Purple Insider - a Minnesota Vikings and NFL podcast ESPN's proposed Vikings draft trades are.... interesting?!!?!
Apr 9, 2026
Chris Trapasso, NFL draft analyst known for deep prospect and trade evaluation, joins to dissect ESPN trade proposals. They debate De'Von Achane vs. Dexter Lawrence and whether moving up to No. 9 is worth it. They weigh trading down for extra picks, mock-draft surprises like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and which defensive backs and day-three RBs make sense for the roster.
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Dexter Lawrence Is Great But Too Costly For Vikings
- Vikings should avoid trading heavy draft capital and cap space for Dexter Lawrence given limited picks and money.
- Chris Trapasso notes Lawrence is elite but Vikings lack the draft/cap flexibility to make that win-now move work.
Achane Matches Vikings Need For Juice
- De'Von Achane fits Vikings' need for explosiveness and could be had for modest draft capital like a third-rounder.
- Chris Trapasso highlights Frank Smith connection and Achane's youth/efficiency as key reasons to consider a trade.
Only Trade Up For A True Top Ten Target
- Trading up from 18 to 9 can be justified only for elite prospects like Jeremiah Love, Mansoor Delane, or Sonny Styles.
- Matthew Coller warns against giving up pick 97 as part of that package; he prefers 18-for-9 without a second top-100 pick.