Kindred Skols Podcast

There's a new Kindred Skols episode! Matt chats with Luke Braun about Vikings things that are on his mind this offseason. As I talk about at the from of the episode, unfortunately I do not expect to be doing these podcasts on a consistent basis. Check out my work on Wide Left, but also stay subscribed to this feed because I may get the itch to do an episode from time to time.

Matt is back with another episode to address his five biggest questions heading in to the 2025 Vikings season. They are: * What can we expect from JJ McCarthy? * What will Dallas Turner's role be? * How will the DB room, particularly CB, shape up? * Will the new look OL be able to gel? * Do the Vikings' have a depth problem? Tune in to find out the answers to these questions. Matt Fries...

Matt is back with a film breakdown of Vikings sixth round pick Gavin Bartholomew. Check out a lot of discussion about the following traits: Route stems Route running storytelling Sharpness of route breaks Zone route running ability Catch technique After catch ability Ability to identify targets in run game Athleticism to pull and reach defenders Blocking positioning in run game Anchor technique in...

Matt is back with a film breakdown of Vikings sixth round pick Kobe King. Check out a lot of discussion about the following traits: Burst to the line of scrimmage Ability to track RBs across gaps Sideline-to-sideline movment A potential athletic limitation Pass rush ability Athleticism to drop in coverage Ability to track receivers in zones Response to misdirection Matt Fries @friesfootball  Nick...

Matt is back with a film breakdown of Vikings first round pick Donovan Jackson. Check out a lot of discussion about the following traits: First step quickness Power Anchor Block shedding ability Cornering ability Inside counters Bull rush Effort Matt Fries @friesfootball  Nick Olson @nickolsonnfl @kindredskols on twitter Also on BlueSky! We are available on Apple, Spotify, wherever you get your po...

Matt is back with a film breakdown of Vikings third round pick Tai Felton. Check out a lot of discussion about the following traits: Release game Route running Hands technique Contested catches After Catch Blocking Matt Fries @friesfootball  Nick Olson @nickolsonnfl @kindredskols on twitter Also on BlueSky! We are available on Apple, Spotify, wherever you get your podcasts Youtube - Kindred Skols...

Matt is back with a film breakdown of Vikings first round pick Donovan Jackson. Check out a lot of discussion about the following traits: Match and mirror ability Anchor Handfighting Stunt pickup Run game athleticism Second level targeting Drive ability in the run game Latch ability in the run game Matt Fries @friesfootball  Nick Olson @nickolsonnfl @kindredskols on twitter Also on BlueSky! We are...

Matt is joined by Tyler Forness of AtoZ Sports to review the Vikings picks in the 2025 NFL Draft! * Would you have been willing to trade back? * A discussion on the value of the Giants and Falcons trades up * What would the draft look like if the Vikings had traded back? * Donovan Jackson breakdown * Tai Felton breakdown * Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins breakdown * Draft day trades * Sam Howell breakdown *...

Matt is back with special guest Luke Braun to preview what the Minnesota Vikings might do in the 2025 NFL Draft! Topics include: * Luke's top 5 options for the Vikings at 24 * In depth discussions of Kenneth Grant, Derrick Harmon, Walter Nolen, CJ West, Tyler Booker, Grey Zabel, Shavon Revel, Maxwell Hairston, Trey Amos, Azareye'h Thomas, Benjamin Morrison, Jahdae Barron, Nick Emmanwori,...

Matt is back after extensive film study to do deep dives on each of the Vikings' additions that are expected to be significant contributors in 2025. Tune in for full scouting reports on: * Will Fries * Ryan Kelly * Jonathan Allen * Javon Hargrave * Isaiah Rodgers * Jordan Mason Matt Fries @friesfootball  Nick Olson @nickolsonnfl @kindredskols on twitter Also on BlueSky! We are available on Ap...

Matt is back to recap a busy week of Vikings free agency including: * Breakdowns of players who've signed elsewhere * Vikings re-signings * New Vikings additions * A 2026 compensatory pick update * Players cut and traded for * Why the Vikings are over the cap in 2026, and why that's not a problem * Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings?!? Matt Fries @friesfootball  Nick Olson @nickolsonnfl @kindr...

Matt is back with a complete mock free agency for the Minnesota Vikings. Including full contract projections (based on PFF projections) and minute salary cap details, this will be the most comprehensive free agency simulation you'll find, including: * How comp picks work and what cutoffs will ensure the Vikings get a 3rd rounder for Sam Darnold * Clearing cap with cuts * Free agent tenders, e...

Matt and Nick are back to talk about how the Minnesota Vikings should handle the fast-approaching NFL free agency. Topics include: * Should the team franchise tag Sam Darnold? * What to do with the upcoming FAs in the CB room * What to do with Cam Bynum and Harrison Smith * Yes or No to all other impending FAs * Top 5 needs for the Vikings * Discussions on top FA targets: Milton Williams, Jevon Ho...

Matt is back with a (very delayed) episode to put a wrap on the Minnesota Vikings 2024 season! The episode includes depth analysis on what went wrong during the Vikings last two games, but also a recognition and celebration of what each of the starters were able to add to the team over the course of the season! Matt Fries @friesfootball  Nick Olson @nickolsonnfl @kindredskols on twitter Also on Bl...

Matt is back to discuss the Minnesota Vikings' thrilling win against the Green Bay Packers and preview their game against the Detroit Lions to determine the No. 1 Seed in the NFC. Topics include: * High level play design from Kevin O'Connell * Sam Darnold's great in-structure play * Justin Jefferson helping close out the game * The ups and downs of the run game * Some credit to Edge...

Matt is back with a review of the Minnesota Vikings' comeback win against the Seattle Seahawks and a preview of their upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers. Praise for Kevin O'Connell and shade at Jordan Love abounds! vs Seahawks  Defense Basically no rushing attempts Man coverage on 3rd downs Some difficulty stopping players after the catch on successful drives Geno getting ball o...

Matt is back to discuss the Minnesota Vikings' comeback win against the Arizona Cardinals and Preview their game against the Atlanta Falcons. Topics include: Offense Sam Darnold's comeback performance - downs early but incredible performance late Turndowns/not progressing and holding on to the ball/not throwing hot early Brandel disasterclass Still showed good mobility On time, correctly...

Matt is back to review the Minnesota Vikings'  OT win against the Chicago Bears and preview their game against the Arizona Cardinals. Topics include: * Sam Darnold's excellent game * Addison, Hockenson, and Jones thriving * How Jefferson opened up room for others * Kevin O'Connell is an ELITE play caller * Caleb Williams looks really good * The nature of 2 minute defense * The Vikin...

Matt is back from Nashville with a review of the Titans game and preview of the Bears game. Topics include: * Sam Darnold's strong performance * Justin Jefferson's greatness * A breakdown of the Addison TD * Jalen Nailor questions * Poor run game * Dalton Risner's first start * Overall defensive dominance * The 98-yard TD * Stellar run defense * More Man Coverage * How the Vikings g...

Matt is back to talk the Minnesota Vikings' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and preview their game against the Tennessee Titans. * Near misses from the Vikings offense * The TJ Hockenson Drive * Continued Quality Run Blocking * A Discussion about Sam Darnold * Defensive performance in the run game * Jonathan Greenard's elite run defense * How the Vikings attacked the Jags offensive lin...

Matt discusses the Vikings win over the Colts and previews the Jaguars Game. * First half mistakes * Terrible no calls on Darnold and the state of NFL officiating * Justin Jefferson takes over in the second half * Sam Darnold's ups and downs * TJ Hockson's Return * Josh Oliver's career game * The run blocking and Cam Akers * Cam Robinson's Debut * Harrison Phillips' Great...

Matt and Nick are back for the 100th episode of Kindred Skols! They go over: * Bye Week Awards for the best performances of the Vikings' season so far * A mailbag including roster-building and coaching staff questions * A preview of the Lions game Thanks for being here as we cross the 100 episode mark! Matt Fries @friesfootball  Nick Olson @nickolsonnfl @kindredskols on twitter We are availab...

Matt is back to discuss the Vikings' win over the Jets, and just how Brian Flores transformed his defense to the best in the NFL. * Justin Jefferson's up-and-down day * Sam Darnold's rough performance * the Nick Mullens play * Run game without Aaron Jones * Was 2nd half play calling a problem? * Cover 0 shuts down Rodgers and the Jets offense * Breakdown of the 3 INTs * Pass Rush ge...

Matt is back to cover the Minnesota Vikings' win against the Green Bay Packers to improve to 4-0. Topics include: * Focus on Justin Jefferson leading to other open receivers * Jordan Addison's TDs * Jefferson's amazing catch * Sam Darnold's up and down day * Kevin O'Connell remains an elite play designer * A discussion on run/pass decision-making * How the Vikings confound...

Matt and Nick(!) are back to review the Minnesota Vikings' surprising win against the San Francisco 49ers and look forward to their game against the Houston Texans. Topics include: * Brian Flores' "crazy" defensive scheme * How the defense has improved year over year * Blake Cashman's big day * Jonathan Greenard, Pat Jones, and the rest of the Vikings' DL * Run defens...