10 months, 3 weeks ago

In J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, Vikings add potential cornerstone contributors

EAGAN, Minn. — The waiting is the hardest part. Once the selection hit the league database, one AFC executive said, “Good player at good value.” An NFC staffer texted, “Best player on the board at that time.” “Listen, Dallas Turner is a guy who, quite frankly, we didn’t expect to be there in that range,” coach Kevin O’Connell said Thursday night. “We were just as excited and relieved to be able to call Dallas and make him a Minnesota Viking.” Accounting for the Vikings’ pre-draft trade with the Houston Texans, Minnesota parted with a fourth-rounder and two fifth-rounders in 2024, as well as a third-rounder and fourth-rounder in 2025. “If you told me a few months ago that we ended up here,” Adofo-Mensah said, “I think we’d be excited.” GO DEEPER Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports How the Vikings ended up here is probably best described as riding a roller coaster through a tornado. “I can’t wait to get you here.” “Let’s go do it, Coach,” McCarthy said.

Minnesota Dallas Nfl Mccarthy Maye Vikings Wait Draft Turner Minnesota Vikings Nfl Draft Dallas Turner quarterback add wait selected jj turner minnesota 23 picks mccarthy dallas vikings cornerstone draft adofomensah potential contributors

History of this topic

2 weeks, 1 day ago

Vikings mock draft 2.0: Making sure Minnesota gets D-line help and an impact running back

New York Times

Free agency will determine the Minnesota Vikings’ priorities in the 2025 NFL Draft. GO DEEPER What I heard about the Vikings at the NFL combine: Expect a flurry of moves in free agency Similar to our last mock draft, trading down in the first round felt like the right call. Skattebo’s pass-catching ability might be underrated, and if the Vikings …

3 weeks, 1 day ago

Vikings are — and should be — prioritizing DT with first-round pick in NFL Draft

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — Think of the image Brian Flores’ defense conjures. The Minnesota Vikings have benefited from all the mayhem for two seasons now, and folks throughout the NFL aren’t afraid to shower what Flores has done with praise. One NFC evaluator at the NFL Scouting Combine raved about how important Flores’ defense was to the Vikings’ success this season. Another …

5 months, 1 week ago

Vikings mailbag: Trade deadline thoughts, Dallas Turner’s start, special teams and more

New York Times

It’s the bye week, so the Minnesota Vikings are out and about. This year’s trade deadline is Nov. 5, Election Day, and right after the Vikings’ Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Coach O'Connell gives an injury update pic.twitter.com/bpQbbOtA5S — Minnesota Vikings October 8, 2024 What’s the latest on Dallas Turner’s development? — Jeffrey G. Interestingly, the Vikings’ special …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

As NFL scouts flock to campus, Big Ten players seek to catch their eye

Associated Press

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — NFL scouts filled an entire row of the Michigan Stadium press box to get a look at some of the top prospects in the upcoming draft when the Wolverines beat Southern California two weeks ago. Projected top picks in the NFL draft Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter, who plays receiver and cornerback, is widely viewed as …

6 months ago

The unbeaten Texans and Vikings have each been bringing the quarterback pressure

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings let Danielle Hunter leave as a free agent this year, deciding not to pay market price for a player who’d flourished into the franchise’s latest in a long line of prolific pass rushers. “We’ve got a bunch of guys that can all play, and we’re really using those guys,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “When …

7 months ago

Minnesota Vikings agree to 1-year contract with veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore

Associated Press

The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a one-year contract with Stephon Gilmore on Sunday, the fifth cornerback — and by far the most accomplished — the team has added since training camp began in an effort to bolster a vital position group. After leading the NFL with six interceptions and 20 passes defensed and earning his second straight All-Pro selection in …

7 months, 1 week ago

J.J. McCarthy is done for the season, and the Vikings are left to pick up the pieces

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — The Minnesota Vikings’ buses pulled up to the Browns’ practice fields outside of Cleveland, and coach Kevin O’Connell quickly got on with it. “As crushed as I am for our team,” O’Connell said, “I’m the most crushed for J.J.” GO DEEPER Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy out for season after successful surgery As he spoke, the rest of …

7 months, 1 week ago

Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy out for season after successful meniscus surgery on right knee

New York Times

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy was ruled out for the season after having successful surgery on the meniscus in his right knee, coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wednesday. “It did reveal that a repair was necessary, which will end J.J.’s 2024 season.” The Vikings selected McCarthy out of Michigan with the No. Sam Darnold, who is entering his seventh season …

7 months, 1 week ago

Vikings QB McCarthy held out of practice with soreness in right knee after promising preseason debut

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reported soreness in his right knee and was held out of practice on Monday night to undergo further examination. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said the team didn’t have reason to believe McCarthy was experiencing any problem beyond routine soreness, but O’Connell said he wasn’t sure yet whether McCarthy would travel this week …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings ownership says patience with McCarthy will be prioritized, as rookie QB develops

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — When the Minnesota Vikings became the proud owners of a rookie quarterback by drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round, their potential road to a Super Bowl came into focus — starting with speed bumps. We’re trying to build for the long term.” McCarthy, the 10th overall pick from national champion Michigan, has had his share of …

7 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings stick to process with McCarthy, as Darnold’s presence keeps pressure off rookie QB

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The expectations and scrutiny that hound NFL quarterbacks drafted at the top of the first round is mere background noise for J.J. McCarthy in his first training camp with the Minnesota Vikings. “But also, it’s about the quality and the volume of those reps throughout camp to really continue to holistically attack this quarterback development program and …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings post-NFL Draft depth chart: Sam Darnold at QB, defensive improvements aplenty

New York Times

The NFL Draft is over, and the Minnesota Vikings’ summer schedule is heating up. Here is our full breakdown: Quarterbacks Starter: Sam Darnold On the roster: J.J. McCarthy, Nick Mullens Out: Jaren Hall The Vikings do not want to rush McCarthy’s development. Wide receivers Starters: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison On the roster: Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Jalen Nailor Out: Trishton …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings CB Khyree Jackson has come a long way, from a deli counter to the 4th round in the NFL draft

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Every player in the NFL draft has a story. Khyree Jackson’s journey to the Minnesota Vikings might well warrant a screenplay one day, if the cornerback can establish himself in the league. The Vikings took Jackson in the fourth round on Saturday to kick off their slate of day-three picks, using the 108th overall pick on the …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports

New York Times

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with nine picks over the three-day event. NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, picks and analysis Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300? Draft pick grades: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3 Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections GO DEEPER Vikings 2024 NFL …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings trade up twice in NFL draft. They take Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, Alabama edge Dallas Turner

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings traded up twice in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, jumping one spot to No. “Obviously I’m a spreadsheet-calculator guy myself, but sometimes you’ve got to step out from there, take your Clark Kent glasses off and just have a championship mindset and swing for a great player.” The departure …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Why J.J. McCarthy (and those close to him) saw the Vikings as ‘dream scenario’ in draft

New York Times

He escaped to the golf course. GO DEEPER How hockey helped make J.J. McCarthy one of NFL Draft's most intriguing prospects “It was almost a dream scenario for him,” Campbell said. He referenced a pre-draft Zoom call with McCarthy, who asked him directly: “Is there a reason you wouldn’t draft me?” “Honestly, from a talent standpoint, no,” Adofo-Mensah said. Because …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Five quarterbacks selected in first 10 picks of NFL Draft, most in top 10 in common era

New York Times

Quarterbacks were flying off the board at a record-breaking pace early in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as five were taken within the first 10 picks. The Falcons’ first choice of the draft puzzled many, as the team recently signed NFL veteran and former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins to a deal that is worth $180 million over …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings hoping they have team in place to successfully draft, develop rookie quarterback

New York Times

You can picture the Minnesota Vikings’ draft room. Instead, head coach Kevin O’Connell, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski and other members of the Vikings leadership team formulated a strategy built around simulating what it would be like to coach, work alongside and develop a highly selected quarterback. GO DEEPER Why Sam Darnold is a vital piece …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft 2024 guide: Picks, predictions and key needs

New York Times

The Beast, Dane Brugler’s expansive guide to the NFL Draft, is here. Vikings’ draft picks Round Pick Overall Notes 1 11 11 1 23 23 From Browns via Texans 4 8 108 4 29 129 From Lions 5 22 157 From Browns 5 32 167 From Chiefs 6 1 177 From Panthers through Jaguars 7 10 230 From Falcons via …

11 months ago

Vikings have the 11th and 23rd picks in the NFL draft and a need for a QB. Can they get their guy?

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The NFL draft is not so much a marathon weekend as it is a season of speculation and subterfuge, a made-for-TV mystery unfolding team by team across the league. “It’s something that is hard to grasp, but if you grasp it, you know what the rewards are, right?” With Penix and Nix widely considered to be in …

11 months ago

7-round NFL mock draft: Dane Brugler predicts all 257 picks

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of NFL Draft Rounds 4-7. Las Vegas Raiders *: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, “the whispers are getting louder” that the Raiders might draft Penix at No. Los Angeles Chargers: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan It will feel like an upset if the Chargers don’t draft either Jenkins, Junior Colson …

11 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings mock draft 2.0: Creatively filling holes at quarterback and defensive tackle

New York Times

We published our first Minnesota Vikings mock draft two months ago. This mock draft leans into what might happen if Minnesota is unable to trade up, or if head coach Kevin O’Connell prefers a quarterback option who might be available at a later pick. Add him alongside a proven run stuffer in Harrison Phillips, and pair his penetration ability with …

11 months, 3 weeks ago

J.J. McCarthy talks rising draft stock at Michigan pro day: ‘I pride myself on intangibles’

New York Times

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — With a chance to set a record for the most prospects selected in a single NFL Draft, Michigan drew a big crowd of NFL coaches and evaluators to its pro day Friday afternoon. I’m pretty confident with the showing I put out there.” Many projections have McCarthy as the fourth quarterback drafted behind USC’s Caleb Williams, …

1 year ago

Vikings make big play toward QB of the future with trade for Texans’ first-round draft pick: Sources

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Alec Lewis and Dane Brugler The Athletic has live coverage of Texans vs Bears in the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game. The Minnesota Vikings are acquiring a second first-round pick for April’s NFL Draft, landing No. Minnesota will get the 23rd and 232nd pick….Houston will get the 42nd, 188th and 2nd in 2025 — Dianna Russini …

1 year ago

J.J. McCarthy’s draft ceiling: What film shows about Michigan QB’s NFL potential

New York Times

Where an NFL team values Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy will depend on its tolerance for projection. vs. Ohio State, 4:18 remaining in the fourth quarter, second-and-6 Up 3 points late in the game, Michigan called a boot, but every receiver was covered as McCarthy got to the edge. vs. Ohio State, 5:24 remaining in the third quarter, second-and-5 McCarthy’s athleticism …

1 year ago

A former GM’s take on this Vikings offseason: ‘They are in a tough spot’

New York Times

The Minnesota Vikings’ current situation reminds Randy Mueller of the spring of 2006. In one story, an anonymously sourced executive was even quoted as saying: “When you take the approach of just getting by at quarterback, you’re not going to win long term.” Other needs occupied Mueller’s day-to-day planning sessions. “There’s no guarantee that they could go all in next …

1 year, 1 month ago

Vikings mock draft 1.0: Two trades, a bunch of defenders and making a big move for a QB

New York Times

The Super Bowl is over. GO DEEPER What I heard about the Vikings' draft plans at the Senior Bowl this week Here are the selections, featuring one quarterback, two trades and a bunch of defenders: Round 1, No. 💪@oregonfootball extends the lead 👏 pic.twitter.com/I2IRFkrCyX — FOX College Football November 25, 2023 Fourth round: Mohamed Kamara, Edge, Colorado State The Vikings …

1 year, 2 months ago

From national champions to the NFL! JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum both declare for the Draft... days after Michigan's big win over Washington

Daily Mail

Two of college football's biggest stars are heading for the NFL, after Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Blake Corum both declared for the Draft. JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum have both declared for the 2024 NFL Draft Decision comes after they helped Michigan beat Washington to win the national championship Quarterback McCarthy posted a long and emotional statement …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings-Lions predictions, preview: Does Minnesota have anything left in the tank?

New York Times

Depending on your worldview, the Minnesota Vikings have something to play for Sunday: a chance at the playoffs, or a better draft selection. Given all the Vikings’ talent issues, I would not mind at all to see him return next season. Winning wouldn’t make a huge difference in draft position, but this team needs every little bit it can get …

1 year, 4 months ago

2024 NFL Draft QB Tracker: Who belongs with J.J. McCarthy, Jayden Daniels in Heisman race?

New York Times

The Heisman Trophy shouldn’t be a quarterback-only honor. With all that in mind, here’s how I’d bucket the quarterbacks in the Heisman conversation, if the season ended today: Finalists Jayden Daniels, LSU: 2,573 yards, 30 TDs, 3 INTs, 73.1 percent completions, 521 rushing yards J.J. McCarthy, Michigan: 1,799 yards, 21 TDs, 3 INTs, 78.1 percent completions, 3 rushing TDs Vegas …

1 year, 6 months ago

Why T.J. Hockenson’s extension matters for Justin Jefferson’s Vikings future

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Last November, the day after the Minnesota Vikings traded for T.J. Hockenson, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said something interesting. More relevant to Adofo-Mensah’s point, though, Hockenson’s arrival allowed the Vikings offense to further stretch the field. Understanding why requires a review of last season, an assessment of how Hockenson changed the complexion of the Vikings offense and …

1 year, 6 months ago

Vikings 53-man roster projection: Who’s in and who’s out ahead of NFL cutdown day?

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of NFL roster cuts and projections ahead of cutdown day MINNEAPOLIS — Kevin O’Connell calls the next 72 hours the toughest part of his job. “We’ve got a very competitive roster and feel really good about our depth,” O’Connell said Saturday after the team’s final preseason game, an 18-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Tight …

1 year, 9 months ago

Vikings 53-man roster projection: Who’s in and who’s out after minicamp?

New York Times

Training camp for the Minnesota Vikings will come in about five weeks. Hall’s athletic ability will also serve the Vikings’ scout team well. Tight end In: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt Out: Nick Muse, Ben Sims Hockenson and Oliver will be fixtures in the Vikings’ pursuit of a more efficient offense in 2023. Filling Kris Boyd’s spot from 2022 …

1 year, 10 months ago

Lions draft Hendon Hooker: QB help for now, and perhaps a starter for the future

New York Times

NFL Draft 2023 tracker: Live blog and pick-by-pick analysis ALLEN PARK, Mich. — All offseason, the quarterback discussion was one of great interest for these Detroit Lions. Draft grades: Scott Dochterman on Round 1 | Round 2-3 Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300? When you combine this with the touch on his deep ball and …

1 year, 10 months ago

Vikings draft Jaren Hall: A developmental QB option comes to fruition for Minnesota

New York Times

NFL Draft 2023 tracker: Live blog and pick-by-pick analysis It seemed likely from the beginning that the Minnesota Vikings would add a quarterback at some point in the 2023 NFL Draft. That’s the story behind Minnesota’s decision to draft BYU QB Jaren Hall with the 164th pick Saturday afternoon. He is shorter in stature, standing 6 feet tall and weighing …

1 year, 10 months ago

Vikings take USC WR Jordan Addison at No. 23 in NFL draft

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Jordan Addison could hardly have found a better place to break into the NFL than Minnesota, with Justin Jefferson in place to learn from. The Vikings selected the USC wide receiver with the 23rd overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving their superstar a viable sidekick after the jettisoning of veteran Adam Thielen — …

1 year, 11 months ago

Vikings NFL Draft big board: A cornerback or wide receiver early, but then what?

New York Times

Pre-draft visits are wrapping up. Here are the possibilities: Day 1 options Player College Position Deonte Banks Maryland CB Joey Porter Jr. Penn State CB Jaxon Smith-Njigba Ohio State WR Jordan Addison USC WR Quentin Johnston TCU WR Brian Branch Alabama S/Ni Kelee Ringo Georgia CB Calijah Kancey Pittsburgh DT Mazi Smith Michigan DT Hendon Hooker Tennessee QB Now, full …

1 year, 11 months ago

Vikings NFL Draft debate: Weighing the best fits for Minnesota’s first four picks

New York Times

We’re less than a month away from the draft, and the Minnesota Vikings’ needs are clearer than ever. Baumgardner: OK, so Minnesota’s in an interesting position as a team that’s good enough to win its division while also being a club that could probably use a few upgrades in critical spots. I also love Pace from Cincinnati and think he …

1 year, 11 months ago

Discussing Vikings’ NFL Draft priorities, a Justin Jefferson extension and more: Mailbag

New York Times

The league meetings are over. For as enticing as that last option seems, and as unproductive as the Vikings’ early-round cornerbacks have been in recent years, cornerback still makes the most sense at the top of this draft. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh GO DEEPER NFL Draft 2023 Big Board: The Athletic’s updated top 100 prospect rankings Do you put any …

1 year, 11 months ago

Vikings 7-round mock draft: Two trades add three picks as Minnesota remakes defense

New York Times

The closer we get to the 2023 NFL Draft, the more information we have to help project it accurately. GO DEEPER Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, owner express confidence in QB Kirk Cousins Using all of the recent activity as context, let’s lay out a roadmap for how things could go in the draft. GO DEEPER Vikings NFL Draft 2023 guide: …

2 years ago

Vikings-related NFL Draft thoughts after the first wave of free agency

New York Times

Now that the Vikings have charted their course in free agency, seemingly opting to continue their “competitive rebuild” by adding young talent to go with a few longtime contributors, it’s time to reconsider their plans for the upcoming NFL Draft. Here are my thoughts after the early free-agency frenzy: We learned a lot this week about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's approach for …

2 years ago

NFL mock draft: After Panthers trade for No. 1, 4 quarterbacks go in top 4 picks

New York Times

Dane Brugler’s The Beast, the complete 2023 NFL Draft Guide, is now available. His aggressive general manager, Scott Fitterer, checked that box — and perhaps set the tone for what’s to come … Recency bias could be in play with the choice of Stroud over Bryce Young, as the two-time Big Ten offensive player of the year rocked the combine …

2 years, 1 month ago

Vikings NFL Draft strategy: Dane Brugler analyzes Minnesota’s past, present and future

New York Times

The next month will be vital to the future of the Minnesota Vikings. From 2014 to 2021, the Vikings didn’t draft a defensive lineman in the first two rounds. Dalvin Cook was a good example of a question many outside evaluators ask themselves: “Would you rather be right on draft day, or trust your evaluation and hope to be correct …

2 years, 2 months ago

Vikings’ Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell chart path forward into offseason — together

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Exiting the stadium Sunday night, coming to terms with the fact that the Minnesota Vikings’ season was over, first-year general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah got stuck behind a group of fans. “I can’t lie,” he said Wednesday, seated alongside coach Kevin O’Connell for Minnesota’s end-of-season news conference. O’Connell offered the idea of building-wide accountability to make sure the …

2 years, 3 months ago

As Vikings make history, 49ers ask how far they can go with Brock Purdy: Mike Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

The Minnesota Vikings picked the perfect weekend to commemorate their 1980 “Miracle at the Met” featuring Tommy Kramer’s tipped Hail Mary to Ahmad Rashad for a division-winning victory against the Cleveland Browns. We’ll also delve into the roles officiating and game management played in the Vikings’ victory, with a 1980 “Met Center” game tie-in and reflections on momentum, which can …

2 years, 4 months ago

Vikings acquire tight end TJ Hockenson in trade with Lions

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson from the division rival Detroit Lions a few hours before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, giving the NFC North leader another skill-position standout for a high-caliber offense. The deal, which was pending completion of Hockenson passing a physical exam, came two days after a serious ankle injury for primary …

2 years, 4 months ago

What T.J. Hockenson brings to the Minnesota Vikings offense

New York Times

Several years ago, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was asked about his background, how a man who had traded commodities on Wall Street had transitioned into being an impactful voice in an NFL front office. Late in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. collided with running back Dalvin Cook. “I think a lot of people around the …

2 years, 10 months ago

Seahawks face critical draft beginning with No. 9 selection

Associated Press

RENTON, Wash. — For the better part of a decade, the first-round of the NFL draft has proved to be rather boring for the Seattle Seahawks. It’s a little different.” UNDER CENTER The last time the Seahawks selected a quarterback in the first round was Rick Mirer in 1993. END OF THE LINE The last time Seattle had a top …

3 years, 7 months ago

Zimmer, Vikings aim for rebound with restocked defense

Associated Press

MINNESOTA VIKINGS CAMP SITE: Eagan, Minnesota LAST YEAR: After a badly deteriorated defense and a rash of turnovers by QB Kirk Cousins left the Vikings at 1-5 entering their bye week, the brilliance of rookie WR Justin Jefferson and workhorse RB Dalvin Cook helped them finish on a better note. IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Patrick Peterson, DT Sheldon …

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15 hours, 23 minutes ago

Stefon Diggs to New England Patriots? Rumour mills churning as WR takes first free agency visit

Hindustan Times

Four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs has reportedly begun exploring his options in free agency, with his first team visit taking place in Foxboro to meet with the New England Patriots, according to The Athletic. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Diggs continues recovering from an ACL tear that prematurely ended his 2024 season with the Houston Texans. Patriots …

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4 days, 4 hours ago