Episode 232

Hating Hayden Hurst

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	None
Type	Draft

Norse Code Episode 232: Hating Hayden Hurst was a draft review episode analyzing the Minnesota Vikings' 2018 NFL Draft selections.

Overview

The hosts reviewed the Vikings' 2018 draft class, discussing each pick from first-rounder Mike Hughes through the undrafted free agent signings. The episode featured extensive mailbag questions about draft strategy, roster implications, and comparisons to division rivals.

Segments

Opening: Draft disconnect discussion
Round-by-Round Review: Analysis of Vikings draft picks from Round 1 through Round 7
UDFA Discussion: Review of undrafted free agent signings
Mailbag: Extensive listener questions about draft strategy and roster construction

Mailbag Questions

Scott Braquet - Is this years draft part of a trend where Rick does better at the top of the draft vs the bottom? Or do you think this is a one-off issue where he misjudged o line demand. Seems like when given more flexibility in the first round he's able to come away with better value.
Ryan - It's hard to feel like this draft addressed any immediate need outside of corner depth and possibly TE. Are there any available FA that the vikes could look at in the coming weeks?
Joe Schneider - As of right now what would you predict the starting OL to be as if right now?
Matt Murphy - Do you think the Vikings could have gotten the same exact draft class without making any trades at all? Did they gain anything by their trades?
Doug Nasby - What players from the 53 man roster last year are going to feel the heat after our draft selections and our UDFA acquisitions?
Luke Braun - Is it ok to feel like the UDFAs saved the draft?
David - Would you ever trade up for a punter? Will it be Remmers at RT and Isidora at G, or O'Neil T RT and Remmers at G? Will we hate this draft for eternity or will Hughes be so good that he makes it seem ok in the long run?
Adam Borrett - Have our NFC rivals closed the gap while we've stood still? Bears draft was very good.
The Minnesota North Star - Why did they pick O'Neill over Orlando Brown? Brown seemed like he could help say one. O'Neill may not even play next year. Also it is okay to have nightmare comparisons of O'Neill to Clemmings and Carlson to Walsh?
Kyle Slaybee - How will history remember John Grudens current stint in Oakland? Totally out of touch, or secret genius? Which of the day three picks has the best chance to significantly impact 2018
Alex Goble - What does Jalyn Holmes's selection mean for Tashawn Bower and Stephen Weatherly? Has the bar been significantly raised for them to make the 53?
Matt Fries - How many football-related excel (or equivalent) spreadsheets does Arif have on his computer?
Rahul - Flashback to 2015. You're GM Rick Spielman, and you want a corner. This time you're drafting with perfect foresight. Marcus Peters becomes an immediate Pro-Bowler, but due to off-the-field concerns, you'll have to trade him before his rookie contract ends. Trae Waynes requires some patience but he becomes a solid starter who ultimately plays 10 years for your franchise. Who do you choose and why?
Nick Olson - What's your way-too-early prediction of who makes the final 53? Where will Mata'afa play?

Production Notes

Audio issues noted at timestamps: 62:45, 73:10, 75:21, 78:31, 80:00, 84, 88:05, 91:16
Episode included reference to "trading around for nothing - a vikings story"

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