Vikings Beef Up Offensive Line Competition
Posted by on March 26, 2012 – 11:23 amThe Vikings have made official the signing of free agent OL Geoff Schwartz, adding the versatile 5th-year pro to an offensive line that is getting younger this offseason. The move reunites Schwartz with Vikings OL coach Jeff Davidson, who was the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator from 2007-10 when Schwartz was drafted by the Panthers in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Oregon.
The Vikings released veteran OGs Anthony Herrera and Steve Hutchinson earlier this month, and they appear committed to getting younger along the offensive line while also adding competition at the same time. Schwartz will turn 26 in July and has played in 32 games with 19 starts in his career. He’s dealt with injuries since entering the NFL, with his 32 games played and 19 starts coming over just 2 seasons. He is listed as appearing in no games in 2008 (his rookie season) and in 2011.
Following the release of Herrera and Hutchinson, I proposed an economical, long-term plan for the offensive line that included drafting Matt Kalil at #3, moving Charlie Johnson to LG and then holding competition for the starting RG spot between veteran Joe Berger and youngster Brandon Fusco, along with Chris DeGeare and any other future draft picks joining the competition. That plan would produce plenty of competition for at least one starting spot – RG – and could also open competition at LG should one of the youngsters push Johnson for playing time.
The Vikings decision to sign Schwartz only increases the competition for playing time. One could argue that if the Vikings had to play a game today, Schwartz would be the starter at one of the guard positions, or event perhaps at LT. But the Vikings don’t have to play a game today, and won’t play a game for another 4.5 months. In the meantime, Schwartz and the rest of his new offensive line teammates will go through a robust competition for playing time.
Tags: Geoff Schwartz, Jeff Davidson
Posted in All, Mike Wobschall | 162 Comments »
By Richard on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Please don’t draft a lineman .. we need db and we need them bad … U had a chance to get a winner in Tebow but u continue to put faith in a man who did nothin in college … Ponder that is , will Joe Webb ever get the chance he deserves?
By OTKalil2012 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Kalil will be the pick for the Vikings…There is only one team with enough picks and position in the draft that “might” sway the Vikings into trading the 3rd overall pick…And that would be the Rams trying to trade back up…I don’t see that happening…Unless the Rams really want Kalil as bad as the Vikings should be targeting him with the 3rd pick…
The Rams have enough draft picks…But just don’t see them trading back up in the draft…They “might” if they feel Kalil,Blackmon and Claiborne would be off the board when their pick came around…
I think Spielman is over playing the Claiborne interest myself….I would just flat out be honest at this point in the game…The first and second picks in the draft are written in stone..And for Spielman to just let teams know it will take the farm (and then some) for the Vikings to pass on Kalil with the 3rd pick…
By Anthony on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
The Vikings just signed CB Zack Bowman to a 1 year deal. Bowman played with the bears and in 2009 he started 9 games and had 44 tackles with 6 INT’s so he’s capable of being a solid player for us and hopefully he will get back to that form once he put on the Vikings purple. Go Vikings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Anthony on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I like Claiborne a lot but the right pick would be Kalil and he will help boost up our offensive line. Hopefully we can move back into the first round somewhere in the middle and take CB Kirkpatrick or CB Jenkins I’ve also been hearing a lot of good things about CB Gilmore so if we can trade back into the first round be giving someone our 2nd round pick and then a few later round picks we can snag one of these three CB’s and will have our cake and eat it too by getting our dominant OL and CB. Go Vikings!!!!!!!!!
By Bakes on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Richard – Shall we remind you of some of the great QBs in our league college years.
Tom Brady – was replaced at Michigan many times.
Payton Manning – Never played for a national championship.
Aaron Rodgers – Didn’t make it to a bowl game.
Drew Brees – Didn’t play for a national championship.
College years mean nothing to the NFL. You can be a winner in college and do nothing in the pros. Look at Ryan Leaf, Eric Crouch, Jamarcus Russell, etc. These guys were winners too and didn’t do anything in the NFL. How about you give Ponder a chance. He may not be a Manning, Brees, or Brady, but he is OUR QB and deserves our support.
By Bakes on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
As for the draft and free agecy, I think the front office is doing a good job. We don’t need to have an overpriced player on our team to ruin any chemistry between our young players. We need a rebuild. We built a team to win now a few years ago and now that team is old. Look at how the winning franchises around the league have built their teams. This is a copy-cat league and that is what we are doing.
I say we draft Kalil at #3 , if a good trade doesn’t happen, so that we can keep Ponder on the field and off his back. We couldn’t do that last year.
By RichardA1 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Oh Yeah, in 1969 the Vikings had a Giant statue of Odin, 30feet tall, at one of the end zones, Odin is the Viking God of war….starting a petition, bring back Odin.
By Roninmn.. on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
@Bakes. I agree with you 100% about supporting Ponder, and who knows. He certainly could turn out to be a Manning,Brees or Brady, all those guys have good offensive lines. Go Vikes Go
By Derrick.G on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
If the Vikings would have gotten a T-Blow, I would quickly buy an Andre Johnson jersey.
By Shawn on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Mike Wobschall … why is this just “official” today ? This “news” has been known for it seems like a week. Did he need to pass a physical or something before it was “official” ?????
By purple demons on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
ODIN,ODIN,ODIN,WE WANT ODIN
By Rogerthevikefan on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I like the idea of getting a giant statue of Odin. Like in the days of old when Viking players would start chanting Odin Odin Odin during cold weather games and the other team PI$ $ED in their pants.
By Anthony on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
LT Kalil- straight up beast, LG Johnson- struggled at OT but his natural position is at guard so he will be much improved in this spot, C Sullivan- solid player, RG- Schwartz- from what I’ve been hearing he sounds like a good solid player, RT Loadholt- Has been working hard this offseason with coaches and trainers of the Vikings and should improve a lot. This is actually a pretty solid OL were gonna have. Plus our play makers arn’t that bad we have TE’s Rudolph who is a good yound player and will Improve a lot this year and Carlson who’s always been a good solid and reliable player and the WR’s Harvin has improved every year and had a huge year last season, Jenkins missed over half the season and he’s a pretty solid WR and then Aromashodu is a great deep threat with leaping ability who had 26 catches last year for 468 yards that’s almost 20 yards a catch and then if we had someone through the draft like WR Toon (WIS) he will be able to stretch the field and had good hands as well but the main thing is our OL should be much improved so Ponder will have a lot more time and wont be running for his life every down and guys will have time to get open to make a play. Go Vikings!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Rogerthevikefan on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Bring back the fear the Vikings D used to instill.
By Rogerthevikefan on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Fusco over Johnson. Fusco has a mean streak and will punish those who dare come near his QB.
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
RichardA1 – Great idea! I’m all in on that, send the petition my way!
While we’re at it, why not throw in a couple more on the field? Put Thor on the home team’s sideline, and Loki on the visiting team’s sideline!
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
What took so long for this article? He was signed like 4 days ago.
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Zack Bowman looks like a good discount addition to the team. He’s 6’1″ and ran a 4.39 40 at the combine. So he has the phyiscal traits to challenge the Marshalls, Jenkinses and Megatrons of the NFL.
Hopefully the change of venue will be enough to return him to starter-quality. Regardless, I expect him to have a relatively easy time earning the #2 job on our current roster.
I think this add moves our need for a DB in the draft back to the third round. Right now, I expect the team to take Kalil in round one, and a WR in round two. Then, hopefully they can find a CB or S in round 3 who can at least compete for a starting spot midway through the season, and get some LBs with future potential after that.
By Rogerthevikefan on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Draft Wrs Dale Moss and A.J. Jenkins both will be mid round picks. Jenkins ran a 4.3 40, has good hands, runs incredibly crisp routes. AJ will contribute imediatly and would be a good complement to Havin and Moss. Moss ran a 4.3 40, is 6’4, has really good hands, and is a physical player. Moss may need some time to develop but he could be a great red-zone and deep threat. Plus then Vikings would have a new Moss who will be more dedicated to the game.
By Rogerthevikefan on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Draft CB Josh Norman in the 3rd. He has good instints and great hands. When the ball is in the air he thinks its his and will try his hardest to keep it away from the offence.
By Digger on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Bakes, you are the first person I have ever seen on here make any sense!! About time someone with a brain on here! And Richard, you are an idiot!
By Rogerthevikefan on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Remake the Purple People Eaters. Instill FEAR.
By Saddy on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Why aren’t the vikings going after Hathorne MLB, he is the best FA steal you can ever get, only 2M$/year that’s a steal to me and he excels in pass defense and run defense.
By Saddy on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
We need David Hathorne now
By Garrett on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
YESS!! Having some Viking god statues would be the junk!!!
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Roger u luv this Norman guy!! I’m sold in the 4th but not the 3rd. can’t wait to see what happens with him in the draft
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
WEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
(2) 4th round picks
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
nice addition to make up for losing sidney rice
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
all this added on at the end of round 4. Packers got 2 also
By Stoney on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Yes, draft D. Moss, give him #84, most of us already have the jersey!
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
sandiamond- which WR’s do you want us to select in the draft?
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
That’s a bit of a disappointment. I was optimistic that one of them would be a third rounder. Oh well…hopefully the team can find some valuable prospects with them.
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Stoney – so do you force Jenkins to change his number for a rookie? He just changed his number when he arrived here last year. He was 12 in Atlanta, but somebody on the team already had that #…
By DesertViking on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
We need to make Kalil famous so Speilman knows to draft him. 2012 is the last chance to get him. #Kalil2012 spread the word!!
By DesertViking on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
LOL
By Mike B. on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Stephen Hill or Brian Quick in the Second Round
By Saddy on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
2 4th round compensatory pick #33 and #39 is pretty sweet deal. Now let’s get Dale Moss WR with one of those picks and Vontaze burfct LB with the other…
Matt Kalil – Round 1
Harrison Smith or Mark Barron (S) – Round 2
Tommy Streeter or Jeff Fuller WR – Round 3
Josh Norman CB – Round 4 pick 1
Dale Moss WR – Round 4 Comp pick 1
Vontaze Burfct LB – Round 4 Comp pick 2
Nate Potter – OT – Round 5
CB – Round 6
DT – Round 7
I can really us being a force next year
By Anthony on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Saddy- I hate to burst your bubble man but David Hathorne was already signed a while back by the saint’s.
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
So, with three 4th round picks (#3, #33 and #39 in the round), here is my mock for the team:
1. OT Kalil
2. WR Hill/Jeffery
3. S Smith/Iloka/CB T Johnson
4a. LB Robinson/Wilber
4b. CB Norman/Prater/Menzie/Steed
4c. LB Massoquoi/Manning/Franklin
5. WR Jenkins/Fuller/Streeter
6. G LeRibeus/RJohnson/Miller/T Datko/Holmes
7a. Best DB/LB available
7b. Best K available
By Saddy on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
What…? Now they have Curtis Lofton and Hawthorne….
Now Worries, We have 2 round 4 comp pick now…
Did you guys know David Hawthorne was undrafted but now a 5th best LB in NFL.
By Saddy on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Good one Parody, I like yours better
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Saddy – My resources have Dale Moss listed as the 77th best WR in the draft. If we really want him, it looks like we can grab him as an UDFA.
By da bizz on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
i agree w/ bakes and anthony. rebuilding calls for some patience! sounds as though the line is coming together. kalil included. bowman sounds like a good addition and maybe cook will be back!? after kalil in the first maybe wr!! jenkins is still on our roster, right? aromashodu had some bright spots, and harvin is the man! te is set. third round could go lb or s. we don’t know how the draft will play out w/ trades so i’m optimistic and excited for next season!!! what about the wr,
quick?? whats the word on him now?? need ej to sign!! need the continuity on def. GO VIKES!!!
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
PAVike…. wide receivers round 3-5 probably ryan broyles and sanu my fav
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Thanks Saddy, yours looks decent though too. I was using a draft value chart to pick my guys, trying not to stray too far from their projected value when making my picks, so some names that I would have considered otherwise (such as Burfict) got missed.
I was kind of surprised to see how far some names fell. Alshon Jefery for example was a top-15 choice a few months ago, now he’s listed as a mid-second rounder.
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Parody I like it except waiting too long for a DB
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Sandiamond – I would have grabbed one in the second before today’s news, but I think that we can hope for a 3rd rounder to work out now that we grabbed a FA who has the potential to do better than Griffin ever did at the #2 spot.
Still, if you have a guy like Barron, Gilmore, and maybe even Jenkins drop to us in the 2nd, then I would be thrilled to grab them. I just think that they’ll all be off the board in the first round.
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
yep I meant CB. George Iloka S got knocked way back after the combine. experts not sure how the guy can fit in the nfl
By Northern Norseman on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Just sign this one guy to roam the Vikings offices and locker room. A winning product will be produced through this athlete if signed to a contract. Get it done Vikes!
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Here’s a layout of how the compensatory picks were awarded:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d827e13f2/article/nfl-distributes-compensatory-draft-picks-to-23-clubs
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
WIth the inactivty of our team at LB in free agency, I’m starting to think that they may be tempted to grab one early in the draft. Hightower in the second round perhaps? Then I’d probably grab a WR to start out the 4th round. Greg Childs, Marvin Jones and Nick Toon are all good considerations then.
By Kvam on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
@Parody. I like your mock draft. But Moss won’t be a UDFA. His stock will rise after a very impressive pro day. I believe he will be a 5th or 6th round pick.
Why is no one taking about Juron Criner for our 3rd round pick?
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Kvam – I’ll change my tune when I see the draft values change. Right now, what I’m looking at wouldn’t have Moss picked until the 19th round. That’s a long ways for him to climb just to get drafted at all.
Criner is listed as a late-4th rounder on my boards, and I wasn’t looking for a WR at that point.
By Gary on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
ONE less compensatory pick to other teams and the Vikes get an extra 7th rounder – the LAST PICK in the draft. Another cost to the meaningless 3rd win in the 2011 season.
By Mike B. on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
2 fourth round comp picks that’s pretty good.
By Saddy on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
David Hawthorne is still on the market…Saints didnt pick him up
By stonecoldvdn on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
we need claiborne with first pick.we have the worst secondary in the league and with all the other teams in our division i think we need a playmaker in the secondary to keep from getting blown out each game. it would be nice if we could trade back up in first round and grab a linemen aswell. it is possible to do that. i know its rather costly. its important for our team to stay competitive especially with the new stadium. i mean honestly who wants to come to see a losing team. it would defeat the purpose of the new stadium
By vikings4life on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Tell em Stone Cold! Defense! is what the vikings need we did not blow 20 point leads because of Charlie Johnson we had a 34 and 40 year old QB’s they would make any line seem less then great. we need claiborne at 3!!!! claiborne at 3!!!!
By kevin on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
kalil LT…schwartz LG……C sully……RG berger…..RT loadholt
By Saddy on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I have a feeling we are going to trade down from the 3rd pick in 1st round…Look at all the Pre draft visits vikings have lined up:
CB Dre Kirkpatrick – 1st rounder
OT Tom Compton – ??
OT Jonathan Martin – 1st rounder
CB Trumaine Johnson – 2nd rounder
CB Casey Hayward – 3rd rounder
DT – Chase Baker – ??
By John Wagner on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
The pre-draft lineup is probably to make teams think we already have trade talks going to make them want to trade with us. If the browns or miami dolphins get first pick of the draft next year they can get Matt Barkley better than tannehill.
By KoN on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
With such a deep class at WR this year, there are going to be a lot of diamonds-the-rough in UDFA. One guy I would like for the Vikes to give a chance is Da’jon Mcknight. Gopher’s player, in the middle of the pack with a 4.55 40 but could be faster than that as he was bothered by an injured knee for most of last year. He can make great catches and was the leading reciever for a team that used a dual-threat QB and had questionable play across the field. From what I’ve heard he was projected as a second or third round prospect last fall, but has since dropped off of most draft boards.
By KoN on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I guess it is probably too early to talk about UDFA. I should wait until near the actual draft.
By RP-ETF-MV on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
@ Richard, Choose a winner like tebow??? Are you KIDDING ME??? He didn’t win all those games with the broncos, a little thing called ther TEAM DID.
By charliewest40 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
@sandiamond,
who do you think we should look for in the 2nd round ?
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
S H. Smith
CB A. Dennard
CB J. Jenkins
ILB D. Hightower
By charliewest40 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I’m getting on the Harrison Smith in the 2nd round bandwagon.
We now have 3 starting caliber cornerbacks on the roster…so…..
We need an upgrade at S-A-F-E-T-Y !!!!!!!
Anybody have a problem with 4 white guys from Notre Dame ?
By charliewest40 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
We agree….NICE
By charliewest40 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I think Parody is right about Hightower too
By Mike B. on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
The only way the Vikings trade down is to #4 so that The Browns can get Tannehill. This way the Vikings get Kalil anyway. I think this might happen as Cleveland may want a safety valve to get that QB.
By Mike B. on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Second round will be a WR I am 75 percent sure of it.
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
with some players moving up the draft board(wr,cb) it seems Hightower is slipping back to the second. I really like Barron but Harrison is probably the answer for us with the tampa 2 zone
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Rybak: Minneapolis City Council majority backs stadium
Posted by: Mike Kaszuba under Funding, Minnesota campaigns, Minnesota governor, Gov. Mark Dayton, Minnesota legislature, Minnesota state senators, Republicans, State budgets Updated: March 26, 2012 – 5:49 PM
The governor however conceded that – even with Monday’s announcement – the stadium still had more major hurdles. “We don’t have any agreement from [the charities]. We don’t have any agreement from the Legislature,” said Dayton. “We need lots of agreements in the next couple of weeks.”
Staff writer Rachel E. Stassen-Berger contributed to this article.
Here are the letters:
3.26.12 City Council Letters Grouped
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/144226125.html
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Our roster is still the weakest at LB. We have 3 LBs on the roster who have started at least 1 game. The other 3 I don’t think have even been on a 53-man roster, and I doubt they are capable of performing good enough to get off a practice squad. So until we make another free agent signing, I will maintain that we need to draft two LBs by the time the 6th round starts.
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Mark Wilf expresses gratitude to city council on stadium issue
Posted by: Dan Wiederer under Vikings Updated: March 26, 2012 – 1:15 PM
Vikings team president and co-owner Mark Wilf took a moment this afternoon during the NFL Owners Meetings in West Palm Beach, Fla., to address the latest development on the stadium front. With news surfacing that the Minneapolis City Council now will offer majority support for the plan, the Vikings feel optimistic that the stadium proposal can be passed and finalized by the end of this legislative session. Here’s some of what Wilf had to say this afternoon …
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/144247815.html
By VikeFan on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Hey all, I know this maybe off topic, I just saw the compensatory picks and I have to ask.. Who did the Oakland Raiders loose to get a late 3rd round and we get two late 4ths. Dont get me wrong I was seeing the 4ths but earlier. Just want to know who was the 95th pick overall for Oakland? Sidney Rice = 128th overall doubt it was Ray LOL
By VikeFan on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
LOL sorry I found it. It was Nnamdi Asomugha.
By Petie97 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
hey parody and saddy love the mock drafts they look really good. I have just a few differences though…saddy i wouldnt worry about the pre-draft visits.
1. Kalil (spielman Don’t be stupid)
2. hill/ jeffery maybe CB Gilmore or Denard(both fit our system)
3. trumaine johnson s
4. wr. hemmingway from michigan
4. lb demario davis ( watch film on this kid) you could also consider George Iloka at weak side LB ( has the coverage skills and size)
4. best CB or DT availiable
5. tom compton OL
6. RB
7. kicker
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
NFL owners to put focus on proposals for rules changes
Article by: BARRY WILNER , Associated Press Updated:
March 26, 2012 – 7:11 AM
PALM BEACH, Fla. – Instant replay and injured reserve — the NFL’s IRs — will be main topics as the owners consider several rules changes at their spring meetings this week.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/144144045.html
By Petie97 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
By Petie97 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
By Lance on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I like the Odin thing someone mentioned earlier
But I had to just clearify one thing. Odin is NOT the god of war for the norse 
He is the All Father. Much like Zeus. Though Odin is the king and ruler of Asgard therefor, there is some confusion between him and the god of war since he does lead his army or armies into battle. But I would say more as a ruler or king would.
Sorry, maybe this is “little” to some people but I find the whole thing very fascinating and I don’t want people thinking Odin is like Ares or Mars.
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
30 days till the draft. any ideas on how we could do a little draft-picking contest here for the Vikings?
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Vikings following the plan with Bowman signing
26 March, 2012
Posted By Jeremy Fowler
The Vikings grabbed their first corner of free agency, and the signing of former Bears corner Zack Bowman follows the Vikings’ free agency plan to perfection — walk past Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse because of the price, hope for a cheaper yet satisfying meal at Applebee’s.
The team is targeting players on the mend (Geoff Schwartz, John Carlson) or have something to prove on the field (Bowman, potentially former Ravens CB Chris Carr).
Bowman registered six interceptions in 2009, but he lost his starting job in 2010 and never muscled his way back into the starting rotation. Bowman is young enough (27) to possibly find resurgence in Minnesota. Can he be a shutdown corner the team covets? Not likely. But in signing Bowman to a low-risk, one-year deal, the Vikings look smart if he performs well and can walk away with a clear conscience if he doesn’t.
I don’t think the Vikings are done at corner. They are still very much in the mix for Carr, who visited Minnesota on Friday
http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2012/03/26/bowman-signing-follows-vikings-free-agency-plan/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+twincities%2FNWau+%28Vikings+Now%29
By Petie97 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
George Iloka would make sense at WLB he is 6’4” 225lbs he has the tools to be great in our system after some time on special teams. I would LOVE to have Demario Davis too!! 6’2” 235lbs ran a 4.61 and benched 225- 32times. If coached properly he could take over for erin henderson in time if henderson was put at MLB.
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
————————-????——————————–????—————————
Cook——————————————————————————Z.Bowman
——————Greenway————-J.Brinkley ————–Erin H.——————–
————–Allen————K.Will——————Ballard————–Robison———-
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Fascinating, just fascinating.
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
By Lance on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
you have bowman starting before winfield?
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Its absolutely riveting stuff, Sir Titus.
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Lance, Winfield is going to start in the Nickle. He is not a #2 CB.
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Bleacherreport has a Ranking of the 32 starting Free safeties from last season.
Do you agree with Jamarca Sanfords ranking? Im kind of shocked by it…
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1108644-br-nfl-1000-top-32-free-safeties/page/2
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
The songs I posted by MANOWAR should be played as the Vikings are coming into the dome, drive fear in to the other team.
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
On March 29th theyre going to be releasing the Cornerbacks rankings. I cant wait to see where Chris Cook is ranked.
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
This is how we should greet our players as they walk onto the field.
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
PA take it easy on the bottle man! Sanford ranked just right. sorry CooK wouldn’t be on the list
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
sandiamond- Sanford is horrible.
By TheRealDon on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I would love to see a safety signing..But on other good news I just bought my first MacBook haha..#Signed TheRealDon
By sandiamond on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
keep the faith, jamarca showed some signs of taking over on D last year imo
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
PAVike – I agree with that…mostly. Winfield will definitely be in the middle of the field in Nickel and Dime formations. Whether or not he’ll be on the field in our base 4-3 defense is in question. With his age and proneness to injury, the hope is that Bowman will take over as the #2 CB. But right now, that’s Winfield’s spot to lose.
I’m sure that Bowman will line up on the outside in Nickel and Dime formations regardless, but whether or not he does it in every formation will depend on how he grades out against Winfield.
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
PAVike – Sanford is in the bottom third of that ranking. I’d say that keeps him grouped with the worst of the NFL. But, as that article indicated, he is young and improving. If he can continue to improve, especially in the mental aspects (making the right decisions and doing it quicker), he has a lot of room to grow.
Let hope burn eternal!
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
DRS- how confident are you that we will get a stadium deal done?
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
PAVike sorry was away a wee bit, LOL, I feel like it is 1975 and the Vikings are about to win the game just for someone throws a hail marry and just to have the officials steel the game from us. I feel all full of hope but filled with dread knowing Minnesota’s history.
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I do not trust any politicos of any sort, too much greed for power and money on both sides. I can hope, and do hope that they can see the light and get it done before it is too late, if delayed by one more year I fear there will be no more Minnesota Vikings.
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I am very confident construction will begin on the new stadium in Minneapolis.
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Thank you for your thoughts, DRS. I agree and truly hope that we can finally just get this whole thing done. Its been going on for far too long.
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
PAVike 100% with you on this issue, TITUS I am not so sure about the stadium issue being resolved this year, I know Minnesota and its history, I will continue to hope for the best.
By DRS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
It is 2114 NM time so off to bed I go, God bless you all.
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
But if all else fails, playing at a local Highschool stadium should do just fine. Football, is football.
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Sure Spence, sure.
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Shhh, dont say that name around here. Crazyness happens.
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I had to drive by the dome today on the east side on Interstate 35 (for you out-of towners, that is the bridge that was rebuilt after the big collapse) and I looked at it and thought– it looks fine, nothing wrong with it. DRS– I am with you, I never liked that place and will never forget how the politicians were so smug they chose the cheapest design presented. I am half-wondering if a lot of them are saying to themselves– the dome looks fine, no reason to replace it. Then the Vikes really may follow the Lakers. Deep down, I think the new stadium will go up, but who knows?
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I was just reading the roster– who is this: Bethel-Thompson, McLeod? It says he is a quarterback.
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Just saw this on ESPN:
CHICAGO — Free-agent cornerback Zack Bowman has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source familiar with the situation.
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Youre late, T.O.
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
WHO?
By PAVike on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Titus T. Owens.
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Watch it, or I may start speaking words with s’s.
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Titus – That QB is a nobody. He’s filling a seat on the roster until we need to start cutting players. There’s at least ten of them on the roster already, and I expect there to be about 30 of them by the time OTAs start.
Don’t worry, they’ll be looking for a job again in about 4-5 months.
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
So, there was news on that quarterback? It says he is six foot four.
By TITUS on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Thanks Parody. I was just looking to see about Schwartz, and ran into that QB.
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Not much for news…just that he signed a futures contract. I think those rarely result in players who see the field on game day.
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
His Wikipedia page says that he spent some of his time in his rookie year (2011) as the third string QB for a UFL team:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLeod_Bethel-Thompson
By Parody on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
Apparantly the first and second stringers felt they had a better chance of becomming famous if they stayed away from the Vikings.
By Shawn on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
oki just counted the roster and i got 62 plus 10 draft picks will be 72 so there should be another 8-18 players added b4 training camp. Depending on the rule change for a 90 man roster to start training camp
By megakrab on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I just watched Brian Quick highlights… He’d look good in purple.
By megakrab on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I know it’s been talked about on here, but I think he’d compliment Harvin perfectly.
By RichardA1 on Mar 26, 2012 | Reply
I do not get why after years of designing a stadium, finding the perfect spot, we end up having to settle for the Dome 2, exact spot, no retractable roof. How stupid, we have been told for years there going to make sure there is a retractable roof on it, had the perfect spot in Arden Hills. This quick fix, is doomed for failure.
By puckertrucker on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
@RichardA1 And RogertheVikingfan:
I’m All in on the Ideas of bringing back Odin in the End-Zone areas and Thor near the home End-Zone areas and Loki in the visitors End-Zone area. sign my name in your petition.
The One and Only PuckerTrucker!!!!!Skol Fans
By puckertrucker on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
By the Way I saw Vidios on Dale Moss out SD He has great hands and leaping ability the Vikes should Draft him with their number 2 pick if possible.
The one and only PuckerTrucker!!!!!!!!Skol Fans
By puckertrucker on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
to DRS:
I liked the song by MANOWAR thought it would be a good opening song for the Vikes.
The One and Only PuckerTrucker!!!!!!!!Skol fans
By Alex on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
What is the status on Atgowe. Are we still pursing him and Bullitt. We need help at Safety. We need a CB that can keep up with Marshall,Johnson, and Jennings. All we have is Chris Cook. He might not even play again this season. Go get Asante Samuels. I know a bunch of you guys don’t want him but he is really good. If Cook plays, and we get Samuels we can put Wienfield back at the position he came out playing Safety. He is a great tackler he can hit hard.Go get a WR, and we will do something in the division. GOOOOOOOOOOOO VIKINGS.
By sandiamond on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Here is a breakdown of how free agency went down from the opening bell
http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_20261117/incomplete-pass-vikings-made-strong-run-at-pierre?source=rss
By sandiamond on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
lot of rumblings that Cleveland may indeed select #LSU CB Morris Claiborne at #4 overall.
By sandiamond on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Nick Taylor ex- basketball player signed a 3-year 1.44 million contract:
http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/03/26/12/Ex-basketball-player-eyes-NFL-with-Vikin/landing_mnvikings.html?blockID=696656&feedID=3857
By PAVike on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Why are we signing everybody to 1yr deals??
Something isnt right here…
By charliewest40 on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
http://withthefirstpick.com/2012/03/19/brandon-hardin-defensive-back-oregon-state-2012-nfl-draft-player-profile/
By PAVike on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
I think Wilf is ready to sell the team…
By charliewest40 on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
sorry,
check out this Brandon Hardin, he could be a steal towards the end of the draft
By sandiamond on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
charlie the kid looks great. lot of confidence and plenty of height in the backfield. Who knows maybe he can cover calvin johnson and co
Thinking Josh Robinson CB might be off the board for the vikings. He is undersized plus we got a streak of lightning in Nick Taylor for special teams
By DRS on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
PAVike, the Vikings have 1 year to play in the dome, after that who knows, the team is waiting to see if they will be in MN, LA, or where ever, Minnesota is up to its old tricks. I know Minnesota, I was born there and lived in the state for 20 years, they have not changed one bit.
By charliewest40 on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
sandi I’m starting to really wonder about our 2nd round pick and the plethora of options we have.
I really do believe that it must be DEFENSE
Look at how many teams are projected to take a Def lineman in the 1st round.
Makes me wonder (rethink) our defensive strategy overall. Maybe we consider rebuilding the D from there just like Kalil on offense. Kevin Williams is not the same player he was and I dont like our two other players we rotate at the other DT position.
Cosidering that we have 3 starting quality corners and outside of Harrison Smith theres not any safeties of note there in the 2nd spot.
Spielman may be thunking we need to force more bad throws, and not rely on phenominal coverage skills. When given time pro QBs really do have the advantage they and their WR know where they are going !!
Just a fresh look at it
By charliewest40 on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Nehttp://www.dailynorseman.com/2012/3/23/2898232/mid-free-agency-mock-draftw mock draft showing the vikes go DT in the 2nd
By Dave on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
I highly doubt we do anything with our 1st rounder besides drafting Kalil. With our young QBs, we need people to protect them so we can develop as a team. I agree with everyone on here saying that we are in desperate need of DBs but we can get some great guys in later rounds. Like they say, just because they did great in college, doesnt mean that they will excel in the NFL. Kalil is the perfect NFL tackle. He works like a beast and thats what we need; fire on the offense. I would be glad to see parody’s mock turn out to be close to what we actually do
By sandiamond on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Spielman has stated to be thinking offense first with adding weapons for Ponder to develop. Wished it was the other way around charlie. They signed DT Guion for 3 million a year. I’d have to see it to believe it in drafting one of those big D tackles early on
By sandiamond on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
by Pelissero: looks like DT Fred Evans got $800,000 in 2012 bonuses on his two-year deal. Scheduled to make $1.5 million in 2012.
By sandiamond on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
glimpse of good news here for LaMicheal James’ fans. This kind of article gets Fred Jones in a tizzy!!
http://min.scout.com/2/1171680.html
By Parody on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
No RB…especially not early in the draft. Just because we are uncertain on the health of AP and Toby doesn’t mean we should be throwing picks away.
If they’re not ready, it just gives Ponder more reps to develop his throwing skills. We have more than enough quality runners on our team as it is. We need to start building other aspects of the game.
By Chet on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Draft Kalil, then trade a couple picks to move down and grab a top tier CB, then go for your receiver, LB, safety etc…
I don’t expect the Vikes to contend this year, but I expect better than 6 wins. Otherwise Speilman and Frazier must go…
By NIcklas on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Definately like the Kalil pick with number 3, makes much more sense than cb or wr to me, a strong offensive line is how to build an offence.
Regarding the statue of Odin, i had no idea that the vikings once had a large statue of him, and i think it would be pretty awsome to bring it back.
And then for the facts, yes Odin was a Viking god of war, but that was probably also the most used position. Both Thor, Odin, Tyr, Freja and Frej where all Gods of war, and there are probably more that i have missed. Odins main features besides war, was wisdom and knowledge. Just fun facts from a true Viking and vikings fan.
By Ekolu on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Ponder needs to be given a few years just like any QB, but when a team drafts a skillede position so high, they need to have immediate returns. It’s a system that is fatally flawed. However, when you go after a QB in the 1st round you look for accuracy, arm strength, intelligence, toughness, and character. Ponder has all of these. He may not have a nuclear missile for an arm, but he can make all the throws. He also brings versatility, athleticism, pocket presence, and anticipation. He is one of the more athletic QB’s in the NFL. And, last year he was handicapped by the lockout. This year, he will have a training camp and 1 year under his belt. I believe the 2 traits that will stick out in the end will be accuracy and anticipation very similar to Drew Brees and Matt Hasselbeck. And, he had better combine numbers than both of them.
By T.HARRIS on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Yea let’s play football Coache’s and get Kalil,D.Moss possibly J.Blackmon and SOLIDIFY OUR DEFENSE.We will be contenders.
By daveo on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
Sweet!! I would love to see him on Ponders blind side….
By Woodboat on Mar 27, 2012 | Reply
On topic, I’d like to see competition at the RT spot as well. I know that you think that Loadholt is doing great, Wobbs, but I have to believe that the team can do much better than Loadholdingcall.
By T.HARRIS on Mar 29, 2012 | Reply
Spielman draft Justin Backmon please.It’s a pass happy leauge you know that Will get someone to block.
By VikesFanSinceFifties on Mar 29, 2012 | Reply
I don’t understand why so many fans are down on Ponder. No training camp, no O line, not familiar with his receivers, etc. etc. Give the kid a chance.
How many QBs did anything in their first year or two under much better conditions.
As far as building the defense, I’m all for that. I lived through the Bud Grant, Purple People Eaters era. Loved every minute (exept the Super Bowls).
Unfortunately, you can’t build everything at once and offense is the most important NOW if you want to get a real handle on Ponder. But I’m sure the Viking’s deep thinkers know all of this and more. I’ll trust their judgement.
By deanathome on Mar 30, 2012 | Reply
Bakes has it right with his posts!! I agree with him completley,he says it like i feel it too..Good Job Bakes!!!!!
By fmprdwg on Apr 1, 2012 | Reply
The Vikes need:
a decent stadium
a decent defense backfield
a decent offensive line
a General Manager than can keep time at the draft
and finally ODIN, ODIN, ODIN
By Lance on Apr 1, 2012 | Reply
4th Rd – Brandon Brooks/Miami(OH)
Height/weight 6-5/353 The vikings will look to add competition for our OL.
He could be a starter this year. He will provide depth and positioned to go
in the mid 3rd round. He may fall I feel due to a lot of talent and lack of
need of OG. He will be a 4th rd pick at a 3rd grade. Maybe now we can let go
of Charlie Johnson. Maybe trade Charlie to philly.
He missed most of the first half of the 2010 season as a junior, but started
at both left tackle and left guard down the stretch, earning Second Team All
MAC honors. Brooks started every game in 2011 as a senior (12 starts)
earning Second Team All-MAC honors for the third consecutive season.
By Lance on Apr 1, 2012 | Reply
3rd Rd – Juron Criner WR/Arizona
Height/weight 6-4/215 Criner played well as a frshman, even starting three
games, but really put his name on the program next season turning in
nine of his 45 catches for 582 yards into scores. As impressive as that
total was, Criner picked up his play in 2011, enjoying one of the best
seasons ever by a Wildcat receiver. Criner earned First Team All P@c-10
with 82 catches for 1,233 yards and 11 touchdowns. We need a tall
fast reciever. At the mid of 3rd round he is a steal. He will be able to
compete for a starting role on our horrible WR core and be an impact player
we are lookng for in the 3rd round.