Sunday, April 30, 2006

Day 2 Recap

The Vikings began the day by completing a trade for Eagles G-T Artis Hicks. The Vikings who seemingly have enough O-Lineman- McKinnie, Hutchinson, Birk, Whittle, Herrea, Goldberg, Johnson, Cook, Liwenski, Rosenthal.
In picking up Hicks, the Vikings got an average NFL starting G. Hicks doesn't really have the foot work to be a great T. He has also had some conditioning and injury problems. Has some verstaility and plays with balance. Hicks does have very good size. Hicks had a much better 2004 than 2005. He seemed to be better at RT, than LG. Good feel for the game.
In Ray Edwards- The Vikings get a player with boom or bust potential. He has good size, and size potential with good atheltic ability. Has a 39 inch vertical. Questions arise when looking at his dedication to the game. Doesn't deal real well with coaching. Was benched inL 2005 despite tremendouse talent. Lacks a great motor and wasn't productive. Mel Kiper, Jr. says he has the talent to be a real sleeper. Where he fits on the Vikings D-line I can't quite see. Could develop either into a decent starter, or be cut after the 2nd preseason game.
Greg Blue- His best asset is he comes hard, and is a physical player with good tackling techinque. He has great size for a safety. He lacks the cover skills though to man-cover in the pros. Questions about his ability to man the deep-half. Will miss tackles going for the big hit. Could be a best fit at LB. An in-the box safety and special teams fit. Like Edwards will compete to make the team.
The Vikings draft after Greenway, and Griffin was centered on taking guys with potential. The Ryan Cook pick seems to have occured due to the Vikings issues with getting overwhelemed at the POA by large DT's in 2005, remember the Tampa game. They took the raw arm of Tarvaris Jackson then a couple of big school plays. Then took the boom or bust Edwards, then a player that projects to the special teams like Greg Blue.
I will due to a full-breakdown Tuesday of the draft tuesday. But the Vikings grade seems to be a C- .

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Tarvaris Jackson

I thought Jackson would be a 4th round pick. Yet the Vikings traded both 3rds to get him at the end of the 2nd. Jackson I saw as more of a second day prospect, due to his need of a couple years of development to compete for an NFL starting QB job.

Jackson does have possibly the best arm of any QB in the draft, and he can move pretty well in the pocket. He has decent accuracy. He threw 29 TD's and 5 Int's this last year. Good build, and has become a hard worker that wants to improve.

His weaknesses include foot work, field vision, and reading Defenses although Ron Jaworski pointed out he was impressed by his abilty in this area at the D 2 Level. Needs to throw more consistently.

Jackson could become a quality NFL QB with good coaching, but is probably 2 years away.

Round 2 Picks

Cedric Griffin- A solid pick. A physical press player who can play the run. He's not real good in man off-coverage which is fine, because the Cover 2 doesn't play a lot of man-off coverage. Best when keep plays in front of him, and not required to turn on the deep-ball. Plays the run well which is required. A nice fit in the cover 2. Doens't have the cover skills of Richard Marshall of Fresno State who they passed on, but could be a better fit for what they want to do. Similar to Bears Pro-Bowl CB
Ryan Cook-is a major, major reach. A Micheal-Bouireau type reach. A 5th-6th round pick taken in the 2nd round. In Cook's defense he is a player that works hard and enjoys playing the game. But is a couple years away from a substantial contribution. Which is unacceptable with players like :Demetrius Williams, Maurice Stovall, Greg Jennings, Max-Jean Gilles, Charles Spencer, Abudl Hodge, Ko Simpson are on the board. Will need a lot of coaching to contribute iin the areas of techinque, and awareness. Needs better body control and foot work. This completes a trade which is esentially Daunte Culpepper for a late round pick. This further enhances the F from the Culppper trade.

Brad Childress

Says Chad Greenway is the ideal fit for WLB. Greenway is a good fit for the cover 2, with his athelticism. He ran 4.55 and 4.56 at his pro day. He compares according to Childress to Duane Bickett the former Colts LB.

Chad Greenway-Number 17 pick

This wasn't too suprising. They needed a LB way more than a DB. I talked about Greenway here http://mnvikingsfootball.blogspot.com/2006/04/sims-vs-greenway.html. Greenway being the best coverage LB in the draft, helps fill a huge need for the Vikings. He projects as a starter next year. Greenway has very fluid hips for a LB, and very good coverage skills. Peter King of CNNSI has spoken to a few scouts who like Greenway better than the Packers AJ Hawk, due to the consistency of his tackling skills. Nolan Naworcki says he could be an all-pro with good coaching. Greenway will need to improve his weight-room strength.
Analysis: Looking at who was on the board, and thier need for LB's who can cover. Greenway was a solid pick. They could have gotten creative and gone with Antonio Cromartie DB-Flordia State, or Deangelo Williams-RB Memphis. But this was a need pick with a solid value. Greenway will be a solid pro.

12:35 PM thoughts

Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Naworcki is 9 for 9 so far. This is incredible. He had this at 5:00 PM yesterday.
His next several picks
Leinart, Cutler, Wimbeley, Ngata, Bunkley, Lawson, Cromaertie, Greenway.

Friday, April 28, 2006

Late Breaking Shocker !!!!!

The Texans have decided to take Mario Williams at number 1 as they signed him to a contract Friday Night. This was reported by Nolan Naworcki of Pro Football Weekly earlier, I thought he was blowing smoke, but he is right. This should only effect picks 1 and 2, with NO taking Reggie Bush at 2.

Vikings Day One Preview

I have talked in depth about 17.

My thoughts on 48 and 51. I see the BPA considered I think linebacker could be an area of target for the Vikings if either MLB-Abudl Hodge of Iowa, or Dqwell Jackson of Maryland slip the Vikings might pounce, if they don't go LB in round 1 a rangy wlb like Thomas Howard of UTEP, Roger McIntosh of Miami, FL or Jon Alston of Stanford might be considered.

If one of the top CB's slips like Jonathan Joseph of South Carolina though unlikely Ashton Youboty of Ohio State, Richard Marshall of Fresno State, or Kelly Jennings of Miami'FL, I could see the Vikings poucing. They might also like David Pittman of NW State-LA, Cedric Griffin of Texas, Daniel Manning of Abline Christian.

A QB is possible, I actually think Kellen Clemens will be off the board perhaps at 35 to the New York Jets. But Charlie Whitehurst of Clemson might be a possible pick.

Maybe Oregon WR Demetrius Williams or Western Michigan WR Greg Jennings will be considered.

A top notch G might be on the board like Max Jean-Gilles of Georgia, Deuce Lutsui of USC, or Charles Spencer of Pittsburgh.


In round 3 similar needs might be addressed don't rule out though a return specialist like Devin Hester of Miami, FL. Brodie Croyle -Alabama, Omar Jacobs-Bowling Green, and DJ Shockley-Georgia are prospects on which the Vikings might take at the end of round 3. I also wouldn't rule out in round 3 the Vikings considering local prospect from Breck Dominque Byrd-TE-USC. In round 3 the Vikings might also consider-LB-Gerris Wilkinson of Georgia Tech, Freddie Keihao-LB-San Diego State, or Brian Calhoun-RB-Wisconsin.

This should be an in-depth preview. If I get new insights they will be posted before the draft. I might post some before the Vikings pick, and after they pick at 17, 48,51, 83, and 95. I will post reviews along with a Day 1 grade tommorrow night.

Final Mock Draft

Here we go three things 1. Who I think the pick will be. 2. Percent chance if draft unfolds this way 3. Other options they might consider - I will post changes possibly tommorrow morning.

1. Houston-Reggie Bush-RB-USC- 75 Percent- Mario Williams-DE NC State
2. New Orleans- Mario Williams-DE-NC State- 75 Percent- D' Brickshaw Ferguson-T Virgina
3. Tennessee- Matt Leinart-QB-USC- 50.1 percent- Vince Young-QB Texas
4. New York Jets-D'Brickshaw Ferguson-T Virgina- 75 percent- Matt Leinart-QB USC, Jay Cutler-QB Vanderbilt, Vernon Davis-TE Maryland
5. Green Bay- AJ Hawk- LB Ohio State- 55 percent- Vernon Davis, Haloti Ngata-DT Oregon
6. San Fransisco-Vernon Davis-TE Maryland- 90 percent- Micheal Huff-DB Texas
7. Oakland- Vince Young-QB-Texas- 50 percent- Micheal Huff. Jay Cutler
8. Buffalo- Haloti Ngata- 25 percent- Huff, Brodrick Bunkley-DT Flordia State, Winston Justice-T USC.
9. Detroit- Micheal Huff-DB-Texas- 60 percent- Ernie Sims-LB Flordia State, Brodrick Bunkley, 10. Arizona-Ernie Sims-LB Flordia State- 40 Percent- Jay Cutler, Brodrick Bunkley
11. Saint Louis-Antonio Cromartie-DB-Flordia State-40 percent- Jay Cutler, Chad Greenway-LB-Iowa, Tye Hill-CB Clemson
12. Cleveland-Kamerion Wimbeley-LB-Flordia State- 30 percent- Chad Greenway-LB-Iowa, Winston Justice-T-USC, Manny Lawson-DE NC State, Brodrick Bunkley-DT-Flordia State.
13. Balitmore- Brodrick Bunkley-DT Flordia State- 60 percent- Jason Allen-S-Tennessee, Donte Whitner-S Ohio State, Jonathan Joseph-DB South Carolina, Antonio Cromartie-DB-Flordia State
14. Philadelphia-Winston Justice- T-USC- 50 percent- Bobby Carpenter-LB-Ohio State, Santonio Holmes- WR-Ohio State, Chad Jackson-WR-Flordia, Chad Greenway/
15. Denver-Santonio Homes- WR- Ohio State- 20 percent- Cutler, Jackson, Lawson, Deangelo Williams-RB-Memphis, Laurence Maroney-RB-Minnesota. This pick will depend greatly on the Javon Walker trade.
16. Miami-Manny Lawson-DE/LB-NC State- 20 percent- Jason Allen, Chad Jackson, Jimmy Williams-DB-Virgina Tech, Donte Whitner, Chad Greenway.
17. Minnesota- Jay Cutler-QB-Vanderbilt- 80 percent- Chad Greenway.
18. Dallas-Bobby Carpenter-LB Ohio State-30 percent- Whitner, Jackson, Allen.
19. San Diego- Chad Jackson-WR-Flordia- 25 percent- Allen, Hill, Marcus Mcneil- T Auburn, Jimmy Williams, Jonathan Joseph, Donte Whitner.
20. Kansas City-Tamba Hali-DE-Penn State- 35 percent- Jimmy Williams, Tye Hill, Ashton Youboty-DB-Ohio State.
21. New England-Chad Greenway-LB-Iowa- 35 percent- Deangelo Williams-RB-Memphis, any of the DB's (Whitner, Allen, Hill, Williams, Joseph, Richard-Marshall-DB Fresno State, Youboty).
22. San Fransisco- Deangelo Williams-RB-Memphis- 30 percent- One of the DB's maybe Jonathan Joseph.
23. Tampa Bay- Eric Winston-T Miami- 20 percent- Mcneill, Nick Mangold-C-Ohio State, DB collection.
24. Cincinnati- Donte Whitner-S Ohio State- 20 percent- One of the DB's, Mangold,Mercedes Lewis-TE-UCLA
25. NY Giants- Jimmy Williams-DB-Virgina Tech- 20 percent- One of the CB'S, Sincorie Moss-WR-Miami.
26. Chicago- Mercedes Lewis-TE-UCLA- 20 percent- Jason Allen, Leonard Pope-TE-Georgia, Demeco Ryans-LB-Alabama, one of the DB's.
27. Carolina- Lendale White-RB-USC- 20 percent- Jason Allen, Pope, DB, Ryans, Thomas Howard-LB-UTEP, Laurence Maroney-RB-Minnesota
28. Jacksonville- Davin Joseph-G Oklahoma- 20 percent- Maroney, DB, Leonard Pope, Roger McIntosh, Abudl Hodge-LB-Iowa, Dqwell Jackson-LB Maryland, Ryans.
29. New York Jets- Nick Mangold- C-Ohio State- 20 percent- Kellen Clemens -QB Oregon, Maroney, Joseph Addai-RB-LSU, BPA.
30. Indy-Laurence Maroney-RB-Minnesota- 35 percent- Joseph Addai-RB-LSU, DB, LB
31. Seattle-Jason Allen-S-Tennessee- 20 percent- DB.
32. Pittsburgh- Maurice Stovall-WR-Notre Dame- 20 percent- Moss, Daniel Bullocks-S-Nebraska, Hodge, Jackson, Ryans, BPA.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Thursday Draft Thoughts

* One name to watch for the Vikings Saturday at 17 is DB Jimmy Williams out of Virgina Tech. Two of the NFL writers I respect most of all in Dr. Z-Paul Zimmerman of CNNSI and Dan Pompei of the Sporting News have it in their Mock Drafts. I consider DR.Z's to be the most authoriative mock in my book. Both cite a relationship between Jimmy Williams and Mike Tomlin the Vikings D-Coordinator, I don't see where the relationship would lie naturally since Tomlin was coaching DB's with the Bucs. So this might be a legit tidbit.

*It wouldn't shock me to see the Vikings pass on both Ernie Sims and Chad Greenway. Sims because of his concussion history and off-the field history with misdemeanor charges for Domestic Battery and resting arrest in 2005. Even though Sims is a terrific fit for the Vikings scheme and would improve the Vikings the most next year of the names being seriously considered. The Vikings might pass on Greenway due to lack of speed, and some thoughts thinking his insticts aren't great. Greenway might be a better fit at SLB in the Cover 2, a position the Vikings acquired Ben Leber already to play. I like the idea of trying Greenway in the middle. He could be real effective if he gets stronger in the upper body.

*Don Banks who in the past has shown the most connection to the Vikings Brass has them taking Tye Hill possibly. Hill had a nice senior season. One scouting report called him a Poor Man's Antoine Winfield. Good in coverage and capable tackler. But if the Vikings were to go corner I would take freakish Antonio Cromatarie, who would give them someone the size to match up with big receivers as opposed to the 5-9 Hill.

*I don't think Jay Cutler slides to 17 someone pulls the trigger whether it is Arizona, Saint Louis, Denver or a trade up by Dal, KC, OR NYJ. Teams seem too intigued by his arm for a big slide.

Tommorrow: Final Mock Draft

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Tuesday Draft Thoughts

Players rising up the boards:

Bobby Carpenter-LB Ohio State-Could be considered as high as number 18 to Dallas.

Greg Jennings-WR-Western Michigan- Has moved from a late day one selection to possible high second round selection due to his productivity and speed displayed.

Kellen Clemens-QB-Oregon has moved from a late day 2 pick to a possible 2nd round pick.

Chris Chester- C-G Oklahoma- This very athletic guard has shot up the board to the point he could be considered early in the 2nd. His talent is overcoming his rawness.

Manny Lawson- DE NC State- Could go as high as number 12. A workout freak, who did have 10 sacks last season. But a lot of teams are very intrested in him between 12-22.




Players slipping:
Jonathan Joseph-DB South Carolina- This talented corner is slipping from consideration as high as number 19 to the end of round 1 due to maturity concerns.

Jimmy Williams-DB Virgina Tech- Normally tall corners with his movement skills don't slip, but Williams Bi-Polar disorder combined with his sketchy play will see him slip out of the top 15.

Claude Wroten- DT-LSU- Wroten could be a first round talent that could slide to the 4th round, due to his drug conviction, and his lack of maturity displayed in addressing it.

Jason Allen-DB-Tennessee- Some teams think he has a degentrative hip. This is going to cause a slide on draft day.

Marcus Mcneil- T Auburn-Questions about someone's back and his knee generally don't bode well.

When the Vikings pick at 17 the following are players I am confident will not be there

100 Percent-Bush, Williams, Hawk, Young, Leinart, Huff, Ferguson, V.Davis, Ngata

90 Percent-Bunkley, Justice.

National sources seem to be getting more confident that Jay Cutler might be slipping all the way the Vikings at 17. They seem to think that Detroit and Arizona are leaning and passing on him, and this could lead to a fall to the Vikings at 17.

Monday, April 24, 2006

Monday Thoughts and Viking Needs

*The picks that confuse me the most high in the first round- Oakland at 7, Buffalo at 8, and Saint Louis at 11.

*Peter King of CNNSi reports it is a 55 percent chance the Texans take Reggie Bush over Mario Williams because of the contract. I just don't see it, you don't turn off your fan-base passing on such a potentially electifying player.

What are the greatest needs for the Vikings heading into the draft.

1. QB-Brad Johnson does not at this stage in his career have the arm to be a high quality starting NFL qb. Johnson's performances were overrated last year, due to a high number of turnovers, and a collection of bad teams being played. Johnson will probably be adequate this year. But whether it is Jay Cutler, Matt Schaub, or a development prospect someone is needed for the future.

2. LB- Middle Linebacker is the greatest need as the Vikings have no one who has proven capable of playing the position in the NFL. There is no one that really fits here high in the draft, though Chad Greenway might be a possibility. They could also use a WLB who could really run this is where Dontarrious Thomas might seem to fit. But Ernie Sims would be nice in this spot, or a Jon Alston of Stanford. The Vikings need mulitiple linebackers in the draft.

3. CB- No proven nickle-back. Ronyell Whitaker and Devonte Edwards would probably be more trusted as dime backs. People question Dunstin Fox's hips to play the CB position. So a CB isn't out of the question in Day 1.

4. WR- The loss of Nate Burelson means the Vikings could find another WR to develop as Marcus Robinson seems to be coming to the end of the line with the Vikings, and Travis Taylor is a free agent after this season. They also lack a proven number 1 WR.

5. RB- They still lack the proven number one back. One player I am intrested in here and that is Deangelo Williams of Memphis.

Others- TE-If they could find someone explosive to stretch the middle of the field like Mercedes Lewis in Round 2. They could also consider a RG though I think they're fine unless someone slips to them like Davin Joseph in Round 2.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Here is what I am hearing on Picks 1-17 /Mock 18-32

1. Hou- Reggie Bush seems to be a done deal
2. NO- Teams are actually split as to whether Mario Williams or Reggie Bush is the best player on the board. New Orleans had trouble creating pressure last year, and Williams seems to good to pass-up.
3.Ten- Leaning strongly towards taking Vince Young-Who GM Floyd Reese prefers. Matt Leinart seems to be slipping due to a less than stellar work-out which showed off a subpar arm.
4. NYJ-Reportedly really like Jay Cutler, and might consider Vernon Davis. But it looks like D'Brickshaw Ferguson will be the pick.
5. GB- Would like Mario Williams, but will probably take AJ Hawk. Might not rule out Vince Young if he slides.
6. SF- Probably Vernon Davis if everything here goes according to form.
7. Oak- This is where things get intresting- Do they go QB even though they have Andrew Walter in the fold. They might actually go D with Micheal Huff. Wouldn't rule out Brodrick Bunkley who had an amazing 25 tfl's last year. I think they might actually take the strong-arm Jay Cutler over Vince Young.
8. Buf- Myriad of options-Winston Justice, Brodrick Bunkley, Haloti Ngata. I would be tempted to say Bunkley.
9. Det- In all likelihood a Defensive Pick from among this Group: Bunkley, Huff, Ernie Sims.
10. Ariz- Winston Justice could very easily be the pick here. Denny Green could go QB with Leinart or Cutler. A defensive standout like Ernie Sims to pair with Karlos Dansby would also be a possibility. No DB that seems to make sense here.
11. Stl-This pick gets intresting they could go anywhere on D: Bunkley, Sims, Chad Greenway, no DB seems to be a realistic option here. Don't rule out a QB though in this situation.
12. Clev- I am thinking D-Would like either of the DT's (Ngata or Bunkley) but could go for an 4-3 edge rusher like Manny Lawson or Kamerion Wimbley.
13. Bal-Would like a safety but this might be too high to consider a Donte Whitner or Jason Allen. Winston Justice would be a consideration or one of the DT's. If don't see them taking a QB due to having Kyle Boller, and probably bringing in Steve Mcnair to compete.
14. Phil-Not liking what they are seeing with Justice, Bunkley, and Ngata off the board. I think they might jump on a WR like Chad Jackson. Sims or Greenway will be possibilities.
15. Den-Looking for a playmaker here at RB or WR. I think Deangelo Williams would run for 1500 yards for the Broncos in 2006. They could also take either Santonio Holmes or Chad Jackson.
16. Mia- Could go anywhere could take a DB they like from this group (Richard Marshall-Fresno State, Donte Whitner-Ohio State, Jason Allen-Tennessee, Kelly Jennings-Miami'FL, Jimmy Williams-VA.Tech, Antonio Cromartie-Flordia State, Tye Hill-Clemson, Jonathan Joseph-South Carolina, or Ashton Youboty Ohio State) They could take a Pass-Rusher like Manny Lawson or Kamerion Wimbeley, A LB, or a WR.
17. MN-PFW wrote yesterday the Vikings are enamored with Jay Cutler and plotting a way to get him. I think Matt Leinart could slip though probably not this far, but maybe far enough for the Vikings to orchestrate a reasonable trade. Otherwise look LB like I broke down yesterday, or one of the group of 9 DB's. I'm not going to spend the time doing that comparsion in-depth but I like Cromartie's potential best of all.
Since I have never mocked 18-32 here goes.

18. Dal- Manny Lawson-DE NC State
19. SD-Jonathan Joseph-DB South Carolina
20. KC- Antonio Cromartie-DB Flordia State
21. NE- Deangelo Williams-RB Memphis
22. SF- Bobby Carpenter-LB Ohio State
23. TB-Eric Winston-T Miami'FL
24. Cin-Jason Allen-DB/S Tennessee
25. NYG-Demeco Ryans-LB Alabama
26. Chi-Tye Hill-DB Clemson
27. Car-Mercedes Lewis-WR-UCLA
28. Jac-Mathias Kiwanka-DE-Boston College
29. NYJ-Nick Mangold-C Ohio State
30. IND- Laurence Maroney-RB-Minnesota
31. Sea- Richard Marshall-DB-Fresno State
32. Pit-Lendale White-RB-USC-

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Sims vs Greenway

From the creator of last year's- Johnson vs Merriman- Which I picked Merriman 1-0
And Williams vs Edwards- I picked Edwards 2-0
And this years Cutler vs Young vs Leinart- Of which I picked Young

So teams that might consider one of these two backers before the Vikings pick at 17.

Sims-Det, Ariz, Stl, Bal, Phil, Mia
Greenway-Stl, Clev, Bal, Phil, Mia

Chad Greenway

Why to take him: Very productive college player. Good size with good insticts. Considered the best LB in coverage, something the Vikings were terrible in last year. Shows some pass-rushing ability, looked very atheltic in combine drills. Ran well at Pro-Day. Could develop in a MLB solution for the Vikings. Well-prepared player, who takes the game seriously. Projects to be a team leader.

Why not to take him: Could get stronger, and ran a near 4.8 at the combine which saw his stock slip. Has trouble getting off blockers.


Ernie Sims

Why to take him: Very fast and Physical. Great motor. Has good insticts with sideline to sideline range. Better at getting off blocks than Chad Greenway.

Why not to take him: Lack of size, and durablity concerns because of his physical play. Can play out of control. Arrested in 2005 for Domestic Battery.

Verdict: This is a tough call. Sims is a more natural WLB which is a big hole for the Vikings. But Greenway is superior in coverage which is huge hole for the Vikings. If Greenway bulks up he could maybe project to the middle, which would make him the pick. I think only one will be on the board for the Vikings. I like Sims speed with physical ability quite a bit. I like Greenway's work ethic. I had Sims higher last week, so I better stick with him. But this is a very tough call.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Vikings Mock Day 2

4. I considered a lot of options-Dominque Byrd-TE-USC, Leon Williams-LB-Miami'Fl, Tim Dobbins-LB-Iowa State, Jerome Harrison-RB-Washingston State, and Maurice Drew-RB-USC. But figuring that Daniel Manning might project best to Free Safety. I decided to look at CB where I see Demario Minter and Tim Jennings both of Georgia. Demario Minter seems to be a more natural fit for the Cover 2 with his tackling skills, and ablity to play physical. His advantage in height-5-11 to 5-7 makes him the pick.
5. Quadtrine Hill-FB-Miami'FL- Tony Richardson is 34. Here is a similar player. Who has great hands and the strength to develop into a lead blocker. Though he'll need to improve in this area.
6. Brandon Johnson-LB-Louisville- Has the type of size and speed, you take a chance on here. 6'4 230 with 4.5 speed. Has good cover skills and will contribute on special teams. Needs to work hard to bulk up and increase discipline.

Monday, April 17, 2006

Viking First-Day Mock

If I were the Vikings and picking during the first day using the mock athttp://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockdraft.html. I would use Mel Kiper Jr's but since that an Insider mock. I'll use this.

1. I would take Deangelo Williams due to his tremendous natural running skills. The Vikings would take Ernie Sims-LB out of Flordia State. One intresting note about Sims is that some scouts think he hits people, so hard he'll have concussion problems throughout his career. I would also consider Antonio Cromtarie-DB Flordia State. I know a lot of other mocks have them taking Chad Greenway of Iowa. I want to study Greenway a bit more to see how he projects to the middle. He could because of his insticts, and intelligence. Greenway also has the type of size you look for the middle. But he is the best LB in the draft in pass coverage.
Pick: Ernie Sims
2. They have Max-Jean Gilles of Georgia.I'm not totally sold on this pick due to his lack of consistency. Also the fact that the Vikings look for guys who can block in space. I think Anthony Herrea is actually fine for RG. The player I really like here is Jon Alston LB Stanford. Alston played out of position at SLB. But runs like a safety, and hits like a truck. He projects as a physical David Thornton at the next level. How about Daniel Manning CB-S of Abliene Christian for the Vikings. Manning who next year would be able to help with Punt-Returns is a corner with great natural ability. He combines Speed, Cover Skills, and Insticts. He has some issues with techinque that can be corrected. But he could be a nice pick at 48.
2. How about Charles Spencer-G Pittsburgh. Spencer is a big man at 325 but moves extremely well. Spencer is quite strong and powerful. The Vikings can allow him year or so to develop. Spencer is considered a hard-worker. So this is why I might like him over Max Jean-Gilles . I might also consider Kellen Clemens -QB Oregon at this point. Clemens is considered a coach on the field, and a true leader. He has good short accuracy and moves well. Brodie Croyle would also be a possibility but injuries have teams skeptical.
3. DJ Shockley-QB Georgia. Shockley, who the Falcons are reportedly quite intrested in if they trade Matt Schaub, is a terrific athlete with a quick release. Shockley has a live arm and a good learner. Shockley's weaknesses can be corrected by coaching. I like this pick.
3. They have them taking Greg Jennings-WR-Western Michigan who I don't mind. He reminds somewhat of Nate Burleson. Jennings is a great-route runner with good hands, toughness, and quickness. A bit smaller than Burleson but the closest player to him in the draft. But if the Vikings want to make a bold pick, which you know I like. Maybe they will think about Brandon Marshall of Central Flordia-Who at 6'4 1/2 with Long Arms, and a big frame will remind people of TO. He knows how to use his body to catch balls, plays faster than he is timed. Marshall might slip though like TO because of his volitale personality, and lack of speed. But he might make an intriguing fit in the West Coast Offense.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Intresting Other Fact

Scouts Inc. heading into the 2005 season gave Mike Mcmahon and Matt Schaub the same grade of 65. Do Schaub's two games against bad D's at home elevate him to a first round pick?

Jay Cutler

Want to know something intresting about Vandy QB Jay Cutler-Here is a list of the teams he has beaten since he has been in College

2002- Furman, UCONN-Lost by less than a touchdown to Ole Miss and Flordia
2003- Tenn-Chattangoga, Kentucky- Lost than less by a touchdown to Ole Miss and Georgia Tech
2004-Mississippi State, Eastern Kentucky-Lost by less than a touchdown to Navy and Tennessee
2005-Wake Forest, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Richmond, a under .500 Tennessee. Cutler lost his second career game to Middle Tennessee State in 2005. Lost to Flordia in overtime.
Does this mean Jay Cutler will be a terrible Pro QB? By no means. Since he wasn't surronded by much. It does make me wonder how much he elevated the play of those around him. For no successful starting QB in the NFL had such a background of losing in college. There were QB's who didn't face top-notch competion but were yet successful against that competion. Cutler did take a pounding and keep going. He did have some good games. But these are intresting things to consider.

Friday, April 14, 2006

Viking Q and A

Q: Matt Schaub what do you see his value to the Vikings. Is he worth a number 1.

A: It's possible if Ernie Sims is of the board, and they don't like Chad Greenway. Since the best options avalible at 17 would be a nickle corner. So to look at a possible long-term starting QB like Schaub wouldn't be a bad option. Schaub does move well with good size and the type of touch to run the West Coast Offense. The problem with Schaub is that he has had really only one good career start vs New England, who had a very banged-up secondary. He has played well in the preseason but so has Shaun Hill. I think Schaub is worth a 2 and a 3. As I would rather have him long term than any QB option rather than the big three.
Q: Who do you like among the big three QB's?
Well I have gotten into arguments with Erik over this. I really like Vince Young. He's improved a lot as a passer. He is a big time threat to run. Which can open up the offense much like Micheal Vick does for the Falcons. But Young has more ability as a passer. He has great size, and tremendous potential. Young also has a very quick release. He has shown very good leadership skills although so have Cutler and Leinart. People complain about his wonderlic score but it is in the same range as Dan Marino and Donovan Mcnabb. Young is probably like Daunte Culpepper in that he will need coaching help to break down Defenses. I look at Young as being Daunte Culpepper with a quicker release, and better running skills.
Matt Leinart who Erik likes should be a decent NFL QB. Leinart was surronded by incredible offensive talent. Leinart doesn't seem to have the arm or the foot work of an elite NFL QB though. He's smart with good pocket presence though. I don't see him being as good as Carson Palmer for the lack of a huge arm without great footwork. I see Leinart in the mold of a Trent Green or Matt Hasselbeck.
Jay Cutler is someone who people are mixed about. He clearly was surronded by the least amount of talent of the big three. Cutler has the best arm in the bunch, with shaky accuracy. With a lot of smarts having played at Vandy. He has good foot work. His mechanics aren't the best, which leads to some concern. Although they could probably be fixed. Not the quickest release and will throw off his back foot. This could lead to high pick totals. I see Cutler as a Kerry Collins and Jake Plummer mix in the pros.
Q: What would you give in terms of picks for each of the three.
A: Young-First three picks.
Leinart-1 ,2, 3.
Cutler-1 and 3
Q: If they take a nickle corner who do you like.
A: If they do go DB I like Antonio Cromtarie who has good ball skills, and is a fluid mover at 6-2 with sub 4.4 speed. A guy like Cromtarie with a 43 inch verticle. Could match up with big receivers as well as anyone. Cromtarie even though he is coming off a Knee Injury has superstar potential.
How would you do the Vikings Draft Board 1-17-This is not how they will go, but more my own rankings.
1. Vince Young-QB-Texas
2. Reggie Bush-RB-USC
3. Vernon Davis-TE-Maryland
4. Deangelo Williams-RB-Memphis
5. AJ Hawk-LB Ohio State
6. Mario Williams-DE NC State
7. Antonio Cromtarie-DB-Flordia State
8. Matt Leinart-QB-USC
9. Ernie Sims-LB-Flordia State
10. D'Brickshaw Fergurson-T-Virgina
11. Jay Cutler-QB-Vanderbilt
12. Chad Greenway-LB-Iowa
13. Tye Hill-CB-Clemson
14. Micheal Huff-CB/S-Texas
15. Chad Jackson-WR-Flordia
16. D'Qwell Jackson-LB-Maryland
17. Laurence Maroney-RB-Minnesota
Q: What do you make of the rumor that the Vikings might have intrest in LB Donnie Edwards of SD?
Edwards has been a Pro Bowl caliber LB, the last couple of years. He is getting up in age having just turned 33 in April. He is very good in coverage. He lacks big time strength versus the run. Probably couldn't be counted on for more than a year or two. But the Chargers are looking for maybe a 3rd. Edwards might provide nice leadership next year for the LB core.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Mock Draft 2

Since Burleson is gone. I wouldn't mind seeing the Vikings drafting a WR in the first four rounds, that can be quick off the line of scrimmage. I like Demetrius Williams of Oregon to consider in Round 2. Since Travis Taylor and Marcus Robinson lack this trait which is needed for the Offense the Vikings want to run. But now the starting WR's should be set at Troy Williamson and Koren Robinson.
Here's the mock
1. Hou-Reggie Bush-RB-USC
2. NO-Mario Williams-DE-NC StateThis is what I keep hearing they have greater need at LT so D,Brickshaw Ferguson would make sense but true defensive difference makers rarely come around.
3. Ten-Matt Leinart-QB-USC
4. NYJ- D, Brickshaw Fergurson-T-Virgina
5. GB-AJ Hawk-LB Ohio State
6. SF-Vernon Davis-TE-Maryland- This guy is a freak running a sub 4.4 40 at over 250 pounds.
7. OAK-Vince Young-QB-Texas
8. Buf-Haloti Ngata- DT-Oregon could go Brodrick Buckley but he would be kind of similar to the undersized Larry Triplett.
9. Det-Micheal Huff-S-CB-Texas-
10. Ariz-Winston Justice-T-USC- A potential big-time O-Tackle, they could move Oliver Ross to G, and Leonard Davis to RT. Denny Green wouldn't be scared off by his character, and he wants to win now so that's why I don't see him drafting a QB.
11. STL- People say secondary how about Ashton Youboty of Ohio State
12. Clev-There isn't a 3-4 NT really here to pick or a true outside rusher. I would be intrigued by Manny Lawson of NC State. I might look for a trade perhaps to the Vikings to take Jay Cutler who could go anywhere between 3-17. Kamerion Wimbeley of Flordia State, I'll put down.
13. Bal-Brodrick Bunkley-DT-Flordia State
14. Phil-Ernie Sims-LB Flordia State-they could go Chad Jackson or Lendale White here I just don't see it.
15. Den-There were some rumblings they liked Jay Cutler. But I'll go swerve and have them take Laurence Maroney-The best fit for their running game.
16. Mia-Jimmy Williams-DB Va.Tech versatility makes him the pick.
17. Mn-Jay Cutler-QB-Vanderbilt-I could see this scenario unfolding. If Neither Cutler nor Sims is here I look for the Vikings to try hard to trade, or they could consider a CB to play the nickel, or possibly a RB-Deangelo Williams or a WR. It would be hard to figure what they would do with neither Cutler or Sims on the board.