*** OFFICIAL*** Minnesota Vikings offseason thread (2 Viewers)

[FunkyPlutos]

I wonder if they will keep Walsh and let Longwell go...

 

[The Gatekeeper]

Alot of good players out there to as free agents for us to grab. James Brown, Chase Minnifield, Chris Polk, Luke Nix, Leonard Johnson, Dajohn Harris, Marcus Forston, Janzen Jackson, Donte Paige-Moss, Cliff Harris, Markus Zusevics, Dale Moss, Dwight Jones and Coryell Judie are just some of the players that come to mind that I thought would surely be drafted that werent and the Vikes could snag to come in and compete to make the team.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Alot of good players out there to as free agents for us to grab. James Brown, Chase Minnifield, Chris Polk, Luke Nix, Leonard Johnson, Dajohn Harris, Marcus Forston, Janzen Jackson, Donte Paige-Moss, Cliff Harris, Markus Zusevics, Dale Moss, Dwight Jones and Coryell Judie are just some of the players that come to mind that I thought would surely be drafted that werent and the Vikes could snag to come in and compete to make the team.

Moss signed with the Pack.

 

[The Gatekeeper]

Alot of good players out there to as free agents for us to grab. James Brown, Chase Minnifield, Chris Polk, Luke Nix, Leonard Johnson, Dajohn Harris, Marcus Forston, Janzen Jackson, Donte Paige-Moss, Cliff Harris, Markus Zusevics, Dale Moss, Dwight Jones and Coryell Judie are just some of the players that come to mind that I thought would surely be drafted that werent and the Vikes could snag to come in and compete to make the team.

And we got none of them......lol

 

[Biabreakable]

I am a bit disappointed we didn't draft Ronnell Lewis when we had the opportunity. The Lions drafted him so we will see how he does. I do not think we needed Wright. We have Harvin.

Overall I think we got a pretty good haul though. That would be the only thing I would have liked to do differently.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I am a bit disappointed we didn't draft Ronnell Lewis when we had the opportunity. The Lions drafted him so we will see how he does. I do not think we needed Wright. We have Harvin.Overall I think we got a pretty good haul though. That would be the only thing I would have liked to do differently.

I like the selection of Wright...I understand he has the same skill set as Harvin, but we need speed to spread the field and they can now both do it while taking turns in the slot if the Vikings want to do that. Love the draft - really like the Cole selection late, I think he has a shot of making the team and contributing. I don't think we compete next year anyway, so we just as well let Longwell go and go with the young kicker.

 

[Biabreakable]

I am a bit disappointed we didn't draft Ronnell Lewis when we had the opportunity. The Lions drafted him so we will see how he does. I do not think we needed Wright. We have Harvin.Overall I think we got a pretty good haul though. That would be the only thing I would have liked to do differently.

I like the selection of Wright...I understand he has the same skill set as Harvin, but we need speed to spread the field and they can now both do it while taking turns in the slot if the Vikings want to do that. Love the draft - really like the Cole selection late, I think he has a shot of making the team and contributing. I don't think we compete next year anyway, so we just as well let Longwell go and go with the young kicker.

Yeah I hear ya there. Does give depth too should Harvin get hurt, have migraine or whatnot also.I have to read up on Cole really don't know anything about him. I did like the versatility of Ronnell Lewis so doubtful Cole really offers that. I think Lewis is good enough to push for a starting spot while Cole looks like a inside player only.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I am a bit disappointed we didn't draft Ronnell Lewis when we had the opportunity. The Lions drafted him so we will see how he does. I do not think we needed Wright. We have Harvin.Overall I think we got a pretty good haul though. That would be the only thing I would have liked to do differently.

I like the selection of Wright...I understand he has the same skill set as Harvin, but we need speed to spread the field and they can now both do it while taking turns in the slot if the Vikings want to do that. Love the draft - really like the Cole selection late, I think he has a shot of making the team and contributing. I don't think we compete next year anyway, so we just as well let Longwell go and go with the young kicker.

Yeah I hear ya there. Does give depth too should Harvin get hurt, have migraine or whatnot also.I have to read up on Cole really don't know anything about him. I did like the versatility of Ronnell Lewis so doubtful Cole really offers that. I think Lewis is good enough to push for a starting spot while Cole looks like a inside player only.

As an OU fan, I like Lewis as well, but not sure he fit the 4-3 very well...

 

[Biabreakable]

I am a bit disappointed we didn't draft Ronnell Lewis when we had the opportunity. The Lions drafted him so we will see how he does. I do not think we needed Wright. We have Harvin.Overall I think we got a pretty good haul though. That would be the only thing I would have liked to do differently.

I like the selection of Wright...I understand he has the same skill set as Harvin, but we need speed to spread the field and they can now both do it while taking turns in the slot if the Vikings want to do that. Love the draft - really like the Cole selection late, I think he has a shot of making the team and contributing. I don't think we compete next year anyway, so we just as well let Longwell go and go with the young kicker.

Yeah I hear ya there. Does give depth too should Harvin get hurt, have migraine or whatnot also.I have to read up on Cole really don't know anything about him. I did like the versatility of Ronnell Lewis so doubtful Cole really offers that. I think Lewis is good enough to push for a starting spot while Cole looks like a inside player only.

As an OU fan, I like Lewis as well, but not sure he fit the 4-3 very well...

What makes you think that?From what I have seen he can play inside or outside and he can also play end. Seems like a great player in any scheme to me. Maybe not that good in coverage? He had one of the best cone times for any LB this year so that tells me he is pretty fluid in his movement, which tells me he should be able to cover although he may need work on technique.What makes you think he wouldn't fit in the Vikings defense?

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I am a bit disappointed we didn't draft Ronnell Lewis when we had the opportunity. The Lions drafted him so we will see how he does. I do not think we needed Wright. We have Harvin.Overall I think we got a pretty good haul though. That would be the only thing I would have liked to do differently.

I like the selection of Wright...I understand he has the same skill set as Harvin, but we need speed to spread the field and they can now both do it while taking turns in the slot if the Vikings want to do that. Love the draft - really like the Cole selection late, I think he has a shot of making the team and contributing. I don't think we compete next year anyway, so we just as well let Longwell go and go with the young kicker.

Yeah I hear ya there. Does give depth too should Harvin get hurt, have migraine or whatnot also.I have to read up on Cole really don't know anything about him. I did like the versatility of Ronnell Lewis so doubtful Cole really offers that. I think Lewis is good enough to push for a starting spot while Cole looks like a inside player only.

As an OU fan, I like Lewis as well, but not sure he fit the 4-3 very well...

What makes you think that?From what I have seen he can play inside or outside and he can also play end. Seems like a great player in any scheme to me. Maybe not that good in coverage? He had one of the best cone times for any LB this year so that tells me he is pretty fluid in his movement, which tells me he should be able to cover although he may need work on technique.What makes you think he wouldn't fit in the Vikings defense?

Seems a little big to play OLB and not as fast as Griffen, so don't think he would fit with their personnel, as far as what they have now anyway.

 

[Biabreakable]

I am a bit disappointed we didn't draft Ronnell Lewis when we had the opportunity. The Lions drafted him so we will see how he does. I do not think we needed Wright. We have Harvin.Overall I think we got a pretty good haul though. That would be the only thing I would have liked to do differently.

I like the selection of Wright...I understand he has the same skill set as Harvin, but we need speed to spread the field and they can now both do it while taking turns in the slot if the Vikings want to do that. Love the draft - really like the Cole selection late, I think he has a shot of making the team and contributing. I don't think we compete next year anyway, so we just as well let Longwell go and go with the young kicker.

Yeah I hear ya there. Does give depth too should Harvin get hurt, have migraine or whatnot also.I have to read up on Cole really don't know anything about him. I did like the versatility of Ronnell Lewis so doubtful Cole really offers that. I think Lewis is good enough to push for a starting spot while Cole looks like a inside player only.

As an OU fan, I like Lewis as well, but not sure he fit the 4-3 very well...

What makes you think that?From what I have seen he can play inside or outside and he can also play end. Seems like a great player in any scheme to me. Maybe not that good in coverage? He had one of the best cone times for any LB this year so that tells me he is pretty fluid in his movement, which tells me he should be able to cover although he may need work on technique.What makes you think he wouldn't fit in the Vikings defense?

Seems a little big to play OLB and not as fast as Griffen, so don't think he would fit with their personnel, as far as what they have now anyway.

Well doesn't matter he is a Lion now.

 

[griff321]

21/35 FGs for Blair Walsh in 2011?

Spielman was quoted in the STrib saying, "Watching him at the combine," Spielman explained, "he was the best kickoff guy we saw there." With the new kickoff rules how does that BS make a difference!? Way to waste a pick on a guy that was 60% last season. Pretty sure he would have been there in the 7th or a UDFA.

 

[griff321]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/149389905.html

After taking 10 players over 48 hours in this weekend's NFL Draft, the Vikings quickly turned to free agency and agreed to terms tonight with 15 undrafted rookies.

That list:

Chase Baker, Boise State defensive tackle

Derrick Coleman, UCLA running back

Kevin Cyrille, Florida Atlantic defensive end

Bobby Felder, Nicholls State cornerback

Kamar Jorden, Bowling Green receiver

Eric Latimore, Penn State defensive end

Tyler Nielsen, Iowa linebacker

Ernest Owusu, California defensive end

Corey Paredes, Hawaii linebacker

Austin Pasztor, Virginia guard

Tydreke Powell, North Carolina defensive tackle

Terrell Resonno, Missouri defensive tackle

Quentin Saulsberry, Mississippi State center

Darrion Weems, Oregon offensive tackle

C.C. Whitlock, South Carolina cornerback

The Vikings' rookie mini-camp will begin Friday at Winter Park.

 

[Donnybrook]

Good read: The Class of 2012 It sounds like some of people here didn't agree the Wright pick. I will say I was a little worried about the pick before the Vikings took took Childs. Robinson and Childs are the players I am most excited about.

4. (118) Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas



The skinny: Another speed threat, Wright (5-9 5/8, 182) posted career highs with 66 receptions for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior from the flanker position, earning first-team all-Southeastern Conference honors. He figures as a front-runner from punt-return duties and also has the quick-twitch traits to train into Percy Harvin's multifaceted slot role on offense.

In his own words, on his role in the NFL: "I think I can fit anywhere, as a special teams guy, punt returner, kick returner, and also as a receiver playing inside or outside. I think I have the skill set to play inside and outside at receiver."

Spielman: "He's an extremely gifted athlete. He has great speed. We're trying to increase our speed both on the offense and defensive side. We feel that he has the chance to come in and eventually be a punt returner. We were going through that draft, what you start seeing in that fourth round is all those smaller receivers that have return ability, and so there was a run on those guys and we felt very fortunate to get Jarius at the time we got him because not only can he help on offense, but also as a potential returner as well, and a big-play returner, and that's one of the things that we definitely wanted to look at."

 

[Biabreakable]

Mike Holmgren insists the Vikings didn't dupe BrownsBy Gregg Rosenthal NFL.comAround The League editorPublished: April 29, 2012 at 03:52 p.m. Updated: April 29, 2012 at 06:00 p.m.The draft had barely started when we declared the Vikings early winners. They forced Cleveland to trade up, possibly on a bluff. CBSSports.com reported Friday that Minnesota was indeed bluffing about the multiple teams interested in the No. 3 pick. Browns president Mike Holmgren is aware of that report, but doesn't buy it."Contrary to what was written and said yesterday, we had to compete,'' Holmgren told The Plain Dealer. "We weren’t the Lone Ranger in that deal. . . . You don’t want to be up there, really, but we were up there so it was very, very important who we chose there. That’s why we targeted Trent. We didn’t want to lose him."Ultimately, the Browns didn't give up that much to move up one spot. Whether Cleveland was duped or not depends on how much you believe Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. Browns GM Tom Heckert and Spielman are friends and Spielman told the Browns another team, presumably Tampa, was trying to move to No. 3.The Browns trusted Minnesota. Holmgren says the team wasn't duped. And none of it really matters if Trent Richardson is the player that Holmgren thinks he is.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d828be4af/article/mike-holmgren-insists-the-vikings-didnt-dupe-browns-Interesting fluff.

 

[The Kuhn]

Good read: The Class of 2012 It sounds like some of people here didn't agree the Wright pick. I will say I was a little worried about the pick before the Vikings took took Childs. Robinson and Childs are the players I am most excited about.

4. (118) Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas



The skinny: Another speed threat, Wright (5-9 5/8, 182) posted career highs with 66 receptions for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior from the flanker position, earning first-team all-Southeastern Conference honors. He figures as a front-runner from punt-return duties and also has the quick-twitch traits to train into Percy Harvin's multifaceted slot role on offense.

In his own words, on his role in the NFL: "I think I can fit anywhere, as a special teams guy, punt returner, kick returner, and also as a receiver playing inside or outside. I think I have the skill set to play inside and outside at receiver."

Spielman: "He's an extremely gifted athlete. He has great speed. We're trying to increase our speed both on the offense and defensive side. We feel that he has the chance to come in and eventually be a punt returner. We were going through that draft, what you start seeing in that fourth round is all those smaller receivers that have return ability, and so there was a run on those guys and we felt very fortunate to get Jarius at the time we got him because not only can he help on offense, but also as a potential returner as well, and a big-play returner, and that's one of the things that we definitely wanted to look at."

I don't mind that the Vikings got a poor man's clone of Harvin- Harvin's high risk, high reward and hard to count on as an all-season starter. If lessening his return workload keeps him healthy for the offense, it's a plus. If both of them can be worked into the offense, even better. The fact remains there's a night/day difference between Harvin- or someone of his caliber- doing the returns, and the other guys they've tried to work in over the last 2-3 seasons. IIRC, the games they were competitive in last year- even with the rotating QB options- all had either a return TD or a big return play.

 

[Red Forman]

Been watching Greg Child's highlights this morning, and I must say, if he is truly healhty...

Tommy likey..

 

[jestertj]

Like everyone, I love instant analysis, but I'll reserve judgement here and just be optimistic that the two drafted WRs will play some this year. My hope is that maybe they start to work in some spread packages and no huddle ala Pittsburgh and NE.

WR - Harvin, Jenkins, Simpson, Wright, Childs, Aromoshodu

TE - Rudolph, Carlson

RB - AD, Gerhart

Pick 5 guy packages from above and try to spread some teams out.

 

[SWC]

i hope that they use toby gearhart a lot because he is an underrated talent and i hope you all believe that so that you donot put ap in there with a player like ap you should always be worried about injuries and whereing him out so he should only be used sparingly because you do not want to wear him out so run gearhart out there a lot and not ap take that to the bank brohans from across the big muddy this is swc just looking out for your team also probably dont want to play ap at all during home games just keep him in the locker room in case the roof collapses again

 

[Hov34]

Been watching Greg Child's highlights this morning, and I must say, if he is truly healhty...Tommy likey..

Agree. I know this is 2010, but wow. He looks very polished.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmSgv7X5h0E

 

[FunkyPlutos]

One thing that I wouldn't mind seeing (and it goes against conventional wisdom) is Wright taking some of Harvin's snaps so Harvin can return the kicks. He is the best kickoff returner I think I have ever seen. He heads straight up the field and makes one cut at full speed. If Wright can play the slot a few extra times, allowing Harvin to return 2-3 kicks a game, then it would be good for the Vikings.

 

[Donnybrook]

Wright and Childs pro-day:

 

[griff321]

Been watching Greg Child's highlights this morning, and I must say, if he is truly healhty...Tommy likey..

Agree. I know this is 2010, but wow. He looks very polished.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmSgv7X5h0E

I love that block at .38 Pretty sick catch radius too.

 

[mr roboto]

What grade would you guys give the Vikes? I know it's too early to know anything, but I think they drafted very well, made the smart choice with Kalil, shored up the secondary, and grabbed some good WRs a bit later.

B+A- in my book.

 

[Biabreakable]

One thing that I wouldn't mind seeing (and it goes against conventional wisdom) is Wright taking some of Harvin's snaps so Harvin can return the kicks. He is the best kickoff returner I think I have ever seen. He heads straight up the field and makes one cut at full speed. If Wright can play the slot a few extra times, allowing Harvin to return 2-3 kicks a game, then it would be good for the Vikings.

I think you play your best guys everywhere in whatever combination maximizes the the abilities of the whole.I am a bit nervous about our linebacker situation. I think maybe we bring E.J. Henderson back? I don't think Brinkley is the answer and Erin Henderson just seemed ok.I was watching Wright go over the middle and make tough, fearless catches. I liked what I saw. If he can do that at this level I think it will be a great asset to our passing game.

 

[Red Forman]

What grade would you guys give the Vikes? I know it's too early to know anything, but I think they drafted very well, made the smart choice with Kalil, shored up the secondary, and grabbed some good WRs a bit later. B+A- in my book.

 

[The Gatekeeper]

I know every fan feels pretty good after the draft but I am getting real excited about this Offense. I think Wright and Childs were both steals in the 4th round and also really love the signing of Simpson. Those 3 along with Percy and then 2 good TE's like Rudolph and Carlson we can create alot of mismatches in the passing game as long as our O-line protects Ponder. Even guys like Jenkins and Aromashadu can be brought in red zone packages for jump balls and things so I think every WR on the roster can be utilized and play a role. Our O-line is going to be noticeably better now with Kalil at LT and Johnson moving to LG and Schwartz at RG along with Sullivan and Loadholt at C and RT. Our Defensive backfield also got massively better with Smith, Robinson, and Blanton along with Cook finally getting his head on straight and a couple of good signings in Carr and Bowman I think we have a nice young unit that will be very good sooner than later. If Ponder takes some nice strides in the right direction with a full offseason of workouts and gelling with these new Offensive weapons and Peterson can come back healthy I really like our chances to have a nice season. Remember we lost alot of close games last year that very easily could have gone our way. I can see 10-6 as very realistic goal this year. What do you guys think?

 

[The Kuhn]

I know every fan feels pretty good after the draft but I am getting real excited about this Offense. I think Wright and Childs were both steals in the 4th round and also really love the signing of Simpson. Those 3 along with Percy and then 2 good TE's like Rudolph and Carlson we can create alot of mismatches in the passing game as long as our O-line protects Ponder. Even guys like Jenkins and Aromashadu can be brought in red zone packages for jump balls and things so I think every WR on the roster can be utilized and play a role. Our O-line is going to be noticeably better now with Kalil at LT and Johnson moving to LG and Schwartz at RG along with Sullivan and Loadholt at C and RT. Our Defensive backfield also got massively better with Smith, Robinson, and Blanton along with Cook finally getting his head on straight and a couple of good signings in Carr and Bowman I think we have a nice young unit that will be very good sooner than later. If Ponder takes some nice strides in the right direction with a full offseason of workouts and gelling with these new Offensive weapons and Peterson can come back healthy I really like our chances to have a nice season. Remember we lost alot of close games last year that very easily could have gone our way. I can see 10-6 as very realistic goal this year. What do you guys think?

10-6 is crazy. That would mean all teams in the NFC North are going to have at least 8 or 9 wins. Who takes a step backwards for the Vikings to step up? The Bears didn't have a great draft, but they made some big strides in free agency.Pack likely stays at 12+ winsBears improve to 10+ wins (they were well on their way to 10 before Cutler got hurt last year)Lions regress a bit to 9 winsA hugely successful season for the Vikings would be 6 wins this season IMO. 4-5 is more likely. The late bye looms large, every game after the bye is a tough matchup, and there's still a lot of offensive and defensive gelling you're assuming will click into place. Will Peterson be fully recovered and safe for season-level wear and tear? Will Harvin be healthy? Can Allen have two stellar seasons in a row (or will someone else step up)? There's still some game management questions that cost them close games last year with Musgrave and Frazier...I see them starting strong out of the gate (possibly 2-0) and optimism will probably skyrocket, but it's going to be a tough season and the draft choices will definitely be tested early and often. It may be a lot to expect of rookie talent.

 

[Red Forman]

I know every fan feels pretty good after the draft but I am getting real excited about this Offense. I think Wright and Childs were both steals in the 4th round and also really love the signing of Simpson. Those 3 along with Percy and then 2 good TE's like Rudolph and Carlson we can create alot of mismatches in the passing game as long as our O-line protects Ponder. Even guys like Jenkins and Aromashadu can be brought in red zone packages for jump balls and things so I think every WR on the roster can be utilized and play a role. Our O-line is going to be noticeably better now with Kalil at LT and Johnson moving to LG and Schwartz at RG along with Sullivan and Loadholt at C and RT. Our Defensive backfield also got massively better with Smith, Robinson, and Blanton along with Cook finally getting his head on straight and a couple of good signings in Carr and Bowman I think we have a nice young unit that will be very good sooner than later. If Ponder takes some nice strides in the right direction with a full offseason of workouts and gelling with these new Offensive weapons and Peterson can come back healthy I really like our chances to have a nice season. Remember we lost alot of close games last year that very easily could have gone our way. I can see 10-6 as very realistic goal this year. What do you guys think?

 

[Red Forman]

I know every fan feels pretty good after the draft but I am getting real excited about this Offense. I think Wright and Childs were both steals in the 4th round and also really love the signing of Simpson. Those 3 along with Percy and then 2 good TE's like Rudolph and Carlson we can create alot of mismatches in the passing game as long as our O-line protects Ponder. Even guys like Jenkins and Aromashadu can be brought in red zone packages for jump balls and things so I think every WR on the roster can be utilized and play a role. Our O-line is going to be noticeably better now with Kalil at LT and Johnson moving to LG and Schwartz at RG along with Sullivan and Loadholt at C and RT. Our Defensive backfield also got massively better with Smith, Robinson, and Blanton along with Cook finally getting his head on straight and a couple of good signings in Carr and Bowman I think we have a nice young unit that will be very good sooner than later. If Ponder takes some nice strides in the right direction with a full offseason of workouts and gelling with these new Offensive weapons and Peterson can come back healthy I really like our chances to have a nice season. Remember we lost alot of close games last year that very easily could have gone our way. I can see 10-6 as very realistic goal this year. What do you guys think?

10-6 is crazy. That would mean all teams in the NFC North are going to have at least 8 or 9 wins. Who takes a step backwards for the Vikings to step up? The Bears didn't have a great draft, but they made some big strides in free agency.Pack likely stays at 12+ winsBears improve to 10+ wins (they were well on their way to 10 before Cutler got hurt last year)Lions regress a bit to 9 winsA hugely successful season for the Vikings would be 6 wins this season IMO. 4-5 is more likely. The late bye looms large, every game after the bye is a tough matchup, and there's still a lot of offensive and defensive gelling you're assuming will click into place. Will Peterson be fully recovered and safe for season-level wear and tear? Will Harvin be healthy? Can Allen have two stellar seasons in a row (or will someone else step up)? There's still some game management questions that cost them close games last year with Musgrave and Frazier...I see them starting strong out of the gate (possibly 2-0) and optimism will probably skyrocket, but it's going to be a tough season and the draft choices will definitely be tested early and often. It may be a lot to expect of rookie talent.

Says Kuhn... BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Jacoby Jones a possibility??

 

[Shawnky]

I know every fan feels pretty good after the draft but I am getting real excited about this Offense. I think Wright and Childs were both steals in the 4th round and also really love the signing of Simpson. Those 3 along with Percy and then 2 good TE's like Rudolph and Carlson we can create alot of mismatches in the passing game as long as our O-line protects Ponder. Even guys like Jenkins and Aromashadu can be brought in red zone packages for jump balls and things so I think every WR on the roster can be utilized and play a role. Our O-line is going to be noticeably better now with Kalil at LT and Johnson moving to LG and Schwartz at RG along with Sullivan and Loadholt at C and RT. Our Defensive backfield also got massively better with Smith, Robinson, and Blanton along with Cook finally getting his head on straight and a couple of good signings in Carr and Bowman I think we have a nice young unit that will be very good sooner than later. If Ponder takes some nice strides in the right direction with a full offseason of workouts and gelling with these new Offensive weapons and Peterson can come back healthy I really like our chances to have a nice season. Remember we lost alot of close games last year that very easily could have gone our way. I can see 10-6 as very realistic goal this year. What do you guys think?

Can I please have some of what you guys are smoking? AE must have some of that Alaskan Thunderfunk!

 

[The Gatekeeper]

I know every fan feels pretty good after the draft but I am getting real excited about this Offense. I think Wright and Childs were both steals in the 4th round and also really love the signing of Simpson. Those 3 along with Percy and then 2 good TE's like Rudolph and Carlson we can create alot of mismatches in the passing game as long as our O-line protects Ponder. Even guys like Jenkins and Aromashadu can be brought in red zone packages for jump balls and things so I think every WR on the roster can be utilized and play a role. Our O-line is going to be noticeably better now with Kalil at LT and Johnson moving to LG and Schwartz at RG along with Sullivan and Loadholt at C and RT. Our Defensive backfield also got massively better with Smith, Robinson, and Blanton along with Cook finally getting his head on straight and a couple of good signings in Carr and Bowman I think we have a nice young unit that will be very good sooner than later. If Ponder takes some nice strides in the right direction with a full offseason of workouts and gelling with these new Offensive weapons and Peterson can come back healthy I really like our chances to have a nice season. Remember we lost alot of close games last year that very easily could have gone our way. I can see 10-6 as very realistic goal this year. What do you guys think?

Can I please have some of what you guys are smoking? AE must have some of that Alaskan Thunderfunk!

Yeah because quick turnarounds in the NFL have never happened (extreme sarcasm). Go back and check the games last year and we very easily could have been 5-0 to start the season. We had the Chargers down till late in the 2nd half in San Diego, Tampa beat us in the last minute of the game, We had Detroit down 20-0 before losing a close one, and we took the Chiefs down to the wire in Kansas City. If our horrible secondary protects some leads and a couple things go our way last season is totally different. Really only the Bears once, GB once, and the Saints blew us out to where the game wasnt even competitive. We almost came back against the Lions in Detroit and played GB to a close game in Minnesota. So yes in the end you are what you are and we were 3-13 but it is far from a hopeless 3-13. I agree our division is brutal but we were at least competitive last year with a far inferior team than we will put out there this year so you never know.

 

[Herb]

Yeah because quick turnarounds in the NFL have never happened (extreme sarcasm). Go back and check the games last year and we very easily could have been 5-0 to start the season. We had the Chargers down till late in the 2nd half in San Diego, Tampa beat us in the last minute of the game, We had Detroit down 20-0 before losing a close one, and we took the Chiefs down to the wire in Kansas City. If our horrible secondary protects some leads and a couple things go our way last season is totally different. Really only the Bears once, GB once, and the Saints blew us out to where the game wasnt even competitive. We almost came back against the Lions in Detroit and played GB to a close game in Minnesota. So yes in the end you are what you are and we were 3-13 but it is far from a hopeless 3-13. I agree our division is brutal but we were at least competitive last year with a far inferior team than we will put out there this year so you never know.

A quick turnaround for this squad is certainly possible- just not likely. You are totally right about their record last year not being a "bad" 3-13 (as dumb as that sounds). They lost a lot of close games and if they can force more turnovers this season, which would be hard not to do, their record will improve. I hope they go 10-6 and get into the playoffs. But they play in what appears to be the toughest division in the league and have the worst QB in the division even if Ponder makes huge strides this year. The outlook is not so great. Assuming the team stays put, maybe the best thing that could happen this year is 5-8 wins and a bit more stockpiling in the 2013 draft with an eye on 2013-2014 as being years where they can contend not just for the playoffs but hopefully a title.

 

[The Gatekeeper]

Yeah because quick turnarounds in the NFL have never happened (extreme sarcasm). Go back and check the games last year and we very easily could have been 5-0 to start the season. We had the Chargers down till late in the 2nd half in San Diego, Tampa beat us in the last minute of the game, We had Detroit down 20-0 before losing a close one, and we took the Chiefs down to the wire in Kansas City. If our horrible secondary protects some leads and a couple things go our way last season is totally different. Really only the Bears once, GB once, and the Saints blew us out to where the game wasnt even competitive. We almost came back against the Lions in Detroit and played GB to a close game in Minnesota. So yes in the end you are what you are and we were 3-13 but it is far from a hopeless 3-13. I agree our division is brutal but we were at least competitive last year with a far inferior team than we will put out there this year so you never know.

A quick turnaround for this squad is certainly possible- just not likely. You are totally right about their record last year not being a "bad" 3-13 (as dumb as that sounds). They lost a lot of close games and if they can force more turnovers this season, which would be hard not to do, their record will improve. I hope they go 10-6 and get into the playoffs. But they play in what appears to be the toughest division in the league and have the worst QB in the division even if Ponder makes huge strides this year. The outlook is not so great. Assuming the team stays put, maybe the best thing that could happen this year is 5-8 wins and a bit more stockpiling in the 2013 draft with an eye on 2013-2014 as being years where they can contend not just for the playoffs but hopefully a title.

Yeah next years draft looks loaded with defensive players and WR's so I would be content with 8-8 and seeing some real improvement from the team and coaching staff. Maybe spend some money in free agency next year and another strong draft and we could go from the basement to the penthouse of the NFC North.

 

[Vike Me]

I know every fan feels pretty good after the draft but I am getting real excited about this Offense. I think Wright and Childs were both steals in the 4th round and also really love the signing of Simpson. Those 3 along with Percy and then 2 good TE's like Rudolph and Carlson we can create alot of mismatches in the passing game as long as our O-line protects Ponder. Even guys like Jenkins and Aromashadu can be brought in red zone packages for jump balls and things so I think every WR on the roster can be utilized and play a role. Our O-line is going to be noticeably better now with Kalil at LT and Johnson moving to LG and Schwartz at RG along with Sullivan and Loadholt at C and RT. Our Defensive backfield also got massively better with Smith, Robinson, and Blanton along with Cook finally getting his head on straight and a couple of good signings in Carr and Bowman I think we have a nice young unit that will be very good sooner than later. If Ponder takes some nice strides in the right direction with a full offseason of workouts and gelling with these new Offensive weapons and Peterson can come back healthy I really like our chances to have a nice season. Remember we lost alot of close games last year that very easily could have gone our way. I can see 10-6 as very realistic goal this year. What do you guys think?

Can I please have some of what you guys are smoking? AE must have some of that Alaskan Thunderfunk!

Yeah because quick turnarounds in the NFL have never happened (extreme sarcasm). Go back and check the games last year and we very easily could have been 5-0 to start the season. We had the Chargers down till late in the 2nd half in San Diego, Tampa beat us in the last minute of the game, We had Detroit down 20-0 before losing a close one, and we took the Chiefs down to the wire in Kansas City. If our horrible secondary protects some leads and a couple things go our way last season is totally different. Really only the Bears once, GB once, and the Saints blew us out to where the game wasnt even competitive. We almost came back against the Lions in Detroit and played GB to a close game in Minnesota. So yes in the end you are what you are and we were 3-13 but it is far from a hopeless 3-13. I agree our division is brutal but we were at least competitive last year with a far inferior team than we will put out there this year so you never know.

The offense will be better. I love all the "possible" weapons that Ponder will have. Just hope he can find them. The Defense on the other hand will be brutal. Especially with the 3 QBs in the North.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The offense will be better. I love all the "possible" weapons that Ponder will have. Just hope he can find them. The Defense on the other hand will be brutal. Especially with the 3 QBs in the North.

Maybe. But Chris Cook was playing pretty well before he "had to defend himself against his girlfriend." And hopefully Winfield can come back healthy. The addition of Harrison Smith will make a big difference. And hopefully Brinkley can play the middle well.

And maybe monkeys will fly out of my butt...

 

[griff321]

Jacoby Jones a possibility??

God I hope not. We don't need another Jenkins.

 

[cstu]

Yeah because quick turnarounds in the NFL have never happened (extreme sarcasm). Go back and check the games last year and we very easily could have been 5-0 to start the season. We had the Chargers down till late in the 2nd half in San Diego, Tampa beat us in the last minute of the game, We had Detroit down 20-0 before losing a close one, and we took the Chiefs down to the wire in Kansas City. If our horrible secondary protects some leads and a couple things go our way last season is totally different. Really only the Bears once, GB once, and the Saints blew us out to where the game wasnt even competitive. We almost came back against the Lions in Detroit and played GB to a close game in Minnesota. So yes in the end you are what you are and we were 3-13 but it is far from a hopeless 3-13. I agree our division is brutal but we were at least competitive last year with a far inferior team than we will put out there this year so you never know.

A quick turnaround for this squad is certainly possible- just not likely. You are totally right about their record last year not being a "bad" 3-13 (as dumb as that sounds). They lost a lot of close games and if they can force more turnovers this season, which would be hard not to do, their record will improve. I hope they go 10-6 and get into the playoffs. But they play in what appears to be the toughest division in the league and have the worst QB in the division even if Ponder makes huge strides this year. The outlook is not so great. Assuming the team stays put, maybe the best thing that could happen this year is 5-8 wins and a bit more stockpiling in the 2013 draft with an eye on 2013-2014 as being years where they can contend not just for the playoffs but hopefully a title.

Yeah next years draft looks loaded with defensive players and WR's so I would be content with 8-8 and seeing some real improvement from the team and coaching staff. Maybe spend some money in free agency next year, kill Aaron Rodgers and another strong draft and we could go from the basement to the penthouse of the NFC North.

Fixed.

 

[SWC]

one way for the minnesota vikqueens to get better would be moving to la so long suckas would not want to be your state which should be made into a huge bass fishin lake once again my non brohans take it to the sand bank where the largies are bitin on power grubs

 

[Herb]

one way for the minnesota vikqueens to get better would be moving to la so long suckas would not want to be your state which should be made into a huge bass fishin lake once again my non brohans take it to the sand bank where the largies are bitin on power grubs

take your power grubs and go pound sand on your sand bank brohan you know calling them the viqueens is more played out than calling your team the fudge packers both phrases should be retired forever and are only used by losers that cant think for themselves oh well sometimes your posts are funny but most of the times they give me a big ### headache what kind of doosh would wish for fans to lose their team especially when you root for their rival but whatever some people just dont get it take that to the bank and smoke it like a doobie and ps its super funny that hargrove wont be playing for your team for half of next season brohan

 

[griff321]

one way for the minnesota vikqueens to get better would be moving to la so long suckas would not want to be your state which should be made into a huge bass fishin lake once again my non brohans take it to the sand bank where the largies are bitin on power grubs

I think I detect some jealousy here. non-brohan

 

[griff321]

Josh Robinson vs AJ Green

Not bad for a sophomore!

One thing I think we did excellent at in this draft is getting some greasy speed back. IF(a big if) Ponder can look like he did in flashes most of the game then this team can turn some heads. Anything can happen and often does for division rivals on the road in MN.

 

[SWC]

one way for the minnesota vikqueens to get better would be moving to la so long suckas would not want to be your state which should be made into a huge bass fishin lake once again my non brohans take it to the sand bank where the largies are bitin on power grubs

take your power grubs and go pound sand on your sand bank brohan you know calling them the viqueens is more played out than calling your team the fudge packers both phrases should be retired forever and are only used by losers that cant think for themselves oh well sometimes your posts are funny but most of the times they give me a big ### headache what kind of doosh would wish for fans to lose their team especially when you root for their rival but whatever some people just dont get it take that to the bank and smoke it like a doobie and ps its super funny that hargrove wont be playing for your team for half of next season brohan

herb you seem very angry i hope that everything in your life is going good i know we all joke around on here ribbing each other about our teams but sometimes we need to be fiends and help a fellow football brohan out if they are feeling lousy so i hope that you have a good day and turn that frown upside down and since you sound like a fisherman i hope that you have a successful season and catch a personal best largemouth while bassin it up like a fish lip rippin bassin assasin all summer my man so stay cool and sorry if my post was the straw that broke you days back yesterday i have gone through some serious crap in the last few years and know how it goes so peace out brohan from across the big muddy and i will hope that your stadium does not collapse again like last time

 

[cstu]

(KFFL) Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder said he is excited with the addition of OT Matt Kalil in the NFL Draft. Ponder feels Kalil will provide the protection he needs to go through all of his reads. "It is huge," Ponder said. "A lot of time last year, it didn't necessarily have to do with the protection. A lot of times I wasn't comfortable getting to my third, fourth reads, checking the ball down. Instead of just checking it down when a guy is wide open, I'd just run ... That's something I have to get away from. It's easy to break the habit. It's just going to make it so much better having full confidence in the protection."

Next to Kalil himself I don't think there's anyone happier about it than Ponder. Must have been like Christmas morning at his house.

 

[Herb]

one way for the minnesota vikqueens to get better would be moving to la so long suckas would not want to be your state which should be made into a huge bass fishin lake once again my non brohans take it to the sand bank where the largies are bitin on power grubs

take your power grubs and go pound sand on your sand bank brohan you know calling them the viqueens is more played out than calling your team the fudge packers both phrases should be retired forever and are only used by losers that cant think for themselves oh well sometimes your posts are funny but most of the times they give me a big ### headache what kind of doosh would wish for fans to lose their team especially when you root for their rival but whatever some people just dont get it take that to the bank and smoke it like a doobie and ps its super funny that hargrove wont be playing for your team for half of next season brohan

herb you seem very angry i hope that everything in your life is going good i know we all joke around on here ribbing each other about our teams but sometimes we need to be fiends and help a fellow football brohan out if they are feeling lousy so i hope that you have a good day and turn that frown upside down and since you sound like a fisherman i hope that you have a successful season and catch a personal best largemouth while bassin it up like a fish lip rippin bassin assasin all summer my man so stay cool and sorry if my post was the straw that broke you days back yesterday i have gone through some serious crap in the last few years and know how it goes so peace out brohan from across the big muddy and i will hope that your stadium does not collapse again like last time

 

[Donnybrook]

.......

I have a feeling that Solomon Elimimian will emerge as being more than a special teams player.

Still lots of room on the Solomon Elimimian band wangon. http://blog.vikings....ookie-minicamp/

The Vikings signed LB Soloman Elimimian at the end of January to a future free agent contract, and now they're getting to see the former CFL standout on the field in Minnesota for the first time. I'm guessing they like what they see so far. Elimimian plays with great energy, always seems to be around the ball and is clearly athletic enough to compete at the NFL level. He might be undersized, but that might also not matter. Now, it's one thing to standout in rookie minicamp and it's an entirely different matter to standout when the veterans arrive. But so far, so good for Elimimian.

 

[snogger]

Monday is it.. either a lot of us will or :(

And right now it is truley 50/50 :(

 

[Herb]

Monday is it.. either a lot of us will or :(And right now it is truley 50/50 :(

So if this thing goes sideways Monday and doesn't pass, what are the odds that the team actually leaves? I mean, will that really be the end or will this thing get resolved next year when these don't have to worry about re-election?

 

[griff321]

Monday is it.. either a lot of us will or :(And right now it is truley 50/50 :(

So if this thing goes sideways Monday and doesn't pass, what are the odds that the team actually leaves? I mean, will that really be the end or will this thing get resolved next year when these don't have to worry about re-election?

Then the Vikings become an UFA. They could still sign here, but how many times has anything been tested on the open market and actually come back to us.