The 2010 DRAFT- Part 1- What the Vikings need
by lifelongvike on Nov 5, 2009 1:39 PM CST
38 comments
There seems to be some interest already in the next draft. In this series we will break down the players needed by the Vikings and what to look for in a prospect at that position. Lets keep in mind that the players needed change often due to free agent signings and free agent losses and injuries. But in part one we will look at general guidelines and then continue with specific areas in later posts.
PRESENT VIKING TEAM AND NEEDS
- VIKING PLAYERS BECOMING FREE AGENT( list from Walterfootball.com)
Below is a depth chart and the year each NFL player will be a free agent. Keep in mind that the players listed are notable ones; players at the bottom of the depth chart will not be on this list.
Free agents to be following the 2009 NFL season are marked as "2010" because they become free agents on March 1, 2010. The same goes for future seasons. Age is as of Sept. 1, 2009.
Last updated: Sept. 11, 2009
Quarterback Age Free Agency Year Brett Favre 39 2011 Sage Rosenfels 31 2012 Tarvaris Jackson 26 2010
Running Back Age Free Agency Year Adrian Peterson 24 2013 Chester Taylor 29 2010 Naufahu Tahi 27 2010 Jeff Dugan 28 2012
Wide Receiver Age Free Agency Year Bernard Berrian 28 2014 Sidney Rice 23 2011 Percy Harvin 21 2014 Greg Lewis 29 N/A
<!-- ValueClick Media 300x250 Medium Rectangle CODE for walterfootball.com --> <!-- Template Id = 2593 Template Name = Banner Creative (Flash) - In Page --> <!-- Copyright 2006 DoubleClick Inc., All rights reserved. -->
Tight End Age Free Agency Year Visanthe Shiancoe 29 2012 Jim Kleinsasser 32 2012
Offensive Tackle Age Free Agency Year Bryant McKinnie 29 2014 Phil Loadholt 23 2013 Drew Radovich 24 2011 Ryan Cook 26 2010
Guard Age Free Agency Year Steve Hutchinson 31 2013 Anthony Herrera 29 2013 Artis Hicks 30 2010
Center Age Free Agency Year John Sullivan 24 2012 Jon Cooper 22 N/A
<!-- Copyright DoubleClick Inc., All rights reserved. --> <!-- This code was autogenerated @ Mon Oct 19 08:07:37 EDT 2009 -->
Defensive End Age Free Agency Year Jared Allen 27 2014 Ray Edwards 24 2010 Brian Robison 26 2011 Jayme Mitchell 25 2011
Defensive Tackle Age Free Agency Year Kevin Williams 29 2015 Pat Williams 36 2011 Fred Evans 25 2010 Letroy Guion 22 2012
Outside Linebacker Age Free Agency Year Chad Greenway 26 2011 Ben Leber 30 2011 Erin Henderson 23 2011 (RFA) Heath Farwell 27 2012
Middle Linebacker Age Free Agency Year E.J. Henderson 29 2012 Jasper Brinkley 24 2013
Cornerback Age Free Agency Year Antoine Winfield 32 2014 Cedric Griffin 26 2014 Karl Paymah 26 2010 Asher Allen 21 2013
Safety Age Free Agency Year Madieu Williams 27 2014 Tyrell Johnson 24 2012 Husain Abdullah 24 2011 Eric Frampton 25 2010 (RFA)
| Special Teamer | Age | Free Agency Year |
| Ryan Longwell | 35 | 2011 |
| Chris Kluwe | 27 | 2014 |
The Vikings are in great shape with Travaris Jackson, Chester Taylor, Paymah, Ray Edwards, and Tahi as the possible losses from this team. Obviously 2011 looks a little more dangerous so we must look to shore up possible losses there in the process also.
3. Weaknesses on Existing Team
Wide Receiver – The Vikings could use a star Wide Receiver. So far Bernard Berrian has not been a true #1 but he is serviceable. The addition of Harvin could mean that the Vikes will use free agency for a WR since the position is not an emergency fill.
Quarterback – This is The most glaring hole for the Vikings. Brett is great until 2011 if he stays healthy and he isn't ready to retire. Travaris Jackson's contract is up in March. The player evaluators will have to either sign him or let him walk. The Sage Rosenfels pickup starts to look like a good move by the front office. It will be interesting to see how the Vikes feel about Travaris. He makes about 1 Million per year. Sage was purchased for 3 million per year. Farve for 12 million. What do the other NFL teams think Travaris is worth?
A first round pick between #25-32 will cost about 3 Million per year. Ist round picks are about 50/50 for success rate. 2nd round picks run about 29%, according to draft studies I have read.
Defensive Tackle – The Vikings Need a successor to Pat Williams . Pat can still play at a high level, but they need a backup plan to keep this shut down run defense going strong.Pats contract is up in 2011. The draft offers many opportunities for a late first round team to pick up the man of their dreams. The Vikings like them big and those that play the 4-3. The front office has proven with Phil Loadholt and Sullivan that they can evaluate lineman.
Cornerback – The Vikings are young (except for Winfield) and somewhat smallish in the backfield. This a make or break year for Paymah as his contract is up. Although older free agents usualy come on the market I feel as though the Vikings like thier scheme and are looking for that perfect draft choice. Remember last year they passed on Vontae Davis evn though he was available. If the right DB is available this year don't be surprised if the Vikings fill a need with the #1 pick. The draft services I read suggest this is a weak year for DB's however.
Center – . The Vikings are set for a starter since Sullivan has been all the Vikings have asked for at the position. However Ryan Cook has always been a backup center in a pinch and his contract is up. Look for a Cook signing to indicate that the Vikings are happy with their offensive line. Letting him go means they want to shoe up the O-Line this year with other talent. Letting a multi-use O-Lineman go is very indicative of where the Vikes think they are in terms of O-Line stability.
Running Back – Adrian Petersonis simply the best. To keep him that way Chester Taylor needs to be resigned or the Vikes will need to find the new guy in round s 2 or 3 of the draft. The way AP is starting to catch passes indicates that Chester will be gone. I don't blame the Vikes. Chester is almost thirty and gets paid Big Boy money by the Vikes. If another team wants to pay him then more power to Chester. If he wants to stay a Viking thats O.K with everyone. I bet he takes the money and moves on. Its his last contract and he is a great back. Look for a draft pick for this position.
Offensive Tackle – Never enough good tackles for one team. Ryan Cook's contract is up. Someday the left side will need to be replaced. Late draft picks can work ( see Sullivan) but this position must be properly filled to open up that running game and protect the Q.B. I don't see a #1 or #2 pick here.
3. Analysis
When I look at the way the Vikings are structured I see a team with a lot of flexibility. No question that the QB solution is the #1 need. No other glaring hole exists. Yet they have flexibility with Sage. This flexibility means that a draft pick or free agent pick-up must come in this year. That person must be ready to play in 2011. If the Vikes resign Travaris I suspect they will have determined that no one in this years draft is worth the price of admission. This looks like a bumper crop this year with 4-5 first rounders. Also a year with 4-5 teams that need a QB.
Spielman ( director of player personel) will be judged on his ability to deal with this situation. You will know where the Vikes are headed because Travaris must resign before the March deadline. He drafted Tavaris. His Quarterback history is bad. His other picks for the Vikes have been outstanding. There is a lot of pressure on Mr. Spielman this year.
Except for the QB situation the draft and free agency can be a windfall for the Vikings. They can take the best player available at needed positions and build a great team for the next 5-6 years.
This will be interesting.
The next installment will be on what to look for at different positions. For now I would love to hear your views on what the Vikings Need for to improve the team
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.
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So much can happen between now and the draft
Assuming nothing major changes I see the 3 most likely positions for a high draft pick (rounds 1-3) as follows:
1) QB – depends on Jackson resigning or not and Favre retiring or not
2) CB – Paymah isn’t likely to be resigned and Vikings lack depth
3) RB – I don’t think CT will stay
I think our backups on the D-Line are better than given credit, most of all Jimmy Kennedy. If PW retires and a top DT is available it could happen but isn’t needed.
I think Cook gets resigned. Still have a few years before Hutch or McKinney are retirement concerns. Only way an OL gets drafted is late in the draft or career threatening injury to current player.
Rice, Harvin, and Berrian are a great trio even if none are a “true #1”. Reynaud and Johnson are solid back-ups. If Rice wasn’t having a breakout year we’d want to bring in more competition. Overall a young and talented receiving corp. that should just get better for years to come.
You didn’t mention a TE, which is a possibility. Another receiving tight end could be useful at times. Outside of Shianco all the TEs are primarily blockers.
by ChemErik on Nov 5, 2009 2:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
TE's
Your correct about the TE’s. This is such a difficult position to analyze because college TE’s play in such different schemes. I don’t think its a #1 need for the Vikes. Free agency or middle round pick should take care of it. Your remarks do show how flexible the Vikes can be this year. Except for the QB situation they could really wind up with a great player just falling into their laps. Kinda like AP did. Can you imagine if a Great DE, CB, S, DT just fell to the Vikes. People would start talking Viking drafts like they do the Steelers or Patriots.
by lifelongvike on Nov 5, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The biggest problem will go unsolved yet again.
1) The secondary has needed improvement since at least 2007. There are currently 4 safeties on the field when Winfield is healthy, for all practical purposes. Between the big contracts given to Winfield, Griffin, and M. Williams plus the supposed promise of Tyrell Johnson, the Vikings are likely to be stubborn again and not upgrade or cut anybody (M. Williams should be cut if he continues to play as he is). CB Richard Marshall may be available. He’s only 24 now.
As much as we all love AP, just imagine if Griffin had been moved to FS (where he played in college and was considered his true position by nfldraftscout.com) with the selection of Darrelle Revis, and bypassing adding M. Williams to the top 10 salaried Vikings. And we all love Harvin, too, but what if Tyrell Johnson had been DeSean Jackson? Several different combinations of moves could have worked out better, especially in terms of the current needs and the very few good options available to fixing what could be the #1 need right now as the team is trying to contend.
2) QB if Favre retires, maybe even if he doesn’t. 2010 FA QBs include Kyle Orton, Jason Campbell, Chad Pennington (who could be healthy by then), David Carr, and Daunte, to name a few. If Childress is a real QB guru, then why not someone like Troy Smith? (Just kidding, I don’t want to see another experimental year or two.) There are al least 2 decent options on the list. Most or all of these QBs plus Sage and/or TJ could be enough if the defense (especially the secondary) can rank in the top 10.
3) Yes, a successor to Pat Williams should be drafted or signed soon, if available.
4) Guard. Hutch is still great, but the right side could improve now. It wouldn’t hurt if the guard could play both positions in case of an unthinkable injury.
by KC Viking on Nov 5, 2009 5:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Your observation is well founded
I don’t like to play what if with the draft. To many variables. Miami got what most considered 2 #1 DB’s last year simply by picking DB’s. Many had the Vikings picking at least one of those. But the Vikes got a starting right Tackle and upgraded the receiving corps. Unless the coaching staff is sold on the secondary it would appear a must upgrade for the Vikes. Your description of the problem is very good.
At QB I don’t want to see a failed QB like Campbell. I like Smith and have stated so on this site a couple of times. Orton doesn’t throw downfield well. I think we know now that it is important to Chilly’s system. Pennington is a classic Viking pick. Accurate, old, slow, smart. Good call.
by lifelongvike on Nov 6, 2009 6:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Meh...
If we wanted Pennington, we would have gone after him last year after the Jets cut him. I was a big supporter of a move like that, but I’m also guessing that Pennington wanted to stick it to the Jets twice a year…
Jimmy Kennedy, Fred Evans and Letroy Guion are capable DT fills for Phat Pat.
We need to draft a QB next year I think, although David Carr deserves to try and play with a decent O-Line.
You don’t draft a Rt Guard. It’s like drafting a punter. And I like Hererra’s moxy.
A true CB would be nice, although I’d like to see more of what our guys can do. You’d think Frasier could do more seeing as both he and Tomlin were DB coaches…
by ctowner35 on Nov 6, 2009 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Brian Brohm is available for essentially nothing. Something’s wrong with him, for sure: He’s gone from top-5 prospect, a guy garnering Drew Brees and Carson Palmer comps; to draft day faller; to preseason failure; to practice squad fodder; and in a league where so many teams have QB issues, he’s still not going anywhere.
But he seems like the definition of low risk/high reward.
Who’s to say, but I don’t think TJack’s back. They actively upgraded him not once but twice this offseason, they then tried to trade him to no avail, and we haven’t heard a thing about re-signing him (or Edwards for that matter; I think if Minnesota wants these guys back, they’ll make a move before the season’s over). I very well could be wrong, but I think there might just be a mutual desire to part ways at this point.
by jianfu on Nov 6, 2009 5:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Brohm
The 2 problems with Brohm from the Vikings’ perspective is that they need to get a guy who will be able to beat Sage and probably TJ in 2010 and GB’s unwillingness to let him fall into the Vikings’ hands. If the Vikes keep TJ, they already have a project (I’m not a believer, but I’d love to be proven wrong someday as long as another season is not lost on him), and most low-risk/high reward or low-risk/medium reward guys are more like projects for 2012 since every Viking QB seems to require a full year of “learning the system” before getting to any sort of nuances about playing the position effectively.
by KC Viking on Nov 9, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Brohm and Campbell
Brohm is just not very talented. Isn’t he currently on the Packers practice squad? Any team in teh NFL could sign him to their active roster today, but none have done so.
Campbell is talented, but his slow release and deliberation in the pocket are better suited to a down-the-field passing attack then the short passing game of the Vikings.
If Favre retires, draft two quarterbacks. Bring in to camp two more via free agency.Jackson and Rosenfels can battle for the starting job, with the newcomers having a chance, but an unrealistic chance.
by medicineball on Nov 9, 2009 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I don’t really like to play what if with the draft, either, other than to illustrate that the real problem with the Vikes’ secondary woes has been a stubbornness to recognize the unit as a problem in the first place. Also, I think it’s always worth revisiting the draft in terms of whether AP or any other player is really as good as he appears to be or the product of a favorable situation or three.
I don’t consider Jason Campbell a “failed” QB. Even though he started 7 games as a rookie, he posted a better rating then than Tarvaris Jackson’s career rating right now. The same was true in his second YIL/first full season as a starter. He has improved every year, and his career rating is 81.4 at this moment. Had the Vikings gotten this level of play from their QBs in the past 3 years (at or slightly above league average), then Brad Childress would have looked like the sort of genius that he had advertised himself to be. If the predominant view of Jason Campbell is “failed QB” then some team will be very wise to jump at the chance of signing and starting him.
I was for Pennington before he led the league in completion% and nearly in rating also with a worse team last year. I don’t care if he’s “old” (not even 35 yet) or slow (so we can’t split him out wide? Big deal!) or not chiseled and athletic enough to model underwear…I just care about a QB being EFFECTIVE, and that should be the bottom line.
by KC Viking on Nov 9, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree I'm a big Pennington fan for this offense as well
Although I do think it’s nice when a QB can throw a decent long ball, and I’m not sure Pen has that in his back pocket.
by Grime on Nov 10, 2009 8:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Chad Pennington
I was a huge Pennington fan… last year. Now he’d be 2 years old by the time we got him, maybe 3, and reaching the age where he’ll be falling off. Not every QB is a Brett Favre.
On the arm though… last year he aired out an 80 yard TD, so he can do it once in a while to keep the D honest. With his injury this year, I’d really like to see what he looks like coming back before considering him again.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
by DCPurple on Nov 10, 2009 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right
Whether his arm heals or not is a consideration, but the Vikings may not need to pay much (or at least guarantee much) to find out. Assuming that his injury heals, I think he’d still be a worthwhile addition.
Favre is not the only QB to play well into his 30s, and the 30-ish dropoff is kind of a myth perpetuated by an algorithm in Madden football. Of Pennington’s top 6 seasons, he was a 20-something in 3 and a 30-something in the other 3. Tommy Kramer was 31 when he put together his only great season. 4x Pro Bowler Norm Snead was 33 during his best season (by far). The only 2x that Brad Johnson had a rating of 90+, he was 31 and 34, and those were his only 2 Pro Bowl years. Jim Harbaugh was 27 when he had his first good season, but 31, 32, and 34 during his best seasons (all better than his 1990 campaign, including a Pro Bowl appearance). Jim Plunkett was in his 30s during his 3-5 best seasons (depending on how many games qualify). Matt Hasselbeck was 30 and 32 during his best 2 seasons so far. Jeff George was in his 30s during his 2 best seasons. Vinny Testaverde’s first good season was at age 30, and his best season was at age 35. Trent Green’s best years were from 32-35 (peaking at 34). Joe Theismann’s best years were from age 33-35, and injury, not age, ended his career. 3/4 of Kerry Collins’s best seasons were in his 30s, including his first Pro Bowl appearance at age 36. Steve DeBerg’s best season came at age 36. Craig Morton posted his best rating in 1981 at age 38. There are many great examples of QBs who did their best work in their 30s, and not all of them were Hall of Famers, either.
by KC Viking on Nov 10, 2009 8:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good Points
My only question as to an older QB is injuries. Isn’t that how most leave the league? I’m simply afraid Cad can’t recover from surgery and do well. He wasn’t the strongest arm before surgery. Vikes do need a strong arm QB.
by lifelongvike on Nov 11, 2009 8:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
History
The Vikes have picked up a number of solid vets that other teams thought were washed up or just wanted too much money. Kapp was a vet in the CFL, Snead (man, forgot all about him til you mentioned the name), Moon, Cunningham, Archie Manning, McMahon (WTH were they thinking?!?), and everyone’s favorite, Jeff George. Some of panned out, some haven’t, but you’re right; it’s obviously worth the gamble. I don’t know how much the others have all cost, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Favre is the most expensive… but then, he clearly brings a lot to the table, too.
A note of caution to all these QB musings…. it wouldn’t surprise me to find out that Favre is very sensitive to the issue, based on his recent history. I think if I were running the Vikes FO, I’d make sure Favre was part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
by DCPurple on Nov 12, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree there
He should be in the decision making as well, honestly I would even allow him to do some seriously light work the first weeks of training camp, I mean he’s OLD, and two or three a days are tough enough on the young bucks.
Plus Spielman doesn’t have the best track record with picking QB’s so maybe Favre can help him there as well…
by Grime on Nov 12, 2009 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What about another great LB?
Future replacement for Ben Leber because isn’t he getting up there? Or is the plan to EVENTUALLY let Little Hendy take the spot?
by hickenizgriz on Nov 5, 2009 6:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Linebackers?
As Viking fans we often take our Linebackers for granted. They are a good corps and obviously need to continue to upgrade. Few linebackers go first round ( supposedly they are plentiful) but the Vikes could get a stud with a late round #1 pick. Under the best player available draft style anybody could fall to the Vikes.
Ben Leber will be 32 next year. 9 Years is a long time at LB but Brett and Pat Williams probably make him feel like a kid out there.
by lifelongvike on Nov 6, 2009 7:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A few notes
Chester Taylor – PA on KFAN said he is he is likely to sign elsewhere because he wants to be the #1 running back of a team. CT has been an awesome contributor and teammate to the Vikings. He has the ability to be a #1, and if that’s what he wants, the Vikings we’ll have to thank CT for all his good work and wish him well. Chester Taylor has made me into a fan of his. I’m hoping he gets more carries and receptions the rest of the year.
Naufahu Tahi – Resign. It’s hard to develop a fullback. Tahi is getting closer and closer. I wish the Vikings would hand it off to him once in a while. We’ve never seen him break a tackle or make a man miss, which is something he should be able to do with his physique. He could become the Vikings’ 10-year man at fullback.
Albert Young and Ian Johnson — between the two, we probably already have somebody to take Chester Taylor’s place, if CT does go to another team.
Center – We also have Jon Cooper. While Sullivan has been Ok considering it is his first year, he needs to keep improving.
Guard – Steve Hutchinson isn’t near retirement, but Anthony Herrera is not doing a good job in run blocking this year. Maybe this is just him being surrounded by two first-year starters, and a lack of time working together. That said, maybe the Vikings need to upgrade at RG. I like Herrera. I just don’t think he has locked down his starter job there, yet.
Ryan Cook and Artis Hicks – We should resign both as they are solid backup, utility linemen.
Quarterback – Resign Tarvaris Jackson. He has not reached his ceiling yet, and he will take a big step as a QB in the next year or two.
Left defensive end and Ray Edwards – Resign. He is a solid run defender. He needs to learn pass rush techniques, but if he works at it, he will learn it. He’s only 24. He has great raw talent and ability. One alternative to Ray Edwards would be signing free agent Aaron Kampman. While Kampman is a currently better player than Edwards, if Edwards is working hard and has an upside, keeping Edwards would be better.
Defensive Tackle – This is maybe the biggest need because Pat Williams will probably retire after this year. We need a large defensive tackle who can handle more than one gap like Pat Williams.
Safeties — I’m hoping Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson keep improving and take lock down their starter positions.
Resign Fred Evans and Eric Frampton. Karl Paymah is still on the bubble, depending on how he performs.
by medicineball on Nov 5, 2009 8:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Lots of resigners
Most lineman like Cook and Cooper resign since no other teams want them. But players like CT, T-Jax will be looked at by others. Its not a matter of resigning T-Jax but what is he worth? Is the money better invested in a new QB with better upside?
I agree that CT is gone. I wish him well. You might be correct about the backups. Hopefully we can see them run the ball at the end of the season when were resting the starters.
Your comment on guard play is interesting. I think our offensive guard play is OK.. I believe the defensive side of the line must be addressed first.
I don’t see the Vikes paying big money for Aaron Kampman. If we have an opportunity for a young stud QB we would need the cap space for that player. Plus I think its more than a change of system that is causing Aaron problems. Sometimes players just can’t play like pro bowlers anymore.
by lifelongvike on Nov 6, 2009 7:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's Herrera
You see guys running in past Herrera when Sullivan or Loadholt takes the wrong guy on an overloaded side. That happens on occasion when you have two new starters and one is a rookie. They seem to be getting better as the season goes on. I would say Herrera is just an average starter and expect him to be the weakest point on the line next year after Sullivan and Loadholt have a year of development. That said, if Herrera is the weak point on the OL, that’s a great OL!
@ KC Viking: Good point on the safeties. A bunch of questionable developmental type guys that could lead to drafting a S if none are proving out well.
by ChemErik on Nov 6, 2009 8:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I have to think that the O-Line is a lesser need than other positions. But if the best player available that meets our system is an O-lineman I could see them taking one. I’m not sure about our backup O-lineman. Have they developed into substantial players?
by lifelongvike on Nov 6, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
it's TARvaris... not TRAvaris..
The Vikings=$600 Million
The Metrodome=$55 Million
Adrian Peterson=Priceless
by 4 AP Jerseys on Nov 6, 2009 1:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the correction
I never realized I had that one wrong.
by lifelongvike on Nov 6, 2009 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
pronunciation
Well, I always mess that up, too. And then pronouncing his first name is different, too. I always thought his name was pronounced “tar VAR is” but in the Vikings’ media press release it says his name is pronounced “ta VAR is”. The first “r” is silent.
http://prod.static.vikings.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/vikes-at-packers-102709.pdf
by medicineball on Nov 6, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
QB is obviously the biggest concern for the future (what else is new?) and we need to draft one early to get him familiar with the offense sooner rather than later. Draft a smart senior QB who knows how to lead a team instead of these workout warriors with all the measurables.
I think safety is a bigger issue than some of you guys seem to. Haven’t you noticed how poorly both of our safeties have played this season? Clearly we let Darren Sharper go too soon as he is helping the Saints improve while we seem to have gotten worse at pass defense. Those interceptions are game-changers and we’re not getting any.
Beyond that, it’s all best available imo. Starts with the most important position on the field though, and let’s hope Childress has realized with Favre that he must have more than the “caretaker” or “game manager” that he’s insisted on since he arrived. Get a guy who can play already.
by Bodysuit Man on Nov 6, 2009 2:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Good point- but a question
Your point as to a safety is well taken. I remind you that the Vikes passed on good prospects last year which tells me they really like what they have. I am convinced that we let Sharper go because he just doesn’t operate well in a cover 2 defense. It appears that the cover 2 is our defense for as long as Chilly is the coach.
I also agree about the QB but let me ask you a question. Since first rounders are only a 50% chance of being successful and lower rounds are even worse, what should we do if no 1st rounders are available?
by lifelongvike on Nov 6, 2009 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vikings current office does way better than 50% on first round picks
They seem over 50% on rounds 2-3 also. Will depend on if a safety they grade well falls to the right spot.
by ChemErik on Nov 6, 2009 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
History repeats itself
In the history of the draft 1st round QB’s are about 50% successful. It gets worse the lower the player is picked. This is because the Pro QB has very unique skill sets that are not exactly measurable. The speed of the game is faster and you can’t simulate the speed of the decision making and the difference in accuracy with a faster rush coming at you. If all the teams in history can’t do better than 50% an Rick Spielman has Neverever ever picked a successful QB, then I don’t think the Vikes will have much better than a 50% chance when they pick late 1st round.
I’m just hoping that the pick the right guy if they go for a QB.
by lifelongvike on Nov 6, 2009 10:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Safeties
There is nothing wrong with our safeties. Actually, they do what is asked of them pretty well. Our system is designed for them to but exactly what they are – safety valves. (since our linebackers are usually put in middle zones and man coverage) Cut off the big play, support the corners. NOT be ball hawks except in the red zone. Not all success is measured in statistics.
Until we get better corners who can be trusted completely to go one on one, our safeties will not get stats. D Sharp’s refound success is because N.O. runs a man coverage, linebacker sideline zone underneath system that allows the safeties to roam free.
Once we get some true shutdown corners, we will continue running the same system. But dont count on us drafting a true man-on shutdown corner anytime soon.
I’ve said before and i’ll repeat that I see our 1st round being a QB (probably moving up by giving up either a 2nd or 1st rounder) followed by a 2nd/3rd round CB (chilly is on record saying you can never have enough CB’s plus goodbye paymah) followed by a later round big fat DT and a later round DE then a later round OL.
We are the vikings.......resistance is futile.
by Hoss-Drone on Nov 6, 2009 5:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Their safeties can’t tackle. That’s an issue regardless of scheme.
by jianfu on Nov 6, 2009 6:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How about a corner back?
I think Griffen would make a kick ass safety I beleive that is his prefered position actually. If we could draft a shut down corner I think that would allow Griffen to play the place he wants. I don’t think that’s the biggest deal though we can still win games with the safeties we have. As soon as Phat Pat goes though we will have a bus sized hole in our D line.
by Grime on Nov 9, 2009 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The good news regarding the d-line: The Vikes have the two “glamour” postions of the 4-3 one-gap front—rush end and 3-tech tackle—not just covered, but covered with legit all-stars in Allen and Kevin Williams.
That means they might not need to necessarily spring a first round pick on the d-line. I mean, it’d be nice, and nobody would blame them for considering it. But teams typically try to hit elite pass rushers in round 1. If the Vikings wanted to address other issues first, they could maybe wait and go for merely average pass rushers who can also function as NT and base end.
(I think they should re-sign Edwards, btw. He hasn’t been great, to say the least. But he should be cheap, he’s still just 24, and letting him walk would just open up yet another hole. And DEs are hard to find via the draft. It’s actually curious we haven’t heard much about contract stuff, as they typically like to take care of it before a guy reaches FA. We’ll see. Maybe Chilly just begs Zygi to sign Julius Peppers or something.)
So I agree DB or QB are strong possibilities in round 1. I think if they could find a good CB, they could move Griffen to FS. I think Griffin’s worked hard to become a decent CB, but I think his skillset’s still a little better fit in the middle of the field, and he could potentially be an excellent FS. But, we’re told the draft is deep in safeties and shallow in corners. Either way, Madieu Williams has been a FA bust, and should probably be jettisoned (Tyrell Johnson has a ways to go, as well).
QB? It seems like people have been waiting for this QB class forever, and now that it’s getting closer, it doesn’t seem so impressive. But I think there’s a chance Sam Bradford slips to the point the Vikes can move up without blowing their draft. Bradford’s still being projected top 10, but we have a long ways to go until April, and while a prospect’s body-of-work and physical/mental attributes are important, so is momentum. There’s still lots of games to go, there’s still heroes to be made in bowl games…come next April, the “risers” will be on everyone’s minds, and the last image we’ll have of Bradford will be him clutching his throwing shoulder in pain.
I don’t know if Bradford will be a steal, or if he’s ruined forever, or somewhere in between. Or, given how many teams have hopeless QB situations, maybe he doesn’t slide at all. We’ll see. I do worry Chilly will fancy Jevan Snead, who possesses the T-Jack skillset (including, unfortunately, TJack’s accuracy and consistency issues; although at least Snead’s faced quality d-1 competition in the SEC). I don’t like Snead’s chances for NFL success.
by jianfu on Nov 6, 2009 6:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Trivia
Q: Who was the last cornerback taken in the st round by Minnesota?
A:
DeWayne Washington of NC State, 1994.
by jianfu on Nov 6, 2009 7:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'll tell you what
2011 looks like a tough year for us a lot of big people going up for sale that year.
by Grime on Nov 10, 2009 10:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Could be tough
But thats why Spielman gets the big bucks. Make sure you resign players early. Make some restricted free agents if you have to. Keep that bench stocked with talented players able to step in.
If you want to see a bad list check out the number of Free agents Baltimore has for 2010. They could be decimated.
Looking at 2011 we need to shore up QB, DE, and Linebacker. In fact I might have to rethink the need for a linebacker in this years draft. A great one could fall to us. Like I’ve said before:
This years draft will tell us a whole lot about our management team, especially Spielman.
by lifelongvike on Nov 10, 2009 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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