Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup Weeks from the Draft

The path for Minnesota to reclaim its place atop the NFC North requires continued improvements on both sides of the ball. It’s why, as we examine 2025 NFL mock drafts mocks throughout the offseason, there’ll be a wide array of projected picks for Minnesota. Let’s dive into the Vikings mock draft roundup for the 2025 NFL Draft as we’re now into April.

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky – CBS Sports

Here’s what Ryan Wilson of CBS has to say on Hairston to the Vikings (Apr. 21): “Safety is a need here but Hairston’s play style reminds me of Devon Witherspoon, the Vikings also have needs at cornerback.”

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss – NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports

Eric Froton of NBC Sports sees the Vikings adding depth to the Defensive trench (Apr 21): “Minnesota doesn’t have a second-round pick and needs to re-fortify its defensive line. Getting a game-wrecking DT in Nolen at this spot would be a coup for the Vikes.”

Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports also has the Vikings taking Nolen at 24 (Apr. 23): “Minnesota added some quality talent to its defensive interior with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, but the Vikings still need another body for the long term. Nolen has the explosion and speed to be a playmaking menace for the Vikings’ blitz-happy defense up front.”

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina – Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Network, ESPN (Reid)

Josh Liskiewitz of PFF (Mar 24) sees Emmanwori as an possible pick for the Minnesota Vikings: “Emmanwori is a tricky prospect who will require a leap of faith, considering where he’s likely to be drafted. His elite athleticism and playmaking ability suggest his ceiling could be on par with a player like Kerby Joseph, but his underwhelming box play and questionable technique and instincts are more reminiscent of Isaiah Simmons, who was drafted in the first round in 2020 but has struggled to find a natural NFL position.”

Gilbert Manzano of SI (Apr 3) sees Emmanwori as the choice if the Vikings stay put: “Odds are that the Vikings will be looking to trade down to gain more draft picks. They’re set when it comes to the premium positions, such as quarterback, receiver, tackle, edge rusher and cornerback. But they do have a need at safety after the free-agency departure of Camryn Bynum, and Harrison Smith is heading into his 14th season. Emmanwori is considered the best safety in the draft because of his instincts and ball skills.“

Mark Stolte of PFN loves the profile of Nick Emmanwori (Apr 23): “Nick Emmanwori is a one-of-a-kind athlete. He mostly played in the box at South Carolina and would look to do the same with the Minnesota Vikings. Josh Metellus was a good run defender for Minnesota, but Emmanwori adds value in his ability to cover well. This will especially come in handy against tight ends. Emmanwori was targeted in coverage against a tight end 42 times and gave up an average of 5.8 yards on just 26 catches. With Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator, I expect Emmanwori to be utilized to the best of his ability, including a couple of safety blitzes for the athletic freak.”

Jordan Reid of ESPN has Emmanwori going to the Vikings in his final mock (Apr 22): “At the combine, Emmanwori ran a 4.38 40 and leaped 43 inches in the vertical and 11 feet, 6 inches in the broad jump. Those were all records at safety dating back to at least 2003. But Emmanwori is more than a combine warrior. He picked off four passes last season, including two pick-sixes, and didn’t allow a touchdown in 392 coverage snaps. He can play multiple safety spots, which fits well in a Brian Flores-led defense that emphasizes versatility and complex defensive structures. With the departure of Camryn Bynum this offseason and Harrison Smith turning 36, the Vikings need a younger player in the back end of the secondary.”

Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State – ESPN (Kiper)

In Mel Kiper Jr.’s newest mock (Apr 15), he has the Vikings putting more draft capital in to the offensive line: “The Vikings knew they had to address the interior this offseason and went out and signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. But Jackson would represent an upgrade over Blake Brandel at the other guard spot. Jackson has some really strong movement traits.”

Related: O’Connell Hints at Major Changes to Minnesota Vikings Offense in 2025

The Minnesota Vikings have sent an email to season ticket holders, regarding their tickets for the upcoming 2020 season. They have given two options:

They can either, (1) hold on to their 2020 tickets OR (2) opt out without a penalty.

Email from #Vikings to season ticket holders: pic.twitter.com/jfRDWePvgQ

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 21, 2020

If you Opt in:

There are a number of possibilities for ticket holders who choose to hold onto their 2020 tickets. All 66,000+ fans could be allowed in US Bank Stadium but that seems very unlikely, at this point.

One of the more likely outcomes would be a limited stadium attendance. In this situation, season ticket holders may not be allowed at every game. The Minnesota Vikings stated seat selection priority would be given to Stadium Builder’s License (SBL) owners. If fans aren’t allowed at games, they will get their money refunded.

The third possibility is that no fans at all are allowed in attendance. This would be similar to what other professional sports leagues are doing. In that case, the Minnesota Vikings would credit all season ticket holder’s accounts.

Fans who do attend games can expect a different game day experience that will include a face-covering requirement, stadium seating reconfigurations, staggered entrance times and other mandated protocols. If you prefer to keep your 2020 season tickets, with the understanding of changing policies and procedures this season and the recognition that not all fans with 2020 season tickets will be able to attend, no action is needed from you at this time.

Minnesota Vikings email to season ticket holders

What if you want to opt out?

If season ticket holders choose to opt out for the 2020 season, they can do so without penalty. It will have no affect on SBL agreements or the ability to purchase 2021 season tickets. If an opt out is chosen, accounts will be credited for the 2021 season ticket package. The season ticket holders can request a full refund instead, too.

A Different Game Day Experience

Also, included in the email, was an update on what fans should expect if they are allowed into the stadium:

• wear face masks
• sit in a social distanced manner
• enter the stadium at staggered times, along with other protocols.

If face masks are required, grab yourself a Vikings one. I’m sure the team will be selling them, along with many other companies all over the internet. Packers masks will not be allowed (just kidding, kind of).

New Jersey Not Allowing Fans For 2020 Season

With Vikings Training Camp right around the corner, other states have began making rulings on sporting event attendance. Just yesterday, New Jersey announced there will be no fans in football stadiums for the 2020 season.

Yes, there is an NFL team in New Jersey. In fact, there are two! Both the Jets and the Giants play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Joint Statement from the Giants and Jets pic.twitter.com/e8MGmXpimv

— New York Giants (@Giants) July 20, 2020

For Minnesota Vikings season ticket holders, this could mean bad news. If Giants and Jets fans are not allowed in New York, it seems unlikely for other cities too… New York has also been hit harder than other states, though.

Regardless of whether or not fans are allowed in U.S. Bank Stadium, I just want football.

Sam Sklar | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Vikings have canceled all of their Facebook Events for their 2020 regular season games. This comes only a few months after the full schedule was released in May.

This ‘news’ was first broken by Vikings Central on Twitter, as the page admin noticed a few unusual notifications in his Facebook notification box.

VOX (@PAOnTheMic) reacts to the release of the 2020 @Vikings schedule…https://t.co/34lieVUqMy

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) May 7, 2020

Welp. pic.twitter.com/xlzBR6E5Mu

— Vikings Central (@MNVikescentral) July 20, 2020

What could this mean for the Minnesota Vikings’ season? As I see it, this could mean one of two things. Here are my odds for both:

1. NFL Players are Boycotting the Season – <1% Chance

NFL players have been unhappy about the work conditions put forth by the NFL and their respective teams. The hashtag #WeWantToPlay has been flooding Twitter as players express their concerns with the conditions of their environment.

Some Minnesota Vikings players have even chimed in.

According to Adam Schefter, Since the online movement has started, the NFL has scheduled a meeting to discuss their health and safety measures for players, staff, and anyone else involved in the league.

Sense a trend…. pic.twitter.com/KJQqo7nKSI

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 19, 2020

I want to play football and I know the fans want to watch football this year! For that to happen, we need the @NFL to step up and create a safe work environment for us players! #wewanttoplay pic.twitter.com/50oeWK5V33

— Anthony Barr (@AnthonyBarr) July 19, 2020

Since January, all I’ve wanted to do is get back on the field and play the game I love, but I also want to protect my family and my teammates. #WeWantToPlay but health and safety has to come first let’s not play things by ear, let’s be certain.

— kirkcousins8 (@KirkCousins8) July 19, 2020

Updated: owners meeting at 2 ET today. https://t.co/RWNxMlDTeQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2020

2. There will be No Fans in Attendance – >99% Chance

As of now, the NBA is not allowing fans inside their Orlando bubble to watch the remaining portion of the NBA season and their playoffs. Chances are, these event cancellations simply mean the NFL is moving in the no fans in stands direction too, or at least limiting the number of fans that can come.

The NFL has stated that they are willing to let cities make decisions on how many fans can attend games in each stadium.

Though the NFL says it is OK with some NFL cities allowing fans while others do not, I’ll be surprised if that really happens. More to the point, if there are NFL games, I’ll be surprised if the Eagles can’t work something out with the city for socially-distanced seating.

— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) July 15, 2020

There has been no official word on how Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota will address having fans inside US Bank Stadium this coming NFL season.

However, in May, Rochelle Olson of the Star Tribune reported that a bill was passed to allow Minnesota Vikings fans to tailgate outside the stadium on game day. The team has not made a final decision on the matter.

“Team vice president Lester Bagley said there’s no game plan yet for selling alcohol in the park.

“The biggest issue is the lack of fan gathering spaces and disappearing tailgating opportunities — a time-honored tradition for the Vikings fans in the days of yore,” Bagley said.”

-Rochelle Olson, Star Tribune

Canceling the online event should truly hold no bearing on if the season resumes, but fans love to read the online tea leaves (e.g. Stefon Diggs social media). We also get a lot of traffic from our facebook page, so I’m sure some of you noticed this happening as well.

For now, just sit back and relax. Sure, you might not be able to see the NFL in person this season, but as of now, you can watch 75% of Mitch Trubisky’s throws hit the barren ground at Soldier Field from the comfort of your own home.

Brendan Hedtke | Minnesota Sports Fan

I get it. You’re frustrated. You miss the packed stadiums, the $10 beers, the tailgates, and the absolutely lit Friday nights at Target Field with the boys/girls. But I’m here to tell you, sports will be back. We will be back… and when we are, we’re going to come back firing on all cylinders. 

What better way to do that than a little sports betting to go along with your drinking? After all Minnesota, life is better with money on the line.  Here in the Land of 10,000 locks, also known as MinnesotaSportsFan.com, we will provide for you the greatest (average-at-best) gambling advice there is in the home of the brave.  

The Coronavirus has slowed down the legislative process, but with states needing extra revenue, it’s likely that half of the U.S. will have legalized sports gambling by the end of 2020.

Find out which states are likely in ? https://t.co/rzcXpStsfd

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) May 4, 2020

Minnesota doesn’t look like they will be legalizing sports gambling any time soon. However, the fighting Fred Hoibergs to the south are here to save us. Diamond Jo’s Sportsbook is just a nice 1 hour and 43-minute drive down I35. Or if you’re a Bovada or bookie guy that’s cool too. Maybe the extra rush of illegality drives you…

We will kick it all off this week by looking at some Minnesota sports future bets. I say “we” because WE are in this together, Minnesota. If picks are wrong, we are wrong together (so don’t blame me). If we fly, we fly together. From Warroad to Worthington, we eat some Ws and STAY HOT together, Minnesota! 

I know we don’t have any Minnesota sports teams that are playing actual games right now, so let’s look at some of the best futures that are out there, when it comes to Minnesota sports that should kickoff this fall:

Minnesota Gophers Football Over/Under 8 wins

Our Pick: OVER

Draft Kings has set the Gophers (over/under) win total for this season at 8 wins. This one is so obvious, it hurts.  With the momentum of a 11-2 bowl championship season, plus an easy non conference schedule (all at home/ Taggart replacing Kiffin at FAU), a 9 win season is definitely something worth tossing some money towards. The only road game in which we could possibly consider the gophers an underdog, at this point, is when we head to Madison on October 10th.  If we beat one of Iowa, Wisconsin or Michigan, it would be very difficult to see anything worse than 9-3 on the year.  RTB!!

Adam Thielen Over/Under 7.5 TDs 

Our Pick: OVER 

Bovada has Thielen at 7.5 over/under TDs this year. This is a somewhat low risk-low reward bet here, but Thielen is coming off of a 6 TD performance last season while missing 6 games and only being targeted 48 times. Not to mention his 9 TD campaign in 2018.  His reception numbers from Bradford & Keenum in 2017 (91 receptions) and Cousins in 2018 (113 receptions) were both in the top 10 in franchise history.  With Diggs gone, Kirk may rely more on Thielen, leading to more targets.  Kirk loves looking for Thielen, we love this bet. 

Kirk Cousins Over/Under 25.5 TDs

Our Pick: OVER

29, 25, 27, 30, and 26. Those are the TD totals Kirk has had since becoming a full time starter in the NFL. If you think Kirk is about to have one of his worst TD throwing seasons in his career, why are you even on this website? If Justin Jefferson isn’t Troy Williamson, HAMMER this over because Kirk ain’t done yet.

Wisconsin Badgers Football Over/Under 9.5 wins

Our Pick: UNDER

Okay, I know this one technically isn’t Minnesota sports. But any time we can bet against Wisconsin we are going to jump at that opportunity.  When the college football season does start on time, we are going to HAMMER Indiana moneyline to upset Wisconsin to open the year. Indana is coming off their best year since 1993, while Wisconsin graduated stars Jonathan Taylor and Quintez Cephus. The Badger defense will be solid, but Indiana will hang in until the last few seconds. That gives the Badgers one loss to start the year before they play at Michigan and against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field.  Since they are guaranteed to lose the axe on October 10th, a 10 win season just seems far fetched.  

via GIPHY

There you have it. Our top futures going into this fall. Now sit back, relax, and watch the money pile up. Stay hot, Minnesota. 

Goldy Locks | Minnesota Sports Fan

Twins LOSE on walkout from Upton; 11 runs not enough:

The Twins were on a run like most didn’t think they had in them. Tonight looked like they won their 7th straight behind MORE hitting.

Mauer looks like he found a time machine. He went 2-5 tonight with a 2B and HR while tallying 5 RBI. He also made this catch:

Joe-Joe driving in 5 with a 2B and HR. AND playing D like this.. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/kCBaG1x6aV

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 13, 2017

Rosario and Buxton also both had 2 hits and 2 RBI. Berrios needed all the help he could get. He struggled to even get through the 1st inning, giving up 5 runs in that inning alone. He would only go 3.1 innings, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits.

Molitor would have to depend on his bullpen again. A bullpen that has been the achilles heel all year-long. Well, until they traded away their best bullpen pitcher. Ever since then, they have been a different staff.

But tonight, as the game would roll along, the Twins bullpen would show weakness. Dillon Gee was rock-solid for 3 innings but struggled to get through his 4th. He would be replaced by Trevor Hildenberger after giving up a run. Not long after that, Hildenberger would give up a 2-run homer that cut the lead to just 1: 11-10.

Belisle would have to come in to get the last out of the 8th, which he did. Sano got a chance with the bases loaded and 2 outs in the 9th, but struck out. He did have 2 hits on the night, however.

That would prove costly. After a bloop hit to start the bottom of the 9th, red-hot Justin Upton came to the plate. Torii Hunter was in the booth pleading for Belisle to NOT throw Upton a fastball anywhere near the upper-half of the zone. Belisle should have listened.

Belisle threw exactly that. Upton’s ball is still going. The Twins’ streak would end at 6 and they will go for the series’ win on Sunday. It would be a big deal for the Twins to leave Detroit with a win. They will head home to face Cleveland for 3 and Arizona for 3, right after. That will be the toughest 6-game stretch the rest of the season.

If they can make it out, still in the playoff hunt, things take a turn in their favor. Read more about that here.

Tre Jones announcing commitment Sunday:

The chances he goes to the Gophers aren’t very good… But they are better than every single team other than 1…

⏳ pic.twitter.com/hlAF9UmxHz

— Tre Jones (@trejones03) August 12, 2017

Twins top draft pick, Royce Lewis quickly called up to (A) Cedar Rapids:

Royce Lewis did something most prospects aren’t able to do. It was announced today, and Lewis played his first game there today, that he was called up to (A) Cedar Rapids. By moving to Cedar Rapids from the Gulf Coast League, Lewis skips the Appy League in Elizabethton. Normally, rookies hope to rise to Elizabethton by the end of their rookie campaign. It is a really good sign that Lewis was able to skip that step altogether and join the team in Cedar Rapids already.

The #MNTwins have promoted 2017 #1 overall pick Royce Lewis to the @CRKernels. Is there precedence for this? https://t.co/f7cMlAAmsQ

— Twins Daily (@twinsdaily) August 12, 2017

Here is his THIRD hit in his FIRST game with Cedar Rapids:

#RoyceLewis‘s THIRD hit of the night is an RBI single. #batting1000 #MNTwins #CRKernels pic.twitter.com/2JlmVyOd70

— TCAnelle (@TCAnelle) August 13, 2017

Make that 4-4…

That’s FOUR! #RoyceLewis #CRKernels #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/W2ZPPy99wW

— TCAnelle (@TCAnelle) August 13, 2017

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Twins (58-56) WIN 6th straight:

The Twins’s bats stayed hot tonight against Detroit and they take game 1 of the series 9-4. This recent streak has been pretty incredible. They got their first 3 runs off an Eddie Rosario HR and then 2 more in the 5th off a Max Kepler bomb.

This also happened:

Byron Buxton at it again #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/tJWCQWlyO2

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

Gibson had the same reaction as you:

Gibson’s reaction to Buxton’s catch #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/VCgP3gvQq3

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

Gibson was pretty good through 4 but found the same issues that have plagued him all season, in the 5th. Gibson has REALLY struggled when facing lineups the 3rd time around. He was pulled after 4.1 innings after giving up 2 runs; the second on a seeing eye single. Pressly came in to face the ever-dangerous Miguel Cabrera and got him to fly out to RF on his first pitch.

The Tigers would get a run in the bottom of the 6th. The Twins hitters don’t like when that happens. Dozier would get an RBI triple in the 7th followed by a Kepler base hit, his 3rd RBI of the game, and the Twins led 7-3 heading to the 8th.

If you score ON the #MNTwins pitchers, the hitters are coming for you like you scored WITH their little sister.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

Mauer would continue his hot streak in the top of the 9th as he would hit a bases-loaded 2 RBI single to stretch the lead to where it would finish at 9-4.

Oh yeah, Kepler decided he wanted to get in on the fun in the outfield in the 8th:

Kepler’s turn! #MNTwins #OnlyRainDrops pic.twitter.com/9ecK0diMmq

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

Vikings @ Buffalo Reaction; Injury Updates:

I gave my reaction in yesterday’s MSF Daily. I have collected some other reactions both on Twitter and articles:

Here is Nick Swardson giving Chad Greenway some advice on how to watch a Vikings game. I have no gripes with it. The prep sounds about right:

Get in a padded room, wear a diaper, w/ a baseball bat & mannequin (that also can be used as a sex doll for TD’s), & a gallon of Fireball.

— Nick Swardson (@NickSwardson) August 11, 2017

Wobby:

1st OL needs to be better. DEF was good. Pass rush solid. Kickers very good. Rookies off to good start. I like Coley.

— Mike Wobschall (@wobby) August 11, 2017

Stacy Coley had himself a big debut last night with 3 catches for 67 yards.

?: https://t.co/mDHDxqU09d pic.twitter.com/MNqBm9sWe0

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 11, 2017

All eyes are on the starting center battle.

?: https://t.co/ANInwv0dwT pic.twitter.com/zWqWjxSF70

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 11, 2017

Sad news for Bishop Sankey…

JUST IN: Source says #Vikings RB Bishop Sankey suffered torn ACL on Thurs. night in Buffalo. @GoesslingStrib reports https://t.co/EZTEuJ6izj pic.twitter.com/VEm6PkRMYv

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 11, 2017

Lynx get new logo too:

A look into the future. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come in the 2018 season!

A post shared by minnesotalynx (@minnesotalynx) on Aug 11, 2017 at 6:14pm PDT

MSF Daily by Eric Strack

Timberwolves Jerseys officially released:

Well it took forever. We waited and waited and waited. BUT just like the logo reveal, we were disappointed. Now, just relax Timberwolves’ faithful. The jerseys aren’t terrible. They just aren’t really that great… I will wait to see what the alternates look like and hopefully they will make me feel better.

It’s interesting. Most agree that their favorite jerseys were the first two styles. The ’88-’89 uniforms are one of the greatest in sports history. “Old Shep” should have never left.

Anyway, hopefully these grow on me. Here they are:

New take x Bold vibe. #NewEraNewThreads

A post shared by Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) on Aug 10, 2017 at 10:01am PDT

The new threads have dropped. Bring on the New Era. #NewEraNewThreads

A post shared by Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) on Aug 10, 2017 at 8:20am PDT

Twins (57-56) SWEEP Brewers for 5th straight win:

The Twins leave Wisconsin on fire. No, they haven’t lit themselves aflame to rid the Sconnie smell from their clothes.  Not even flame can fix that stench.

The Brewers didn’t stand a chance all series against this team. They came in with a point to prove: That they aren’t giving up on this season. They left Miller Park with a 7-2 parting gift and will now make their way further east to meet Detroit, for a 3 game set, before heading home to face the Indians.

Dietrich Enns went just 2.1 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs. The bullpen was PHENOMENAL from there. That is not a typo.

Eddie and Dozier kept their hot bats going, during the series, while Buxton, Polanco, and Joe-Joe seemed to have figured something out. I am just hoping it continues.

Buxton gets an RBI on a solid base hit the other way! #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/CJ7qcSwqd9

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

Buxton 2 more RBI and I think I died and went to heaven. It is better here.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

If Buxton and Polanco keep hitting….

…how much are World Series tickets?#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/OT21ZEgQ3o

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

When you are winning and having fun.. well.. baseball jokes:

Winning is fun #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/2UUxJPAFa9

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

Vikings WIN 17-10 @ Bills in first preseason game:

The Vikings were able to win again under Mike Zimmer in a preseason game. He is now 12-1 in preseason games.

However, things didn’t look as smooth for the first unit offense. The offensive line looked eerily similar to the one that ruined last season. The running game couldn’t get going behind it and the best offensive plays of the short night, for the 1st team, were screen plays…

Dalvin Cook looks shifty like we have heard but it was tough to get too much of a look with the space he had to run.

BUT, there IS a bright side! We won AND it’s only the first preseason game. Here is Adams from Heinicke on what would be the winner:

@Vikings at @buffalobills ? pic.twitter.com/IOvfLc01yF

— sjfreshgobomb (@DML_NE_Patriots) August 11, 2017

Here is Coach Zim’s reaction to the game:

? TUNE IN: Coach Zimmer takes the podium after first preseason win https://t.co/GAhdw5i7R8

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 11, 2017

Tre Jones to announce commitment on Sunday:

The time has come. Tre Jones is announcing his commitment on Sunday. Minnesota is still on his list AND 3 of his best friends have already committed to the U of M. However, don’t get your hopes up Gopher Bball fans. Most people who are plugged in have him going to Duke just like his brother.

However, we will still be watching. You never know right? right?

I am blessed to be in this position. I appreciate all the schools that have recruited me. I will be making my college decision on Sunday. ??

— Tre Jones (@trejones03) August 10, 2017

Apple Valley point guard Tre Jones (@trejones03) to make college choice Sunday. @Marcus_R_Fuller writes: https://t.co/j9lc3e8LdC #Gophers pic.twitter.com/UItOYdOviE

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 10, 2017

Wolves get primetime spots on Christmas and Opening Week:

Our Minnesota Timberwolves are blowing up right before our eyes. Is this team really going to bring Minnesota into a trendy team to cover and to play for? Maybe… until they get here in the winter…

Anyway, the Wolves will be playing in the most primetime spots this year as the NBA wants to show off one of its up-and-coming, star-studded teams.

The #KiaTipOff17 Schedule! ?⛹?

A post shared by NBA (@nba) on Aug 10, 2017 at 3:00pm PDT

The 2017 #NBAXmas Schedule! ?❄️?

A post shared by NBA (@nba) on Aug 10, 2017 at 3:06pm PDT

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

The Minnesota Vikings will play real football today.

Sam Bradford will trade in his red jersey, that stops anyone from getting near him without spontaneously combusting, for a purple and white one that has no such spells cast on it. We will likely only see He, Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph, for one or two drives, before they throw the baseball hats on for the night. A good first drive would likely be it. While they are out there, here is what to watch for:

• Starting Offensive Line: Every snap will be scrutinized since we will only have a handful or two. Keep a close eye on the center spot. The rookie Pat Elflein probably won’t get the start, in favor of Nick Easton, but things can change depending on how this game goes. Riley Reiff is NOT making the trip to Buffalo as he recovers from his injury. However, Remmers will hold down the right side for the first time in purple.
• Dalvin Cook vs. Professionals: According to the Pioneer Press, Cook is the Vikings’ starting running back. That means we should see him get plenty of run in the first couple drives. Zimmer won’t want Bradford dropping back too many times behind an O-Line we know nothing about. We have all been drooling at his highlight tapes but are yet to see him against the best of the best. Today will be our first look.
• Will Bradford Go Deep? Really, this doesn’t matter. It is a preseason game that means nothing and he will only have a couple drives to do it. However, I am so sick of hearing the Bradford haters put him down because of the dink-and-dunk mentality of last year. We all know Bradford has one of the best deep balls in the game, but had no protection last year, and I would love to see him get some time tonight to use one.

The defense of the Vikings is pretty much in place, and will be for the foreseeable future thanks to all the extensions that have been given out the last couple weeks, and even back to last year with the Harrison Smith extension. If you were wondering, this was the right move for Spielman. Read this article from Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com:

#Vikings are doing quite a good job of making extensions sound far more impressive than they really are https://t.co/DpVHFz0c80

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) August 8, 2017

Zimmer said he thought the defense would have been ready to play a real game 3 or 4 days ago. So what should we be watching for on defense?

• George Edwards, Vikings Defensive Coordinator, will be calling plays: This is what the Vikings are hoping to in the regular season too, allowing Zimmer to focus on the game and what he can do to help more in the aggregate, of the team, compared to focusing on the defense.
• Who will be the 3rd Linebacker: This could be the biggest question, going into the season, for the defense. Now, the 3rd LB isn’t as big as it used to be since offenses run 3 WR sets so often, which forces defenses to play with a 3rd CB instead of the extra LB. The candidates for the job are Emmanuel Lamur, Ben Gedeon, and Edmond Robinson.
• Mackensie Alexander Will Get His Shot in the Nickel: When that 3rd LB comes off the field in favor of another CB, to help in pass coverage, Mike Zimmer is hoping he can rely on Alexander to be that guy. If not, Terrance Newman will be waiting to take over the job. Unless injuries come into play, or we see BIG regression, the Vikings have plenty of depth at CB.

So, once the starters leave the game, which will likely be less time than it took you to read to this point, what else is there to look for? A lot.

• Michael Floyd vs. Second Team CBs: From all reports, Michael Floyd has been able to stand out at camp against one of the better secondaries in the league. Now, he will get plenty of playing time against a bunch of backups. Floyd, because of his DUI, will miss the first 4 weeks of the regular season, due to a suspension. When he does get back, the Vikings are hoping for him to step into the slot and be one of Bradford’s safety nets as a guys with the experience and success he has had. Well, in the preseason, we will see him get a lot of run as he heads into his suspension. He should look dominant against lesser defenders.
• Who Will Win the Backup QB Job: Taylor Heinicke has been raising some eyebrows at camp. It seems clear to most that he is trying to prove himself after he decided to punch inanimate objects before the season started last year, ending his season before it started. He is battling veteran, Case Keenum, who the Vikings brought in during the offseason.
• Special Team Battles: The Vikings brought in Marshall Koehn to push Kai Forbath in the place-kicker battle. Koehn has a big leg so look for that. Ryan Quigley was also brought in to push the envelope for Taylor Symmank, at punter. Watching these guys battle it out might be worth keeping one eye open while you sit on Insta, after the first half of the game is over.

It is just preseason. But it is football. Large humans tackling other large humans as they try to move an oddly shaped ball from their side of the field to the other, in 10 yard increments.

CAN’T WAIT!

Eric Strack
Minnesota Sports Fan
@RealMNSportsFan

Sources: StarTribune, Pioneer Press

Vikings @ Buffalo – PS Game 1 – Thursday: 6:00 PM

We get to watch REAL FOOTBALL tomorrow and there is SO MUCH to be watching for! Who will play Center? Dalvin Cook! Michael Floyd will see a lot of playing time. Taylor Heineke trying to take backup job from Keenum. How do the CBs fall? Who plays the 3rd LB spot?

Wobby and PA are on the scene as usual with Vikings.com:

“The big key for me is let’s have the first defense completely obliterate Buffalo’s offense.” – @PAOnTheMic

?: https://t.co/u7j9KkUqq0 pic.twitter.com/t9udni0vON

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 10, 2017

Timberwolves Jerseys release Thursday:

Finally. We FINALLY get to see the Timberwolves Jerseys on Thursday. It feels like forever since the logo was dropped. It is starting to seem like we already have a pretty good idea of what they will look like as hints have been dropped from everyone between NBA 2K to KAT to Wiggins. The only one not biting? Mr. TWolves Web Editor himself: Kyle Ratke.

Hey Timberwolves fans, stoked to be sharing our new uniforms for this season, hope to see each and every one of you there when we get started in October – thanks for all your support, see you at Target Center this fall!

A post shared by Karl-Anthony Towns (@karltowns) on Aug 9, 2017 at 12:38pm PDT

A post shared by Andrew Wiggins (@22wiggins) on Aug 9, 2017 at 9:10am PDT

Are these the new #Twolves unis? #PowerOfThePack pic.twitter.com/nllnJu379M

— Howlin’ T-Wolf (@howlintwolf) August 8, 2017

I have never been to New Jersey. I think it’d be fun, though. https://t.co/rYV4J3M7s6

— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) August 9, 2017

Twins (56-56) WIN @ Brewers for 4 straight; Go for sweep Thursday:

The Minnesota Twins are on fire right now. They have gone across the border, been able to manage the TERRIBLE stench that fills your nostrils, which is a feat of epic proportions all in itself and beaten down the Brewers in the first 3 games of a 4 game set.

Tonight they won 4-0 behind BARTOLO. They have turned things around and put themselves just 1.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the American League.

Colon DOMINATED. He pitched 7 full innings and gave up 0 runs. That’s right. I can barely play softball at the age of 28 while Bartolo Colon is dominating the best hitters in the world at age 44.

He was helped out by a bevy of players including Polanco, Dozier, and Sano all picking up RBI. They are now back to .500 at 56-56.

.@BrianDozier prefers home runs. pic.twitter.com/NmeC2i31uj

— MLB (@MLB) August 10, 2017

Being PJ Fleck: Episode 2 Aired Wednesday:

PJ Fleck is just an incredible human. Episode 2 dug a little deeper into the death of his son. What a sad story that is… and the reason for Row The Boat, a slogan that was created for Fleck’s son but is used throughout all aspects of his life.

Fleck just seems excited to be in Minnesota. He looks like a kid in a candy store.

However, when the kids get in front of him, and he says this multiple times, he is a teacher. He seems just as interested in making good humans as he does in winning football games. Hopefully those two will be synonymous.

Fleck hasn’t even hit the sidelines yet for the Gophers so things could really start to go south if winning doesn’t follow all the hype. I thought about this as I was watching the half-hour special: He talks about the need to row even harder when things go bad. About how many people, outside the Western Michigan locker room, pulled their oar out of the water when he went 1-11 in his first season with the Broncos. If Fleck does have a rough season, which I don’t believe he will, WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP ON THIS GUY?

He has been through more than most and yet you can’t slap the smile off his face.

He already sold me but I might be stalker status buy the time this 4th episode finishes… wait until he starts winning games..

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Matt Kalil Blames Everyone in MN, but himself:

MN is MEAN and it’s OUR fault Matt Kalil SUCKS. Just ask him: https://t.co/qzeNXES7nj

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 9, 2017

Twins (55-56) hitters stay HOT and BELT the Brewers; Sano is back:

Miguel Sano played in his first game back after being hit in the hand by a pitch a few games ago. The Twins hitters have been on fire lately and tonight was no exception. Max Kepler hit an early 2-run HR and the Twins led 2-1 before Mejia put 2 guys on and then left the game with an injury. Duffy came in and couldn’t save his injured starter, allowing both of Mejia’s runners to score, making it 4-2. But then, in the bottom of the 4th, Rosario started the inning with a HR of his own, making it a 4-3 game. Buxton would then get on and steal 2nd on a TERRIBLE pick-move pitcher in ex-Twin Matt Garza. Castro would end up walking anyway and Polanco would follow with the same result. That loaded the bases for Dozier who didn’t waste any time. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Dozier sat back on an outside fastball and smashed it the other way, over the flower pots in right field for the Twins’ first grand slam of the year! Max Kepler, not wanting to be outdone, would come up right after Dozier and hit his second HR of the night to make it an 8-4 game. The next inning, Rosario would hit HIS 2nd of the game… Are you kidding me?… 9-4 Good Guys. But, 4 RBI wasn’t enough for Dozier. He would single in Castro from 2nd base later in the 5th and they would head to the 6th inning leading 10-4. Polanco stayed hot and hit the ball well all game. He tripled home Rosario in the 7th to make it 11-4. Thats how the game would end. The Twins gained a game on 4 or 5 of the teams that are ahead of them in the wild card race. They now trail by just 1.5 games from the final WC spot.

Last day in Mankato for the Vikings:

Mankato has been home to the Minnesota Vikings training camp for 52 years. Today was the last day they will spend there. It was a bittersweet moment for many as the Vikings are set to open a state-of-the-art practice complex in Eagan next year. However, whenever you have spent that long doing something, there is always going to be that dread to leave. Here is the Star Tribune’s recap of this year’s events with a lot of pictures.

Final walkthru Mankato for @Vikings pic.twitter.com/foNvJsrwTU

— Dawn Mitchell (@DawnAtFOX9) August 8, 2017

The Vikings break their huddle one last time in Mankato: pic.twitter.com/WHrDkhX7SD

— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) August 8, 2017

USA Today picks Gophers Football to finish 4-8 this season:

I know PJ Fleck is trying to tamper down expectations. However, I have a hard time believing things will be this bad:

Not rowing the boat: USA Today predicts #gophers will go 4-8 (2-7 in the Big Ten) in P.J. Fleck’s first year. https://t.co/BuCSZSwZXk pic.twitter.com/PMNxRcqJmD

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 8, 2017

Darren Wolfson put this up from practice today. This team can’t be that bad:

Fleck & WR Eric Carter on Croft vs. Rhoda, plus a bevy of highlights from today’s open #Gophers practice. Video shot by @CharlieWeierke. pic.twitter.com/c9EKUQ48Om

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 9, 2017

New Timberwolves Jerseys leak?

Today a supposed leak of the new Timberwolves jerseys came from a CNet article… we think… I just looked at the article and I don’t see it anymore. Here is the picture but I find it interesting that @ConradBurry has been tagged in multiple pictures of the “supposed” leaked unifoms and hasn’t said anything about them all day. He was the one that leaked the Timberwolves Logo before it debuted. We will see.

New #Timberwolves Jerseys I think they look pretty nice certainly could’ve been a lot worse pic.twitter.com/N1yV5GBmdm

— Elijah Crawford (@El1jahCrawford) August 8, 2017

Kaprisov did NOT sign extension to remain in KHL?

Kirill Kaprisov is a russian hockey prospect who’s NHL rights are owned by the Wild. He is one of the best young prospects in the world but the Wild have NEVER met with him face-to-face and many are worried they never will. So, this was a topic of conversation today:

Kirill Kaprizov has denied that he had signed an extension in the KHL, says Minnesota is very much an option once his contract is up.

— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) August 8, 2017

However, no other sources are reporting on this, including our beloved Michael Russo. MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan