Kevin O'Connell on First Round: I Don't Know If It's Possible To Feel Better About How Things Went

Vikings Entertainment Network's Tatum Everett talked with Head Coach Kevin O'Connell prior to night two of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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[@jmulaaclips6859]

Hope this fan base can eventually get to a point where we can all be friends again 😂. I want the negativity of this fanbase to be a thing of the past

[@bretttaylor3787]

I think we’re fine. Winning a Super Bowl will smooth over everything.

[@everlastinglife5978]

I think there will always be those negative people but they will be quiet for a little while after this draft

[@williemclean3224]

Then we need to win a superbowl. I’ve been a fan since 1969, my clock is ticking.

[@nolanthegreat984]

@@williemclean3224I think you mean your clock is ticking 😊

[@lgaytan65]

SKOL Baby!!! It's a new era in Minnesota with these great picks!

[@Selling-McCarthyism]

Kevin O’Connell reaction to getting Dallas Turner is my reaction to this draft. Just absolutely shook.

[@swaslaukinonome]

I refused to even watch Turner's highlights in lead up to draft because I figured he just wasn't going to be an option if they got a top QB and I'd just be making myself jealous 😂 Can't wait for his Vikings highlights. Skol!

[@rodlamont3736]

ALL US VIKING FANS ARE PRETTY DAM EXCITED TOO KEVIN !!!! SKOL !!😈😈

[@rayrack5416]

JJ stan and Michigan grad now a part of Skol Nation. Ordered my JJ jersey on pre-order night of the draft. SKOL!

[@JakeHamm-nc7xk]

When do the rookies get their future number? I’m wanting to order a jersey

[@rayrack5416]

@@JakeHamm-nc7xk You can pre-order and they don't send it to you until after they get their numbers (obviously). Hopefully soon!

[@northsky5629]

A grown man wearing another mans name on his back. Bah ha ha

[@loganchristopherson1107]

@@northsky5629shut your corny ass up - fellas is it gay to be supportive now?

[@CamberRockerCamber]

​@@northsky5629 a grown man caring about what another grown man does. Bahahaha 😂

[@florencedahl3617]

Kevin O'Connell's face when they drafted Dallas Turner was the most popular reaction that went viral his stunning look and the surprise that came with it was priceless Skol

[@CamberRockerCamber]

He was shocked kwesi pulled off that move. So was I. That trade and pick made me jump out of my seat.

[@doitfa2]

we sum Dawgs Mann yall cooked this draft fr let go skol🔥🔥❗️

[@tuckerkline4142]

JJ is the best play action QB out of college in 10-20 years. It’s unreal we landed him at 10

[@andrejavis5115]

You know ball

[@user-lp2bh9db7p]

So great to have wonderful leadership that is actually changing the culture but not just words. This platoon will do great things together. I sincerely hope the unit stays together to create a legacy.

[@monkus7493]

I am so excited for the season!!! SKOL!!!

[@northsky5629]

Why? You think a had been QB or a rookie is going to lead them to the superbowl?

[@monkus7493]

@northsky5629 this our future... you think Cousins a 36 year old qb coming off an Achilles injury is going to?...

[@tim4cn759]

I agree with the getting along part we all just want our team to be the best it can be we all love The Minnesota Vikings and we are a huge extended family.. one common goal... win a super bowl 🏆

[@lgaytan65]

Great picks coach!!! Now, let's go & get our 1st Super Bowl!!!! SKOL!!!

[@ballpindriveway03]

I hope KOC wins a Superbowl for the Vikings but no matter what happens I'll be cheering for him for the rest of his career

[@user-sp6co7wn5v]

Incredible. Absolutely incredible. JJ wasn't my first choice, but he's my QB now, and lets just say I'm FaLLiNg iN LoVeeeee

[@TylerSmith-vz3ch]

Draft value people will say gave up to much.... real ones know having potential franchise qb and edge rusher already on your roster on rookie deals holds more value than a handful of rotation guys. The only real lost pick of real value is 42 ....doesn't hurt as much when remember vikes have ALOT of cap space next year to fill holes if FA with players they know can play in the league over mid round rookies who dont make an impact more often than they do...as far as future picks they kept the only one that matters right now in rd1 ....most of the rest can be replaced by next years draft

[@grahamculbertson6920]

Not to mention we should have 2 third round compensatory picks next for for Kirk and Danielle

[@TimAllen-fs2rg]

Now just picked up a shutdown corner . A projected 3rd rounder in the 4th . Wow! Lets go

[@barbaradahl7722]

They did a better job drafting players this year

[@confusedwarrior4495]

Thanks coach!

[@clintonreisig]

A+ Draft ✨

[@brettduncan15]

If anyone can help a young QB it’s KOC! Fired up 🔥

[@MYSONMYBUDDY]

Build up MIDDLE of BOTH lines!!! Or we can’t stop the run or get pushed backwards with Bradbury still. 🤯

[@TimHills-ln3xg]

U win and lose in the trenches. Need more emphasize on our lines

[@timfarney5165]

Yep, their continued reliance on Bradbury is my biggest disappointment with the team now.

[@TheWeirdBro911]

❤

[@mikeblasterock3841]

FINALLY!! A MOBILE QUARTERBACK WHO CAN MAKE PLAYS WITH HIS ARM AS WELL AS HIS LEGS!!! SKOL!! GO VIKINGS!!!

[@robe2504]

Two of them - Darnold is agile and strong in the pocket and can run too.

[@mikeblasterock3841]

@@robe2504 If Donald plays like he did with the 49ers we will be fine.If he plays like he did with the Jets it will be a long season

[@robe2504]

@@mikeblasterock3841 The Jets was a very dysfunctional outfit. Darnold actually played pretty well with a very limited Panthers roster too. He started 3-0 in 2021, and led the league (including RBs) in rushing TDs for 7 or 8 weeks. In 2022 he finished the season 4-2, after CMC had been traded, AND Baker had started the season 1-6. So Darnold went 8-9 in his two seasons with the Panthers - while Baker, Bryce Young and others went 5-28 with the same team. Kirk went 26-30 with Washington before first starting for the Vikes as a 30 year old. Darnold is still only 26. I think most Vikes fans will be very surprised at how competent he is. He did look good with the 49ers, and looked better against the Ravens than Purdy did, when he finished that game.

[@mikeblasterock3841]

@@robe2504 Let's hope you are right about Donald.

[@PettyWithLove]

You can tell by KOC genuine smiles throughout this interview that JJ is who he really wanted and Turner was a REAL OH S**T moment like wow the NFL just messed up! SKOL🙏🏽

[@jimquast8186]

I am 79 years old I have seen the good and the not so good. This the best thing that has happened to this team for a long time. We have great owners. The leadership from the general manager, to the head coach and defensive coordinator have me feeling good. Does that mean we win a super bowl hope so. The draft…. Who knows but I am glad we are not being held hostage by Kirk and his high salary. Kirk was the right man at the time but he is a 500 QB that’s he tried but it didn’t work.

[@rodionbutyrski3899]

I can’t wait for some draft day videos with how it went down.

[@brinaldi81]

Who loves this team!!

[@charlieadams9318]

Been a Vikes fan for 25 years. I cant remember being this invested in their draft. Koc and Kwesi are building something special imo hopefully we keep Flores for a couple more years

[@user-md2vi5ko8k]

Troy Franklin is my number one wide out!.. bring em’ home coach!!

[@JohnKan-uo7ne]

JJM’s ability worked out with the running offense in Michigan will lessen the pressures on JJ, Jordan Addison and TJ, thus he will make them better Passing weapons as receivers!

[@gifi11]

If Sam is better, koo. But if JJ is better, I hope KOC doesn't punk out. Play the best man and declare who your guy is once you figure it out.

[@robe2504]

I can see Sam winning the division and JJ sitting out the season. Then what do they do? At worst, they should convert Sam into some serious draft capital.

[@gifi11]

@robe2504 hhheeeyy I like the way you think. Selfishly, I want JJ to start. Your scenario isn't a bad idea. If Sam balls out, that's at least a 2nd rd pick if not first.

[@petert834]

First round went about as well for the Vikings as you could have hoped for. Got a QB you wanted (and is quite intriguing for his fit on this team) and didn't have to spend a ton of additional draft capital to get him. Get one of the very top players on defense available as well. Byron Murphy II might have been a better shorter-term fit because the Vikings have a need at DT and were decently set at DE, but long term having an elite talent like Turner should be fantastic for the Vikings especially in a Flores-style defense. Great job by Kwesi holding his nerve and not overspending to move up in a panic to get the QB you wanted, and for seizing the opportunity to get a top-10 pick talent on D.

[@TylerSmith-vz3ch]

Byron would have been amazing!! Guessing they were watching him and turner at equal value to see if could have one at 23 and once Seattle removed an option they decided to get who they wanted

[@DavidTate-do8xy]

Dynasty!

[@dandrummond1156]

Props to Vikings for being both patient and aggressive in 17 picks...there's a "cost of doing business" angle in this league that sometimes costs you more than you like, but I appreciate that K and K didn't panic at QB early and then went after Dallas Turner a few minutes later. Although their first draft wasn't great, I'm starting to trust this team. Go Vikes!

[@robe2504]

That 1st draft might look better at the end of this season. Some of those young guys are starting to get clear of their early injuries.

[@taichi3852]

Hi

[@StartBenchCut]

Jeez 32 seconds ago

[@DavidTate-do8xy]

The NFC North just reopened the Black & Blue division.

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

My dream scenario is that. McCarthy is ready to go midway through the season. Or even towards the end of it....HOWEVER Darnold plays so well that he remains the starter. He's then traded to a QB needy team at the end of the season for a day two pick.

[@robe2504]

I think Darnold could play well enough to make it a real problem. What if he wins the division and a playoff game or 2? Wouldn't they have to extend him? And as you said - he would at least be a great trade asset.

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

@@robe2504 the only way I really us being motivated to extent Darnold long term come in the form of three different scenarios. 1. Darnold plays like a damn MVP 2. He plays extremely well and McCarthy looks like a bust to the coaching staff. 3. Darnold plays well, but is pretty much just mid. And the coaching Staff sees him more valuable as a back up than a trade asset.

[@robe2504]

@@MichaelRucker-ns5po Darnold wins the division, makes a playoff run and plays like a 3rd overall pick?

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

@@robe2504 that would be nice

[@matthewmulready8157]

By far the best 1st round in my lifetime, aboard the lifelong Nordic ship, oft sank at any time of year

[@bdrew1111]

KOC and Kwesi are the best thing to happen to the Vikings in a very long time

[@confusedwarrior4495]

Don’t forget Flores

[@bdrew1111]

@@confusedwarrior4495 true true

[@mikebarrett3428]

Has there been any additions to the offensive line group? If not JJ want last long!

[@sacredweirdos]

SKOL KOC

[@timothyanvik5961]

We Got Alot More Work To Do on Depth Especially on Offensive And Defensive Line Not Leaving out our Secondary And Special Teams! SKOL

[@Travis0829]

Now just get a Guard and build around your Defense

[@douglarsen4801]

The amount of stablity in this franchise is so overdue!

[@muemuemue]

best 7 day span in mn history wolves sweep skol draft

[@mikeblasterock3841]

Speaking of Penix he should have pulled a John Elway and told the Falcons NO! now he sits on the bench for the next two seasons.The Falcons screwed penix.

[@robertjohnson2899]

Everyone is overreacting big time we drafted two really talented players but they are babies. Both are 21 super young we can't rush these guys I see JJ sitting for a little and Dallas in a rotation to start the season. This division is best in the NFL right now but this team is flying under the radar which is what you want.

[@beaudroux21]

Overreacting? We’re all just excited dude. Finally steering our own ship.

[@bbhihoney]

It's Jets McCarthy.

[@nedcassley5169]

Vikings got Dallas Turner and the 5th quarterback, and a 7th round pick. Minnesota gave up picks 11, 42, 111, 129, 146, 157 and next year's 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks.

[@yurpi3425]

and 6 of those 9 picks are busts 90% of the time so not bad

[@christopherlorenzen8941]

we got the better deal

[@spindog9600]

Like Spielman never left😮

[@christopherlorenzen8941]

@@spindog9600 false spielman would gotten all 7th rounders

[@beaudroux21]

Difference making moves. It’s all a process. Not random. We’ll fill in our future draft equity voids and supplement that with deep free agency pockets. All good!

[@nedcassley5169]

Minnesota needs two tackles and a center who don't miss multiple games every season. They lost their best reserve O-linemen to free agency and a bad trade with Jacksonville.

[@TheOneAndOnlyUrl]

We have one of the most solid LT and RT combos in the league man… I’m more worried about the interior D line

[@nedcassley5169]

@TheOneAndOnlyUrl A solid tackle who isn't in the lineup because he's injured doesn't help win games. They ought to draft the best O-lineman available every year until they find five men who can play 17 games in a year.

[@fuzzyschwartz]

Tatum Everett has the name and look of an offensive lineman.

[@TheyMightBeSexyTigers]

KOC is such a likable dude.

[@ryannerburn7934]

I’m still angry about the pick, it’s pissed me off for two days now and I can’t control it. Sorry but I don’t believe in McCarthy until proven otherwise, not that anyone understands my strong gut feeling. I may not be GM, but I wanted them to do what has never been done by the organization take a high risk high reward play in the draft.

[@christopherlorenzen8941]

so u wanted bo nix..

[@user-to9sh9tp9o]

J. J. the Next Pat Mahomes

[@WooGnar]

I wish we would have grabbed Nix over JJ. Best QB, better tape. Hope he proves me wrong.

[@mikeblasterock3841]

Nix would have been my second choice.

[@robe2504]

I think the Broncos could be drafting another QB in 2025. Nix reminds me of Ridder and Pickett - older, low ceiling, below average arm.

[@spindog9600]

I'm so excited this year!!! I can't wait for another 7-10 season!!! Let's do this!!!😮

[@TimHills-ln3xg]

Debbie downer

[@22ATek]

Spending 2,5,6 and future 2,3,4 on Dallas Turner is just awful. No mid round picks this year, next year just 1,5,5 and maybe a comp pick. Mortgaging the future for QB5 and a EDGE2. 😭

[@TimAllen-fs2rg]

Rick Spielman? Is this you?

[@FinaLMFAO]

Lmao dude who fucking cares… these late round picks never usually pan out anyways and the two guys we got are what we needed most lmao.

[@christopherlorenzen8941]

turner is worth more then bunch of low picks

[@22ATek]

“Late picks” lol. Unserious.

[@robe2504]

That's a pretty simplistic take. They didn't do that to get Turner - they did that to give them options and opportunities which included the possibility to trade up for another QB. Many, many folks thought they would need both firsts to get McCarthy. They got both those foundational players for those picks. Go back and look at a few draft classes and you'll soon see that most teams only get one or two quality starters each class. You are just being a drama queen. Taking risks is the opposite of settling for mediocre.

[@nedcassley5169]

Dallas Turner cost SIX draft picks.

[@vincentandrews6650]

technically 4 if we speak in volume alone.

[@robe2504]

Sort of, but getting the capital was for the opportunity to trade up for a QB. So it's really JJ and Turner that cost those picks, and most folks expected that they'd need both 1sts to get JJ, so from that point of view Turner really only cost the 2025 3rd & 4th, and 2024 5th and 6th. I don't think anyone would trade out of the 1st for a 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th.

[@saraxiong]

Cry some more

[@mikeblasterock3841]

Better mccarthy than penix

[@Tyler_McGuire]

fart at 2:00

[@redstedman]

i love a squatty girl in high heels.

[@JamesCalabrese930]

Not happy at all-we will win 5 games next year and that is reality.Let JJ sit a year and stop trading draft picks.Kwesi has done a decent job outside of unforgivable 2022 draft and trading away draft picks.He needs to stop reaching on draft picks.This draft he hasn't done that one time.Don't in the future.Kwesi in all fairness inherited a horrible cap problem!

[@christopherlorenzen8941]

we got 13 wins easy

[@robe2504]

Dude. Take a breath. This regime won the division in year 1, and stayed in contention in year 2 without their QB1 and the league's WR1, for much of the year. If Jared Goff and Amon Ra had gone down last year Campbell would be looking for a new job. It sounds like you'll be very disappointed if they win the division again.

[@saraxiong]

Lmao we couldn’t even lose more than 7 games with having to play 4 different qbs . The notion that we will only win 5 games is laughable.

[@robe2504]

@@saraxiong Exactly Sara. It feels like most people around the league look at last year and see the Vikes as a 7 win team. Yeah, sure if Jettas misses half the season, and Dobbs and Mullens are the starting QBs, and Flores is down to starting 3 or 4 backups to finish the season, including several players that have already been farewelled in FA. Even Vikes fans don't rate Darnold, but he was able to do just as much with that Panthers roster, as Cousins was able to do with Washington before he got here. I'm expecting Darnold to operate this Vikes offence very efficiently. Have all the Lions fans forgotten who Goff was when he arrived in Detroit and how he couldn't win a game with their run down roster? Darnold is walking into a much better situation, and could easily step in where Kirk left off. We all wanted a QB with Kirk's arm, that was agile and strong in the pocket, and could run. Well he's here. No need to rush JJ at all. And look what Flores did with the guys he inherited last season. Now he has added a bunch of his guys - Greenard, AVG, Cashman, Tillery, Griffin, Turner, Khyree - even arguably - Williams, McGlothern, Gabe Murphy. These guys have all been acquired with his scheme in mind. Some Vikes fans give up early on players, but I'd also argue that there is a strong case that Cine, Booth, Asamoah, Roy, Carter II, Akayleb and Blackmon all continue to develop/improve and start to contribute on defence this season as well. I don't see any reason why the Vikes couldn't win the NFC North with Darnold and have a good problem at QB going into 2025. Skol!

[@northsky5629]

The vikings have been a mediocre franchise for 30 years. Fans are happy with a 10-6 season. Been a losing franchise for at least 25 years. They still need a lots of players. Probably wont get to the playoffs this coming season

[@leeolson539]

Vikings chances are as thin as the coaches hairline

[@JimiMechell-jd5uv]

I hope everyone keeps doging this guy so he can prove not to all vikes fans but to all the Fucking critic's***. That JJ will get me my first Superbowl win. He's a WINNER. Just remember Defense wins Superbowl!! So go get um Dallas Turner.. Go Vikes

[@Selling-McCarthyism]

To be entirely honest, with reports coming out, I’m not surprised McCarthy fell to us and we drafted at 10 for QB5. Apparently the Raiders, Rams, Seahawks, and Cowboys were in on Penix in a trade up to the top 10. None of those teams wanted to budge and is what caused the Falcons to select him at 8 (I’m sure they tried trading down they’d be hopped). That’s why he was QB4. Only us and the Broncos were in on McCarthy and we were lucky that the Broncos didn’t value him much more over Nix.

[@RaoulDuk3]

Who cares how much another team liked or didn’t like someone you selected as long as you get the person you’re happy with?

[@Selling-McCarthyism]

@@RaoulDuk3 agreed. I was happy really with any of the possible options minus Nix.

[@christopherlorenzen8941]

jj was 2nd bezt qb of the draft

[@Selling-McCarthyism]

@@christopherlorenzen8941 he may be. If that was consensus, he’s should’ve gone number 2.

[@christopherlorenzen8941]

@@Selling-McCarthyismIt dont matter what other teams want its what is best for ours Hes young smart all a a winner

[@RAnixon]

We got the weakest qb out the mofo bunch🥺🥺🤕🤒

[@RedTideRTS]

Based on what data?

[@RAnixon]

@RedTideRTS my eyes but it's only an opinion that I hope to the football gods I'm wrong about!

[@RedTideRTS]

@@RAnixon gotcha! Yeah, no one really knows until that pigskin has been tossed around the field! ✌️

[@kevingrant5910]

What did they think about Tom Brady when he was drafted? You never know

[@michaetsully87]

Jj is a beast! He Possesses all the right stuff to blossom into an elite nfl qb. His football iq is off the charts and he makes good decisions. Mark my words he will only get better and better.

[@SaintsCheat]

Got had by my most hated coach again. Bo nix should have been the choice 😢

[@christopherlorenzen8941]

nix is a bust