Vikes Fan
Footballguy
I still have no clue what you are talking about.

I still have no clue what you are talking about.
Nope. Hate 'em.I am really starting to dig those purple pants. They look real sharp on Winfield with the purple spandex under-armor.
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My only probelm with the draft was I think they could gotten Jackson and Cook in the 3rd.Should used other 2nd round pick FOr Hodges (SP?) Other LB out of Iowa.I LOVE what the Vikings ended up doing overall in the draft.
1. Greenway - SOLID
2. Griffin - Doesn't have good "measurables" but just performed for a top caliber defense.
3. Cook - Maybe a little early but has the skills and versatility.
4. Jackson - LOVE this pick!! The guy has a rocket arm - hello Koren and Troy and can be groomed to take over in a couple years.
5. Edwards - Light a fire under him and he is better than Johnstone as a situational guy.
6. Blue - Big time safety from a big time program. Solid late pick.
7. Hicks - Get an instant starter for a sixth rounder...plus versatile and knows the offense...pure genius here!!
8. Taureen Henderson - great fit for the offense as a third down guy.
9. Hank Baskett - Would have loved the guy in round 4, get him as an UDFA!! WOW.
Ok, homerism abounds, but I do like what they did. They didn't just sit tight and take the "names" that fell to them like some teams did. They were active and got the guys they wanted!! That is what impressed me.![]()
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I see most of you have put on the purple colored glasses after the draft. Way to drink the Kool-Aid guys.![]()
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How do you mean?I see most of you have put on the purple colored glasses after the draft. Way to drink the Kool-Aid guys.![]()
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They'll win the same number of Super Bowls?
Can I put you down as an opposition to Cook?Having been away from the computer over the weekend, here is my official opinion on the Viking draft:
"What the $@^#&?"
Culpepper for Ryan Cook? Burleson gone for a 3rd which is packaged to trade-up to draft a 6th round talent QB in the 2nd round? Is there a plan in there somewhere? Going in, I was 100% opposed to packaging picks to trade up to get Leinart/Cutler/Young. Unfortunately, that opinion was based on a foolish assumption that the Vikes would use picks to draft appropriately valued players. Huge miscalculation on my part. As of now, I don't care if the Vikes package all picks, including their 2007-2008 picks (that will apparently be used to draft a bunch of UFAs anyway) for an actual blue chip prospect. All we saw was the triangle of audacity at Winter Park drafting project players they intend to turn into capable players to feed their extreme egos. There's actually a time for that, and it's called "street free-agency." Thank god for Buffalo, because by all rights the Vikes should be the laughingstock of this draft.
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Fixed.Thank god for Buffalothe Bears, because by all rights the Vikes should be the laughingstock of this draft.
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I've got nothing against Cook. I sure hope they can turn him into a player. Put me down as an opposition to hubris, which I think the TOA drowned in over the weekend. Either that or they're a bunch of nervous nellies who didn't believe their 5th/6th/7th round targets would make it past the 2nd round.Can I put you down as an opposition to Cook?Having been away from the computer over the weekend, here is my official opinion on the Viking draft:
"What the $@^#&?"
Culpepper for Ryan Cook? Burleson gone for a 3rd which is packaged to trade-up to draft a 6th round talent QB in the 2nd round? Is there a plan in there somewhere? Going in, I was 100% opposed to packaging picks to trade up to get Leinart/Cutler/Young. Unfortunately, that opinion was based on a foolish assumption that the Vikes would use picks to draft appropriately valued players. Huge miscalculation on my part. As of now, I don't care if the Vikes package all picks, including their 2007-2008 picks (that will apparently be used to draft a bunch of UFAs anyway) for an actual blue chip prospect. All we saw was the triangle of audacity at Winter Park drafting project players they intend to turn into capable players to feed their extreme egos. There's actually a time for that, and it's called "street free-agency." Thank god for Buffalo, because by all rights the Vikes should be the laughingstock of this draft.
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Mike McMahon :X Not sure what Childress likes about this guy.
I agree on McMahon.. Why do I get that tried and failed"It's not the players, it's the system" feeling again??
Plutos. You are the eternal optimist. I dig that about you man. Add this guy to your list. Charles Gordon. He might be a keeper.I LOVE what the Vikings ended up doing overall in the draft.
1. Greenway - SOLID
2. Griffin - Doesn't have good "measurables" but just performed for a top caliber defense.
3. Cook - Maybe a little early but has the skills and versatility.
4. Jackson - LOVE this pick!! The guy has a rocket arm - hello Koren and Troy and can be groomed to take over in a couple years.
5. Edwards - Light a fire under him and he is better than Johnstone as a situational guy.
6. Blue - Big time safety from a big time program. Solid late pick.
7. Hicks - Get an instant starter for a sixth rounder...plus versatile and knows the offense...pure genius here!!
8. Taureen Henderson - great fit for the offense as a third down guy.
9. Hank Baskett - Would have loved the guy in round 4, get him as an UDFA!! WOW.
Ok, homerism abounds, but I do like what they did. They didn't just sit tight and take the "names" that fell to them like some teams did. They were active and got the guys they wanted!! That is what impressed me.![]()
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Buffalo had a good draft. Much better than the Vikings. At least Buffalo got first round talent out of their first four picks.Thank god for Buffalo, because by all rights the Vikes should be the laughingstock of this draft.
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That's the biggest problem I had with the draft. There's no way that Jackson and Cook would have been taken by anyone in the 3rd. Their reaching cost them a 2nd round talent.I'd be a lot happier if they had gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd round picks. None of the QB's after Cutler seem like 'franchise' guys and certainly not Johnson insurance. McMahon, as bad as he is, is still vastly more qualified to play this season than any of the 2nd round QB's.
But Hodge could play the middle day 1. :(
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That's the biggest problem I had with the draft. There's no way that Jackson and Cook would have been taken by anyone in the 3rd. Their reaching cost them a 2nd round talent.I'd be a lot happier if they had gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd round picks. None of the QB's after Cutler seem like 'franchise' guys and certainly not Johnson insurance. McMahon, as bad as he is, is still vastly more qualified to play this season than any of the 2nd round QB's.
But Hodge could play the middle day 1. :(
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Yes. I think they got duped. But overall, I think they knew what they were looking for and went and got them.Nobody could be worse than Les Steckel.I also think other teams knew their "targets" and made the Vkings think they were after them earlier than they really were.
I am fearing a Les Steckel kind of regime from Childress. Does Greg Coleman still have his combat boots?
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I agree that Buffalo later picks were ok, but their 1st round picks were far worse than Greenway IMHO and I would not characterize their draft as "good" overall. But, duly noted that Minnesota may have overall drafted worse than Buffalo. Bottom line: Triangle of Alarmists don't have the composure for an NFL war room.Buffalo had a good draft. Much better than the Vikings. At least Buffalo got first round talent out of their first four picks.Thank god for Buffalo, because by all rights the Vikes should be the laughingstock of this draft.
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I'll agree with you and give them some latitude, however, it disturbs me that Studwell and Gilliam had really good drafts the last two years with Tice. It seemed to be the opposite. They got talent that should have gone in the second round in the third, fourth and fifth. Do you think they were pushed a completely different way by Childress and Foley?Yes. I think they got duped. But overall, I think they knew what they were looking for and went and got them.Nobody could be worse than Les Steckel.I also think other teams knew their "targets" and made the Vkings think they were after them earlier than they really were.
I am fearing a Les Steckel kind of regime from Childress. Does Greg Coleman still have his combat boots?
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They'll learn from their mistakes this year and next year I doubt this happens again. They seem like a sharp bunch and since this is their first year doing this, I'm willing to give a bit of latitude. It's not like they're a Super Bowl contender this year anyway.
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Actually, from what I've heard on KFAN today they leaned pretty heavily on Studwell's input and scouting because he's had by far the most experience scouting this college class.I'll agree with you and give them some latitude, however, it disturbs me that Studwell and Gilliam had really good drafts the last two years with Tice. It seemed to be the opposite. They got talent that should have gone in the second round in the third, fourth and fifth. Do you think they were pushed a completely different way by Childress and Foley?Yes. I think they got duped. But overall, I think they knew what they were looking for and went and got them.Nobody could be worse than Les Steckel.I also think other teams knew their "targets" and made the Vkings think they were after them earlier than they really were.
I am fearing a Les Steckel kind of regime from Childress. Does Greg Coleman still have his combat boots?
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They'll learn from their mistakes this year and next year I doubt this happens again. They seem like a sharp bunch and since this is their first year doing this, I'm willing to give a bit of latitude. It's not like they're a Super Bowl contender this year anyway.
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Not a different way. I just think Childress/Foley/Timlin knew who they wanted and were a bit to anxious to get them.I'll take a reach in the 2nd if the coaches can actually hone his skills (hopefully what the current coaching staff will do) rather than take guys where they're supposed to go but never pan out because they don't have professional coaching. How many 2nd rounders did Tice & Co. turn professional? Verrrrrry few.Do you think they were pushed a completely different way by Childress and Foley?
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Childress said he wasn't concerned about the 4.78 40-yard dash time Greenway ran at the NFL combine. The Vikings timed him at 4.55 at the Iowa pro day workout."I think [his] speed was really related to the shoes he wore at the combine, because he came right back on the same surface at his home and runs 4.5," Childress said. "Really, it's not about all the tests and all the numbers: His résumé is the videotape. He plays fast on film and that speaks for itself."
http://www.startribune.com/507/story/403201.htmlOn taking Cook over somebody such as Greg Eslinger of the Gophers, Childress said: "Cook is bigger and can play additional positions, is kind of what it came down to. We liked Eslinger, too. But we just thought that again, the position flexibility thing for us is big, to be able to move along the offensive line. You can only dress seven of those guys on Sunday, so somebody's got to be able to be a dual-position guy."
They could have gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd, but they didn't, and then they proceeded to NOT take another linebacker, so they must feel that they are ok at the position.I'd be a lot happier if they had gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd round picks. None of the QB's after Cutler seem like 'franchise' guys and certainly not Johnson insurance. McMahon, as bad as he is, is still vastly more qualified to play this season than any of the 2nd round QB's.
But Hodge could play the middle day 1. :(
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Clearly but how do you feel about Henderson, Thomas, Harris? One of those guys has to start this year.They could have gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd, but they didn't, and then they proceeded to NOT take another linebacker, so they must feel that they are ok at the position.I'd be a lot happier if they had gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd round picks. None of the QB's after Cutler seem like 'franchise' guys and certainly not Johnson insurance. McMahon, as bad as he is, is still vastly more qualified to play this season than any of the 2nd round QB's.
But Hodge could play the middle day 1. :(
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Yeah, none of those guys look good, but lest we forget they'll be in a new system next year. One of those guys could very well shine in the new system. We know they had potential coming out of college and with the new coaching staff, maybe that potential will develop. Maybe by next year at this time all three will be starting for Minnesota? It took a change in philosophy for Cris Carter to become the second greatest reciever of all time, maybe that's what these guys need?Anyway, I don't expect a whole lot from the Vikings this year. Both offense and defense learning new schemes under a first time head coach and first time Defensive coordinator. I think .500 is the upside and anything above that is just gravy.Clearly but how do you feel about Henderson, Thomas, Harris? One of those guys has to start this year.They could have gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd, but they didn't, and then they proceeded to NOT take another linebacker, so they must feel that they are ok at the position.I'd be a lot happier if they had gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd round picks. None of the QB's after Cutler seem like 'franchise' guys and certainly not Johnson insurance. McMahon, as bad as he is, is still vastly more qualified to play this season than any of the 2nd round QB's.
But Hodge could play the middle day 1. :(
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I agree that they haven't put up anything yet, but like encaitor mentions, they are now in a defense that is based more on speed than what they've had the past couple years and those guys can run. I was hoping Raonall would be one that would stay around, but they have to see something in the guys they have. I think we will see a huge difference in them because of the enthusiasm of the coaching staff this season.Clearly but how do you feel about Henderson, Thomas, Harris? One of those guys has to start this year.They could have gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd, but they didn't, and then they proceeded to NOT take another linebacker, so they must feel that they are ok at the position.I'd be a lot happier if they had gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd round picks. None of the QB's after Cutler seem like 'franchise' guys and certainly not Johnson insurance. McMahon, as bad as he is, is still vastly more qualified to play this season than any of the 2nd round QB's.
But Hodge could play the middle day 1. :(
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Cutting in here, but I think all three of them have the physical ability to excel at the position. I believe the problem was coaching. Not sure who the linebacker coach was (Bercich?) with the rotating defensive coordinators, but I feel Urlacher or Derrick Johnson would have been bust if they were put in the same circumstance.I don't think all 3 will excel, but I am fairly confident at least one of them will be able to take their game to the next level with quality coaching; and some consistency in the defensive coach's rank.Clearly but how do you feel about Henderson, Thomas, Harris? One of those guys has to start this year.They could have gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd, but they didn't, and then they proceeded to NOT take another linebacker, so they must feel that they are ok at the position.I'd be a lot happier if they had gotten Hodge with one of the 2nd round picks. None of the QB's after Cutler seem like 'franchise' guys and certainly not Johnson insurance. McMahon, as bad as he is, is still vastly more qualified to play this season than any of the 2nd round QB's.
But Hodge could play the middle day 1. :(
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"If they felt strongly that this was their guy and they had to take him there to get him, then I might change my opinion," King said. "I feel that in terms of coaching quarterbacks and evaluating quarterbacks, Brad Childress is one of the best, and in no way do I feel the guy is not a good prospect. I'm just very surprised."
"I've watched some tape on him, and he's a very good athlete, maybe the kid with the strongest arm in the draft," Spielman said. "He can move around. Sometimes he makes some incredible throws; other times he'll miss.
"It will be interesting to see if Brad can develop this kid, because he has enough tools. It won't be about the skills. It'll be about the mental part and him becoming a little more consistent as a thrower."
The 'lost' perception has to be rooted in coaching. On the other end of the spectrum you got linebackers for the Patriots who necessarily don't have the instincts of Thomas but are consistently making plays. A large part of that is coaching and preparing the playersa job the Patriot coaching staff excels at.Edited - the turnover of the defensive coach is probably more of a cause of this than the actual coaches holding the position.I was really excited about D. Thomas when they drafted him. Maybe you guys are right and the new staff can get through to him. He just looks so clueless so often. Almost as if he has no instincts at all. Henderson is too slow, Harris is too lazy.
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I don't think being a first rounder automatically guarantees success. I just think the guys we've drafted in the first round were at positions where we had good coaches. (Dline the past three years-- clearly they've been getting a lot out of their talent for a while) Meanwhile, our linebackers that we had ranked highly(I believe the Vikes saw D Thomas as a late first rounder and EJ even higher, hell Harris was a top 15 pick) didn't develop due to poor coaching more than lack of ability.I think the only explanation as to why so many 2nd (and later) round picks have busted for the Vikings is coaching.
1st rounders typically have the talent to succeed regardless. 2nd+ need coaching.
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http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/s...ll/14494540.htmAgent: Rookie quarterback popular pick
Staff and news service reports
The agent for newly drafted Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said two NFL personnel executives told him that they planned to take Jackson early in the third round.
"After the draft, there were two clubs that expressed disappointment and were mad they didn't get him," Joel Segal said. "They were planning to take (Jackson) very high in the third round, and were lamenting the fact that the Vikings beat them."
Segal's other clients include Reggie Bush, Michael Vick, Darren Sharper and DeAngelo Hall.
The Vikings traded their two third-round picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers to get the final pick of the second round. On Saturday, Vikings then-vice president Fran Foley said the team made the move because it didn't want to risk not getting Jackson.
Vikings minicamp starts May 13.
— Sean Jensen
I am nestled into the corner of defending the Vikings and although this does offer some support for my position, this is coming from the quarterback's agent so I don't know how much merit we can associate with this statement.Really what we need is for a coach\team to come out and say, "The Vikings' trading up for Jackson was an outstanding move because we had him ranked as the third best QB prospect in the draft." But this will never happen.The agent for newly drafted Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said two NFL personnel executives told him that they planned to take Jackson early in the third round.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/s...ll/14494540.htm
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But then others would chime in that it wasI am nestled into the corner of defending the Vikings and although this does offer some support for my position, this is coming from the quarterback's agent so I don't know how much merit we can associate with this statement.Really what we need is for a coach\team to come out and say, "The Vikings' trading up for Jackson was an outstanding move because we had him ranked as the third best QB prospect in the draft." But this will never happen.The agent for newly drafted Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said two NFL personnel executives told him that they planned to take Jackson early in the third round.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/s...ll/14494540.htm
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Really, it is just like playing cards. The Vikings' made a move at the pot, the field folded and the Vikings' got the pot. We will never know what the other players were holding, whether they could have won the pot or how badly they wanted to win the pot.But then others would chime in that it wasI am nestled into the corner of defending the Vikings and although this does offer some support for my position, this is coming from the quarterback's agent so I don't know how much merit we can associate with this statement.Really what we need is for a coach\team to come out and say, "The Vikings' trading up for Jackson was an outstanding move because we had him ranked as the third best QB prospect in the draft." But this will never happen.The agent for newly drafted Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said two NFL personnel executives told him that they planned to take Jackson early in the third round.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/s...ll/14494540.htm
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<{POST_SNAPBACK}>ala Shannahan saying Laurence Maroney was a Great Pick by Pats. then everyone saying he was shovely
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We truly won't know what type of player he is for two to three years. until then it really doesn't matter what others might say.
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I am very optimistic. There was a local newspaper article (from Alabama) commenting that Tarvaris worked out at the combine and looked pretty good. The weeks following, about 15 different teams flew in to work him out privately.Hmmm. I'm beginning to be cautiously optomistic about this Jackson guy.
Strib article.
Yahoo has some game video of him (and most of the picks). Links are on the right hand side by round.
Those are some fugly uniforms that Ala. St. wears
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Jackson was the only QB Simms discussed outside of the "Big Three".Second thing was that Todd McShay ranked our UDFA class (FWIW) #1:But there was one quarterback I saw, albeit very briefly, who really caught my eye. I saw two throws made by Alabama State quarterback Tavaris Jackson, and I was really impressed. Then I saw a few more throws from him on NFL Network from his workout at the combine, and to say I was intrigued is an understatement. Wow!
It looked big-time. Not just okay or good. What little I saw looked big-time. Then I found out a little bit about him. He started out at Arkansas and transferred to Alabama State because he was going to sit behind Matt Jones and Arkansas wanted him to switch positions. So he was good enough to be recruited by a Division I-A school and he must be a good athlete if they were willing to move him to another position.
Jackson has good size, he's muscular, and has a fluid throwing motion, very fluid. He looked natural. We'll see what happens.
Moves me back slightly from the edge...1. Minnesota Vikings
Key additions: Charles Gordon, DC/RS, Kansas; Wendell Mathis, RB, Fresno State; Taurean Henderson, RB, Texas Tech; Cory Ross, RB, Nebraska; Drew Olson, QB, UCLA; Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico; Ed Hinkel, WR, Iowa; Barrick Nealy, QB, Texas State.