*** OFFICIAL*** Minnesota Vikings offseason thread (1 Viewer)

[snogger]

Talk about

Rep. Ann Lenczewski, DFL-Bloomington, a vocal opponent of public subsidy packages for stadiums, said she wanted to know whether Goodell was coming as part of an orchestrated stadium lobbying effort or to show how serious the situation really is.

"I honestly want to know that," she said. "Is it real? Is it rhetoric?"

politicians.. Of Course it is REAL!! They have no Contract, and there are other cities that want a team..It's people like her that almost made us lose the Twins, and the reason other cities have lost NFL teams in the past..

They think the owners are bluffing and by the time they realize it isn't a bluff, it's too late to stop it..

 

[BigJim®]

BTW- This may be FFA topical but the Vikes stadium situation set in stone my 2012 voting plan to vote against each and every incumbant. From the budget BS in 2011 to ongoing political shenanigans in recent days, this legislature is utterly worthless. They are there to do a job, and tying back to the Vikes situation that job is to vote on behalf of their constituents either for or against the stadium bill; not to stall something out in an orchestrated committee vote that spares other legislators from being on the record either way in an election year. It's embarrassing. If a legislator feels his/her constituents do not support a stadium, then vote no and deal with the political consequences from the opposition. That's your job.

Even if they would have voted in favor of a stadium?

Had the legislature voted for or against a stadium bill, obviously those would be polar opposite facts. In that scenario, my opinion of the legislature would change because it would show they are doing their job - agree or disagree with the outcome. Then one could decide whether individual legislators voted your voice, but it would not be an indictment on the legislature as a whole. I don't believe for a second they will put this up for a vote. At present, my impression is this legislature as a whole is hell bent on rhetorical games to safeguard political careers. And again it's not just the stadium topic, this Legislature acted appallingly during the budget fiasco last year.

FWIW, I'll expound on my disgust with this legislature for those who are not aware of all the nooks and crannies of how this sausage is getting made (or more appropriately, not made). This is based on description from Pat Kessler on Barreiro 4/17-4/19:* On Monday, committee votes had been "pledged" in advance by both democrats and republicans which should have caused it to pass and move on. However, when when it came time to vote, all but one democrat bailed and voted no. The pre-arranged voting was to provide republicans "cover" (i.e. so it would not be a predominantly Republican approval of a spend bill). Result: 9-6 rejection by the House committee.

* On Thursday, Democrats (trying to avoid the blame game) suddenly raised an unscheduled re-vote of the bill without any pre-arrangement in place, and Republicans refused. Motivation was to give Democrats "well we tried and Republicans stopped us" PR even though Democrats were the party who killed the first vote.

* In the event of a full Senate vote, Governor is pushing for 34 yes votes by each party to cause bipartisan passage... for political reasons. Democrats, however, have said they will only put up 12 votes and force a supermajority of Republicans to make up the 56 vote difference (exposing the Republican party to anti-stadium backlash). Why? Because when Republicans were the minority party in 2006 when the Twins stadium was passed, Republicans said they would only put up 12 votes to pass that bill and forced Democrats to put up the remaining needed votes. So basically, a 6-year old ###-for-tat payback maneuver.

Does this sound in any way/shape/form like a process in which elected representatives are voting their conscience on behalf of constituents? I don't think so. Seems to me all are acting like party shills. It's the same political party gamesmanship we saw last year during the budget crisis, where each party was more interested in undermining and embarrassing the opposing party than legislating important state issues.

 

[mr roboto]

minnesota would be an ok state if you got rid of all of the minnesotanites and then dug it out into an awesome lake where you could do stuff like water ski and go bass fishin take that to the bank brohans

I agree. A huge water-skiing, bass fishing lake would be awesome. Plus, then all the Minnesotans could move to Wisconsin and maybe that state would suck less.

its fishin not fishing they are totally different but what do i expect from a minnesota education take that the hospital brohan because you need to check in to the burn ward

Typical drunken sconie. You can't take care of your own resources, so you have to come and use ours. Not to mention what kind of rube targets the runt bass that dominate this far north!?

skol turning minnesota into a giant lake and sending the people there to live on mars everyone knows that it isnot the size of the bass you are catchin but rather just getting out there and fishin for them with a power bait of some type or a shad rap and rocketing across the lake at close to 90 in a double motor rig souped up 4 cycle speed bass boat around here we call me the bassin assasin so i know what im talking about take that to the trout pond at yuor local sports show thats about the only place a guy from minny will catch anything and then it will be a liver tasting stocked fish good job we can call you the bluegill kid so from the bassin assain to the bluegill kid go tell your grandmomma she is a brohan

Well played sir. This brings up a good topic though. Since the whole mood surrounding the Vikings stadium issue is depressing, who is heading out for opener and where?I'll be on Leech, likely Sand Point/Grandvu flats, pounding fatty 'eyes.

We have a cabin on Leech, and on Ten Mile, which has awesome walleye.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Do the Vikings have plans to bolster their receiving corps before next week’s draft? According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, free agent Jerome Simpson will be in the Twin Cities this weekend for a visit with the Vikings. Simpson, a free agent, had 50 catches for 725 yards and four touchdowns in 2011 in Cincinnati, a breakout season for a talented receiver who became a highlight hero last Christmas Eve with this acrobatic touchdown against Arizona. A second-round draft choice by the Bengals in 2008, Simpson didn’t emerge as a regular contributor until late in the 2010 season. In Cincinnati’s final two games that year, Simpson took advantage of injuries to Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, assumed a heightened role and hauled in 18 passes for 247 yards with three touchdowns. He followed that up with notable production again last season. Without question, Simpson is an explosive athlete with the ability to turn mediocre passes into big plays. But Simpson may also come with a bit of baggage and risk. In September, he found himself ensnared in a sting in Kentucky in which authorities intercepted a package being delivered to Simpson’s home that contained 2.5 pounds of marijuana. Police then searched the residence and six more pounds of marijuana, plus other empty packages and scales. According to a fall report from the Cincinnati Enquirer, authorities suspected Simpson’s home was set up as a “potential distribution network” for weed. Last month, Simpson plead guilty to a felony drug trafficking charge that stemmed from that incident. But in early April, he received a light sentence – 15 days in jail and three years of probation. That opens the door for Simpson to get back to business in the NFL. And now the Vikings, along with the Rams, appear to be among the interested teams.

Not a bad idea...

 

[Donnybrook]

Last month, Simpson plead guilty to a felony drug trafficking charge that stemmed from that incident. But in early April, he received a light sentence – 15 days in jail and three years of probation. That opens the door for Simpson to get back to business in the NFL. And now the Vikings, along with the Rams, appear to be among the interested teams.

I keep hearing that it is expected that he will only get a 4 game suspension. For Goodell, that seems awfully light.

 

[Biabreakable]

Committee OKs Vikings subsidy bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A Minnesota Senate committee narrowly approved a public subsidy on Friday to help the Vikings build a new football stadium, reviving the team's struggling effort just hours after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell visited the state Capitol to jumpstart what had been a stalled stadium debate.

The Senate's Local Government and Elections Committee passed the bill on an 8-6 vote after a hearing that stretched nearly four hours. While the stadium bill still faces a long haul in the waning days of Minnesota's legislative session, the committee's vote gave the $975 million stadium proposal new life four days after a companion bill's defeat in a House committee sparked near panic among supporters.

More from ESPN.com

Could the Vikings really end up moving to Los Angeles? Arash Markazi takes a look at the key questions and issues. Blog

By all accounts, Minnesota's political leaders got a reality check Friday from Roger Goodell and Art Rooney, writes Kevin Seifert. Blog

"We're very pleased with the progress and that the bill moved forward," Lester Bagley, the Vikings' vice president for stadium development, said after the Senate committee vote. "It's been an up and down week, touch and go."

The setback in the House had prompted the visit Friday by Goodell. He and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II met Friday morning with Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders to stress the urgency of resolving the Vikings' decadelong pursuit of a replacement for the Metrodome.

Though the Vikings will play next season in the dome, their lease there has expired. That has raised fears the franchise could get snatched by Los Angeles or another city seeking its own football team -- a prospect Goodell did not exactly squelch.

"They were here basically to say, 'This is it folks,'" Dayton said after the meeting.

A simmering movement to put a franchise in Los Angeles came up in the discussion at the prompting of lawmakers, Dayton said. Sen. Julie Rosen, a Republican sponsoring the stadium bill, said legislative leaders heard that Los Angeles is an option, even if there was no explicit threat from the NFL.

"There is no ultimatum, but we did clearly talk about LA. We did clearly talk about that is an open market," Rosen said. "I do believe there is a feeling in some legislators and even in some folks throughout the state that they would never leave. So it was good to hear from the NFL, and from a very prominent owner, that they do have the right to move or be sold."

Vikings officials, including owners Zygi and Mark Wilf, were not present at the meeting. Afterward, most who were in the room said the need to act is urgent.

"There were no implied threats or any threats at all," Goodell said. "What we talked about is the importance of creating a solution here that works for the team, that works for the community. This isn't a new issue. It's been discussed here for several years. I think the legislative leaders and the governor understand the time is now."

Dayton has pushed for a stadium deal for months, saying the state is at risk of losing the team just as it did the Lakers long ago.

Moving the team is not permissible under league rules this year, but there's always 2013. The Vikings have been contacted before by two separate groups trying to lure a team and build a stadium in Los Angeles but have said, for now, they're not interested in selling.

“

There were no light threats or any threats at all. ... What we talked about is the importance of creating a solution here that works for the team, that works for the community. ... I think the legislative leaders and the governor understand the time is now.

”

-- Roger Goodell

Under the bill approved by the Senate committee, the Vikings would pay $427 million of the construction costs for the new stadium, which would be built on the Metrodome site in downtown Minneapolis. City and state taxpayers would be on the hook for the other $548 million, or 56 percent of the total cost.

Dayton said the state leaders didn't ask league officials to enhance the private contribution in the financing package. He said the NFL delegation ran through a league loan program that could give the team access to up to $200 million, but it has long been believed franchise owners had figured that money into their calculations.

The closeness of the Senate committee's vote demonstrated concerns still held by a number of lawmakers, with some senators raising opposition to an expansion of gambling that's part of the proposal's funding package. Some also raised the larger issue of providing a public subsidy to benefit a wealthy football team owner.

"I think some of us are just trying to represent the good wishes of many Minnesotans," said Republican Sen. Roger Chamberlain, who voted against the bill.

The Senate bill heads next to another committee of that chamber. Lawmakers are hoping to wrap up their session before the end of April.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7836485/minnesota-senate-committee-approves-bill-public-subsidy-help-vikings-build-new-stadium-minneapolisI guess when Goodell says jump our representative ask how high?

I still like Jesse saying "what part of no did you not understand?"

 

[Biabreakable]

Last month, Simpson plead guilty to a felony drug trafficking charge that stemmed from that incident. But in early April, he received a light sentence – 15 days in jail and three years of probation. That opens the door for Simpson to get back to business in the NFL. And now the Vikings, along with the Rams, appear to be among the interested teams.

I keep hearing that it is expected that he will only get a 4 game suspension. For Goodell, that seems awfully light.

I was just thinking about the chemistry aspect of player evaluation. This is something that makes me like the Carlson signing a bit more, is that I think Spielman is looking beyond just a players talent and price, but also looking at what players will be good for the team Chemistry, how will they fit the scheme and the other players on the team?I like Simpson and I think he is worth taking a chance on, he might be able to upgrade the position, but only if he fits in with the team, we don't need another bad apple to spoil the cart.

That being said I don't see having a bunch of plants as much of a crime, at least he didn't choke anyone.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Last month, Simpson plead guilty to a felony drug trafficking charge that stemmed from that incident. But in early April, he received a light sentence – 15 days in jail and three years of probation. That opens the door for Simpson to get back to business in the NFL. And now the Vikings, along with the Rams, appear to be among the interested teams.

I keep hearing that it is expected that he will only get a 4 game suspension. For Goodell, that seems awfully light.

I was just thinking about the chemistry aspect of player evaluation. This is something that makes me like the Carlson signing a bit more, is that I think Spielman is looking beyond just a players talent and price, but also looking at what players will be good for the team Chemistry, how will they fit the scheme and the other players on the team?I like Simpson and I think he is worth taking a chance on, he might be able to upgrade the position, but only if he fits in with the team, we don't need another bad apple to spoil the cart.

That being said I don't see having a bunch of plants as much of a crime, at least he didn't choke anyone.

Which should lead to Kalil being a Viking.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Interesting...

The Vikings need a left tackle, and there happens to be a very talented one - Southern Cal's Matt Kalil - who is worthy of the team's third overall pick in the NFL draft. How important is a left tackle in today's NFL? I reached out to someone who should know: Hall of Fame left tackle and former Viking Gary Zimmerman, who left Minnesota to become the anchor along the offensive line for the Denver Broncos' first Super Bowl-winning team. BS: Have you followed Matt Kalil's career? GZ: No, but Southern Cal has such a great track record, I don't think I'd be worried. BS: Is a good left tackle more important for a young quarterback or a veteran quarterback, or does it matter how much experience the quarterback has? GZ: It's important for both, but I think it's more important for an older guy because an older guy needs to have his confidence. A younger guy's head is spinning. He's got so many things going through his mind. A good left tackle would help him out, but I think the biggest thing is to help an older quarterback so he'll last longer. BS: The Vikings have a young quarterback in Christian Ponder who they need to develop. I've been saying they should take Kalil because he and Ponder can grow up in the league together and be around for the next decade. GZ: That's a good point there, but I think it comes down to bang for the buck. What do those guys need? What's going to help sell tickets? BS: The Vikings desperately need a left tackle, and they definitely need help in the secondary. You can pretty much throw a dart and any position you hit, other than running back, they can use help. GZ: A different theory is a lot of teams don't like to draft linemen in the first round because you have to train them the first couple of years. Some clubs like to acquire veteran guys who've already been trained. Third-pick money is going to be huge. You better be sure on the guy. Look at Tony Mandarich. (An offensive lineman and the second overall pick of the Green Bay Packers in 1989, Mandarich is considered one of the NFL's all-time busts.) BS: Good point. GZ: (Kalil) probably is a good pick, but I'm thinking on the business side, too. Do you spend that kind of money on a left tackle? BS: It's interesting to hear that from a Hall of Fame left tackle. GZ: I think you've got to prove yourself before you get the big money. BS: What's the toughest adjustment for a young left tackle? GZ: The biggest thing is the speed of the game. And the other difference is, you're not going to face any slouches. In college, it's hit and miss. You have a good guy one week, a bad guy the next week. You're going to see the best guy on the field week in and week out. And the speed of the game is so much faster and the quality of the athlete is so much better. Everybody is a stud. They're strong, and they're fast. BS: Do you need special physical skills or a special mind-set to play left tackle? GZ: I think it was my football knowledge that helped me. I figured out it's a game of angles. You've got to have quick feet, and you've got to be able to defend the speed and the power. I think it's more of a cerebral game. Left tackles have to study more. The right tackle is more of a bruiser. BS: I'm guessing you have to have a short memory, too. You don't want to drag that sack you just allowed into the next play. GZ: That's right. That's the hardest part, having a short memory. That was my problem. BS: Could a young Gary Zimmerman come into the NFL today and have as much success as you did when you played? GZ: I hate to say this, but I think it's easier now because I don't see anyone doing seven-step drops anymore. A seven-step drop is what determined a left tackle because anyone can pass block a five-step. That's the way I see it. Now you hardly have any offenses run a seven-step. It seems like it'd be a cakewalk. And if you have (Tim) Tebow playing quarterback, you only have four passes a game. I could play forever. (Laughs.) BS: Did you call the Broncos last year and say, "If you need me to come back, I'm available." GZ: (Laughs.) I was ticked off when they traded Tebow. I could have come out of retirement this year. BS: How much do you follow the Broncos? Part of your heart has to be in Minnesota and part of it in Denver. And you have to be excited about Peyton Manning joining the Broncos. GZ: I think that was a great move. Tell you the truth, I don't really watch much football. I'll watch Monday night games or Sunday night games. I guess it's like being a postman. You don't want to walk after you've delivered the mail for so many years. Watching the game bores me now. I always get invited to go to these college football games. I've got to make excuses why I can't go. I don't want to go. I can't stand watching college games. I think the game is moving toward entertainment, and that's bugging me. It's moving away from sport to being entertainment. It's like watching the early evolution of wrestling. BS: During your career with the Vikings, I'm thinking it didn't hurt to practice against Chris Doleman, another hall of famer, at every practice. GZ: That's what I say all the time: Doleman put me in there (in the Hall of Fame). Games were easy after having to go against that rock-head every day. BS: I saw what someone like you did and the importance of a left tackle for a team, and I just think the Vikings have to do something at left tackle to help Christian Ponder. GZ: But you see all these teams that don't have great left tackles, and they do OK. I think it comes down to that five-step drop deal with your offense. A five-step drop is pretty darn easy (for blocking), I think.

 

[Donnybrook]

Wes Bunting is up the third round of his seven round mock. So far, Vikings draft looks like this:

1.03 Matt Kalil OT

2.03 Janoris Jenkins CB

3.03 Nick Toon WR

 

[Funkley]

Always heard that Zimmerman had an enormous ego....even among people with big ego's. I think he's just trying to make himself look special. We've all seen what happens to bad left tackles on a five step drop....they get mauled. You still need a good one. What round you find him is the debate. Not the need.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Maybe the Vikings can get him in the 4th now??

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska's outgoing star cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was arrested Saturday on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, possibly hurting his status in next weekend's NFL draft.

Dennard, 22, has been projected to be as high as a second-round pick. But NFL.com draft analyst Gil Brandt said Dennard's arrest could drop him from the third to fourth round, a difference that could cost him about $300,000 in salary over a standard four-year rookie contract.

"It doesn't help the kid any," said Brandt, a former player personnel director for the Dallas Cowboys.

Dennard is known for his aggressive play. He and South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery were ejected from the Capital One Bowl for taking swings at each other. Brandt said he wouldn't connect Dennard's behavior in the bowl game to the incident early Saturday.

"Jeffery was probably catching a few passes and blocking him a few times, and you get frustrated. That's what happens," Brandt said. "I'm not sure why at 2 o'clock in the morning you're out and what provokes you to punch a police officer."

Lincoln Police Capt. Jason Stille said officers tried to break up a fight between Dennard and a 22-year-old man outside a Lincoln bar shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday. Dennard hit the man before punching an officer who tried to intervene in the head, Stille said.

He was arrested after a brief struggle with four officers, police said. The officer hit in the head did not seek medical treatment.

Dennard, originally from Rochelle, Ga., was held Saturday in the Lancaster County jail on suspicion of assault of a police officer, third-degree assault and resisting arrest.

He was the senior leader of Nebraska's receiving corps last season, earned All-Big Ten honors and won the conference's inaugural Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year Award.

Nebraska athletics spokesman Keith Mann said football coach Bo Pelini was aware of Dennard's arrest but had no comment.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/ncaa/04/21/alfonzo.dennard.nebraska.arrest.ap/index.html#ixzz1siZRMRga

 

[Donnybrook]

I am glad he choose to punch a cop in the face. I didn't think he was worth a second round pick in the first place. Scouts at senior bowl that saw him practice thought he might have to moved to safety in the NFL. If the Vikings screw up and take this kid at least they won't be wasting a high pick.

 

[Red Forman]

I still want Blackmon.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So I guess I don't care what they do at #3 as long as they upgrade the o-line somehow.

I don't know how you do that without starting with Kalil at #3 though.

 

[snogger]

So I guess I don't care what they do at #3 as long as they upgrade the o-line somehow.

I don't know how you do that without starting with Kalil at #3 though.

After reading a few stories over the weekend I am inclined to believe Kali will be the pick.. Up until today I'd have said 70/30 they take Kalifrom Old man Sid

Spielman believes there potentially could be four or five tackles going in the first round.

"Everybody talks about Riley Reiff from Iowa, you talk about Jonathan Martin at Stanford, talk about Mike Adams at Ohio State, you're talking about another big guy at Georgia that was down at the Senior Bowl, Cordy Glenn, he can play both tackle and guard. There are a lot of potential options out there," Spielman said.

now I've dropped to 60/40

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I understand all the talk about the Vikings taking a WR with the #3 and the Vikings saying that "LT aren't difference makers" but imagine a healthy AD behind a decent line...that would be a difference maker!!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Spielman believes there potentially could be four or five tackles going in the first round."Everybody talks about Riley Reiff from Iowa, you talk about Jonathan Martin at Stanford, talk about Mike Adams at Ohio State, you're talking about another big guy at Georgia that was down at the Senior Bowl, Cordy Glenn, he can play both tackle and guard. There are a lot of potential options out there," Spielman said.

now I've dropped to 60/40

If that's true it makes even less sense to skip Kalil at #3. If you do, what do you do with your 2nd rounder? Take someone like Zebrie Sanders? Good luck with that.If they take Claiborne at #3 I sure hope there's a plan to move up into the late 1st for someone like Martin, Adams, or Massie.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I understand all the talk about the Vikings taking a WR with the #3 and the Vikings saying that "LT aren't difference makers" but imagine a healthy AD behind a decent line...that would be a difference maker!!

The part where LT's are a difference maker is that without a competent one it makes a huge difference, to the negative, for your skilled offensive players.

 

[Funkley]

Dont let the smoke screens fool you.

 

[Donnybrook]

Adam Schefter tweeted:

Packers are releasing OT Chad Clifton today. Failed a physical. Had back surgery in the off-season. Uncertain whether he will play again.

In other words, the demand for a quality LT keeps going up. It going to be very risky if they choose to address the position later in the draft.

 

[Scooby]

I still think go Kalil round 1 and grab a wr at 2.3...Makes the most sense...

 

[Raiderfan32904]

why the People of Minnesota can do better than the current legislative bill for a new stadium

 

[BigJim®]

I understand all the talk about the Vikings taking a WR with the #3 and the Vikings saying that "LT aren't difference makers" but imagine a healthy AD behind a decent line...that would be a difference maker!!

Not to mention the best way to mask a horrid defense is to keep it off the field by controlling the ball. It all starts at OL IMHO. I feel much more confident sliding a tier at WR than OL.

 

[snogger]

Spielman believes there potentially could be four or five tackles going in the first round.

"Everybody talks about Riley Reiff from Iowa, you talk about Jonathan Martin at Stanford, talk about Mike Adams at Ohio State, you're talking about another big guy at Georgia that was down at the Senior Bowl, Cordy Glenn, he can play both tackle and guard. There are a lot of potential options out there," Spielman said.

now I've dropped to 60/40

If that's true it makes even less sense to skip Kalil at #3. If you do, what do you do with your 2nd rounder? Take someone like Zebrie Sanders? Good luck with that.If they take Claiborne at #3 I sure hope there's a plan to move up into the late 1st for someone like Martin, Adams, or Massie.

that was my thinking.. they need quality over quantity.. so maybe they have a plan on the table now to draft Clairborne and then trade up into the 1st to grab one of the other OT.

If that is the plan, they better well have a deal on the table with another team already..

If they draft Clairborne and are unable to trade up for one of those OT then we can wave to Speilman.

Still going with Kali at #3...

 

[jestertj]

I'm starting to really wonder if all of the things they've been saying in the press is just to soften the blow to all of the fans that want the LT at #3? Then they draft the CB and say, "we've said all along that we think a LT is less important".

 

[The Gatekeeper]

I think the Vikings plan is to draft the stud CB Claiborne at #3 and then package some picks to move back into the late 1st round to snag Johnathon Martin. I was a Kalil guy but if they could pull off this move I would be ecstatic. I like the Claiborne/Martin combo more than a say Kalil/Josh Robinson/Boykin/Dennard/Hayward combo.

 

[Biabreakable]

Wow it has gotten smoky in here!

I think if the Vikings are going after a corner in the 1st round they can trade down and get Gilmore or Kirpatrick while getting a more substantial trade from the teams outside of the top 6. If the deal is rich enough I can accept doing that but I do not think Claiborne is value at pick 3. I do not think Claiborne (who looks great btw) is that much better than Gilmore or Kirpatrick to justify taking him that high. If we traded down with Miami or lower and got a multiple pick deal for the move I could see doing that to be in position to take one of these corners or perhaps Floyd and also one of the lower rated tackles.

If the Vikings stay at pick 3 the pick should be Kalil.

I am hoping this is just a lot of talk but it is hard for me to see Schefter putting his reputation on the line like he has for no reason. This suggests to me that the Vikings do have a offer they are willing to move on that in their evaluation is worth more than Kalil.

 

[snogger]

After reading the Mock draft from Mike Tanier he does make a GREAT case for the Vikings to take Claiborne:

3) Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Vikings had the worst pass defense in the NFL, according to Football Outsiders' DVOA rating. They ranked 28th at stopping top receivers, 30th at stopping No. 2 receivers, and dead last at stopping slot receivers. All this while Jared Allen was setting a sack record, so don't blame "lack of pressure." The Vikings may choose Matt Kalil over Claiborne, but they need Claiborne more.

50/50 now on Kali??

 

[FunkyPlutos]

After reading the Mock draft from Mike Tanier he does make a GREAT case for the Vikings to take Claiborne:

3) Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Vikings had the worst pass defense in the NFL, according to Football Outsiders' DVOA rating. They ranked 28th at stopping top receivers, 30th at stopping No. 2 receivers, and dead last at stopping slot receivers. All this while Jared Allen was setting a sack record, so don't blame "lack of pressure." The Vikings may choose Matt Kalil over Claiborne, but they need Claiborne more.

50/50 now on Kali??

Probably, but that leads to a more likely trade down scenario to pick up Claiborne or Gilmore, I would think...

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Now that they know Jerome Simpson will get 3 games, I think they should sign him. Could be had cheap and could allow them to be a little more flexible with their 2nd - 4th round picks.

 

[mad_dog]

Wow it has gotten smoky in here! I think if the Vikings are going after a corner in the 1st round they can trade down and get Gilmore or Kirpatrick while getting a more substantial trade from the teams outside of the top 6. If the deal is rich enough I can accept doing that but I do not think Claiborne is value at pick 3. I do not think Claiborne (who looks great btw) is that much better than Gilmore or Kirpatrick to justify taking him that high. If we traded down with Miami or lower and got a multiple pick deal for the move I could see doing that to be in position to take one of these corners or perhaps Floyd and also one of the lower rated tackles.If the Vikings stay at pick 3 the pick should be Kalil.I am hoping this is just a lot of talk but it is hard for me to see Schefter putting his reputation on the line like he has for no reason. This suggests to me that the Vikings do have a offer they are willing to move on that in their evaluation is worth more than Kalil.

Good post.I think that the organization is throwing a lot of stuff out to the media and sits back and sees what sticks. Still think they take Khalil at 3 - there is the need and he is arguably the top talent on the board after RGIII and Luck. I appreciate the gamesmanship by speilman, but, as breakable stated, seems to be a smokescreen.Thinking about heading down to the dome on thursday for the party - anyone ever been to the draft day fiesta?

 

[snellman]

Vikes ink Simpson to 1 year deal.

Suspended the first 3 games, but another very low risk potentially high reward signing.

 

[Prussian]

Wow it has gotten smoky in here! I think if the Vikings are going after a corner in the 1st round they can trade down and get Gilmore or Kirpatrick while getting a more substantial trade from the teams outside of the top 6. If the deal is rich enough I can accept doing that but I do not think Claiborne is value at pick 3. I do not think Claiborne (who looks great btw) is that much better than Gilmore or Kirpatrick to justify taking him that high. If we traded down with Miami or lower and got a multiple pick deal for the move I could see doing that to be in position to take one of these corners or perhaps Floyd and also one of the lower rated tackles.If the Vikings stay at pick 3 the pick should be Kalil.I am hoping this is just a lot of talk but it is hard for me to see Schefter putting his reputation on the line like he has for no reason. This suggests to me that the Vikings do have a offer they are willing to move on that in their evaluation is worth more than Kalil.

Good post.I think that the organization is throwing a lot of stuff out to the media and sits back and sees what sticks. Still think they take Khalil at 3 - there is the need and he is arguably the top talent on the board after RGIII and Luck. I appreciate the gamesmanship by speilman, but, as breakable stated, seems to be a smokescreen.Thinking about heading down to the dome on thursday for the party - anyone ever been to the draft day fiesta?

One option I've heard ...Take Kalil #3.If they were to package picks, package them to move in to the late first and get a safety. Spend some money and a 5th round pick (apparent price) and trade for Asante Samuel.

 

[Prussian]

Vikes ink Simpson to 1 year deal.

Suspended the first 3 games, but another very low risk potentially high reward signing.

Meh.

The group still looks like a bunch of #2 (or worse) WRs running around.

 

[Biabreakable]

Vikes ink Simpson to 1 year deal.

Suspended the first 3 games, but another very low risk potentially high reward signing.

Meh.

The group still looks like a bunch of #2 (or worse) WRs running around.

Indeed. However Simpson does bring speed and size to the position that we need. I think it is enough for Ponder to work with provided the offensive line can give him some time.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

#### it, you guys...

Simpson = Super Bowl, homeboy!

 

[griff321]

Out of the three they're talking about Blackmon seems even more unlikely now.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Out of the three they're talking about Blackmon seems even more unlikely now.

Because they signed Simpson to a one year? I don't think that precludes anything.

 

[griff321]

I think it shows the're attempting to address the situation through other areas. They may still use a higher pick on a WR, but I'm very doubtful it'll be their first pick.

 

[BigJim®]

Meh, I don't know how signing a guy like Simpson sends a message this team is serious about player conduct. Arrested over 2.5 pounds of marijuana 4 months ago? Vikes seem pretty inconsistent in this area. Hopefully he becomes worthy of the risk.

 

[Biabreakable]

Meh, I don't know how signing a guy like Simpson sends a message this team is serious about player conduct. Arrested over 2.5 pounds of marijuana 4 months ago? Vikes seem pretty inconsistent in this area. Hopefully he becomes worthy of the risk.

Even the Bengals didn't want him back. That's not good. But we still have Cook on the roster so I don't see it as inconsistent. I am hoping he proves worth the deal as well. If not it is a one year deal so no big loss if he doesn't.I don't think this means we won't draft a WR at all. It just means we don't have to overpay for one and can let the draft come to us.

 

[BigJim®]

But we still have Cook on the roster so I don't see it as inconsistent.

Not sure I agree. Right or wrong, Cook was acquitted. Also, the Vikings suspended Cook pending closure on his trial. Many thought the Vikes would probably part ways with Cook had he been convicted, despite their glaring need at the CB position. Given the stadium push it strikes me as precarious timing to sign a guy who was busted with 2.5 lbs of pot in January.

 

[Funkley]

Meh, I think people are immune to weed related offenses these days.

 

[Biabreakable]

Meh, I think people are immune to weed related offenses these days.

My tolerance for this is pretty high.

 

[jestertj]

My bold (stupid) prediction for Thursday night, Vikes trade #3 to TB for #5 and #36. The Bucs spent some big during free agency and want to get their guy in Claiborne or Richardson instead of letting Cleveland decide which one they get. Viking fans do cartwheels...

 

[Herb]

My bold (stupid) prediction for Thursday night, Vikes trade #3 to TB for #5 and #36. The Bucs spent some big during free agency and want to get their guy in Claiborne or Richardson instead of letting Cleveland decide which one they get. Viking fans do cartwheels...

As long as Kalil still falls to us at 5. If TB grabs Claiborne and Cleveland takes Kalil, then what? Draft Richardson and run the ball 650 times next year?

 

[Donnybrook]

Adam Schefter Tweeted this 5 hours ago. (sorry if a Honda)

Here we go: Vikes GM Rick Spielman said trade talk at No. 3 is "heating up....There is enough that there is a potential for a trade."

Does this mean that an extra 1st rounder is on the table? Or am I reading too much into this?

 

[Funkley]

Good lord....ok, my draft prediction is that Spielman trades down too far to get the players they covet. They then reach for a player to fill need leaving us wishing they had just stayed where they were. Then, in a vain attempt to save face, he squanders the extra picks by vastly over spending to get back into the first round. And still f' it up by again taking someone they might have gotten at 35.

 

[Heatman]

Good lord....ok, my draft prediction is that Spielman trades down too far to get the players they covet. They then reach for a player to fill need leaving us wishing they had just stayed where they were. Then, in a vain attempt to save face, he squanders the extra picks by vastly over spending to get back into the first round. And still f' it up by again taking someone they might have gotten at 35.

Unfortunately this is a very realistic scenario.