***OFFICIAL*** Minnesota Vikings 2015 Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[Biabreakable]

I am in total agreement about trading down to the late teens or early twenties for extra picks. I think there will be players available at 11 that teams will be willing to move up for as well. In particular one of the top three WR.

I can see two reasons to make the pick at 11 is if a prospect like Waynes is believed to be the best corner of the draft or if the Vikings like one of the defensive ends that highly and do not want to pass on him.

If Waynes is that good I somewhat doubt he will fall to pick 11 and similarly for the edge rush prospects. None of the DE really stand out to me.

After watching several of the UCLA games recently I really like LB Eric Kendricks who has terrific instincts in the passing game. I think he could be there around pick 20. Shaq is another player who might be there or one of the offensive linemen. I think there are plenty of options to consider after trading down that might not be far off from a prospect the Vikings could get at pick 11.

Mike Williams may not be a long term answer at WR. So there is something to be said for making an investment at WR now so that Bridgewater can start building long term chemistry with that player. I won't be upset if they do decide to go that route. Cooper and Parker are great players. But there are enough other good WR who could be had later on in the draft that would allow the Vikings to focus on defense.

The main pick I would not be happy with is if the Vikings went offensive line at pick 11. I don't think any of these linemen seem as good as the last 2 draft classes were. I wouldn't mind going that route at pick 20.

 

[Donnybrook]

I think the Vikings would like to move down but I can't see many teams paying the price to move up (excluding Chip).

I wouldn't be shocked if they ended staying and taking Bud Dupree (everyone has him falling and I am not sure why). They were obviously quite interested in Michael Johnson yesterday.

 

[Biabreakable]

There is a serious need for another outside pass rusher.

I would just love for the Vikings to have two elite corners for the first time ever.

 

[Donnybrook]

There is a serious need for another outside pass rusher.

I would just love for the Vikings to have two elite corners for the first time ever.

I am starting to realize that I am down on Trae Waynes probably for the wrong reasons. Over the last few years we are getting told that so-and-so corner is far and away the best corner in the draft. Corners like Morris Claiborne, Dee Milner and Justin Gilbert (after he killed at the combine). Unfortunately, none of these guys have lived up to the hype. So now I am naturally suspicious of Waynes.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Not sure why so many of you think and or want the Vikings to take a WR at #11. I for one would love to see Rick do his magic and trade down about 8-12 spots and pick up additional picks. I'd love to see us go, in any order, OL (G) or CB or S with our first three picks, wherever they are.

Because I'm not AT ALL sold on who they have at WR. Johnson showed a little bit but it's hard to ignore where he came from. Wallace flamed out in Miami - who's to say that doesn't happen again? Patterson feels like a bust. Wright is just a guy.

Releasing Jennings and getting Wallace doesn't feel like a net gain - just a change in abilities. On the whole, it's a shaky position.

And while there's a lot of depth at the WR and CB position, I think the top 3 WRs could all be elite. I don't feel the same about any of the corners. I wouldn't want a first round guard.

 

[Donnybrook]

For the record, every mock draft I have done so far has the top 3 wide outs going in the top 10. I am not sure if my evaluation is off or I am purposely doing a worse case scenario for the Vikings.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

For the record, every mock draft I have done so far has the top 3 wide outs going in the top 10. I am not sure if my evaluation is off or I am purposely doing a worse case scenario for the Vikings.

It's certainly possible. But if that happens then there's going to be a very good defensive player for them to take.

I would applaud a Dante Fowler or Shane Ray selection at DE or if they think Beasley or Gregory could play LB in their scheme then that'd work too. I don't think Gregory would be a fit though.

Danny Shelton would be a great addition.

 

[snogger]

Well, I see rumors are swirling once again that ADP has asked to be traded:

Minneapolis sportswriter Larry Fitzgerald Sr. is reporting that Adrian Peterson has requested out of Minnesota and the team is currently shopping the Pro Bowl running back.

Last week there was some talk that ADP has told the Vikings that he'd be willing to restructure his contract if it meant getting traded to the Cardinals..

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Not sure why so many of you think and or want the Vikings to take a WR at #11. I for one would love to see Rick do his magic and trade down about 8-12 spots and pick up additional picks. I'd love to see us go, in any order, OL (G) or CB or S with our first three picks, wherever they are.

Because I'm not AT ALL sold on who they have at WR. Johnson showed a little bit but it's hard to ignore where he came from. Wallace flamed out in Miami - who's to say that doesn't happen again? Patterson feels like a bust. Wright is just a guy.

Releasing Jennings and getting Wallace doesn't feel like a net gain - just a change in abilities. On the whole, it's a shaky position.

And while there's a lot of depth at the WR and CB position, I think the top 3 WRs could all be elite. I don't feel the same about any of the corners. I wouldn't want a first round guard.

That's why I think going after a WR early on is not the way to go. If we do trade off AP, then I can hope and assume we'll get a 2nd rounder so we can trade up and down the first or second round and get a top prospect at WR other than the big 3. Trust me I'd love to get Parker or Cooper at 11 but I think we need help first off somewhere else. I guess it comes down to best available talent at whatever pick we have.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I think Yankey will be the starting LG. I think they kind of "hid" him a bit last year by not having him active and saying he wasn't strong enough.

 

[Biabreakable]

It is possible they intend to start Yankey. I do not understand why they would "hide" him with how poorly the offensive line was playing last year. I think there is likely truth about him not being strong enough to start last season. Many players need a full year of conditioning before they become ready to play in the NFL.

Back up Tackle Mike Harris was signed recently and he said he can play LG or anywhere on the line if the Vikings need him to.

I would still like to see the Vikings add a guard to compete for the starting spot in free agency.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Seems like the only good interior OL still available currently is Wisniewski from the Raiders. I haven't heard him going to any teams for a visit and as far as I know he's healthy.... a bit odd. Perhaps after the draft when teams will continue to dump veteran players, we can pick up someone else?

Another position that I think we'll need to address fairly early on in the draft is DE. I never was a fan of Robison, so to me I see us needing early in the draft, CB, G, LB, DE and S. Whatever we don't get from the draft by the 4th round we'll need to upgrade through free agency.

 

[Biabreakable]

Wisnewski and Blaylock are still available.

Wisnewski did visit with the Seahawks who need a center but didn't strike a deal with them.

I think the Vikings will be ok at safety because Blanton played pretty well. But as you point out the Vikings still need four to five starting positions (unless Yankey is the plan at guard) and those cannot all be filled with top 3 draft picks (who may or may not pan out and even if they do may need a year to be ready to start.. see Yankey)

So a guard seems like the best position to fill in free agency to me. The defensive needs addressed through the draft.

 

[Biabreakable]

Vikings Among 3 Teams Contending for S Taylor Mays

I guess the move makes sense for safety depth. This would give the Vikings 4 safeties to work with before the draft.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Regarding Mays, isn't he more of a Special Team Ace? He's lousy in coverage and if anything I see him more of a Wolverine or a Safety-type player playing LB'er.

 

[BigJim®]

Isn't Wisnewski a Center?

 

[Biabreakable]

Isn't Wisnewski a Center?

He is and that may be the position he prefers to play. Which may be sticking point for him signing a deal as well.

However he did play left guard for the Raiders and played well there also. So in my opinion he could play left guard and be insurance for Christie at center as well.

Joe Berger can fill in at any of the inside spots as well. So offering Wisnewski a lot of money may not be in the Vikings plans anyways.

It is possible that Wisnewski could make more money at guard than center based on recent contracts given to the top level free agent guards.

The Vikings are renegotiating Greenways contract. So this could free up some money that could be allocated to the position.

An interesting tidbit about Jarius Wright.

At this point, however, Wright has probably heard opportunity knocking. Or perhaps he heard his offensive coordinator Norv Turner tell Paul Allen on KFAN Monday morning that he likes where things are with the receiving corps, specifically mentioning Wright several times.


“I like our receiver situation. Jarius Wright came on and really played well the second half,” Turner proclaimed in response to a question about possibly of the Vikings still drafting a wide receiver.

When PA asked a follow-up question about the slot receiver situation, Wright was the player that Coach Turner pointed to immediately. “We ended up playing Jarius in the slot a great deal with Greg [Jennings] playing outside because that speed matchup was so good with Jarius,” Turner said, recalling the deep fades and deep crossing patterns Wright reeled in this past season.

“I like the fact that we can get Jarius’ speed in there [at the slot],” Turner added. “It’s a hard matchup, particularly if they want to start doubling people on the outside.”

 

[mr roboto]

So what's the starting WR lineup? Wallace and Johnson outside, Wright in slot, Patterson in 4 wide sets?

 

[RandyDB]

So what's the starting WR lineup? Wallace and Johnson outside, Wright in slot, Patterson in 4 wide sets?

That is what it is sounding like to me.

 

[Donnybrook]

Vikings sign DuJuan Harris: http://www.vikings.com/news/featured/article-1/Ex-Packer-Harris-Added-To-Backfield/20b753e3-c713-4852-ae95-5ad8f0d7af40?campaign=social_20150319_42391326&adbid=578667333742411776&adbpl=tw&adbpr=25545388 Tough to crack the roster with or without Peterson.

Also saw something on twitter about the Vikings being interested in Jay Ajayi.

 

[Biabreakable]

VT Question of the Week: Who Will Lead the Vikings in Receiving in 2015?

I think several of these opinions are too optimistic about Charles Johnson. While I would love it if Johnson gets the most receptions, he will have a lot of yards.

It is more likely that Mike Wallace leads the team in receptions unless they are able to get Wright 75+ receptions.

Nice to see so many opinions though.

 

[Biabreakable]

Skeptical of Trae Waynes

Not sure if you wrote this donny but seems to be similar skepticism about Waynes perhaps? He points out a poor 3 cone time for Waynes that I hadn't noticed before. He says he isn't sure that Waynes is an upgrade over Robinson. Prefers Jalen Collins or Kevin Johnson.

Spielman, Zimmer watching Trae Waynes at Michigan State pro day

 

[FUBAR]

Understand it's unlikely but I'd like to see a swap of Fitz for ADP.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Understand it's unlikely but I'd like to see a swap of Fitz for ADP.

I'd swap AP for a bowl of steamed broccoli. And steamed broccoli makes me wretch.

 

[Donnybrook]

Skeptical of Trae Waynes

Not sure if you wrote this donny but seems to be similar skepticism about Waynes perhaps? He points out a poor 3 cone time for Waynes that I hadn't noticed before. He says he isn't sure that Waynes is an upgrade over Robinson. Prefers Jalen Collins or Kevin Johnson.

Spielman, Zimmer watching Trae Waynes at Michigan State pro day

Yeah. No I didn't write that. It is an interesting debate either to go WR or CB with the #11 pick. I think it is more prudent to go WR then CB based on the way the talent has been ranked. I like the 2nd Tier CBs over the 2nd Tier WRs. Both classes are deep.

Tier 1 - Waynes vs Cooper, White, and Parker

Tier 2- Peters, Johnson, Collins and Jones vs DGB, Strong, Perriman, Coates, and Funchess

I know it is pretty subjective every body going to rank the players differently. The 2 CBs from Florida State - Williams and Darby also could be 2nd round picks.

 

[snellman]

Interesting article on the Peterson situation:

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2015/3/21/8270663/ben-dogra-wont-have-dinner-with-rick-spielman

Been a huge fan of his since he went to OU and have been supportive of him through the ordeal, but I am starting to get over him.

 

[Donnybrook]

This made me laugh: https://twitter.com/DarrenPage/status/579837235199021056

 

[mr roboto]

This made me laugh: https://twitter.com/DarrenPage/status/579837235199021056

 

[Donnybrook]

Moving on from the Peterson.

What running back should we take in the draft? I am not sure it is smart move to take one early unless one of the 1st rounder falls to their pick in the second round. I wonder how late in the draft they can get David Cobb.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I don't think they should take an RB until the 3rd at the earliest.

But even there, they have a shot at guys like Cobb, David Johnson (N. Iowa), Duke Johnson, Ajayi (maybe), Mike Davis (S. Carolina), or TJ Yeldon.

 

[snogger]

Moving on from the Peterson.

What running back should we take in the draft? I am not sure it is smart move to take one early unless one of the 1st rounder falls to their pick in the second round. I wonder how late in the draft they can get David Cobb.

I don't think they should take an RB until the 3rd at the earliest.

But even there, they have a shot at guys like Cobb, David Johnson (N. Iowa), Duke Johnson, Ajayi (maybe), Mike Davis (S. Carolina), or TJ Yeldon.

at this point a 3rd round or later is the best bet.. They have Asiata, McKinnon, Banyard and now Harris..

I have to assume the reason for picking up Harris was to prepare for no ADP and a Running back by committee approach..

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

From what I've seen and read about Ajayi, I would want him in the 2nd round but knowing Rick, he'll probably move around, up and down the draft and probably have a lower pick in the 2nd round and then I would go after Ajayi. I also like Cobb and not a fan of David Johnson NOW. I read a report from Greg Cosell stating that David Johnson has skinny legs and his physique won't handle a long career as a work horse RB as some feel he could turn into.

 

[Donnybrook]

From what I've seen and read about Ajayi, I would want him in the 2nd round but knowing Rick, he'll probably move around, up and down the draft and probably have a lower pick in the 2nd round and then I would go after Ajayi. I also like Cobb and not a fan of David Johnson NOW. I read a report from Greg Cosell stating that David Johnson has skinny legs and his physique won't handle a long career as a work horse RB as some feel he could turn into.

Funny. Did he really say that? I went that back and watched the combine footage of David Johnson and TJ Yeldon. There is no noticeable difference in leg size between Yeldon and Johnson. If anything Johnson legs look bigger which would fit since Johnson is a slightly shorter and just as heavy. Cosell also said he considers Yeldon a workhorse back.

Yeldon: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000478480/2015-Combine-workout-T-J-Yeldon

DJ: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000478371/2015-Combine-workout-David-Johnson

 

[snogger]

Vikings add Mays and Matthews to the Defense.. No not that Matthews, his brother

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

From what I've seen and read about Ajayi, I would want him in the 2nd round but knowing Rick, he'll probably move around, up and down the draft and probably have a lower pick in the 2nd round and then I would go after Ajayi. I also like Cobb and not a fan of David Johnson NOW. I read a report from Greg Cosell stating that David Johnson has skinny legs and his physique won't handle a long career as a work horse RB as some feel he could turn into.

Funny. Did he really say that? I went that back and watched the combine footage of David Johnson and TJ Yeldon. There is no noticeable difference in leg size between Yeldon and Johnson. If anything Johnson legs look bigger which would fit since Johnson is a slightly shorter and just as heavy. Cosell also said he considers Yeldon a workhorse back.

Yeldon: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000478480/2015-Combine-workout-T-J-Yeldon

DJ: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000478371/2015-Combine-workout-David-Johnson

Yeah he did. I liked what I read and hear from Cosell. He's on a local radio show during the season here, I like his insights.

 

[snogger]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

Also..Terence Newman, Minnesota Vikings reach deal

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

This will have as much impact as when they signed that track guy at WR a couple years ago.

 

[SayWhat?]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

This will have as much impact as when they signed that track guy at WR a couple years ago.

Those D linemen he's blocking look like high school linebackers.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

This will have as much impact as when they signed that track guy at WR a couple years ago.

Those D linemen he's blocking look like high school linebackers.

Considering that that's footage from the German football league he's playing in...they might be.

 

[snogger]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

This will have as much impact as when they signed that track guy at WR a couple years ago.

Seems apples and oranges to compare Track Star to WR vs. OL in Europe to OL in NFL

They admit he is "Raw" talent.. But man if they can meld that talent into a serviceable Tackle

and based on last years "effort" from Kalil it won't take much

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

This will have as much impact as when they signed that track guy at WR a couple years ago.

Or Brock Lesnar...

 

[snogger]

Chad Greenway takes pay cut to stay with the Vikings

Greenway has taken a pay cut that will give Minnesota more than $3.2 million in salary cap relief, Field Yates of ESPN reports. Greenway’s new base salary is $3.4 million. He has $1 million guaranteed this year and can get $600,000 in incentives.

 

[Biabreakable]

From what I've seen and read about Ajayi, I would want him in the 2nd round but knowing Rick, he'll probably move around, up and down the draft and probably have a lower pick in the 2nd round and then I would go after Ajayi. I also like Cobb and not a fan of David Johnson NOW. I read a report from Greg Cosell stating that David Johnson has skinny legs and his physique won't handle a long career as a work horse RB as some feel he could turn into.

Funny. Did he really say that? I went that back and watched the combine footage of David Johnson and TJ Yeldon. There is no noticeable difference in leg size between Yeldon and Johnson. If anything Johnson legs look bigger which would fit since Johnson is a slightly shorter and just as heavy. Cosell also said he considers Yeldon a workhorse back.

Yeldon: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000478480/2015-Combine-workout-T-J-Yeldon

DJ: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000478371/2015-Combine-workout-David-Johnson

Yeah he did. I liked what I read and hear from Cosell. He's on a local radio show during the season here, I like his insights.

Do you recall his opinion of Teddy Bridgewater?

 

[Donnybrook]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

At least, this guy is coming with the good attitude and expectations He said in his interview with Wobby: "This is not the time for celebration. For me, long way to go get on the team.." I don't think that it is a bad thing that the Vikings are bringing in guys like this. You can point to the failures but Seattle took a DT in the 7th round and developed him in to a starting guard.

 

[snogger]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

At least, this guy is coming with the good attitude and expectations He said in his interview with Wobby: "This is not the time for celebration. For me, long way to go get on the team.." I don't think that it is a bad thing that the Vikings are bringing in guys like this. You can point to the failures but Seattle took a DT in the 7th round and developed him in to a starting guard.

Watched another interview where he said he also played some defensive line..

 

[Donnybrook]

Vikings Sign 6-9, 351-pound Polish Lineman The video highlights are great.. reminds me of the Movie Blindside when he blocks the guy over the fence..

At least, this guy is coming with the good attitude and expectations He said in his interview with Wobby: "This is not the time for celebration. For me, long way to go get on the team.." I don't think that it is a bad thing that the Vikings are bringing in guys like this. You can point to the failures but Seattle took a DT in the 7th round and developed him in to a starting guard.

Watched another interview where he said he also played some defensive line..

Wow. Just noticed the crowd in the highlight video. There looks to be 10-20 people in the entire stands. I gotta wonder who is financing German football. The players must be playing simply for the love of the game because I can't imagine them getting paid with no one in the stands.

 

[snogger]

When I saw the news Romo restructured his contract, my first thought was it was to make Dez happy with a better contract..

But seems all it did was fuel more speculation

Cowboys' latest moves point to Peterson

Cowboys restructure Tony Romo’s deal yet again for cap room

 

[Donnybrook]

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreerFrom @RapSheet and me: Per the Leon County jail, FSU CB PJ Williams -- a prospective 1st-rounder -- was arrested for DUI at 3:08 AM today.

I had him on the short list of prospects that might be drafted by Vikings in the 2nd round. :( Also rumors that Ronald Darby was also in the vehicle

 

[SayWhat?]

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer

From @RapSheet and me: Per the Leon County jail, FSU CB PJ Williams -- a prospective 1st-rounder -- was arrested for DUI at 3:08 AM today.

I had him on the short list of prospects that might be drafted by Vikings in the 2nd round. :( Also rumors that Ronald Darby was also in the vehicle

Some of these kids are SO damn dumb.

 

[Jobber]

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer

From @RapSheet and me: Per the Leon County jail, FSU CB PJ Williams -- a prospective 1st-rounder -- was arrested for DUI at 3:08 AM today.

I had him on the short list of prospects that might be drafted by Vikings in the 2nd round. :( Also rumors that Ronald Darby was also in the vehicle

Some of these kids are SO damn dumb.

Good! Now we can pick him up on the cheap a few rounds later.