FanPost

2009 Vikings

Is it ever too far to look ahead? A lot of publication are putting out there positions/rankings/projections not only for each team, but where each position on each team will finish statistically in the coming year. People like to discuss teams strengths (Dline for the Vikings) and where holes are on the roster. Even franchises look into the future. Something not as highlighted thru the Brett Favre talks is how far in advance the Packers were trying to plan for their franchise. Once their season had ended they needed to know what the future held (are you actually going to retire this year Brett?) so they could move forward and put talent on the roster where it was needed. So I think its pretty clear that team FOs are looking to where they need to improve.

In the spirit of where the Vikings can improve and looking ahead (maybe a little too far) I will attempt to rank which positions need the most improvment and where that improvement might come from next year. Of course there are some assumptions made: Vikings make the playoffs (draft lower), players will leave in free agency/retire, Making the playoffs calms some people down about firing Chilly/Tarvaris

1. O-Line. I know what some of you are thinking:"We have one of the top 5 O-lines in the NFL." That's great when people say that, but I think there is the potential for major drop off next year. There are a few scenarios that could go down, 1. McKinnie leaves because Chilly gets tired of him and his suspension(s), 2. Birk leaves because he doesn't get an extention like him wants, 3. Both leave. Sure, none of these things could happen, but even if just one of them does, the O-line isn' t the same. What would help with either of these transitons? A 1st round tackle. If McKinnie leaves, he steps in on the left, if Birk leaves, Cook can move to Center and he plays RT, if they both leave, 1st rounder/Cook can play the tackles and Sullivan gets put into action. None are really ideal and even if neither of them leave, having an upgrade over Cook at RT would be great, though probably not a top priority if that happens. Possible draft pick : Phillip Loadholt, OT Oklahoma. He's huge, and great run blocker. Has some trouble with speed guys, but otherwise seems like he would fit great on the line.

2. CB. In anticipation of Sharper retiring, the FO drafted Tyrell Johnson to study under him for the next year or two. I think a similar approach should be taken with Antoinie Winfield. If Winfield is gone, do you feel comfortable with the starters being Griffin/McCauley? I am not ready to say I am. I do like them, as well as Gordon, but I wouldn't nessecary be picking them first. Bonus question: While they Vikings have taken DBs in the 2nd and 3rd rounds in recent years, when was the last time one was taken in the first (safeties included)? The answer is 1994, DeWayne Robertson. I think I just heard a collective "Who?". I still don't think CB will be such a need that they use a first round pick and since this is number 2 on the list, lets look at guys supposedly going in the 2nd round. Victor "Macho" Harris, CB, VTech. The guy has size (6', 195) and since he is their kick returner too, I assume he has a little speed. He compares to Brandon Flowers who was drafted in the 2nd round this past year from the same school and that is to say, he is a good cover-2 corner.

3. Tight End. I am sure there are those who would put this much higher considering how bad Shicone play this past year, but two things stop me from putting it higher here. 1. Assuming the Vikings make it to at least the second playoff game (After winning a wild card of course) I think Shicone won't have held the team back as much as some people think. 2. The TE class coming out this next year ain't much to write about. Even if Jermaine Gresham from OK leaves early, there isn't much there with Pettigrew, OK St (who beat up a cop allegedly, so Vikings probably pass) and Beckum, Wis, being the best of the group with a big drop afterwards in terms of TE that strech the field. My pick from the possible 3rd rounders is a toss up, Bear Pascoe, Frenso St is huge (6'5", 260). Had 45 recpections so he can catch the ball, but wouldn't be that "down the field" guy. For a "down the field" kind of guy, look out for Darius Hill, Ball St (6'5'', 235) Set a school record for TE TDs with 10 with 65 rep. Word is he might turn WR his senior year, but who knows.

4. WR. "Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, what about QB?" Those of you who thought that when you read WR can look back at the assumptions we are making. If the Vkings make the playoffs and perform well as we all expect them to do, then QB won't be much of a need. Jackson will still start and Booty will have a year of clipboard holding and even if Freotte retires, they are more likely to sign a vet than spend a high or even mid round draft pick. Furguson is on a one year contract and he is more know for throwing blocks thatn catching TDs and who knows how long Wade can hold off Allison for the starting slot postion and after next year he has one year left before he can leave or stay with the team. Depth would then be an issue. There are a plenty of WRs to choose from in the 4th round so I will throw a couple of names out there: Oderick Tuner, Pitt (6'3'', 200), Patrick Turner, USC (6'5'' 224), and Ramses Barden, Cal Poly (6'6'', 228). These guys have size and talent but things like injuries, production, and school size will keep them from the first couple of rounds.

So there are my top 4 positions that need fillings or depth for the Vikings in the coming year. What do you think? Heres a poll.

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.