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***OFFICIAL*** MINNESOTA VIKINGS 2014 SEASON THREAD (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Heatman
- Start date
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Desir gone. Maybe we trade a WR to Cleveland for a corner.
If we are going for raw athletic potential lets get Duvernay-Tardif to play guard
If we are going for raw athletic potential lets get Duvernay-Tardif to play guard
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Not much left on the ranked corner backs. Shaquille Richardson still on the board correct?
ILB Avery Williamson would also be a good pick.
ILB Avery Williamson would also be a good pick.
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Vike Me
Footballguy
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Vikings keep trading back so they can dominate the 7th round. 
Heatman
Footballguy
Spielman wanted 10 picks so he's going to make sure he gets them. The problem is quantity does not beat out quality in the NFL. He does pretty good in the first round or two but becomes questionable in later rounds every year. Having said that I do like the Yankey pick!Vikings keep trading back so they can dominate the 7th round.
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CanadianNFLJunkie
Footballguy
Looks like we did find two gems at DB in the 6th with Exum and James. Wish we would have added another ILB by now though.
BigJim®
Footballguy
Agreed. Let Zimmer bring in multiple late round DBs and see if he can turn one or two into capable starters.
CanadianNFLJunkie
Footballguy
Sounds like all of these guys will make the team in some aspect. Mostly will be special teamers and inactives but I like what I read about the potential of these guys. We picked up some speedsters and depth here on defense. Now the coaching staff can do their thing.
Can someone post the street free agents on here once they get signed, later today/tomorrow, thanks
Can someone post the street free agents on here once they get signed, later today/tomorrow, thanks
FunkyPlutos
Footballguy
Just from the some of the quotes that I've read from mini-camp, it really sounds like these coaches know what they are doing...not sure if it is they are good or the old regime just wasn't good at all, but is enough to get me excited!!
I LOVE the Yankey pick...was hoping they would have picked him in the third...I think he has a shot to start.
I LOVE the Yankey pick...was hoping they would have picked him in the third...I think he has a shot to start.
FunkyPlutos
Footballguy
Johnny Rock
Footballguy
If the Vikings are winning some games I think they'd love to sit Teddy longer than that; all season if necessary. If he outplays Cassel and earns the job, great!Having Harrison Smith back at full speed will really help. I wish we could've landed Brock Vereen from the Gophers. Hate that he went to the Bears.2014 should be a fun year, if not a winning one.. The first 5 weeks are daunting to say the least
IMO, short of an injury to Cassel, Bridewater takes over either week 6 at home vs. the Lions, or week 9 at home vs. Washington.
I can't wait to see what these coaches can do with Barr. :OMG:
Captain Munnerlyn is a great pickup and don't sleep on CB Derek Cox from SD. They must feel pretty strongly about DB having waited late in the draft to grab two Corners.
Does anyone have any firsthand knowledge on FA signee S Kurt Coleman, a 7th Rd PHI selection in 2010?
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Biabreakable
Footballguy
I really like the signing of AC Leonard. I had him ranked as the 4th best receiving TE of the draft class prior to the draft.
He has some troubled history, which is why he was not drafted. But he ran the fastest time of all TE at the combine at 4.5. Colt Lyerla was the only other TE there to run sub 4.7 Soft hands good receiver not known for his blocking.
If he can stay out of trouble this gives the Vikings an option should they let Rudolph walk in free agency. So that could help in future negotiations with Rudolph also.
He has some troubled history, which is why he was not drafted. But he ran the fastest time of all TE at the combine at 4.5. Colt Lyerla was the only other TE there to run sub 4.7 Soft hands good receiver not known for his blocking.
If he can stay out of trouble this gives the Vikings an option should they let Rudolph walk in free agency. So that could help in future negotiations with Rudolph also.
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Donnybrook
Footballguy
I am not sure AC Leonard can be considered a replacement for a traditional TE even if wins a spot on the team. His build is closer to being that of a fullback than an TE. He might not be able to run the ball like Marcel Reece but he has similar dimensions.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Not saying he can block in line. If he makes the team it would be as a move TE option.
Rudolph is a more complete player. I am just saying that if he does stick that gives the Vikings a passing TE option if they were to let Rudolph walk. The team has Ford and Ellison who could pick up the blocking assignments.
I think it opens up another passing option in 2 TE sets the Vikings didn't have before.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Chase Ford started looking like he belonged on the field last year. I will be watching him this year to see if he can take it to the next level.
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sports_fan
Footballguy
Maelstrom
Footballguy
Yes, of course they hope Bridgewater will be the guy and that he will be better than Ponder and Cassell. That isn't saying much.
But notice there is no timetable on that quote. "When he is ready" does not even come close to "week 1 starter".
snogger
Footballguy
Agreed..Then again, all he has to do is show he can hit a target down the field at 50 yards to beat out Cassel, and complete a 10 yard slant to beat out Ponder so the bar isn't all that highYes, of course they hope Bridgewater will be the guy and that he will be better than Ponder and Cassell. That isn't saying much.
But notice there is no timetable on that quote. "When he is ready" does not even come close to "week 1 starter".
Herb
Footballguy
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2058831-nfl-draft-2014-mike-freemans-post-draft-notebook
Rumor that I constantly heard during the draft
The Vikings are looking for ways to part with superstar runner Adrian Peterson sooner rather than later. Peterson is 29 and when backs hit 30, their production usually drops off precipitously. Backs age in dog years, and despite Peterson's adamantium bone structure, he isn't impervious to aging. The contract situation is also brutal. Peterson will receive a base salary of $11.75 million in 2014, then $12.75 million in 2015. In 2017, it will climb to $15.75 million.
That is simply an impossible salary structure to pay a player in today's game, where the running back position has been greatly devalued.
"My person opinion," said one AFC general manager, "is this (coming) season will be Peterson's last with the Vikings. Despite the cap hit, they'll make some sort of move to get him off the roster."
Rumor that I constantly heard during the draft
The Vikings are looking for ways to part with superstar runner Adrian Peterson sooner rather than later. Peterson is 29 and when backs hit 30, their production usually drops off precipitously. Backs age in dog years, and despite Peterson's adamantium bone structure, he isn't impervious to aging. The contract situation is also brutal. Peterson will receive a base salary of $11.75 million in 2014, then $12.75 million in 2015. In 2017, it will climb to $15.75 million.
That is simply an impossible salary structure to pay a player in today's game, where the running back position has been greatly devalued.
"My person opinion," said one AFC general manager, "is this (coming) season will be Peterson's last with the Vikings. Despite the cap hit, they'll make some sort of move to get him off the roster."
jason12vb
Footballguy
Other than Barr and Teddy I'm not overly excited about this draft from a needs standpoint, but one thing's for sure...Spielman and Zimmer wanted a more athletic team and they took some huge strides in that direction. I trust that Zimmer has a vision for this defense and took some guys that might not appear to be needs from the fans view, but are players that fit what he wants to do. Odds are it's going to take a year or two of drafts and FA to get him the guys he wants, but I haven't been this excited about Vikings football since #4.
I think we and the Wilf's are going to get a first hand lesson in the value of good coaching...this is the start of the next generation of Vikings football, and it will be glorious.
I think we and the Wilf's are going to get a first hand lesson in the value of good coaching...this is the start of the next generation of Vikings football, and it will be glorious.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
RB Jerick McKinnon feeling out his role, finds other comparable backs
by Derek Wetmore http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/RB_Jerick_McKinnon_feeling_out_his_role_finds_other_comparable_backs051614?t=2
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - When the Vikings drafted Jerick McKinnon out of Georgia Southern, it's likely most Vikings hadn't heard of him. After a quick glance at his draft scouting page and highlight tapes, it's time to find a comparable player.
Pair this guy with Norv Turner and he could be Darren Sproles.
Head coach Mike Zimmer didn't shy from the comparison during the first day of Vikings rookie mini-camp. And McKinnon brought it up, too. During a list a players he thinks he might want to emulate, McKinnon included Sproles.
It's another successful NFL back, though, McKinnon pointed to first. It's an ambitious one.
"I like LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, I like LaDainian [Tomlinson], Darren Sproles," McKinnon said when asked who he tries to emulate.
Later, when pressed, he again brought up McCoy's name.
"I like LeSean McCoy. Just run out of that shotgun in between tackles, outside zone, just stretches and then come out of the backfield."
Of course, McKinnon has plenty to prove before the McCoy comparisons could begin. Zimmer, for one, has liked what he's seen on film and now in person from the diminutive back.
"Yeah, I like him. I think we're going to find some things for him to do," Zimmer said. "He's short in stature but he's got big legs and a big rear end. He's got explosiveness so I think we'll find some things for him to do."
Zimmer said McKinnon can be "very similar," to Tomlinson or Sproles in a change-of-pace role. "You'd have to ask [offensive coordinator Norv Turner] this, but from our conversations, he's been thinking a lot about ways we can use him."
Is it as a third-down back in passing situations? Can he handle blitz pick-up?
These things remain to be seen. But rookie mini-camp will offer the first insights.
"If I get the opportunity to return, I think I can help out in that way, other special teams of course. And then whenever they need me to come in, I'll probably come out the backfield and stuff like that. I definitely think I can contribute in that way," McKinnon said.
He wasn't what you would call a traditional running back in college, but it's possible he be asked to do more of the things expected of running backs at this level: pass blocking, route running, ball carrying, and at least to begin, some special teams work.
How comfortable is he pass blocking?
"I did it the first time at the Senior Bowl and it was real difficult just because I wasn't really coached up on the technique. It's something we've been working on here, small techniques versus different looks. [Running backs coach Kirby Wilson] does a great job at breaking that down with us and going in-depth with it," McKinnon said.
He's already in the film room getting ready to fit into a new offense. Nobody's quite sure yet what it will look like, or what his role will be. So for now, McKinnon is studying technique and watching film of other backs he'd do well to mimic.
"I watched LT. I know the other day in the running backs room, we were watching some old cut-up film of LT on there, some Rashard Mendenhall, and just watching LT come out those cuts and set the linebacker and stem and go the opposite way was definitely exciting to watch."
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From what I saw of McKinnon he blocked really well as a lead blocker in their option scheme. That strength really stands out with him I think. But as he mentions he does not have a lot of experience blocking in the passing game. So that will likely take time for him to develop his technique.
Peterson is not the best in pass protection either, although he has gotten better over time. I do not see a great reason to spell Peterson on 3rd down with McKinnon as he is not likely better than Peterson in that area the way Gerhart and Taylor were.
I also do not really see McKinnon being used in a Sproles role as many writers seem to be looking for. I think most of those looks will go to Patterson.
by Derek Wetmore http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/RB_Jerick_McKinnon_feeling_out_his_role_finds_other_comparable_backs051614?t=2
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - When the Vikings drafted Jerick McKinnon out of Georgia Southern, it's likely most Vikings hadn't heard of him. After a quick glance at his draft scouting page and highlight tapes, it's time to find a comparable player.
Pair this guy with Norv Turner and he could be Darren Sproles.
Head coach Mike Zimmer didn't shy from the comparison during the first day of Vikings rookie mini-camp. And McKinnon brought it up, too. During a list a players he thinks he might want to emulate, McKinnon included Sproles.
It's another successful NFL back, though, McKinnon pointed to first. It's an ambitious one.
"I like LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, I like LaDainian [Tomlinson], Darren Sproles," McKinnon said when asked who he tries to emulate.
Later, when pressed, he again brought up McCoy's name.
"I like LeSean McCoy. Just run out of that shotgun in between tackles, outside zone, just stretches and then come out of the backfield."
Of course, McKinnon has plenty to prove before the McCoy comparisons could begin. Zimmer, for one, has liked what he's seen on film and now in person from the diminutive back.
"Yeah, I like him. I think we're going to find some things for him to do," Zimmer said. "He's short in stature but he's got big legs and a big rear end. He's got explosiveness so I think we'll find some things for him to do."
Zimmer said McKinnon can be "very similar," to Tomlinson or Sproles in a change-of-pace role. "You'd have to ask [offensive coordinator Norv Turner] this, but from our conversations, he's been thinking a lot about ways we can use him."
Is it as a third-down back in passing situations? Can he handle blitz pick-up?
These things remain to be seen. But rookie mini-camp will offer the first insights.
"If I get the opportunity to return, I think I can help out in that way, other special teams of course. And then whenever they need me to come in, I'll probably come out the backfield and stuff like that. I definitely think I can contribute in that way," McKinnon said.
He wasn't what you would call a traditional running back in college, but it's possible he be asked to do more of the things expected of running backs at this level: pass blocking, route running, ball carrying, and at least to begin, some special teams work.
How comfortable is he pass blocking?
"I did it the first time at the Senior Bowl and it was real difficult just because I wasn't really coached up on the technique. It's something we've been working on here, small techniques versus different looks. [Running backs coach Kirby Wilson] does a great job at breaking that down with us and going in-depth with it," McKinnon said.
He's already in the film room getting ready to fit into a new offense. Nobody's quite sure yet what it will look like, or what his role will be. So for now, McKinnon is studying technique and watching film of other backs he'd do well to mimic.
"I watched LT. I know the other day in the running backs room, we were watching some old cut-up film of LT on there, some Rashard Mendenhall, and just watching LT come out those cuts and set the linebacker and stem and go the opposite way was definitely exciting to watch."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From what I saw of McKinnon he blocked really well as a lead blocker in their option scheme. That strength really stands out with him I think. But as he mentions he does not have a lot of experience blocking in the passing game. So that will likely take time for him to develop his technique.
Peterson is not the best in pass protection either, although he has gotten better over time. I do not see a great reason to spell Peterson on 3rd down with McKinnon as he is not likely better than Peterson in that area the way Gerhart and Taylor were.
I also do not really see McKinnon being used in a Sproles role as many writers seem to be looking for. I think most of those looks will go to Patterson.
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Beo
Footballguy
Besides Teddy and Barr I think Crichton will be a beast and our eventual starting LDE in a couple years when Robison starts to decline. Yankey will be our starting LG maybe as early as this year. I also think Exum has a shot of turning into our starting SS and Mckinnon will be an extra playmaker under Norv Turner ala Sproles. A very strong draft with as many as 5 starters in it in my opinion. What I am hoping for is to finally hit on a late round CB. We have tried so many times and failed. Maybe James or Price could turn into our Richard Sherman or Verner CB gem in the later rounds.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
5 Observations from Day 1 of Rookie Minicamp
Mike Wobschallhttp://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/5-Observations-from-Day-1-of-Rookie-Minicamp/8f780cf1-029d-4f0e-9877-a24605d54f05
Vikings rookie minicamp is underway at Winter Park, as the Vikings held a morning jog-through and an afternoon practice on Friday. With 60-some players, including 10 draft picks, there is a lot to cover and it can’t all be done in one day. But here are five quick observations from Day 1.
1. Bridgewater’s separation, quick release stand out
As is the case with all rookie quarterbacks, there are likely some mechanical issues Teddy Bridgewater will have to work through. But right off the bat it’s easy to see that he is already exceptional with his drop back and quick release. Bridgewater reaches the top of his drop quickly and once he begins his throwing motion it doesn’t take long for the ball to leave his hands. This is probably a big reason why he rarely had a pass batted down at the line of scrimmage in college.
2. AC Leonard flashes early
One of the Vikings undrafted free agent signings is tight end AC Leonard out of Tennessee State. The 6-4, 245-pound pass catcher is fluid in his route running and is a smooth hands catcher. He was a frequent target of Bridgewater and Travis Partridge, the other quarterback in camp this weekend. Leonard transferred to Tennessee State from Florida following his freshman year in 2011 and was a teammate of Sharrif Floyd’s with the Gators.
3. A learning moment for CB Jabari Price
Seventh-round cornerback Jabari Price had a learning moment half-way through Friday’s practice. In one-on-one drills, receiver Adam Thielen blew past Price because the young cornerback was too late to open his hips. Vikings defensive backs coach Jerry Gray, a well-respected and tenured NFL coach, let Price hear it, saying he was late to open his hips because he underestimated Thielen’s speed. Price took the coaching well, apparently, because just moments later Price broke on a pass from Bridgewater to receiver Kain Colter to break it up and cause an incompletion, drawing praise from Gray.
4. Antone Exum doesn’t play it safe early
The Vikings drafted Antone Exum in the sixth round and it sounds as if the plan, at this point, is to play him at safety. Exum has experience playing both cornerback and safety at Virginia Tech, but the Vikings thought his coverage skills would suit him and the defensive scheme well at safety. Well, the early returns are good because Exum nabbed an interception in Friday afternoon’s practice...
5. Kendall James gets in on the action, too
Exum wasn’t the only rookie defensive back to grab an interception. Bridgewater was clean and sharp for the entire practice and made just one bad throw on the day. Unfortunately for him, cornerback Kendall James was there to take advantage of it and grab an interception. It was more of a great play by James than a bad pass by Bridgewater, as James needed to register an impressive vertical leap to get his hands on the pass and bring it down with two feet in bounds.
Mike Wobschallhttp://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/5-Observations-from-Day-1-of-Rookie-Minicamp/8f780cf1-029d-4f0e-9877-a24605d54f05
Vikings rookie minicamp is underway at Winter Park, as the Vikings held a morning jog-through and an afternoon practice on Friday. With 60-some players, including 10 draft picks, there is a lot to cover and it can’t all be done in one day. But here are five quick observations from Day 1.
1. Bridgewater’s separation, quick release stand out
As is the case with all rookie quarterbacks, there are likely some mechanical issues Teddy Bridgewater will have to work through. But right off the bat it’s easy to see that he is already exceptional with his drop back and quick release. Bridgewater reaches the top of his drop quickly and once he begins his throwing motion it doesn’t take long for the ball to leave his hands. This is probably a big reason why he rarely had a pass batted down at the line of scrimmage in college.
2. AC Leonard flashes early
One of the Vikings undrafted free agent signings is tight end AC Leonard out of Tennessee State. The 6-4, 245-pound pass catcher is fluid in his route running and is a smooth hands catcher. He was a frequent target of Bridgewater and Travis Partridge, the other quarterback in camp this weekend. Leonard transferred to Tennessee State from Florida following his freshman year in 2011 and was a teammate of Sharrif Floyd’s with the Gators.
3. A learning moment for CB Jabari Price
Seventh-round cornerback Jabari Price had a learning moment half-way through Friday’s practice. In one-on-one drills, receiver Adam Thielen blew past Price because the young cornerback was too late to open his hips. Vikings defensive backs coach Jerry Gray, a well-respected and tenured NFL coach, let Price hear it, saying he was late to open his hips because he underestimated Thielen’s speed. Price took the coaching well, apparently, because just moments later Price broke on a pass from Bridgewater to receiver Kain Colter to break it up and cause an incompletion, drawing praise from Gray.
4. Antone Exum doesn’t play it safe early
The Vikings drafted Antone Exum in the sixth round and it sounds as if the plan, at this point, is to play him at safety. Exum has experience playing both cornerback and safety at Virginia Tech, but the Vikings thought his coverage skills would suit him and the defensive scheme well at safety. Well, the early returns are good because Exum nabbed an interception in Friday afternoon’s practice...
5. Kendall James gets in on the action, too
Exum wasn’t the only rookie defensive back to grab an interception. Bridgewater was clean and sharp for the entire practice and made just one bad throw on the day. Unfortunately for him, cornerback Kendall James was there to take advantage of it and grab an interception. It was more of a great play by James than a bad pass by Bridgewater, as James needed to register an impressive vertical leap to get his hands on the pass and bring it down with two feet in bounds.
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Biabreakable
Footballguy
Rob Rang rated Richardson as a 2-3rd round and 8th overall OT prospect.
Maybe another long term rehab situation?
The depth on the offensive line would be outstanding if he could win the swing tackle job.
SI article about why Richardson wasn't drafted- http://allfortennessee.com/2014/05/17/former-vols-ol-antonio-richardsons-knees-minnesota-vikings-tennessee/
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Biabreakable
Footballguy
Tiny Richardson's Story May Sound Familiar to Minnesota Fans
By Arif Hasan @ArifHasanNFL on May 17 2014
http://www.dailynorseman.com/2014/5/17/5726342/tiny-richardsons-story-may-sound-familiar-to-minnesota-fans
While watching teammate Ja'Wuan James go early to Miami, the better player at the same position had to wait for his phone to ring near the end of the final round of the draft.
Ranked 63rd on the Consensus Big Board, Richardson probably should have gone at some point in the second or early in the third round. Instead, he failed to see his name called at all at Radio City.
It wasn't entirely unexpected, he knew he had these issues coming out of Tennessee. Further, he knew that these issues would always be there, and that declaring early would be better than finishing out his time in college.
"I was," he said in response to a question about whether or not he knew about his knee issues coming out, "But it was one of those things where the issues were going to go on either way. And I wanted to go on and leave where I could get the best doctors and medical treatment. I was able to do that. I've been out here, I haven't had any issues and I'm looking forward to competing."
Richardson says that teams found out during the NFL Combine that he had knee issues, but Scott Carasik indicated that teams were wary of his arthritic knees in January—and felt he may only have a 4-5 year career.
Arthritic knees would be quite the downer, and Richardson himself told the gathered media it was a "cartilage thing." If it's anything like former Blazer and Timberwolves shooting guard Brandon Roy's knees—where he suffered from a condition (osteoarthritis) that resulted in cartilage degeneration—then the outlook is grim. If you're unfamiliar with Roy's story, it could be a precautionary tale.
Roy was drafted sixth overall by the Portland Trailblazers, and was named rookie of the year despite missing 20 games early in the season due to an unrelated heel problem, receiving 127 out of 128 first-place votes. He was a reserve for three all-star games, and a primary All-Star selection in his fourth year.
In his fifth year, he needed to undergo arthroscopic surgery (a routine procedure for many athletes, but serious in Roy's case) on both of his knees, and it was revealed to the public at large that Roy was suffering from a degenerating cartilage condition, which was part of a knee problem he had continuously suffered from since high school.
For the rest of the season, Roy was a reserve who was inconsistent and did not return to his All-Star level of play. He retired at the end of that year. A year later, he signaled his intentions to play after receiving platelet-rich plasma treatment (most famously associated with Kobe Bryant) in Germany and signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He suffered a knee collision in training camp, and five games into the season, needed to end his season with knee surgery. The next year, he performed poorly before getting waived. Over the course of his high school, college and professional career, Roy had had seven knee surgeries.
Walter Football reports something a little different, saying his sources told him Richardson needed microfracture knee surgery and may have to start the year out on injured reserve. While that surgery is more intensive than arthroscopic surgery (which Richardson underwent in 2012), it's often used for conditions that don't signal long-term issues, like a tendon tear.
Given the fact that a second-to-third round talent went completely undrafted and that Richardson himself referred to cartilage when describing the condition, I am more inclined to believe Carasik's report of arthritic knees, especially because Richardson indicated that this may be a long-term condition by mentioning that it was going to go on either way.
Asked if it inhibited him at Tennessee, Richardson hesitated before saying "I didn't miss any games."
He feels it's not an issue at all. That he didn't miss any games, to him, was "A testament to how I feel like I am healthy and ready to go." For now, Richardson told us he feels no pain and has been moving extremely well. Minnesota didn't run him through any additional medical testing other than those done at the combine and has fully cleared him to play.
For what it's worth, Richardson's phone was buzzing throughout the draft from teams that wanted to sign him. He had received phone calls right away at the end of the draft from teams wanting him to hammer out a deal, and five teams called him before word got out that he had agreed to terms with Minnesota.
Minnesota, it sounds like, was his first choice.
"It was a great opportunity—they have limited depth at tackle. I know they have Matt Kalil on left and Phil [Loadholt] on right, but if something was to happen to one of those guys I might have to go in," he said. "But I'm going to work my butt off this summer. The playbook is pretty deep, so I'm going to have to spend some time getting into it and learning the system."
Richardson is definitely ready to play, and with that "chip on his shoulder" that Mike Zimmer loves to see in players.
"Of course [i have a chip on my shoulder], but I'm just here to work. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you were drafted, we're all pros now. I'm going to do what I gotta do, bust my butt to get to that second contract and help my team."
"I know I'm a first-round talent so at the end of the day, I'm going to come here and work like I was a first-round pick."
By Arif Hasan @ArifHasanNFL on May 17 2014
http://www.dailynorseman.com/2014/5/17/5726342/tiny-richardsons-story-may-sound-familiar-to-minnesota-fans
While watching teammate Ja'Wuan James go early to Miami, the better player at the same position had to wait for his phone to ring near the end of the final round of the draft.
Ranked 63rd on the Consensus Big Board, Richardson probably should have gone at some point in the second or early in the third round. Instead, he failed to see his name called at all at Radio City.
It wasn't entirely unexpected, he knew he had these issues coming out of Tennessee. Further, he knew that these issues would always be there, and that declaring early would be better than finishing out his time in college.
"I was," he said in response to a question about whether or not he knew about his knee issues coming out, "But it was one of those things where the issues were going to go on either way. And I wanted to go on and leave where I could get the best doctors and medical treatment. I was able to do that. I've been out here, I haven't had any issues and I'm looking forward to competing."
Richardson says that teams found out during the NFL Combine that he had knee issues, but Scott Carasik indicated that teams were wary of his arthritic knees in January—and felt he may only have a 4-5 year career.
Arthritic knees would be quite the downer, and Richardson himself told the gathered media it was a "cartilage thing." If it's anything like former Blazer and Timberwolves shooting guard Brandon Roy's knees—where he suffered from a condition (osteoarthritis) that resulted in cartilage degeneration—then the outlook is grim. If you're unfamiliar with Roy's story, it could be a precautionary tale.
Roy was drafted sixth overall by the Portland Trailblazers, and was named rookie of the year despite missing 20 games early in the season due to an unrelated heel problem, receiving 127 out of 128 first-place votes. He was a reserve for three all-star games, and a primary All-Star selection in his fourth year.
In his fifth year, he needed to undergo arthroscopic surgery (a routine procedure for many athletes, but serious in Roy's case) on both of his knees, and it was revealed to the public at large that Roy was suffering from a degenerating cartilage condition, which was part of a knee problem he had continuously suffered from since high school.
For the rest of the season, Roy was a reserve who was inconsistent and did not return to his All-Star level of play. He retired at the end of that year. A year later, he signaled his intentions to play after receiving platelet-rich plasma treatment (most famously associated with Kobe Bryant) in Germany and signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He suffered a knee collision in training camp, and five games into the season, needed to end his season with knee surgery. The next year, he performed poorly before getting waived. Over the course of his high school, college and professional career, Roy had had seven knee surgeries.
Walter Football reports something a little different, saying his sources told him Richardson needed microfracture knee surgery and may have to start the year out on injured reserve. While that surgery is more intensive than arthroscopic surgery (which Richardson underwent in 2012), it's often used for conditions that don't signal long-term issues, like a tendon tear.
Given the fact that a second-to-third round talent went completely undrafted and that Richardson himself referred to cartilage when describing the condition, I am more inclined to believe Carasik's report of arthritic knees, especially because Richardson indicated that this may be a long-term condition by mentioning that it was going to go on either way.
Asked if it inhibited him at Tennessee, Richardson hesitated before saying "I didn't miss any games."
He feels it's not an issue at all. That he didn't miss any games, to him, was "A testament to how I feel like I am healthy and ready to go." For now, Richardson told us he feels no pain and has been moving extremely well. Minnesota didn't run him through any additional medical testing other than those done at the combine and has fully cleared him to play.
For what it's worth, Richardson's phone was buzzing throughout the draft from teams that wanted to sign him. He had received phone calls right away at the end of the draft from teams wanting him to hammer out a deal, and five teams called him before word got out that he had agreed to terms with Minnesota.
Minnesota, it sounds like, was his first choice.
"It was a great opportunity—they have limited depth at tackle. I know they have Matt Kalil on left and Phil [Loadholt] on right, but if something was to happen to one of those guys I might have to go in," he said. "But I'm going to work my butt off this summer. The playbook is pretty deep, so I'm going to have to spend some time getting into it and learning the system."
Richardson is definitely ready to play, and with that "chip on his shoulder" that Mike Zimmer loves to see in players.
"Of course [i have a chip on my shoulder], but I'm just here to work. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you were drafted, we're all pros now. I'm going to do what I gotta do, bust my butt to get to that second contract and help my team."
"I know I'm a first-round talent so at the end of the day, I'm going to come here and work like I was a first-round pick."
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mquinnjr
Footballguy
Looks like you guys are hosting Super Bowl LII, congrats!
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2014-05-20/2018-nfl-super-bowl-lii-52-minnesota-twin-cities-upset-new-orleans-indianapolis-eliminated
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2014-05-20/2018-nfl-super-bowl-lii-52-minnesota-twin-cities-upset-new-orleans-indianapolis-eliminated
VikingFrog
Footballguy
Sweetness_34
Footballguy
isn't this going to be an outdoor stadium? If it is, the NFL is dumb to try another cold weather city for a SB....just playing with fire for no reason. Oh well, I guess if a team can never win a SB, this is one way to get close to one.
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Heatman
Footballguy
snogger
Footballguy
Seems you are slightly
The next 2 years will be played outdoors at the Minnesota Gophers stadium while the completely enclosed new stadium is built.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Norv Turner says installation of new offense has been 'really smooth'
This is from an interview that Mackey and Judd had with Norv Turner. I looked for an article on this but it may have been overshadowed by the Super Bowl bid stories. So this is me paraphrasing.
Well worth a listen - http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/vikings#
Norv Turner
We have spent a lot of time evaluating what the veteran players do best, trying to incorporate those things into the system we're putting in place.
There is a bit of an advantage of when you've done it (so many times), and having a plan, and having guys I've been with, it helps in installing. I think it has gone really smooth. The players have responded well to it. There is more volume (reps) than they are used to. But I think they see it gives them more opportunity to make more plays.
Judd asks a question about Jennings saying his head is swimming. How much can you teach these guys during the install? Route running?
Norv Turner
Thats interesting. The guys who have been in one system the longest are the guys who have the toughest time making the adjustment. The young guys, theres nothing really, that they haven't built up the habits, that you like to get. The 1st and second years guys like Cordaralle, I think its a new system and they have adjusted well to it. Building fundamentals and the foundation that will be built on next week in OTAs.
I don't get caught up in terms, with the 3 digit system that we use, a number all the routes or the west coast system. I think the difference is the style and how you play. We are going to work hard to get big plays in the passing game, we are going to push the ball down the field, and let our guys use their abilities. You have to be able to protect, you have to be able to get the ball out to do those things.
The QBs have to understand. They can't wait to see a guy get open. They have to anticipate and they have to throw it early. But I think those are things we are making good strides with right now.
On Bridgewater-
The number one thing I look for. The guy obviously has outstanding ability. You don't do all the things he did at Louiville if you dont. But I think you want to find out how coachable a guy is. How well he can make adjustments. In this case there are certain things I thought could help him, we wanted to see if they really could help him? Then the adjustements and things we did with his footwork and balance, I think it solved a couple issues people were worried about. He is a young guy. He is going to get stronger and develop. He has been impressive in this first week we have had him here.
How a guy thinks, how he sees things. How you visualize and anticipate. The way you see things is a big part of playing QB. Guys who have tunnel vision or who see things how I call it black and white, they struggle compared to guys with great periphrial vision. And also conceptualize things. Sometimes you have to throw a ball to a spot, that you think its crazy to throw it there, but that is where the receiver is going to end up. You got to trust everything. Some guys get a feel for that and some guys dont throw it till they see the whites of their eyes. And that is way too late.
When asked about when/if Bridewater will start?
The good news I don't need to answer questions like that anymore.
We're going to get these guys ready to play. Matt is a veteran player who already has a good grasp of what we are doing offensively and has been impressive in the workouts. Ponder has won 10 games and hes been impressive. I think he is improving a lot. I think he really likes our system. He is a type of QB we've been around who has had success in our system. So we have a very good QB situation.
You know. We are going to get Teddy ready to play. We are going to get him ready to play and we are going to have great competition through training camp.
On Peterson -
I can't say enough about Adrian. We can help him, get him in space a little bit with some of the passing game. Obviously that is not our goal or our big objective to make him a big time receiver, but in our system he gonna catch balls. Check downs in some space. We've been a good screen team, we want to get him in space on screens with people in front of him. But you know? We want to give the ball to Adrian!! We want to see him run with the ball like he has been doing the past 8 years, I really think he is going to be a guy that when the season is in the month of decemeber that people are going to be talking about him in the MVP conversations. Because I think he is committed to having that kind of year. I think this system, the guys who benefit the most from this system when you talk about guys who have had great production with me, are obviously the WR and the RBs. We have had great success with RB both running the ball and catching the ball.
On Peterson on 3rd downs and pass protection-
Theres ways. We have had backs who are very productive on 3rd down. Darrin Sproles was an undersized guy who you don't want blocking a 270lb LB. One of the things I think we will do differently is that we will not ask the backs those bigger players. I have heard people say Adrian is not a good pass protector? He is an outstanding pass protector when it is the right kind of match up. We are not looking to have him block DE or OLB because those are bad match ups for any back.
On Patterson-
Well I have been lucky to coach some really good guys at that position. He looks like some of the best I've been around. Im really excited about the way he is working. We have been going now for over a month. He has not missed a down, not missed a day, hes running, hes in great shape and he has really taken to the way we run routes. To me thats one of the reason I really like coaching. Is to be part of a young players development. To watch a young player grow and have success. Cordaralle is one of those guys who can be as good as he wants to be. He has that mindset. Im going to get ready and have a great year.
On route running from Patterson-
He can be a great route runner. What has happened. Because there is so much attention on these young guys. We went through it with Gordon last season. Scott was coaching WR at the time. People were very critical of him. He ends up leading the league in receiving. He got better. I think he got better all the way through the season in terms of route running, effort, understanding what were asking. Thats the case with young players. You get a guy like Cordarralle you see all that ability and everyone wants it to happen now. Well there is a developmental stage and a process you go through with young players. They never played at this level. They never practiced at this level. Every day is 100% competition. To me its a process you go through. I dont like it when people are critical and negative about them, because we're getting them through that process. I guess I am like the fans, Id love it to be day one they are a finished product. But thats not the way it works. I was with the Rams in 86 or 85, it was Jerry Rices rookie year. We played them. He dropped about 3 balls in the game. The writer says he could be a really good player if he would learn how to catch. Well its a process and Jerry was going through it. Some times you see these young guys and ask is he ever going to get it? Well hes been going at it for 2 months. Lets give him a little time. I mean we are not being paitient with him. We are pushing him. But we understand its a process.
This is from an interview that Mackey and Judd had with Norv Turner. I looked for an article on this but it may have been overshadowed by the Super Bowl bid stories. So this is me paraphrasing.
Well worth a listen - http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/vikings#
Norv Turner
We have spent a lot of time evaluating what the veteran players do best, trying to incorporate those things into the system we're putting in place.
There is a bit of an advantage of when you've done it (so many times), and having a plan, and having guys I've been with, it helps in installing. I think it has gone really smooth. The players have responded well to it. There is more volume (reps) than they are used to. But I think they see it gives them more opportunity to make more plays.
Judd asks a question about Jennings saying his head is swimming. How much can you teach these guys during the install? Route running?
Norv Turner
Thats interesting. The guys who have been in one system the longest are the guys who have the toughest time making the adjustment. The young guys, theres nothing really, that they haven't built up the habits, that you like to get. The 1st and second years guys like Cordaralle, I think its a new system and they have adjusted well to it. Building fundamentals and the foundation that will be built on next week in OTAs.
I don't get caught up in terms, with the 3 digit system that we use, a number all the routes or the west coast system. I think the difference is the style and how you play. We are going to work hard to get big plays in the passing game, we are going to push the ball down the field, and let our guys use their abilities. You have to be able to protect, you have to be able to get the ball out to do those things.
The QBs have to understand. They can't wait to see a guy get open. They have to anticipate and they have to throw it early. But I think those are things we are making good strides with right now.
On Bridgewater-
The number one thing I look for. The guy obviously has outstanding ability. You don't do all the things he did at Louiville if you dont. But I think you want to find out how coachable a guy is. How well he can make adjustments. In this case there are certain things I thought could help him, we wanted to see if they really could help him? Then the adjustements and things we did with his footwork and balance, I think it solved a couple issues people were worried about. He is a young guy. He is going to get stronger and develop. He has been impressive in this first week we have had him here.
How a guy thinks, how he sees things. How you visualize and anticipate. The way you see things is a big part of playing QB. Guys who have tunnel vision or who see things how I call it black and white, they struggle compared to guys with great periphrial vision. And also conceptualize things. Sometimes you have to throw a ball to a spot, that you think its crazy to throw it there, but that is where the receiver is going to end up. You got to trust everything. Some guys get a feel for that and some guys dont throw it till they see the whites of their eyes. And that is way too late.
When asked about when/if Bridewater will start?
The good news I don't need to answer questions like that anymore.
We're going to get these guys ready to play. Matt is a veteran player who already has a good grasp of what we are doing offensively and has been impressive in the workouts. Ponder has won 10 games and hes been impressive. I think he is improving a lot. I think he really likes our system. He is a type of QB we've been around who has had success in our system. So we have a very good QB situation.
You know. We are going to get Teddy ready to play. We are going to get him ready to play and we are going to have great competition through training camp.
On Peterson -
I can't say enough about Adrian. We can help him, get him in space a little bit with some of the passing game. Obviously that is not our goal or our big objective to make him a big time receiver, but in our system he gonna catch balls. Check downs in some space. We've been a good screen team, we want to get him in space on screens with people in front of him. But you know? We want to give the ball to Adrian!! We want to see him run with the ball like he has been doing the past 8 years, I really think he is going to be a guy that when the season is in the month of decemeber that people are going to be talking about him in the MVP conversations. Because I think he is committed to having that kind of year. I think this system, the guys who benefit the most from this system when you talk about guys who have had great production with me, are obviously the WR and the RBs. We have had great success with RB both running the ball and catching the ball.
On Peterson on 3rd downs and pass protection-
Theres ways. We have had backs who are very productive on 3rd down. Darrin Sproles was an undersized guy who you don't want blocking a 270lb LB. One of the things I think we will do differently is that we will not ask the backs those bigger players. I have heard people say Adrian is not a good pass protector? He is an outstanding pass protector when it is the right kind of match up. We are not looking to have him block DE or OLB because those are bad match ups for any back.
On Patterson-
Well I have been lucky to coach some really good guys at that position. He looks like some of the best I've been around. Im really excited about the way he is working. We have been going now for over a month. He has not missed a down, not missed a day, hes running, hes in great shape and he has really taken to the way we run routes. To me thats one of the reason I really like coaching. Is to be part of a young players development. To watch a young player grow and have success. Cordaralle is one of those guys who can be as good as he wants to be. He has that mindset. Im going to get ready and have a great year.
On route running from Patterson-
He can be a great route runner. What has happened. Because there is so much attention on these young guys. We went through it with Gordon last season. Scott was coaching WR at the time. People were very critical of him. He ends up leading the league in receiving. He got better. I think he got better all the way through the season in terms of route running, effort, understanding what were asking. Thats the case with young players. You get a guy like Cordarralle you see all that ability and everyone wants it to happen now. Well there is a developmental stage and a process you go through with young players. They never played at this level. They never practiced at this level. Every day is 100% competition. To me its a process you go through. I dont like it when people are critical and negative about them, because we're getting them through that process. I guess I am like the fans, Id love it to be day one they are a finished product. But thats not the way it works. I was with the Rams in 86 or 85, it was Jerry Rices rookie year. We played them. He dropped about 3 balls in the game. The writer says he could be a really good player if he would learn how to catch. Well its a process and Jerry was going through it. Some times you see these young guys and ask is he ever going to get it? Well hes been going at it for 2 months. Lets give him a little time. I mean we are not being paitient with him. We are pushing him. But we understand its a process.
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