Does Percy Harvin open things up for Adrian Peterson (1 Viewer)

[Sabertooth]

Just wondering what people think of this. I tend to agree that Harvin may have the type of ability that may force defenses to adjust to the Vikings passing game. He's obviously very explosive. If he knocks home a couple of long touchdowns early in the season, teams would have to start to account for him. Adrian's stock improves with the Harvin pick I think. He won't really hurt Adrian from a receiving standpoint either, because that isn't a big part of ADP's game anyway.

Nationalfootballpost

WR/RB Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings

If you thought Harvin was explosive in the swamp at Florida, just wait until he sets foot on the turf at the Metrodome. This pick makes so much sense in so many ways, as Harvin will have plenty of opportunities to beat man-to-man coverage in Minnesota and create big plays in the passing game. It’s no secret that the Vikings make their living on the two legs of RB Adrian Peterson in the run game. But with Harvin now working out of the slot, you have to wonder how content are teams going to be to load the box with eight defenders.

Harvin gives the Vikings so many options on offense, and the idea of lining him and Peterson up in same the backfield has to make NFC North teams concerned. Harvin isn’t a polished receiver by any stretch, and he’ll struggle beating press on the outside, but if you need someone to gain initial separation and create plays with his feet, Harvin is the guy.

 

[MDSkinner]

I don't think it will be very soon that teams will be game-planning for Harvin over AP, but I think he certainly has the potential to be the kind of player that requires some special planning.

But I also tend to think the Berrian is pretty good at catching the long ball and last year that did not stop people from loading up the box against AP. If Sage (or Favre...depending on your belief in his release from the Jets) can upgrade the QB position, I think that is where they get the most gain in terms of opening things up. Harvin may help that in the future, but the QB is more important for this year. JMO.

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't think it will be very soon that teams will be game-planning for Harvin over AP, but I think he certainly has the potential to be the kind of player that requires some special planning.But I also tend to think the Berrian is pretty good at catching the long ball and last year that did not stop people from loading up the box against AP. If Sage (or Favre...depending on your belief in his release from the Jets) can upgrade the QB position, I think that is where they get the most gain in terms of opening things up. Harvin may help that in the future, but the QB is more important for this year. JMO.

That's kind of what I meant. When a team gameplans, they have to account for something else now. They can't just leave him uncovered in the slot like a Bobby Wade or something like that. I am not saying he becomes the focus, but his speed just makes it something defenses have to account for and that helps ADP. It certainly doesn't hurt ADP.I've read that Harvin will be used in the slot where those intermediate routes have to be covered by linebackers and safeties. They still have to cover Berrian deep as well. I think the Vikings could excel this season with Rosenfels (or Favre). I have little faith in Jackson.

 

[Multiple Scores]

Another thing is if the defense playing against AP, Berrian and Harvin better be very athletic, I think the Vikings offense is going to be scary good, if they got a top notch QB they would be unstoppable assuming Harvin excels.

 

[spizzletrunk]

Just wondering what people think of this. I tend to agree that Harvin may have the type of ability that may force defenses to adjust to the Vikings passing game. He's obviously very explosive. If he knocks home a couple of long touchdowns early in the season, teams would have to start to account for him. Adrian's stock improves with the Harvin pick I think. He won't really hurt Adrian from a receiving standpoint either, because that isn't a big part of ADP's game anyway.

I think the players around AP have to grow for AP to grow more. He's already done a lot. As for Harvin, teams will have to adjust their defensive plays maybe, but I think that due to the Minn QB they will still have to key more on AP. Wait for the interception. Didn't Tarvaris increase his touchdowns last year but his INT's stayed the same. I think if Harvin burns them it will be because the defense is keyed up on Berrian or AP.What about Sidney Rice? Don't count him out yet even though it feels like we should. I think Harvin might help out Sydney Rice. Sydney's got great hands and he's only 21-22 so he can bounce back from injury. He's already got 2 years in the League. I think the 1-2-3 punch of Berrian, S. Rice, Harvin plus good tight end play all is all a benefit of having AP on the team. Plus the MIN defence helps keep the offense and AP fresh. Better scheme or calling plays that work and better decision making from the QB and his receivers and the Vikings will be even more exciting to watch.

 

[Banger]

Like last year it will all depend on the QB play. Harvin can only open things up if the QB can get him the ball.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think Rosenfels, or GULP Favre would be able to improve the play there. I don't see Jackson winning that job this year. Is Frerotte still around?

 

[Matt Waldman]

I think from a talent standpoint, Harvin was a great, great pick by Minnesota. The character issues sober my excitement to the point where I view it as a nice risk to take. Harvin is a great fit in this offense because of his skill running behind blockers. A lot of receivers are great in the open field, but put them behind blockers and they lack the vision to make decisive moves to get up field quickly and run with toughness. Parvin has those skills and it will benefit the team with several options:

WR Screens: Whether it's from the slot or split wide, Harvin has enough strength and acceleration to move the chains or get the big play, something they tried with Berrian and with some success but they should have a lot more with Harvin. This will also make it easier for defenses to forget about Berrian deep as they key on Harvin short.

Out of the backfield: Forget about reverses and the end-around. They will use these, but if Childress is going to maximize Harvin's potential in the offense, this won't be the bread and butter play that becomes all too predictable by week four. What will really mess with defenses is using the spread formation with Peterson flanking the QB on one side and Harvin motioning wide and lining to the opposite flank. Defenses will have to respect both Harvin and Peterson as runners. This means they can play fake to Peterson up the middle, and throw the swing pass to Harvin. They can fake it to Peterson, pump fake to Harvin in the flat and then find Peterson on a screen to the opposite flat. Or they can simply hand it to Harvin on occasion. Some of these plays will be very effective - especially if neither player is the target and they throw it to the TE or Berrian. They also can use the Wildcat with Harvin and Peterson, although I hope they don't over do it because I'm not sure they have a guy to throw the ball between the two.

Intermediate/Deep Routes: Harvin wasn't seen running many of these because (sorry folks) Tim Tebow was not at this level as a passer to throw the deep out, the deep in, the skinny post, post corners, etc. Harvin demonstrated during his Pro Day that he could run these routes much better than they expected. If he develops quickly, he could eventually be a better all around receiver than Berrian. He's not a gimmick player, although the skills most people saw him use would make you think so. If he keeps his personal affairs in order, Harvin could become a player teams have to consider bracketing and that will leave Berrian open all day and Peterson doesn't face eight in the box consistently. This is one of the biggest reasons they drafted Harvin, because he will take pressure off the running game by forcing teams to play the passing offense more honestly. Peterson won't have to work as hard to get minimal yardage if Harvin does his job and that spells bigger plays for the running game.This is why you don't always have to pick more linemen to improve the ground game.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I was pining for Harvin to the Vikes way back in January. I can't wait to see what this offense will do with Harvin on the field.

Anyone have any YAC stats for Percy at Florida?

The Vikes love to run the 5 yard slant to Bobby Wade. Problem is, he doesn't go anywhere after those five. I think Harvin will light it up.

 

[Sabertooth]

I was pining for Harvin to the Vikes way back in January. I can't wait to see what this offense will do with Harvin on the field.Anyone have any YAC stats for Percy at Florida?The Vikes love to run the 5 yard slant to Bobby Wade. Problem is, he doesn't go anywhere after those five. I think Harvin will light it up.

How is Harvin at catching in traffic? Is he a "hands" catcher?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

How is Harvin at catching in traffic? Is he a "hands" catcher?

Two of Harvin's biggest plays last year came when he was blanketed by the defender. I've always been surprised by how good he is in traffic. After all those big runs you start to forget that he's actually got good receiver skills as well.He is most definitely a natural hands catcher.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

How is Harvin at catching in traffic? Is he a "hands" catcher?

Two of Harvin's biggest plays last year came when he was blanketed by the defender. I've always been surprised by how good he is in traffic. After all those big runs you start to forget that he's actually got good receiver skills as well.He is most definitely a natural hands catcher.

He's not a "polished" WR yet, but he has much better hands than most people give him credit for. He's further along than the guy people like to compare him to, Ted Ginn (and I liked Ginn too).

 

[EBF]

I think Vikes fans will be loving this pick by the end of the season.

Harvin is potentially the best skill position player in the draft and I expect him to make an immediate impact ala DeSean Jackson.

 

[TheFanatic]

I wouldn't see Harvin being that much of an impact in the first year. New QB (or at least hopefully), some guys ahead of him on the depth chart, learning the ropes in the pros, etc.

 

[Multiple Scores]

I wouldn't see Harvin being that much of an impact in the first year. New QB (or at least hopefully), some guys ahead of him on the depth chart, learning the ropes in the pros, etc.

Who besides Berrian? Rice has had 500 career receiving yards with 380 of them coming in year one. I'm not sure a guy who averaged less than 10 yards last season would qualify? Perhaps you're referring to someone else who has slipped my mind.

 

[Matt Waldman]

How is Harvin at catching in traffic? Is he a "hands" catcher?

Two of Harvin's biggest plays last year came when he was blanketed by the defender. I've always been surprised by how good he is in traffic. After all those big runs you start to forget that he's actually got good receiver skills as well.He is most definitely a natural hands catcher.

He's not a "polished" WR yet, but he has much better hands than most people give him credit for. He's further along than the guy people like to compare him to, Ted Ginn (and I liked Ginn too).

Much further along...put Harvin in Miami and I'd take him over Ginn right now. Some of the player-analysts at ESPN compare him to Steve Smith. Not sure I see that one as completely as they do, but it should tell you about his skill.

 

[ScottyFargo]

I wouldn't see Harvin being that much of an impact in the first year. New QB (or at least hopefully), some guys ahead of him on the depth chart, learning the ropes in the pros, etc.

Who besides Berrian? Rice has had 500 career receiving yards with 380 of them coming in year one. I'm not sure a guy who averaged less than 10 yards last season would qualify? Perhaps you're referring to someone else who has slipped my mind.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11688515"He just wanted to be a piece of the puzzle," said Vikings receivers coach George Stewart....

Then there's Stewart. I don't know of a position coach more able to steer a young man clear of potential hazards, and Harvin is young (20). That comes from years of knowing Stewart, watching him mentor players and observing him challenge Terrell Owens when the two were in San Francisco. Owens is a load, but not around Stewart he's not. He respects and admires the guy. More important, he listens to him, and I would expect Harvin to do the same

"This is no risk at all," said Stewart. "We're going to use him. We're not going to work him in gradually. He's going to play right now."

 

[bcr8f]

I wouldn't see Harvin being that much of an impact in the first year. New QB (or at least hopefully), some guys ahead of him on the depth chart, learning the ropes in the pros, etc.

Who besides Berrian? Rice has had 500 career receiving yards with 380 of them coming in year one. I'm not sure a guy who averaged less than 10 yards last season would qualify? Perhaps you're referring to someone else who has slipped my mind.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11688515"He just wanted to be a piece of the puzzle," said Vikings receivers coach George Stewart....

Then there's Stewart. I don't know of a position coach more able to steer a young man clear of potential hazards, and Harvin is young (20). That comes from years of knowing Stewart, watching him mentor players and observing him challenge Terrell Owens when the two were in San Francisco. Owens is a load, but not around Stewart he's not. He respects and admires the guy. More important, he listens to him, and I would expect Harvin to do the same

"This is no risk at all," said Stewart. "We're going to use him. We're not going to work him in gradually. He's going to play right now."

The Packers defenders will be ready.

 

[whhwalker]

I was pining for Harvin to the Vikes way back in January. I can't wait to see what this offense will do with Harvin on the field.

Anyone have any YAC stats for Percy at Florida?

The Vikes love to run the 5 yard slant to Bobby Wade. Problem is, he doesn't go anywhere after those five. I think Harvin will light it up.

Here is a link to the Gator stats from last season. Although there is not a stat for YAC, Harvin averaged 16.1 per catch. As a Gator homer, I can attest that most of his 40 catches were within 5 yards of the line of scrimmagehttp://www.gatorzone.com/football/stats/team.pdf

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Much further along...put Harvin in Miami and I'd take him over Ginn right now. Some of the player-analysts at ESPN compare him to Steve Smith. Not sure I see that one as completely as they do, but it should tell you about his skill.

I'd say something like Devin Hester with better receiving skills.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I was pining for Harvin to the Vikes way back in January. I can't wait to see what this offense will do with Harvin on the field.

Anyone have any YAC stats for Percy at Florida?

The Vikes love to run the 5 yard slant to Bobby Wade. Problem is, he doesn't go anywhere after those five. I think Harvin will light it up.

Here is a link to the Gator stats from last season. Although there is not a stat for YAC, Harvin averaged 16.1 per catch. As a Gator homer, I can attest that most of his 40 catches were within 5 yards of the line of scrimmagehttp://www.gatorzone.com/football/stats/team.pdf

:drool:

 

[TheFanatic]

I wouldn't see Harvin being that much of an impact in the first year. New QB (or at least hopefully), some guys ahead of him on the depth chart, learning the ropes in the pros, etc.

Who besides Berrian? Rice has had 500 career receiving yards with 380 of them coming in year one. I'm not sure a guy who averaged less than 10 yards last season would qualify? Perhaps you're referring to someone else who has slipped my mind.

Let me ask you this. Are there enough balls to go around for a 2nd WR along with Berrian to be very productive along with Shiancoe there? So in this situation there really only needs to be 1 guy head of him. That being said Harvin is motivation for Rice. He may not do anything with it, but he will be fighting to keep a job...

 

[EBF]

Berrian is basically a one trick pony. He can get deep and that's about it.

Rice is a red zone target who has trouble separating underneath.

Harvin fits in nicely because he'll be a terror on short and intermediate routes and he also has the speed to go long.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Berrian is basically a one trick pony. He can get deep and that's about it.Rice is a red zone target who has trouble separating underneath.Harvin fits in nicely because he'll be a terror on short and intermediate routes and he also has the speed to go long.

Yup. Vikes really overpaid for Berrian and fantasy players severely overrate Rice.

 

[Bri]

Peterson will always be the focus of Ds

Any attention away from him will help but there is no way a D doesn't focus on Peterson to focus elsewhere.

Peterson is a once every 20-30 years talent. Harvin hasn't caught an NFL pass

 

[eric rymer]

I wouldn't see Harvin being that much of an impact in the first year. New QB (or at least hopefully), some guys ahead of him on the depth chart, learning the ropes in the pros, etc.

Who besides Berrian? Rice has had 500 career receiving yards with 380 of them coming in year one. I'm not sure a guy who averaged less than 10 yards last season would qualify? Perhaps you're referring to someone else who has slipped my mind.

Let me ask you this. Are there enough balls to go around for a 2nd WR along with Berrian to be very productive along with Shiancoe there? So in this situation there really only needs to be 1 guy head of him. That being said Harvin is motivation for Rice. He may not do anything with it, but he will be fighting to keep a job...

I see your line of thinking, but I really don't think it is about how many touches Harvin gets or how many balls there are to go around. It's more about having to keep the defense honest by accounting for Harvin. The threat of Harvin's after the catch ability will keep defenses from loading up to stop ADP. Now Berrian should have been able to do that, but QB play will play a big role in that.

 

[Rockchild]

I think that consistant QB play will help open things up for Peterson and having Harvin as a weapon will help the QB to be consistant.