Early Look at the Team

First time posting let me try and take a look at the future of the Vikings lineup.

QB- OK Brett will probably come back, but I think we would all appreciate a decision. I think that last year was great with the exception of the few interceptions, especially the last one. He is much more familiar with the players and their tendencies, so no big deal if he skips camp. I think that if he doesn’t T-Jack could be much more solid than before if he stays stretched out and doesn’t pull anything. Some of his strengths include strong arm, fast legs, knows the system- now he just needs the decision making. Sage is our Brad Johnson/ Gus Frerotte for the just in case.

RB- Adrian needs to keep his hands on the ball as we all know, if not I think that Toby Gerhart is a one cut back like Michael Turner or Brandon Jacobs. Albert Young can compete due to his experience in the system. I just have to throw out there the chance for Tyler Roehl from NDSU, a hardnosed back that just wants a chance to be on the field RB, FB, special teams, etc. He should be a low cost guy to sign and is a local boy (ala Jimmy K), which makes the love for the team all the more strong. Tahi, D’Imperio, and Roehl competing for fullback.

WR/TE- Starters Rice, Harvin and Berrian, with Visanthe moved to slot occasionally. When we play the Bears run a bump TE into the flat on Peppers to give the tackles some help (remember Carolina last year). Open competition for the best blocking TE with the rest. I would like to see Joe Webb in some "Wildcat formations" in a split back field so the center can hike two directions with pitch/ run/ throw options, plus it can give Brett a break if he is getting hit after throw like the Saints did.

O-Line- Keep the starters from last year. McKinnie needs to earn the Pro Bowl status, Hutch is solid, Sullivan and Loadholt have a full year under their belt, which should help Herrera, if not then see how things go with the rookie DeGeare or Cook.

D-Line- Allen is great; Ray needs to smile that he gets to make millions playing a game that guys like us could only dream of playing. Kevin is solid and Pat needs a breather, so lets rotate Kennedy and Robison (Bulk him up and keep the speed). Then you have a chance to develop Everson Griffen, who will hopefully be motivated now that he must earn a paycheck and has Allen to learn from. Hopefully he might be able to take over for Edwards.

LB- Greenway is a Pro Bowl caliber player; if Leber’ play starts to drop off we can look to next years draft.  I really don’t know how E.J. will recover, but he hasn’t finished a season the last two years. I think that with the opportunity Jasper can develop into a good player if he can improve his coverage skills.

Secondary- Sapp and Winfield start, with Lito, Cook, and Allen open competition for Nickel and Dime packages. Tyrell and Madieu need some solid competition from Jamarca Sanford and Eric Frampton along with any of the corners that are too good not to start at CB. I would love for Cook 6’ 2" to come along and start asap so he can cover guys like (Devin Aromashodu 6’2" Bears, Calvin Johnson 6’5" Detroit, and Greg Jennings 5’11" Packers)

Special teams- Farwell is solid, Triplett could be an immediate contributor, and Longwell is very consistent, especially now that we have a kickoff guy to rest his leg a little. Returners-probably Reynaud, maybe giving Webb a shot. I think that Percy should only return if we are in emergency mode. Kluwe- just don’t wiff punts, and try to work on your angling. 

So what do you think?