Kwesi’s Pre-Draft Presser – 2024 QB Class Strategy & the Stefon Diggs Trade

Join Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano in episode 239 of Two Old Bloggers as they delve into the heart of Vikingsland. Discover the unique 2024 QB draft strategies, assess the impact of the historic Stefon Diggs trade four years on, and deep dive into the Vikings’ safeties. An episode packed with in-depth discussions and insights that every Vikings fan will appreciate. SKOL!

In the latest episode of “Two Old Bloggers”, hosts Dave and Darren discuss the latest in Vikingsland including the team’s unique approach to the 2024 QB class, insights from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s pre-draft press conference, and player meetings. Turning away from the traditional route of attending prospects’ Pro Days, they’re opting instead for private workouts. This shift in the evaluation process is creating a buzz and raising questions about the potential payoff. We then look back at the Stefon Diggs trade four years on, assessing the outcome for the Vikings. Finally, we delve into the Vikings’ positional overview focusing on the safeties, including insights on Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum, and Josh Metellus. All this and more.

Shifting Away from the Scripted

Drawing a parallel between Pro Days and scripted acting performances, Dave explained the essence of the Vikings’ new strategy. “I love your analogy of having the Pro Days being scripted, almost like an actor would use… Now, while they’re doing the private ones… they can ask questions in real-time and see how fast they either remember things or how fast they’re digesting information in the question you’re asking.”

This approach not only challenges the prospects to think on their feet but also gives the team a chance to observe how quickly they can absorb and apply new information. The unscripted nature of these private workouts emulates the unpredictability of actual games, thereby offering a more realistic evaluation of the prospect’s capabilities. It also provides a baseline observation on each of the players, a starting point for coaching, and conversely pre-scouting knowledge about the player if they play against them in the future.

The Human Element: Interactions Matter

Beyond the field skills, the Vikings are also keenly observing quarterbacks’ interpersonal skills during the private meetings. Dave shared that the team is interested in seeing “how they interact with people. How do they treat people in the cafeteria, right?… They’re seeing the human side.”

This focus on the human element underscores the Vikings’ holistic approach towards player evaluation, recognizing that a player’s behavior off the field can be as impactful as their performance on it. It helps the Vikings evaluate if the player will be a good culture fit so highly desired by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell, and how that chemistry adds to team success.

Broadening the Horizon: Looking Beyond the Top 30

While the spotlight often falls on the top 30 prospects, Dave and Darren pointed out the Vikings’ strategy of casting a wider net. The team has already conducted private workouts with five quarterbacks and has been actively tracking visits with numerous prospects.

Darren noted, “Some of those are going to be Vikings… one of the names on there, Khristian Boyd, a defensive tackle from Northern Iowa. I just wanted to mention him because when I was looking through the various teams [from the NFC North and across the league] and all the Top 30 visit trackers from other sites, he is a popular guy.”

Aiming for the Future

The full impact of this unique approach may not be immediately apparent. The true measure of success would only be revealed in the coming years in the form of on-field performances and team dynamics. However, Dave and Darren voiced their strong support for the Vikings’ innovative strategy. They believe this method will provide a deeper, more rounded understanding of a potential player’s skills, personality, and fit within the team, thereby aiding in the selection of the ideal addition to the Vikings.

From the Vikings Vault: A Momentous Trade

In their recent podcast episode, “Two Old Bloggers”, Darren and Dave took their listeners on a journey through time, revisiting a pivotal moment in Minnesota Vikings history. This moment was none other than the trade of Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills in 2020, a decision that sent shockwaves through the fanbase and beyond.

“Myself, when that trade happened, that was a gut punch for me, Dave,” Darren confessed, the memory still vivid in his mind. He painted a picture of a stunned fanbase, grappling with the departure of a player who had been instrumental in reviving the team’s faltering offense and the hero of the Minneapolis Miracle. Diggs’ departure was not just the loss of a talented player, but a symbol of change for the team.

The Backstory of the Trade

Peeling back the layers of this momentous trade, Darren offered a theory for the underlying tensions that led to the breakdown of the relationship between Diggs and the Vikings. The catalyst, according to Darren, was the appointment of John DeFilippo as the offensive coordinator in 2018. With DeFilippo at the helm, the Vikings’ offensive strategy leaned more toward passing, resulting in Diggs getting the ball significantly more.

However, Mike Zimmer fired Defilippo despite the team’s overall passing success that didn’t turn into wins and wanted a more run-pass balance. Diggs seemed to be at odds with the new offensive balance, which was shifting more toward Dalvin Cook. “It just became clear that he wanted out of Minnesota,” Darren explained, citing Diggs’ missed practices, team meetings, and cryptic social media posts as indicators of his discontent. Ultimately, Diggs’ desire to leave was so strong, it forced the Vikings’ hand, leading to his trade to the Bills.

The Aftermath and Assessment of the Trade

In the aftermath of the trade, Darren suggested that it wasn’t a zero-sum game. In fact, he proposed that both teams emerged as winners from the situation. On one hand, the Bills secured a number one wide receiver in Diggs, who exceeded expectations by making the Pro Bowl all four years he was with them and helping the team get to the AFC Championship game twice.

On the other hand, the Vikings landed a young, affordable, and nearly as productive wide receiver in Justin Jefferson. But the benefits for the Vikings didn’t stop there. “We also got Camryn Bynum out of this trade. And Bynum has been a solid starter for us,” Darren highlighted, pointing out the additional assets the Vikings gained from the trade.

The Ongoing Story: Diggs’ Move to the Texans

In a surprising twist to the ongoing Diggs narrative, Darren and Dave also discussed Diggs’ recent trade to the Houston Texans. They gave insights into behind-the-scenes negotiations, revealing that the Texans had approached Kwesi in a bid to acquire the draft capital they needed for Diggs.

“They needed that for the trade. They didn’t want to give up a first for him. And he did that, and it worked for both of us again. It worked for Stefon, and it worked for the Vikings,” Dave explained, highlighting the strategic maneuvers that led to the unexpected trade.

In conclusion, the in-depth analysis provided by Darren and Dave serves as a fascinating exploration of the dynamics of NFL trades, player motivations, and team strategies. The landmark trade of Stefon Diggs stands as a case study of how these elements interact, shaping the trajectory of teams and players alike.

Safeties: The Unwavering Strength of Harrison Smith

Dave and Darren then launched into a detailed analysis of the Minnesota Vikings’ safety unit, starting with the stalwart of the team, Harrison Smith. Recognizing Smith’s enduring impact, Darren asserted, “Harrison Smith should be making the Hall of Fame when he’s all said and done.” His statement underlines Smith’s significant contributions to the team over the years.

Although Darren was surprised by Smith’s decision to stay in the game, both hosts agreed that his return was a definite advantage for the Vikings. “This was a bit of a surprise to me, I thought either A, he’s going to retire, or B, the Vikings are going to release him and get some salary cap relief that way,” Darren noted, expressing his initial thoughts on Smith’s future.

Smith’s Diminishing Role: A Strategic Move for Longevity?

The conversation took an interesting turn when the hosts discussed the strategic implications of Smith’s lessening playing time. Darren shared an insight from Vikings’ Offensive Coordinator, Kevin O’Connell, “Kevin O’Connell said a few weeks ago that Yes, they brought Hitman back. They’re glad to have him back, but they’re really hoping and they plan actually to not have him out there as much as he has been in previous years.”

The hosts explored the rationale behind this move, touching upon the importance of preserving the health and longevity of key players like Smith. They suggested that a decrease in playing time could be a strategic step to ensure Smith’s fitness and performance levels remain optimal.

The Emergence of Camryn Bynum: A Star in the Making

Switching gears to discuss the younger players, the hosts delved into the promising career of Camryn Bynum. “Bynum wasn’t up at the line of scrimmage in the box nearly as much. He was the deep safety, making sure that we didn’t get beat over the top, and keeping guys in line. But he did it very well, he thrived in the Brian Flores defense,” Darren observed. Both hosts expressed optimism for Bynum’s future, predicting that he would continue to strengthen his performance in the upcoming season.

Multi-Faceted Josh Metellus: A Revelation

Josh Metellus was another player who received high praise from the hosts, with Darren describing him as a “revelation.” “Metellus was a revelation. A do-it-all guy, playing edge, linebacker, nickel corner, safety, sometimes he was even in on the defensive line on a few snaps,” Darren elaborated. The hosts commended Metellus for his versatility and adaptability, deeming him a critical asset to the Vikings.

Lewis Cine: A Disappointing Draft Pick or a Late Bloomer?

The conversation took a sobering turn when discussing Lewis Cine, the first overall draft pick in 2022, who, according to the hosts, has not lived up to expectations. “In two years you cannot get on the field at all. And in some, a lot of games you are not even dressed. That tells me that you are not a good player. You’re a bust,” Darren expressed, indicating his disappointment.

However, Dave suggested that Cine’s situation could be an opportunity for growth or a potential trade. “Maybe it’s a learning thing. If you’re talking about the playbook, maybe he’s learned a different way to learn it. And now he’s getting it,” Dave proposed, offering a more optimistic take on Cine’s future with the Vikings.

Throughout the episode, Dave and Darren offered listeners a comprehensive analysis of the Vikings’ safety unit. Their in-depth discussion provided valuable insights into each player’s performance, potential, and future with the team, allowing fans to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics and strategies within the Vikings’ safety unit.

NFL Tampering Allegations: A Dive into Atlanta Falcons’ Controversy

Dave and Darren explored a hot topic in the NFL world: the ongoing speculations about potential tampering by the Atlanta Falcons. The lively debate spanned several aspects, from possible penalties and precedents to the potential benefits for other teams.

The Debate: Will the NFL Rule Against the Falcons?

Dave ignited the discussion by bringing up the question that has been on many NFL fans’ minds: Will the Falcons face repercussions for their alleged tampering? “Will the NFL rule against the Atlanta Falcons? It’s going to be interesting,” Dave commented, setting the tone for the conversation.

Unraveling the Implications

Darren provided a deeper insight into the potential outcomes of the alleged tampering. He referenced an article he had recently read on the issue, mentioning the author’s suggestion about a possible swapping of the 11th and 8th picks between the Atlanta Falcons and the Vikings. “There was an article looking at what the possibility of that was,” Darren shared, adding an additional layer to the unfolding discussion.

Reflecting on Past Precedents

The hosts then turned their focus back to the past, citing previous instances of tampering within the league. Dave highlighted a specific case where the teams involved – Baltimore and Arizona – agreed to a pick swap as a settlement. “When the last time Tampering got caught, the two teams, Baltimore and Arizona, they agreed to a pick swap, you know, a settlement as they called it,” he explained.

However, Dave also pointed out that when it comes to penalties, the NFL tends to consider each case on its own merits. “It’s very political,” he remarked, indicating that the Falcons’ previous offenses had only resulted in minor penalties, which could potentially influence the outcome this time around.

The Potential Winners: What’s In It For The Vikings?

The conversation then shifted towards the Minnesota Vikings, with Dave and Darren speculating on potential benefits for the team. Darren suggested that a pick swap could make trading up less costly for the Vikings. Meanwhile, Dave humorously proposed a more ambitious scenario: “If they just give us the 8, I’d take that.”

Despite this light-hearted banter, both hosts agreed that the chances of the Vikings receiving a significant advantage from the situation remain slim. “Atlanta might lose something, but don’t count on the Vikings getting anything out of this tampering,” Darren cautioned, tempering expectations.

The Road Ahead

As they wrapped up the discussion, the hosts expressed their anticipation for the developments that lay ahead. Darren concluded, “It’s going to be interesting depending on how severe the NFL feels the tampering was.”

With many questions still unanswered, fans, analysts, and spectators alike will be keenly watching the NFL’s response to these tampering allegations against the Atlanta Falcons. The outcome could have significant implications for the Falcons, the Vikings, and the league at large.

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In conclusion, this episode of Two Old Bloggers provided an engaging and detailed analysis of the Vikings’ draft strategy, the impact of past trades, and the potential implications of recent tampering allegations. As the draft approaches, fans and followers of the Minnesota Vikings will undoubtedly be eager to see how these discussions translate into real-world decisions. Find more of your Vikings talk at Vikings 1st & SKOL and join the conversation.

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