00:55: Some initial thoughts on the Patriots’ draft. “It wasn’t flashy. There was no one who jumped off the page at you. I don’t think it was a bad draft. We had the position that we had. … The story went the way we thought it was going to go.” 3:55: “I’m excited. I really am. I think it was a good start.” 4:39: On Will Campbell: “You talk about a …

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' 2025 draft class from first-round guard Donovan Jackson through sixth-round tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Oh, and they do not forget new Vikings QB Sam Howell, who arrives as the most experienced option on the roster. But this offseason has been all about QB J.J. McCarthy anyway.…

Chris Price takes a look back at Day Two of the 2025 NFL Draft. There's a breakdown of the three Patriots' picks and how they'll impact the roster come this season. There's also a look at some winners and losers from a league-wide perspective, and a look ahead to what New England fans can expect come Day Three.…

In a special late-night podcast, Chris Price breaks down the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. There are thoughts on the Patriots taking Will Campbell at No. 4, and a league-wide rundown of winners and losers. Chris also has a look ahead to the second day of action.By Bleav

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from Vikings headquarters in Eagan, where they drafted the franchise's first opening-round guard since 1988. Just don't ask Emily who that Hall of Famer was nearly 40 years ago.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

Watch Mike Mayock Mock Draft here: https://youtu.be/inNIGVZgRJk?si=vPSuZ_yZG8l-3kl2By Bleav

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker put on their general manager caps and each take over a team in the NFC North for a division-wide mock draft. What can only be described as perfection ensues. Make sure you check out the Star Tribune's YouTube channel for the video.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's annual pre-draft press conference, in which he discussed his draft philosophies, impact vs. need, and their current four-pick allotment that would be the smallest class in franchise history. They also wrap up their position previews with groups that…

Chris and Chris talk draft with analyst Eric Edholm of NFL.com. Will the Patriots take Will Campbell? Are there some late-round gems for New England to consider? And what would ultimately make this draft a success for Mike Vrabel? Eric has the answers.By Bleav

On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the many intriguing options available in the trenches during this year's NFL Draft. What are some of the best fits in the first round on each side? What about in later rounds? And what does the current depth chart tell us about what direction they'…

Emily Leiker and Ben Goessling discuss a handful of defensive back prospects in this year's NFL Draft who'd be good fits for the Vikings, including potential first rounders and those who might still be on the board further in the draft. Plus, they briefly go down tangents on the Vikings' comp pick outlook for 2026 and who could replace Cam Bynum's …

00:25: An apology to Brandon for annually leaving him off our roster projections every year. 1:10: What’s the secret to playing 11 years in the NFL? 1:40: “No offense to you guys, but we read all those reports. … ‘Oh really? That’s what you guys think?’ ” 3:25: “Vegas was way different than Foxborough.” On playing for Josh McDaniels when he was wit…

Chris and Chris have some thoughts on what a successful 2025 season would look like for New England. They also have some specific thoughts on what lies ahead for the quarterback — both as a leader and a signal-caller. They wrap things up with a look at who is on the hot seat heading into the new season, and who might be the best choices for captain…

In his first public comments to local reporters about the Vikings’ QB situation, O’Connell on Monday addressed the team’s interest in Rodgers and his communication with McCarthy about it. Star Tribune Vikings writers Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker break it all down.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

Chris and Chris hail the signing of Stefon Diggs, and talk about what the arrival of the veteran wide receiver means for the New England offense. What sort of impact will this have on Drake Maye? What's a realistic level of expectation around his health? How will Josh McDaniels maximize his talents? And much more.…

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer is joined by Indianapolis Star reporter Joel Erickson to discuss the Vikings and Colts swapping players this offseason. Why was new Vikings center Ryan Kelly available after nine years with the Colts? How did new Vikings guard Will Fries go from seventh-round pick to $17 million per year starter? And how do Cam Byn…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during his post-free agency news conference with local reporters. What did he have to say about J.J. McCarthy? Aaron Rodgers? His own contract situation? They also discuss the annual NFL rule proposals and take listener questions.…

1:00: Fauria’s view on the offseason so far. “I don’t want to do the whole grade thing, but I will. I give them an A. An A-plus.” 2:45: Hogan: “There are a couple of more additions that should be made. You look at the wide receiver room, specifically.” 4:00: Fauria on Milton Williams. “That guy is almost unblockable.” 4:30: Fauria: “The offense, I …

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' non-pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, their backup quarterback situation, new coaches, and new players getting introduced to local reporters. They also open the mailbag to answer some of your questions.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1:15: What kind of guy are the Patriots getting in Garrett Bradbury? 2:30: Why was Bradbury available? 4:25: At 6-3 and 300 pounds, he’s a bit undersized. How does he maybe make up for that in other facets of his game? 5:50: Why were his PFF grades so up and down over the last few years? 7:45: Does he have any positional versatility? 9:05: It feels…

1:20: David Andrews has been released. Hogan’s favorite David Andrews’ memory: “What did he mean to the locker room as a player and as a person?” 3:55: How the new guys — Spillane, Hollins, Moses — can fill that leadership void. “They’ll expect a lot from the younger players in the locker room.” 4;25: “It’s sad. … It’s tough to see all those guys m…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings trading away guard Ed Ingram, trying to trade center Garrett Bradbury, and the state of their current search for a veteran quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

00:30: On the massive deals being handed out to wide receivers 00:45: Hogan on his wife watching him watching the combine. “How do you know what I’m thinking right now?” 1:30: Early thoughts on the Patriots’ free-agent class. “We’ve got something to talk about now! … They’re stacking the deck on defense.” 4:00: On Mack Hollins. “He is not only a gu…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the flurry of Vikings moves from Monday night into Tuesday morning, including the re-signing of cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and the addition of new linemen in guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (and potentially Javon Hargrave). Daniel Jones left for the Colts. What does that m…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the first day of NFL free agency from a Vikings perspective. What do they make of Sam Darnold's fit and contract with the Seahawks? What does that mean at QB in Minnesota? There appears to be a new starting center despite Garrett Bradbury remaining on the roster. And what about safety Camryn By…

Chris and Chris welcome former Patriots special teams coach Brad Seely. He remembers what it was like coaching Mike Vrabel and what sort of mentality he'll bring (on both defense and special teams). Seely also talks about why New England's special teams was so good for so long, the greatness of Matthew Slater, what it was like coaching under Bill B…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' decision not to franchise tag Sam Darnold, who is cleared to become a free agent on March 12. That is unless he agrees to a new deal with the Vikings beforehand. What are the Vikings' options otherwise? What does that mean for J.J. McCarthy? And what will the team prioritize in fre…

Chris talks with NFL Draft analyst Joe DeLeone about where things stand now the combine is complete. Joe has some thoughts on the best path forward for the Patriots, and also shares some winners and losers from the week in Indianapolis.By Bleav

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from a random corner of the Indiana Convention Center where they and hundreds of other media members fight to stake out corners of the building to record content for the modern age. What's going to happen with Sam Darnold? What about Byron Murphy Jr.? What are the positions of need from thi…

Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller to discuss the two-week franchise tag window and whether the Vikings will use it on quarterback Sam Darnold or cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (Editor's note: After recording, news broke that the Vikings agreed to push back Murphy's void date, making him ineligible for the franchise tag). Plus…

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker have you covered on the latest edition of the podcast.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

Chris and Chris get an education in offensive line play from the great Dante Scarnecchia. Plus, Dante talks about New England's new coaching staff, the prospect of taking an offensive lineman at No. 4, why he's not interested in coming back--even as a consultant--and much more. The guys wrap things up with a look back at the Super Bowl, and if ther…

Star Tribune writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame selector Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer from New Orleans, where the Vikings had a busy night at the annual NFL Honors ceremony prior to the Super Bowl. Craig discusses his voting for all NFL awards, including O'Connell's winning case and an interesting Defensive Player of the Year ballot, as well a…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker begin Super Bowl week by talking about Vikings quarterbacks, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's contract, and more. They also open the mailbag to answer your questions about trade targets like Myles Garrett and Cooper Kupp, as well as a what-if with Kirk Cousins.…

Chris and Chris tackle a bunch of different things. Hogan played for new wide receivers coach Todd Downing, and he takes a look at how he might handle New England's pass catchers. Plus, the guys break down some of the other coaching changes, Hogan recalls some favorite Super Bowl memories, and more.By Bleav

Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker discuss defensive coordinator Brian Flores not being hired in this head coaching cycle, his relatively older depth chart on defense, plus takeaways from this year's playoffs and thoughts on pending Vikings free agents. There are a few among their many free agents who could be coveted elsewhere.…

Chris and Chris are joined by Tennessee writer Paul Kuharsky, who covered Mike Vrabel when he was head coach of the Titans. What sort of coach was Vrabel in Tennessee? How did he get along with the front office? What sort of DC will Terrell Williams be with New England? We go over all that and much more.…

00:40: Some initial thoughts? “Micky D is back in Foxborough. I’m pumped.” 1:23: “I think Josh is a phenomenal offensive coordinator. He’s one of thew best I’ve ever been around. I think he’s going to be extremely good for Drake Maye.” 1:44: “It’s going to be challenging for Josh, because of how young this team is.” 3:30: “How would you talk to Ja’…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings extending head coach Kevin O'Connell, the chances of defensive coordinator Brian Flores sticking around, the dominant(?) NFC North going 0-3 in the playoffs, the fallout for both the Lions and Bears after Chicago hired Ben Johnson, and more.…

00:10: On why Patriots’ fans should be thankful for the College Football Playoff system. 3:00: On the Ohio State wide receivers and their blocking abilities. 6:15: Who was the best run-blocking wide receiver? Was it Edelman? 9:00: On how a run-blocking receiver can earn the respect of the rest of the locker room. 14:00: A way-too-early look at the …

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about coaching changes, how far the Vikings are from being contenders, how game planning factored into Sam Darnold's disappointing end, safety Cam Bynum's free agency, positions that are better off entering 2025, and more.…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker discuss the season-ending press conferences by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. Quarterbacks dominated the roughly 40 combined minutes with both. What's their plan with Sam Darnold? Where's J.J. McCarthy in his recovery? Are they committed to either at this po…

Time stamps synced to video: 00:10: Introductory thoughts on the start of the Mike Vrabel Era. 2:15: “I think [Vrabel] will be bale to bring guys here because of who he is.” 2:25: “This is Chris Price and Chris Hogan with Cautious Optimism.” 4:15: How Vrabel’s coaching experience separates him from Jerod Mayo. 6:30: We like Vrabel’s defensive bonaf…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 27-9 loss to the L.A. Rams in the NFC's wild-card round on Monday night, when quarterback Sam Darnold didn't give them much of a chance in another big game. How does this affect the Vikings outlook at quarterback this offseason? How far away is this team from being a real contender? W…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about defensive coordinator Brian Flores' head coaching interviews, quarterback Sam Darnold, the offensive line, quarterback Daniel Jones as QB2, whether the loss could be good for them, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

Chris and Chris welcome draft analyst Joe DeLeone to the show. What should the Patriots do with the No. 4 overall pick? Where are some of the strengths and weaknesses of the 2025 NFL Draft? And are there any under-the-radar possibilities for New England to think about?By Bleav

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Monday night's playoff game against the Rams, including quarterback Sam Darnold's confidence and consistency, L.A.'s young defense, receiver Puka Nacua's impact, and what this game means in the bigger picture of judging the 2024 season.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

00:30: On the decision to move on from Mayo 03:30: Was the win on Sunday — that denied them the No. 1 pick — the final nail in Mayo’s coffin? 6:40: Sunday was the end of a really weird week in Foxborough. 7:50: There were boos at the end of the game. It added to the surreal scene. “New England has had consistency for 25 years.” 11:30: Some thoughts…

DETROIT -- Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 31-9 loss to the Lions at Ford Field, where their hopes of clinching a division title, a first-round bye, and establishing their dominance in the NFC were left in tatters. What do we make of Sam Darnold's no-show? The lack of consistent protection? What about the approach on…

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about health in the playoffs, takeaways, the future of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, big game emotions, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker