ESPN Analytics Guy Trashes Vikings Trade for Cam Robinson

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Cam Robinson
Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Minnesota Vikings were not supposed to be good this season. They didn’t get the memo, and even if it did get delivered, they certainly didn’t care. Kevin O’Connell has his team playing at an exceptionally high level. A pair of losses wasn’t going to slow them down, but losing Christian Darrisaw may have done so. Instead, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shored up his offensive line with the acquisition of Cam Robinson. It was a great move even if not everyone agrees.

Vikings offensive line needed Cam Robinson

There were multiple avenues for the Minnesota Vikings to explore as left tackle replacements. Blake Brandel could have slid back to the position he previously supported. All of the internal options would have resulted in a lesser group as a whole. The Vikings opted to acquire outside help, but ESPN’s Seth Walder thinks it was a bad decision.

“In general, I don’t love Robinson as a Darrisaw replacement… Ultimately, I don’t love giving up draft capital for a player who hasn’t performed and was recently benched, but I also understand there weren’t incredible alternatives elsewhere. The internal options and a late-round pick swap for a depth lineman might have been preferable. The conditions offer some downside protection for Minnesota here, though.”

Seth Walder on Vikings trading for Cam Robinson (ESPN)

The reality is that the Minnesota Vikings have set themselves up too well to punt on this season. Darrisaw’s injury could have been a crushing blow, but Robinson keeps them moving forward. The line has opportunity to improve going forward, and Minnesota isn’t on the hook for the vast majority of his deal. It’s a positive situation almost any way you cut it, and Walder seems like he is on the outs here.

Related: Jaguars Paid Minnesota Vikings to Take Cam Robinson. Here’s Why…

Sunday night saw Robinson step in with only a couple of practices under his belt. He received a game ball and did his job blocking the man in front of him. The Vikings aren’t expecting the former Jacksonville tackle to play at Darrisaw’s All-Pro level. They need average-or-better play for Sam Darnold’s blindside and everything will fall into place from there.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign Familiar Kicker to Replace Will Reichard

It’s pretty hard to be up in arms about moving a fifth round pick for a significant starting talent. Walder found a way to do it though, and he may look silly as the year goes on.

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