Brandel was drafted by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has been with the team ever since. He made two starts at right guard for the team in 2023. In 2022, the Vikings gave him three starts at left tackle. He will continue to be a versatile backup for the team this year.

Brandel appeared in nine games in 2022. Most of his action came in three spot-starts while left tackle Christian Darrisaw was injured. Brandel was solid in those starts and earned himself a spot on the roster as a backup for 2023.

Brandel (6'6/308) was a PAC-12 snap hog, making 39 career starts at left tackle after nine on the right side as a rookie. Technically sound, Brandel also committed remarkably few penalties, but he has short arms (33 1/4") for his size. The Vikes, who entered Day 3 with 13 picks, are taking a flier on Brandel's size and reliability. He profiles well as a practice squadder. 

Weaver (6’2/237) was a three-year starting inside linebacker at Cal who earned consensus first-team All-American honors and the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior by leading the FBS with 182 tackles. In addition to elite production, he has fantastic instincts and competitiveness, plus an NFL-ready body. His coverage skills and overall athleticism are potential concerns, however. He allowed the seventh-most receiving yards in coverage (449) per PFF and tested in the 27th percentile at the NFL Combine. Weaver’s production and mental makeup are NFL-worthy, but he will be far better in run defense than in coverage, limiting his ceiling and lowering his floor.