On Monday, the same day that Marcus Carr was named to the Preseason All Big Ten Team, Both Gach was approved to play the 2020-21 college basketball season as a Minnesota Golden Gopher, after transferring from the University of Utah. He became the 2nd projected starter for Richard Pitino, who needed (and received) waiver approval from the NCAA, to be eligible for the upcoming season. Drake Transfer Center, Liam Robbins, was the other.

To be competitive in a stacked Big Ten, Richard Pitino needed both of these waivers to be approved. Now that they are, the Gophers might be one of the biggest sleeper teams in the entire country, entering a season that is scheduled to tip in just a couple of weeks (Nov. 25 vs Green Bay – Wisconsin).

The Gophers lost Daniel Oturu to the NBA Draft but their 2020-21 team should be much better, as a whole. The offensive changes will be most recognizable in the back-court, where you’ll see most of the offense generated. That’s a stark contrast to what we’ve seen built around Oturu over the last couple of seasons.

Oh… and the depth. Richard Pitino has legitimate depth this season and that’s not something he’s been able to say… ever. This team can go 10-deep if Eric Curry is healthy and able to contribute.

Projected Starting Lineup

1.) PG: Marcus Carr (Jr)

As mentioned previously, Carr was just named to the Preseason All Big Ten Team and he’ll be tasked with leading the Minnesota Gophers on an NCAA Tournament run. Marcus is one of the best point guards in the country and that should help the Gophers throughout the 2020-21 season… but especiallying during the dance (should they get there). That’s where the nation’s top point guards have historically dominated.

2.) Wing: Gabe Kalscheur (Jr)

Gabe’s shooting was very erratic in 2019 but it did improve toward the end of the season. Richard Pitino needs him to be more consistent in 2020. He was brought in to be a knock-down 3-pt specialist and, if he’s able to turn it around, will be the perfect compliment to Both Gach and Gabe Kalscheur on the perimeter. We know Kalscheur’s defense will be there, too.

3.) Wing: Both Gach (Jr)

Both’s transfer waiver being granted could be the difference in 2020. Gach is a local kid who can do a little bit of everything. His length and quickness on defense allow him to effectively cover all 5 positions on the court. Offensively, he’ll drop it from 3 if you give him room… but he really likes to take the ball to the house off the dribble.

Here’s a great look at what Austin’s Both Gach brings to #Gophers with ability to attack the rim and finish as 6-7 combo guard. Showed NBA potential at Utah. pic.twitter.com/RMlMRDSyrQ

— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) June 15, 2020

4.) PF: Brandon Johnson (RS Sr)

Brandon Johnson is the unheralded transfer from Western Michigan, who Pitino was able to snag in the fall recruiting class. Johnson will be tasked with accumulating a lot of rebounds and playing solid defense. He can shoot it from mid-range and 3-point, if tempted, but that probably won’t be his role with the Gophers.

5.) C: Liam Robbins (Jr)

Robbins was listed as the best transfer on the market, who needed a waiver to be eligible (according to Jeff Goodman – Stadium.com). He’s a late-bloomer and that’s why he ended up at Drake for his first two seasons. However, his size, blocking ability and offensive skill-set have many projecting him into the NBA when his college career is over.

Here's some video of new #Gophers big man @liamrobbins_. Question now becomes whether he can become immediately eligible next season (with hope we have a next season). pic.twitter.com/taIJD58VH1

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) April 5, 2020

Bench Depth

6.) Wing: Isaiah Ihnen (So)

Ihnen was Pitino’s only 4-star recruit in 2019 and he got his feet wet with some important minutes last season. His length, athleticism and shooting ability make you foam at the mouth. If he puts it all together, he’d be one of the best bench players in the Big Ten. He’s big enough to sneak in minutes at the 4, too.

7.) PG: Jamal Mashburn Jr. (Fr)

Mashburn Jr is the star freshman pickup for Richard Pitino. He’s the son of Jamal Mashburn, who played college basketball for his dad at Kentucky. Pitino thinks he’ll be the next face of this program. He can dribble, penetrate, shoot and especially distribute. Hopefully, he’s everything we’ve cracked him up to be. Jamal Jr will be a regular off the bench, where he’ll help keep Marcus Carr rested and healthy.

Brewster Academy (NH) guard and four-star #Gophers recruit Jamal Mashburn Jr. was among the nominees across the country this week for McDonald’s All-American Game selection @McDAAG @its_jaymashjr @GopherMBB pic.twitter.com/mbnx1zuAur

— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) January 15, 2020

8.) Tre Williams (So)

Williams was thrust into some moments as a Freshman, that he probably wasn’t ready for. Still, he showed a good shot and plenty of potential. He’s a kid I expect to grow into a very productive role for Richard Pitino. Whether it’s in 2020-21, is yet to be seen. He’ll battle Ihnen for minutes off the bench, along with any other young wing players who might step up and surprise us.

9.) PF: Jarvis Omersa (Jr)

I’m interested in seeing if Omersa added anything to his game, going into 2020. Through his Sophomore season, we’ve seen the ultimate teammate who will give everything he can when on the floor. Unfortunately, his skillset so far has been very limited offensively. If nothing changes, he’ll provide great depth to a bench that can always use his energy.

10.) Eric Curry (RS Sr)

I really hope I am writing Eric Curry comeback story blogs throughout this season. Anyone following this team knows the difficult road Curry has taken to this moment. After a ridiculously promising freshman season, Curry hasn’t been able to stay healthy. For the limited games we did see him, he was a shell of his former self. Until we see differently, I’m not counting him as a contributor… but he’d be a nice bonus story and surprise for this team, if he can give something on the floor.

Outlook

If you have some extra cash, I’d put it on the “over” for 2020 Gopher basketball wins, which is . Don’t throw it all down on the over, though. Save some so you can bet on Minnesota to win the Big Ten. Do I expect it to happen? No, but at +10000 they are by far the best value bet on the Big Ten ticket.

The Big Ten is stacked in Men’s basketball this season and some have even projected as many as 13 or 14 teams that make the dance. If Pitino’s team really is as good as I hope them to be, then we’ll know about it. This could be one of the most enjoyable Gopher basketball seasons in a long time. Hopefully COVID doesn’t ruin it.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

While I sat around a house full of Michigan fans Saturday night, (my first mistake) watching the Wolverines trample the Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium, deja vu came over me. I had experienced this helpless Minnesota sports fan feeling in recent memory, I thought to myself, but when?

One of my favorite teams opening a season with high, hopeful expectations, just to see them come crashing down in a matter of minutes. A turned-over defense that can’t stop opposing offenses and an offense that didn’t seem ready float an inexperienced defense? Hmmmm…

Ah yes…. now I remember.

"The execution was pretty high on our side."

The #Packers punted only once against the Vikings on Sunday.#GBvsMIN | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/Mn2TGNbW6a

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 15, 2020

Vikings vs Packers, week 1 of 2020. Back on September 13th, the Vikings fell to the Packers 43-34 and it was nearly identical to Saturday night’s 49-24 Gophers loss vs Michigan. That’s a scary thought nobody wants in their head. The 0-1 Gophers resembling the 1-5 Vikings, whose season is over for all intensive purposes? Yikes.

The Vikings and Gophers both found the end zone on their opening drives, scoring the first points of each contest. But by the time dust settled on each game, the Wolverines outgained the Gophers by 152 total yards and the Packers outgained the Vikings by 140.

Both Minnesota teams had five penalties, each gave up 40+ points at home, neither could stop the run and both had to play catch up after the first quarter. Michigan’s average yards per rush was 8.3 yards, while Green Bay managed 6.1 vs the Vikings. Both are terrible.

Both teams sucked in the same areas, too. Green Bay and Michigan each pinpointed the interior of Minnesota’s offensive lines and exploited their young secondaries. All in all, both major-market Minnesota teams played loser football to open their respective seasons.

Before I go any further, let’s cut the Gophers some slack. They were missing a bunch of key pieces, due to COVID-19 protocols. Those pieces included offensive linemen Daniel Faalele and Curtis Dunlap Jr, punter Mark Crawford, kicker Michael Lantz, defensive back Philip Howard and specialist Dragan Kesich.

THE GOOD NEWS

While this blog may seem negative, I have good news. I don’t expect the Minnesota college season to go off the rails like the Minnesota professional football season has. The Gophers are a good team that was dealt some tricky cards on Saturday night. The Vikings, on the other hand, are just bad.

The schedule ahead is favorable for the Gophers too, who will head to College Park where they will face Maryland (0-1) on Friday night. The Terrapins lost to Northwestern 43-3 in week 1. Minnesota hits the road again in week 3, this time bound for Champaign to face the Illini. In week 4, they’ll come back home to battle Iowa for Floyd’s Pig (another Friday night clash).

With a more intact and (hopefully) healthy roster, this is a team that will still vy for a Big Ten West title. PJ Fleck & Co. still has a legit chance to lift the souls of miserable Minnesota sports fans, with a win on Friday.

Heck, right now they’re the only chance we have left at some 2020 hope in this town. PJ Fleck usually has to force his way onto the Minnesota fall sports stage, normally competing against the Vikings and Wild for air and newspaper time.

That’s not the case anymore. We don’t have a choice right now, so PJ, make sure you take advantage.

Stephen Strom | Minnesota Sports Fan

On October 24, the Minnesota Golden Gophers open up their 2020 8-game season vs the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday night primetime, in front of what will likely be one of the biggest audiences for any college football game over the weekend. On the line is one of the most legendary rivalry trophies in the nation, The Little Brown Jug.

Let’s go! #Gophers host Michigan on ABC on Oct. 24. https://t.co/7uj6KwqbZN pic.twitter.com/dgze0N7nNM

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) October 12, 2020

According to the team release, the Gophers are 8-3 in primetime games under PJ Fleck and this is the 5th game in a row that they’ve played on national TV. Four of those games have been on network television. The Outback Bowl game vs Auburn was on ESPN.

This primetime game wasn’t all we found out from this morning’s announcement. We also know the Gophers will play THREE Friday night games during this 2020 season. The first one will be week 2, on the road vs Maryland. Then on Friday, November 13, Minnesota will host Iowa at TCF Bank Stadium before welcoming Purdue on Friday night, one week later (Nov. 20). Of course, the Gophers are 6-0 in non-Saturday games under Fleck.

The Minnesota Gophers climbed up and into both major poll rankings yesterday, where they will likely stay for week 1’s primetime matchup vs Michigan. It will be the first time in AP Poll history (since 1936) that the Gophers will open as a ranked team, vs a ranked team.

Gameday at Opener?

If ESPN were smart (they aren’t), they’d bring their “College Gameday” set to Dinky Town on Saturday morning, October 24. I haven’t had a lot of time to dig into it but someone on Twitter told me their biggest competition is Tennessee vs Alabama. Normally, that’d be enough to kill our chances but Gameday just scheduled their October 17 appearance to be in Tuscaloosa for Alabama vs Georgia.

While it would certainly be a different experience than what we saw in 2019, having Gameday on campus for week 1 would be pretty incredible.

The savior has arrived. pic.twitter.com/aXyY4LA9UT

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) November 30, 2019

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Daniel Oturu entered the NBA Draft in March and most Minnesota Gopher basketball fans knew it was coming, but that didn’t stop hearts from hurting. Oturu was the hometown (Cretin Derham Hall) kid who stuck around and played for the maroon and gold, when other local high school prospects of his caliber were all jumping ship around him for “greener pastures”.

But as the draft drips closer and closer (November 18), Oturu’s career path looks more and more like it might not leave Minnesota, quite yet. Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) reported this morning, that the local pro basketball team is bringing Mr. Oturu in for his 2nd interview.

The #Timberwolves will connect this weekend with former #Gophers big Daniel Oturu for a second interview. We are at the time to be covering all bases for guys in the 17-33 range. pic.twitter.com/SmlIwA0LNv

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) October 2, 2020

The Timberwolves look to be circling their wagons back around draft prospects they like, who could still be on the board when they have their mid-1st (#17) and 2nd-round (#33) picks. It’s a fast turnaround for Oturu, who first interviewed with the hometown team on September 11. Obviously, this doesn’t guarantee Oturu ends up in a Wolves jersey, but it does mean he is one of the finalists they are still interested in, for their 2nd and 3rd picks of this draft.

Where is Dan Projected to Land?

Obviously, it depends on where you look. According to the NBADraftRoom.com, Oturu projects as a “mid-first to early-second round pick”. Rosas and Co could get very-well two stabs at drafting the Woodbury native. Most outlets are mocking Dan right around the Wolves #33 (2nd rnd) overall pick (see below).

There will be a lot of good players available at #17, including other Minnesota natives like Zeke Nnaji and Tyrell Terry, so it doesn’t seem likely (at this point) the Timberwolves go Oturu there. If he is still available at #33, the likelihood has to increase dramatically, given how interested they seem in him through the lead-up process.

Two outlets have Daniel Oturu getting drafted at #18 by the Dallas Mavericks, one pick after the Timberwolves’ pick.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Gophers had one of the most electric offenses in all of college football in 2019. For 2020, PJ Fleck and Co. have lost some of the talent from last season’s record-breaking depth chart, but by-and-large most of the squad is still intact. Let’s dive in!

Quarterback

For the first time in a long time, the Gophers seem to be in a really good spot at quarterback, heading into the season. You have a potential heisman candidate, in Tanner Morgan at QB1, who put up absolutely stupid stats last season

3,253 Passing Yards + 30 Touchdown Passes + 66% Completion Percentage + 250 Passing Yards per game and….

Holy Tanner Morgan……… ? (via @CFB_Data) #Gophers pic.twitter.com/y57cky2Xbh

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 2, 2020

And he only threw seven interceptions on top of that. That’s pretty damn good, and to have Tanner coming back this year is huge. Depth wise, you have a reliable 2nd stringer in Zack Annexstad, who started half the 2018 season for the Gophers as a true Freshman before getting hurt. Jacob Clark and Cole Kramer will battle for that third spot this upcoming season.

Running Back

Expect a heavy dose of Mo Ibrahim this fall. With Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks now gone, Mo is expected to carry more of a workhorse load. Some might argue that Ibrahim was the best running back out of the three, last season, and I have a hard time disagreeing.

Mo plays with an edge, that helps him bulldoze and truck right through defenders. He’s not the fastest, and he may not be the biggest (5’10”, 210 lbs) but he is a pain to bring down. He ran the ball 114 times last year for 604 yards (5.3 ypc) and added seven touchdowns to that.

Mohamed Ibrahim (@_MoIbrahim) is a name to watch next season. He’s wildly underrated. He’s so difficult to tackle and should have a great season with Minnesota as their featured back in 2020. He was great against Auburn #RowTheBoat #SkiUMah #GoGophers #Minnesota #NFL #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/wTKRrycxL9

— Jared Barsness (@JaredBarsNFL) May 23, 2020

When Brooks and Smith were both out due to injuries in 2018, Ibrahim ran 202 times for 1,160 yards (5.7 ypc) and 9 touchdowns, as a redshirt freshman. He’s a bowling ball once he gets going. As for depth, the Gophers will need at least one more guy to step up and it’s anyone’s job. The guy I’m watching here is Cam Wiley. He’s 6’2″, 210 lbs; and he’s a freakish athlete.

Wide Receiver

This is a group that looked to have a lot of uncertainty, with the loss of Tyler Johnson to the NFL, and with Rashod Bateman initially opting out. Now, Bateman is officially back for the 2020 season, to build on his monster 2019. How good was he last year? He caught 60 balls for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns while sharing Morgan’s targets with Tyler Johnson.

Chris Autman-Bell has been the #3 wide receiver in Minnesota for the past two seasons. Because he’s sat behind two legitimate NFL receivers, we don’t know yet what his ceiling is. Chris steps into the WR2 role now, after catching 28 passes for 371 yards and five touchdowns in 2019. Expect those numbers to skyrocket in 2020.

True Freshman, Douglas Emilien has yet to take a snap in a Gopher uniform but I firmly believe he will earn the WR3 role by the time Michigan and Minnesota lineup at TCF Bank Stadium on October 24. He’s a very shifty and quick Wide receiver, who knows how to create seperation. Here’s his Hudl.

We will still see Seth Green again, for his Wildcat QB role. Don’t sleep on Daniel Jackson either, especially if any injury issues were to sprout up.

Tight End

I don’t know that there will be a true “starter” at tight end this season. The four veterans will mainly split snaps, depending on the role that needs filled for that play. Keep an eye on Brevyn Spann-Ford, though. He’s a big 6’7″ kid, who could be a threat in the pass game, now that Kirk Ciarrocca (who hates TE’s) isn’t calling the shots.

#Gophers back at it today for fall practice.

And let me tell ya, Brevyn Spann Ford could be quite the end zone target this season. pic.twitter.com/lTAj5q85uz

— Hobie Artigue (@HobieFOX9) August 6, 2019

One of the plays of the day yesterday turned in by Brevyn Spann-Ford from St. Cloud. More on him in our recap: https://t.co/OldNmIXhtc pic.twitter.com/4jYAQtXCH2

— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) April 3, 2017

Offensive Line

This will be a very interesting group to watch, come October 24th. While I have Curtis Dunlap with the 1’s for now, I’m not so sure that’s what unfolding at practice. Dunlap Jr. put his name in the transfer portal about a month ago, just to pull it out a day later. Curtis might have to earn his spot back, but I’m fairly certain come game one, he will be starting. He’s too talented.

This was a solid group last year, that had some growing pains early on, but found their footing by the B1G Ten season. They return all 6 starters, which certainly helps. The improvement of Sam Schlueter and Curtis Dunlap really elevated the Gopher OL to another level in 2019. If they take another step forward in 2020… watch out.

As a group, this Minnesota Gophers offense is loaded with talent. They put up numbers so ridiculous in 2019, it’s possible we see regression in some statistical categories. As a whole, however, I expect this offense to take another step forward, behind the leadership of Tanner Morgan and veteran talent that riddles this side of the ball.

More consistency from the front of the schedule, to the back, would go a long way toward a successful 2020.

Max Carroll | Minnesota Sports Fan

Last March, the Minnesota Vikings shipped star WR Stefon Diggs and one of their four 2020 seventh-round picks to Buffalo for a 2020 first-rounder (No. 22 overall), a 2020 fifth-rounder, a 2020 sixth-rounder, AND a 2021 fourth-rounder. With arguably the biggest draft of the Spielman/Zimmer era on the horizon, it felt like a plentiful return for an unhappy Diggs… but the offseason didn’t go as planned.

Roster Turnover On Defense

The Vikings knew they were cutting ties with (CB) Xavier Rhodes. They very-well knew a split with (CB) Trae Waynes and (DT) Linval Joseph were likely. Maybe they tried to retain (CB) Mackensie Alexander, but that ultimately didn’t come to fruition either. He would go on to sign with Cincinnati.

Not only did the Vikings end up losing those four defensive staples, but they saw locker room leader (DE) Everson Griffin eventually walk too. (DE) Stephen Weatherly, (S) Andrew Sendejo and (S) Jayron Kearse followed them out the door, before the final hammer dropped. Newly signed (DT) Michael Pierce, who Madden rated as Minnesota’s best defensive player this year, opted-out because of COVID concerns. I don’t know who this Sam guy is… but he saw it coming.

Bears – offense is a mess, meh QB, aging defense
Vikings – reallllll high defensive roster turnover in the cap purge, everyone just assumes 30 year old Theilen won't drop off without Diggs around
Lions – Lions

— Sam (@samhuppert) July 22, 2020

The end result was six new starters on defense, a 55% turnover on that side of the ball. But defense was far from their only problem. The Vikings also had a sub-par offensive line that, at the least, needed to be fortified on the inside.

Miscalculated Draft

So how did Spielman and Co choose to fix all of these holes on both sides of their depth chart, when the 2020 NFL draft came around in April? They chased the ghost of Stefon Diggs. They took that newly acquired 1st round pick they received through the Diggs trade and used it to draft LSU WR, Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson is an electric talent with game changing skills, but wide receivers are one of the more superfluous positions in football. Look at the top WR’s in the game today. What do Deandre Hopkins, Odell Beckham Jr, Julio Jones AND Devante Adams have in common? Zero Super Bowls. 

Teams should only draft wide receivers in the first round if they feel sufficiently stacked in the trenches. When was the last time the Vikings fit that mold? If you have an immobile, stationary quarterback (like Kirk Cousins) who is surrounded by a below-average o-line, the last thing you should do is draft a wide receiver. Do I dislike Justin Jefferson as a player? Absolutely not. Do I think it was a foolish pick with the makeup of this Vikings roster? Damn right… and I said it back then.

I’m going to reiterate my point again, I don’t hate Justin Jefferson as a player. I think the guy could be great but I still believe the Vikings should’ve addressed the offensive line/DB.

If the Vikes can land Trent Williams, I will be a very happy man.

— Stephen Strom (@SStrom32) April 24, 2020

OL > WR

What did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do after investing into a bovine 43-year-old Tom Brady? They traded up in the draft and selected the slam-dunk OL from Iowa, Tristan Wirfs. When veteran OL Trent Williams was begging out of Washington, Minnesota missed out. This is what separates good organizations from great organizations. 

Fast forward to now, the Vikings are 0-2 for the first time under Mike Zimmer. Stefon Diggs had more receiving yards on Sunday (158) than Kirk Cousins had passing yards (113). Dalvin Cook has no space to run, Cousins has been sacked five times in two games and the Minnesota Vikings have given up safeties in back to back weeks.

The same issues last year were stark going into the offseason, yet Minnesota failed to address many of them, even after they were gift wrapped a surplus of draft picks. This season is a reflection of what Spielman and Zimmer did in the draft. If the offensive and defensive lines don’t quickly transform, this will be a long season. But hey, at least Justin Jefferson has 5 catches for 70 yards on the year.

Want more fire from Strom on the Vikings? Listen to what he had to say this morning on his podcast, Wake Up Minnesota! Follow him on Twitter.

Stephen Strom | Minnesota Sports Fan

Just a couple weeks after Albert Regis decided to decommit from Minnesota, the Gophers have received yet another decommitment. Worse yet, he’s heading to a Big Ten West rival, Purdue. ATH Sam Jackson, of Naperville Central (IL) High School, decommitted from Minnesota (for the second time).

WHAT’S POSSIBLE IS REVEALED ONE DAY AT A TIME. #BolierUp @JeffBrohm @BrianBrohm NEW BEGINNINGS ¨̮ pic.twitter.com/zLr8pHGZbQ

— Sam Jackson ⁵ (@jackson5ive_) June 11, 2020

According to GopherIllustrated.com (member boards), the 5’11” Jackson is decomitting because he wants to be the star QB (my words not theirs). That’s probably not going to happen with 4-star Antioch (IL) QB, Athan Kaliakmanis already committed in the 2021 class QB.

While Jackson is listed as an ATH on 247sports.com, he instead projects himself as a QB. In his sophomore year, Jackson corralled in 50 catches for 900 yards, including 14 of those catches coming as TD’s, so he’s definitely no slouch at WR, either… but he wants a shot at chucking the pigskin, instead of reeling it in.

Jackson has had a controversial recruiting road, to say the least. He first committed to the Gophers in February of 2019, but then decommitted in January of 2020, just to commit to the Gophers again in April. Now, he’s off the boat again. Athan has been committed through both of Jackson’s stints in the boat… so nothing has changed from the Gophers’ side of things.

The 4-star committed to the Gophers over the likes of Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Iowa, among others. He is ranked as the #30 overall ATH in the 2021 class and #9 overall player in Illinios. The shocker was his immediate commitment to Purdue. Rumblings of his decommitment have been there for the last few days… but many had him off to Notre Dame, until this shocker.

Here’s what 247sports.com analyst Allen Trieu had to say about Jackson:

Fast, makes cuts at full speed and shows great ball skills for someone who has not played full-time receiver yet. Also has a strong arm at quarterback. The main question there is size as far as being a college signal caller.

— Allen Trieu | 247Sports.com

With the Gophers class currently ranked 9th overall, it figures to take a pretty big hit after Jackson’s decommitment.

Carson Ruen | Minnesota Sports Fan

It’s draft day eve, the night before one of baseballs favorite days of the year. With the pandemic still upon us and no actual baseball to watch, it’s probably the only thing that we have to look forward to…

While the MLB and MLBPA continue to bicker over millions of dollars, the Minnesota Twins and the rest of the league’s teams, are getting ready to add to their roster, preparing for the future, since nobody knows what’s going to happen in the present.

The Twins are in a position to draft from a great pool of players in the first round of tomorrow’s 2020 MLB Draft. After a surprisingly arousing off-season, Twins fans are drooling over what this crafty front office is going to bring home!

The #MLBDraft begins tomorrow on @ESPN and @MLBNetwork at 7 PM ET.

Here's the first round draft order. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/o4Dz2m6bNf

— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2020

I’m not sure if the new millennium Twins were afraid of change, or they were worried about upsetting Joe Mauer. Since drafting Joe in 2001, they’ve picked in the top-20, in nine out of the past nineteen years…. but never picked a catcher with their first pick.

They’ve drafted pitchers, short stops and outfielders… but not one catcher. That position has been left to free-agency or trade and consistency has been non-existent, since. It could be argued, Catcher is the most important position on the field. Unless a pitcher goes 9 innings, nobody touches the ball more than your Catcher.

Apparently, the Twins front office thought, if they paid enough for one catcher, we don’t need anymore….?

Looking at mock drafts around the internet, I think the analysts have it wrong. CBS analyst, Mike Axisa, has us picking a RHP at 27 from Texas Tech. Matt Weyrich from NBC sports, has us ALSO taking a pitcher from Rufugio HS in Texas, and finally the MLB mock draft has us taking (another) Short Stop.

The best thing the Twins can do in this draft, given their spot and who might be available, is pick a catcher (more on who in a moment). Since the MLB Draft revolves around where your franchise will be 3-6 years in the future, it’s difficult (and a mistake) to draft based on current need. Sure, Mitch Garver is good right now… but he’s almost 30.

There are two catchers in the Twins’ organization top-30 prospects list, Ryan Jeffers (#6 | AA | 22-yrs-old) and Ben Rortvedt (#28 | AA | 22-yrs-old). Both guys show some potential, but aren’t hailed as future stars, like Alex Kirilloff (OF) or Royce Lewis (MIF/OF). Both Jeffers and Rortvedt are nearing the end of their prospect lifespan, too. Both will be 23 and have spent multiple years in the Twins system. Both are at AA too, which is just one call away from the MLB, in many cases.

It’s the perfect time to refresh the top-end of your catching expectations, organization-wide. Because pitchers and shortstops will be swiped from the board like hot cakes, through the first 20 picks (per usual), the Twins should be in great position to pick Austin Wells, from the University of Arizona, at #27.

Wells is a stand-out player and someone who deserved to be slotted in the top 20. If he makes it to the Twins, they should be ready to sprint up to the virtual podium to announce Austin as their future at Catcher.

Austin Wells is recorded at 6’1, 220 pounds, combining that with his power and stats he accumulated 19 awards while attending Arizona. He is a left-handed hitter with the ability to hit the ball with power, all over the field. We talked about Joe Mauer earlier… Austin appreciates a quality at-bat almost as much as Joe… but strikes out A LOT more (who doesn’t these days).

Even though the corona virus shut down college baseball early in 2020, Austin managed a .375 batting average over 15 games, with 21 hits, 2 home runs, and 14 RBI’s. His 2019 season was even more outstanding with 60 RBI and 5 homeruns.

The Yankees drafted Wells out of high school in 2018 (30-something round) but he chose to honor his commitment to Arizona. Wells adjusted quickly to the change from high school to college, even homering in his first college at-bat. Wells still has one year of college eligibility left, but isn’t expected to turn down a 1st-round draft slot (and the bonus $$$ that will come with it).

In an interview with Baseball America, when asked about how he feels he’s grown on the field, Wells’ answers with grace:

“I try to make improvements all the time. But making an adjustment from high school to college, really there was only a few little things: Starting with flexibility and getting lower so that I could get under balls, be more receptive with pitches. Just being able to move better behind the plate. And I really think I’ve made huge strides with that.”

Austin Wells, 2019 Baseball America

Wells takes responsibility for parts of his game that need improvement, and knows there will be more, as his career moves along. He prides himself on is being coachable. The respect he has for his coaching staff and his willingness to learn, are both things he has in common with Mitch Garver.

Garver had been only a league-average hitter at the plate and a liability behind it. His career was in jeopardy, after a bad 2018 season, and he knew he had to improve. So, he called Tanner Swanson, who taught him how to hit, and it saved his career. Small adjustments in his swing and stance behind the plate, made for a break-out 2019.

“It’s the only reason I’m still catching,” Garver told FiveThirtyEight. “Really.”

Mitch Garver, FiveThirtyEight

There are questions surrounding Wells’ future behind the plate, just like Garver. It’s based mostly around his accuracy to 2nd base, though… If he’s willing to listen and learn, that’s something the Twins should be able to fix, as an organization. The analysts and the fans seem to think that we need to add another pitching spot onto our roster. That could not be further from the truth.

The Twins need to expand their roster and their depth at a lot of positions. The catcher is the position that needs to be filled in the first round of this draft, though. Wells is currently slotted where they are picking. With all the big moves the Twins are making this off-season, this could be the one we talk about 5 years into the future…

Sherry Cerny | Minnesota Sports Fan

McKinney would give Mike Zimmer the type of player he has never had on his defense. McKinney brings a Honey Badger type of flexibility and would be a fantastic fit opposite Harrison Smith.

In fact, even if Harris stays, I think you take McKinney at 22 (if available) because of his flexibility. With Harris most likely walking ahead of the 2021 season, you’d already have your replacement going forward (with a year in the NFL under his belt).

After appearing in just 4 games his freshman year at Alabama, McKinney made a splash his Sophomore year, appearing in 15 games and registered 73 tackles, 2 INTs and 3 sacks. He was also named the MVP of The Orange Bowl. Last season, McKinney took yet another leap, exploding for 95 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 INTs. Those numbers are impressive but not as telling as his “Snaps per Position” (via Field Yates)

Alabama S Xavier McKinney's snaps by alignment in 2019:
S: 393
CB: 166
ILB: 120
OLB: 113
Stats: 95 tackles, 4 FF, 3 INT, 3 sacks

Excellent leadership, versatility and communication skills. A ready-made fit for almost any NFL defense.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 2, 2020

Those snaps by position are where the Swiss Army knife comparison comes into play. With that type of versatility and play making ability, Zimmer could take risks on that side of the ball that he couldn’t normally, even with a very young secondary, and defense in general. A guy like McKinney could be the next star on this Minnesota Vikings defense.

Since Coach Zimmer has been in Minnesota, he’s had an eye for guys who are willing and able to seek out contact and tackle. McKinney is a perfect fit, in that aspect. Here’s what thedraftnetwork.com has to say about him:

“Plays with an attitude. More consistent here in 2019 and smacked guys in the mouth all season long. He’ll attack the football as opportunities arise but his contact balance and confidence to run the feet and deliver jarring hits has produced effective kill shots on bigger ball carriers. Impressive space tackler.”

Thedraftnetwork.com

If I’m the Vikings. This guy is at the top of my draft board.

Brian Heintz | Minnesota Sports Fan

The world continues to be on pause but the NFL Draft is alive and well. For a lot of us sports fans, it’s all that is getting us through these weeks of the unfamiliar and unexpected.

With the sudden (but inevitable) departure of Stefon Diggs, a lot of attention has been turned to the WR’s in this years class, which is said to be one of (if not the) deepest WR classes the NFL has ever seen. The Vikings sit with picks 22 and 25. At this point, there are many directions they can go with either of those selections.

The Vikings hit grand slams with both Randy Moss and Percy Harvin in the first round, but have hit into 3 triple plays with Troy Williamson, Cordarrelle Patterson and Laquon Treadwell. CP84 gets a bit of a pass, because he ended up an all-pro and also made the all-decade team, as a kick returner. With all the Vikings gave up to get him though, I feel like he fell way short of his actual expectations.

If the Vikings are going hunting for wide receivers in the first round again… then their guy should be Denzel Mims (Baylor).

Mims is one of the many intriguing WRs in this year’s NFL Draft. He brings size, speed and a rare four years of college football. Standing at 6’3, 215 lbs., Mims has an almost identical Combine to Julio Jones where he ran a 4.38 40. He’d give Kirk Cousins a viable deep threat opposite of Adam Thielen.

A QB like Cousins helps those deep routes because of his arm strength and accuracy. One thing that makes Mims even more intriguing is his blocking. With the scheme the Vikings are running, blocking at every level, by every player is essential. Mims absolutely brings the size and strength needed to get it done.

“He’s big time when the ball is in the air. He’s springy and shows great elevation skills to collect the ball even in tight spaces. His flight adjustment to work himself into position under the ball is effective to keep himself in stride as the football arrives.”

via: thedraftnetwork.com

The #Vikings will connect via FaceTime this week with former Baylor WR Denzel Mims. Had a great run in school then at Senior Bowl and at Combine. pic.twitter.com/SCyCNPj4TR

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) April 6, 2020

It was reported that the Vikings are meeting with Mims via FaceTime ahead of the draft (via Darren Wolfson above) so they might see him as a solid successor to Stefon Diggs. The biggest thing the Vikings have to avoid is trying to replace Diggs. They need to draft a WR that isn’t forced to live in his shadow. All signs point to Denzel Mims being that type of player in this Minnesota Vikings offense.

Brian Heintz | Minnesota Sports Fan