Sports Drafts – Page 3 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Vikings to Pick O-Lineman, But Wait

Posted on April 26, 2021April 26, 2021 by David Shama

Mock NFL Drafts have the Minnesota Vikings choosing an offensive lineman with their No. 14 first round selection Thursday night. “I would go offensive lineman, there is no doubt about that,” agreed former Viking Bob Lurtsema.

Lurtsema, who still follows the team with passion, was asked about taking the best player regardless of position. “I’d go best offensive lineman (available),” he answered.

That could be Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw who has excelled at the offensive line position the Vikings need the most help at, left tackle. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, with limited mobility, needs a stud left tackle to protect his blind side and Darrisaw’s athleticism is impressive.

No guarantee, though, Darrisaw will be available when the Vikings make their first round pick. It’s a possibility he will, with as many as five quarterbacks expected to eat up draft slots early in the draft. Oregon’s Penei Sewell is the most coveted offensive lineman in the draft and almost certain not to be available to the Vikings unless Minnesota moves up the draft board with a trade.

Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater and USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker could both be available to Minnesota. Both have shorter arms than ideal, with Slater’s arm extension measured at 33 inches and Vera-Tucker’s 32⅛, per NFL.com. Lurtsema said his long arms were a key in his playing 12 years on the defensive line in the NFL. Extra extension is important for offensive and defensive linemen, with the man in control able to move a foe like the guy is on roller skates. “You’ve got total control,” Lurtsema said.

Darrisaw’s arm length is 34¼ inches, but neither he, Slater or Vera-Tucker may be Minnesota’s preferred selection in the first round. Vikings’ needs include an edge rusher to pair with Danielle Hunter, or even replace the talented defensive end if Minnesota can’t meet future contract expectations. Although the Vikings have given extra attention to adding defensive personnel in the offseason, they still might pass on an offensive lineman to take Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye.

Paye has the kind of athleticism and explosive style that excites both fans and scouts. He has also been praised for his work ethic and leadership. Although his football playing experience is limited and fundamentals need to improve, he might be too much for defensive-minded Vikings coach Mike Zimmer to pass up.

Worth Noting

Gophers Rashod Bateman and Benjamin St-Juste could go in the first and third rounds respectively. Wide receiver Bateman impresses with his route running, while St-Juste has the long arms not common for cornerbacks.

Sports Illustrated notes that Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago was the first player selected in the inaugural NFL Draft 85 years ago but never played in the league because he wanted to try out for the Olympic Decathlon team and he “could make more money as a foam rubber salesman.”

Jeff Diamond, the former Vikings GM, offers his NFL expertise on TalkNorth.com podcasts. Diamond, who started with the Vikings as an intern, also was president of the Tennessee Titans.

An NHL authority, speaking anonymously, said Minnesota Wild rookie scoring sensation Kirill Kaprizov has “(Wayne) Gretzky traits behind the net.” Kaprizov excels there in setting up goals and points, just like the “The Great One,” the source said. He’s not suggesting Kaprizov is another Gretzky but he is impressed how the young Russian has transitioned to success on the ice in the NHL.

Kaprizov has fit in with the team’s culture, too. His affable manner makes him a comfortable teammate to be around. Another player with his talent could be a prima donna but Kaprizov, who turns 24 today, is the opposite.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, with a season record of 17-44, are 5-6 since enigmatic guard D’Angelo Russell returned to the team from injury April 5. With a new hair-do and improved play, the talented Russell is averaging 19.4 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds since his return.

Russell scored 23 points in Minnesota’s win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City Saturday night. The Wolves are 2-0 against the Jazz this season, even though Utah has the best record in the NBA at 44-16. Wagering money will be on a Jazz win tonight (Monday) when the teams meet in Minneapolis.

FanSided’s “way-too-early” Big Ten basketball power rankings for next season have coach Ben Johnson’s Gophers No. 12, ahead of Northwestern and Nebraska.

Admirers of legendary coach John Anderson (40 years into leading the Golden Gophers baseball program) are hoping he and athletic director Mark Coyle will soon announce details about a new multiyear contract. The all-time winningest baseball coach in Big Ten history and a high character leader, Anderson is in the last year of his contract.

That was 82-year-old former Minnesota Twin Tony Oliva, a .304 lifetime hitter, taking his golf clubs to a suburban Minneapolis driving range last week.

The Twins, in their 60th season based in Minnesota, had an exasperating loss for the ages last Wednesday against the Athletics in Oakland. The A’s scored an improbable 13-12 walk-off win in the 10th inning without a base hit. A pair of two-out walks and a mishandled game-ending ground ball by Minnesota second baseman Travis Blankenhorn loaded the bases before a throwing error by third baseman Luis Arraez allowed the winning run to score. A Sports Headliners reader and Twins fan described the mess as a “top 10 loss” in franchise history.

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Kirill Kaprizov Gives Wild “Hope”

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021 by David Shama

It’s only been two games, but what an extraordinary beginning for 23-year-old Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild. An NHL authority told Sports Headliners Kaprizov could be the difference maker the Wild has been searching for and his presence might be vital in a shortened 2021 regular season.

The Wild has struggled with offensive production for years, including in the playoffs. In Minnesota’s opening game last Thursday, the rookie Russian forward scored the game- winning goal against the Kings in Los Angeles. Two nights later he made a dazzling play again, passing to teammate Marcus Johansson for the winning goal as the Kings lost a second straight game in overtime. He is the first player in NHL history to have overtime points in each of his first two career games.

With NHL teams playing 56-game regular season schedules because of the pandemic, instead of the usual 82, early season wins are more important than ever, including on the road. “This is the kind of player that will help them not falling too far behind,” said the authority, preferring to speak anonymously. “He gives everyone hope. It’s somebody that can score every time he is on the ice.”

The Wild remain in California and play the Ducks in Anaheim tonight. Expectations are for the Ducks and other NHL teams to assign aggressive defensive forwards against Kaprizov, trying to push the 5-9, 200-pound newbie around. “They’re just not going to let him free wheel and do whatever he wants,” the source said.

While tough tactics and adjustments are coming, Kaprizov certainly didn’t look frustrated in his first two games. He showed all the attributes (and perhaps more) that were expected during his debut, including darting around the ice with quickness and speed impressing even casual NHL observers. The authority quoted here gushed about Kaprizov’s hands that deftly allow him to control and shoot the puck, and also his vision.

Because of his exceptional vision, Kaprizov was able to secure the puck and pass to Johansson on a play that others cannot make. “Go back and look at that play, it’s amazing,” the source said.

The Wild drafted Kaprizov in 2015 and for years anticipation has built about his arrival in Minnesota. The curious included his new teammates who had to wonder what this gifted young talent would be like as a person. Kevin Gorg, the Fox Sports North analyst, told Sports Headliners that Kaprizov is anything but a prima donna.

“This kid has come in here without any expectations on his part,” Gorg said this morning. “He’s worked his tail off. He has been out there spending extra time before practice, extra time after practice. He’s been breaking down film.

“He’s been working like he’s a guy that might not make it, even though we’ve known…that this kid was going to be a star. He hasn’t had that star attitude. He’s come in with that fourth line grinder attitude. …I think he’s gained an awful lot of respect from his teammates with the work ethic.”

After spending his life in Russia, Kaprizov now finds himself in a new country and during a pandemic. Veteran Ryan Suter has hosted the rookie at his home that includes an outdoor rink. Kaprizov lives alone and uses his limited English to make his way around the Twin Cities, including to Kramarczuk’s, the famous eastern European deli in Minneapolis. “Kramarczuk’s has been his favorite spot to get some cool food,” Gorg said.

Gorg believes Kaprizov is enjoying his early times in America. “If you watch him at the rink he’s always kind of laughing and having fun. I think that’s a big, big part of that comfort level he’s starting to feel coming over from Russia. I think there were a lot of unknowns when he made this move. He doesn’t speak the English great yet—something he’s trying to work on.”

Worth Noting

Gophers center Liam Robbins was named the Naismith Trophy Player of the Week today after leading No. 23 Minnesota to a 75-57 win against previously unbeaten No. 7 Michigan on Saturday. The Davenport, Iowa native had 22 points and eight rebounds in only 22 minutes. He made a season-high eight field goals and a season high three 3-pointers for the Gophers. He also blocked two shots and limited Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson to five rebounds and a season-low nine points.

The Sportingnews.com draft out this morning has the Vikings selecting Miami defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau with the No. 14 selection of the first round. He had an ACC-best 15.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes. “He would be a great fit with Mike Zimmer,” writes Vinnie Iyer.

It looks like former Gopher Rashod Bateman could end up fretting about being selected in the first round of April’s NFL Draft. The wide receiver talent is deep with several talents perhaps more likely to go ahead of Bateman including ex-Purdue playmaker Rondale Moore. Sportingnews.com predicts Bateman going to the Jaguars at No. 25 in the first round where his coach would be Urban Meyer and his QB likely Trevor Lawrence (Jags have No. 1 choice and are expected to draft the ex-Clemson QB).

A former NFL executive recently said in this space the Vikings’ Kirk Cousins is a top 10 or 12 quarterback. Jim Carter, the former Gopher fullback and Green Bay linebacker, emailed he differs with that, although he doesn’t claim to be an expert on quarterbacks—“I’m from the Murray Warmath school of erring on the side of big heart and toughness over talent, even quarterbacks!”

Here is Carter’s list of quarterbacks he prefers over Cousins: “(Aaron) Rodgers, (Patrick) Mahomes, (Philip) Rivers, (Josh) Allen, (Tom) Brady, (Lamar) Jackson, (Russell) Wilson, (Drew) Brees, (Deshaun) Watson, (Matt) Ryan, (Kyler) Murray, (Ben) Roethlisberger, and probably (Baker) Mayfield, (Matthew) Stafford, and (Ryan) Fitzpatrick, too.”

Welcome news for Gophers football fans: Ohio State’s great quarterback Justin Fields declared for the NFL Draft today. That means the Buckeyes, expected to be a preseason top five team nationally, will have an inexperienced QB for their opening game next September in Minneapolis against Minnesota.

Juancho Hernangómez, Ricky Rubio and Karl-Anthony Towns will not play for the Timberwolves in today’s game (1:30 p.m. start) in Atlanta against the Hawks. They are ruled out for “health & safety protocols.”

Jay Meyerhoff, Braemar’s head PGA professional, has been named a “Golf Range Association of America Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional.” For the third consecutive year the GRAA has recognized both the Braemar Golf Course Driving Range and Braemar Golf Dome as being among the top 50 ranges in the country.

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Donaldson Impact about Zip So Far

Posted on August 31, 2020August 31, 2020 by David Shama

The Twins took the field yesterday in Detroit without four everyday regulars and proceeded to lose their fifth straight game. Missing because of injuries were center fielder Byron Buxton, third baseman Josh Donaldson, catcher Mitch Garvin and left fielder Eddie Rosario.

No Twin has been a bigger disappointment and more absent from the field this summer than Donaldson who makes a team-leading $21 million in base salary, per Spotrac.com. Acquired in a splashy winter free agent signing, Donaldson went on the Injured List August 7 with a right calf strain after appearing in seven games during this COVID-19 shortened season that began in late July. His minimal stats include a .182 batting average with one home run and two runs batted in.

Minnesota gave Donaldson a four-year $92 million deal, the largest free agent contract in club history. Twins front office leaders Derek Falvey and Thad Levine took a calculated risk the 34-year-old could produce as in the past. Since 2013 Donaldson has been among baseball’s most productive home run hitters and also a standout in the field.

After an impressive start to the season, the Twins have lost 11 of their last 21 games. They were 3-6 on the road trip that ended against the Tigers on Sunday, and the club struggled to score runs. Minnesota is no longer leading the AL Central Division standings, and Donaldson, known as “Bringer of Rain,” has missed 25 games during the 60-game season.

Given the type of injury that sidelined Donaldson, it’s been a head scratcher as to why he has been sidelined so long. However, manager Rocco Baldelli said the former AL MVP could return sometime during the club’s eight-game home-stand that begins tonight against the White Sox.

It’s likely to take Donaldson awhile to find his stroke at the plate—perhaps in the closing weeks of the season in late August and on into September. That would mean ROI for the Twins: Return on Investment.

Worth Noting

Paul Molitor was a first-ballot Hall of Famer following his great playing career and in 2017, while leading the Twins, was named American League Manager of the Year, but the Minnesota native acknowledges watching baseball is a test of patience for many fans.

During the most recent segment of the Twin Cities cable TV program “Behind the Game” (also available on YouTube), the personable Molitor was asked about the length of MLB games which typically last over three hours and sometimes longer. His view is the impact on fans goes deeper than the duration of games. “It’s that the action is not there,” he told program hosts Patrick Klinger and Bill Robertson.

Among the culprits in causing slow action is the increase in frequency of hitters striking out and also drawing more walks than in Molitor’s day when he played in the big leagues from 1978 to 1994, ending his playing career with his hometown Twins. “I just think the fact that there is a lack of flow to the games really makes people check their watch more than you would like to get them watching a baseball game,” Molitor said.

Molitor was known both as a player and manager for having a high baseball IQ. During his playing career the game of baseball was more varied with hitters striving to place the ball in play, while managers strategized about advancing runners with the hit and run, or bunts, and base stealing. Today’s players and managers are focused on power baseball with launch angles and home runs. “It’s not as entertaining for me to sit back and wait to see who outslugs who,” Molitor said.

This summer the 64-year-old Molitor has been biking, golfing and coaching his son in Edina youth baseball. He was a career .306 hitter and had a lofty total of more than 3,000 hits.

The Twins check in at No. 5 in S.I.com’s latest power rankings of MLB teams, trailing the Dodgers, low budget Rays and Athletics, and Yankees. Minnesota’s Central Division rivals rank like this: Indians, No. 8; White Sox, No. 9; Tigers, No. 24 and Royals No. 26.

The Twins have played 23 of their 35 games against the Tigers, Royals, No. 21 ranked Brewers and No. 30 Pirates. Minnesota has a 12-11 record versus those teams.

The MLB trade deadline is today and seemingly the Twins’ biggest need is a return of their own injured position players and pitchers.

There has been a lot of hype about Minnesota natives being selected in this fall’s NBA Draft and S.I. com had an interesting take in its mock draft late last month projecting first and second round picks (contracts guaranteed to first rounders only). Tyrell Terry, the guard from DeLaSalle who played one season at Stanford, is predicted as the only Minnesotan going in the first round, at No. 19 to the Nets.

S.I. projected the Timberwolves will use the No. 1 overall choice on Georgia guard Anthony Edwards, with Minnesota also picking Memphis forward-center Precious Achiuwa at No. 17 in the first round. The Wolves will take hometown favorite and point guard Tre Jones, who played at Apple Valley and two seasons for Duke, with their No. 33 choice early in the second round. Zeke Nnaji, the forward-center from Hopkins who played one season at Arizona, will go No. 34 to the 76ers, per S.I.

I strongly disagree but S.I. has Daniel Oturu, formerly of Cretin-Derham Hall and the Gophers not being drafted until the Wizards take him at No. 37. He averaged more than 20 points and 11 rebounds last season while showing he can play inside and out, but his collective draft predictions have been far ranging for months.

That was ex-Viking Herschel Walker, former Gophers football coach Lou Holtz and ex-Gopher defensive back Jack Brewer appearing as speakers at last week’s Republican convention.

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