Plugging the Holes: A Look at Filling Positions of Need for the Vikings

Pardon the interruption from the Twins chatter to bring you a quick (no pun intended) look at some issues with the Vikings.

With the NFL free agency and the draft approaching, it would be worthwhile to begin to take a look at weaknesses in the Minnesota Vikings’ roster on how they could be addressed. Over my next several posts I will take a look at a different position of need each time, discussing the best and more realistic options at each.

In light of the recent release of S Dwight “Stairwell” Smith, safety has become a top priority for this team. Even as early as last season, many Vikings fans were hoping for Laron Landry to be the Vikings 1^st round pick, whether that be because they didn’t think Adrian Peterson would still be around or that safety was a greater priority than running back. I think at this point we can all breathe a little easier with the decision that was made (nothing against Landry). With that being the case, however, Darren Sharper is not getting any younger and with Smith gone and both Mike Doss’ and Tank Williams’ contracts expiring, safety is now the top position to fill on the roster. Also, since running on the Vikings is futile, the only way to move the ball is through the air and in order to have an elite defense, that is an area that needs improvement.

So without further ado, let’s begin with the potential top free agents:

Ken Hamlin
Obviously Hamlin had a breakout season this year, not only making the Pro Bowl roster but being named a starter as well (although at the expense of the late Sean Taylor). Dallas does have money to spare, being well under the salary cap. With this being the case, I really do not see them letting him walk. Even if they have to drop the franchise tag on him, I just do not see him leaving. Let’s just assume he is let into the free agent pool for open bidding, Hamlin will demand and receive top dollar. I don’t know about you, but he’s been a pretty average safety up until last year and cutting into the Vikings’ allotted salary on this guy would be risky (just think of Nate Clements).

Gibril Wilson
Wilson is another guy having a breakout season at the exact right time. With 92 tackles and 4 picks, Wilson was a solid piece in an otherwise rotational defensive backfield due to an extensive amount of injuries. As was described with Hamlin, I do not see the Giants letting Wilson walk. In fact, the Giants have even more cap room than the Cowboys so letting him go just does not seem plausible.

C.C. Brown
Not a well known player but at age 25 and on the upswing, if the Vikings are going to make a move in free agency for a safety, this is the guy to go for. As stated, he is still young, set a career high in tackles at 84, and is still developing. It will be interesting to see if the Texans retain him but if he is let loose, this is the guy the Vikings need to go after.

While there are more free agent safeties floating about, I don’t see much of a need to discuss any more of them as I do not feel that anyone remaining is starting safety material on a top-notch defense. If a top free agent safety cannot be acquired through free agency at a semi-reasonable price (let’s face it, most free agents coming off a good year get way overpaid) , then a first day pick must be used on a safety.

For those that have been starting to look into the draft prospects, Kenny Phillips from Miami is the most NFL ready safety in the draft. This is a guy that will most likely just miss the top 10 but in the off chance that he slips, he’s a must pick for the Vikings. Aside from Phillips, Reggie Smith out of Oklahoma would be a more realistic option to be there when the Vikings pick in the first round. I will reserve breaking down these players until we get closer to the draft and the combine has happened so stay tuned.

While offense in general is the side of the ball most in need of improvement, with the release of Dwight Smith, safety has now become the top priority position to fill. While the pool to pick from is not phenomenal, there surely are some players who would look nice in purple and could help bring this team to the next level.