Fixing the Minnesota Vikings

Vikings vs Bears pick

2006-09-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

* The key for the Vikings is going to be the line of scrimmage. If they are manhandled by the Bears D-Line like the Panthers D-Line they lose. They probably don't score double digits even. If the Tackles step up their game, the Vikings might have a chance.

*Can the Vikings bring consistent pressure. This is the first-time I have probably said this in 10 years, but the Bears have some weapons to worry about. With the emergence of Bernard Berrian, this is a team that can put points up. If the Vikings without their best edge-rusher can't bring consistent heat, it could be a long day.

This is the game- I don't really like the Vikings chances. I think the Bears have a better looking offense, this is not a misprint. I worry about the Vikings pass-rush. The Bears are the best team in the NFC in my opinion, and we see why today.

Bears 17 Vikings 10

Vikings vs Panthers Review

2006-09-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Good:

-The Vikings Defense- who was just huge in the second half. If not for penalties in the first half they would have held Carolina without a touchdown. Carolina although lack firepower, needed to be shut down and they were. The Vikings also forced a big turnover in overtime, I count it as a turnover despite the technacality of the tuck rule. Napoleon Harris was the star of the Vikings effort including an incredible rush and sack at the 1 in the Third Quarter to keep the Vikings in the game.

-The Fake Field Goal- The Vikings just weren't going to score vs the Carolina D, the way things were going. This was a brillant, logical call executed to perfection. They used Carolina's aggresive kick coverage to their demise.

-Chester Taylor- He seems to constanly make the first guy miss. He also runs hard with good vision, once the O-Line gets in more synche I could see a 150 yard game in his future.

The Bad

-The return to the 50 by Deangelo Williams once the game was tied, the kick coverage there was almost a total buzz-kill. The Vikings have had mulitple breakdowns defending the return so far, which can not keep up.

The Ugly-

*The Vikings O-Line- They got mauled all day, granted vs a terrific Defensive front. But the investment they made deserves better returns. Bryant McKinnie and Marcus Johnson really need to step it up.

*Chris Gamble- What I just saw was quite possibly the most insanely idiotic play in the history of the NFL. If Gamble runs out of bounds at the 42, the Panthers go three and out,Then Jason Baker gets off a good punt, wish the Vikings luck driving the length of the field vs that D.

Ahead-

I view the Vikings as underdogs vs the Bears. But if the Line can pressure Rex Grossman, and the O-Line plays much better than this week. We could be looking at 3-0, and a really excited Vikings fan base.

Vikings vs Panthers Preview

2006-09-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of blogging this week.

I actually like the Vikings to knock off the Carolina Panthers at Metrodome and improve t0 2-0. This is partly due to Carolina's injuries (I.E. Steve Smith who with two bad hamstrings will not be the same player we saw in October of last year, if he even plays.). I see questions with Carolina's injuries at MLB-Dan Morgan, and LT-Travelle Wharton.

I see the Vikings receiving a big lift from a raucous home crowd on the Defensive side of the ball. I think we will see sacks by Erasmus James and Kevin Williams. Though I think we might see Kenechi Udeze struggle vs Carolina stud RT Jordan Gross. This pressure will end drives, and I think Jake Delhomme can be forced into turnovers. Carolina at the same time is going to have a hard-time establishing a running game against the Vikings big tackles.

The Vikings on Offense will be steady if unspectular. You will see a lot of Chester Taylor running left side, and Brad Johnson doing some play action. A match-up of concern is Julius Peppers vs Marcus Johnson. Although Johnson might actually hold-up better vs Peppers than some think due to his excellent athlecticism for a right tackle.

My thoughts are the home-crowd and steadier QB lead the Vikings to win a defensive struggle by a 13-10 score.

2006 NFL picks and Vikings pick

2006-09-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ok it's a bit late but here goes.

-I agree with a lot of the national experts who expect a slow start 1-3 for the Vikings in the first four games. Then a rebound to end about 8-8 on the season. I expect we will see a lot of close loses, but not a lot of blow-out wins. This will disappoint the Vikings faithful. But the Vikings have a lot that needs to gell New Coaches, new schemes, and new players this season. My concern is that they have brought in so many veterans I wonder if the Vikings might have gotten into a endless circle where as young players include veterans decline and the team stays mirrored in medicority. I see the Bears as the class of the division and a 12 win team. In fact before the season I liked a Bears vs Patriots Super Bowl. This one though would have the Patriots winning. Though the New England part of that scenario doesn't look good after yesterday.

My AFC division picks are : NE, Cin, Indy, Den

Wild-Cards: Pit, SD

My NFC division picks are: Chi, Dal, Sea, Car

Wild-Cards: Was, Phil

NFC MVP: Brian Urlacher- Chicago Bears

AFC MVP: Tom Brady-New England

NFC ROY- Reggie Bush-NO

AFC ROY- Laurence Maroney-NE

Vikings vs Redskins preview

2006-09-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here are my thoughts on tonight's game.

Unlike the 2005 Opener only good can come of it. Since I expect The Vikings to loss.

I just don't see thier D being good enough to hold the Redskins in check. The reason being while I think we will see an improved Vikings pass-rush. It is still a pass-rush that was inconsistent last year especially vs good teams on the road. I haven't seen enough this pre-season to convince me that Kevin Williams is back in rare-form. The ends are still unproven though I have really liked what I have seen there. But they will be staring at Jon Jansen and Chris Sameuls the entire game. The LB core is average at best in coverage. The CB's last year were quite disappointing, and Dwight Smith isn't great in pass-coverage. While I like the Vikings vs the Redskins rushing offense. I think the Redskins spread the field with three wide-receivers and Chris Cooley enough to damage the Vikings D to the tune of about 20 points.

The Vikings Offense will try to establish the running game and try. Especially the interior running game between Matt Birk and Steve Hutchinson. The Redskins will expect this though and play a lot of 8 in the box. If the Vikings O-line finally begins to gell we might see something tonight, but I am not counting on it. Patrick Reusse of the Star Tribune sees a Vikings win due to the exploitation of Kenny Wright. Although Wright isn't as bad as he was with the Vikings. The Redskins can mask bad corners i.e. Walt Harris with their pressure schemes designed to bring pressure from all angles, this asks the questions can Brad Johnson exploit match-ups in the passing game. Tonight is going to be a night people are disappointed by the Vikings offense to the tune of about 13 points.

I like Scouts.INC prediction of 20-13 Redskins

Pre-Season Review

2006-09-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

The Good:

The Defensive Line- Very solid performances throughout the pre-season. They were even getting pressure in thier one bad Defensive series vs the Steelers. Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James look on the verge of breakthroughs, and if Kevin Williams can return to form. The Defensive Line can be good enough to keep the Vikings in games.

Brad Johnson: I am still not a huge fan due to lack of arm strength and mobility. But he does make good decisions. He could lead a very efficent offense if the Running game can ever develop

Troy Williamson: He looks like he has really improved, I am looking forward to seeing how much he has improved during the regular season.

The Bad:

The Offensive Line- When you have Matt Birk return and sign Steve Hutchinson, you would expect to maybe see a better running game. But Artis Hicks also seems to be having trouble adjusting to the right side, and the Vikings running game has struggled. People are naive if they think it is Chester Taylor's fault. Shaun Alexander would have a hard-time running behind blocking I have seen so far. One big problem is that Bryant McKinnie just isn't that good a run-blocker. He is average in this area. So I think dreams of a vaunted Vikings left side are hard to imagine.

The Ugly:

Personnel Moves- Everyone who has ever read this blog knows what a fan I am of CJ Mosley who had three sacks in two starts last year. Mosley moved very well for a man his sized, and would seem with his pass-rushing skills an ideal replacement down the line for Pat Williams. But yet the Vikings traded him to get a back-up QB. While Mosley wasn't going to start, he should have played. But Childress for some unknown reason prefered Ross Kolodzeij an Arizona Cardinal Reject that he knew from the University of Wisconsin. While Kolodzeij was fine he had nowhere near the ability of CJ Mosley. But then they traded Mosley for the bad Brooks Bollinger of the Jets. Bollinger lacks an NFL Arm, and great size. While the Vikings needed to make an improvement of Mike McMahon who is beyond bad and terribly awful. They probably could have found someone as good as Bollinger after cuts happened. But the Vikings apparently didn't want to pay enough money to get AJ Feeley, I am not even making this up.

Then the Vikings decided we need a receiver lets sign "Alligator Arms" or wait I mean Todd Pinkston. He's terrible. He can't get off the line due to lack of strength, and he's afraid to take hits. Only Coach Childress would want him. But he is a good pairing with other Eagles bust WR Billy McMullen. Isn't there somone young like Jason Carter the Vikings could maybe give a chance to instead of these rejects.

If these are the types of moves that Brad Childress keeps making it doesn't matter how good a coach he is because in two years, the Vikings will have five win talent.

That's all for tonight. Look forward to next weekend to my season picks, and Viking vs Redskins preview.

Koren Robinson

2006-08-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Q: Assess the damage of the Koren Robinson situation as it applies to the 2006 Vikings?

A: It will hurt on the field, as Robinson was the most proven skill position player on the roster on a team devoid of skill position talent. Robinson had good size and route running ability. Two things that should come in handy in the West Coast Offense. There are serious questions whether Troy Williamson has the strength to be a Number one receiver in 2006. Although Williamson has had a fine camp. The Vikings will probably really focus on trying to get Jermaine Wiggins the ball now that Koren Robinson won't be with the team. Robinson was the only player with enough ability to maybe develop in 2006 into a player who might require double coverage. Are the Vikings a way worse team because of this loss? No. But this is an important piece that needed to be in place for the Vikings to escape medicority.

One More Thought

2006-08-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

I should give my opinion on the end of the game, With the Vikings trying to score from the 20 yard line for the win instead of kicking for a tie.

I was at the game and I was going to leave at the end of regulation regardless of the outcome.
I think it's a pretty slim chance Ryan Longwell gets injured there which was the defense given on Vikings Fan-Line for that play. But if they are so worried about this why not bring another kicker in for the pre-season just to get some reps or have back-up Punter John Torp do the kickoff. At the same time it really accomplishes nothing to try to see JT O'Sullivan try to sketch out a win besides pride. I guess since I had enough as a fan and was going to leave it would be hypocritcal to not say it was fine. I would have been fine if they kept playing, just to give a few more guys a chance to catch someone's attention. The players out there probably would have still wanted the game to go till a winner was declared.

I should note the Colts went 0-5 last year in the pre-season and tore it up in the regular season, and the Bills teams of the early 90's were terrible pre-season teams yet constantly the class of the AFC.

So my opinion is Neutral

Vikings vs Raiders Post-Game

2006-08-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

I will break this down via category

The Good: The D-Line I really liked what I saw especially from the book-ends of Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze. This might finally be the year the Vikings effort is rewarded with a big-time D-line but there was more. They were the catalysts to no First-Downs coming at the hands of the first-team D. I also saw stuff I liked from back-ups Ross Kolodziej, Ray Edwards and CJ Moseley. This is the unit I am look forward to watching play Saturday Night vs the Steelers.

Greg Blue: The Physical safety finished with a sack and six tackles, and looks to be closing in on a spot on the roster.

Heath Farwell: A big time hit to go with 9 tackles, he is looking like a gamer.

Tavaris Jackson: He could compete to be the Number 2 QB. He showed impressive running ability to go with his live-arm. Jackson led a impressive two-minute drive towards the end of the first-half. I am looking forward to seeing his progress these next few pre-season games.

The Bad:

The Vikings Running game: For a team so committed to the run, the run blocking wasn't there all night long. With the exception of a Tony Richardson TD run. Chester Taylor averaged only 2 yards per carry and he could have averaged less if not for displaying some elusiveness. The Vikings didn't seem to run towards the vaunted left-side too much, although Bryant McKinnie is just an average run-blocker.

J.T O'Sullivan- While showing me more as a scrambler than I thought he would. But O'Sullivan still has trouble making quick decisions from what I could see and has to force throws and you can't do that in the NFL. The end is near.

The Ugly:

Chad Greenway: Made a really nice tackle on the play he got injured on. Greenway was coming along nicely in camp. It's too bad he suffered the injury that he did. EJ Henderson will be the starting WLB for the Minnesota Vikings in 2006.

Mike McMahon: Although he threw a nice deep ball to Marcus Robinson. He looked erractic along with the rest of the offense when he was in the game.

Special Teams: Too major break-downs in the first quarter a kickoff fumble and a blown kick coverage led to 6 Raider Points. That will be the difference between winning and losing games in 2006.

Training Camp 4 -Vikings vs Raiders Preview

2006-08-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

There isn't too much to report new at Vikings training camp.

The player reports have stated has had the been the best player in Training Camp is EJ Henderson. Henderson has lost weight and is moving around a lot better.

Another standout performer has been Kenechi Udeze who is also really moving well as he is now playing at about 270 pounds as opposed to 290. Udeze has been displaying an impressive combo of quickness and power.

Reports have a much improved Ciatrick Fason running for the Vikings last year.

WR Billy McMullen has been showing himself to be a Physical WR with good hands.

Here are my thoughts on Tommorrow's game vs the Raiders

*The second string QB battle I will be watching can the erractic Tavaris Jackson vs the erractic Mike McMahon.

*How cohesive the O-line will play with 3 new starters from a last year, and a part-time starter in Marcus Johnson becoming a full-time starter.

*Troy Williamson, I am planning on wearing my Williamson jersey tommorrow.

*The LB play in the cover 2.

Prediction: The Vikings might not look terribly cohesive due to personnel, coaching and scheme changes in the past 8 months. The Raiders have already played a game so they have that advantage, but they are also working in a new system. When I look at the Vikings though I really like their depth and I think they will try to win one for the home crowd.

Vikings 20 Raiders 17

A final side note I will be standing in ovation when Randy Moss is introduced tommorrow night. He is the most transcendant talent the Vikings have had and will have in my lifetime. He was a dominant game-changing player that was ran out of town, due to the Vikings deciding to go with a non-NFL quality coaching regime. While I never cheer against the Vikings, I wouldn't mind seeing Moss go deep once tommorrow.

Training Camp Notes 3

2006-08-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

* Observers have been impressed by the play so-far of WR's Troy Williamson and Koren Robinson. The Vikings could be solid in this area by the time the season rolls around.

*It's sad to see Tank Williams' season end as early as it did. Tank would have leveled people in a way Vikings fans haven't seen since Joey Browner. But Dwight Smith is a more than capable replacement. Smith who was one of the Saints better defenders last year, although I would have been an average defender on the Saints, is very strong for his size with good ball skills, he does lack some speed, and will take an occasional misstep. But Smith is very familar with the Vikings-Tampa 2, and is an above average NFL starting S.

*The swelling in Kevin Williams' knee is a serious concern for me. As a healthy Williams means the difference between a top 8 and a medicore Defense for the Vikings. It probably means the difference between 10 wins and 8 wins.

*The ESPN INSIDER training camp preview and Gary Horton's report feels quite confident in the Vikings outside LB core in Leber and Greenway. But the defining issue of the Vikings D will be the Middle LB position. Although people in the know are said to be very impressed with D-Coordinator Mike Tomlin.

Training Camp #2

2006-08-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

* Steve Hutchinson has been looking dominant in reports heard throughout camp, especially in 1 on 1 drills.

*Second round pick they acquired for Daunte Culpepper- Ryan Cook looks like a complete bust and a project due to poor footwork.

*Charles Gordon-DB-Rookie FA our of Kansas was really impressing before hurting his knee. Gordon who didn't get drafted because of speed, shows good movement and outstanding ball-skills. He was in the running to make the final 53.

*CJ Mosely -DT- is in danger of not making the team, due to the play of Veteran FA Ross Kolodzedji who has been solid replacing Big Pat. It would seem to me Moseley would be a good player in the Tampa 2 due to his combination of size and quickness.

*J.T. O'Sullivan- is 27 years old and throughly indecisive practicing against scrubs. J'T's NFL Career is winding down in the next month.

*Chris Kluwe is back and healthy, he will be the starting P on Sept.11

*The Viking Coaches really have taken a liking to Chad Greenway, and Napoleon Harris who is running away in the race to be the starting MLB.

*Chester Taylor has been very solid in camp so far. None of the previous concerns about his conditioning have arisen.

*Mewelde Moore's role is looking to be that of a starting Punt-Returner, change of pace back, and third-down specialist.

*Safety Greg Blue has played very fast in camp, which was his concern while also looking like he can be a hitter.

*

Training Camp #1

2006-08-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

I should be posting more reguarly now that the Vikings are in training camp, and my schedule is going to give me more free time.

These are my thoughts on three issues

Number 1- Pat Williams reporting out of shape and put on the PUP to perform list. Yikes, Pat Williams was the Vikings best player in 2005, it wasn't even really close. Why was he so good because of awesome power to go with his girth. A leaner Pat Williams is quite possibly a less effective Pat Williams. To look at how players slide once they get into a new weight range look no further than Chris Hovan who went from an All-Pro player to the inactive list after bulking up to lose his quickness.

But even worse than Pat Williams being out of shape is ridicolous media rumors such as propagated by Charley Walters in today's Pioneer Press saying insiders suggest the Vikings should trade Pat Williams since he isn't a great fit for a Cover 2 to Dallas for DE Greg Ellis. This would be a stupid trade.

1. The Vikings have three young solid DE's they are trying to get more reps. The Vikings would have little need for Greg Ellis. Ellis is a slightly above-average starting end, but one of whom the Vikigns would have little use.

2. While Pat Williams isn't ideal for the scheme you don't trade away players who control blockers and shut down running lanes. Last Year, DR.Z of CNNSI talked about big Pat as being as dominate as any D-Lineman he had ever seen.

So I hope I don't have to hear that rumor again for a while.

Number 2- Tavaris Jackson as backup QB. Well, the Vikings could plan on running the ball alot which they would with Mike McMahon. Well, the Vikings sound quite impressed with Jackson's knowledge of the Offense, conditioning and development to even suggest such a thing. I wouldn't have a lot of confidence in this idea, but neither do I have a lot of confidence in Mike McMahon or Brad Johnson.

Number 3-Napoleon Harris in the Middle. Well of all the LB's on the Vikings roster the only one to ever be effective as a MLB was Harris. Napoleon Harris says that's his best position, and he did have his best year as a MLB in the 4-3 being coached by current Viking LB coach Fred Pagac. Word is EJ Henderson lacks the atheltic ability, and Dontarrrious Thomas the on-field knowledge to be a success at the position. We shall see, I wouldn't mind experimenting with Chad Greenway in the middle.

I'm Back !!!!- Training Camp

2006-07-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Now that I am done with Summer School. I can begin to post thoughts on the 2006 Minnesota Vikings season. In 2004- I said they would win the Super Bowl, and I think they might have still had Randy Moss not gotten injured. In 2005- I said they would be 9-7 and they were 9-7. In 2006- I am leaning towards the Vikings being around 8-8.

Why they might be better
1. Vastly improved Coaching Staff- Anything is better than what they had the last few seasons.
2. Vastly improved O-Line adding Matt Birk and Steve Hutchinson to replace Melvin Fowler and Adam Goldberg is like replacing Saturns with Cadillacs.
3. A healthy Kevin Williams and healthier Fred Smoot. I look for these two to bounce back big time.

My Concerns
1. Offensive Playmakers. I said during the Pre-Season last year that Brad Johnson doesn't have the arm to be a starting NFL QB anymore, and my mind hasn't really changed. He can manage games, and beat weak teams. But the Vikings don't have the Defense to win a lot of real low-scoring games. The Offensive Skill Positions lack a proven Number one running back, or receiving option. They have a lot of second options, that they hope will be fine behind a first-rate O-line.

2. The Schedule- I think the Packers and the Lions will be improved enough to split with the Vikings. The Packers on Health, and the Lions on improved coaching. But Look at these games- At Was, At Sea, At Chi, Car, NE, at Mia. These are real tough games. I don't see the number of gimmes that the Vikings rebounded versus last year.

3. Declined Play of Pat Williams and Darren Sharper- Both these guys had career years last year, due to their respective ages thier ages should drop off.

These are my thoughts for now

New GM Rick Spielman

2006-06-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Q: Your Thoughts?

A: They made the hire since this guy is the Anti Fran Foley. Rumor has it they offered the job to director or College Scouting Scott Studwell and he turned it down to focus on the College Side of the game. Spielman was hired because he was media-friendly unlike Fran Foley. Spielman also is friends with Studwell and Cap Director Rob Brzezeinski so he is confident they can work together. Spielman is also considered a strong people person.

The football side of the equation is the area to explore. Spielman has stated that he was overruled on several occasions of draft picks by Dave Wannestedt when he was in Miami such as taking LB-Eddie Moore- over Anquan Boldin. But looking at the Dolphins drafts under Spielman they were average to below average although who is to say how much say he had on those picks.

The things that do stand out on Spielman relate to Pro Personnel such as trading a 2nd round pick for AJ Feeley, and a 3rd round pick for Lamar Gordon. Other highly shaky moves were giving a contract extension to WR Derrius Thompson, trading up for G Vernon Carey albeit with the Vikings. Trading Pro Bowl DE Adewale Ogunleye for WR Marty Booker and a third round pick then stating Booker was equal to a first, Yikes.

In Spielman's Defense the Late Joel Buschbaum of Pro Football Weekly thought high of his work as a football man granted this was prior to 2002 when he died, and a lot of these moves took place.

Spielman's track record in Miami wasn't the greatest. Granted there might have been other issues involved. He should work out well with the Power Scheme they have although Brad Childress has the final call. The Vikings with how much power they wanted to give weren't to going to get a Scott Pioli so they hired someone they know can be worked with. My basic opinion is that this is a non-move in that it has little impact. Studwell will still run the draft, and Childress will be the trigger man on moves. Spielman will have say on Pro Personnel and let's hope it goes better than in Miami.

Q and A-Two Questions

2006-05-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Only two topics of real intrest. Blogging will be more limited till the season starts.

Q: What do you make of the Vikings stadium situation?

A: It will get taken care of in the next three years. There is no way the state lets the Vikings leave. Thier popularity with TV ratings is off the charts. All legislators in swing districts that allowed it would be voted out of office.

A new Vikings stadium would enhance the fan experience in several ways. 1. Unlimited space for tailgating as opposed to the limited options at the dome. 2. Wider concourses-it takes fifteen minutes to exit at the end of a game. 3. More bathrooms, so fans miss less of the game. 4. More food choices at concessions. 4. Better seats- wider and perhaps more comfortable.

A new Vikings stadium would help the team by increasing revenue with more suites, and increased parking revenue for the team.

A new Vikings stadium would help Anoka County by 1. A 1.6 billion dollar public works project.
2. A possible Super Bowl which would bring hundreds and millions of dollars to the community. 3. The shoping associated with Northern Lights. 4. Off-season concerts. 5. Increased property value for those in the area.

A Viking stadium solution is needed in the Minnesota State Legislature in 2007 for these reasons.

Q: What do you make of the Vikings Mini-Camp

A: I am surpised that Napoleon Harris is the First Team-Middle Linebacker. Harris seems to lack the insticts in pass coverage to be a successful Cover 2 LB. One thing that should be noted about Harris is that he had his most successful season in Oakland under current Vikings LB coach Fred Pagac. The Vikings seemed to heap a lot of praise on QB-Tavaris Jackson, especially Ryan Hoag and Koren Robinson. But a big-armed mobile QB like Jackson is the type of player who would shine in shorts, so that doesn't really tell us anything.

Q and A- Three Questions

2006-05-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

Q: What are your comments about Fran Foley?

A: This is hard to evalute. I was not nuts about this year's draft for the giving it a C-, down from a B- in 2005. The Free Agent class while alright, didn't make me convinced the team will be much better in 2006. If he couldn't get along with people get rid of him. The bio thing doesn't help. I don't know what they're going to do as far as GM's go.

Q: What is your guess for Vikings Record in 2006?

A: Well I said they would win the Super Bowl in 2004- that feel flat due to Randy Moss and Matt Birk getting injured, and players like Chris Hovan, and Brian Williams not developing like I thought. Last year I said 9-7 and bingo 9-7. This year the drum roll please

I still think the Vikings will be 9-7. The Vikings are a medicore football team. Their Pass-Rush is unproven, and their LB core medicore, they also lack an exprienced NB. While thier O-line should be quite solid, the Vikings lack elite players at every offensive position. Combine this with the fact that Chicago is still-young and should be better on Offense with Brian Griese and Rex Grossman, and the Packers D improvements (Ryan Pickett, AJ Hawk, Charles Woodson), combined with a medicore Offensive probably in Detroit. I could see the Vikings going 3-3 in their division instead of 5-1. The Vikings schedule is also tough: At Sea, NE, at Was, Car.

It's true the Vikings Pass-Rush could be solid, making the Defense quite good, but the Offense is looking medicore as Brad Johnson is overrated for his play last year- The Vikings Offense was not that good in those games. The Vikings have too many questions to be considered more than a fringe playoff team as off today.

I am also concerned that veterans such as Pat Williams and Darren Sharper although still solid will take a step back. These were the Vikings two best Defenders in 2005.

If everything comes together 12 wins might be possible- (I.E. Pass-Rush, Matt Birk healthy, Troy Williamson, number 1 Running Back. But that's a lot of if's.

Q: Who will be the MLB next year?

A: Several Options being considered (EJ Henderson, Dontarrious Thomas, Napoloen Harris, Ben Leber). The Vikings don't know. I think if Chad Greenway could bulk up he would be the best option, as he seems to have the ability to make calls. EJ wouldn't be bad against the run, but his coverage liablities makes him a 2 down player in the cover 2. Dontarrious Thomas is the best fit on the roster for the D. He can run quite well, but seems an ideal fit on the weakside. I think Napoloen Harris should be moved to DE as a situational rusher or cut. He is inept in coverage, but his old LB coach that he had some success with in Oakland Fred Pagac is now with the Vikings. If I had to guess- I would say on opening day it is Dontarrious Thomas.

Final Draft Recap-Vikings

2006-05-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

After the draft the Vikings made a couple of nice FA signings.

I really like the signing of Hank Baskett-WR New Mexico. Baskett is 6-3 won the state championship in the high jump, is physical at 225 pounds. Baskett has big hands, a great work ethic. A high character player. Why Baskett wasn't drafted was because although he has decent speed, he does not accelerate off the line of scrimmage fast. Baskett was in Mel Kiper's JR's top 25 seniors earlier this year.

I also like the signing of Charles Gordon- DB/WR Kansas is a terrific athelete with great ball skills. He is a great fit for the Cover 2 D. He has good quickness and leaping ability. Gordon is also a very good returner. He lacks speed techinque, and awareness at the DB position. But was considered a player before the season with All-American Potential.

Taurean Henderson of Texas Tech-RB- is maybe the most productive receiver out of the backfield in this class with 303 catches and 69 career td's. He has good quickness, running skills, and insticts to contribute as a 3rd down Rb and return man at the pro level. His lack of size and strength are what knocked him off the board.

Also keep an eye on Barrick Nealy of SW Texas State a good athelete who at 6-4 will either be tried at QB, or maybe transition to WR. Wendell Mathis ran for 1300 yards at Fresno State this past season with the vision and strength to compete for an NFL roster spot.

The Vikings also singed P John Torp who has the biggest leg for punters in the draft with good directional skills to provide insurance for Chris Kluwe.

So with all this what do I give the Vikings. I gave them a C- yesterday. They feel Artis Hicks will be the starting RG, and Chad Greenway the starting WLB. The Hicks trade was fine, along with the first two picks. While the Ryan Cook pick makes sense due to their need for power inside after last year, he was graded way down on draft boards. Tavaris Jackson although talented doesn't seem to be the type of player you pick as high as you do. Ray Edwards, I just don't see where he fits. The only way I see Greg Blue fitting in is on special teams, or as a third string SS, which no team really keeps.

This is why the grade of C- seems apt, though I like thier free agent class this is to evaluate the draft grade. The one thing I will say in the Vikings Defense is that they seem to shifted their strategy from the Dennis Green/Mike Tice model of taking the best player avalible to the New England model of targeting a limited number of players you think fits your system. So while Arizona will recieve high draft marks, it is New England who with their draft board of 50 players wins Super Bowls.

Day 2 Recap

2006-04-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

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- .

Tarvaris Jackson

2006-04-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Late Breaking Shocker !!!!!

2006-04-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

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.