Vikings Trade 201st Pick to Ravens for 2 Picks, Including 2021 5th-Rounder | By Eric Smith
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman made his second trade of Day 3 on Saturday when he sent the 201st overall pick (sixth round) and the 219th overall pick (seventh round) to the Ravens in exchange for the 225th pick in 2020 (seventh round) and a fifth-round pick in 2021.
Minnesota earlier Saturday traded the 155th overall pick (sixth round) to the division-rival Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
View images of Vikings new OT Blake Brandel from his days at Oregon State.
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) warms up before the first half of an NCAA college football game against the on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
UCLA defensive back Randall Goforth, right, runs an interception in for a touchdown as Oregon State offensive lineman Blake Brandel approaches at left during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won 38-24. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton (6) enters the field with teammates Gus Lavaka, left, and Blake Brandel before an NCAA college football game against UCLA ,Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon State offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Oregon State defeated Arizona 56-38. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon State linebacker Kee Whetzel, from left, offensive line Blake Brandel and head coach Jonathan Smith sign footballs at the Pac-12 Conference NCAA college football Media Day in Los Angeles, Wednesday, July 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Oregon State offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Oregon State defeated Arizona 56-38. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) warms up before the first half of an NCAA college football game against the on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Oregon State offensive line Blake Brandel speaks at the Pac-12 Conference NCAA college football Media Day in Los Angeles, Wednesday, July 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Oregon State offensive lineman Blake Brandel, left, blocks Washington State defensive lineman Kingston Fernandez (52) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) warms up before the first half of an NCAA college football game against the on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) warms up before the first half of an NCAA college football game against the on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Blake Brandel (73) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Vikings Select Oregon State Offensive Lineman Blake Brandel with 203rd Overall Pick | By Craig Peters
The Vikings added to their offensive line in the sixth round by drafting Oregon State left tackle Blake Brandel with the 203rd pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Brandel started all 48 possible games for the Beavers, which is the third-longest streak in school history.
"It's awesome to be able to say that I've done that before," Brandel said. "I think part of it is general luck because football is a physical game, contact sport. Guys are going to get hurt, but I'd also like to thank my strength and conditioning staff that's helped me out at Oregon State, because without those guys I'm sure there'd be a lot more injuries. They've helped me out a ton, too."
Brandel kept improving his game at Oregon State, going from an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention in his first three seasons to Second-Team All-Pac-12 as a senior.
Pro Football Focus graded Brandel's pass blocking at 93.1 in 2019, the best mark in the nation and graded him at 90 overall for the sixth-best mark nationally.
He allowed just one sack and four hurries in 2019 when he served as a team captain.
"The more practice, the better," Brandel said. "You really can't be perfect at something, especially something like football, so just a ton of practice and watching film. You start with the big things and then work your way down to the little things. I think the little things are what help make that next step. I've been super lucky to have some great coaches that have helped me out along the way and other guys as well. It's been a lot of practice."
Brandel is the second tackle drafted by the Vikings this year, joining second-round pick Ezra Cleveland, who played at Boise State. Like Cleveland said of Boise State, Brandel explained he's learned of similarities with his college offense and that of the Vikings through video conferences with Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator Rick Dennison.
"He's obviously a genius," Brandel said. "He's been coaching in the NFL a really long time and having success. To have a coach like that is a huge blessing. I just can't wait to get started on not necessarily getting on the field, but just keep learning from him in these Zoom meetings and just continuing to try to get better."
View images of Vikings new S Josh Metellus from his days at Michigan.
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) celebrates a play in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, left, runs Ohio State receiver Parris Campbell out-of-bounds during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Michigan defensive backs Josh Metellus (14), Tyree Kinnel (23) and linebacker Khaleke Hudson (7) gang tackle Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson (84) after a catch in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) tackles Florida running back Lamical Perine (22) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus gets set to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus does the bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus does the bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (11) scores on a 16-yard touchdown reception as Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) defends in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan safety Josh Metellus poses for a headshot during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Alabama tight end Miller Forristall (87) tries to get past Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) after a reception during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) can't hang on to a pass as he is defended by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
North safety Josh Metellus of Michigan (14) during the first half of the Senior Bowl college football game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
South wide receiver Jauan Jennings of Tennessee (15) catches a pass for a touchdown over North safety Jalen Elliott of Notre Dame (21) and North safety Josh Metellus of Michigan (14) during the second half of the Senior Bowl college football game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
North safety Josh Metellus of Michigan (14) during the first half of the Senior Bowl college football game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Michigan linebacker Devin Gil (8), quarterback Shea Patterson (2) and Josh Metellus (14) walk off the field after an NCAA college football game against Army in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Michigan won 24-21 in double-overtime. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) intercepts a pass intended for Iowa wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) as Ambry Thomas (1) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) intercepts a pass from Maryland quarterback Josh Jackson, as Maryland's Sean Savoy tries to bring him down during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (17) catches a 57-yard touchdown pass as Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (17) catches a 57-yard touchdown pass ahead of Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State running back Elijah Collins (24) gets tackled by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, top left, and linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Michigan won 44-10. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, center bottom, is brought down by Maryland offensive lineman Ellis McKennie (68) and wide receiver Sean Savoy (29) after Metellus intercepted a pass from quarterback Josh Jackson during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus plays against Rutgers in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) against Michigan defensive back Sammy Faustin (17) and defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 35-14. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) and Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Michigan defensive back Lavert Hill (24) celebrates his touchdown interception with defensive backs Brandon Watson, left, and Josh Metellus during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. Michigan won 38-13. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) and Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor make a first-down run against Michigan defensive back Brad Hawkins and defensive back Josh Metellus during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus reacts during overtime in an NCAA college football game against Army in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Michigan won 24-21 in double-overtime. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
CORRECTS SCORE TO 35-14- Michigan defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson, left, and defensive back Josh Metellus, right, tackle Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor, center, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 35-14. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) recovers a fumble by Army in the first quarter of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Michigan won 24-21 in double-overtime. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Michigan defensive backs Josh Metellus (14), Tyree Kinnel (23) and linebacker Khaleke Hudson (7) gang-tackle Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson (84) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Middle Tennessee quarterback Chase Cunningham (16) throws a pass, defended by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14), in the third quarter of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Michigan won 40-21. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Army running back Artice Hobbs IV (32) rushes ahead of Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) in the third quarter of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Michigan won 24-21 in double-overtime. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) returns an interception intended for Wisconsin wide receiver Kendric Pryor (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) runs out of the pocket against Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Vikings Select Michigan S Josh Metellus with 205th Overall Pick | by Lindsey Young
The Vikings selected safety Josh Metellus with the 205th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Metellus, a senior out of Michigan, measured 5-foot-11 and 209 pounds.
He started 13 games for the Wolverines in 2019 and recorded 74 tackles, including 4.0 tackles for loss. Additionally, he snagged two interceptions and added five passes defensed.
Metellus showed his versatility at Michigan, where he lined up at outside linebacker, both safety spots, outside corner and in the slot. When speaking with Twin Cities media members via video conference Saturday, he emphasized the value of being able to move around in a defense.
"At the end of the day, I just want to be able to get on the field," Metellus said. "Moving around at Michigan has helped me a lot, getting a different feel for the game and helping my football I.Q.
"That's the biggest thing – I'll be able to come in and do whatever the coaches ask," he added.
Metellus showed his strength at the NFL Scouting Combine when he completed 20 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press, which tied for fourth-most among safeties. His vertical jump of 36.5 inches ranked sixth in the position group.
He's continuing to focus on his conditioning during the shut-down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I've been trying to work out as much as possible," Metellus said. "I've got some weights in the garage that I use, and there's a field right next to my house that I have access to."
Metellus attended Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, where he was coached by former NFL safety Devin Bush. He then teamed at Michigan with Bush's son, Devin Bush, Jr., whom the Steelers drafted 10thoverall in 2019.
He now will get a chance to learn from two other talented safeties in Minnesota's Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris. Metellus said he's "super excited" to join the position group.
"Anthony Harris has the franchise tag and Harrison Smith has always been one of the top safeties in the league, so I'm really excited to be able to learn from them, but I'm mostly excited to come to that safety room and push the competition to another level," he said. "At the end of the day, we're all trying to win, and whatever's the best way to win, we're going to get it done."
When asked about the anticipation this weekend leading up the sixth round, Metellus said he's been waiting a whole lot longer than three days for the chance to start his NFL journey.
"My last game of the season was on New Year's, so I've been waiting since then to figure out where I was going to keep playing football," he said with a smile. "It's a big relief, especially for a team like this … I couldn't ask for anything better."
The selection of Metellus marked the first time in franchise history the Vikings have selected from the 205th spot in an NFL Draft. They have drafted from the 204th spot twice and the 206th spot six times.
