*** Official 2009 Minnesota Vikings Offseason Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[snogger]

Didn't see one yet so after yesterday it is time.

My #1 wish move is to say to Childress. Although something tells me that isn't going to happen

1st choice Cowher, #2 Shanahan.

Next up.. We HAVE to get a QB.. We cannot go into next season with Ferrote and TJ.

My #1 QB is Cassel if NE doesn't franchise him. He did everything that was asked of him and more. Of all the possible free agent QB he is #1 on my the list.

#2.. Not high many right now.. Last year I was for trading for Derek Anderson, this year...

Birk ... I like him and think he has done a hell of a job.. But not worth the 8+ Million I believe he is due if they keep him on the roster. Try to resign him at a much lower rate or release him.

Could use a WR.. But will have to look over the FA before commenting here.

Defense

We need to get a starting safety.

We can keep Sharper as I think he is a good leader, but he is getting up there in age and slowing down.

Bring him in during the Nickle Package and relieving whomever we get but that is #1 on the defense for me.

I'll add more later.

 

[BigJim®]

Chilly isn't going anywhere, unfortunately, so I won;t bother adding to my wish list. My wish list:

1. Bring in a QB who is clearly superior to Tarvaris. Enough with the Bollinger, Holcomb, Frerotte 'competition' that's intended to hand TJax the job. Go after Warner, Garcia, Cassell (warming to him) or even Collins and make TJax outplay the likes of those guys to see the field. I'm fine with TJax as a #2 QB.

2. Fire Bevell. I've got nothing personal against him but I view this guy much like TJax in that he's had 3 years to show he's up to the task. When Wilf's have an open checkbook this team desparately needs a real OC, not some protege Childress thinks he's qualified to groom. This duo very well might have ruined TJax, if in fact TJax possessed the tools to be a legit QB when drafted (big if). I don't believe McNabb, as a top draft pick, required the tutelage Childress seems to get credit for. I said the same thing last season about the offensive coaching, and yet here we are wasting arguably the most dynamic NFL RB because we can't seem to mount a passing attack, can't call plays involving AP, etc. Why go cheap on offensive coaching when an owner is willing to spend?

3. Special teams. The team going on a downward spiral after the Farwell injury is unexcusable. It was a huge weakness all year as everyone knows. They desparately need some reliable special teams players who can fill as backup defensive players. Coaching should probably be replaced here also based on the obvious weakness of this unit.

4. Something needs to change with the OL. I was a little surprised to hear on Vike's fanline after the game that the Eagles only blitzed 10 or so times. That's almost impossible to believe. In any event, this OL has not lived up to its billing and either coaching scheme or players need to change. Really, a QB should not be breathed on with the talent they have, and far more holes should be open for AP. After QB this is probably the Vike's biggest need.

5. Need CB depth to force Griffin to earn the top CB role or alternatively be moved to nickle, where he should be above average.

 

[mozzy84]

Since it looks like chilly is here one more year bevell needs to go asap, not sure this is going to happen or not. Really not happy with childress myself but it is what it is I guess.

T. jackson starting for this team is definitely over which is good. Now go out and get a decent qb! cassel, anderson, bulger, mcnabb, warner, garcia any one of those guys would work for me.

 

[snogger]

OK, looking over the FA Wr.. :X after 1 maybe two..

TJ is a free agent, but guessing the Bengals franchise him. The only other one out there is Bobby Engram.. Injury, plus age is not a very promising prospect. May have to try and "fix" that position through the draft:

2009 free agents

WR:

TJ

Bobby Engram

Devery Henderson - Speed but already have berrian, Rice, etc...

Shaun McDonald - another 3rd WR, not a starter, imo

Hank Baskett, RFA, Philadelphia Eagles

Jabar Gaffney, UFA, New England Patriots

Dante' Hall, UFA, St. Louis Rams

Sam Hurd, UFA, Dallas Cowboys

Brandon Jones, UFA, Tennessee Titans

Ashley Lelie, UFA, San Francisco 49ers

Koren Robinson, UFA, Green Bay Packers

Amani Toomer, UFA, New York Giants

Roydell Williams, UFA, Tennessee Titans

Cedrick Wilson, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

[perry147]

They need to draft a QB and maybe try to bring in someone like Sage Rosefels.

 

[snogger]

They need to draft a QB and maybe try to bring in someone like Sage Rosefels.

1st round QB or another project?? They currently have two "projects" on the team TJ & Booty.

 

[snellman]

We definately need a QB, but I am not sold on Cassel this year much like I was not sold on Anderson last year.

Have heard Rumors of Hasselback being available or if we could get someone like a Bulger or Garcia, I would much rather go that route.

Definately do not want to go draft. This team is built to win now and I do not want to spend the time grooming another QB. You can say all you want about Flacco and Ryan, but they are a rarity. The window on our defense is very small IMO with the veterans and we need to win NOW!

Very disappointing end to the season definately, but I picked them at 11-5 to start the season so I can't be too disappointed.

 

[Mr. Yuk]

#1 Priority: Would love to get a guy like Hasselbeck if the price is right. After that, Garcia, Bulger, or Warner if any are available. Any would be fine for 1-2 years. Someone is going to overpay for Cassel if the Patriots don't end up keeping him, and I don't really want it to be us.

#2: Coaching. Unfortunately it sounds like nothing is going to change here. If Cowher or Shanahan were interested obviously it would be a coup.

#3: Fix special teams - better depth? better coaching?

#4: O-line. Available FAs? (that we can afford?)

#5: CB/Safety depth

#6: WR - Although I would much rather address the O-line first - our receiver options are at least comparable to playoff teams like the Titans, Ravens, Eagles

It'll be nice to get EJ back next year, hopefully he comes back at full strength. Udeze too, any word on his progress?

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Well about 6-8 weeks ago when I thought the Vikings would do their annual tease and almost make the playoffs I thought about who might be our next head coach. I thought about then USC assistant, Steve Sarkisian but soon after he signed with U of Washington. Built into my plan was to trade for Cincinnati's (QB) Carson Palmer. At the time I thought it would be the perfect fit, as the Wolf's bring in a young offensive mind to run the team with a QB that he knew as well as the best RB in the league. With Childress slowly going up the scale with 2 additional wins per season, he unfortunately for us fans won himself at least another year.

What we should do is dump Bevell, who is still over his head in trying to run an O, (even though Childress does a lot of the scheming). I noticed over the last few weeks, most of the WR patterns were short hooks, short outs, some slants and the deep go routes. We should be screening a heck lot more, especially with the OL that we had, as well as some comeback routes.

As for what we need players-wise.... even though TJ played generally better than I thought, he's not ready to be the prime-time player. Trade for a QB, trade our 2nd for a very good QB or if we have to our #1 pick AGAIN for a stud.

On the OL, either thru the draft and or free agency we'll need a new Center as Kirk will go to Pitt or Buffalo most likely and a RT. On D, I'll say it again and again, we need another DE pass rusher, a speed OLB who can play nickel-LB, and another CB. Our rookie S, Tyrrell Johnson the FS/SS is good but he's a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. He's not a cover-2 S, he's more of the 8th man in the box-support the run type, so I wouldn't want to use another pick on another S, unless we can get someone who can play both CB and S.

As for our Special teams, we lost what 2-3-4 players that were pretty much special teamers, during the year...Harwell, Boulware, Erin Henderson, and Ciurcia for most or all the year so we can pick these types late in the draft or hopefully cheaply in free agency.

 

[pigskin pimp]

What I didn't see mentioned was the absolute waste of money the Vikings spent on KR Hicks and FB Tapeh.

Hicks had no business returning kicks in the playoff game. He brings nothing to the table.

If they can groom Tahi, then fullback isn't a big concern. Especially when/if the team runs with a one back set. Never understood why Kleinsasser wasn't groomed as FB back when he was younger. Thought he did a great job as a Hback in Tice's scheme.

Thanks Birk for the pro bowl years. Too bad you had a case of the yips in your last game in purple. Cook gets moved back to center to compete with Sullivan. That means RT is a big concern and needs to be addressed in FA/draft.

I agree with the rest of you on QB. Hold TJax, bring in some competition. Gus brings nothing to the team as 38 year old backup. Remember Brad Johnson the sequel, same thing as Gus Frerotte the sequel. McNabb would look good in purple if he and the Eagles have burnt too many bridges.

I'm okay with a Winfield-Griffin-Williams-Johnson secondary. Gordon was looking great until he broke his leg. If he continues to improve, he could be the guy to push Griffin.

Another WR would be nice. Allison looks like he's calling for a flag before the ball even gets to him on every throw to him because he knows he's not going to catch it. Rather have Wade as the #4 and bring in someone to compete with Rice as the #2/#3.

Any word on Udeze? LDE could use a stud.

Anyway, just looked at the 2009 schedule. Very, very favorable. Just favorable enough for high hopes and heartbreaks.

 

[whole-show]

Ok I agree with ALOT of the stuff here...For starters of course Chilly gone, but sounds like it's not gonna happen. Then from there 1st qb and I agree with the ones that disagree with Cassell...I have liked him on the pats, but that is the Pats. I mean look at their wrs then look at ours then look at Cassells games. Sure he has had the nice few games then he has had some real terrible ones and like I said that is with wrs like Welker and Moss. I do like the idea of Bulger alot though or maybe Hass. Of course I like Warner too, but I am sure he will be in Arizona again after the year he had this year. Then as far as wr I was thinking about Ocho Cinco. I think he could be good for the Vikes along with Berrian and I am thinking he could be had for fairly cheap after the season he had. Also to add I do not want to see them draft a QB the team is there now and we don't have a few years to build this team to get to the super bowl.

 

[mozzy84]

RICHARDSON SPURNS VIKINGS TO STAY IN MONTREAL

The Montreal Alouettes will have wide receiver Jamel Richardson in the lineup next season.

Richardson, who led the Canadian Football League with 16 touchdown receptions this past season, has signed a new four year deal with the club, turning down an offer from the Minnesota Vikings.

"It was going to take a big offer to get him out of Montreal," Richardson's agent Paul Sheehy told the Montreal Gazette prior to the confirmation of the new three year deal with an option. "We weren't willing to do an opportunity-only deal.

"Minnesota's offer wasn't opportunity-only, but it wasn't enough to roll the dice. Jamel has a great situation in Montreal."

While Richardson would likely have earned the minimum salary for an NFL rookie, $310,000, the Vikings were not offering enough of a signing bonus to tip the scales in their favour. Seattle, San Francisco and Tampa Bay were also interested in Richardson.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=262262&amp...os=topStory_cflI didn't think cfl guys turned down nfl opportunities, oh well

 

[Gopher State]

Childress addresses quarterback situation

Minneapolis Star and Tribune

January 8th, 2009 – 12:44 PM by Chip Scoggins Vikings coach Brad Childress just conducted his season-ending press conference and naturally the quarterback situation was the No. 1 topic.

Childress said he felt like Tarvaris Jackson took a step forward this year, but he said the team will look around to see what is available either in trade, draft or free agency. Here is some of Childress thoughts on his quarterback situation:

“It’s really kind of a whole offseason study,” he said. “I’m not going to pass judgement right at this particular point. I think you owe it to everybody here in the organization, just like we always have, to turn over all the rocks and see what you have there. I would also say there’s point with Tarvaris of continuing to evolve as a quarterback. While you’d like that process to happen immediately, it doesn’t always happen immediately. But there’s not anything we’re going to leave unturned in terms of free agency, draft. And that goes until after the draft. You see who’s out there, and by the same token, Tarvaris is going to be here and we’re going to continue to get him better.”

(What does Tarvaris need to do to take next step?) “For everybody, it’s standard of performance. What can you consistently expect to put out there? You saw that as we led up to the last game. Unfortunately, we weren’t consistent [against the Eagles]. We weren’t able to put ourselves in good enough position – and that’s team wide — to be able to win. But you want consistency. That’s the thing you’re looking for. Not that there’s never a blip, not that somebody doesn’t play bad because they’re trying to rip your head off every time back there.”

We’ll obviously have a lot more in Jackson and the QB situation online and in the paper tomorrow.

Here are few other notes:

– Right guard Anthony Herrera had surgery on his shoulder on Wednesday. Tackle Artis Hicks will have surgery to repair his triceps on Friday. Childress said a few other guys might need surgeries to clean up some areas.

– Childress said no decisions have been made about whether the team will attempt to bring back center Matt Birk, safety Darren Sharper and tight end Jim Kleinsasser.

– Childress said all of his assistant coaches are under contract and that he expects all of them return, except possibly defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, who interviewed with Denver on Wednesday and is scheduled to interview with the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

– Childress said he met briefly with backup quarterback Gus Frerotte before he left for St. Louis. Childress said he understands that Frerotte is frustrated and doesn’t agree with Childress’ decision to start Jackson in the final three games.

Latest from Chilly

 

[Stryker]

Obviously Jackson is not the answer...I mean he played good down the stretch buuuut, hes just not consistent enough, I think its time to start feeling bad for him, sign a veteran and let him sit behind him 2 or 3 years and then let him start after learning more..Guys that come to mind are Jeff Garcia and Sage Rosenfels and Brady Quinn...if we cant sign Garcia, go after either Rosenfels or Quinn via the trade..I dont really like Anderson as a QB, he has a rocket arm, but his sketchy at times, would be better than Tarvaris though.

I would like to see a new offensive coordinator brought in to change up the routine, call more trick plays, call more screens(something Childress did but ran very differently) call more plays that will get the ball down the field rather than this 3 yard dump pass bull####.

Bring in a veteran RT thats better than Ryan Cook..please..seems like every time All Day Peterson tries to go to the tackle side on the side..there is just nothing there unless its a cutback of some sort.

ANd in the draft....if we dont get a QB i spose we try to draft one in the draft or..roll with Jackson again? Maybe try John David Booty more in camp..But I would love to see us get a play maker that can run back kicks/punts someone that will be a threat on offense with speed and cuts, like a Reggie Bush/Desean Jackson type..say Percy Harvin?

 

[encaitar]

Childress addresses quarterback situationMinneapolis Star and TribuneJanuary 8th, 2009 – 12:44 PM by Chip Scoggins Vikings coach Brad Childress just conducted his season-ending press conference and naturally the quarterback situation was the No. 1 topic.Childress said he felt like Tarvaris Jackson took a step forward this year, but he said the team will look around to see what is available either in trade, draft or free agency. Here is some of Childress thoughts on his quarterback situation:"It's really kind of a whole offseason study," he said. "I'm not going to pass judgement right at this particular point. I think you owe it to everybody here in the organization, just like we always have, to turn over all the rocks and see what you have there. I would also say there's point with Tarvaris of continuing to evolve as a quarterback. While you'd like that process to happen immediately, it doesn't always happen immediately. But there's not anything we're going to leave unturned in terms of free agency, draft. And that goes until after the draft. You see who's out there, and by the same token, Tarvaris is going to be here and we're going to continue to get him better."(What does Tarvaris need to do to take next step?) "For everybody, it's standard of performance. What can you consistently expect to put out there? You saw that as we led up to the last game. Unfortunately, we weren't consistent [against the Eagles]. We weren't able to put ourselves in good enough position – and that's team wide — to be able to win. But you want consistency. That's the thing you're looking for. Not that there's never a blip, not that somebody doesn't play bad because they're trying to rip your head off every time back there."We'll obviously have a lot more in Jackson and the QB situation online and in the paper tomorrow.Here are few other notes:– Right guard Anthony Herrera had surgery on his shoulder on Wednesday. Tackle Artis Hicks will have surgery to repair his triceps on Friday. Childress said a few other guys might need surgeries to clean up some areas.– Childress said no decisions have been made about whether the team will attempt to bring back center Matt Birk, safety Darren Sharper and tight end Jim Kleinsasser.– Childress said all of his assistant coaches are under contract and that he expects all of them return, except possibly defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, who interviewed with Denver on Wednesday and is scheduled to interview with the Detroit Lions on Saturday.– Childress said he met briefly with backup quarterback Gus Frerotte before he left for St. Louis. Childress said he understands that Frerotte is frustrated and doesn't agree with Childress' decision to start Jackson in the final three games. Latest from Chilly

Yep, sounds like the same #### he was spewing last season. No new coaches, unless Frasier gets a HC job, no new QB(we were supposedly going to examine all options last year too), no new anything. It's a little frustrating, but be ready for another year of good enough for the first round of the playoffs. Hopefully his rhetoric will change as we head into the offseason, but I doubt it.

 

[Eminence]

Minnesota needs more doses of Sidney Rice. That will do wonders, the kid was banged up most of the season so I'll give Minny a break.

Rice had 4 TD's on 15 receptions this season.

He's a beast in the Red Zone, and next year is his 3rd year...

What was that trend about WR's again?

 

[Phurfur]

OK, looking over the FA Wr.. after 1 maybe two..

TJ is a free agent, but guessing the Bengals franchise him. The only other one out there is Bobby Engram.. Injury, plus age is not a very promising prospect. May have to try and "fix" that position through the draft:

2009 free agents

WR:

TJ

Bobby Engram

Devery Henderson - Speed but already have berrian, Rice, etc...

Shaun McDonald - another 3rd WR, not a starter, imo

Hank Baskett, RFA, Philadelphia Eagles

Jabar Gaffney, UFA, New England Patriots

Dante' Hall, UFA, St. Louis Rams

Sam Hurd, UFA, Dallas Cowboys

Brandon Jones, UFA, Tennessee Titans

Ashley Lelie, UFA, San Francisco 49ers

Koren Robinson, UFA, Green Bay Packers

Amani Toomer, UFA, New York Giants

Roydell Williams, UFA, Tennessee Titans

Cedrick Wilson, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers

I think Robinson is with the Seahawks.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I am intrigued by either Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin. I think either would be a very good pick for the Vikes, an upgrade to Wade, and would give a boos to the special teams since Allison and Hicks didn't give them much in the return game.

 

[ScottyFargo]

http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=2438

Special Teams coach Ferraro hired by the St. Louis Rams



Good riddance!

 

[snellman]

http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=2438

Special Teams coach Ferraro hired by the St. Louis Rams



Good riddance!

That and the fact Frazier is coming back.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

So what have most of the draftniks show us taking with our first pick? All I've seen so far is WR Hakeem "the Dream" Nicks from North Carolina, who looks like a great prospect but in today's NFL world, with huge contracts, he doesn't really fill us best athlete available who fills a need, (unless we get some UFA QB who can throw and is under the age of 35).

 

[whole-show]

So what have most of the draftniks show us taking with our first pick? All I've seen so far is WR Hakeem "the Dream" Nicks from North Carolina, who looks like a great prospect but in today's NFL world, with huge contracts, he doesn't really fill us best athlete available who fills a need, (unless we get some UFA QB who can throw and is under the age of 35).

This is also all I've been seeing but also feel the same way....I actually feel we are pretty good at WR and could get a good one later and would like to fill other positions like CB...But we will see...I also do not want them to take a qb as I feel the time is now and they need to get a UFA like Bulger or someone else...

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Unless there is someone at #22 that they really like, I see them possibly trading down and getting more picks. I think offensive tackle is most glaring right now, and there is talent available. They also need a defensive tackle to start grooming for Pat Williams. Guion could be that guy, but you never know.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I am intrigued by either Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin. I think either would be a very good pick for the Vikes, an upgrade to Wade, and would give a boos to the special teams since Allison and Hicks didn't give them much in the return game.

They need someone that can take it to the house on a crossing route, to compliment Berrian's deep game. Could really help open up lanes for Peterson.

 

[Mr. Yuk]

Udeze remains determinedJanuary 26th, 2009 – 5:28 PM by Judd ZulgadVikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze, who underwent a bone marrow transplant in July after having acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosed last February, said today that his recovery is going well and that he plans to be back with the team for offseason workouts and practices.Udeze did not play this past season but said he began working out at his alma mater, Southern Cal, about three weeks ago. His weight has gone from a high of 320 pounds back down to between 265 and 270 pounds.“My goal is when the team gets back together, I’ll be in my jersey and on the sideline with them,” Udeze said in reference to the Vikings offseason program that starts in early April. “If I didn’t feel [positive about] it, I woudn’t be saying it. If something drastic happens, then that is that, but I can bounce back from this.”Udeze said that his appearance and features have changed enough that teammate Ben Leber did not even recongize him late in the regular season when they saw each other in the weight room at Winter Park. “He did a double-take, that’s how I knew he didn’t know who I was,” Udeze said. “It’s just more or less the chemo finally running its course and getting out of my body.”Udeze left the warmth of Los Angeles to come to the Twin Cities in part to have his six-month biopsy on Tuesday at the University of Minnesota Hospitals. “It’s been nothing but good news [so far], so let’s hope for the best,” he said.

 

[encaitar]

Unless there is someone at #22 that they really like, I see them possibly trading down and getting more picks. I think offensive tackle is most glaring right now, and there is talent available. They also need a defensive tackle to start grooming for Pat Williams. Guion could be that guy, but you never know.

I really like the idea of them taking a tackle with the #22. There are a lot of very good tackle prospects coming out this year and I would not be disappointed with someone like Eben Britton as their pick. I also agree with Andy in that Harvin or Maclin would look good in purple if either were available at that pick. I really don't think Sanchez or Stafford fall anywhere near that far(although I expect at least one will fall out of the top 15) and I can't say any other QB is a first round talent. Maybe they'll also look for a replacement to Sharper at this pick?

 

[encaitar]

Udeze remains determinedJanuary 26th, 2009 – 5:28 PM by Judd ZulgadVikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze, who underwent a bone marrow transplant in July after having acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosed last February, said today that his recovery is going well and that he plans to be back with the team for offseason workouts and practices.Udeze did not play this past season but said he began working out at his alma mater, Southern Cal, about three weeks ago. His weight has gone from a high of 320 pounds back down to between 265 and 270 pounds."My goal is when the team gets back together, I'll be in my jersey and on the sideline with them," Udeze said in reference to the Vikings offseason program that starts in early April. "If I didn't feel [positive about] it, I woudn't be saying it. If something drastic happens, then that is that, but I can bounce back from this."Udeze said that his appearance and features have changed enough that teammate Ben Leber did not even recongize him late in the regular season when they saw each other in the weight room at Winter Park. "He did a double-take, that's how I knew he didn't know who I was," Udeze said. "It's just more or less the chemo finally running its course and getting out of my body."Udeze left the warmth of Los Angeles to come to the Twin Cities in part to have his six-month biopsy on Tuesday at the University of Minnesota Hospitals. "It's been nothing but good news [so far], so let's hope for the best," he said.

Well, we can only hope for a full recovery. It'd be good to see him in uniform again, although I think he'd be in a fight for the starting job.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

I am intrigued by either Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin. I think either would be a very good pick for the Vikes, an upgrade to Wade, and would give a boos to the special teams since Allison and Hicks didn't give them much in the return game.

They need someone that can take it to the house on a crossing route, to compliment Berrian's deep game. Could really help open up lanes for Peterson.

Both Havin and Maclin from what I've seen so far are projected to go much higher than the Vikings spot so unless we trade up and I'd rather not see us do that, I'll pass.I saw draftinsiders show us grabbing Brian Cushing - LB - Southern Cal, which I found VERRRY interesting.

 

[encaitar]

I am intrigued by either Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin. I think either would be a very good pick for the Vikes, an upgrade to Wade, and would give a boos to the special teams since Allison and Hicks didn't give them much in the return game.

They need someone that can take it to the house on a crossing route, to compliment Berrian's deep game. Could really help open up lanes for Peterson.

Both Havin and Maclin from what I've seen so far are projected to go much higher than the Vikings spot so unless we trade up and I'd rather not see us do that, I'll pass.I saw draftinsiders show us grabbing Brian Cushing - LB - Southern Cal, which I found VERRRY interesting.

That would be an interesting pick. If Cushing turned into the player many are expecting him to, I would think that a Greenway, EJ, Cushing LB core might be one of the best units in the league.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I am intrigued by either Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin. I think either would be a very good pick for the Vikes, an upgrade to Wade, and would give a boos to the special teams since Allison and Hicks didn't give them much in the return game.

They need someone that can take it to the house on a crossing route, to compliment Berrian's deep game. Could really help open up lanes for Peterson.

Both Havin and Maclin from what I've seen so far are projected to go much higher than the Vikings spot so unless we trade up and I'd rather not see us do that, I'll pass.I saw draftinsiders show us grabbing Brian Cushing - LB - Southern Cal, which I found VERRRY interesting.

That would be an interesting pick. If Cushing turned into the player many are expecting him to, I would think that a Greenway, EJ, Cushing LB core might be one of the best units in the league.

Cushing is a great player, but I don't know how much of an upgrade he'd be to Leber in terms of improving the overall team. There are a lot of other needs that could be filled with good players that aren't at the OLB spot.

 

[encaitar]

I am intrigued by either Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin. I think either would be a very good pick for the Vikes, an upgrade to Wade, and would give a boos to the special teams since Allison and Hicks didn't give them much in the return game.

They need someone that can take it to the house on a crossing route, to compliment Berrian's deep game. Could really help open up lanes for Peterson.

Both Havin and Maclin from what I've seen so far are projected to go much higher than the Vikings spot so unless we trade up and I'd rather not see us do that, I'll pass.I saw draftinsiders show us grabbing Brian Cushing - LB - Southern Cal, which I found VERRRY interesting.

That would be an interesting pick. If Cushing turned into the player many are expecting him to, I would think that a Greenway, EJ, Cushing LB core might be one of the best units in the league.

Cushing is a great player, but I don't know how much of an upgrade he'd be to Leber in terms of improving the overall team. There are a lot of other needs that could be filled with good players that aren't at the OLB spot.

I totally agree with that. I see their top 4 needs as QB, RT, SS, WR/KR. I really hope that noone in the organization feels like Freeman is their man, because although he has the skill, he would be another 3 year project. Personally I'm hoping for Eben Britton, but a good dback or someone like Hicks or Harvin wouldn't upset me any.I just thought it was an interesting mock is all. I really doubt Cushing is even there at 22, so it doesn't matter. However, I think he'd be a pretty big upgrade to Leber. He would take some time to learn the game, but he's much faster and much better in coverage than any of our current LBs(a big area that our D is lacking). But, like you said it's not a need. The thing I think we need to remember is that Chilly has shown that he likes to go BPA with the first round pick and address needs later on. If Cushing is there and he's their highest rated player, don't be surprised to see him wearing purple.(Plus his USC connections will help pull in the LA fan base when the Vikings move to LA in 2011 )

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

I am intrigued by either Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin. I think either would be a very good pick for the Vikes, an upgrade to Wade, and would give a boos to the special teams since Allison and Hicks didn't give them much in the return game.

They need someone that can take it to the house on a crossing route, to compliment Berrian's deep game. Could really help open up lanes for Peterson.

Both Havin and Maclin from what I've seen so far are projected to go much higher than the Vikings spot so unless we trade up and I'd rather not see us do that, I'll pass.I saw draftinsiders show us grabbing Brian Cushing - LB - Southern Cal, which I found VERRRY interesting.

That would be an interesting pick. If Cushing turned into the player many are expecting him to, I would think that a Greenway, EJ, Cushing LB core might be one of the best units in the league.

Cushing is a great player, but I don't know how much of an upgrade he'd be to Leber in terms of improving the overall team. There are a lot of other needs that could be filled with good players that aren't at the OLB spot.

I totally agree with that. I see their top 4 needs as QB, RT, SS, WR/KR. I really hope that noone in the organization feels like Freeman is their man, because although he has the skill, he would be another 3 year project. Personally I'm hoping for Eben Britton, but a good dback or someone like Hicks or Harvin wouldn't upset me any.I just thought it was an interesting mock is all. I really doubt Cushing is even there at 22, so it doesn't matter. However, I think he'd be a pretty big upgrade to Leber. He would take some time to learn the game, but he's much faster and much better in coverage than any of our current LBs(a big area that our D is lacking). But, like you said it's not a need.

The thing I think we need to remember is that Chilly has shown that he likes to go BPA with the first round pick and address needs later on. If Cushing is there and he's their highest rated player, don't be surprised to see him wearing purple.(Plus his USC connections will help pull in the LA fan base when the Vikings move to LA in 2011 )

That's what teams did like 10 yrs ago, NOW it HAS TO BE BPA THAT FILLS a need. Too much coin goes to the first pick to have him sit on the bench for half the yr in his rookie season. Because of that I see us going after an OL with our top pick, or a WR only if someone falls to us.

 

[BigJim®]

http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=2438

Special Teams coach Ferraro hired by the St. Louis Rams



Good riddance!

Today's Star-Trib:

The Vikings have decided to promote from within to replace special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro.

Brian Murphy, who has been the Vikings' assistant special teams coach for the past three seasons, will take over for Ferraro, according to people with knowledge of the situation. Ferraro left the Vikings last month to become the linebackers coach for new St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo.

I'm not sure about this. Why promote a current coach of a horrible unit? I could understand if the unit was successfult, but it was horrible. I really don't understand the Viking's strategy of hiring first time unproven coaches like Bevell and this Murphy guy atop 2 of their 3 units. Someone talk me off the ledge...

 

[Mr. Yuk]

http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=2438

Special Teams coach Ferraro hired by the St. Louis Rams



Good riddance!

Today's Star-Trib:

The Vikings have decided to promote from within to replace special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro.

Brian Murphy, who has been the Vikings' assistant special teams coach for the past three seasons, will take over for Ferraro, according to people with knowledge of the situation. Ferraro left the Vikings last month to become the linebackers coach for new St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo.

I'm not sure about this. Why promote a current coach of a horrible unit? I could understand if the unit was successfult, but it was horrible. I really don't understand the Viking's strategy of hiring first time unproven coaches like Bevell and this Murphy guy atop 2 of their 3 units. Someone talk me off the ledge...

Overall, ST is more about team depth than coaching. If Farwell and others come back healthy and we make a few key depth signings, ST should be improved. (Not saying much, no where to go but up)

 

[Mr. Yuk]

A hypothetical for you: Assuming the Raiders franchise Nnamdi Asomugha, would you give up 2 1sts to be able to sign him? Personally I would think long and hard about it. I think a shutdown corner is the missing piece in making us a top 3 defense. 1st rounders only pan out about 1/2 the time anyway. Just think back to 2005 when we had 2 picks in the first round, and we ended up with: TWill and EJames and those were with higher picks than what we have now.

 

[BigJim®]

A hypothetical for you: Assuming the Raiders franchise Nnamdi Asomugha, would you give up 2 1sts to be able to sign him? Personally I would think long and hard about it.

It's enticing, but I wouldn't do it. I thought Griffin came along fine last season and Winfield was also great. I don't see CB as being a glaring hole that needs to be filled with an all-pro... at least not this year. I could see going after a decent CB who can push Griffin and give us an above average nickel if the end of the season revealed Gordon/McCauley/Sapp as questionable to fill that role. However, CB is not like the hole we had at DE last year when we gave up a boatload for Jared Allen.

 

[Donnybrook]

A hypothetical for you: Assuming the Raiders franchise Nnamdi Asomugha, would you give up 2 1sts to be able to sign him? Personally I would think long and hard about it. I think a shutdown corner is the missing piece in making us a top 3 defense. 1st rounders only pan out about 1/2 the time anyway. Just think back to 2005 when we had 2 picks in the first round, and we ended up with: TWill and EJames and those were with higher picks than what we have now.

2005 = Mike Tice's regime Here are our first's since then:2006 = Chad Greenway 2007 = Adrain Peterson2008 = Jared AllenViking scouts are on a roll. The Raiders can keep Asomugha.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

A hypothetical for you: Assuming the Raiders franchise Nnamdi Asomugha, would you give up 2 1sts to be able to sign him? Personally I would think long and hard about it. I think a shutdown corner is the missing piece in making us a top 3 defense. 1st rounders only pan out about 1/2 the time anyway. Just think back to 2005 when we had 2 picks in the first round, and we ended up with: TWill and EJames and those were with higher picks than what we have now.

No.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

A hypothetical for you: Assuming the Raiders franchise Nnamdi Asomugha, would you give up 2 1sts to be able to sign him? Personally I would think long and hard about it.

It's enticing, but I wouldn't do it. I thought Griffin came along fine last season and Winfield was also great. I don't see CB as being a glaring hole that needs to be filled with an all-pro... at least not this year. I could see going after a decent CB who can push Griffin and give us an above average nickel if the end of the season revealed Gordon/McCauley/Sapp as questionable to fill that role. However, CB is not like the hole we had at DE last year when we gave up a boatload for Jared Allen.

I thought Griffin played really well last season. He is a perfect cover two corner - he can tackle well and is physical. They do need depth at the position and if somebody like Jenkins falls to them in the draft, they have to take him but this team has more pressing needs than corner at this point.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

A hypothetical for you: Assuming the Raiders franchise Nnamdi Asomugha, would you give up 2 1sts to be able to sign him? Personally I would think long and hard about it.

It's enticing, but I wouldn't do it. I thought Griffin came along fine last season and Winfield was also great. I don't see CB as being a glaring hole that needs to be filled with an all-pro... at least not this year. I could see going after a decent CB who can push Griffin and give us an above average nickel if the end of the season revealed Gordon/McCauley/Sapp as questionable to fill that role. However, CB is not like the hole we had at DE last year when we gave up a boatload for Jared Allen.

I thought Griffin played really well last season. He is a perfect cover two corner - he can tackle well and is physical. They do need depth at the position and if somebody like Jenkins falls to them in the draft, they have to take him but this team has more pressing needs than corner at this point.

But Winfield is in the last year of his contract next season and it seems like the Vikes aren't crazy to resign aging vets. I could absolutely see them taking a corner in the first. As much as I love Winfield, he's not the greatest cover corner and might make a better nickle back than a starter at this stage.I didn't think Griffin played all that well. He seemed wildly inconsistent to me.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

A hypothetical for you: Assuming the Raiders franchise Nnamdi Asomugha, would you give up 2 1sts to be able to sign him? Personally I would think long and hard about it.

It's enticing, but I wouldn't do it. I thought Griffin came along fine last season and Winfield was also great. I don't see CB as being a glaring hole that needs to be filled with an all-pro... at least not this year. I could see going after a decent CB who can push Griffin and give us an above average nickel if the end of the season revealed Gordon/McCauley/Sapp as questionable to fill that role. However, CB is not like the hole we had at DE last year when we gave up a boatload for Jared Allen.

I thought Griffin played really well last season. He is a perfect cover two corner - he can tackle well and is physical. They do need depth at the position and if somebody like Jenkins falls to them in the draft, they have to take him but this team has more pressing needs than corner at this point.

But Winfield is in the last year of his contract next season and it seems like the Vikes aren't crazy to resign aging vets. I could absolutely see them taking a corner in the first. As much as I love Winfield, he's not the greatest cover corner and might make a better nickle back than a starter at this stage.I didn't think Griffin played all that well. He seemed wildly inconsistent to me.

We play the Tampa-2, while Asomugha is a shut-down corner, so we're trying to put a square peg into a round hole. I wouldn't do it either. As for Winfield, with the tag for a CB being around what $9 mill, I'd draft a CB on Day 1 and groom the kid to become a starter in 2010. As for aging players, we signed an aging Pat Williams (basically twice) to a contract, and playing inside on the line in your mid 30's is a lot harder than playing DB in your mid-late 30s.

 

[encaitar]

A hypothetical for you: Assuming the Raiders franchise Nnamdi Asomugha, would you give up 2 1sts to be able to sign him? Personally I would think long and hard about it.

It's enticing, but I wouldn't do it. I thought Griffin came along fine last season and Winfield was also great. I don't see CB as being a glaring hole that needs to be filled with an all-pro... at least not this year. I could see going after a decent CB who can push Griffin and give us an above average nickel if the end of the season revealed Gordon/McCauley/Sapp as questionable to fill that role. However, CB is not like the hole we had at DE last year when we gave up a boatload for Jared Allen.

I thought Griffin played really well last season. He is a perfect cover two corner - he can tackle well and is physical. They do need depth at the position and if somebody like Jenkins falls to them in the draft, they have to take him but this team has more pressing needs than corner at this point.

But Winfield is in the last year of his contract next season and it seems like the Vikes aren't crazy to resign aging vets. I could absolutely see them taking a corner in the first. As much as I love Winfield, he's not the greatest cover corner and might make a better nickle back than a starter at this stage.I didn't think Griffin played all that well. He seemed wildly inconsistent to me.

We play the Tampa-2, while Asomugha is a shut-down corner, so we're trying to put a square peg into a round hole. I wouldn't do it either. As for Winfield, with the tag for a CB being around what $9 mill, I'd draft a CB on Day 1 and groom the kid to become a starter in 2010. As for aging players, we signed an aging Pat Williams (basically twice) to a contract, and playing inside on the line in your mid 30's is a lot harder than playing DB in your mid-late 30s.

I think Winfield's status will depend on how much money the Vikings have left over after the draft. If they have 8 million or more left on the cap, then I see them extending his contract a couple of years and frontloading it like they did with Pat Williams. Yeah, he might not be the best cover corner anymore, but I don't think we can overlook safety or oline help to draft a CB early in April.

 

[Donnybrook]

Charles Gordon is very under-rated. I hope he can recover from his leg injury.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Charles Gordon is very under-rated. I hope he can recover from his leg injury.

The guy was also a stud return man in college so if he can make it back to full strength, he could really help the return game.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Beyond ridiculous. It's akin to my daughter complaining that she doesn't get an allowance since I've been laid off.

Vikings' stadium frustration rises to surface

Team VP Lester Bagley blasted Gov. Tim Pawlenty over the lack of progress on building a new venue.

By JUDD ZULGAD and CHIP SCOGGINS, Star Tribune

The Vikings' frustration in their quest for a new stadium is reaching a boiling point.

That became evident when Lester Bagley, the team's vice president of public affairs and stadium development, provided biting remarks Wednesday about the lack of engagement from Gov. Tim Pawlenty and intimated the clock could be ticking on the Vikings' time in Minnesota if something doesn't happen in the current legislative session.

"With all due respect, he's been governor for six years, and he hasn't done anything," Bagley said of Pawlenty. "He hasn't lifted a finger to engage in a problem-solving discussion to help us on our issue. And that's the frustration that the NFL feels, that our ownership feels and a lot of our allies [feel], whether they be elected officials or not. There's a lot of frustration, and there's been no meaningful engagement by the executive branch."

Bagley's remarks came as he provided an update on the team's hope to get public funding for a multipurpose, retractable-roof venue that would be built on the site of the Metrodome. Although a final cost analysis isn't finished, the Vikings are expected to ask for about $700 million in public funding for a $954 million stadium. Their lease at the Metrodome expires after the 2011 season.

The state's economic woes -- Pawlenty said Wednesday he expects Minnesota's projected deficit to be as high as $7 billion when the next economic forecast is released in March -- factor in, but Bagley pointed out the team brought this issue to the attention of politicians long before the country's financial troubles began.

"We've addressed this in times of surplus, in times of deficit, in election years and non-election years and they've chosen to put it off," Bagley said. "Now, they've put it off to a point where the risk is significant to the state."

Brian McClung, Pawlenty's director of communications, said that in March 2004, the governor outlined a proposal that would have resulted in stadiums for the Twins and Vikings.

Asked about Bagley's comments, McClung said: "Governor Pawlenty recognizes that the Minnesota Vikings bring a lot of enjoyment to a lot of people in our state. They are part of living in Minnesota. But the challenges we're facing, a nearly $5 billion state budget deficit ... so most of the activity at the Legislature is focused on balancing the budget and maintaining core government activities."

Bagley said Vikings owner Zygi Wilf isn't currently looking to move the franchise, but he did not close the door on that happening. The top possibility for relocation is the Los Angeles suburb of Industry, Calif., where billionaire real estate developer Ed Roski Jr. hopes to build a privately financed $800 million stadium. Roski contacted the Vikings last summer, but Wilf declined to meet with him.

Bagley acknowledged Wednesday that Roski's group, which should have all approvals in place soon, has since "periodically" attempted contact with the Vikings through a third party.

As for getting in front of the Legislature, Bagley said "there will be hearings on the facts of the situation," but that no date has been set, and it's not even certain if the Vikings will be asked to testify. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which runs the Metrodome, will be able to lay out the facts.

"We don't have a choice but to push the issue, and we will," Bagley said. "We also don't have the luxury of waiting until they invite us over, because they'll never invite us over and we're about out of time."

Bagley said the team has had ongoing discussions with lawmakers about public financing options. He continues to argue a stadium would help the economy by creating thousands of jobs. The team issued a study that found that the new Twins and Gophers stadiums resulted in 5,300 on-site jobs.

Bagley also referenced an RSM McGladrey report that found that since the Metrodome opened in 1982, the stadium has generated $245 million in tax revenue, with $234 million going to the state.

He argued that the cost for a stadium will continue to rise if there is no action and said the same stadium project would have cost $475 million in 2001, about half the current proposed cost.

If a stadium was approved in this session, Bagley said construction around the Metrodome could start in August. The Vikings would then spend the 2010 and 2011 seasons playing in TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

And if that doesn't happen ...

"We have 30 games left at the Metrodome, and the issue isn't what the Wilfs will or won't do," Bagley said. "It's that other NFL owners, other potential NFL markets and potential owners will come after this team.

"If you let the market work, it's not going to be a favorable outcome for the Twin Cities in terms of the long-term future for the club."

Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya, Lester.

 

[encaitar]

How long do you think Minnesota can realistically delay a stadium deal? I think that they'll need to at least be moving on one by next year, with the deal in place in two years if we expect this team to stay in Minneapolis. With Los Angeles being such a huge market and with an offer to basically just give them a stadium, I can't see them continuing in the Dome beyond the current contract.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

How long do you think Minnesota can realistically delay a stadium deal? I think that they'll need to at least be moving on one by next year, with the deal in place in two years if we expect this team to stay in Minneapolis. With Los Angeles being such a huge market and with an offer to basically just give them a stadium, I can't see them continuing in the Dome beyond the current contract.

I've said for three years now that there's little chance that a deal will get done and the Vikings will leave town.It's just not economically feasible in this economy.

 

[mozzy84]

How long do you think Minnesota can realistically delay a stadium deal? I think that they'll need to at least be moving on one by next year, with the deal in place in two years if we expect this team to stay in Minneapolis. With Los Angeles being such a huge market and with an offer to basically just give them a stadium, I can't see them continuing in the Dome beyond the current contract.

I've said for three years now that there's little chance that a deal will get done and the Vikings will leave town.It's just not economically feasible in this economy.

They have to get creative somehow, yes the economy sucks but at the same time its going to be better for the state long term to keep the vikes here. Hopefully the nfl can step in somehow if it gets that dire...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

How long do you think Minnesota can realistically delay a stadium deal? I think that they'll need to at least be moving on one by next year, with the deal in place in two years if we expect this team to stay in Minneapolis. With Los Angeles being such a huge market and with an offer to basically just give them a stadium, I can't see them continuing in the Dome beyond the current contract.

I've said for three years now that there's little chance that a deal will get done and the Vikings will leave town.It's just not economically feasible in this economy.

They have to get creative somehow, yes the economy sucks but at the same time its going to be better for the state long term to keep the vikes here. Hopefully the nfl can step in somehow if it gets that dire...

I just don't believe that. If you have a link showing the positive economic impact that the Vikes have had, I'll be happy to change my mind.

 

[encaitar]

How long do you think Minnesota can realistically delay a stadium deal? I think that they'll need to at least be moving on one by next year, with the deal in place in two years if we expect this team to stay in Minneapolis. With Los Angeles being such a huge market and with an offer to basically just give them a stadium, I can't see them continuing in the Dome beyond the current contract.

I've said for three years now that there's little chance that a deal will get done and the Vikings will leave town.It's just not economically feasible in this economy.

Yeah, it's going to be tough to get it passed, but I agree with Mozzy in that the long term outlook is what needs to be covered here. Between the tax revenue the new stadium would generate, and the boost the city would receive the year the Superbowl was in town, the overall outcome would be money in the state's coffers. I don't believe the state can afford to take the hit right now for future endeavors though, so probably not likely.