Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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That's not intended to be a slight on younger, less-established players, or minivans for that matter. It reveals that the Vikings will enable fourth-round draft pick D.J. Wonnum and others to hop in for a developmental ride that includes expanded game experience.
Matthew Coller of Purple Insider weighed in on the Ngakoue trade, writing:
But in the case of Ngakoue, it was a far better move to cut losses and acquire a draft pick back than to double down and franchise tag or extend him in the offseason. Losing draft position is less harmful long term than a big, bad contract.
Spielman mentioned the "short and long term" benefits of moving Ngakoue. Translation: They want to see younger players at defensive end like fourth-round pick D.J. Wonnum. Last week was easily Wonnum's best-graded game by PFF. He played 33 snaps and made several key plays against the run and had one QB pressure. We can expect to see a lot more of him now.
Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune noted Spielman saying the trade doesn't mean the Vikings are entirely punting on 2020. Goessling pointed out only two teams that opened 1-5 from 1990-2019 recovered to earn playoff berths.
"I know the situation that came up today — the trade — gave us an opportunity to look long-term and to add more draft picks as we continue to build this roster," he said. "But also from the short-term standpoint, I'm excited to see where this team continues to grow and to see these young guys we're playing, especially on the defensive side, continue to get better."