They have excelled by surrounding Collier with veteran free agents more notable for their savvy and adaptability than their raw talent — guard Kayla McBride, guard Courtney Williams, forward Alanna Smith and wing Bridget Carleton (another 2019 second-round draft pick, by Connecticut, who later signed with the Lynx as a long shot).
Collier is a superstar. McBride is an occasional All-Star. The Lynx’s other key players could have been signed by anyone, but Reeve correctly identified them as ideal fits.
The Vikings got almost nothing from the first draft of their current regime, in 2022. They have thrived anyway because of their ability to acquire veterans via free agency or trade.
A short list of those veterans: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, T.J. Hockenson, Blake Cashman, Aaron Jones, Byron Murphy, Josh Oliver, Harrison Phillips. They brought in another batch this offseason.
You have to draft well to win? Apparently not.
Both teams have superstars. Collier is the best player in the world. Justin Jefferson may be the best receiver in the NFL. And both dance.