Purple Insider - a Minnesota Vikings and NFL podcast How much should the Vikings trade for De'Von Achane?
Mar 18, 2026
Chris Trapasso, draft analyst and founder of DraftGradebook.com, joins to debate trade value for Miami speedster De'Von Achane and where he slots in Vikings plans. They weigh explosiveness versus all-around traits, age and injury risk, scheme fit with Frank Smith, and draft trade math. The conversation also covers ideal draft targets, mock trade-down strategies, and roster-building implications.
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Explosiveness Versus Natural Running Instincts
- Explosiveness and vision are distinct; some backs test fast but lack natural running instincts.
- Chris Trapasso contrasts track-style testers with fluid, vision-driven backs like CJ Spiller or Fred Jackson as scouts value instincts more.
Value Vision And Contact Over 40 Times
- Prioritize vision, contact balance, and one-cut ability over combine numbers when evaluating running backs.
- Trapasso says those traits (Arian Foster, Dalvin Cook type moves) matter more than 40 times for NFL success.
Thienemann Fits Vikings Safety Prototype
- Dylan Thienemann projects as a near plug-and-play Harrison Smith replacement with rare coverage fluidity for a safety.
- Trapasso calls him his top safety, citing freshman production, backpedal and tackling instincts that fit Minnesota's needs.