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***OFFICIAL*** Minnesota Vikings 2015 Season Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter snogger
- Start date
snogger
Footballguy
Take Larry Fitzgerald off the list of possible WR to add. 
There isn't a lot out there free agency wise, unless the bears release Marshall as some rumors have had which would be interesting, so WR in the draft is looking more and more likely.
There isn't a lot out there free agency wise, unless the bears release Marshall as some rumors have had which would be interesting, so WR in the draft is looking more and more likely.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
I have my heart set on them taking Shaq Thompson. 
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Vikings GM Rick Spielman Addresses Media at NFL Scouting Combine
The Vikings also picked up TE Brandon Bostick formerly of the Packers.
The Vikings also picked up TE Brandon Bostick formerly of the Packers.
FunkyPlutos
Footballguy
He is a playmaker that would add a ton to the defense...just wonder if he will be safety or linebacker...If they do go defense, I would be extremely optimistic because the selection would no doubt have Zimmer's fingerprints all over it.Andy Dufresne said:I have my heart set on them taking Shaq Thompson.
snogger
Footballguy
or RB.. The guy has talent.. It's a matter of figuring out just where that talent lies and should be focused on..He is a playmaker that would add a ton to the defense...just wonder if he will be safety or linebacker...If they do go defense, I would be extremely optimistic because the selection would no doubt have Zimmer's fingerprints all over it.Andy Dufresne said:I have my heart set on them taking Shaq Thompson.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
I know it will be unpopular decision but I believe the Vikings need to make the right business decision. Adrian Peterson says he felt "ambushed" by the Vikings conspiring with the Commissioner to put him on the exempt list. Vikings were loosing sponsors etc at the time and they had no choice IMO. He doesn't know when to keep quiet with the press about topics like this. The right business decision is to cut or trade him.
The old moto: it always better to trade a player a year too early then a year too late applies IMO. A team like New England was smart enough to trade Richard Seymour even though he was their franchise player. Unpopular decision but the right one.
The old moto: it always better to trade a player a year too early then a year too late applies IMO. A team like New England was smart enough to trade Richard Seymour even though he was their franchise player. Unpopular decision but the right one.
cstu
Footballguy
They wouldn't have done it had they not got a 1st round pick out of it. He was also in the final year of his contract and they weren't going to re-sign him.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
They also moved Logan Mankins and Randy Moss for less compensation. Both were key starters for them at the time they were traded.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
In the interview with Paul Allen Mike Mayock said that he sees Shaq as a strong safety in base defensive packages and a linebacker in dime packages. Similar to Cam Chancelor or Deone Buchannon.He is a playmaker that would add a ton to the defense...just wonder if he will be safety or linebacker...If they do go defense, I would be extremely optimistic because the selection would no doubt have Zimmer's fingerprints all over it.I have my heart set on them taking Shaq Thompson.
He also suggests Kevin White or Brandon Scherff (who benched 23 times) for the Vikings at pick 11.
Kind of funny what he says Norv Turner's response was to Teddy Bridgewater's poor pro day. That Norv said it was no problem he can't fix. I guess he forgot about that when he dropped Bridgewater in his rankings because of the pro day.
FWIW Paul Allen seems convinced Adrian Peterson will play for the Vikings this season. Peterson did not seem as clear about that.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
2015 Minnesota Vikings: Gauging Adrian Peterson’s Trade Value
The Adrian Peterson drama with the Minnesota Vikings never seems to end, and as news of tension rolls in, it seems paramount for the Vikings to gauge Adrian Peterson’s trade value if only so they know what kind of leverage every party has—and if they want to pull the trigger.
As a small fortune, the Vikings do have the luck of being able to discuss these trades at the NFL combine with other teams, something that is traditionally the icebreaker for NFL deals in the following season. In fact, they considered trade offers for Peterson not too long ago at last year’s combine.
As Peterson battles the NFL in the court room, his distaste for some members of the Minnesota Vikings organization has created “unease” for him and limits his prospects for return with the team. Though Peterson does not seem to have an issue with most of the team, his discomfort may center around recently promoted Kevin Warren, who actively worked to keep him off the field as the Vikings’ primary legal counsel and now chief of operations.
Gauging trade value in the NFL is as difficult a projection as there can be. While there are the typical variables involved in an NFL trade as you would see in another sport, the massive differences in positional value are starker in the NFL, age is more volatile, and trades are so rare that it’s difficult to find real benchmarks.
Looking at running back trades in the past three years is not very helpful, either.
In 2014, one running back was traded: Darren Sproles.
The Saints received a fifth-round pick from the Eagles for Darren Sproles.
In 2013, six running backs were traded: Trent Richardson, Delone Carter, Felix Jones, Chris Ivory, Jeff Demps and LeGarrette Blount.
The Browns received a first-round pick for Richardson from the Colts.
The Saints received a fourth-round pick for Ivory from the Jets.
The Buccaneers received a seventh-round pick and Jeff Demps for Blount from the Patriots.
The Colts received David Reed, WR, from the Ravens for Delone Carter.
The Eagles received Adrian Robinson, LB, from the Steelers for Felix Jones.
In 2012, there was one running back traded: Mike Goodson
The Panthers received Bruce Campbell, OT, from the Raiders for Mike Goodson.
In addition, there have been draft-day trades involving running backs. In 2014:
The Bills received Bryce Brown and a seventh-round pick from the Eagles for a seventh-round pick and 2015 fourth-round pick.
The Browns traded up for Terrance West. They gave up a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick to do it.
In 2013:
The Buccaneers swapped sixths with the Vikings to grab Mike James, and threw in a seventh to do it (moving up to 189 from 196).
The Rams moved up into the fifth to select Zac Stacy. They gave the Texans two sixths.
The Packers moved up into the fourth to select Johnathan Franklin. They gave the Broncos a fifth and a sixth.
In 2012:
The Dolphins swapped fourths with the 49ers for Lamar Miller. They traded the 49ers a sixth and a 2013 sixth to move from 103 to 97.
The Ravens swapped thirds with the Falcons for Bernard Pierce. They traded the Falcons a fifth to move from 91 to 84
And in the draft by itself, the following first- through fourth-round picks have been used on running backs:
The running backs that have been picked at least imply that finding the right running back is a harder than people are willing to admit, and if a general manager were to have the choice between a 30-year-old Adrian Peterson with controversy hanging over his head and a number of those players, they would easily choose Peterson. Those second-round picks have five total years as the primary starter out of 19 possible years—and 43 yards a game. For every Eddie Lacy or Le’Veon Bell, there’s another LaMichael James or Montee Ball.
Whiffs in the first round, along with some misses in the second and third and uncertainty elsewhere on the second day, make it seem as if it may actually be a better bet for a team without a running back to invest short-term in Peterson and perhaps make a few picks later on in the draft to develop behind him.
This all, of course, depends on the possible cost of acquiring Peterson. Any team that trades for the former first-round pick out of Oklahoma will necessarily value Peterson at a discount versus the Vikings—after all, only one team is built to work off of Adrian Peterson carries, and that’s the team that has him.
The question of Peterson’s decline is further complicated by the fact that missing a year may be a good thing, and that there aren’t any signs of “decline” either on film or after exhaustive statistical work, even after accounting for the vagaries of statistical analysis.
It’s clear that NFL teams value running backs more than most modern analysts and a number of fans, and there’s a reason to think that: Finding running backs may actually be harder than fans give the NFL credit for, and though running backs will never touch quarterbacks in terms of pure value, they may have more value than any other skill position despite the prevalence of the passing game. Consider the fact that running backs receive more targets and touches than any receiver by a factor of three or more.
The Cowboys are wrestling with this question right now, potentially determining who to pay between one of the best receivers in the NFL in Dez Bryant, who had 136 targets and 88 touches, and DeMarco Murray, who had 456 total carries and targets (or 449 touches).
Certainly Bryant seems harder to replace than Murray, but the Cowboys’ best offensive season in total points scored since 1983 happened to come when Murray received over 450 total looks by the Cowboys offense. The last time they were better than fifth in total points scored (what they earned in 2014) was 2007, where their running backs combined for 458 total looks.
Though there’s something to be said about late-game effects by winning teams, it is important to note that teams are relying on the run more than people give them credit for, with the top two teams in points per drive ranking 10th and third in percentage of plays that were run attempts. Of the top 10 in points per drive, four offenses ranked in the top 10 in percentage of plays that were run attempts.
Regardless of the actual impact running has—again, the importance of accounting for point differential and time remaining for statistics like that does matter—it’s clear that the NFL values running, even if many analysts don’t.
To that end, Adrian Peterson’s market is well worth monitoring. There aren’t many older, premiere players to look at to create an additional guide. Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers cost them a first- and fourth-round pick (and at the time, more likely a third-round pick) after he was recovering from an ACL surgery at the age of 28, and Brandon Marshall to the Bears at the same age cost two third-round picks fresh off of serious concerns with regards to his mental health and a number of legal troubles, including an accusation of assault two days before the trade.
Though they both play an important role in a more important facet of the game (passing), the degree to which an individual skill player is important is smaller in the passing game than in the running game. Even then, if it were the case that Revis or Marshall could help a team more than Peterson could, they can provide a decent guide to project what Adrian Peterson can do.
Whichever team trades for Peterson will believe that he at least has a number of years left as a high-level player, and they can say that with more confidence than many could have said about Revis, who was traded while he was still recovering before he showed on-field return to form. Peterson is also recovering from a legal issue far removed from the event in question, unlike Marshall.
On the other hand, this draft is purported to be one of the better ones in recent years for running backs and could further depress Peterson’s value.
As a result, it may be wise to hedge bets and split the middle with regards to the value of those two trades on the draft value chart, acknowledging that future picks (like the conditional pick for Revis and one of the two third-round picks) are generally discounted by one round (and it helps that both trades occurred when we knew the specific pick in question for that year).
That may account for a little more than 500 points of value on the chart, which would be a second-round pick for most teams, and often an additional pick. For example, the Cowboys would want to trade a second- and a third-round pick to meet that value.
That does seem a little high, even after acknowledging the specific value of running in the Cowboys offense and Jerry Jones’ well known fondness for Adrian Peterson.
Knowing that this is a strong draft for running backs, Adrian Peterson’s value may be closer to a second-round pick and a fourth-round pick, or even a future fourth-round pick, conditional upon playing time (that may move up to a third or move down to a fifth on a sliding scale). Two third-round picks, a la Brandon Marshall, would not be out of the question, either—though likely is a little low.
It’s naturally difficult to project what will happen with Adrian Peterson, but his trade value may be higher than many think. Whether or not the Vikings would rather take that and offload a portion of his contract instead of having what could still be the best running back in the league discontented (and maybe holding out) is a different question.
The Adrian Peterson drama with the Minnesota Vikings never seems to end, and as news of tension rolls in, it seems paramount for the Vikings to gauge Adrian Peterson’s trade value if only so they know what kind of leverage every party has—and if they want to pull the trigger.
As a small fortune, the Vikings do have the luck of being able to discuss these trades at the NFL combine with other teams, something that is traditionally the icebreaker for NFL deals in the following season. In fact, they considered trade offers for Peterson not too long ago at last year’s combine.
As Peterson battles the NFL in the court room, his distaste for some members of the Minnesota Vikings organization has created “unease” for him and limits his prospects for return with the team. Though Peterson does not seem to have an issue with most of the team, his discomfort may center around recently promoted Kevin Warren, who actively worked to keep him off the field as the Vikings’ primary legal counsel and now chief of operations.
Gauging trade value in the NFL is as difficult a projection as there can be. While there are the typical variables involved in an NFL trade as you would see in another sport, the massive differences in positional value are starker in the NFL, age is more volatile, and trades are so rare that it’s difficult to find real benchmarks.
Looking at running back trades in the past three years is not very helpful, either.
In 2014, one running back was traded: Darren Sproles.
The Saints received a fifth-round pick from the Eagles for Darren Sproles.
In 2013, six running backs were traded: Trent Richardson, Delone Carter, Felix Jones, Chris Ivory, Jeff Demps and LeGarrette Blount.
The Browns received a first-round pick for Richardson from the Colts.
The Saints received a fourth-round pick for Ivory from the Jets.
The Buccaneers received a seventh-round pick and Jeff Demps for Blount from the Patriots.
The Colts received David Reed, WR, from the Ravens for Delone Carter.
The Eagles received Adrian Robinson, LB, from the Steelers for Felix Jones.
In 2012, there was one running back traded: Mike Goodson
The Panthers received Bruce Campbell, OT, from the Raiders for Mike Goodson.
In addition, there have been draft-day trades involving running backs. In 2014:
The Bills received Bryce Brown and a seventh-round pick from the Eagles for a seventh-round pick and 2015 fourth-round pick.
The Browns traded up for Terrance West. They gave up a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick to do it.
In 2013:
The Buccaneers swapped sixths with the Vikings to grab Mike James, and threw in a seventh to do it (moving up to 189 from 196).
The Rams moved up into the fifth to select Zac Stacy. They gave the Texans two sixths.
The Packers moved up into the fourth to select Johnathan Franklin. They gave the Broncos a fifth and a sixth.
In 2012:
The Dolphins swapped fourths with the 49ers for Lamar Miller. They traded the 49ers a sixth and a 2013 sixth to move from 103 to 97.
The Ravens swapped thirds with the Falcons for Bernard Pierce. They traded the Falcons a fifth to move from 91 to 84
And in the draft by itself, the following first- through fourth-round picks have been used on running backs:
The running backs that have been picked at least imply that finding the right running back is a harder than people are willing to admit, and if a general manager were to have the choice between a 30-year-old Adrian Peterson with controversy hanging over his head and a number of those players, they would easily choose Peterson. Those second-round picks have five total years as the primary starter out of 19 possible years—and 43 yards a game. For every Eddie Lacy or Le’Veon Bell, there’s another LaMichael James or Montee Ball.
Whiffs in the first round, along with some misses in the second and third and uncertainty elsewhere on the second day, make it seem as if it may actually be a better bet for a team without a running back to invest short-term in Peterson and perhaps make a few picks later on in the draft to develop behind him.
This all, of course, depends on the possible cost of acquiring Peterson. Any team that trades for the former first-round pick out of Oklahoma will necessarily value Peterson at a discount versus the Vikings—after all, only one team is built to work off of Adrian Peterson carries, and that’s the team that has him.
The question of Peterson’s decline is further complicated by the fact that missing a year may be a good thing, and that there aren’t any signs of “decline” either on film or after exhaustive statistical work, even after accounting for the vagaries of statistical analysis.
It’s clear that NFL teams value running backs more than most modern analysts and a number of fans, and there’s a reason to think that: Finding running backs may actually be harder than fans give the NFL credit for, and though running backs will never touch quarterbacks in terms of pure value, they may have more value than any other skill position despite the prevalence of the passing game. Consider the fact that running backs receive more targets and touches than any receiver by a factor of three or more.
The Cowboys are wrestling with this question right now, potentially determining who to pay between one of the best receivers in the NFL in Dez Bryant, who had 136 targets and 88 touches, and DeMarco Murray, who had 456 total carries and targets (or 449 touches).
Certainly Bryant seems harder to replace than Murray, but the Cowboys’ best offensive season in total points scored since 1983 happened to come when Murray received over 450 total looks by the Cowboys offense. The last time they were better than fifth in total points scored (what they earned in 2014) was 2007, where their running backs combined for 458 total looks.
Though there’s something to be said about late-game effects by winning teams, it is important to note that teams are relying on the run more than people give them credit for, with the top two teams in points per drive ranking 10th and third in percentage of plays that were run attempts. Of the top 10 in points per drive, four offenses ranked in the top 10 in percentage of plays that were run attempts.
Regardless of the actual impact running has—again, the importance of accounting for point differential and time remaining for statistics like that does matter—it’s clear that the NFL values running, even if many analysts don’t.
To that end, Adrian Peterson’s market is well worth monitoring. There aren’t many older, premiere players to look at to create an additional guide. Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers cost them a first- and fourth-round pick (and at the time, more likely a third-round pick) after he was recovering from an ACL surgery at the age of 28, and Brandon Marshall to the Bears at the same age cost two third-round picks fresh off of serious concerns with regards to his mental health and a number of legal troubles, including an accusation of assault two days before the trade.
Though they both play an important role in a more important facet of the game (passing), the degree to which an individual skill player is important is smaller in the passing game than in the running game. Even then, if it were the case that Revis or Marshall could help a team more than Peterson could, they can provide a decent guide to project what Adrian Peterson can do.
Whichever team trades for Peterson will believe that he at least has a number of years left as a high-level player, and they can say that with more confidence than many could have said about Revis, who was traded while he was still recovering before he showed on-field return to form. Peterson is also recovering from a legal issue far removed from the event in question, unlike Marshall.
On the other hand, this draft is purported to be one of the better ones in recent years for running backs and could further depress Peterson’s value.
As a result, it may be wise to hedge bets and split the middle with regards to the value of those two trades on the draft value chart, acknowledging that future picks (like the conditional pick for Revis and one of the two third-round picks) are generally discounted by one round (and it helps that both trades occurred when we knew the specific pick in question for that year).
That may account for a little more than 500 points of value on the chart, which would be a second-round pick for most teams, and often an additional pick. For example, the Cowboys would want to trade a second- and a third-round pick to meet that value.
That does seem a little high, even after acknowledging the specific value of running in the Cowboys offense and Jerry Jones’ well known fondness for Adrian Peterson.
Knowing that this is a strong draft for running backs, Adrian Peterson’s value may be closer to a second-round pick and a fourth-round pick, or even a future fourth-round pick, conditional upon playing time (that may move up to a third or move down to a fifth on a sliding scale). Two third-round picks, a la Brandon Marshall, would not be out of the question, either—though likely is a little low.
It’s naturally difficult to project what will happen with Adrian Peterson, but his trade value may be higher than many think. Whether or not the Vikings would rather take that and offload a portion of his contract instead of having what could still be the best running back in the league discontented (and maybe holding out) is a different question.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
I think this will be the problem. Peterson at 10 Million plus per year and loss of 2nd round pick is a high price to pay. A team would have to confident that he is the missing piece of the puzzle to launch them deep into the playoffs. A 2nd round rookie RB on a 4 year contract is a lot more appealing to a team that is not a contender yet.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
I think it will be hard to find a team willing to take on Peterson's contract and give up good draft picks. I agree that doing so would make more sense for a team that is a contender with good pieces everywhere else.
The Patriots would fit that criteria but they seem to be willing to start guys off the street and still win. So this seems unlikely.
If Peterson was willing to play for less money than what DeMarco Murray is asking? Maybe? There was talk about mutual interest from Jones and Peterson for him to play in Dallas prior to the story broke about Peterson's legal situation.
What other teams might be willing?
Because of the money maybe a deal would be more like a 3rd in 2015 and a conditional 3rd/4th in 2016 or something like that?
Or maybe they keep Peterson.
The Patriots would fit that criteria but they seem to be willing to start guys off the street and still win. So this seems unlikely.
If Peterson was willing to play for less money than what DeMarco Murray is asking? Maybe? There was talk about mutual interest from Jones and Peterson for him to play in Dallas prior to the story broke about Peterson's legal situation.
What other teams might be willing?
Because of the money maybe a deal would be more like a 3rd in 2015 and a conditional 3rd/4th in 2016 or something like that?
Or maybe they keep Peterson.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
I was not very impressed with how the rookie offensive linemen tested. So maybe the best option would be from free agency.
The pattern with Spielman has been to target free agents coming off their rookie contracts to fill needs. Signing Linval Joseph from the Giats last season for example.
There are a few offensive linemen out there that might fit that criteria in free agency.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Top 5 interior offensive line free agents in 2015
5. Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland Raiders
Since Oakland took him in the second round in 2011, Wisniewski has missed just three starts, beginning his career at left guard before moving to center. While not an elite center, Wisniewski provides reliable top 15 caliber play, and will turn 26 in March. After making $938,000 in 2014 during the final year of his rookie contract, Wisniewski should be able to net over $3.5 million a year in a 3-4 year contract in free agency from a team like the Bears, Bengals or Jaguars.
4. Clint Boling, Cincinnati Bengals
Boling has started 47 games since entering the league, at left guard, right guard and right tackle. He tore his ACL in Week 13 of the 2013 season, but recovered in time to start every game last year. A solid overall blocker, Boling had previously been known as more of a finesse pass blocker, but this season saw him step up as a mauler in the run game as well. His versatility will help the soon-to-be 26-year old net a 5-year, $20 million contract, and if the Bengals do not bring him back, teams like the Colts, Chiefs, and Redskins are likely to be interested.
3. Orlando Franklin, Denver Broncos
After providing top five play at right tackle for two seasons, Franklin was asked to move to left guard in 2014, and again proved to be one of the better blockers in the NFL, giving up just one sack. Moved from right tackle to left guard this past season and was successful. He surrendered just one sack.
Franklin said earlier this month that he would prefer to return to Denver, per the Denver Post.
"I don't know anything else. I'm a Bronco," Franklin said. "I'd love to be a Bronco for the rest of my life."
Franklin will be 28 in April, and should be able to net over $6 million per year on a 4-5 year deal, and possibly over $7 million if a team like the Giants, Jets or Buccaneers see him as their answer at right tackle.
2. Rodney Hudson, Kansas City Chiefs
Hudson took his game to another level last season, and enters free agency as the best available center at just 25 years old. A top three center last year, Hudson excelled in pass protection and saw no equal when it came to screen blocking, clear sign that Hudson is an elite athlete on the offensive line.
Like Franklin, Hudson would like to return to the only team he has ever played for.
“Yeah, no doubt — I like it here,” Hudson said, via The Kansas City Star. “I’ve been here for four years, I’ve had a great time here so far ... and hopefully I’ll be back.”
But with the franchise tag set to be applied to elite pass rusher Justin Houston, the Chiefs could be hard-pressed to find the cap room to bring Hudson back. The Saints, Colts, Chargers and Jaguars will be waiting in line to offer a 5-6 year deal with $6-7 million per year in salary for an anchor that is just now entering the prime of his career.
1. Mike Iupati, San Francisco 49ers
During his five years in the league, Iupati has missed just five starts, made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro selection. While the 28-year old is just average in pass protection, he is an elite run blocker, and that makes him the best interior offensive lineman available in free agency. The 49ers have some cap issues to work through, and might not be able to keep Iupati around. They are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Iupati, as that would put his salary at more than $12 million, since the designation lumps the top salaries of all offensive linemen, not just guards. The more likely scenario is they insert Brandon Thomas in his place. Iupati will likely command a $7-8 million a year salary for the next five seasons, with the Jets, Colts and Redskins all potential landing spots for the 6-foot-5, 330-pound mauler.
5. Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland Raiders
Since Oakland took him in the second round in 2011, Wisniewski has missed just three starts, beginning his career at left guard before moving to center. While not an elite center, Wisniewski provides reliable top 15 caliber play, and will turn 26 in March. After making $938,000 in 2014 during the final year of his rookie contract, Wisniewski should be able to net over $3.5 million a year in a 3-4 year contract in free agency from a team like the Bears, Bengals or Jaguars.
4. Clint Boling, Cincinnati Bengals
Boling has started 47 games since entering the league, at left guard, right guard and right tackle. He tore his ACL in Week 13 of the 2013 season, but recovered in time to start every game last year. A solid overall blocker, Boling had previously been known as more of a finesse pass blocker, but this season saw him step up as a mauler in the run game as well. His versatility will help the soon-to-be 26-year old net a 5-year, $20 million contract, and if the Bengals do not bring him back, teams like the Colts, Chiefs, and Redskins are likely to be interested.
3. Orlando Franklin, Denver Broncos
After providing top five play at right tackle for two seasons, Franklin was asked to move to left guard in 2014, and again proved to be one of the better blockers in the NFL, giving up just one sack. Moved from right tackle to left guard this past season and was successful. He surrendered just one sack.
Franklin said earlier this month that he would prefer to return to Denver, per the Denver Post.
"I don't know anything else. I'm a Bronco," Franklin said. "I'd love to be a Bronco for the rest of my life."
Franklin will be 28 in April, and should be able to net over $6 million per year on a 4-5 year deal, and possibly over $7 million if a team like the Giants, Jets or Buccaneers see him as their answer at right tackle.
2. Rodney Hudson, Kansas City Chiefs
Hudson took his game to another level last season, and enters free agency as the best available center at just 25 years old. A top three center last year, Hudson excelled in pass protection and saw no equal when it came to screen blocking, clear sign that Hudson is an elite athlete on the offensive line.
Like Franklin, Hudson would like to return to the only team he has ever played for.
“Yeah, no doubt — I like it here,” Hudson said, via The Kansas City Star. “I’ve been here for four years, I’ve had a great time here so far ... and hopefully I’ll be back.”
But with the franchise tag set to be applied to elite pass rusher Justin Houston, the Chiefs could be hard-pressed to find the cap room to bring Hudson back. The Saints, Colts, Chargers and Jaguars will be waiting in line to offer a 5-6 year deal with $6-7 million per year in salary for an anchor that is just now entering the prime of his career.
1. Mike Iupati, San Francisco 49ers
During his five years in the league, Iupati has missed just five starts, made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro selection. While the 28-year old is just average in pass protection, he is an elite run blocker, and that makes him the best interior offensive lineman available in free agency. The 49ers have some cap issues to work through, and might not be able to keep Iupati around. They are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Iupati, as that would put his salary at more than $12 million, since the designation lumps the top salaries of all offensive linemen, not just guards. The more likely scenario is they insert Brandon Thomas in his place. Iupati will likely command a $7-8 million a year salary for the next five seasons, with the Jets, Colts and Redskins all potential landing spots for the 6-foot-5, 330-pound mauler.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
DJ Humphries was one of the few offensive linemen that looked good running the 40. He probably won't be there in the 4th round.
BigJim®
Footballguy
Call me crazy, but I wouldn't mind taking a late stab at some QB Turner likes. I can't imagine Cassell would be resigned for 2016. Admittedly I don't really know much about Devlin/Harnish. I could be selling one of those guys short, but seems like the team left the cupboard pretty bare at QB2 after drafting TJack and then Ponder. Might as well take advantage of Turner's teaching and grab a guy he can groom as 2016 QB2. Any projected late QBs fit that bill?
Donnybrook
Footballguy
With Cooper, Parker and White cementing their draft status, Vikings could shop the 11th pick to Kansas City or Carolina on draft day. A pick in the 20s could be a better place to get a DB, LB or OL. The WR class is looking deep.
FunkyPlutos
Footballguy
Thing I love the most was Jaelen Strong running a 4.44 - he could be a great 2nd round pick for the Vikings!
FunkyPlutos
Footballguy
If they could get any of these guys, it would be great for the Vikings. Then concentrate on skill position players in the draft (and I consider DB and LB skill positions).
snogger
Footballguy
Not that it should be a 
to anyone, but it seems Peterson wants to be traded, and Norseman says he'd like to go to Dallas, again not a shock..
So how about Dallas signs Murray to the same amount of money Peterson is due, and we trade even up??
to anyone, but it seems Peterson wants to be traded, and Norseman says he'd like to go to Dallas, again not a shock..So how about Dallas signs Murray to the same amount of money Peterson is due, and we trade even up??
Heatman
Footballguy
We know this won't happen. I actually think AP stays with MN at his current contract and the Vikings brass spend the next year proving to him that they want him to stay in MN.Not that it should be a
So how about Dallas signs Murray to the same amount of money Peterson is due, and we trade even up??
I believe once he sees that this team is making positive strides, finally, and actually has a chance to do something in the playoffs all of this will blow over and both sides will be happy they stayed together.
Unless a trade partner comes along that is willing to give the Vikings decent value for AP and he decides he would like to play there but I don't see that happening. The Vikings know what they have in him and they like him. Even though he has some distrust in the Vikings front office it will be difficult for him to be able to play for another team this season unless the Vikings outright cut him which won't happen.
A lot of speculation either way you look at it. I hope he stays and all of this blows over, these things have a way of doing that over time, but you never know what can happen.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
I really don't see how a deal with Dallas is workable. But I saw this last night as well because a Cowboys fan I know was getting pretty excited about it.Not that it should be a
So how about Dallas signs Murray to the same amount of money Peterson is due, and we trade even up??
It goes back to the rumor about this last off season prior to the news about Peterson's legal situation became public.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Not going to happen. Murray > Peterson in Dallas since they don't have to take Murray off the field on 3rd down. Peterson would have to take a significant pay cut just to get traded.Not that it should be a
So how about Dallas signs Murray to the same amount of money Peterson is due, and we trade even up??
skol asylum
Footballguy
Peterson should really shut his mouth and stop being all whiny about the team not supporting him. Adrian, you and you alone are the cause of this situation. Take responsibility and prove to the league you can be a better man.
snogger
Footballguy
Of course I don't expect it to happen thus theNot going to happen. Murray > Peterson in Dallas since they don't have to take Murray off the field on 3rd down. Peterson would have to take a significant pay cut just to get traded.Not that it should be a
So how about Dallas signs Murray to the same amount of money Peterson is due, and we trade even up??
Saying that stranger things have happened.They could decide not to sign Murray at all and "let it slip" that if ADP's contract was smaller they'd think about trading for him. ADP makes a call to his agent "and here we go"
Old Smiley
Footballguy
Strongly second this. Dude still doesn't even grasp what's happening. He should be falling down grateful he got on the CEL, and got paid a cent last year. A year's suspension was totally possible in that situation.
If I was Minny, I'd feel stuck with Peterson, not blessed with him. You can win without a solid gold back. Lots of places that money could go. Yeah, it hurt when it happened all of a sudden last year, (and by the way that's on nobody but you, Mr. Peterson) but with an off season to prepare, and go shopping, drafting, whatever -- they'd be fine without Peterson.
This "aggrieved" trip is garbage.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Totally agree. I keep wish the Vikings would take that 13 Million they are using on Peterson and attempt to sign Randall Cobb or Brian Bulaga with it. I am not sure I really want the Vikings to sign them but I want the Packers to be forced to overpay to retain them. I am evil-minded like that.
snogger
Footballguy
You know the old saying "Where there's smoke..." 
Still think Dallas is a slight maybe.. as they could just let Murray walk and behind closed doors work out a deal with the agent to restructure ADP's contract once he is traded to them.
Vikings off season is during it's best to make up for no Football
The only question now is who has the cap space to trade for him and what will they give up? Seen talk of the Bills, Redskins.
Still think Dallas is a slight maybe.. as they could just let Murray walk and behind closed doors work out a deal with the agent to restructure ADP's contract once he is traded to them.
Vikings off season is during it's best to make up for no Football
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Johnny Bing
Footballguy
Cap space in 2015You know the old saying "Where there's smoke..."
The only question now is who has the cap space to trade for him and what will they give up? Seen talk of the Bills, Redskins.Still think Dallas is a slight maybe.. as they could just let Murray walk and behind closed doors work out a deal with the agent to restructure ADP's contract once he is traded to them.
Vikings off season is during it's best to make up for no Football
http://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space/
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Charles Johnson is Vikings' best WR, Norv Turner says
I really liked Charles Johnson who had terrific measurables as a rookie prospect. Going into his third season now hopefully he has developed experience and technique to match his athleticism. I think it definitely helps that he has been coached by Norv Turner since 2013. He should be very familiar with what Norv Turner expects from him by now.
If Jennings is still with the team in 2015 (which seems likely) I think he would get the most targets. But it is possible that Johnson overtakes him even if he stays. From what I recall Bridgewater was very effective throwing to Greg Jennings last season.
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Donnybrook
Footballguy
snogger
Footballguy
This is a long video.. But he does say a "Demarco for Peterson" is a possibility along with a TON of throw things at a dart board and see what sticks.. .
Donnybrook
Footballguy
IMO, Florio is clueless. A tonne of speculation that doesn't make sense especially franchising Demarco just to trade for Peterson. I still think that the Cowboys would rather have Demarco than Peterson. The idea that Minnesota could get Demarco plus picks confirms that Florio is as biased as a regular Viking fan.This is a long video.. But he does say a "Demarco for Peterson" is a possibility along with a TON of throw things at a dart board and see what sticks.. .
BigJim®
Footballguy
IMO, Florio is clueless. A tonne of speculation that doesn't make sense especially franchising Demarco just to trade for Peterson. I still think that the Cowboys would rather have Demarco than Peterson. The idea that Minnesota could get Demarco plus picks confirms that Florio is as biased as a regular Viking fan.This is a long video.. But he does say a "Demarco for Peterson" is a possibility along with a TON of throw things at a dart board and see what sticks.. .
Florio has been sort of off his game on recent ADP stories. I particularly rolled my eyes at yesterday's story titled "Nelson Peterson mentions 3 teams as possible destinations for Adrian" but if you go into the story itself it is not that at all. He says he's heard "rumors"... yeah, just like anyone else who listens to sports radio. Having heard rumors is not "mentioning possible destinations.".
Biabreakable
Footballguy
I agree completely with this. I just haven't spent much time evaluating QBs.
Question for everyone, what QBs might be available in round four or latter that the Vikings could look at?
My understanding is that this draft is not very good for QB again.
At one time I thought Ponder could be a decent back up. But I do not feel that way about him at least for the Vikings anymore. Because some times back ups need to play. And Ponder is terrible at that.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Vikings Part Ways with Charlie Johnson
Not unexpected. This frees up some more cap space. I am hoping the Vikings look to sign one of the 5 linemen I posted a few days back. My favorite of that group would be Stefon Wisinewski because he can play LG or Center.
Not unexpected. This frees up some more cap space. I am hoping the Vikings look to sign one of the 5 linemen I posted a few days back. My favorite of that group would be Stefon Wisinewski because he can play LG or Center.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Contrary to popular opinion, I like Jalen Collins better than Trae Waynes for the Vikings. Any prospect you guys are ranking higher than the majority of people?
snellman
Footballguy
Would have to resign Ponder and there is no way I would rather have Ponder backing up Teddy than CasselIs Ponder cheaper?snogger said:
Please...PLEASE tell me this doesn't mean Ponder is staying :X :X
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