Vikings draft Everson Griffen in the 4th round!

I am so happy the Vikings draft defensive end Everson Griffen with their 3rd pick overall in round four. Everson has first round talent, but fell to round four to the Vikings is a surprise. He was projected to go at the end of round one or early second round. The Vikings are set on paper in 2010 at defensive end. They got Jared Allen, Ray Edwards, Brian Robison, and Mike Montgomery. In 2011 Ray Edwards and Brian Robison may be free agents. Griffen will give them a talented backup and future starter. The main knock on Griffen is his work ethic. He should get more motivated on a veteran team like the Vikings. He could be the steal of the draft.

The Vikings draft Toby Gerhart

With their second pick in the second round the Vikings take a interesting running back. Gerhart is a big, powerful, and fast running back out of Standford. He reminds me of Mike Alstott but faster, better hands, and more elusive. He has possible starting running back talent. I really like the pick.

Vikings draft Chris Cook 1st!

The Vikings draft Chris Cook out of Virginia. He has the speed and good hip movement to possibly become an everyday corner in a year. Cook also big and physical at the line and is a good stopping the run. He needs to work on looking back at the quarterback more and get stronger. He'll never be a pro bowler, buy good become an above aver cornerback in the NFL. He's a good cover 2 cornerback.

Draft Update Through round 4

I was very excited after our first two picks in the draft. They first took Chris Cook(a mid-2nd round pick in my opinion), and then traded their third round pick to move up in the 2nd round, and take running back Toby Gerhart. They are both solid 2nd round talents, but I think Chris Cook was a reach and Gerhart was a reach. Then with their fourth round pick they draft Everson Griffen. Griffen I had higher on my draft list than Cook or Gerhart. So, in my eyes they drafted the last pick in round one, and two middle of the second round talents. The Vikings are suddenly having a really good draft.

I now look for them to draft one or two offensive linemen, and then special teams type players. So they should go linebacker and safety.

Day 2 Draft scenarios

Current the Vikings have 3 picks today. Two picks in round 2 and one in round 3.

Pick 2(overall) in round 1 scenarios:
We could draft one of the below.
Taylor Mays S
Chris Cook CB
Rodger Saffold OT/G
Carlos Dunlap DE
Charles Brown OT
Colt McCoy QB

If we trade down before the Eagles spot 5 round 2 one of those impact players will still be available. Several teams may want Clausen, Sergio Kindle or a wide receiver at the 1st pick. I personally think the Vikings will take one of the five players I listed and a trade down of a few picks won't make a difference by the end of the day.

I expect we'll choose one of the following with our second pick. Several of these players will require the Vikings to trade up. Keep in mind we'll only keep five or 6 draftees cause we already have quality players.
Nate Allen S
Chris Cook CB
Linval Joseph DT
Vlad Ducasse OT/G
Jerome Murphy CB
Brandon Ghee CB
Sean Lee ILB
Dexter McCluster RB
Jon Asamoah G/C
Brandon Spiked LB
Donald Butler LB
The third round possibilities depending on our first two picks will be. I expect us to have drafted a cornerback already.
Joe McKnight RB
John Skelton QB
Gene Atkins DT

Day 2 Updated Mock rounds 2-3

Now that we traded out of the first round here are my predictions.

round 2 pick 1 Rodger Saffold OT/G Illinois (slight trade down possible)
round 2 pick 2 Chris Cook CB Virginia (we will trade up for him)
round 3 pick 1 Joe Mcknight RB USC

Thoughts Before The 2010 Draft

Entering the 2010 draft there are so many possibilities. My first thought is we don't have one glaring need to fill for 2010 if Farve comes back. This means we're draft for depth and the future. I'm for drafting either a defensive linemen or offensive linemen. I'd love to draft a corner back, but only Harden and Wilson I like as a first round pick. If we fall back to early in round two then draft a corner.

My best guest is we'll draft Saffold if he's available. If Saffold is not available look for them to trade down.

If Claussen is around at 30 we should take him. I personally think somebody will either pick him in the teens or trade ahead of us for him. If that happens we may have a player we like fall to us.

Final Mock Draft

1. Rams Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB
2. Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, defensive tackle
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma, defensive tackle
4. Washington Redskins Trent Williams, Oklahoma State, OT
5. Kansas City Chiefs Eric Berry, Tennessee, safety
6. Seattle Seahawks Russell Okung, Oklahoma State, OT
7. Cleveland Browns Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8. Oakland Raiders Anthony Davis, Rutgers, offensive tackle
9. Buffalo Bills Brian Bulaga, Iowa, OT
10. Jacksonville JaguarsDerrick Morgan, Georgia Tech, defensive end
11. Denver Broncos Rolando McClain, Alabama, linebacker
12. Miami Dolphins Dan Williams, Tennessee, defensive tackle
13 San Francisco 49ers Earl Thomas, Texas, cornerback/safety
14. Seattle Seahawks CJ Spiller Clemson RB
15. New York Giants Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida, defensive end
16. Tennessee Titans Brandon Graham, Michigan, LB/DE
17. San Francisco 49ers Mike Iupati, Idaho, G
18. Pittsburgh Steelers Maurkice Pouncey, Florida, C/G
19. Atlanta Falcons Brandon Graham, Michigan, LB/DE
20. Houston Texans Kyle Wilson, Boise State, cornerback
21. Cincinnati Bengals Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St, WR
22. New England Patriot Sergio Kindle, Texas, linebacker/defensive end
23. Green Bay Packers Jerry Hughes, TCU, OLB

24. Philadelphia Eagles Devin McCourty, Rutgers, CB
25. Baltimore Ravens Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, TE
26. Arizona Cardinals Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri, LB
27. Dallas Cowboys Rodger Saffold, Indiana, OT/G
28. San Diego Chargers Ryan Mathews, Fresno State, RB
29. New York Jets Jared Odrick, Penn State, DT
30. Minnesota Vikings Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame, QB
31. Indianapolis Colt Brian Price-UCLA, DT
32. New Orleans Saints Everson Griffen, USC, DE

Current possible first round picks for the Vikings for 2010

1. Rodger Saffold OT Indiana
2. Brian Price DT UCLA
3. Devin McCourty CB Rutgers
4. Mike Iupati G/OT Idaho
5. Kareem Jackson CB Alabama
6. Tom Tebow QB Florida
7. They'll trade up or down.

Vikings sign veteran cornerback Lito Sheppard

The 9 year veteran has plenty of experience in the regular season and post season with the Eagles and Jets. I really like this signing. He was injured the past few seasons and if healthy will be a steal for the Vikings. I also want to point out the 26th pick overall in 2002 went to two pro bowls in 2005 and 2006. Lito is use to the cover 2 defense, so his skills will be better used in Minnesota than with the Jets. The contract is rumored to be a 1 year deal worth around 2 million.

With the signing of Sheppard I look for the Vikings to draft a corner after round one. I am predicting cornerback Chris Cook out of Virginia in round two might be the pick. I'll post more on my draft predictions tonight and revise my mock draft.

The 2010 schedule looks to be exciting

The schedule looks to be tough. I'm not surprised because of our record last season. Having the schedule tough gets me even more excited than normal. It's put on your chin strap and lets go!

We have a few must win games like 2 against the Lions,and Bears, one against Cardinals, Bills, Packer, Giants and Eagles. I do expect we'll lose one of those games. Anything less than a 7 and 1 home record and we're in trouble.

To see our full schedule go to http://www.nfl.com/teams/minnesotavikings/schedule?team=MIN

Tim Tebow to the Vikings?

There have been rumors from several sources that the Vikings are interested in Tim Tebow in round one. ESPN has even said other teams might jump ahead of the Vikings.

I am not high on Tebow like some others. I think he is a second round risk. If the Vikings really like Tebow they should trade down. He is a project and won't be of help to the Vikings.

The affects of the Vikings drafting Tebow are plenty. They'll have to trade a QB to make room for Tebow. The odd man out will depend on Farve's return. Jackson may be a free agent in 2011,while Rosenfels is signed past 2010. I think the Vikings will find an easier market for Rosenfels. If they draft a QB in round four or earlier look for the Vikings to trade Rosenfels for a 5th.

The Tebow rumors could be a smoke screen for the Vikings. It wouldn't be the first or last time a smoke screen is put up.

Mock 3

This is my newest mock draft completed today. I will continue to update the mock draft as the draft nears.

1. Rams Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB
2. Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, DT
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma, DT
4. Washington Redskins Russell Okung, Oklahoma State, OT
5. Kansas City Chiefs Brian Bulaga, Iowa, OT
6. Seattle Seahawks Trent Williams, Oklahoma, OT
7. Cleveland Browns Eric Berry, Tennessee, S
8. Oakland Raiders Bruce Campbell, Maryland, OT
9. Buffalo Bills Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame, QB
10. Jacksonville Jaguars Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech, DE
11. Denver Broncos Joe Haden, CB, Florida
12. Miami Dolphins Dan Williams, Tennessee, DT
13 San Francisco 49ers Earl Thomas, Texas, CB/S
14. Seattle Seahawks CJ Spiller, Clemson, RB
15. New York Giants Rolando McClain, Alabama, ILB
16. Tennessee Titans Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida, DE
17. San Francisco 49ers Anthony Davis, Rutgers, OT
18. Pittsburgh Steelers Maurkice Pouncey, Florida, C/G
19. Atlanta Falcons Brandon Graham, Michigan, LB/DE
20. Houston Texans Kyle Wilson, Boise State, CB
21. Cincinnati Bengals Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St, WR
22. New England Patriots Sergio Kindle, Texas, OLB/DE
23. Green Bay Packers Mike Iupati, Idaho, G
24. Philadelphia Eagles Taylor Mays, USC, S
25. Baltimore Ravens Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, TE
26. Arizona Cardinals Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri, LB
27. Dallas Cowboys Charles Browm, USC, OT
28. San Diego Chargers Ryan Mathews, Fresno State, RB
29. New York Jets Jared Odrick, Penn State, DT
30. Minnesota Vikings Devin McCourty Rutgers, CB
31. Indianapolis Colt Brian Price-UCLA, DT
32. New Orleans Saints Everson Griffen, USC, DE

Percy Harvin and migraines

According to KFFL he is dealing with migraines. As the article says, it's still an issue. The migraines worry me. I wouldn't be upset to see them draft a wide receiver earlier in the draft. The other option would be to draft a running back like Amp Lee. Amp Lee was a running back, who was more used as a receiver. The big question isn't if they won't draft a running back/wide receiver, but when they'll draft such a player.

Still working on my mock draft, which will have 7 rounds of Vikings picks.

McNabb is traded to the Redskins

This may mean McNabb will be signed to a long-term contract, because of his financial muscle. The likely hood of McNabb being a Vikings in 2011 looks far less likely. This also means the Vikings may draft a quarterback. The offseason has not been kind to the Vikings so far.

Vikings are set for 2010 at defensive line

He reminds me of Spencer Johnson, cause he's versatile. He'll also add run defense at DE. When Ray Edwards got injured twice last year, the Vikings were more worried about replacing his run defense. Montgomery might of been signed for run defense at DE than pass rushing. The Vikings already got Robison as a backup pass rusher. He could make the Vikings roster.

Fomer Packer Signs with Minnesota - News/Talk 550AM 99.9FM

Fomer Packer Signs with Minnesota - News/Talk 550AM 99.9FM

Farve or McNabb or what now?

There has been a lot of talk going around concerning the Vikings quarterback position for the 1010 season.

Even before the Superbowl was over, there was talk about Farve returning for the 2010 season. As weeks have continued after the Superbowl there have been more and more signs he'll return for 2010. Farve texted L.T. to become a Viking. Childress has given Farve no timetable to let Childress know if he'll return. Then Childress said Farve can come back during training camp like last year.

Then there is McNabb who is now officially available to teams according to his head coach Reid. The rumors of him joining the Vikings started quickly. Now McNabb has said he'd prefer joining the Vikings if traded.

Over the weekend Vikings quarterback Sage Rosenfels was rumored to be possibly going to the Oakland Raiders in a trade.

Today there are now reports the Oakland Raiders are the front-runners for Mcnabb's services in 2010.

Here is my take on the situation. I think Rosenfels will be traded for a draft pick before the draft. This may be a 2011 4th rounder. They can then draft a quarterback project in the upcoming 2010 draft. I'd like to see Farve who is a better quarterback than Mcnabb play for the Vikings in 2010 season. After the 2010 season Mcnabb is a free agent. I hope the Vikings sign him. This probably won't happen, but it'd be almost ideal.

NFL Old Faces in New Places - Photos - SI.com

NFL Old Faces in New Places - Photos - SI.com

Mock Draft # 1

This is the first of four mock drafts. My next mock draft will include trades. If my mock draft stays as is the Vikings will end up with their cornerback of the future.

2010 NFL Draft Predictions as of 3/25/10

1. Rams Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB
2. Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, defensive tackle
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma, defensive tackle
4. Washington Redskins Russell Okung, Oklahoma State, OT
5. Kansas City Chiefs Eric Berry, Tennessee, safety
6. Seattle Seahawks Brian Bulaga, Iowa, OT
7. Cleveland Browns Joe Haden, Florida, cornerback
8. Oakland Raiders Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida, defensive end
9. Buffalo Bills Bruce Campbell, Maryland, OT
10. Jacksonville Jaguars Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame, quarterback *
11. Denver Broncos Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State, wide receiver **
12. Miami Dolphins Dan Williams, Tennessee, defensive tackle
13 San Francisco 49ers Trent Williams, Oklahoma, OT
14. Seattle Seahawks CJ Spiller, Clemson, RB **
15. New York Giants Rolando McClain, Alabama, linebacker
16. Tennessee Titans Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech, defensive end
17. San Francisco 49ers Anthony Davis, Rutgers, offensive tackle
18. Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Iupati, Idaho, offensive line
19. Atlanta Falcons Brandon Graham, Michigan, LB/DE
20. Houston Texans Kyle Wilson, Boise State, cornerback
21. Cincinnati Bengals Earl Thomas, Texas, cornerback/safety
22. New England Patriots Sergio Kindle, Texas, linebacker/defensive end
23. Green Bay Packers Taylor Mays, USC, safety ***
24. Philadelphia Eagles Everson Griffen, USC, DE
25. Baltimore Ravens Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, TE
26. Arizona Cardinals Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri, LB
27. Dallas Cowboys Charles Browm, USC, OT
28. San Diego Chargers Ryan Mathews, Fresno State, RB
29. New York Jets Jared Odrick, Penn State, DT
30. Minnesota Vikings Devin McCourty Rutgers, CB
31. Indianapolis Colt Brian Price-UCLA, DT
32. New Orleans Saints Carlos Dunlap, Florida, DE

*There is a very good chance the Redskins or Bills will take Clausen earlier. If that’s the case by pick number 13 the draft will be back on track. I can see the Redskins drafting Clausen at pick number 4 and the Chiefs taking Okung at 5 and Berry being taken by Jacksonville at 10 and the rest of the top ten staying as is.

**I expect Denver to trade down using one of their two picks.

***The Packers and Ted Thompson almost always trade down, and with safety is the best value here, but they need offensive lineman which aren’t of value in my mock at 23. They also are looking defensive line and corner back.

Vikings Should Draft More For Need in 2010

The Vikings were as close as you can get to a Superbowl as a team can get. An upgrade here or there might of made the difference of them making the Superbowl. The only losses this offseason were Artis Hicks, and Chester Taylor. The only free agent so far has been a kickoff specialist. Having a kicker who rarely allows a return is an upgrade. The other downgrades are because of injury at middle linebacker and cornerback.

The needs of the Vikings starting opening game are at cornerback. I use the term need as having no choice to make the playoffs. The Vikings loss of Griffin to injury for six games and Winfield is getting injury prone and slowing down makes cornerback a need. I do like Sapp as a third corner and Asher Allen as a fourth corner.

There are a few veteran cornerbacks still out there, and the draft is coming up. In order to get a starting rookie corner the Vikings will need to draft a corner in the first two rounds. Ideally Devin McCourty will be there at 30. The Vikings will address the need before May 5th.

The other needs the team will need to address are at linebacker, running back, and guard or center. These are the needs for 2010. I hope the Vikings draft a cornerback, defensive tackle, linebacker, guard, running back, and then best player available.

If the Vikings give a second round pick for Mcnabb then their window of opportunity will stay open longer. So they can draft best player available after round one.

New OT Rule

The NFL changed the playoff OT rule. If the team that wins the coin flip goes down on the first drive and only makes a field goal, then the other team gets a chance on offense. If they make a touchdown they win, also if they make a field the next to score wins, and if the offense doesn't score then they lose obviously.

This rule twice could of helped the Vikings make it to the Superbowl.

The Vikings were one of four teams to vote against this new OT rule.

Vikings awarded a 5th round pick for the loss of pro bowlers Birk and Sharper

I find this to be a joke. The Vikings are awarded just a 5th round pick 167th overall and the 36th pick of the 1st round. One fifth round draft pick for them.
The draft pick can't be traded and Adam Schefter was 1st to report.

Albert Young looks to fill in for Chester Taylor

Running back Albert has had two years to improve himself for 2010. Farve has said how he's improved. Childress has also mentioned Young has improved. The question for the Vikings is to figure out if Young will be a good enough replacement.

My guess is if the Vikings can find an affordable improvement for You through free agent or the draft they'll do so. I have been impressed when I've seen Young run the ball.

Looking more and more like Farve will return

Brett Farve texted LT to convince him to be a Vikings according to several sources. Sure sounds like Farve will be back. Having Farve back next season is huge.

EJ Henderson expected back

E.J. Henderson reported to multiple sources he'll be back and ready in August. He broke his leg in a game against Arizona in 2009. This is good news for the Vikings. EJ is looked at as a leader on defense.

Where do the Vikings go next for rb?

Here is a list of current free agent running backs below.
Ladell Betts
Willie Parker
Chris Brown
Rock Cartwright
Justin Fargas
Ahman Green
Verron Hayes
Lamont Jordan
Adrian Peterson
Aaron Stecker
Brian Westbrook

The biggest name is obviously Westbrook. He's a huge health risk, but knows the offense is if healthy is a very good 3rd down back. He's a decent blocker and can catch the ball very well I feel he's worth the health risks, but he needs to clear a physical, agree to an incentive rich contract, and stay healthy.

Two other names catch my eye. Justin Fargas who is rumored to be close to signing with the Eagles, and Willie Parker.

I'll cover the possibilities of the Vikings drafting a running back later this month. I personally think they'll go with a veteran listed above and draft a back.

LT signs

It's official, LT is a Jet. As mentioned earlier it's for 2 years 5 million dollars.

LT signs with the Jets?

Multiple sources reporting he's signed a two year deal worth around five million. LT's camp says both teams are negotiating with both teams yet. ESPN said he's leaning towards the Jets currently.

Vikings resign Jimmy Kennedy!

According to NFL Network the Vikings resign him to a 2 year deal worth 6 million. The deal being 2 years probably means the Vikings will look at defensive tackle after the first round. The Vikings also have enough depth if the Williamses are suspended for four games. Current players being: Pat and Kevin Williams, Jimmy Kennedy, Fred Evans, and Letroy Guion.