Draft Needs In-Depth: DT
by Josh_D on Mar 16, 2010 9:50 PM CDT
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PrintThe draft is a little over a month away (37 days 4hours, and 9 seconds according to ESPN as I start) and I thought it would be cool to start highlighting certain positions the Vikings could be going after in the draft and what possibilities could be had for them at any point during it. However, I think its important to understand where the Vikings stand currently at that position and what the missing need is that would be filled through the draft. Corner back will be debated till one is signed in FA/drafted, so I thought we could start with one of the other talent deep positions this year: Defensive Tackle.
First lets take a look at what responsibilities are asked of the two defensive tackles in the 4-3 scheme the Vikings run. The two positions have different roles that play in tandem to disrupt centers and guards to allow DE's one on one battles and keep bodies off of linebackers.
The first is the Nose Tackle (NT) or nose guard, and even sometimes just defensive tackle. The primary job of the NT is to play the one technique (lines up on the weak side shoulder of the center) which requires they play the run and take on double teams. Playing the run doesn't mean they become rocks on the inside of the line though. NT's still need pursuit skills to track plays down the line to prevent cut backs and screens.The Vikings currently have two NT's on the roster in Pat Williams and recently re-signed Jimmy Kennedy. Their weights are listed at 317 and 320 respectively, but both are known to play heavier, which works into their role in taking on double teams in the run game. Another physical feature that both players share is their wide frames. Employing their wide frames, if a OL tries taking them on one on one, they have the size to overcome smaller blockers and force double teams their direction. Pat Williams is a Pro Bowler and Kennedy is a former first round pick who has played well rotating in through out last season, even starting when Pat was hurt. The biggest issue at this position is that both players are going to be over 30 once the season gets going (Pat is currently 37 and Jimmy is 30) and youth at the position while these guys can still play should be important.
The second defensive tackle is known as the under tackle (UT) or 3 technique (outside shoulder of strong side guard). The UT is generally the faster of the two DTs and while he is still responsibe for the run, on pass plays he has to be a factor because he plays on the blindside of the QB and his pass rushing presence helps free up the LDE which is generally the pass rushing specialist of the defensive ends. Former Vikings draft snafu Kevin Williams (I laugh ever time a talking head makes fun of how this went down. Sure the Vikings got jobbed trying to make a last second trade and teams jumped on guys they liked, but the Vikings ended up with KW who is arguably one of the best DTs in the game), Fred Evans, and Letroy Guion. KW doesn't come out of the game often. He generally plays all 3 downs because he can rush the passer and he has the endurance and exuberance, much like Jared Allen, to be competitive through a game. Evans came to the Vikings in 2007 when the Dolphins kicked him off the team for partying like he was McKinney (I kid, but he was arrested for a physical altercation on South Beach. Just like Mt. K) Regardless of how he got to Minnesota, he hasn't been in any kind of trouble since coming here and has been a decent back-up with a lot of faith from the team as he was tendered for a 2nd round pick this off-season. Guion was a 5th round pick out of Florida State in 2008. He left school a year early and most pundits thought he should have stayed in school another year. Letroy hasn't played much during the regular season, having accrued all of 1 career tackles. However, he is still only 22 and plays behind one of the best tackles in the game. Not going to get a lot of chances to prove yourself. This is a position the Vikings are pretty stacked at. All three of these guys are under 30 (KW 29, FE 26, LG 22) KW is again, one of the best and he has youthful depth behind him.
So now that we have gone over all of that, its a little easier to see where the Vikings need help at this position. While UT is stacked with talent, depth, and youth; the NT has talent, depth, but no youth and the best player at the position has openly said he will only play for another year or two. While Kennedy has played well since joining the team last year, I wouldn't count on him for more than a few years after P. Williams retirement. Bringing in some youth to develop under this talent will be looked at at some point during this years draft.
Here is a list of defensive tackles that are considered players who could play the NT position in a 4-3 defense:
Name College Projected Round Drafted
Dan Williams Tennessee 1st
Cam Thomas North Carolina 2nd
Torrell Troup Central Florida 3rd
Linval Joseph East Carolina 4th
Aleric Mullins North Carolina 6th - 7th
Kade Weston Georgia 7th - FA
Jay Ross East Carolina 7th - FA
Travis Ivey Maryland 7th - FA
Trey Bryant Baylor 7th - FA
There are way more UT's available in this draft (like McCoy, Odrick, Price), but NT will be a precious commodity this year with many 3-4 defensive teams looking for help at the position and a NT is more valuable to a 3-4 team as it is tough to find players who can play the position for 3 downs in that scheme. Some times teams that run the 3-4 draft guys that are more hybrid type tackles that can play DE and rotate at NT in that scheme. For example, in 2008, the Steelers took Ziggy Hood at the end of the 1st round. Hood was a penetrating UT in college and currently the Steelers use him at DE and move him inside on passing downs. The Chiefs did that same thing with Glen Doresy that same year and last year the Pack took B.J. Raji and use him in the same role. Most 3-4 teams do this because of how hard it is to find guys that play just the NT and play it for 3 downs.
I think at this point all information about the defensive tackle position for the Vikings has been mentioned. Now's the time to get the discussion going. Thoughts on how the Vikings need to handle the position going forward? Where they should begin looking in the draft? Draftable guys we are over looking? This page lists some 200 draft eligible defensive tackles this year, so there has to be a gem in there somewhere right?
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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Excellent review
It is interesting indeed. Many believe we are set at DT and we do have one guy on the practice squad as well. It has been mentioned that KWill may eventually move over to the 1-technique. He does command double teams now quite often so it may be something he can do well. The backups for KWill are really what is troubling to me.
Evans was tendered at the second round level because the money he made last year with a 10% increase was almost equal to the 2nd round tender amount. Plus they did not want another team to grab him because we only would have received a 7th round pick in return. Also they needed to keep him at this point in time in case the suspensions come down. They still can cut him because his money is not guaranteed until he is on the roster on opening day. I think the tender was not so much a reflection of how much they want him but more of they could have lost him for a 7th round pick unless they matched an offer which they may have felt was over paying him. IMO it was a good business move financially. Guion is an unknown at this point so we still have to wait and see.
I could definitely see them taking a DT in any round. I think a guy like Jay Ross in round 4 or 5 would be good. Also Al Woods or Travus Ivey in rounds 6 or 7 would be good too.
Everything you say is correct about the tender given to Evan. The point I was trying to get across was that they think enough of him to keep other teams from thinking of signing him so he can continue to be good depth on the DL in case any suspensions get handed down and to keep the position a position of strength for rotations or in case of injury. Guion is definitely an unknown, however, he is a really young unknown, and I think the Vikings will give him opportunities if they come along. As I said earlier, KW doesn’t leave the game much and Evans would be the first guy in if h did come out. Hasn’t been a lot of opportunity for him to play in the regular season.
After going through all the info to put this together, I definitely don’t think DT is as big a need as I originally would have thought. The only caveat to that is the lack of youth behind a core piece of the defense that has said he only has a few years left. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings drafted one in the 3rd round or later. I could see the 2nd round, but there would have to be some tremendous value to the pick.
depth
I don’t see anybody else on the Vikings roster at defensive tackle. There is no practice squad at this point in the season.
Jayme Mitchell and Tremaine Johnson are both listed as defensive ends.
by medicineball on Mar 17, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Two ships passing in the night. My comment was in reply to "Many believe we are set at DT and we do have one guy on the practice squad as well. " but in hindsight that was not clear.
by medicineball on Mar 19, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Jamal WIlliams?
Anybody heard whats up with him? He’s a beast on the line. Then we could have the Williams Triplets. We’d probally let Pat go unfortunately if that happened.
Outstanding post! I’m looking forward to the rest.
I’ll just add that when they feel really Tampa-Twoey, they’ll use Robison on the inside as well.
I don’t want to see them spend an early pick on a NT. I’ve stated before that I think it’d be natural progression to slide KWill over to that spot as he enters into his 30s. As you mentioned, a NT for them doesn’t just need to be a fatty who anchors down and sucks in blockers like a black hole; he has to have some pursuit to him. Those are hard to find, and I think KWill’s a perfect candidate after PWill leaves.
My favorite likely-available DT is Texas’ Lamarr Houston, and he’s a bit of an odd duck in that I think he could potentially grow into either spot (NT or UT). He sort of reminds me of Ziggy Hood, actually. Quick, but also stout v. the run game.
If they don’t spring early, I’d like to see them take somebody like a D’Anthony Smith in Round 4 or 5. They could use him situationally as a rookie pass rusher (allowing Robison to keep Allen and Edwards fresher). And if all goes right he could be in the mix for the UT job eventually. He needs polish and played at a smaller school, but he’s young for a senior and has some time.
Wow, What a great Post. Am anxiously awaiting more.
First off REC.
I am not very knowledgeable on the specific line duties of any NFL defensive schemes. I read about one technique and three technique but have never been sure as to what it means. Thanks for the education. I really thought our two DTs were pretty well interchangeable. I have liked the idea of getting Brian Price in round 1 but see now that he really doesn’t fit for a Phat Pat replacement.
It seems to me that most NTs develop over the years. Hard to find a SUH or McCoy that can immediately start. So, we will probably look for a guy that is 300+ lbs and has a frame to grow into a NT type. I keep reading that Vince Oghobaase from Duke, 330 lbs, 6’5" tall has room to grow. Good skills but raw. A 4th round (third for us) pick. I will assume that the triangle has others on the radar that they feel can grow into it also at later rounds.
Again thanks for the enlightenment. Please post more technical descriptions of positions.
Info on the cover 2 and its positional needs, O-Line also interesting. Thanks
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
Here are the basics of "techniques"
E T G C G T E
967 544i 321 0 123 4i45 769
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
That didnt post right
Even numbers=head up on the oline
Odd numbers = inside or outside “shade”
0 Tech or Nose tackle lines up head up on center.
1 Tech lines up on inside shoulder of guard
2 Tech head up on guard
3 Tech outside should or guard
4i Tech inside shoulder of Tackle
4 Tech head up on Tackle
5 Tech outside shoulder of Tackle
6 Tech head up on TE
7 Tech inside shoulder of TE
9 Tech outside shoulder of TE
Some teams use different numbers, but this is the basic technique numbering system. This is also only where they line up, stunts and slants, angles and blitzes can change the gap responsibilty upon the snap of the ball.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Thanks
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 17, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
No prob
The most common alignment out of a 4-3 is with a 1 and a 5 tech to the weakside and a 3 and a 7 to the strong side. Sometimes Jared Allen moves all the way out to a 9 (outside shoulder of TE) on passing downs.
In this situation the 1 Tech will have the A gap (between center and guard) and the 5 tech will have the C gap (between Tackle and TE) to the weak side (barring stunts or blitzes).
The 3 tech will have B gap (between guard and tackle) and the 7 Tech will have the C gap (between tackle and TE) and outside contain to the strong side (again, barring any stunt or blitz).
This ends up affecting the responsiblity of level 2 of the defense, the linebackers. In the above scenario the MLB will have the B gap to the weak side and the A gap to the strong side, and so on and so forth.
This is just the basics…
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Great post
Praise and accolades.
Just wanted to add Terrence Cody as a possible draft pick for nose tackle. With Kennedy’s re-signing, though, I don’t think we will need to consider a guy until the 3rd round at the very earliest. Cody will be taken by the 2nd round at latest.
Finally, there is Ekom Udofia, DT, Stanford. He’s a two-gap tackle who took on a lot of double teams in college. He’s projected as an undrafted free agent, which means he might have a lot of value.
Is that a play on words?
He’s projected as an undrafted free agent, which means he might have a lot of value.
Or it could mean that he is valueless with nothing but upside
Or it could mean that since he is not valued as draftable he is a worth more
Or it could mean that he has a lot of value if he isn’t worth drafting
BUT IF THE RAIDERS LIKE HIM
It means he is a value to them and isn’t a very good football player.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 17, 2010 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Cody and Tyson Alualu were left of this list
I’m actually going to take the other perspective. I think we go with a 3 Tech in this year’s draft. It has already been discussed that KWill could eventually be shifted down to 1 Tech.
I’ll take it a step further. We draft a 3 tech this year to rotate with Kwill, keeping him fresh for the 4th Quarter. And by rotate, I mean for a series at a time. This will allow KWill to slide down to the 1 Tech on passing downs, while the rook plays the 3 tech at the same time, increasing our pass rush capabilities!
Just an idea…I really like Odrick and Alualu as potential 3 tech’s
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Could be the way you describe. I like Price for that position.
But it is hard to imagine a rookie replacing KWill this year, even part of the time. Maybe after a game is salted away or something. If Kevin was taken with the 7th round pick think how misdrafted the rookie would be at #30 that could replace him.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 17, 2010 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I didnt mean "replace KWill"
I mean even Evans and Robison got some quality minutes this year, allowing KWill to rest. If we drafted a blue chip 3 tech, he could not only spell KWill, but play along side him in nickel situations.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Alualu played DE in Cal’s 3-4 D who sometimes moved to NT on passing downs. His value would be best used doing that for a 3-4 team in the NFL or turning him in a UT in a 4-3 system. Because of that, I don’t consider him as a need for the Vikings since they are good at the UT position.
I see what you are saying with getting that kind of rotation going. But when putting this all together, I tried to keep my opinion on what I feel the Vikings should do schematically or personnel-wise. I tried to keep it focused on what the Vikings do from a basic strategic point to get a better understanding of what kind of players they could be looking for. Maybe next year the Vikings decide to play a line like you suggest that would be more in the “Tamps-2” style of smaller, but fast and disruptive d-line or maybe they will play more “46”. Who knows. Also, I really don’t see them rotating KWill with anyone. Fred Evans didn’t even play in every game last year and I don’t recall many times, if any, that they played Kennedy and PWill at the same time.
I like Odrick as a 3 as well. Great motor. I think Alualu is destined for the 5 tech in a 3-4
Alualu played 3 tech in the Senior Bowl and tore it up
He reminds me of John Randle, who if you remember did move occasionally to the outside on our 4-3. I really like that versatility in a player. But at 6’3" 295, he could bulk up about 10lbs and be a solid 3 tech.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
And for the record, I am strongly against drafting for need
BPA in every round.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Me too. But it is so hard to distinguish a difference between players after round three that you
end up taking the need player out of the equally rated large group.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 17, 2010 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Luckily all we really need are back ups
and we pretty much need that at every position… So we’re in luck!
It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...
Except for
CB
MLB
RG
FS
So much for being optimistic ;-)
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
I guess what I'm saying is we went to the NFC championship game with what we got
So I don’t think we NEED anyone new. Losign Taylor sucked, and we’ll see whether Young is the heir apparent on draft day. Other than that though everyone who played was good enough to get us there.
It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...
We have 3 options
Get better. Get worse. Or stay the same. Which would you chose?
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
So far, the Vikings have gotten Worse
Every team in the NFL is trying to get better, many of them have done so. Staying the same, with a full year of tape on the team, means every team in the NFL knows what works against the Vikings and what doesn’t.
So far, with the loss of Taylor and the failure to pick up LT, the Vikings have only gotten weaker, not better. It’ll be interesting to see how they address it.
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!
Don't forget the draft...
We have some GREAT opportunities to fill some weak spots. We may have lost a few players, but they’ve mostly been back-ups…
If we can get a few 1st string starters out of the draft, and maybe use the FA to beef up some positions, we are just as potent as any other team.
Maybe the majority of our FA signings will happen after the draft so we’ll know where to put our focus on.
We’re not changing too much to the team… A couple back-ups have left, but all the starters are there & in place…. I think we’ll come back at either the same level or even better (w/ added experience to rookies….)
That's where the bite comes in
Yes, the Vikings probably saved money by letting CT go, and being prepared to draft a good RB…
But now they’re using a draft pick in a year where they were effectively handcuffed in FA. They could have kept CT for a few more years, picked up a good RB next year. I’m not even sure money was the consideration, since they were prepared to offer LT a higher salary than the Jets.
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!
Yes, but they offered LT less than Chicago offered CT.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 20, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Sad.. how low the mighty LT has fallen
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!
I wouldn't unilaterally say that
Even teams that have made strides in the FA market I wouldn’t say they have garunteed making themselves better. Even Chicago may not see the benifets of their trades next year. Look at how helpful Cutler was to them after all. Every player that changes teams has a steep learning curve and most of them will not come out next year like Favre did for us.
As for us losing Taylor and Hicks that is a blow and we will need to address it. The draft however is a good place to look for running backs.
It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...
Losing Hicks was acceptable, they needed to replace him in the draft regardless. It would have been safer to wait and see if the rook could beat Hicks out in training camp, but this gives Hicks a better future. If the Vikings bring in two offensive linemen in the draft, it was unlikely Hicks would survive that.
On CT… well, no point in beating a dead horse. Stupid waste of a precious draft pick.
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!
Obviously I would like to get better
However, when your a crappy team it’s easy to fill holes. If you grade players 1-10 and you have a couple 3-4’s on your team then even a 7 looks good. When you have a team that sent what eleven people to the pro bowl last year well it’s much harder to find people to come in and play, there is always a good chance that anyone you bring in from FA to draft will not play well the first year they join a new team.
It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...
True that
Some times team chemistry gets overlooked. But Childress and Spielman have found at least two starters (except maybe 08?) in every draft. WIth all the talent this year, I am hoping to at least match that trend.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
No even in 2008 we found 2 (eventual) starters
In Tyrell and Sully. Our undrafted free agent class was perhaps more impressive: Abdullah, Young, Reynaud.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Thanks for the praise. People seem to like it so I will definitely go over other positions. For me Terrence Cody is too big and unathletic for the NT in a 4-3. His value is at NT for a 3-4 and he will be gone before he would have value to the Vikings. 4-3 NT’s are heavy, but they don’t weigh in at 350 on a good day. Pat Williams is probably still only 335 on his heavy days. I think he will be gone before the halfway mark of the 2nd round.
Ekom is an interesting case, but his career has been bugged by a ankle injury for much of his career. Which is why as you pointed out he is projected as undrafted and because of his injury history, I think pretty low on that list (the future list of undrafted DTs that is) too.
dont overlook the DE's
dunlap/fl. and others may rotate in a robison type role…………..
1st round selction should be a DB
Anything else would be stupid. Unless Wilson, McCourtey, Robinson, Thomas and Mays are gone.
One power slam from Brock and Mir might be dead. He better watch his words. He'll be eating them soon.
Fair opinion
That’s a fair opinion. I’m always in favor of getting the BPA myself.
Based on what Vikingfuture and other guys have said, I’m starting to think that the Vikings may be looking at a guard like Roger Saffold or Vladimir Ducasse. They might trade back into the top of the 2nd to get their guy.
by medicineball on Mar 26, 2010 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I would like to see an upgrade from Anthony Herrera
He was the weak link on the O-line last year. Peterson didn’t have as many hole up the middle last year. I think Sullivan is worth keeping and should be better in his second season.
One power slam from Brock and Mir might be dead. He better watch his words. He'll be eating them soon.
We won't have many picks after we trade up for Clausen.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 27, 2010 6:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll cross my fingers
When/if the Vikes get Clausen I better be sitting on the toilet, because I will shit.
One power slam from Brock and Mir might be dead. He better watch his words. He'll be eating them soon.
Thanks for the visual confirmation that it is a good trade.
I heard today that the turf toe issue is absolutely fine and that his pro day should go well. I really hope he has the flue or something. Not that I mean him harm but I love these rumors that he is somehow damaged goods.
He played his senior season with toe ligament damage. Great stats. Now he is falling because he fixed his toe damage. To unbelievable.
Here is my trade. Vikings trade #30 with Buffalo for #9. They get Kennedy (who they want) and our 2nd, 5,and 7 pick. Its Not a lot to move up 20 spots. Still room for everybody to get better. If we had to give up something from next year I would. Not sure it will be necessary. They get Kennedy, two good draftable players and affordable rookies. We will see.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 27, 2010 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I could live with that...
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!
Count me out on the Clausen bandwagon. I don’t think he’s worthy of an early draft pick, much less the multiple picks that it would take to get him.
by medicineball on Mar 29, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Everyone is entitled to their own evaluation. If you don't think he is a "franchise guy" I understand.
I don’t expect the triangle to do this ( see my recent post) but if they evaluate Clausen as a QBOF it is one way to get him.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 29, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
We definitely need a franchise quarterback of the future, like you’re saying. I think between Jackson and a guy we draft this year (Tyler Sheehan? Daryll Clark?) and Rosenfels we’ll find that guy. I definitely have a lot of respect for Clausen. I have him ranked him, just not high enough to make me want him in the 1st round. Clausen is a risk, in my opinion. But I see why people like him.
by medicineball on Mar 29, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Another long-range possibility is Greg McElroy, quarterback, Alabama, draft class of 2011. Other people like Jake Locker.
by medicineball on Mar 29, 2010 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
And Ryan Mallett
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 30, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
I actually have McCoy and LeFevour rated ahead of Clausen
But I’m not a draft expert. I’m just a bored guy with a computer.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Brian Price: The Quiet Storm
Based on mock drafts, it looks like he is falling. He is still dealing with a football injury, and didn’t have the greatest pro day. He might be there at pick #30.
I don’t know if he has been #1 on the Vikings’ draft board all along or anything, or how he fits into the defense, but he has a world of talent, and maybe we better start figuring out how he can fit into our defense, in case he’s available.
I bet Odrick gets drafted before Price, because Odrick can be a DE in a 3-4 defense.
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