Minnesota Vikings Offseason (2007) (1 Viewer)

[Vikes Fan]

http://www.startribune.com/510/story/1112592.html

Apparently, the Vikings prefer to bring in large numbers (25) of potential draft picks at once instead of bringing them in one at a time like most teams. I guess I don't get this. Why would they do that?

I can just picture the scene at Winter Park...

"Hi. I am Rick Speilman. I was on ESPN for a while. You are, who? Oh, hello Gaines. Nice to meet you. Here is your free Viking T-Shirt to work out in today. Uh, you will have to return it though. We need to give it to some charity. Also in this packet is your ticket for dinner at the Old Country Buffet. Eat up and enjoy. Next!"

On a serious note, who is OSU receiver Roy Hall? I do not follow college football much, but I know that OSU used Gonzalez and Ginn at WR. Can someone tell me about Hall?

 

[Donnybrook]

On a serious note, who is OSU receiver Roy Hall? I do not follow college football much, but I know that OSU used Gonzalez and Ginn at WR. Can someone tell me about Hall?

I don't follow college football much either but I remember reading that he surprised a lot of people when he ran a 4.4 on his pro day. I found a blurb on him from KFFL:

NFL | R. Hall impresses at Pro DaySun, 11 Mar 2007 08:29:52 -0700Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Ohio State WR Roy Hall impressed during his Pro Day Saturday, March 10, by running the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds, according to some scouts. Hall is listed at 6-3, 238 pounds. Hall was not invited to the NFL Combine. "He's a kid that will be on people's radar now," said Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.

 

[BigJim®]

Apparently, the Vikings prefer to bring in large numbers (25) of potential draft picks at once instead of bringing them in one at a time like most teams. I guess I don't get this. Why would they do that?

(1) Because trickery is more valued at Winter Park than legitimately evaluating the future of this franchise.(2) Because they are so overly confident in who they want to take they don't think they need valid evaluations of all prospects likely to be available. HTH

 

[Donnybrook]

Apparently, the Vikings prefer to bring in large numbers (25) of potential draft picks at once instead of bringing them in one at a time like most teams. I guess I don't get this. Why would they do that?

(1) Because trickery is more valued at Winter Park than legitimately evaluating the future of this franchise.(2) Because they are so overly confident in who they want to take they don't think they need valid evaluations of all prospects likely to be available. HTH

Interesting, the St Louis Rams brought in 29 draft prospects today.

 

[BigJim®]

Apparently, the Vikings prefer to bring in large numbers (25) of potential draft picks at once instead of bringing them in one at a time like most teams. I guess I don't get this. Why would they do that?

(1) Because trickery is more valued at Winter Park than legitimately evaluating the future of this franchise.(2) Because they are so overly confident in who they want to take they don't think they need valid evaluations of all prospects likely to be available. HTH

Interesting, the St Louis Rams brought in 29 draft prospects today.

Well, it doesn't make sense. If each player was given just a quick 30 minute evaluation/interview with those attempting to make a determination, that would take 15 hours. In addition to mentally draining [and potentially impacting the judgment of] those responsible for inteviewing by cramming this into a single day, I can't believe they have the time to be thorough. Oh well, I guess when a team gets tunnel vision regarding guys like Troy Williamson, Ryan Cook and Tarvaris Jackson, that says quite a bit about how they approach blue-chip prospect evaluations.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I doubt this is the first contact that they've had with these 25 guys.

However, I wonder how many of the 25 are hoping it's the LAST contact they have with the Vikings.

I have a co-worker whose husband golfed in a charity event with Childress while he coached in Wisconsin. His impression of Chili was, shall we say, less than favorable.

 

[Donnybrook]

Apparently, the Vikings prefer to bring in large numbers (25) of potential draft picks at once instead of bringing them in one at a time like most teams. I guess I don't get this. Why would they do that?

(1) Because trickery is more valued at Winter Park than legitimately evaluating the future of this franchise.(2) Because they are so overly confident in who they want to take they don't think they need valid evaluations of all prospects likely to be available. HTH

Interesting, the St Louis Rams brought in 29 draft prospects today.

Well, it doesn't make sense. If each player was given just a quick 30 minute evaluation/interview with those attempting to make a determination, that would take 15 hours. In addition to mentally draining [and potentially impacting the judgment of] those responsible for inteviewing by cramming this into a single day, I can't believe they have the time to be thorough. Oh well, I guess when a team gets tunnel vision regarding guys like Troy Williamson, Ryan Cook and Tarvaris Jackson, that says quite a bit about how they approach blue-chip prospect evaluations.

The Childress regime did not draft Troy Williamson and I am not sticking a fork in Ryan Cook or Tarvarius Jackson just yet.

 

[Vikes Fan]

Apparently, the Vikings prefer to bring in large numbers (25) of potential draft picks at once instead of bringing them in one at a time like most teams. I guess I don't get this. Why would they do that?

(1) Because trickery is more valued at Winter Park than legitimately evaluating the future of this franchise.(2) Because they are so overly confident in who they want to take they don't think they need valid evaluations of all prospects likely to be available. HTH

Interesting, the St Louis Rams brought in 29 draft prospects today.

Well, it doesn't make sense. If each player was given just a quick 30 minute evaluation/interview with those attempting to make a determination, that would take 15 hours. In addition to mentally draining [and potentially impacting the judgment of] those responsible for inteviewing by cramming this into a single day, I can't believe they have the time to be thorough. Oh well, I guess when a team gets tunnel vision regarding guys like Troy Williamson, Ryan Cook and Tarvaris Jackson, that says quite a bit about how they approach blue-chip prospect evaluations.

The Childress regime did not draft Troy Williamson and I am not sticking a fork in Ryan Cook or Tarvarius Jackson just yet.

Don't have any idea how much influence he has currently, but Studwell has been head of college scouting under both regimes. He was in charge of the draft with Tice, so it could be said that these guys are being evaluated by the same person. I understand that Chilli and Speilman give him a different twist as they are going after players that fit a different system, but still, I think you can't overlook that Studwell has participated in the selection of all of these players.Also, I do not think anyone has given up on Jackson or Cook. It is just that most believe they were taken much earlier than necessary. Think if we get Jackson and Cook one and two rounds later and still add a couple of blue-chippers with those picks in the second round... Then everyone would be bragging about what a great draft we had.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Don't have any idea how much influence he has currently, but Studwell has been head of college scouting under both regimes. He was in charge of the draft with Tice, so it could be said that these guys are being evaluated by the same person. I understand that Chilli and Speilman give him a different twist as they are going after players that fit a different system, but still, I think you can't overlook that Studwell has participated in the selection of all of these players.

From what I've been able to gather, Studwell did NOT want Tice to draft Williamson and lobbied hard against it. Tice wouldn't listen and the rest is history.The head of college scouting isn't always listened to.

 

[BigJim®]

Apparently, the Vikings prefer to bring in large numbers (25) of potential draft picks at once instead of bringing them in one at a time like most teams. I guess I don't get this. Why would they do that?

(1) Because trickery is more valued at Winter Park than legitimately evaluating the future of this franchise.(2) Because they are so overly confident in who they want to take they don't think they need valid evaluations of all prospects likely to be available. HTH

Interesting, the St Louis Rams brought in 29 draft prospects today.

Well, it doesn't make sense. If each player was given just a quick 30 minute evaluation/interview with those attempting to make a determination, that would take 15 hours. In addition to mentally draining [and potentially impacting the judgment of] those responsible for inteviewing by cramming this into a single day, I can't believe they have the time to be thorough. Oh well, I guess when a team gets tunnel vision regarding guys like Troy Williamson, Ryan Cook and Tarvaris Jackson, that says quite a bit about how they approach blue-chip prospect evaluations.

The Childress regime did not draft Troy Williamson and I am not sticking a fork in Ryan Cook or Tarvarius Jackson just yet.

Childress has nothing to do with it. The "Tice regime" reportedly wanted Merriman over T.Williamson, so I'm actually thinking this has more to do with Studwell and his staff [who I'd expect to give throrough exams for prospects they invite in]. I mean, how could Studwell contradict the wants of Childress when he turns prospect visits into a 1-day conveyer belt event; I can't imagine they expect to learn anything important about a prospect under those conditions. Lastly, I didn't say I was sticking a fork in Ryan Cook or T.Jackson. I merely made an observation that any team which would fixate on lesser known/rated prospects in the 2nd round may not be doing full due diligence on those cream of the crop prospects expected to slip to that vicinity, and who routinely visit teams for thorough assessments. It's only a theory.

 

[BigJim®]

Don't have any idea how much influence he has currently, but Studwell has been head of college scouting under both regimes. He was in charge of the draft with Tice, so it could be said that these guys are being evaluated by the same person. I understand that Chilli and Speilman give him a different twist as they are going after players that fit a different system, but still, I think you can't overlook that Studwell has participated in the selection of all of these players.

From what I've been able to gather, Studwell did NOT want Tice to draft Williamson and lobbied hard against it. Tice wouldn't listen and the rest is history.The head of college scouting isn't always listened to.

Didn't someone report real recently that Tice was strongly pushing for Merriman? Makes sense to me given his tendancy to go hard after Maryland guys. I can see that happening, and others calling Tice a homer.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Don't have any idea how much influence he has currently, but Studwell has been head of college scouting under both regimes. He was in charge of the draft with Tice, so it could be said that these guys are being evaluated by the same person. I understand that Chilli and Speilman give him a different twist as they are going after players that fit a different system, but still, I think you can't overlook that Studwell has participated in the selection of all of these players.

From what I've been able to gather, Studwell did NOT want Tice to draft Williamson and lobbied hard against it. Tice wouldn't listen and the rest is history.The head of college scouting isn't always listened to.

Didn't someone report real recently that Tice was strongly pushing for Merriman? Makes sense to me given his tendancy to go hard after Maryland guys. I can see that happening, and others calling Tice a homer.

Who knows what's going on down at Winter Park?

 

[BigJim®]

Who knows what's going on down at Winter Park?

I'm not trying to guess, I'm saying I think Tice has gone on record on this one. I just did a google and this was a blurb in Jim Souhan's March 16 article. It included a tidbit that:

That proved to be the Oakland Raiders, who offered the seventh pick in the 2005 draft and underachieving linebacker Napoleon Harris. That package seemed trifling when compared to Moss' production, but, had the Vikings listened to Tice and taken Maryland defensive end Shawne Merriman with the seventh pick, he would have put them into the playoffs in 2005, possibly saving Tice's job.With Tice and Merriman in place, the Vikings (despite Tice's goofiness and Merriman's four-game suspension) would have been in the playoffs again last year.Instead, the Vikings chose receiver Troy Williamson in a mistaken attempt to replace Moss' speed.

Now, Souhan may not be the best resource for something like this, but at the same time I doubt he pulled it out of the air. It does make sense that Tice was an ultra homer for a Maryland guy, moreso than others at Winter Park.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Who knows what's going on down at Winter Park?

I'm not trying to guess, I'm saying I think Tice has gone on record on this one. I just did a google and this was a blurb in Jim Souhan's March 16 article. It included a tidbit that:

That proved to be the Oakland Raiders, who offered the seventh pick in the 2005 draft and underachieving linebacker Napoleon Harris. That package seemed trifling when compared to Moss' production, but, had the Vikings listened to Tice and taken Maryland defensive end Shawne Merriman with the seventh pick, he would have put them into the playoffs in 2005, possibly saving Tice's job.With Tice and Merriman in place, the Vikings (despite Tice's goofiness and Merriman's four-game suspension) would have been in the playoffs again last year.Instead, the Vikings chose receiver Troy Williamson in a mistaken attempt to replace Moss' speed.

Now, Souhan may not be the best resource for something like this, but at the same time I doubt he pulled it out of the air. It does make sense that Tice was an ultra homer for a Maryland guy, moreso than others at Winter Park.

That's certainly interesting. Even Derrick Johnson would have been a better pick. If Williamson was a Studwell guy, that's definitely incriminating.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

The Vikings added some depth at wide receiver Friday, as four-year veteran Cortez Hankton agreed to a one-year contract.

Hankton, 26, caught 34 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars after making the team as an undrafted free agent from Texas Southern.

He had his best season as a rookie in 2003, when he caught 17 passes for 166 yards.

Hankton also visited Buffalo and Cleveland. He is expected to join the Vikings' offseason program Monday.

Rosenthal to Miami: Released March 1 by the Vikings, offensive tackle Mike Rosenthal has signed with the Miami Dolphins, the team announced.

Rosenthal, who could compete for the starting job at right tackle, signed a one-year deal worth $760,000, including a $40,000 signing bonus.

He played four seasons with the Vikings, appearing in 15 games last season and starting three at right tackle.

Rosenthal, 29, joins quarterback Daunte Culpepper and guard Chris Liwienski as former Vikings on Miami's roster. He took part in the Dolphins' first minicamp session Friday.

Peterson visit: Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams wasn't the only possible top 10 draft choice to make a predraft visit to the Vikings this week.

Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, who some draft analysts have speculated could fall to the Vikings at the No. 7 position, also visited Winter Park, scout.com reported.

Chester Taylor is entrenched as the Vikings' No. 1 running back after rushing for 1,216 yards last season, but coach Brad Childress has said he'd like to find a second back to lighten Taylor's load.

LINK

 

[Mr. Yuk]

I dreamt last night the Vikings drafted Landry. The Packers also traded to the #1 spot and took Brady Quinn

 

[Donnybrook]

The good news:

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports free agent S Mike Doss (Colts) will visit the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday, April 3, the NFL announced on its website.

The bad news:

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports free agent S Mike Doss (Colts) has switched agents to Drew Rosenhaus.

Vikings might have the edge in signing him. Vikings new DC was a defensive coach with Indy.

Signs are pointing toward drafting a DE and not Laron Landry.

Vikings | Doss feeling 100 percentSat, 14 Apr 2007 10:57:28 -0700During an ESPNews interview, Minnesota Vikings S Mike Doss (knee) said he is feeling 100 percent and will be ready for OTAs and minicamps. He said he is not being limited and is able to go through all current workouts.

 

[Zerp]

The Minnesota Vikings have signed free agent WR Cortez Hankton, a 5th-year NFL veteran. Hankton spent the opening 4 seasons of his NFL career with Jacksonville where he broke into the League as a rookie free agent. He has 34 receptions for 310 yards and 2 TDs in his 46 career games.

Hankton has carved out a role as a valuable chain-mover and special teams contributor. Throughout his career, half of his receptions have gone for 1st downs (17-of-34).

- April 16, Pioneer Press

 

[Vikes Fan]

The Minnesota Vikings have signed free agent WR Cortez Hankton, a 5th-year NFL veteran. Hankton spent the opening 4 seasons of his NFL career with Jacksonville where he broke into the League as a rookie free agent. He has 34 receptions for 310 yards and 2 TDs in his 46 career games. Hankton has carved out a role as a valuable chain-mover and special teams contributor. Throughout his career, half of his receptions have gone for 1st downs (17-of-34).- April 16, Pioneer Press

Whew. Now I feel much better about the WR position.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Would there be anything better on draft day than to hear: the Minnesota Vikings have completed a trade with Cleveland, with the #3 overall choice, the Minnesota Vikings choose WR Calvin Johnson?

I know we should be able to aquire a top notch prospect at #7, but...

...unless Quinn becomes Montana or Peterson becomes Dickerson...

...will you be happy?

As a jaded Vike's fan, I'm setting my sights low and hoping they get their pick in on time.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Would there be anything better on draft day than to hear: the Minnesota Vikings have completed a trade with Cleveland, with the #3 overall choice, the Minnesota Vikings choose WR Calvin Johnson?

If it's accompanied by "The Vikings give up all their picks this year" it would be awful. But getting CJ would be nice.This comes an extremely close second for me - From PFT

VIKINGS SAYING "YO" TO ADRIAN?Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Vikings "snuck" running back Adrian Peterson into town on Friday, shortly after a dinner meeting with 25 other draft prospects.We have believed for a while that the Vikings would seriously consider taking Peterson with the No. 7 overall pick, if he is still on the board. If the Browns don't take him -- and if the Bills or Packers don't trade up -- our guess is that he'll make it past the Bucs at No. 4, the Cardinals at No. 5, and the Redskins at No. 6.Though the Vikings have Chester Taylor, he's under contract for only three more seasons, and the team relied on him too heavily in 2006, almost to the shattering point.Peterson would give coach/former Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress a Brian Westbrook to go along with Taylor's Correll Buckhalter. And with a developing quarterback, a solid offensive line, and a group of so-so receivers, it might make all the sense in the world for the Vikes to beef up the backfield.

I'm the orignal AP in MN guy. This would make me

 

[msommer]

Would there be anything better on draft day than to hear: the Minnesota Vikings have completed a trade with Cleveland, with the #3 overall choice, the Minnesota Vikings choose WR Calvin Johnson?

If it's accompanied by "The Vikings give up all their picks this year" it would be awful. But getting CJ would be nice.This comes an extremely close second for me -

From PFT

VIKINGS SAYING "YO" TO ADRIAN?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Vikings "snuck" running back Adrian Peterson into town on Friday, shortly after a dinner meeting with 25 other draft prospects.

We have believed for a while that the Vikings would seriously consider taking Peterson with the No. 7 overall pick, if he is still on the board. If the Browns don't take him -- and if the Bills or Packers don't trade up -- our guess is that he'll make it past the Bucs at No. 4, the Cardinals at No. 5, and the Redskins at No. 6.

Though the Vikings have Chester Taylor, he's under contract for only three more seasons, and the team relied on him too heavily in 2006, almost to the shattering point.

Peterson would give coach/former Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress a Brian Westbrook to go along with Taylor's Correll Buckhalter. And with a developing quarterback, a solid offensive line, and a group of so-so receivers, it might make all the sense in the world for the Vikes to beef up the backfield.

I'm the orignal AP in MN guy. This would make me

Only three more years?Oh and last I checked Buckhalter always made significantly less dough than Taylor signed for last year...

Then again, the Vikings have money to spend on RB since (virtually) none is used for QB...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Only three more years?

Oh and last I checked Buckhalter always made significantly less dough than Taylor signed for last year...

Then again, the Vikings have money to spend on RB since (virtually) none is used for QB...

Even so, four-years/$14.1 million including $5.6 million guaranteed isn't a huge contract.

 

[Bull Dozier]

The more I think about it, the more Peterson makes sense. I am thinking more and more than Childress' offense is the Wisconsin Ron Dayne offense, not the Philadelphia WCO 60/40 pass offense. I'm thinking Childress wants a pounder to punish the D, and Peterson fits that bill to a T.

I'm putting my money on the Vikes ending up with Peterson when all is said and done.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Has anyone heard anything about Ray Edwards? He played well in spots last year and I wonder if he can't fill the role originally intended for Erasmus James.

I don't think DE is the lock at #7 that a lot of people think.

 

[snellman]

Would there be anything better on draft day than to hear: the Minnesota Vikings have completed a trade with Cleveland, with the #3 overall choice, the Minnesota Vikings choose WR Calvin Johnson?

If it's accompanied by "The Vikings give up all their picks this year" it would be awful. But getting CJ would be nice.This comes an extremely close second for me - From PFT

VIKINGS SAYING "YO" TO ADRIAN?Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Vikings "snuck" running back Adrian Peterson into town on Friday, shortly after a dinner meeting with 25 other draft prospects.We have believed for a while that the Vikings would seriously consider taking Peterson with the No. 7 overall pick, if he is still on the board. If the Browns don't take him -- and if the Bills or Packers don't trade up -- our guess is that he'll make it past the Bucs at No. 4, the Cardinals at No. 5, and the Redskins at No. 6.Though the Vikings have Chester Taylor, he's under contract for only three more seasons, and the team relied on him too heavily in 2006, almost to the shattering point.Peterson would give coach/former Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress a Brian Westbrook to go along with Taylor's Correll Buckhalter. And with a developing quarterback, a solid offensive line, and a group of so-so receivers, it might make all the sense in the world for the Vikes to beef up the backfield.

I'm the orignal AP in MN guy. This would make me

All I can say is if this happens, I will be I don't care if I gave up the farm to get the 1st overall in my dynastys this year and Peterson will be sharing the backfield with Taylor this would be a great move for my Vikes if he makes it that far and could be a HUGE difference maker.

 

[Chunky Soup]

Would there be anything better on draft day than to hear: the Minnesota Vikings have completed a trade with Cleveland, with the #3 overall choice, the Minnesota Vikings choose WR Calvin Johnson?

If it's accompanied by "The Vikings give up all their picks this year" it would be awful. But getting CJ would be nice.This comes an extremely close second for me -

From PFT

VIKINGS SAYING "YO" TO ADRIAN?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Vikings "snuck" running back Adrian Peterson into town on Friday, shortly after a dinner meeting with 25 other draft prospects.

We have believed for a while that the Vikings would seriously consider taking Peterson with the No. 7 overall pick, if he is still on the board. If the Browns don't take him -- and if the Bills or Packers don't trade up -- our guess is that he'll make it past the Bucs at No. 4, the Cardinals at No. 5, and the Redskins at No. 6.

Though the Vikings have Chester Taylor, he's under contract for only three more seasons, and the team relied on him too heavily in 2006, almost to the shattering point.

Peterson would give coach/former Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress a Brian Westbrook to go along with Taylor's Correll Buckhalter. And with a developing quarterback, a solid offensive line, and a group of so-so receivers, it might make all the sense in the world for the Vikes to beef up the backfield.

I'm the orignal AP in MN guy. This would make me

I think it'd be the best for all parties. However, I think the chances of him falling there are pretty slim.

If the Browns don't take him -- and if the Bills or Packers don't trade up -- our guess is that he'll make it past the Bucs at No. 4, the Cardinals at No. 5, and the Redskins at No. 6.

 

[Vikes Fan]

I am fine with an AP in the first round pick. They better, however, take a WR in the second, as the stable of misfits they have now makes me think there will be 9 or 10 in the box on every play.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Has anyone heard anything about Ray Edwards? He played well in spots last year and I wonder if he can't fill the role originally intended for Erasmus James.I don't think DE is the lock at #7 that a lot of people think.

Andy, I'd think if Gaines Adams or Jamal Anderson are there, maybe they would. Now if both of them AND AP are there, then we have a problem, a good one as I see it.Trading up from 7 to 3 would cost us probably our #1 and #3 this year and a #2 next year. Having said no before on this thread to make this deal, now i'd say do it.What has me wondering is the chain reaction of the soon to be made deal moving Trent Green to Miami. Culpepper would get cut, probably go to Oakland meaning the Raiders might go CJ and trade Porter most likely.

 

[Purple Haze]

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Vikings sign the next Antonio Gates?

The Vikings have agreed to terms on a three-year deal with Todd Lowber, who has never played organized football.

So why did the Vikings sign him?

Because they obviously see untapped potential. According to Lowber's agent, Jim Ulrich of Enter-Sports Management, Lowber is 6 feet 3, weighs 205 pounds, runs a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and has a 43-inch vertical.

Lowber won the 2006 NCAA Division III men's high jump championship with a jump of 7-0.5 for Ramapo College in Mahwah, N.J. He also played four seasons of basketball there.

After graduating last year, Lowber has been training to become an NFL receiver, and he was impressive enough in a workout on March 29 that several teams offered him contracts.

"I did a lot of research on the coaching staff and coach (Brad) Childress," Lowber said. "He was with the (Philadelphia) Eagles, and coach (George) Stewart is a great teacher. That really intrigued me.

"And the Vikings like to throw the ball."

Despite his inexperience, Lowber said, he can contribute immediately in the NFL.

"I have a fast learning curve," he said. "Realistically, do I think I can help this team right now? Yeah. You tell me to run this route, and catch the ball, of course I can do it. I don’t think it’ll be a problem."

Ulrich said the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers and Eagles were among the teams that expressed an interest in his client.

"He's a freakish athlete with unbelievable hands," Ulrich said. "There's no one on par with him athletically in the NFL right now."

posted by Sean Jensen at 11:40 AM

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Wednesday, April 18, 2007Vikings sign the next Antonio Gates?The Vikings have agreed to terms on a three-year deal with Todd Lowber, who has never played organized football.So why did the Vikings sign him?Because they obviously see untapped potential. According to Lowber's agent, Jim Ulrich of Enter-Sports Management, Lowber is 6 feet 3, weighs 205 pounds, runs a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and has a 43-inch vertical.Lowber won the 2006 NCAA Division III men's high jump championship with a jump of 7-0.5 for Ramapo College in Mahwah, N.J. He also played four seasons of basketball there.After graduating last year, Lowber has been training to become an NFL receiver, and he was impressive enough in a workout on March 29 that several teams offered him contracts."I did a lot of research on the coaching staff and coach (Brad) Childress," Lowber said. "He was with the (Philadelphia) Eagles, and coach (George) Stewart is a great teacher. That really intrigued me."And the Vikings like to throw the ball."Despite his inexperience, Lowber said, he can contribute immediately in the NFL."I have a fast learning curve," he said. "Realistically, do I think I can help this team right now? Yeah. You tell me to run this route, and catch the ball, of course I can do it. I don’t think it’ll be a problem."Ulrich said the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers and Eagles were among the teams that expressed an interest in his client."He's a freakish athlete with unbelievable hands," Ulrich said. "There's no one on par with him athletically in the NFL right now."posted by Sean Jensen at 11:40 AM

I'm just going to go back to bed. I'm obviously sleep-surfing and when I wake up this will all have just been a bad dream.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Wednesday, April 18, 2007Vikings sign the next Antonio Gates?The Vikings have agreed to terms on a three-year deal with Todd Lowber, who has never played organized football.So why did the Vikings sign him?Because they obviously see untapped potential. According to Lowber's agent, Jim Ulrich of Enter-Sports Management, Lowber is 6 feet 3, weighs 205 pounds, runs a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and has a 43-inch vertical.Lowber won the 2006 NCAA Division III men's high jump championship with a jump of 7-0.5 for Ramapo College in Mahwah, N.J. He also played four seasons of basketball there.After graduating last year, Lowber has been training to become an NFL receiver, and he was impressive enough in a workout on March 29 that several teams offered him contracts."I did a lot of research on the coaching staff and coach (Brad) Childress," Lowber said. "He was with the (Philadelphia) Eagles, and coach (George) Stewart is a great teacher. That really intrigued me."And the Vikings like to throw the ball."Despite his inexperience, Lowber said, he can contribute immediately in the NFL."I have a fast learning curve," he said. "Realistically, do I think I can help this team right now? Yeah. You tell me to run this route, and catch the ball, of course I can do it. I don’t think it’ll be a problem."Ulrich said the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers and Eagles were among the teams that expressed an interest in his client."He's a freakish athlete with unbelievable hands," Ulrich said. "There's no one on par with him athletically in the NFL right now."posted by Sean Jensen at 11:40 AM

WTF? Did Brock Lesner not answer his phone? The Vikings are giving away 3 year deals like Paris Hilton gives away the punanny.

 

[Vikes Fan]

Wednesday, April 18, 2007Vikings sign the next Antonio Gates?The Vikings have agreed to terms on a three-year deal with Todd Lowber, who has never played organized football.So why did the Vikings sign him?Because they obviously see untapped potential. According to Lowber's agent, Jim Ulrich of Enter-Sports Management, Lowber is 6 feet 3, weighs 205 pounds, runs a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and has a 43-inch vertical.Lowber won the 2006 NCAA Division III men's high jump championship with a jump of 7-0.5 for Ramapo College in Mahwah, N.J. He also played four seasons of basketball there.After graduating last year, Lowber has been training to become an NFL receiver, and he was impressive enough in a workout on March 29 that several teams offered him contracts."I did a lot of research on the coaching staff and coach (Brad) Childress," Lowber said. "He was with the (Philadelphia) Eagles, and coach (George) Stewart is a great teacher. That really intrigued me."And the Vikings like to throw the ball."Despite his inexperience, Lowber said, he can contribute immediately in the NFL."I have a fast learning curve," he said. "Realistically, do I think I can help this team right now? Yeah. You tell me to run this route, and catch the ball, of course I can do it. I don’t think it’ll be a problem."Ulrich said the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers and Eagles were among the teams that expressed an interest in his client."He's a freakish athlete with unbelievable hands," Ulrich said. "There's no one on par with him athletically in the NFL right now."posted by Sean Jensen at 11:40 AM

I'm just going to go back to bed. I'm obviously sleep-surfing and when I wake up this will all have just been a bad dream.

If we throw lots of bad receivers against a wall, one or two of them are bound to stick, right?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If we throw lots of bad receivers against a wall, one or two of them are bound to stick, right?

If we threw Troy Williamson against the wall, all he'd have to do is extend his hands and he'd bounce right off.

 

[Bull Dozier]

If we throw lots of bad receivers against a wall, one or two of them are bound to stick, right?

If we threw Troy Williamson against the wall, all he'd have to do is extend his hands and he'd bounce right off.

The wall would hit his head before he got his hands on it, but he'd bounce off just the same.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If we throw lots of bad receivers against a wall, one or two of them are bound to stick, right?

If we threw Troy Williamson against the wall, all he'd have to do is extend his hands and he'd bounce right off.

The wall would hit his head before he got his hands on it, but he'd bounce off just the same.

Hey look at my TWill impression - (Yeah, that's mean. )

 

[Bull Dozier]

If we throw lots of bad receivers against a wall, one or two of them are bound to stick, right?

If we threw Troy Williamson against the wall, all he'd have to do is extend his hands and he'd bounce right off.

The wall would hit his head before he got his hands on it, but he'd bounce off just the same.

Hey look at my TWill impression - (Yeah, that's mean. )

How about this instead

 

[mozzy84]

so they signed a project, and he probably won't make it through the first cut at training camp, who knows maybe he does turn out be a player, nothing gained, nothing lost if he gets cut.

I like the guys confidence and he is a beast but a couple hits by some big football players might change his "of course I can do it" attitude.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Vikings Whitaker arrested.

Vikings cornerback Ronyell Whitaker was arrested in downtown Minneapolis early this morning on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for drunk driving and careless driving.According to Minneapolis police spokeswoman Lt. Amelia Huffman, Minneapolis police observed Whitaker's vehicle parked illegally at 2:40 this morning at 400 3rd Ave. North. When the police ran Whitaker's license through the system the warrant for his arrest came up. Whitaker was released from police custody at 5:28 a.m. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 2.It is unclear when or where Whitaker was cited for drunk driving and careless driving, according to Hennepin County officials.Whitaker is the second Vikings defensive back to be arrested in the past five days. Cornerback Cedric Griffin was arrested early Sunday morning after an altercation at the Spin nightclub in downtown Minneapolis. Griffin was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after fighting with staff members from the Spin, located at 10 S. 5th St. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 20.JUDD ZULGAD

I wonder for how long this warrant was outstanding.If this franchise was a horse, they'd shoot it.

 

[wannabee]

Vikings Whitaker arrested.

Vikings cornerback Ronyell Whitaker was arrested in downtown Minneapolis early this morning on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for drunk driving and careless driving.

According to Minneapolis police spokeswoman Lt. Amelia Huffman, Minneapolis police observed Whitaker's vehicle parked illegally at 2:40 this morning at 400 3rd Ave. North. When the police ran Whitaker's license through the system the warrant for his arrest came up. Whitaker was released from police custody at 5:28 a.m. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 2.

It is unclear when or where Whitaker was cited for drunk driving and careless driving, according to Hennepin County officials.

Whitaker is the second Vikings defensive back to be arrested in the past five days. Cornerback Cedric Griffin was arrested early Sunday morning after an altercation at the Spin nightclub in downtown Minneapolis. Griffin was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after fighting with staff members from the Spin, located at 10 S. 5th St. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 20.

JUDD ZULGAD

I wonder for how long this warrant was outstanding.If this franchise was a horse, they'd shoot it put it out for stud on a boat.

 

[wannabee]

Vikings | Whitaker arrest a mistake

Published Thu Apr 19 9:03:00 p.m. ET 2007

(KFFL) Updating a previous report, Don Seeholzer, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker's attorney said the arrest of Whitaker on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and it has been fixed. Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense. Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid a $1,000 fine for the careless driving citation, but it was apparently never recorded in court computers. Since it was never recorded, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver's license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday, April 19, the arrest warrant was still open. Tamburino said Whitaker is not upset about the mistake and that he will get the $50 he posted for bail returned to him.

 

[snogger]

Vikings | Whitaker arrest a mistake Published Thu Apr 19 9:03:00 p.m. ET 2007 (KFFL) Updating a previous report, Don Seeholzer, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker's attorney said the arrest of Whitaker on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and it has been fixed. Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense. Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid a $1,000 fine for the careless driving citation, but it was apparently never recorded in court computers. Since it was never recorded, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver's license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday, April 19, the arrest warrant was still open. Tamburino said Whitaker is not upset about the mistake and that he will get the $50 he posted for bail returned to him.

Way to support your team Andy.. BTW.. with all the negativity you've posted about the upcoming Viking season, you should be about ready for that Green & yellow Fitting..

 

[FunkyPlutos]

If we throw lots of bad receivers against a wall, one or two of them are bound to stick, right?

If we threw Troy Williamson against the wall, all he'd have to do is extend his hands and he'd bounce right off.

The wall would hit his head before he got his hands on it, but he'd bounce off just the same.

Hey look at my TWill impression - (Yeah, that's mean. )

Williamson WILL go over 1,000 yards receiving this year! (assuming they don't move up for CJ) Mark it down! He is the ultimate buy low - can be had for nothing and will be a top 20 WR. Not super stud status but will be a solid #2 guy in fantasy circles. He will have the drops corrected and he has shown that nobody can stay with him with his precise route running. Trust me on this one - don't miss the boat (bad cliche, I know).

 

[Vikes Fan]

Vikings Whitaker arrested.

Vikings cornerback Ronyell Whitaker was arrested in downtown Minneapolis early this morning on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for drunk driving and careless driving.

According to Minneapolis police spokeswoman Lt. Amelia Huffman, Minneapolis police observed Whitaker's vehicle parked illegally at 2:40 this morning at 400 3rd Ave. North. When the police ran Whitaker's license through the system the warrant for his arrest came up. Whitaker was released from police custody at 5:28 a.m. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 2.

It is unclear when or where Whitaker was cited for drunk driving and careless driving, according to Hennepin County officials.

Whitaker is the second Vikings defensive back to be arrested in the past five days. Cornerback Cedric Griffin was arrested early Sunday morning after an altercation at the Spin nightclub in downtown Minneapolis. Griffin was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after fighting with staff members from the Spin, located at 10 S. 5th St. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 20.

JUDD ZULGAD

I wonder for how long this warrant was outstanding.If this franchise was a horse, they'd shoot it put it out for stud on a boat.

No. Nobody would want an offspring from this organization. Speaking of offspring, I am beginning to think that the Vikings are a cross between the Bengals of the 80s (bad team) and the Bengals of today (six of seven arrests in the lasy year).

 

[JMon348]

LA here we come!!!!!!!!

 

[Bull Dozier]

Vikings | Whitaker arrest a mistake Published Thu Apr 19 9:03:00 p.m. ET 2007 (KFFL) Updating a previous report, Don Seeholzer, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker's attorney said the arrest of Whitaker on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and it has been fixed. Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense. Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid a $1,000 fine for the careless driving citation, but it was apparently never recorded in court computers. Since it was never recorded, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver's license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday, April 19, the arrest warrant was still open. Tamburino said Whitaker is not upset about the mistake and that he will get the $50 he posted for bail returned to him.

$1000 for a careless driving citation? That must have been some seriously careless driving.

 

[shamrock84]

Vikings | Whitaker arrest a mistake Published Thu Apr 19 9:03:00 p.m. ET 2007 (KFFL) Updating a previous report, Don Seeholzer, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker's attorney said the arrest of Whitaker on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and it has been fixed. Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense. Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid a $1,000 fine for the careless driving citation, but it was apparently never recorded in court computers. Since it was never recorded, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver's license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday, April 19, the arrest warrant was still open. Tamburino said Whitaker is not upset about the mistake and that he will get the $50 he posted for bail returned to him.

Way to support your team Andy.. BTW.. with all the negativity you've posted about the upcoming Viking season, you should be about ready for that Green & yellow Fitting..

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Vikings | Whitaker arrest a mistake Published Thu Apr 19 9:03:00 p.m. ET 2007 (KFFL) Updating a previous report, Don Seeholzer, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker's attorney said the arrest of Whitaker on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and it has been fixed. Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense. Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid a $1,000 fine for the careless driving citation, but it was apparently never recorded in court computers. Since it was never recorded, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver's license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday, April 19, the arrest warrant was still open. Tamburino said Whitaker is not upset about the mistake and that he will get the $50 he posted for bail returned to him.

Way to support your team Andy.. BTW.. with all the negativity you've posted about the upcoming Viking season, you should be about ready for that Green & yellow Fitting..

I'm not being negative. I'm "managing expectations".It's a public service I'm providing here.(Glad to know the Whitaker thing wasn't serious.)

 

[snogger]

Vikings | Whitaker arrest a mistake

Published Thu Apr 19 9:03:00 p.m. ET 2007

(KFFL) Updating a previous report, Don Seeholzer, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker's attorney said the arrest of Whitaker on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and it has been fixed. Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense. Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid a $1,000 fine for the careless driving citation, but it was apparently never recorded in court computers. Since it was never recorded, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver's license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday, April 19, the arrest warrant was still open. Tamburino said Whitaker is not upset about the mistake and that he will get the $50 he posted for bail returned to him.

Way to support your team Andy.. BTW.. with all the negativity you've posted about the upcoming Viking season, you should be about ready for that Green & yellow Fitting..

I'm not being negative. I'm "managing expectations".It's a public service I'm providing here.

(Glad to know the Whitaker thing wasn't serious.)

See I figure anything close to 8 wins this season would be good.

There are only two games this season that I know of where my gametime feelings will go from To on any given play. I think you know of which I speak of.... Cheesehead

The rest of the season I will be just enjoying the games and whatever the outcome is...is..

It's Viking Win, lose, draw or completely themselves I'll still be wearing my Viking items and cheering them on the next Sunday.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Vikings | Whitaker arrest a mistake

Published Thu Apr 19 9:03:00 p.m. ET 2007

(KFFL) Updating a previous report, Don Seeholzer, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker's attorney said the arrest of Whitaker on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and it has been fixed. Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense. Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid a $1,000 fine for the careless driving citation, but it was apparently never recorded in court computers. Since it was never recorded, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver's license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday, April 19, the arrest warrant was still open. Tamburino said Whitaker is not upset about the mistake and that he will get the $50 he posted for bail returned to him.

Way to support your team Andy.. BTW.. with all the negativity you've posted about the upcoming Viking season, you should be about ready for that Green & yellow Fitting..

I'm not being negative. I'm "managing expectations".It's a public service I'm providing here.

(Glad to know the Whitaker thing wasn't serious.)

See I figure anything close to 8 wins this season would be good.

There are only two games this season that I know of where my gametime feelings will go from To on any given play. I think you know of which I speak of.... Cheesehead

The rest of the season I will be just enjoying the games and whatever the outcome is...is..

It's Viking Win, lose, draw or completely themselves I'll still be wearing my Viking items and cheering them on the next Sunday.

You, my friend, need to take off the purple tinted glasses and step into reality. The state of Minnesota is Vikings Country. NO other team is close to the overall passion that we have for Vikings football.Now, I'm not old enough to experience the 4 SuperBowl losses. But I do know what it's like to have your heart ripped out year after year from this club.

Minnesota has to have the most die hard fans, because of all the heartbreak we've had. The could have beens, the should have beens. At least we won't have that this year. Which, depending on your view, is good or bad.

Ask yourself which you'd rather have: a McHale trying to piece together garbage and spout off about the playoffs while knowing the team has no chance or the knowledge that the Vikings have a stellar defense with key aging veterans and just needs to put the right pieces together to justify a renewed hope in the team?

I'd take the latter.

And that's the heartbreak, for me.

If you have money in your pocket, buy what you need. This off season has felt like shopping with my gramma. Penny pinching every buy until she gets to the check out line and impulse buys junk.

If Shiancoe becomes Shockey Jr., Wade becomes Anthony Carter re-incarnated, and TJax hits the 3rd read in stride every other toss, I'll eat my words.

Plain and simple, TJax is a division II QB who was a reach in the 2nd and is now being handed the keys to a Cadillac with no hubcaps. The metaphor is the Cadillac is the DEF, the shiny hubcaps is the WRs, and the driver barely passed driver's school.

Sidenote: the metaphor was weird and, with some humor involved, I guess I should have used a boat instead of a car, but I'm betting you got the meaning.

Conclusion: We all are fans. We all see it's going to be a long year. BUT...it didn't have to be.