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Vikings Draft Grades Keep Saying the Same Thing

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Domonique Orange celebrating after a sack during a game at AT&T Stadium.
Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange celebrates after recording a sack during first-half action at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 7, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. The play comes against Arizona State, with Orange disrupting the pocket and bringing down the quarterback, showcasing his interior presence in a high-profile matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.

When the NFL draft wound down last Saturday, most Minnesota Vikings fans left the event enthused about the haul of rookies and the future. But according to most NFL pundits, the draft inspired a widespread sentiment: meh.

Minnesota’s new class has size, traits, and plenty to prove after a quiet weekend.

The sentiment regarding Minnesota’s draft class generally fetched ‘C’ grades.

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National Analysts Take a Wait-And-See View on Minnesota’s Rookies

The group will just have to prove everyone wrong.

Caleb Banks answers questions from reporters during SEC Media Days in Atlanta. Vikings draft grades
Caleb Banks speaks with reporters during a busy media session, answering questions about his development and upcoming season, Jul. 16, 2025, at the Omni Atlanta Hotel during SEC Media Days. The Florida State defensive lineman addressed expectations, team goals, and his role along the defensive front heading into a pivotal campaign. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images.

ESPN: It’s a ‘C’ for the Vikings Draft Class

Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Minnesota near the bottom section of his draft grades — not a good place to be — and handed the purple team a ‘C’ mark for its troubles.

He explained, “Caleb Banks is a good player. He can wreak havoc on opposing linemen and has legit burst to affect the quarterback in the pocket as an interior pass rusher (4.5 sacks in 2024). He’s at his best as a run stuffer, closing gaps with his 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame, and he brings scheme versatility to the table.”

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“But his left foot has been a major problem. He broke it early last season and was limited to three games. Then he broke it again at the combine, requiring surgery and putting him on the sideline until at least June. That was enough to push him down the Big Board a little bit. I had him ranked 62nd, so taking him at No. 18 was too rich.”

If Kiper Jr. felt in his heart of hearts that Banks was the 62nd-best player in the draft, he must’ve thought the Vikings were utterly nuts to pick him at No. 18.

Kiper Jr. added, “I was mostly surprised Minnesota passed on safety Dillon Thieneman, but even among the defensive tackles, I had four guys ranked higher, starting with Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald. Minnesota did take a safety in Jakobe Thomas late in Round 3, and he can create takeaways, with five INTs in 2025. It doubled up on defensive tackle with Domonique Orange and picked up linebacker depth with Jake Golday.”

“But my favorite pick of Day 2 was Caleb Tiernan. I had him ranked 47 spots higher than his draft slot, and he is a massive 6-foot-8, 323-pounder with a ton of experience (44 starts, mostly at left tackle). Overall, Minnesota just didn’t do enough to move the needle.”

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Kiper Jr. claimed the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys had the top rookie classes, assigning them ‘A’ grades.

Fox Sports Too

Middling grades weren’t reserved for ESPN. Fox Sports dropped a ‘C+’ on Kevin O’Connell’s team.

Rob Dang opined, “After moving on from veterans Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the Vikings added two prospects who might prove immediate upgrades in Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, sandwiched around a do-it-all linebacker in Jake Golday, whose size and speed could make him a star in Brian Flores’ system.”

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“Safety Jakobe Thomas gives Florida a foursome of possible rookie standouts with each offering undeniable upside. Each also, however, carries significant risk, with Banks struggling with durability, Golday and Thomas flashier than finished products, and Orange a bit of a one-trick pony as a run-specialist.”

Jakobe Thomas lies on the field while trainers check on him during a game against SMU. Vikings draft grades
Jakobe Thomas (8) remains on the field after making a defensive stop, with trainers attending to him following the play, Nov. 1, 2025, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. The Miami defensive back was shaken up during second-quarter action, prompting a brief pause as medical staff evaluated his condition. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.

Thomas specifically arrived from the fruit of the Jonathan Greenard trade, in addition to another 3rd-Rounder next year.

Dang concluded, “Similarly, while I like OL Caleb Tiernan’s toughness and think he has the core strength to handle the anticipated move inside, it will be hard for Kyler Murray (or JJ McCarthy) to throw over the top of him, given his nearly 6-foot-8 frame. This is a class that could pay off big — or completely flop.”

NFL.com’s Take

Chad Reuter was kinder, handing Minnesota a ‘B’ for its troubles. He noted on the late-round selections: “I love Bredeson going to the Vikings as a potential replacement for valued fullback C.J. Ham, who retired this year, though Bredeson was picked a bit earlier than I thought he’d be, given his injury history and the position’s value.”

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“The fifth-rounder received from Philadelphia for quarterback Sam Howell turned into an excellent value in Demmings, who has the size and athleticism to be an NFL starter despite the lower level of competition he faced in college.”

Demmings instantly slides onto Minnesota’s roster as the CB4 behind Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre.

Reuter added, “Claiborne’s the speed back Minnesota needed to boost its running back production; he deserved to be picked at least one round earlier. The Vikings should have added a center and a wideout in this draft, but they waited until Round 7 for Gerhardt and did not select a receiver.”

The “3 Years” Speech

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No one truly knows how a draft class will ultimately perform in April. The real answers emerge a few years later, as players either establish themselves, develop, or fade away.

Consider the 2015 draft: Danielle Hunter, initially labeled a questionable pick, proved critics wrong. He went on to become a five-time Pro Bowler and one of that class’s best value selections. It illustrates the significant gap between immediate draft-night reactions and long-term reality.

Demond Claiborne runs the ball while Clemson defenders attempt to tackle him during a game. Vikings draft grades
Demond Claiborne (1) fights through traffic while attempting to break free from multiple Clemson defenders, weaving between tacklers during second-half action, Oct. 12, 2024, at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem. The Wake Forest running back pushed for extra yards in a tightly contested ACC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.

Consequently, the deluge of grades and rankings immediately following the event serves more as content than genuine evaluation. They fill a void, drive conversation, and provide fans with something to discuss. For the current class, a meaningful timeline for assessment likely begins around 2029. That’s when player trajectories will truly come into focus, and the initial noise will have cleared.

Until then, pundits feel great about assigning grades mostly in the ‘C’ range for Minnesota.


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Pebble Beach restores a signature feature on its famed 18th hole

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Joe Calzaghe ranks one man as the best in history: “He was the greatest”

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Joe Calzaghe believes there is no debate on who is the greatest boxer of all time.

Calzaghe is often credited by many as being the greatest boxer the UK has ever produced, having the rare honour of retiring undefeated after winning all 46 of his professional fights.

He spent over 10 years as WBO super-middleweight champion before going on to add each of the IBF, WBA and WBC belts at 168lbs, before moving up to light heavyweight and ending his career with victories over Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.

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When it comes to naming the best ever though, Calzaghe once told BBC Sport that he felt there could be nobody other than Muhammad Ali.

“In a 1,000 years time people will look back and say he was the greatest. He is the greatest boxing and greatest sporting icon of all time. He was my inspiration, I tried to copy some of his moves as soon a I started boxing at the age of 10 or 11.

“Boxing is the hardest sport in the world and in a time when he was champion, it wasn’t a great sport – it was on a bit of a downward spiral but he transcended the sport with his personality and style.

“People loved him, he was someone completely different, he backed it up in the ring and everybody wanted to tune in and watch him fight.”

Calzaghe isn’t the only former super-middleweight king to view Ali as the greatest of all time, with Canelo Alvarez also having the same opinion.

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CBS Sports Names the Best Draft Pick for Vikings

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Minnesota Vikings helmet resting on the field before a game at Lambeau Field.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the turf during pregame warmups at Lambeau Field on Nov. 23, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The scene captures a quiet moment before kickoff, with players preparing nearby as the NFC North rivalry matchup against the Packers approaches in crisp, late-season conditions. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Some fans had no problems with the Minnesota Vikings “reaching” for defensive tackle Caleb Banks in Round 1 one week ago and loved the pick. Others believe running back Demond Claiborne was the best value in Round 6. CBS Sports? According to that website, Round 3 offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan represented the wisest selection by the Vikings.

Minnesota may have found a ready-made depth piece with real starting experience.

Tiernan may not play right away, but before too long, he’ll get a chance to prove if CBS Sports has it right.

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A Swing Tackle Arrives with Long-Term Upside

He’s the highest-drafted offensive tackle by the Vikings in five years.

Caleb Tiernan performs drills at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Caleb Tiernan Vikings
Caleb Tiernan (OL50) works through drills on the field during a busy evaluation session, showcasing size and movement skills for scouts, Mar. 1, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Northwestern offensive lineman participated in combine testing as teams gathered data on his strength, footwork, and readiness for the next level. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Josh Edwards: Tiernan Is the Vikings’ Best Pick

Edwards found one best pick per team this week, and for the Vikings, Tiernan got the nod.

He wrote, “Tiernan was at the top of that second tier of offensive tackles in the personal rankings. He is a smart, technically refined lineman who should bring value as a swing tackle early in his career.”

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Elsewhere in the NFC North, Edwards named cornerback Domani Jackson as the Green Packers’ best-value choice: “Jackson has the size and athletic ability to be a starter in this league. Although Green Bay’s vision for last year’s secondary did not come to fruition, they have some intriguing young cornerbacks. Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth round was great value as well.”

The Skinny on Tiernan

The Northwestern alum’s calling card is his exceptional pass protection. Possessing a rare build at 6’8,” 320 pounds, he has started five full seasons at both tackle spots. Ready for the NFL now, he will be just 24 during next year’s playoffs.

His basketball background is also evident in his movement and body control.

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The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Tiernan: “Early in his career, Tiernan could fill a swing tackle role while also providing guard depth as he develops into a potential starter. Players like Bernhard Raimann, Luke Goedeke, and Braden Smith have overcome similar length limitations to stick at tackle.”

“There’s also a Northwestern precedent for shorter-armed tackles moving inside and thriving — Peter Skoronski is already among the league’s best. If Tiernan follows that path, Sam Cosmi is a strong stylistic comparison. Tiernan is an athletic, experienced, and versatile offensive lineman who may need to transition from tackle, where he played in college, to guard in the NFL.”

It’s worth noting that the Vikings love versatile offensive linemen. See: Blake Brandel.

McShay continued, “As a pass blocker, he remains effective despite his shorter arms and high center of gravity. He gets into his set quickly and smoothly, working with independent hands and rewrapping quickly if he initially misses inside placement. Inside moves don’t faze him — he mirrors well, recovers quickly, and becomes difficult to disengage once he’s locked on. Although power can push him back, he typically regains his leverage and holds up.”

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“Even with his limited length, he rarely overextends and consistently picks up stunts and blitzes. In the run game, he shows enough strength to lift and drive defenders when he lands inside. He generates movement on combo blocks, including knocking defensive tackles into adjacent linemen.’

When Will He Play?

Here’s the big mystery: a 3rd-Round pick should play before too long, a rule applicable to almost every position. But the Vikings already have Christian Darrisaw at left tackle and Brian O’Neill on the right side. Darrisaw is under contract for four more years. O’Neill’s contract is up next offseason, though most expect an extension.

Therefore, Tiernan is basically on the roster for a rainy day. He feels like a “best player available” pick for the club, which usually turns out to be helpful.

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Caleb Tiernan blocks Cameron Brandt during a Northwestern vs Michigan game at Michigan Stadium. Caleb Tiernan Vikings
Caleb Tiernan (72) sets his base in pass protection while facing edge pressure from Michigan’s defensive front, battling Cameron Brandt during live action, Nov. 23, 2024, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The Northwestern lineman worked to anchor against the rush in a Big Ten matchup featuring physical trench play throughout the contest. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images.

If Darrisaw gets hurt in 2026, Tiernan is the next man up. Suppose O’Neill is not re-signed. Well, Tiernan would get tapped on the shoulder for RT duty.

Other Best-Value Selections

Per the NFL draft media community, Minnesota snagged a view “best value” picks on Friday and Saturday. Many love running back Demond Claiborne because of his stature similarity and stylistic parallels to Miami Dolphins tailback De’Von Achane. Claiborne has 4.37 speed, and the Vikings haven’t employed a promising young running back since Dalvin Cook or Alexander Mattison.

Others enjoy Stephen F. Austin rookie cornerback Charles Demmings, a scrappy defender who felt hand-picked by Brian Flores.

Caleb Tiernan completes force plate testing during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Caleb Tiernan Vikings
Caleb Tiernan (OL50) undergoes performance testing as Hawkin Dynamics specialist Trent Bassingthwaite collects force plate data, measuring lower-body output during combine evaluations, Mar. 1, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The testing session provided teams with detailed metrics on explosiveness, balance, and power during pre-draft assessments. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Cincinnati center Gavin Gerhardt could also end up with a starter’s job before too long, after Ryan Kelly retired and Minnesota signed no veteran players at the position.

The Vikings now have ample depth at offensive tackle, including Darrisaw, O’Neill, Tiernan, Blake Brandel, Walter Rouse, and Ryan Van Demark.

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Man City’s North Stand expansion has final hurdle to clear after Aston Villa debut

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Manchester City are hoping the top tier of the North Stand will be at 100 per cent capacity for the final home game of the season against Aston Villa

Nobody will be happier than the Manchester City boardroom if the North Stand top tier is fully open for the final game of the Premier League season against Aston Villa. More than 7,000 extra fans will be housed in the expanded North Stand if it passes the necessary test events.

The major one will come on Wednesday, May 20 when more than 3,500 fans will be granted access to the new section for the first time. City have pulled out all the stops to attract supporters to the stadium on a non-matchday. There will be live entertainment, a photo opportunity with the Carabao Cup and appearances from former players.

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It is vital for City that this goes well so that their multi-million pound investment begins paying for itself. For City’s hierarchy, the opening of the North Stand will be seen as a success so long as it is full and, for the Villa game, it undoubtedly will be.

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However, that is not the final hurdle it must overcome. It must also gain fan approval. There has been a lot of scepticism around the North Stand expansion, particularly considering attendance issues for midweek fixtures at the Etihad Stadium.

Many matchgoing supporters see this new tier as another opportunity for the club to bring in ‘fans’ who care more about the half-time food offering, rather than the result. Of course, City cannot be naive in this modern football landscape where every penny counts towards Financial Fair Play (FFP).

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Expanding the Etihad Stadium to a capacity of more than 60,000 means City’s home will be on a par with the likes of the Emirates Stadium and Anfield. It also opens the door to further revenue streams like concerts and the new 401-room hotel, that will open at the end of 2026, gifts City an all-year round income.

But to the average supporter who feels left behind by the increasingly money-driven nature of the sport, this does little to warm their hearts. The fear is that City will eventually go the way of some of their Premier League rivals.

Fulham’s Riverside Stand is exclusively for hospitality with the club’s owners happy to rake in the money while losing long-standing supporters. Even across the city, Manchester United have come under fire for moving season ticket holders out of their seats to make room for a brand new hospitality area.

Against Villa, the hospitality sections of the stand will not be open and the fans housed in that tier will be there on a general admission ticket. The only thing current matchgoing supporters want is for the expansion to enhance the matchday experience.

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They want those extra fans to create a cauldron of noise and make the Etihad Stadium a more imposing fortress than it already is. If it becomes just another money making scheme, it will be panned and add to the narrative that the club is no longer interested in the regular supporter.

Last week, Pep Guardiola rightly praised the ownership group for freezing season ticket prices for another season. City now have one of the most affordable season tickets in the Premier League and they are also working on ways to boost midweek attendances.

There is a lot of goodwill from that announcement that will go to waste by overlooking existing fans’ wishes for the North Stand. There is a way both the club and fans get what they want but it relies on City resisting temptation and looking for the big bucks.

If they avoid that, the new tier will be welcomed by all and boost City’s coffers in the process.

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You guys are not alone

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Zelina Vega seemingly left social media after sharing a message about mental health. A former WWE star has sent her a message.

CJ Perry has reached out to Zelina Vega. WWE recently performed its annual routine of releasing a bunch of its talent due to budget cuts. This time, some prominent names also made the list of releases. Among those released were the Wyatt Sicks, Kairi Sane, Santos Escobar, Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.

Following her departure from the WWE, Vega took to social media to share a message about mental health. Following this, she has not posted anything else on the platform, indicating that she has left social media.

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“Mental health first 🖤 love you.”

Real reason behind Reigns vs. Fatu revealed – Check here!

Former WWE star CJ Perry responded to her message and said that she is there for her.

“It’s going to be ok. Mental health is a journey. I’m on the road with you ❤️you guys are not alone”

Check out her tweet here:


Zelina Vega revealed the exact time she found out that she was released

This round of WWE releases came as a bit of a surprise to many, espcially since the sports entertainment juggernaut has been boasting about record-breaking profits. Therefore, the Stamford-based promotion and Triple H received a lot of backlash for releasing more than 20 stars. Fans were especially not happy about Kairi Sane’s release, and they demanded she be brought back.

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Zelina Vega opened up about her WWE release on her Twitch stream. She said she usually receives a call from Stamford, but this time, she received a call from TKO at 5:09 PM.

“When people call me from there, usually it would say Stamford calling you,” Vega said in a Twitch livestream on Friday. “That’s when you’re heart is like, ‘Oh, f**k.’ But this time it’s a TKO, which sounds like, ‘Ah, very telling.’ 5:09 p.m. is when I found out.” [H/T – TJR Wrestling].

It remains to be seen if WWE will release more talent in the coming weeks. It will also be interesting to see what the future holds for those who were released from the sports entertainment juggernaut.