Vikes; free agents, college draft, needs.

[GullGuide]

Here are my predictions-

Pick #7 WR Mike Williams. He's just to good to pass up here and they need WR's in a bad way.

Pick #18- DE David Pollock. He may not be there then, but if he is they should take him. He's a little undersized but tore it up at Georgia. He's agressive and he's got a motor like old number 93.

Pick #49- And this is another IF he is still there, CB Corey Webster out of Louisiana State. Was a projected first rounder but slipped a little due to an injury. Is still one heck of a cornerback.

After that, it's a crapshoot, but since they need a kicker, why not pick up Rhys Lloyd in the later rounds, even if it means Tice will have to deal with another rookie kicker.

I also like the idea of bringing Griff back. He's a proven leader and he still has 2 or 3 years left in him.

[panolo]

IMO Mike Williams is a good guy but not a can't miss talent. Mid 4.5's is not fast for a reciever today. He could turn out to be great but last years reciever class was way better.

If the Vikes were to sign a reciever such as Plax Burress or Derrick Mason, than draft Derrick Johnson(LB Texas) Pac Man Jones(CB Virginia), Antrel Rolle(CB Miami), or Thomas Davis( S Georgia)and than sign another decent corner or safety in free agency the Moss deal makes sense. That means we used his money for defensive help.

If we just draft Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards with the 7th pick and don't use Moss's money than it was a terrible trade. Recievers rarely make a 1st year impact.

[james_walleye]

I disagree, its more likely that a guy like Williams or Edwards makes an instant impact than a defensive player. Mike Williams and Braylon Edwards are as close too cant miss as you get. Now is the future for the vikings. They dont have that far too go. Get players too help you now. Thats why im in favor of Mike Williams. You have plenty of cap money too improve the defense and thats what has too happen. Draft Mike Williams and go get Isaac Bruce (no shot at all on Derrick Mason). Last year he still caught 95 balls and 1300 yards, not too shabby. Let Williams learn from him for a couple years. Use your 18th pick on defense. ESPN reports the vikings are courting Ty Law so thats awesome. Get Law, get Antonio Pierce who we lost out on last year. I would love too see Donovan Darius in purple. We need some expierence on defense like these guys. That is what will get us too the promise land. I will say however if Antrell Rolle is there, wow this guy is a stud. I watched him play quite a bit last year and he is one physical stud at corner. Im just praying that no matter which way they intend too go, that they spend the stupid cap money and make an effort too get too the SB. Dont sit on all this money like last offseason. My god if they spend the cap money like they should its sick how much awesome talent could be coming in.

[bucketmouth64]

The Vikes should stay away from WR's from the Bears. Bates and Robinson haven't been striking fear in defenses. Darius has been franchised by JJ so 2 #1 picks would have to be given up. No way the Vikes are going to do that. Lots of rumors where first tier free agents might go, and I haven't heard any of them coming to MN. Mason sounds like he wants to stay in AFC. Burress wants to go to a passing offense so we would be a good fit. It's going to be an interesting couple of weeks in free agency that starts tomorrow. If we lose out on a big name free agent WR, I would bet the Vikes are eyeing Williams in the draft. What will they do if the LB from Texas is there along with Williams? What's the problem not being able to re-sign Wiggins? Having him and Jimmy would be a good tandem. He was the most productive player on offense besides Culpepper.

[panolo]

Law would be nice if he gets healthy. I think a good safety is a must. Russell looked slow to me. Also he does not strike fear into any recievers. We miss the big hitter. The guy who makes recievers grow alligator arms.

Lot of teachable talent in the WR class this year. There could be some good sleepers like Reggie Brown, Mark Bradley, Roddy White, Roydell Williams. Not as deep as last year but some good talent non the less.

I like Mike Williams. But at 229 he is too heavy and at 4.59 he is a step slow. At 219 and 4.45-50 than we are talking. He should gain that step off the line with a little better conditioning. The way the rules are laying out the wr jamming at the line is just going to become more and more prevelant. If you can't explode past those guys than you are going to get hung up an d a 3 step drop becomes a 5 step drop. Kinda like NE's wr's all quick off the line.

[Down to Earth]

Most mock drafts I've seen have both Rolle and Johnson gone by time the VIkes would pick at 7. With Mush signing now with Chicago I wouldn't be surprised to see some teams try and trade up with the intent of drafting either Williams or Edwards.

[FI Guide]

In matter of fact as long as Red is in control of the team not much moeny will be spent so the chance of a big time free agent is unlikely. Im not liking the idea of drafting a reciever at #7. Both the top guys have their problems at the position. The vikes should trade down and aquire something from around the #12 spot and they would also get a player. But who knows right now once the middle of april comes and free agent signings have slowed down we can get a better feel of what the purple are going to do.

[311Hemi]

Well...they (free agent WR's) are slowly going away. Derick Mason is going to Baltimore. This has really got me worrying!!! Hopefully they do something with Burress.... I would like to see them draft D palyer and pick of a free agent WR....but who knows what they are thinking. I wont be very amused going into this fall with Burleson and Robinson in the 1 & 2 WR position. And who knows what will happen with the other dope smokin gun totin' WR we have...

[panolo]

Trade rumors indicate that the Vikings are considering the idea of sending running back Michael Bennett and a second-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for wideout Anquan Boldin.

Good enough for me. If they do that you can bet they take a back with number 7.

[Down to Earth]

Here's the info from the Fanball site regarding that rumor.

Cardinals: Boldin, Bennett mentioned in trade rumors

THE NEWS

Cardinals' officials instigated talks with the Vikings regarding a proposed trade that would send wide receiver Anquan Boldin to Minnesota in exchange for running back Michael Bennett and a second-round draft pick, according to KFAN radio, the Vikings' flagship station. The Vikings have a press conference scheduled today, but they are expected to announce the signing of defensive tackle Pat Williams, not a completed trade. If nothing else, head coach Mike Tice might address the trade rumors when he faces the media.

OUR VIEW

The reporter who discussed the proposed trade insists that he's heard the rumors from sources in Arizona and Minnesota. The move would make sense for both teams, as Bennett would be reunited with head coach Dennis Green, who selected him in the first round of the 2001 draft. Meanwhile, Boldin could help fill the Vikings' void at wide receiver that was created by the Randy Moss trade to the Raiders.

Seems to make sense for both sides.

[Stratosman]

Then between Moore, Smith and Williams, we should still be set for RB's and with Boldin as a 1st reciever, that should leave the door open for standout defensive player to be drafted 1st round. I would like to see the Vikes go after Buress from Pittsburg over Boldin, but I will take either. If we can't find a #1 reciever through free angency or trade, then I would like us to get an experienced linebacker and safety and then draft Mike Williams from USC as he should still be around in the 7th spot in the draft, even though he didn't break the 4.5 mark in the 40.

[GullGuide]

Why would they take a running back at #7???

That would defeat the purpose of getting rid of MB, they have too many RB's as it is.

I still say take Williams. He's big, he has very good hands, not afraid to go over the middle and get whacked. I can see him being an excellent posession reciever like CC was.

If you want a RB, why not wait till the 5th or 6th round and draft Clarett...he'll still be there then...LOL

[GullGuide]

Here's a little tidbit from ESPN Insider-

"Mar. 3 - The Giants are interested in wide receiver Plaxico Burress, but will likely take a wait-and-see approach until his market is set, The New York Daily News reports.

"I have talked to the Giants very briefly," Burress' agent, Michael Harrison, told The New York Post. "I think their top priority was offensive line and linebacker, and then they're gonna kind of flip it and see what's going on, see how much money they have left."

According to The Post, Burress is likely headed for Minnesota to replace Randy Moss."

we'll see.......

[panolo]

Quote:

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Why would they take a running back at #7???

That would defeat the purpose of getting rid of MB, they have too many RB's as it is.

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Onterrio is one failed test from a year long suspension, Moore was hurt and had a hard time recovering from an ankle sprain plus he is small, and when was the last time Moe made it through a season?

It is the Vikings and when do we ever have enough backs?

Brown, Cadillac, and Benson are 3 solid, solid backs coming from top flight programs that play top flight defenses.

I think Tice has a vision of an LT or Jamal Lewis in our backfield. A 300 carry guy who plays every week and can carry a team if need be.

Also according to a scout friend the staff concentrated real hard on those 3 backs and Arrington down at the combine. Also said look out for Roddy White a WR from UAB. Real sleeper.

I am with you that I think it would be a junk move to trade MB and draft a back but I don't run the team.

[Stratosman]

Who said they want a RB at #7? No way they should take a RB first round, draft defense, defense, defense! It would be interesting if Burress does end up coming here, much more physical than Moss, not sure what his excat speed is but probably right in the middle, he is taller than most defenders for sure, I hope it happens.

[311Hemi]

This really annoys me.....does MN really want to win a superbowl or just want to have a team here to make a few bucks?

32 teams in the leauge, and as of March 4th there are only 6 of the 32 teams that have over $10 million to spend until they reach the salary cap. Arizona is the 2nd highest with being $19.2 million under the cap....only missing out to the Vikes which are $31 million under to this day. Pretty much double every team but Arizona......I don't get it.

[Down to Earth]

Hemi,

I think the difference is Minnesota is the only team who has an owner with a short term view and is only worried about how much money he's going to make with the sale of his team.

[fishyguy]

Quote:

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This really annoys me.....does MN really want to win a superbowl or just want to have a team here to make a few bucks?

32 teams in the leauge, and as of March 4th there are only 6 of the 32 teams that have over $10 million to spend until they reach the salary cap. Arizona is the 2nd highest with being $19.2 million under the cap....only missing out to the Vikes which are $31 million under to this day. Pretty much double every team but Arizona......I don't get it.

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Unforunately the Vikes are not a non-profit organization and have a owner squeezing every last penny out of them. Everyone has the SB as a priority except the guy in charge.

[MJR]

I mostly agree with you but being under the cap is better than spending a lot of money on overrated players, like our friends in Wisconsin have been doing. The Pack ended up loosing their o-line which was pretty good because of overpaying has beens and never gonna bes.

[cybermuskie]

Here's my thoughts on the Vikes for what its worth: I think if they were smart they would go after Plaxico Burress. He would be a good start at replacing whats his name. Then if Travis Taylor is so interested then maybe sign him for a cheaper price. Although Robinson did help some last year he wasn't anything special. Maybe trade him off for some more defense. As far as people saying why trade Bennett, because he is dead wood! Yeah he's fast but is prone to injury. What the Vikes need is ONE guy that can be a stud! If you have one guy that actually gets to play more than one series in a row, than he can get into the swing of the game. Plus he's not wondering if he is going to play this week. So I say yes, trade him off for more defense and try to pick up a stud in the draft.

Like I said, I am no expert or coach, but the beauty of this site lets me share my thoughts. But I wish they would get off there duffs and start signing people if they are going to. If players start seeing good players going to a certian team then maybe others will follow with the hopes of the Super Bowl. I just hope Red doesn't screw us... again!

My .02cents....have a good one fellow FM'ers!

[james_walleye]

The vikings have what they need at RB. What they need too do is decide who is going too carry it and go with that guy. You cant give Bennett 7 carries too start the game and go away from him. If your going to use Bennett you give him the ball 25 times over the long haul he'll break the big ones your lookin for. If your going too use Smith than give him the ball 25 times. Over the long haul his running style and that big "O" line will wear down a defense. Bennett and Smith both could be studs if Tice would go with one of them and stick with them. We've all seen the glimmers they've given us but they dont get the ball but more than 10 times a game. Pick a guy, either one could be a top 10 back in this league if he had the carries. There are better ways too use the draft picks.

[Big Yellow Bird]

When it comes to good defense, it all starts up front. A good D line will make for good linebackers. Williams has proven that he can be a force and Udezi had an average year. E.J Henderson had a good college career, but hasn't proven anything in the LEAGUE. Gotta get someone to replace Hovan who can rush the passer and force the ball to bounce outside when it comes to defending the rush. If they get a chance at a good DT they should take it, and try for backers with other picks and free agents.

[cybermuskie]

The past couple days have been aweful quite on the Vikes front! Makes me nervous!

[MJR]

Things are getting a little interesting on the vikes front so maybe we will see some action soon.

Larry Ned not to be outdone by Kelly Campbell was at the airport going to AZ to hopefully continue his NFL career. But instead he stole someones laptop at the airport and Denny cut him. What an (Contact US Regarding This Word).

Donavan Darious called up the Star Trib and said he wants to be a viking. He is a good player and we definately would see an improvment on D if he were to come. I think JVL is looking for our #18 pick which I say sign him up. Proven player vs. a rookie. Plus he would take the place of moss as the packers most hated viking.

Fred Smoot is at winter park today and I hope they sign him. With Lucas and Rolle signing I think Smoot is the best cb left and the best fit for the vikes.

We will see what happens.

At any rate you gotta love the vikes, lions and bears signing better players and the packers losing them.

[cybermuskie]

Here's what KFAN's site is saying...

"Vikings finalize deal with Smoot

The Vikings and free-agent cornerback Fred Smoot agreed Tuesday to a six-year deal, the FAN has learned."

COOL!