Due to an extremely busy schedule right now, I will be unable to make a significant post for today. However, as mentioned on Tuesday, I do plan to break down the possible solutions for the Vikings at DE whether through free agency or the draft as soon as I have some time. The delay on this report may actually turn out to be worthwhile as it appears as though the Vikings are trying to bring in Javon Kearse today. However, I do not expect much from this as Kearse has clearly stated his preference to return to the Tennessee Titans.
On a completely separate note, I would like to congratulate my Wisconsin Badgers for clinching at least a share of the Big Ten men's basketball championship last night with a dominating performance over Penn State. Last place Northwestern is the only thing between the Badgers and an outright Big Ten title. Yes, I know this is MN Sports Chat and the Badgers are from WI, but some props were needed for my team who we not supposed to be this good this year after losing Tucker and Taylor last year.
While I do root for the Badgers, rest assured I despise all other Wisconsin teams. If I have to see another dopey Packer fan wandering around in a Favre jersey looking like he's about to cry or another person change their Facebook profile picture to a picture of Farve while complaining that the world has ended I will probably vomit. True story. Get over it and quit treating this like you closest family member died. It's pathetic, really.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A look at the defensive end situation and wideout draft
I am getting sick of the Vikings messing around. Let's review our defensive end situation. We haven't drafted a consistently productive defensive end since 1985. Guess who that was? Chris Doleman. Defensive ends usually take at least a year to prove their worth even if they are a top tier player (see Mario Williams). Our team is ready to make a run now, and we don't have time to wait around for a defensive end to develop. Jevon Kearse is not the solution, Greg Spires and Mike Rucker are over the hill, and Marques Douglas hasn't proved anything. Pursuing any of these guys simply fills the holes, but does not solve the problem. Jared Allen is the solution.
Jared Allen would cost two first round picks or a potential trade. Is losing two first round picks really that bad? We would lose out on another defensive end at pick 17 who is the same caliber player as Kenechi Udeze or Erasmus James. Not losing much there. Assuming the Vikings make the playoffs as expected, we lose a first round pick in the mid twenties in 2009. Is that an impact player? Probably not for a year or two. Once again, we are not playing for the future, we are playing for the present. In return we gain a young, proven, consistent pass rusher in Allen. Problem solved, and the losses are minimal.
Another option is to trade for Allen. It has been rumored that the Chiefs and Vikings have been in discussions about trading Bryant McKinnie and a third round pick for Allen. The theory being, McKinnie has had some problems off the field in Minnesota and Allen has done the same in Kansas City. A new beginning for each player. Since this trade seems completely unrealistic for an elite defensive end, I will provide my adjusted offer. Trade McKinnie and this year's first round pick. We then sign a relatively inexpensive offensive tackle and draft one in the third round for depth and grooming. Although we take a hit at tackle, we get rid of a bad character guy and gain a monster defensive end. Make it happen Zygi!
Also, I want to evaluate another position of need for the draft. We will draft a wide receiver in the second or third round, I can almost guarantee it. After going to YouTube and watching videos of all the potential receivers available, I know who I want. I was completely against DeSean Jackson because of his size until I saw his highlight video, especially his kick returns. What a freak! If Jackson drops, draft him. Also, check out the other receivers available and vote on your favorite after watching their highlights.
DeSean Jackson
Mario Manningham
Malcolm Kelly
Limas Sweed
Devin Thomas
Jordy Nelson
Jared Allen would cost two first round picks or a potential trade. Is losing two first round picks really that bad? We would lose out on another defensive end at pick 17 who is the same caliber player as Kenechi Udeze or Erasmus James. Not losing much there. Assuming the Vikings make the playoffs as expected, we lose a first round pick in the mid twenties in 2009. Is that an impact player? Probably not for a year or two. Once again, we are not playing for the future, we are playing for the present. In return we gain a young, proven, consistent pass rusher in Allen. Problem solved, and the losses are minimal.
Another option is to trade for Allen. It has been rumored that the Chiefs and Vikings have been in discussions about trading Bryant McKinnie and a third round pick for Allen. The theory being, McKinnie has had some problems off the field in Minnesota and Allen has done the same in Kansas City. A new beginning for each player. Since this trade seems completely unrealistic for an elite defensive end, I will provide my adjusted offer. Trade McKinnie and this year's first round pick. We then sign a relatively inexpensive offensive tackle and draft one in the third round for depth and grooming. Although we take a hit at tackle, we get rid of a bad character guy and gain a monster defensive end. Make it happen Zygi!
Also, I want to evaluate another position of need for the draft. We will draft a wide receiver in the second or third round, I can almost guarantee it. After going to YouTube and watching videos of all the potential receivers available, I know who I want. I was completely against DeSean Jackson because of his size until I saw his highlight video, especially his kick returns. What a freak! If Jackson drops, draft him. Also, check out the other receivers available and vote on your favorite after watching their highlights.
DeSean Jackson
Mario Manningham
Malcolm Kelly
Limas Sweed
Devin Thomas
Jordy Nelson
Monday, March 3, 2008
We're Back! Well, At Least One of Us
Well first off I would like to apologize to everyone checking in on Monday hoping the read the latest and greatest sports talk and debate. Shea accepted that he was afraid of me and decided not to post. From now on, let's just call him "Sally".
While I will not be posting a whole lot this evening due to just arriving back in town, I will at least give all of you something, which is a heck of a lot more than Sally did. Regular full-length posts should resume for the remained of the week.
Just to briefly get into what I will discuss in much greater detail on Thursday, the Vikings have certainly decided to make a splash in free agency this year. As is well documented, I am far from the biggest advocate of spending large amounts of money on average players. There is a reason draft picks are so highly respected in the NFL. Obviously most teams feel as though even a late round pick is worth more than paying top dollar for players who have shown promise but ultimately been disappointing (see Marcus Stroud and Jonathan Vilma trades).
Let me quickly make a comment or two on the additions the Vikings have made thus far:
Madieu Williams: See my previous post on this guy. If you have been following this site, you know how I feel about this guy. I can accept that the Vikes maybe wanted a veteran to be a stopgap while developing a younger safety that they draft, but 6 years, really?! I don't get it.
Bernard Berrian: Again, a 6 year deal worth $42 million for a guy that doesn't even have a 1000 yard season? Again, I just don't get it. Yes, WR is a high priority but you are going into a draft that is ridiculously deep at WR. In addition, there are/were plenty of good receivers in FA at least as talented as Berrian that most likely will not bring in the same money (Javon Walker, Jerry Porter). Berrian will help, no doubt, but at $42 million and six years, I have a hard time believing he's worth it.
Thomas Tapeh: OK, I am fine with this signing, but why dump Richardson? The guy's is a pro bowl FB and when you rely on the run as much as the Vikes do, you better have one of the best guys up from clearing the hole for your poster boy. Good luck filling those shoes, Tapeh.
OK, like I said, this is going to be short. I will hopefully have much more detail on these players in my Thursday post so stay tuned. Until then, enjoy Sally's post tomorrow, that is, if he decides he doesn't want to be a Sally anymore.
While I will not be posting a whole lot this evening due to just arriving back in town, I will at least give all of you something, which is a heck of a lot more than Sally did. Regular full-length posts should resume for the remained of the week.
Just to briefly get into what I will discuss in much greater detail on Thursday, the Vikings have certainly decided to make a splash in free agency this year. As is well documented, I am far from the biggest advocate of spending large amounts of money on average players. There is a reason draft picks are so highly respected in the NFL. Obviously most teams feel as though even a late round pick is worth more than paying top dollar for players who have shown promise but ultimately been disappointing (see Marcus Stroud and Jonathan Vilma trades).
Let me quickly make a comment or two on the additions the Vikings have made thus far:
Madieu Williams: See my previous post on this guy. If you have been following this site, you know how I feel about this guy. I can accept that the Vikes maybe wanted a veteran to be a stopgap while developing a younger safety that they draft, but 6 years, really?! I don't get it.
Bernard Berrian: Again, a 6 year deal worth $42 million for a guy that doesn't even have a 1000 yard season? Again, I just don't get it. Yes, WR is a high priority but you are going into a draft that is ridiculously deep at WR. In addition, there are/were plenty of good receivers in FA at least as talented as Berrian that most likely will not bring in the same money (Javon Walker, Jerry Porter). Berrian will help, no doubt, but at $42 million and six years, I have a hard time believing he's worth it.
Thomas Tapeh: OK, I am fine with this signing, but why dump Richardson? The guy's is a pro bowl FB and when you rely on the run as much as the Vikes do, you better have one of the best guys up from clearing the hole for your poster boy. Good luck filling those shoes, Tapeh.
OK, like I said, this is going to be short. I will hopefully have much more detail on these players in my Thursday post so stay tuned. Until then, enjoy Sally's post tomorrow, that is, if he decides he doesn't want to be a Sally anymore.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)