesn’t play all the offensive snaps. Do we really want to see Josh Oliver out there?

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:48 am

Still don’t think we need ‘much’ talent at TE for this offense to excel. If defenses want to double JJ and JA, you could play TE and get open.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 9:59 am

All the better to actually have a good one or two there then. Maybe it seems like they don’t need the talent there because they didn’t have the talent there when Hock went down and adjusted the offense to the fact that Oliver and Mundt were the TEs.

KFEY93
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 9:49 am

Better than a Safety or a CB that we are being projected

vikesfanincheeseland
vikesfanincheeseland
Reply to  KFEY93
23 April 2025 10:32 am

I’d be ok with safety, if it’s Malaki Starks. I’d be ok with corner if it’s Shavon Revel.

freezeyface
Reply to  vikesfanincheeseland
23 April 2025 10:35 am

isn’t Revel like 24? coming off a torn ACL? i wouldn’t love this pick

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 10:36 am

And the chart I shared has him as like a 3rd round talent. I like the speed and athleticism of the Kentucky kid but haven’t really watched him.

MT Viking
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 10:38 am

You don’t revel the pick at 24?

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  vikesfanincheeseland
23 April 2025 10:35 am

Lewis Cine 2.0 or the 100th CB they’ve drafted in the last 10 years. That sounds fun. Either way they’ll ride the pine year 1 unless they are All Pro level from day one.

vikesfanincheeseland
vikesfanincheeseland
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 11:23 am

The Revel pick would be more ideal if you could trade down a bit, stay in first round, and get another pick or two. He is coming off and acl tear, but is on schedule with the healing process from what I’ve read. Talking heads say he would’ve been top 15 pick if not injured last year and that he’s the only “island” corner, of the top 6, in this draft, that B-flo would love to have.

JRo_42
JRo_42
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:46 am

I don’t think a TE moves the needle that much, and there probably isn’t much dropoff from the top-tier ones to middle-of-the-road ones IMO. I would pick otherwise in Rd 1.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  JRo_42
23 April 2025 9:51 am

I think after the top 3 or 4 there actually is in this draft. That’s the story at most positions this year. Guard is the one exception I can think of where the true value is the middle rounds. This isn’t going to be a draft loaded with Pro Bowlers. Pick best player available. There is no major need. Wants and would be nice to haves, but here’s one chart that kind of shows what I’m talking about. Loveland is a high first round talent and if he falls to 24, you can take him or a guy that in another draft would be a 2nd rounder like Starks or Emmanwori.

https://www.nfl.com/draft/iq/

KFEY93
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 9:47 am

We could trade Hock for draft picks and get his replacement. Its not impossible.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  KFEY93
23 April 2025 1:35 pm

If that replacement is available next year which is not a given. If they think one of these guys can be that, then do it now.

KFEY93
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 3:44 pm

We shall see soon enough!

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  Wrenage
23 April 2025 10:06 am

I do agree that we need a TE since we only have 2 on the roster.
Not sure we need one that early in the draft. Serviceable TEs are available later and there could be a UDFA that KAM and the scouts like.
Depth in the Defensive Backfield seems to be our sweet spot with 1/2 dozen S and CB rated anywhere from middle 1st round to early 2nd.
Interesting to see what will play our, small trade back while picking up a late 2nd/early 3rd would be great but of course it take two to make a trade.

I expect to sit here all night watching the draft just to watch us trade out of the 1st and pass on multiple excellent prospects. While admitting that I know nothing we seem to be set up for needing a few quality players over Slicks 10 picks modus operandi.

MT Viking
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 10:11 am

I have to admit I never watch the draft live. I record it and FF to each team selection either later in the evening or the next morning.

As for TE…UDFA! UDFA!

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:17 am

Never watch it – like watching paint dry. It’s all there the next day in the paper.

vikesfanincheeseland
vikesfanincheeseland
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 10:33 am

To each there own, I love watching the draft.

freezeyface
Reply to  vikesfanincheeseland
23 April 2025 10:35 am

i do too

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 10:36 am

Same… the NFL has turned this event into a media feeding frenzy, and entertainment extravaganza. Athletes are SOOO overhyped, with Madison Avenue PR productions to sell the players. They are just college kids who played well against lesser opponents. I can read about the next day, or get all the expert takes here.

vikesfanincheeseland
vikesfanincheeseland
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 11:26 am

It’s definitely overhyped. I really only pay close attention to rounds 1-3. Saturday will be background noise while I’m painting a bedroom. Peek from time to time to see the bottom line that scrolls by with all the information.

freezeyface
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
23 April 2025 11:27 am

but what if they are college kids who played well against BETTER opponents???

Yore Mom
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:54 am

Too PHAT

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 11:57 am

Laughing… yeah… that could happen…

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  JRobert
23 April 2025 10:54 am

NFL Radio on XM has good coverage. The Movin the Chains guys cover it and they probably, no easily, have the best NFL coverage there is.

freezeyface
23 April 2025 7:48 am

i REALLY wish the NBA would penalize the amount of complaining players do EVERY SINGLE TIME they take a shot.

the wolves/lakers game was pretty much unwatchable with how much Luka, Lebron, Ant complained EVERYTIME they shoot. it’s mind blowing.

i know i know, for your basketball haters “just don’t watch”, but i enjoy watching minnesota sports so don’t go that route…

wait, now that i’m typing all of this, am i the Luka of the Skoloholics??? complaining about them complaining???

NoDakRube
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 8:27 am

Luka is such a spoiled baby….Ant is marginally less spoiled….tough to watch.

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 9:00 am

I agree that the whining is almost as bad as A-Aron whining every time a defender breathes on him.
I did not watch, since I was certain the wolves would lose. Gotta have at least 6 games for the $

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  Surly Viking
23 April 2025 9:08 am

I turned it on to check the score during a break in the hockey game and wow was it bad. I realized I have not missed anything by not watching the NBA. As a non basketball fan, the flopping of the Lakers is not something that would get me to watch basketball.

MT Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:17 am

Were you watching the Wild? Hell, the game hadn’t even started by the time I was going to bed. If you watched the whole game you must be a die-hard Wild fan.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 9:35 am

Yeah, I didn’t get home from baseball until almost 9 so I put it on while I made some food and then I couldn’t fall asleep and when Vegas got the score to 4-2 I got invested.

MT Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:47 am

I’m glad it tilted in Minnesota’s favor. I’ve had a few of those late nights watching the Oilers where it doesn’t go their way which leaves me with a double bad taste in my mouth the next day when I’m yawning at mid day.

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 9:32 am

Just now realized the Wild won last night.

Shows how much I care about hockey since the North Stars left….

MT Viking
Reply to  Surly Viking
23 April 2025 9:48 am

Minnesota is sorta middle of the road in terms of fan following and revenue in the world of the NHL so you are not alone…

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 9:57 am

Mediocrity in results will do that.

MT Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 10:02 am

Well, if that were true, how do you explain the Leafs? Or, for that matter, the Oilers?

comment image

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:03 am

There’s nothing else to do in Canada?

MT Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 10:09 am

Then how do you explain Ottawa and Winnipeg? I’ve been to both cities, there isn’t anything more to do there than in Edmonton.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:32 am

I have no idea other than Canadians like hockey more and the Wild have never done anything and Minnesota hasn’t won anything since ’91 so I can see why fans would get apoplectic. Mainly just trying to rib ya a little.

FloridaSKOL
Reply to  Surly Viking
23 April 2025 10:04 am

…and fuck Norm Green.

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  FloridaSKOL
23 April 2025 11:17 am

accurate

MT Viking
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 9:08 am

Basketball is one of those sports where I feel like there is a lot more entertainment at the college level than at the professional level. I could no more watch an entire NBA game (let alone pay for the experience) than I could sit through an elementary school spelling bee.

FloridaSKOL
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 10:07 am

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 10:14 am

Did they file assault charges on Randle yet for this?

FloridaSKOL
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 10:16 am

Yore Mom
Reply to  FloridaSKOL
23 April 2025 11:28 am

Classic Gif 😁

MT Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 10:20 am

That would have knocked out a lesser man. Vicious.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  freezeyface
23 April 2025 10:59 am

JacksonVike
23 April 2025 6:03 am

Merry Wednesday,

Skol

FTP

NoDakRube
Reply to  JacksonVike
23 April 2025 8:29 am

In order #2, #1, #3……#1’s ranking is not based on any sexual attraction – pedophiles should be shot…..I just always thought she was kind of cool.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  NoDakRube
23 April 2025 9:48 am

I prefer #1 but it has nothing to do with ‘sexual attraction’, I enjoy seeing healthy, happy kids.
Young kids should be protected, nurtured and taught to be the best version of themselves. Raised 6, 2 of mine and 4 of my brothers.

NoDakRube
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 10:04 am

Well said. And Kudos to you for stepping up and raising your brother’s kids. I can’t remember what the story is there, but I think you might have shared it before.

MT Viking
Reply to  NoDakRube
23 April 2025 10:12 am

I do not know the story (raising 4 of brother’s kids), and would like to hear it.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 10:55 am

Brother died at 39 of a brain aneurysm leaving a wife and 4 kids, two adopted.
I was the closest family that could move nearby and help the family out. Mom was pretty flaky for awhile and I did a lot of the mentoring and role modeling. Once The Teacher arrived on the scene we spent most weekends and many evenings with them.

They seemed to have appreceated it as they understood that it was not ‘required’ of me except by my inner self.

MT Viking
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 11:48 am

Wonderful! You are a great man.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 11:49 am

Great???

I struggle mightily to be adequate.

bowbunch
Admin
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 12:05 pm

I’m just a good ole boy trying to be a good old man.

pirateflip
Reply to  bowbunch
23 April 2025 12:16 pm

MT Viking
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 12:15 pm

You fit right in with the Vikings and their fans.

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  MT Viking
23 April 2025 12:21 pm

Makes me wonder if it is a ‘chicken or egg’ situation.
‘I am what I am’ in either case.

Yore Mom
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 11:57 am

You are a great AWESOME man. 👍🏻

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  Yore Mom
23 April 2025 12:04 pm

As long as I am not Awful I will accept that.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  SoCalMinnFan
23 April 2025 10:31 am

An outstanding story – raising four of your brother’s kids.
It’s all about family.

Surly Viking
Admin
23 April 2025 6:02 am

GM!
FTP!
SKOL!
Happy Hump Day!

FIRST!

SoCalMinnFan
SoCalMinnFan
Reply to  Surly Viking
23 April 2025 9:45 am

FTP Auto Rec.

FloridaSKOL
Reply to  Surly Viking
23 April 2025 10:12 am

About The Author

Gone fishin'

Gone fishin'

I'm a dad, husband, Army vet, believer, and a die-hard, life-long Vikings fan from the great state of North Dakota. I've been a Viking fan dating back to 1980, I've been covering the Vikings for nearly a decade, and I founded Skoloholics in 2022. I work in real estate and property management, I love spending time with family, working in the yard, doing anything in the outdoors, and as you can tell from my username, I love fishing. SKOL!!!!!!!!!!

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