This Is The One Where We Talk About How The New Defensive Line Will Be

That’s what got me.

The Vikings didn’t get anything for Chester Taylor, they just let him go. A lot of teams were interested in him in FA, not just the Bears. They could have extended his contract, then traded him. Or traded him earlier.

Just saying, you have one of the better RBs in the NFL at the end of his contract and you don’t want to keep him, then set up the trade and get a draft pick or two, at the least.

In 2010 he had 112 carries for 267 yards, 16.7 rushing yards per game, 2.4 yards/carry and 3 TDs. He only had 20 receptions for 139 yards.

In his last year with Minnesota he was closer to 400 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving. And that was backing up AP; not Forte.

I know we think we missed Taylor, but his production was way down in 2010. I truly doubt he would have had much of a positive impact among all the chaos that was 2010.

But I thought I recall him being a 4th round pick who ended up starting at defensive end during his rookie year. Who was the last rookie DL who started for the Vikes?

and i don’t think the vikes were prepared to pay that much for another defensive end. i kind of think it may have been a market value decision for the vikes because jared costs a truckload.

even though we have had discussions (disagreements, etc) on the cap, I know that you are aware of the contracts of the players which is vital to discussions.

Having Ray & BRob may be better financially than having Allen especially when you factor in Allen’s 2012 & 2013 salaries. His contract will have to be renegotiated (i.e., extended) at the least.

But all this talk about Ray whining is simply untrue. The young man fulfilled his original 4 year contract. He did not say one word when Jayme Mitchell made more than him in 2009. When he contract finally EXPIRED he said he was unhappy with the 1st round tender that the Vikings placed on him. Why shouldn’t he be? I would be pissed too because I would want the guaranteed millions that comes with the second contract. Even if it was 10 mil that is better than the 2.5 mil (or so) he made in 2010.

It is amazing that posters cannot differentiate between a guy complaining about his deal before it is over (Chris Johnson) and one who complains once it is over. Yeah the CBA screwed Ray (and Logan Mankins, Vincent Jackson, etc) but he had a right to be upset.

Also, the Vikings had set the precedent of giving Cedric Griffen a new deal AFTER his 3rd season and BEFORE his contract expired. So once they did that the other players are going to expect the same treatment.

In the end, the front office just did not want to tie up even more money on the defensive line as you stated. Heck, I have been saying this since before the 2010 draft when I wanted to trade Ray in EVERY mock draft scenario I posted. I know back then they were not going to give him a new deal because of the things I mentioned above. Many ridiculed me for wanting to get rid of a fine defensive end. I wonder if some of those same people are now saying he is over rated?

As far as Ray’s braggadocio? Who cares really. It is just talk.

As for the defensive line he is going to play on and how they do not have the same talent I beg to differ. John Abraham and Jonathan Babineux are not too shabby.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2010/09/07/ranking-the-defensive-fronts-part-3-the-triumphant-10/

I think he is going to play with some pretty good players in Atlanta too.

here is another article abotu Ray that disputes the ridiculous argument that he does not face double teams or get chipped …

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/08/12/defensive-line-techniques-the-prototypes/

7 & 6-Techniques (4-3 DLE) – Ray Edwards

The 7-technique is often used by 4-3 teams on the left side of the defense as the run-stuffing, power end. He lines up in the gap between the RT and the TE (if there is one on that side of the formation) and is just as often playing the 6-technique depending on how the offense lines up. He’s usually responsible for setting the edge in the run game, but is also expected to be able to beat the RT for pressure in the passing game, or force his way inside the TE to do the same. Because they’re often forced to fight through a double team or at least a chip from the TE, and they face the ‘power’ right tackle, the 6 or 7-technique DE is usually a more powerful player than the speed rushing DRE, and almost always a better run defender.

Ray Edwards is the prototype for this type of player. Edwards is a strong run defender who has enough pass rushing skills to be able to beat his man with speed or power. There are better run defenders as 4-3 DEs in the NFL, but they just don’t happen to play the 6 or 7-technique much. Other players you could make a case for being the prototype here would be Trent Cole and Terrell Suggs. Both players play on the right side of their formations, but they often line up just outside of the tackle and rely on strength and leverage to be exceptional run defenders.
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Ray is going to be just fine in Atlanta and will be missed here. I also believe that Robison can do a pretty good job too. That is why I wanted to trade Ray during the 2010 draft. It would have allowed the Vikings to also get a good look at Robison BEFORE they gave him the new contract which was not that bad.

I just do not see how the front office did not get something for him in return? I mean a possible compensatory pick sounds nice but Ray probably would have gotten at least a second round pick in return and at worst a 3rd round pick.

I will not even talk about Rice.