Lots Of Possibilities In The First Round

I personally see the top tier players the same with as before the combine. I must say my top prospects are close to Kiper's for once.
Peterson CB
Bowers DE
Fairley DT
Dareus DT
V Miller OLB
A.J. Green WR
Amukamara CB
Gabbert QB
Quinn DE
Newton QB
Watt DE
Jones WR

The good news is I see 12 top tier talents. The bad news is I see the top two rated qb's being gone. As I see the draft now Jones a WR would be our top rated player. I think if we aren't locked in on jake Locker at 12, we either trade down from 12 or draft best player available(Julio Jones). Jones would give us a nice deep threat and take presser off our O-line like Randy Moss did. We have needs all over though.

Coming shortly I'll cover our current needs.

Joe Webb QB In Week 15?

It is quite possible the 6th round pick could start. Tarvaris Jackson and Brett Favre are both battling injuries. Jackson has a bad toe injury and Favre has his should injury. If the inexperienced does get a start it could be really good or bad on him mentally. If Favre or Jackson can start, don't be surprised if Webb comes in for a few plays as quarterback. A part of me still wants Webb to start. Lets find out how he handles pressure.

A Look At The 2011 Vikings Draft So Far

The 2011 draft is very unclear for several reasons. Will their be a 2011 draft? Who will be eligible? Will sophomores be available? How many rounds? Will there even be a draft. To keep things simple that's assume the draft won't change with the exception of a cap on the drafted players salary.

The Vikings have traded their third round pick. They have gained a draft pick from the Giants in 2011. I'm hearing a 5th round pick.

The next thing to consider is compensatory picks the Vikings might get from losing draft free agents. The big names are Moss, Rice, Leber, and Edwards.

Moss being a 10 year veteran will bring a 5th round pick. So the Moss trade, if he doesn't resign with us, will lose the Vikings a 3rd round pick for Moss, but gain a 5th round pick in 2011 and a 7th round pick in 2012. Not a bad deal at all.

I believe we'll sign Leber and Rice in the off season. This leaves losing Edwards as a free agent. Edwards will probably net us a 5th or 6th round pick.

So the Vikings are looking at the following draft picks for 2011: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 5th, 5th compensatory, 5th compensatory, 6th, and 7th.

Witha strong draft coming the Vikings aren't playing for bust this coming year. They have a good future as well.

Randy Moss To The Vikings

The Vikings have acquired Randy Moss and a 7th round pick from the Patriots for a 3rd round pick. Moss brings a big time threat for the Vikings and teams will have to commit to either stopping Moss or Peterson.

The loss of a 3rd round pick in a really good draft will hurt the Vikings slightly, but all they have to do is trade down in the draft to lessen the blow. We can do what we did in the 2010 draft. The Vikings also will get a draft pick or two with the Sage Rosenfels,and Darius Reynauld for a draft pick. I'm guessing a round 5 pick in 2010. The Vikings also acquired a late round draft pick in 2012 for Jayme Mitchell. I'm guessing it's between a 5th and 7th round pick.

The moss trade helps the Vikings in several ways. Moss will dictate a safety to help out the corner covering Moss. This will give Shiancoe one on one coverage with their other safety. It'll also move the safties back which will create huge holes for our running game. Harvin will only see one on one coverage and he'll see larger lanes to catch the ball. Once Rice comes back it'll really push the corners and safties back. The Vikings offense will be almost impossible to cover. The moss trade also improves our offensive line cause teams will be less likely to blitz. Farve will be upright more.

Vikings Trade Jayme Mitchell To The Browns

Mitchell will bring back a late round draft pick to the Vikings. This also opens up a roster spot for the Vikings. I'll cover the open roster spot on my next post.
Hopefully the Vikings will end up with a 5th round pick.

Vikings Lose Their 2nd CB In Less Than A Week

Chris Cook injured his knee during the preseason game against the Seahawks. He has already had surgery and is expected to miss the first two games of the season. This leaves the once cornerback rich Vikings very shallow now.

The injury will really show up when the Saints put 4 wide receivers out there. Currently Lito Sheppard and Asher Allen are fighting for the starting cornerback job.
I have to wonder who will be our 4th corner in week one.

Vikings Aquire A Much Needed Wide Receiver

They trade Benny Sapp for Greg Camarillo of the Dolphins. Both teams trade from an area of depth. The Dolphins make room for one of their promising rookies to make the roster and the Vikings still have Asher Allen, Chris Cook, Lito Sheppard, Antoine Winfield, with Cedric Griffin coming back during the season from an ACL. Most likely Sapp would of been released, because of the improved play of Allen. Chris Cook has also impressed ever since being drafted.

Camarillo is a solid wide receiver. He isn't overly strong, fast or tall. He does catch every catchable ball thrown to him. He had 0 dropped balls last year, with 50 catcher.

Keep in mind Sydney Rice is out at least half of this season, Percy has severe migraines, and Jaymar Johnson is out for the year. Johnson was fighting for the last wide receiver spot and punt/kick returner spot before he broke his thumb against the Rams two games ago. The Vikings didn't announce the injury until just before the 49'ers game.

Sydney Rice Had Hip Surgery

Brett Favre's favorite target had Surgery a few days ago. Right now he is expected to miss 8 weeks. I have seen hip injuries cost players their careers. Hopefully his injury isn't nearly as serious and we see him playing game 9. In the past Rice has missed several games with different injuries.

This explains why the Vikings signed Javon Walker. Rice and Walker are similar types of receivers when healthy. They are aggressive to make catches and look for yards after the catch. Percy Harvin really needs to stay healthy now. Lets hope Walker can help the team as well.

If I'm the Vikings I'm looking to trade a defensive lineman for a large wide receiver who can go up and catch the ball. A player like Robison would be a good player to trade. Antonio Bryant for Robison would help both the Vikings and Bengals.

Javon Walker Expected To Sign

The Vikings are expected to sign Walker today. Hopefully he's healthy and can return to his old form. This signing is important because of the uncertainty of Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice.

Favre Expected To Play Sunday Night

Several sources are reporting Favre will play one or two series against the 49er's. He's expected to play one or two series. It probably depends on how many plays he runs.

The Vikings Bring In Two Receivers Over Wide Receiver Concerns

With the health issues of Percy Harvin's migraines, and Sidney Rice's hip, The Vikings have brought in two wide receivers. Keep in mind there may be other injuries we may not know about to other receivers. An example is Greg Lewis taking a hard hit in last Friday's game.

The other reason is the Vikings receivers were having problems getting open against a bad Rams team. They need to have the receivers doing well, to spread out the field, for help support the run game.

The two receivers the Vikings have brought in are former 49'er's receiver Brandon Jones and former Favre target Javon Walker.

Most people probably haven't heard much about Brandon Jones, but he was targeted to be the 49er's number one receiver two years ago. The 27 year old hurt his shoulder in the 2009 preseason, and never was affective when he came back. He had the talent and tools to do so, but it never happened. After being released Wednesday the Seahawks tried him out Thursday, and was expected in Winter Park Friday. He's been battling injuries this preseason as well.

Javon Walker and Favre have a lot of history together. After Javon's most successful season in 2006 he wanted a new big contract and held out. Favre made it known publicly that Javon should play through his current contract. Javon has been injured ever since. He was expected in Winter Park on Friday for a workout.

I see the Vikings signing one of the two. I prefer Javon because of the chemistry he had with Favre, and he may be more healthy than Brandon Jones. I expect one of them signed by Monday night.

Percy Harvin Updates

Thursday morning Percy was rushed to the hospital after passing out and body spasms. He regained consciousness before an ambulance took him to the hospital. He stayed overnight Thursday and returned to practice Friday. He sat out of practice. The migraine caused him to lose consciousness. There has been no word on when he'll participate in practice. The migraines are worse than last year according to sources.

Percy Harvin Is Back

He has been out for around two weeks cause of migraines and the death of his grandmother. He came back Monday and practiced all day. Favre will enjoy having one of his favorite playmakers back.

Harvin and his migraines worry me. Was he really having migraine issues or was he unhappy with his contract or avoiding mini-camp? The Vikings need to find a doctor who can cure his migraine issues.

Favre To Announce He's Coming Back

The tough team leader will announce after practice today that he's returned for his 20th season. With Favre back the Vikings have as good a shot as any team in the NFL to win the Superbowl. News conference scheduled for around 1:30 central time today.

Reports That Farve On A Plane To Minnesota

He went on a plane from Mississippi to Minnesota with Hutchinson, Longwell, and Jared Allen. They now have just landed in Minnesota and more sources are saying he'll announce he'll play this year. An announcement to be done today.

The First Preseason Provided Few Answers

The Vikings are looking for to shore up the last few roster spots and decide who to put on the practice squad. The amount of depth on the team really did show in the 28-7 victory.

The battle for the third down and backup back was very close. Young rushed for negative 7 yards, while picking up the blitz on all, but one time. Gerhardt ran for 24 yards on 8 carries and also missed one block on a blitz. Young ran well with all, but one of his runs.

The cornerbacks all played very well. Sapp, Cook, Sheppard, and Allen all tackled and covered very well.

The entire defensive line all played so well against the Rams. There is a lot of talent on the defensive line.

The safeties all played well. Williams played extremely well with a couple of solid tackles.

The only area of concern was on special teams. They weren't filling the gaps well and had a costly penalty. Not filling the gaps was the reason the Rams took a kick back for a touchdown.

Two other things I'd like to mention. Hoe Webb looked very impressive. He has a strong arm with touch. When nobody was open he ran very fast and with strength. He reminded me of Dante Culpepper. Our 5th round pick offensive guard DeGeare looked good and bad at times. He missed a few blocks but smacked a few Rams players on other plays. He looks like a solid player in the future.

Favre Given a Healthy Bill of Health

Rumors out of Minnesota are saying Favre's ankle is good. He could be in camp as early as the 12th. I think he'll show up and surprise the players. The players will be very excited the see the former MVP. I sure hope the rumors are true.

Favre Retirement Update

Looks like Favre will see Dr. James Andrews about his slow recovering ankle, that he had surgery on. Next week he has an appointment and I think we'll know if Favre will really retire or not. At the age of 41 during the season, he will heal slower than when he was younger. I'm leaning towards him returning. The Favre retirement Saga begins again.

Looks Like Favre Is Retiring

Hearing from KFAN and ESPN that Favre is hanging it up. The Minnesota Tribune was the first to come out with the story. Basically saying his ankle hasn't responded in the way he's wanted it to.

He's said he's retiring for the third time now. If he does retire Tavaris Jackson will be the starter. If Tavaris is the starter expect a 9 win season instead of a possible Super Bowl run.

Analyzing The Vikings Defensive Line

Every few days I'll go more in depth which a group position like defensive line. Today I'll go in depth on there DL.

The defensive line may be the strongest unit the Vikings have and it probably is the best in the NFL. Our DL is well above average against the pass and the best against the run. I also feel it has the best depth in the NFL.

I'll rate each player from 1 to 10. A 10 will be given to a top 3 player in the NFL and a 1 to a poor backup player in the NFL.

Jared Allen plays right defensive end. He is in the top 3 in sacks in the NFL and has a constant motor on every play. His rank is a 10

Right defensive tackle is the 37 year old Pat Williams. He is past his prime, but is still a force against the run. He plays about 60 to 65 percent of the plays. He is very hard to move off the ball and can push an offensive linemen. His rank is an 8.

At left defensive tackle Kevin Williams plays at a pro bowl level. Kevin plays above average against the run and may be the best pass rusher at defensive tackle. He can beat an opponent either with his size or speed. His rank is a 10.

At left defensive end is Ray Edwards. He is an underrated defensive end. Ray really stood out in the playoffs with his sacks. He got national exposure and the Vikings protected the potential restricted free agent with a first round tender. His strength is against the run. He is one of the best DE against the run, but isn't as strong against the pass. I rank him at 7.

Besides the starters the Vikings have a lot of talent as backups and players used in rotating in to give starters a breather. The backups are also important in difference situations and in case of injuries.

The projected backups are:
Brian Robison backs up Ray Edwards. He is a speedy undersized DE who can rush
the quarterback quite well, but isn't good against the run. Rank is a 4.

Everson Griffith a 4th round pick this past draft is having a good camp and
is being used at both DE and DT(on passing downs). He has the potential to be
a very good defensive end. Right now he has no rank, but could be as high as
7-8 by the end of the year.

Jimmy Kennedy will back up Pat Williams and play around 35 percent of the downs.
The former first round pick can play the run and pass slightly above average.
His rank is a 6. He'd be a starter on many teams.

Fred Evans is a solid back up at defensive tackle. He'll back up Kevin Williams and be in the defensive rotation. He is solid against the run and pass. A little better at pass rushing. His rank is a 3.5.

Mike Montgomery serves as a solid veteran back up at defensive end. He's not a
flashy player but is adequate against the run and pass. His rank is a 3.

Letroy Guion will battle to be the last defensive line player on the team. His
career has had a lot of injuries, but he does have potential to be above
average against the run and and an average pass run rusher. He has had a really good camp so far. His rank was a 2, but now is 3.5.

Jayme Mitchell will also battle to make the team. He plays defensive end and is
much better at the pass than run. He also has battled injuries throughout his
career. A solid rank of 2 is fair. He has had a really good camp and his rank is up to 4. He is really doing well with his pass rushing.

Tremaine Johnson who is signed as a free agent out of college will be given a
chance to make the practice squad. He plays defensive end. In camp he's seen time at defensive tackle. He's had a really good camp. Hopefully he will make it to the practice squad and not be claimed. Still not enough information to give him a rank. If I was to rank him it'd be 2.5.

As good as the defensive line was last year they could be even better in 2010. Several players battled through significant injuries last year. They also had an injured back seven that put more pressure on the defensive line. Look for a recap of the defense later this month. They have back up players who would be starters on other teams. This should keep the defensive line as a strong area for the Vikings.

Later this week I'll breakdown the linebackers.

Training Camp Begins Friday!

My excitement has grown, now that training camp has started. The questions will be answered. The surprises will start happening. Have the Vikings put behind them the loss in New Orleans? Who will start at QB? There are a lot of questions at this time, but by the end of August we'll know the answer.

Sydney Rice's Injury Reason for Concern?

Mr. Rice has had a nagging hip injury this off season. He says he'll be fine by the start of the season. Hip injuries are very hard to predict. They can be severe enough to end a players career. The Vikings don't have the type of tall wide receiver to back up Rice in the red zone. Rice and Favre also a great communication between each other. Lets hope Rice stays healthy this season.

Childress visits Favre

It's just like last year except Childress didn't sneak down there. Maybe ticket sales are down. Favre in my opinion will come to camp about the same time as last year. He lives and breathes football.

Favre Watch

Favre was interviewed at the ESPY's and said "he has not made a decision yet and it's physical." I would take this as he wants to miss training camp. I expect Farve to announce he'll be back early in August.

Joe Webb back as a QB?

Joe Webb took second string snaps behind center during the 3 day mini camp. The Vikings drafted Webb in the 6th round as a receiver. They went on record saying after having Webb throw the ball for them they got excited. There are a few possibilities with what the Vikings can do with Webb. A lot could depend on Farve. If Farve comes back then Webb and Rosenfels would compete for the 3rd spot at quarterback, or the Vikings could trade Rosenfels for a late round draft pick. If Farve doesn't come back Webb would compete for the backup quarterback position.

The other possibilities with Webb is they could use him as their wildcat quarterback or he could be a wide receiver and an emergency quarterback.

You never know, what the Vikings could do with Webb. He is such a good athlete that the possibilities are almost endless.

Vikings Sign RB Ryan Moats

The Vikings sign backup running back from the Texans, 27 year old Ryan Moats. The signing is interesting. It gives competition to Albert Young as the third down back. It gives the Vikings a veteran backup presence. I think that is very important. Moats may be the best third down blocker on the roster. We'll wait and see if he makes the team.

Vikings opened camp last week

The Vikings opened camp for the entire team. While most of the roster is set there are battles for special teams and backup positions. Cornerback will be the most interesting to watch aside from the Farve watch. It's mid June and he's not announced his retirement. It sure looks like he's playing in 2010.

Brett Farve will need ankle surgery to play in 2010

According to ESPN's Ed Werder Brett Farve will need surgery on his left ankle to play in 2010. He's debating on having surgery or to retire.

In an e-mail to Werder, Favre said this decision will be a difficult one. "To play again, I would need the surgery, as I suspected," Favre said. "This decision would be easy if not for my teammates and the fans and the entire Vikings staff. One year truly felt like 10 -- much like Green Bay for many years. That's what I was missing in my heart I suppose, a since of belonging."

There are a lot more quotes from ESPN on what Farve has said, but my feeling is this gives him a reason to miss training camp. I really hope that is why Farve is mentioning the surgery now to the public.

I am annoyed that the surgery is such a big deal. A good amount of players have surgery after the season. Just look at how many of our own players had surgery to get them ready for the 2010 season that weren't serious.

Round 6 the Vikings draft a QB??

His scouting report is just horrible. He's like a far poorer version of Tavaris Jackson. He has practice squad written all over him. The Vikings in my opinion have only drafted one player at above average value in Everson Griffen. I would of preferred Pike. If he is drafted as a wide receiver then I'll have far more interest, which is what I've read.

Vikings take two players in round 5

The Vikings take guard Chris DeGeare with their first 5th round pick. He is a power blocking guard, who might be able to play both guard spots and possibly center.

With their second pick in the 5th round the Vikings go inside linebacker Nate Triplett out of Minnesota. He gives more depth at middle linebacker and brings good special teams ability.