The Minnesota Vikings have completed one week of training camp in Mankato. Well, rookies and select veterans have completed one week of training camp. The entire team has only been practicing since Thursday. Head coach Mike Zimmer decided to get the youngsters in a few days early to get them acclimated, and a few extra reps without the clutter of the veterans. Several teams have been doing this for a while. Thinking that a few extra days now might help the rookies make more of an impact during the season, Zimmer decided to give it a whirl. It can't hurt.
There seemed to be more activity than usual when the veterans arrived in Mankato on Wednesday. It was nothing even remotely close to Brett Favre's training camp arrival in 2009. Or 2010. It would be outstanding if the Vikings never again see a media circus like that. But there was some media commotion when Teddy Bridgewater arrived. Actually, the commotion started on Thursday when he spoke to the media for the first time since his knee did what it shouldn't last August 30. Since the media hates being left out of anything several demanded to know why Bridgewater had been avoiding them for nearly a year. I can answer that. His career, quality of life, maybe even his leg was in the balance so he had something much more important to do. Some of the questions were about what was going through his mind that day when his knee gave way. Why does he have to relive it? Other questions were about a potential team schism when Bridgewater returns to the field. A Teddy Bridgewater-Sam Bradford divide among the team? The media is always so hell-bent on reporting drama that they'll create it themselves if it doesn't occur naturally. The media can be so annoying. I'm probably in the minority but none of Bridgewater's press conference was enlightening. All that I cared about was how he was progressing from an horrific knee injury. The fact that he was at training camp, in his red #5 jersey, doing real, but limited, football work was all that I needed to see. There's a light at the end of this for Bridgewater. His football career isn't over. Report on that. It's a far better story now than what happened that day last August or some team schism that doesn't even exist. But that's just me.
Enough of that.
The Vikings did a lot of roster-tweaking last week.
7/21. Signed DT Chunky Clements. Released DE Caleb Kidder.
7/23. Signed T Arturo Uzdavinis.
7/26. Signed CB Sam Brown. Released Arturo Uzdavinis.
7/28. Signed LB Noor Davis. Released QB Wes Lunt.
7/29. Signed LB Darnell Sankey. Released LB Shaan Washington.
One of the more interesting nuggets that came with these transactions was the addition of Darnell Sankey. He's the cousin of Vikings running back Bishop Sankey. Apparently their little family reunion was the first time that the two had ever met.
Injuries at the position triggered the need for linebackers. Undrafted rookie Shaan Washington was put on the PUP list when camp opened. The Vikings needed more players to take some reps so they added Noor Davis. #2 middle linebacker Kentrell Brothers suffered a hamstring injury on Friday so Sankey was added on Saturday. Hopefully Brothers is back soon but hamstring injuries are a delicate matter. They can't be rushed.
Washington was at practices following his official release so it's possible that he might be brought back and placed on IR.
Arturo Uzdavinis sure had a short Vikings career. With his short stay it was clear that he was simply needed for the few days before the veterans arrived. Now the Vikings know him better on and off the field if there's a need for offensive linemen at a later date. Which brings me to.....
Injuries.
Injuries, especially on the offensive line, were a major problem for the Vikings last season. They played a significant role in a promising 5-0 start turning into a disappointing 8-8 season. There were a lot of injuries in 2016 but they mostly occurred just before the season (Bridgewater) and during the season. If I recall correctly, training camp was relatively injury-free. That hasn't been the case through the first week this year. On Thursday, the first day of full-team practices, left tackle Riley Reiff, running back Jerick McKinnon, and receiver Adam Thielen left the field with injuries. Fortunately, Thielen missed essentially no time and McKinnon appeared ready to return over the weekend. Kentrell Brothers suffered the apparent hamstring injury on Friday and rookie defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo injured his ankle. The former could be troublesome and the latter doesn't appear serious. So, Reiff and Brothers have missed some practices and could miss some more. The Reiff injury is especially troubling. He was signed to help fix the team's biggest problem. The offensive line. Injuries wrecked it last season and this isn't the way to start this season. It's enough to prompt nearly everyone around the team to say, "Not again." Soon after the Reiff's injury, Zimmer said that it's only a "twinge" but didn't say what part of the body was "twinged." It can be considered a positive thing that Reiff has been on the sideline for practices over the weekend. If he was seriously injured he'd probably be somewhere else. It's giving promising youngster Rashod Hill some time with the first team. So, there's that. The Vikings need Reiff on the field.
The Vikings dealt with some injury issues before training camp even opened. Teddy Bridgewater, RB Latavius Murray, and LB Shaan Washington were placed on the PUP list. DT Sharrif Floyd was placed on the NFI list.
On a much more positive note, the Vikings signed a couple of their top defensive difference-makers. Defensive end Everson Griffen signed his extension on Wednesday. Xavier Rhodes became one of the best-paid cornerbacks in the league yesterday. Griffen's extension was a bit of a surprise since he was under contract through 2018. Now he's under contract through 2022. Rhodes' extension was expected. He's one of those franchise cornerstone players that a team simply must keep.
When reports first started popping up on Saturday that Rhodes' deal was nearing completion there were also some mentions that the Vikings were looking to lock up DT Linval Joseph, and LBs Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. The fact that Kendricks can't negotiate an extension to his rookie contract until the end of the season takes some steam out of those rumors but it does appear that the Vikings' front office is serious about keeping a strong defensive core together.
Upon signing his extension, Rhodes tweeted:
"The bank account done caught the Holy Ghost!!!"
There were four money bag icons that followed that exclamation. He's earned this big contract.
Another player that could be due for a nice raise in a couple of years faces Rhodes every day in practice. Stefon Diggs. The only thing that's held Diggs back in his first two seasons is injuries. When he's on the field he's been a playmaker. The funny thing about Diggs is that many consider him an under-the-radar talent because he was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Those people ignore the injuries that limited him in college and forget that he was one of the top receivers in the nation coming out of high school. He's a very talented football player. He just has to get over the injuries. Fortunately none of the injuries were career-changing, no torn ligaments or tendons. It's shooting high, but Diggs has Antonio Brown-like quickness and route running. Great hands too. Here's what Vikings safety Harrison Smith had to say about his teammate when asked about the numbers that Diggs might post this year.
"I don't even know what the good stats are, but he's really good. That's all I know."
The first week of Vikings football is in the books. Football is back.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Fan Pain
All sports fans have felt pain. Fans of the New England Patriots have even felt pain. An undefeated season in 2007 eneds in a Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants. That's painful. They experienced another Super Bowl loss to the Giants four years later. Pain. It comes with being a fan. I've often thought about this pain. I'm a Minnesota Vikings fan. I've thought about it even more recently due to NFL.com's End Around writer, Around The NFL podcast host Dan Hanzus. This all-around chuckle-head sought to determine the most pained NFL fan bases in 2015. That resulted in his "Pain Rankings." Those rankings looked like this.
7. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Cincinnati Bengals
5. Minnesota Vikings
4. Detroit Lions
3. Buffalo Bills
2. New York Jets
1. Cleveland Browns
It should be pointed out that Hanzus is a Jets fan. He's definitely experienced some fan pain over the years and this offseason hasn't been fun for those fond of the Jets. It's probably what prompted Hanzus to revisit and revise his rankings this summer.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
7. Minnesota Vikings
6. Detroit Lions
5. Atlanta Falcons
4. Buffalo Bills
3. New York Jets
2. Cleveland Browns
1. San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
As with anything subjective there's really no right or wrong to these rankings. It's a fun/painful way to pass the time before a new NFL season. It triggers debate. This particular debate is a painful one. If a person's a fan of a team then she/he has experienced pain. It comes with being a fan. Every NFL team has lost a game. The 1972 Miami Dolphins won every game. Including the Super Bowl. Happy fans. They lost two games on the way to winning the Super Bowl the following year. Continued happiness. The early 1970s were a blast. They haven't won a title since. Painful. Especially painful because they thought that they'd get a bunch of titles with Dan Marino under center. Every run of tremendous success comes to end. The 1960s were a great time to be a fan of the Green Bay Packers. Five titles in seven years. 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967. Fun times but 1963 and 1964 were painful. So was seeing Vince Lombardi in Washington. Even worse, his tragic death. It's mostly been smiles for fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 1970s. The Steelers have played so much solid football over the last five decades that it's stunning to recall that they were a league joke for their first 40 years. Those were painful years. Every team has lost games and will lose games. Big games. Little games. There will always be pain for a sports fan.
Losing a team to another city has to be the most painful thing that a fan can experience. The fact that the team is usually lost to greed makes it worse. That's why the Chargers shot up Hanzus' rankings. The Cleveland Browns played in ten consecutive title games from 1946-55 (4 in the AAFC and 6 in the NFL). They won seven of those title games (4 in the AAFC and 3 in the NFL). That's an unprecedented run of professional football success. They added another NFL title in 1964. The Browns were a flagship NFL franchise with one of the league's best fan bases. That wasn't enough to keep the team from bolting to Baltimore in 1996. Cleveland got a Browns team back in 1999 but it was an expansion team. A team that's still looks much like an expansion team 18 years later. The team that they lost has won two Super Bowls as the Baltimore Ravens and the coach that they lost has won five Super Bowls with the Patriots. Very painful.
Many have argued that true fan pain can only be found in those fans that see few wins, fans of teams that lose most of their games, that rarely make the playoffs. The perennial losers. They say that's real fan pain. Who knows? Feeling pain is as personal as the team a person picks. There's no way to judge it. There's certainly no way to quantify it. The Vikings have been relatively successful ever since I discovered them in the early 1970s. Three Super Bowl losses in that decade were painful. So were the losses short of the Super Bowl. The 1975 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was brutal. So were Conference Championship losses in 1987, 1998, and 2009. The 11-year cycle that started with 1976 Super Bowl loss to the Oakland Raiders. The Vikings last Super Bowl appearance. The Vikings have fallen a play short so many times. A missed pass interference call, a dropped pass, missed field goals. Too often it's been one thing, one play that prevented happiness and left only pain. Those that say that only the fan bases of teams that rarely win can feel real pain might be right. I only know that being a fan of a team that has never won it all, that has fallen just short in big games several times is pretty damn painful. The funny thing about that pain is that I wouldn't change any of it. That pain has made me the Vikings fan that I am today. Being a fan is a journey. I've enjoyed this journey. The highs, the lows, the joys, and the pain. All of it. It's part of being a fan and I absolutely love being a Minnesota Vikings fan. In the early 1990s a 49ers fan told me that if her team couldn't guarantee a Super Bowl she wouldn't renew her season tickets. A quarter-century later that comment still stuns me. I think that the four titles in the 1980s had spoiled her. There might not be any pain when there's no risk of a loss but is there really any happiness?
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Early Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
The entire Minnesota Vikings football team has had two days of practices. It's early. So early, that the players haven't even put on the pads yet. That happens today and 2017 Vikings football really begins. Based on two days of practices (without those pads) the following depth chart has been pieced together. It's early so this depth is more curiosity than significant. It's more observational than official but here it is.
More offensive line. Left tackle Riley Reiff was injured on Thursday. The nature of the injury hasn't been disclosed but Zimmer said that it wasn't serious. Reiff didn't practice yesterday and likely won't practice today. Hopefully he returns soon. In his place, promising youngster Rashod Hill gets some time running with the first team. There's some good in that but the Vikings need Reiff back on the field.
Offense
Quarterback
1. Sam Bradford
2. Case Keenum
3. Taylor Heinicke
PUP: Teddy Bridgewater
Running Back
1. Jerick McKinnon
2. Dalvin Cook
3. Bishop Sankey
4. Terrell Newby
PUP: Latavius Murray
Fullback
1. C.J. Ham
Wide Receiver 1
1. Stefon Diggs
2. Michael Floyd
3. Cayleb Jones
4. R.J. Shelton
Wide Receiver 2
1. Adam Thielen
2. Stacy Coley
3. Isaac Fruechte
4. Moritz Boehringer
Wide Receiver 3
1. Laquon Treadwell
2. Jarius Wright
3. Rodney Adams
Tight End
1. Kyle Rudolph
2. David Morgan
3. Bucky Hodges
4. Kyle Carter
5. Nick Truesdell
6. Josiah Price
Left Tackle
1. Riley Reiff
2. Rashod Hill
3. Aviante Collins
Left Guard
1. Alex Boone
2. Jeremiah Sirles
3. Austin Shepherd
4. Freddie Tagaloa
Center
1. Nick Easton
2. Pat Elflein
3. Zac Kerin
Right Guard
1. Joe Berger
2. T.J. Clemmings
3. Danny Isidora
Right Tackle
1. Mike Remmers
2. Willie Beavers
3. Reid Fragel
Offensive Thoughts
It's great to see second-year receiver Laquon Treadwell running with 1's in three-receiver formations. He was penciled in as a bust during his rookie season by those with little patience (which is nearly every fan and talking head).
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has said that he wants to decide on the five offensive line starters soon so that they can get settled in together. No other position group demands the same level of coordination, cohesion, and comfort that's needed on the offensive line. They have to act as one unit. If everyone's being honest, center is really the only unsettled position. Nick Easton currently sits at the top of the depth chart but it's been assumed that the Vikings' decision-makers want third-round rookie Pat Elflein to grab the job and keep it for at least a decade. Elflein rotated in for first-team snaps yesterday. With pads, the offensive linemen can finally get to do what they are supposed to do, keep Sam Bradford safe and open holes for the backs.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has said that he wants to decide on the five offensive line starters soon so that they can get settled in together. No other position group demands the same level of coordination, cohesion, and comfort that's needed on the offensive line. They have to act as one unit. If everyone's being honest, center is really the only unsettled position. Nick Easton currently sits at the top of the depth chart but it's been assumed that the Vikings' decision-makers want third-round rookie Pat Elflein to grab the job and keep it for at least a decade. Elflein rotated in for first-team snaps yesterday. With pads, the offensive linemen can finally get to do what they are supposed to do, keep Sam Bradford safe and open holes for the backs.
More offensive line. Left tackle Riley Reiff was injured on Thursday. The nature of the injury hasn't been disclosed but Zimmer said that it wasn't serious. Reiff didn't practice yesterday and likely won't practice today. Hopefully he returns soon. In his place, promising youngster Rashod Hill gets some time running with the first team. There's some good in that but the Vikings need Reiff back on the field.
Defense
Right Defensive End
1. Everson Griffen
2. Stephen Weatherly
3. Tashawn Bower
4. Sam McCaskill
Under Tackle
1. Tom Johnson
2. Datone Jones
3. Will Sutton
NFI: Sharrif Floyd
NFI: Sharrif Floyd
Nose Tackle
1. Linval Joseph
2. Shamar Stephen
3. Jaleel Johnson
Left Defensive End
1. Damielle Hunter
2. Brian Robsion
3. Ifeadi Odenigbo
Stong-side Linebacker
1. Anthony Barr
2. Eric Wilson
3. Noor Davis
Middle Linebacker
1. Eric Kendricks
2. Kentrell Brothers
3. Ben Gedeon
4. Darnell Sankey
4. Darnell Sankey
Weak-side Linebacker
1. Emmanuel Lamur
2. Edmond Robinson
3. Elijah Lee
Left Cornerback
1. Trae Waynes
2. Terence Newman
3. Tre Roberson
4. Horace Richardson
Strong Safety
1. Harrison Smith
2. Anthony Harris
3. Antone Exum
Free Safety
1. Andrew Sendejo
2. Jayron Kearse
3. Jack Tocho
Right Cornerback
1. Xavier Rhodes
2. Jabari Price
3. Terrell Sinkfield
4. Sam Brown
Nickel Cornerback
1. Mackensie Alexander
2. Terence Newman
3. Antone Exum
4. Marcus Sherels
Defensive Thoughts
The defense has been a strength since Zimmer arrived in 2014. It should remain a strength. This is a talented group. Most positions are pretty much set but there will be some interesting camp competitions.
Under Tackle: Sharrif Floyd is fighting to get back on the field. A nerve issue in his leg from a surgery mishap is threatening his football career. When healthy, he's a disruptive football player. If he can return he should top the depth chart. Tom Johnson is an effective, interior pass rusher but he's most effective when his snaps are limited. Datone Jones and Will Sutton were added in the offseason to improve the talent level and the depth at the position.
Weak-side linebacker: Emmanuel Lamur ran with the first team on the first day, Edmond Robinson on the second day, and so on. It's between those two right now but seventh-round rookie Elijah Lee could emerge. He's shown well in the early, un-padded days.
Nickel corner: While technically not one of the starting 11 on defense, the nickel corner is on the field more than the weak-side linebacker in the Vikings defense. It's young vs. old here. Second-year Mackensie Alexander vs. ageless Terence Newman. Alexander should get the job but Newman will play quite a bit. He's the probable backup at all three corner positions. He could probably even play safety in a pinch.
It's been a chore to keep track of the linebackers through the early days of training camp. Noor Davis was signed yesterday. Quarterback Wes Lunt was released to make room for Davis but the move was probably made because undrafted rookie linebacker Shaan Washington has been unavailable due to an injury. The Vikings needed another linebacker on the field. #2 middle linebacker Kentrell Brothers was injured yesterday. It looked like a hamstring injury. That isn't good as those can be nasty and nagging. Hopefully he returns soon but it forced the Vikings to sign Darnell Sankey. He's the cousin of Vikings running back Bishop Sankey. Washington was released to make room for the newest Sankey.
It's early.
Under Tackle: Sharrif Floyd is fighting to get back on the field. A nerve issue in his leg from a surgery mishap is threatening his football career. When healthy, he's a disruptive football player. If he can return he should top the depth chart. Tom Johnson is an effective, interior pass rusher but he's most effective when his snaps are limited. Datone Jones and Will Sutton were added in the offseason to improve the talent level and the depth at the position.
Weak-side linebacker: Emmanuel Lamur ran with the first team on the first day, Edmond Robinson on the second day, and so on. It's between those two right now but seventh-round rookie Elijah Lee could emerge. He's shown well in the early, un-padded days.
Nickel corner: While technically not one of the starting 11 on defense, the nickel corner is on the field more than the weak-side linebacker in the Vikings defense. It's young vs. old here. Second-year Mackensie Alexander vs. ageless Terence Newman. Alexander should get the job but Newman will play quite a bit. He's the probable backup at all three corner positions. He could probably even play safety in a pinch.
It's been a chore to keep track of the linebackers through the early days of training camp. Noor Davis was signed yesterday. Quarterback Wes Lunt was released to make room for Davis but the move was probably made because undrafted rookie linebacker Shaan Washington has been unavailable due to an injury. The Vikings needed another linebacker on the field. #2 middle linebacker Kentrell Brothers was injured yesterday. It looked like a hamstring injury. That isn't good as those can be nasty and nagging. Hopefully he returns soon but it forced the Vikings to sign Darnell Sankey. He's the cousin of Vikings running back Bishop Sankey. Washington was released to make room for the newest Sankey.
It's early.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Vikings Training Camp Questions
The Minnesota Vikings' 2017 Training Camp has been open since Sunday. That's when the rookies and select veterans checked into their summer digs at Minnesota State University-Mankato. The bulk of roster arrived on Wednesday and training camp really got cranking yesterday. A lot of roster questions will be answered over the coming weeks. Here are some of the biggest.
How will the interior of the offensive line shake out?
The entire offensive line a is question mark, perhaps the biggest question mark, entering the season. Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers were signed in the offseason to take over the left and right tackle spots, respectively. It would be a major surprise if one, or both isn't starting. Alex Boone is nearly as set at left guard. Veteran Joe Berger is the likely right guard. So the biggest question is at center. Nick Easton and rookie Pat Elflein will battle for the that spot. If neither really grabs the job there's a chance that Berger could move over, opening a competition at right guard. A competition that could include Elflein, Jeremiah Sirles, everyone's favorite T.J. Clemmings, Willie Beavers, rookie Danny Isidora, and Zac Kerin. The guess here is that the line will look like Reiff-Boone-Elflein-Berger-Remmers, left to right.
What happens at defensive tackle?
The important under tackle position in Mike Zimmer's defense wasn't supposed to be a problem. Sharrif Floyd was supposed to be a star. The only thing that's held him back in his four years in the league has been some nagging injuries. It was a knee injury early last season that put him in the position that he's in now. During surgery a nerve was nicked and that nerve has yet to respond properly, about 10 months later. His football career is now in jeopardy. It's a terribly unfortunate situation. One that goes beyond a silly game. But this is about that silly game. The Vikings never really recovered from Floyd's sustained absence last season. Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen took over at under tackle but neither really provided what the Vikings needed from the position. Johnson is best suited as a situational pass rusher and the extra snaps seemed to wear on him. Stephen is solid against the run but isn't much of a pass rushing threat. The Johnson-Stephen combination had some nice moments but the Vikings need more from the position on a down-to-down basis. The Vikings added players in the offseason that they hope better fill the void if Floyd can't return to the field. They signed Datone Jones and Will Sutton in the offseason. They drafted Jaleel Johnson. Jones and Sutton are probably the top contenders to start. Johnson could factor into that competition but he's a rookie, a rookie that's likely learning both the under and nose tackle positions. Then there's still the chance that Floyd returns. He was placed on the PUP list to start camp but has shown some progress. The Vikings were lacking at under tackle last year. Now, they have players that might make the position the strength that it needs to be.
Who replaces the retired Chad Greenway?
Since 2007 Chad Greenway has been one of the Vikings starting outside linebackers. He retired this offseason. Anthony Barr on the strong side and Eric Kendricks in the middle are now the only certainties at the position. With passing being the preferred means of moving the football for offenses these days, the Vikings and most teams are in a nickel defense far more often than they aren't. Barr and Kendricks are usually the only linebackers on the field. There's still a need for a third linebacker, a weak-side linebacker, and with Greenway stepping away from football the Vikings will have an open competition for it. The top contenders right now are Edmond Robinson and Emmanuel Lamur. With Lamur missing much of the offseason workouts, Robinson might be entering training camp with the edge. Kentrell Brothers, who excelled on special teams as a rookie last year, could factor into the competition. Rookies Ben Gedeon and Elijah Lee could challenge as well. Despite being listed as a starter, the third linebacker will likely only see about 20-25 snaps per game. They are very important snaps because they are mostly on initial downs and short yardage, essentially running downs. The Vikings defense has to improve in those situations. For a defense that's supposed to be one of the league's best they gave up far too many yards on the ground. Especially in key situations like on the goal line.
Who will be the nickle cornerback?
This is a battle of young vs old. Second-year Mackensie Alexander vs ageless Terence Newman. Alexander was a second round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and has a ton of talent. He's ornery too. As long as it doesn't draw penalties, ornery can be a nice trait for a corner. Newman will turn 39 about the time that the season starts and shows no signs of slowing. He can play any of the cornerback positions. He could probably play safety if needed. He's also a coach on and off the field as he's played in Zimmer's defense for more than a decade and with three different teams. Whether he's on the field a lot, a little, or not at all, Newman will have an impact on the Vikings defense. This might be the most entertaining and interesting position competition in Mankato.
What about the specialists?
Despite a ridiculous missed field goal in the playoffs that still hung over the team, the Vikings specialists were fairly set this time last year. The playoff culprit, Blair Walsh, was still entrenched as the kicker, despite most fans wanting him anywhere but Minnesota. Jeff Locke was the punter. Kevin McDermott was the long snapper. Cordarrelle Patterson and Marcus Sherels were outstanding returners. Only McDermott and Sherels return this season. Kai Forbath replaced Blair Walsh during during the 2016 season. Forbath will compete with Marshall Koehn at kicker. Locke left for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. Veteran Ryan Quigley and Taylor Symmank will compete at punter. Patterson left for the Oakland Raiders in free agency. That left a giant hole at kick returner. Fifth-round receiver Rodney Adams will get first crack at the job but it's an open competition. The specialists will look very different this year. I'm going with the youngsters to win the kicking battles, Koehn and Symmank.
There are other questions that will be answered over the next several weeks. Where's Teddy Bridgewater in his recovery from that brutal knee injury? What's the running back rotation going to look like? The receiver rotation? Will Andrew Sendejo be able to fend off another year bunch of challengers to his safety job? These are some of the biggest questions that the Vikings will try to answer in their final training at Mankato.
How will the interior of the offensive line shake out?
The entire offensive line a is question mark, perhaps the biggest question mark, entering the season. Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers were signed in the offseason to take over the left and right tackle spots, respectively. It would be a major surprise if one, or both isn't starting. Alex Boone is nearly as set at left guard. Veteran Joe Berger is the likely right guard. So the biggest question is at center. Nick Easton and rookie Pat Elflein will battle for the that spot. If neither really grabs the job there's a chance that Berger could move over, opening a competition at right guard. A competition that could include Elflein, Jeremiah Sirles, everyone's favorite T.J. Clemmings, Willie Beavers, rookie Danny Isidora, and Zac Kerin. The guess here is that the line will look like Reiff-Boone-Elflein-Berger-Remmers, left to right.
What happens at defensive tackle?
The important under tackle position in Mike Zimmer's defense wasn't supposed to be a problem. Sharrif Floyd was supposed to be a star. The only thing that's held him back in his four years in the league has been some nagging injuries. It was a knee injury early last season that put him in the position that he's in now. During surgery a nerve was nicked and that nerve has yet to respond properly, about 10 months later. His football career is now in jeopardy. It's a terribly unfortunate situation. One that goes beyond a silly game. But this is about that silly game. The Vikings never really recovered from Floyd's sustained absence last season. Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen took over at under tackle but neither really provided what the Vikings needed from the position. Johnson is best suited as a situational pass rusher and the extra snaps seemed to wear on him. Stephen is solid against the run but isn't much of a pass rushing threat. The Johnson-Stephen combination had some nice moments but the Vikings need more from the position on a down-to-down basis. The Vikings added players in the offseason that they hope better fill the void if Floyd can't return to the field. They signed Datone Jones and Will Sutton in the offseason. They drafted Jaleel Johnson. Jones and Sutton are probably the top contenders to start. Johnson could factor into that competition but he's a rookie, a rookie that's likely learning both the under and nose tackle positions. Then there's still the chance that Floyd returns. He was placed on the PUP list to start camp but has shown some progress. The Vikings were lacking at under tackle last year. Now, they have players that might make the position the strength that it needs to be.
Who replaces the retired Chad Greenway?
Since 2007 Chad Greenway has been one of the Vikings starting outside linebackers. He retired this offseason. Anthony Barr on the strong side and Eric Kendricks in the middle are now the only certainties at the position. With passing being the preferred means of moving the football for offenses these days, the Vikings and most teams are in a nickel defense far more often than they aren't. Barr and Kendricks are usually the only linebackers on the field. There's still a need for a third linebacker, a weak-side linebacker, and with Greenway stepping away from football the Vikings will have an open competition for it. The top contenders right now are Edmond Robinson and Emmanuel Lamur. With Lamur missing much of the offseason workouts, Robinson might be entering training camp with the edge. Kentrell Brothers, who excelled on special teams as a rookie last year, could factor into the competition. Rookies Ben Gedeon and Elijah Lee could challenge as well. Despite being listed as a starter, the third linebacker will likely only see about 20-25 snaps per game. They are very important snaps because they are mostly on initial downs and short yardage, essentially running downs. The Vikings defense has to improve in those situations. For a defense that's supposed to be one of the league's best they gave up far too many yards on the ground. Especially in key situations like on the goal line.
Who will be the nickle cornerback?
This is a battle of young vs old. Second-year Mackensie Alexander vs ageless Terence Newman. Alexander was a second round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and has a ton of talent. He's ornery too. As long as it doesn't draw penalties, ornery can be a nice trait for a corner. Newman will turn 39 about the time that the season starts and shows no signs of slowing. He can play any of the cornerback positions. He could probably play safety if needed. He's also a coach on and off the field as he's played in Zimmer's defense for more than a decade and with three different teams. Whether he's on the field a lot, a little, or not at all, Newman will have an impact on the Vikings defense. This might be the most entertaining and interesting position competition in Mankato.
What about the specialists?
Despite a ridiculous missed field goal in the playoffs that still hung over the team, the Vikings specialists were fairly set this time last year. The playoff culprit, Blair Walsh, was still entrenched as the kicker, despite most fans wanting him anywhere but Minnesota. Jeff Locke was the punter. Kevin McDermott was the long snapper. Cordarrelle Patterson and Marcus Sherels were outstanding returners. Only McDermott and Sherels return this season. Kai Forbath replaced Blair Walsh during during the 2016 season. Forbath will compete with Marshall Koehn at kicker. Locke left for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. Veteran Ryan Quigley and Taylor Symmank will compete at punter. Patterson left for the Oakland Raiders in free agency. That left a giant hole at kick returner. Fifth-round receiver Rodney Adams will get first crack at the job but it's an open competition. The specialists will look very different this year. I'm going with the youngsters to win the kicking battles, Koehn and Symmank.
There are other questions that will be answered over the next several weeks. Where's Teddy Bridgewater in his recovery from that brutal knee injury? What's the running back rotation going to look like? The receiver rotation? Will Andrew Sendejo be able to fend off another year bunch of challengers to his safety job? These are some of the biggest questions that the Vikings will try to answer in their final training at Mankato.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Throwback Thursday: A Return To An Aggie Football Factory
This Throwback Thursday is a throwback to a Flicker originally penned in 2011. A brief look at the football factory found at itty-bitty UC Davis.
As a growing football fan in the '70s through the '80s, I knew little of a glowing football think tank so close, at the University of California, at Davis. Not Berkeley. Not Los Angleles. Davis, California. Just north of Sacramento. Being close, I knew that the UC Davis Aggies were a strong Division II school, usually in the hunt for the national title every year. When quarterback Ken O'Brien was selected by the New York Jets in the 1983 NFL Draft, some eyes opened. Safety Bo Eason and defensive end Mike Wise soon followed O'Brien to the NFL. There was some talent at the small agricultural school. There was also a lot more taking place. It wasn't just that the Aggies were in the midst of winning an NCAA record 20 straight conference championships. It was how they played, practiced and learned. Davis gave no scholarships. They were undersized. North Dakota State's fullback dwarfed every Aggies defensive lineman in the '82 national semifinals. Davis won. The success of UC Davis started with head coach Jim Sochor. His offense, emphasizing brains and speed, set the tone. Defensive coordinator Bob Foster's 4-3 flex defense shut the door. Sochor and Foster created a football factory churning out wins and coaches. Foster thoroughly embraced Tom Landry's 4-3 flex, refined by ten years of visits to the Dallas Cowboys offices. "We ran the 4-3 flex better than anybody in the country, college level, no question-because we were one of the few who did," says Foster. "Some dabbled, but we went whole hog." Davis' defensive playbook was eight inches thick. It was a thinking offense and defense for both the players and the coaches. Sochor had a cerebral style, a Zen-like laid back style. Whistles were banned, players used coaches first names and began practice on their own. It was a unique football environment in an unlikely setting.
Two of college football's brightest, most successful coaches today are Boise St's Chris Peterson and TCU's Gary Patterson. Peterson was the Davis quarterback in 1986. Patterson was the linebackers coach. Paul Hackett, Mike Bellotti and Dan Hawkins also learned at the Davis football laboratory. "Davis was ahead of its time," says Patterson. "They taught players to be coaches. They taught guys to overcome. They said, 'There's no such thing as no-it's just going to take us a little bit more time to get the answer.' All those things have carried forward with me."
Sochor, in particular, and Foster created an incredible football environment at UC Davis. Players and coaches learned, played, coached and most importantly enjoyed football. It was an incredible time and place, and it continues to this day in the people that were there.
As a growing football fan in the '70s through the '80s, I knew little of a glowing football think tank so close, at the University of California, at Davis. Not Berkeley. Not Los Angleles. Davis, California. Just north of Sacramento. Being close, I knew that the UC Davis Aggies were a strong Division II school, usually in the hunt for the national title every year. When quarterback Ken O'Brien was selected by the New York Jets in the 1983 NFL Draft, some eyes opened. Safety Bo Eason and defensive end Mike Wise soon followed O'Brien to the NFL. There was some talent at the small agricultural school. There was also a lot more taking place. It wasn't just that the Aggies were in the midst of winning an NCAA record 20 straight conference championships. It was how they played, practiced and learned. Davis gave no scholarships. They were undersized. North Dakota State's fullback dwarfed every Aggies defensive lineman in the '82 national semifinals. Davis won. The success of UC Davis started with head coach Jim Sochor. His offense, emphasizing brains and speed, set the tone. Defensive coordinator Bob Foster's 4-3 flex defense shut the door. Sochor and Foster created a football factory churning out wins and coaches. Foster thoroughly embraced Tom Landry's 4-3 flex, refined by ten years of visits to the Dallas Cowboys offices. "We ran the 4-3 flex better than anybody in the country, college level, no question-because we were one of the few who did," says Foster. "Some dabbled, but we went whole hog." Davis' defensive playbook was eight inches thick. It was a thinking offense and defense for both the players and the coaches. Sochor had a cerebral style, a Zen-like laid back style. Whistles were banned, players used coaches first names and began practice on their own. It was a unique football environment in an unlikely setting.
Two of college football's brightest, most successful coaches today are Boise St's Chris Peterson and TCU's Gary Patterson. Peterson was the Davis quarterback in 1986. Patterson was the linebackers coach. Paul Hackett, Mike Bellotti and Dan Hawkins also learned at the Davis football laboratory. "Davis was ahead of its time," says Patterson. "They taught players to be coaches. They taught guys to overcome. They said, 'There's no such thing as no-it's just going to take us a little bit more time to get the answer.' All those things have carried forward with me."
Sochor, in particular, and Foster created an incredible football environment at UC Davis. Players and coaches learned, played, coached and most importantly enjoyed football. It was an incredible time and place, and it continues to this day in the people that were there.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Finally At 90
Just before they opened their training camp doors to the rookie and select veterans the Minnesota Vikings made one last tweak to their roster. They signed tackle Arturo Uzdavinis (ooz-duh-VENICE). Uzdavinis was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans in 2016. He also spent time on the practice squads of the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars last season. The signing finally brings the Vikings to the 90-man roster limit. But the roster remains fluid. An NFL roster is fluid throughout the year why would the first week of training camp be any different? In a recent press conference head coach Mike Zimmer mentioned that mentioned that the team is looking at cornerbacks.
The Minnesota Vikings 90-man roster for Training Camp 2017.
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Teddy Bridgewater
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Wes Lunt
Running backs
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham-fullback
Bishop Sankey
Terrell Newby
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Moritz Boehringer
Isaac Fruechte
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley
R.J. Shelton
Cayleb Jones
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
Nick Truesdell
Kyle Carter
Josiah Price
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Jeremiah Sirles
Danny Isidora
T.J. Clemmings
Nick Easton
Willie Beavers
Rashod Hill
Zac Kerin
Austin Shepherd
Aviante Collins
Freddie Tagaloa
Reid Fragel
Arturo Uzdavinis
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Tom Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Will Sutton
Dylan Bradley
Tashawn Bower
Sam McCaskill
Chunky Clements
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Kentrell Brothers
Edmond Robinson
Ben Gedeon
Eijah Lee
Eric Wilson
Shaan Washington
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
Tre Roberson
Jabari Price
Horace Richardson
Terrell Sinkfield
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse
Antone Exum, Jr.
Jack Tocho
Kicker
Kai Forbath
Marshall Koehn
Punter
Taylor Symmank
Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
The Minnesota Vikings 90-man roster for Training Camp 2017.
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Teddy Bridgewater
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Wes Lunt
Running backs
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham-fullback
Bishop Sankey
Terrell Newby
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Moritz Boehringer
Isaac Fruechte
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley
R.J. Shelton
Cayleb Jones
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
Nick Truesdell
Kyle Carter
Josiah Price
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Jeremiah Sirles
Danny Isidora
T.J. Clemmings
Nick Easton
Willie Beavers
Rashod Hill
Zac Kerin
Austin Shepherd
Aviante Collins
Freddie Tagaloa
Reid Fragel
Arturo Uzdavinis
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Tom Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Will Sutton
Dylan Bradley
Tashawn Bower
Sam McCaskill
Chunky Clements
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Kentrell Brothers
Edmond Robinson
Ben Gedeon
Eijah Lee
Eric Wilson
Shaan Washington
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
Tre Roberson
Jabari Price
Horace Richardson
Terrell Sinkfield
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse
Antone Exum, Jr.
Jack Tocho
Kicker
Kai Forbath
Marshall Koehn
Punter
Taylor Symmank
Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
17 Most Important Vikings in '17
Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune recently concluded a countdown of the 17 Most Important Minnesota Vikings Players in 2017. On the surface this seems like a foolish exercise for a decidedly team-oriented sport like football. Every player is important! After that initial reaction this can be seen as a fun exercise because we all love to rank things. Here's Vensel's list.
17. Latavius Murray, RB
16. Pat Elflein, C
15. Eric Kendricks, LB
14. Everson Griffen, DE
13. Teddy Bridgewater, QB
12. Linval Joseph, DT
11. Trae Waynes, CB
10. Laquon Treadwell, WR
9. Harrison Smith, S
8. Stefon Diggs, WR
7. Xavier Rhodes, CB
6. Dalvin Cook, RB
5. Anthony Barr, LB
4. Danielle Hunter, DE
3. Mike Remmers, T
2. Riley Reiff, T
1. Sam Bradford, QB
It's a fine list. Each player's performance will be crucial if the Vikings are to have a successful 2017 season.
The ranking that I most question is linebacker Eric Kendricks at #15. That's way too low. He's already one of the top playmakers on a very talented defense and it feels like he's on the verge of taking a much greater leadership role as well. He has the talent, instincts, and work ethic to be one of the top middle linebackers in the league.
Vensel has three offensive linemen on his list, including two of the top three in Mike Remmers and Riley Reiff. The entire offensive line, including backups, could make the list of the most important Vikings. Injuries along the line and the resulting shaky play was the reason that the Vikings fell to 8-8 after a 5-0 start to the 2016 season. The offensive line has struggled for a few seasons. It was a disaster last season. Any success in 2017 is dependent on improved offensive line play. The Vikings spent significantly to add Reiff and Remmers in free agency. If those two did nothing but stay healthy all season the line will be improved. Hopefully they do much more than stay healthy. The Vikings added center Pat Elflein in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He doesn't even have a starting spot nailed down yet he's one of the most important Vikings players. That says as much about the state of the line as it does about his football ability. Vensel wouldn't be wrong to include likely starting guards Alex Boone and Joe Berger but he makes his point with the three linemen that he does include.
Defensive end Danielle Hunter racked up 12.5 sacks as a part time player in 2016. It was his second season and he's only 22. He's a physical freak. He's also a sponge that just wants to learn everything and be the best player that he can be. Hunter is on the verge of stardom. Head coach Mike Zimmer has said that Hunter could be the best player that he's ever coached. On a defense with Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Eric Kendrics, Anthony Barr, Xavier Rhodes, Harrison Smith it's a little stunning that this quiet, former third round pick might soon be the best of the bunch.
If I were to list the 17 Most Important Minnesota Vikings in 2017 it might look a little something like this.
17. Shariff Floyd/Datone Jones/Tom Johnson/Jaleel Johnson/Will Sutton, DT
16. Teddy Bridgewater, QB
15. Kyle Rudolph, TE
14. Everson Griffen, DE
13. Laquon Treadwell, WR
12. Linval Joseph, DT
11. Harrison Smith, S
10. Mackensie Alexander, CB
9. Trae Waynes, CB
8. Stefon Diggs, WR
7. Xavier Rhodes, CB
6. Eric Kendricks, LB
5. Dalvin Cook, RB
4. Danielle Hunter, DE
3. Anthony Barr, LB
2. Sam Bradford, QB
1. Entire Offensive Line
17. Latavius Murray, RB
16. Pat Elflein, C
15. Eric Kendricks, LB
14. Everson Griffen, DE
13. Teddy Bridgewater, QB
12. Linval Joseph, DT
11. Trae Waynes, CB
10. Laquon Treadwell, WR
9. Harrison Smith, S
8. Stefon Diggs, WR
7. Xavier Rhodes, CB
6. Dalvin Cook, RB
5. Anthony Barr, LB
4. Danielle Hunter, DE
3. Mike Remmers, T
2. Riley Reiff, T
1. Sam Bradford, QB
It's a fine list. Each player's performance will be crucial if the Vikings are to have a successful 2017 season.
The ranking that I most question is linebacker Eric Kendricks at #15. That's way too low. He's already one of the top playmakers on a very talented defense and it feels like he's on the verge of taking a much greater leadership role as well. He has the talent, instincts, and work ethic to be one of the top middle linebackers in the league.
Vensel has three offensive linemen on his list, including two of the top three in Mike Remmers and Riley Reiff. The entire offensive line, including backups, could make the list of the most important Vikings. Injuries along the line and the resulting shaky play was the reason that the Vikings fell to 8-8 after a 5-0 start to the 2016 season. The offensive line has struggled for a few seasons. It was a disaster last season. Any success in 2017 is dependent on improved offensive line play. The Vikings spent significantly to add Reiff and Remmers in free agency. If those two did nothing but stay healthy all season the line will be improved. Hopefully they do much more than stay healthy. The Vikings added center Pat Elflein in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He doesn't even have a starting spot nailed down yet he's one of the most important Vikings players. That says as much about the state of the line as it does about his football ability. Vensel wouldn't be wrong to include likely starting guards Alex Boone and Joe Berger but he makes his point with the three linemen that he does include.
Defensive end Danielle Hunter racked up 12.5 sacks as a part time player in 2016. It was his second season and he's only 22. He's a physical freak. He's also a sponge that just wants to learn everything and be the best player that he can be. Hunter is on the verge of stardom. Head coach Mike Zimmer has said that Hunter could be the best player that he's ever coached. On a defense with Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Eric Kendrics, Anthony Barr, Xavier Rhodes, Harrison Smith it's a little stunning that this quiet, former third round pick might soon be the best of the bunch.
If I were to list the 17 Most Important Minnesota Vikings in 2017 it might look a little something like this.
17. Shariff Floyd/Datone Jones/Tom Johnson/Jaleel Johnson/Will Sutton, DT
16. Teddy Bridgewater, QB
15. Kyle Rudolph, TE
14. Everson Griffen, DE
13. Laquon Treadwell, WR
12. Linval Joseph, DT
11. Harrison Smith, S
10. Mackensie Alexander, CB
9. Trae Waynes, CB
8. Stefon Diggs, WR
7. Xavier Rhodes, CB
6. Eric Kendricks, LB
5. Dalvin Cook, RB
4. Danielle Hunter, DE
3. Anthony Barr, LB
2. Sam Bradford, QB
1. Entire Offensive Line
Defensive tackle Shariff Floyd's football career is hanging in the balance due to a nerve issue that resulted from a mishap during knee surgery. He played a single game last year and the Vikings struggled to replace him in the remaining 15. Tom Johnson's a terrific interior pass rusher but he's most effective when used on a situational basis. Shamar Stephen is a nice run defender but is limited as a pass rusher. Johnson and Stephen didn't quite fill the void left with Floyd's absence. Datone Jones and Will Sutton were signed in the offseason and Jaleel Johnson was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Vikings defensive line is much better at the very important under tackle position.
Hunter's a physical freak. So's Anthony Barr. He played like an emerging star his first two seasons in the league (2014-15). Big plays, game changing plays, were becoming routine for him Those plays weren't so routine last year. He was still a good player but he has the talent to be a great player. He needs to be closer to great.
Vikings training camp is here. Rookies and select veterans reported Sunday. The rest of the team arrives tomorrow. Soon we'll have real football and not a bunch of projections.
Vikings training camp is here. Rookies and select veterans reported Sunday. The rest of the team arrives tomorrow. Soon we'll have real football and not a bunch of projections.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Flea Flicker Pre-Training Camp Division Projections
By the end of the week every NFL team will be at training camp, preparing for the 2017 season. No team has really done a thing so what better time to predict where the 32 will stand within their division at the end of the season.
NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings-of course
2. Green Bay Packers
3. Detroit Lions
4. Chicago Bears
NFC East
1. New York Giants
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Washington Redskins
4. Philadelphia Eagles
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. Carolina Panthers
This might be the best division in the league. Any of the four could win the division. Any of the four could come in last.
NFC West
1. Arizona Cardinals
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Los Angeles Rams
4. San Francisco 49ers
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Cleveland Browns
AFC East
1. New England Patriots
2. Miami Dolphins
3. Buffalo Bills
4. New York Jets
AFC South
1. Tennessee Titans
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Houston Texans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West
1. Los Angeles Chargers
2. Oakland Raiders
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Denver Broncos
Like the NFC South, I can see any of these four winning the division as well as any of the four coming in last. This should be wildly entertaining division battle.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Minnesota Vikings Roster Entering Training Camp
Here it is. The Minnesota Vikings open the doors to training camp in Mankato. Rookies and select veterans will be arriving today. The rest of the team will arrive on Wednesday. Most of the teams in the league have been doing this split-arrival thing for a while. The Vikings are doing it for the first time. The roster has held mostly steady over the weeks since the team last got together for their May Mini Camp. There was a little roster tweak on Friday. They added nicely named Chunky Clements, an undrafted defensive tackle out of Illinois. To make room for Chunky the Vikings released defensive end Caleb Kidder. They actually didn't have to make room on the roster since the Vikings only had 89 players on it. There are still 89 players on it, one short of the 90-player limit. Here are those 89 players.
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Teddy Bridgewater
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Wes Lunt
Running backs
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham-fullback
Bishop Sankey
Terrell Newby
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Moritz Boehringer
Isaac Fruechte
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley
R.J. Shelton
Cayleb Jones
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
Nick Truesdell
Kyle Carter
Josiah Price
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Jeremiah Sirles
Danny Isidora
T.J. Clemmings
Nick Easton
Willie Beavers
Rashod Hill
Zac Kerin
Austin Shepherd
Aviante Collins
Freddie Tagaloa
Reid Fragel
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Tom Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Will Sutton
Dylan Bradley
Tashawn Bower
Sam McCaskill
Chunky Clements
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Kentrell Brothers
Edmond Robinson
Ben Gedeon
Eijah Lee
Shaan Washington
Eric Wilson
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
Tre Roberson
Jabari Price
Horace Richardson
Terrell Sinkfield
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse
Antone Exum, Jr.
Jack Tocho
Kicker
Kai Forbath
Marshall Koehn
Punter
Taylor Symmank
Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Teddy Bridgewater
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Wes Lunt
Running backs
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham-fullback
Bishop Sankey
Terrell Newby
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Moritz Boehringer
Isaac Fruechte
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley
R.J. Shelton
Cayleb Jones
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
Nick Truesdell
Kyle Carter
Josiah Price
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Jeremiah Sirles
Danny Isidora
T.J. Clemmings
Nick Easton
Willie Beavers
Rashod Hill
Zac Kerin
Austin Shepherd
Aviante Collins
Freddie Tagaloa
Reid Fragel
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Tom Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Will Sutton
Dylan Bradley
Tashawn Bower
Sam McCaskill
Chunky Clements
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Kentrell Brothers
Edmond Robinson
Ben Gedeon
Eijah Lee
Shaan Washington
Eric Wilson
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
Tre Roberson
Jabari Price
Horace Richardson
Terrell Sinkfield
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse
Antone Exum, Jr.
Jack Tocho
Kicker
Kai Forbath
Marshall Koehn
Punter
Taylor Symmank
Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Belichick's Best
Gil Brandt's getting a lot of attention here and pretty much everywhere. It must be the middle of July. Brandt has seen so much football that his opinions deserve notice. He recently posted an All-Time Bill Belichick Team. A curious yet interesting exercise. To keep it simple Brandt kept it to players who played under Belichick as a head coach. So no Lawrence Taylor.
Quarterback
Tom Brady, Patriots, 2000-present
Running Back
Corey Dillon, Patriots, 2004-06
Wide Receivers
Randy Moss, Patriots, 2007-10
Julian Edelman, Patriots, 2009-present
Wes Welker, Patritos, 2007-12
Tight End
Rob Gronkowski, Patriots, 2010-present
Left Tackle
Matt Light, Patriots, Patriots, 2001-11
Left Guard
Logan Mankins, Patriots, 2005-13
Center
Dan Koppen, Patriots, 2003-11
Right Guard
Steve Neal, Patriots, 2002-10
Right Tackle
Orlando Brown, Browns, 1994-95
Defensive Linemen
Richard Seymour, Patriots, 2001-08
Vince Wilfork, Patriots, 2004-14
Willie McGinest. Patriots, 2000-05
Linebackers
Tedy Bruschi, Patriots, 2000-08
Mike Vrabel, Patriots, 2001-08
Dont'a Hightower, Patriots, 2012-present
Jerod Mayo, Patriots, 2008-15
Cornerbacks
Ty Law, Patriots, Patriots, 2000-04
Asante Samuel, Patriots, 2003-07
Safeties
Rodney Harrison, Patriots, 2003-08
Eric Turner, Browns, 1991-95
Kicker
Adam Vinatieri, Patriots, 2000-05
Punter
Tom Tupa, Browns, 1994-95
Kick Coverage
Matthew Slater, Patriots, 2008-present
Kick Returner
Kevin Faulk, Patriots, 2000-11
Some thoughts:
The first thing that jumped out at me when I scrolled through Brandt's picks was the absence of cornerback Malcolm Butler. Brandt included Butler on the his recent list of Best All-Time Cornerbacks, a list that Samuel didn't make. So why isn't Butler included among the best to play for Belichick? Besides I never much cared for Asante Samuel. I always felt that he gave up more plays than he made.
For the first decade of his career Tom Brady sure was well protected. The Patriots offensive line in those days might not have been loaded with all-star talent but they were good, tough blockers. It didn't hurt to have Dante Scarnecchia as the line coach. He's one of the best to ever do it.
Quarterback
Tom Brady, Patriots, 2000-present
Running Back
Corey Dillon, Patriots, 2004-06
Wide Receivers
Randy Moss, Patriots, 2007-10
Julian Edelman, Patriots, 2009-present
Wes Welker, Patritos, 2007-12
Tight End
Rob Gronkowski, Patriots, 2010-present
Left Tackle
Matt Light, Patriots, Patriots, 2001-11
Left Guard
Logan Mankins, Patriots, 2005-13
Center
Dan Koppen, Patriots, 2003-11
Right Guard
Steve Neal, Patriots, 2002-10
Right Tackle
Orlando Brown, Browns, 1994-95
Defensive Linemen
Richard Seymour, Patriots, 2001-08
Vince Wilfork, Patriots, 2004-14
Willie McGinest. Patriots, 2000-05
Linebackers
Tedy Bruschi, Patriots, 2000-08
Mike Vrabel, Patriots, 2001-08
Dont'a Hightower, Patriots, 2012-present
Jerod Mayo, Patriots, 2008-15
Cornerbacks
Ty Law, Patriots, Patriots, 2000-04
Asante Samuel, Patriots, 2003-07
Safeties
Rodney Harrison, Patriots, 2003-08
Eric Turner, Browns, 1991-95
Kicker
Adam Vinatieri, Patriots, 2000-05
Punter
Tom Tupa, Browns, 1994-95
Kick Coverage
Matthew Slater, Patriots, 2008-present
Kick Returner
Kevin Faulk, Patriots, 2000-11
Some thoughts:
The first thing that jumped out at me when I scrolled through Brandt's picks was the absence of cornerback Malcolm Butler. Brandt included Butler on the his recent list of Best All-Time Cornerbacks, a list that Samuel didn't make. So why isn't Butler included among the best to play for Belichick? Besides I never much cared for Asante Samuel. I always felt that he gave up more plays than he made.
For the first decade of his career Tom Brady sure was well protected. The Patriots offensive line in those days might not have been loaded with all-star talent but they were good, tough blockers. It didn't hurt to have Dante Scarnecchia as the line coach. He's one of the best to ever do it.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Rookie Signings
NFL Training Camps are upon us. A few teams kicked off their their camps on Wednesday, more are doing so this weekend, all players will be reporting by next Saturday. There's still some time but there's a chance that a few rookies might start their NFL careers on the outside of their first training camps. The 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement took nearly all of the aggravation out of rookie contract negotiations. The terms are now basically scripted so there isn't much negotiating to do. The process is such a breeze that some teams have their entire rookie class signed before the draft is even a couple weeks old. The month before the draft really can be a vacation for the football people around the league.Occasionally there's a problem rookie signing. Defensive tackle Joey Bosa had a notable rookie contract squabble with the San Diego Chargers last year. There are a few more problem rookie signings this year.
Here's the 2017 NFL Draft First Round Signing Tracker, courtesy of NF.com's Around the NFL.
The Chicago Bears signed quarterback Mitchell Trubisky on Wednesday. The second pick in the 2017 NFL Draft signed his rookie contract exactly one month after the first pick signed his. Was it the preferential treatment often handed to quarterbacks that brought about the extra month of contract talks.
What's up with the rookie contract strategy of the Oakland Raiders? Not only is first round corner Gareon Conley still unsigned so is second round safety Obi Meliforwu. The Raiders new-look secondary might not look so new right away.
This signing tracker looks more pre-2011 than any draft since. Actually five unsigned rookies is nothing like pre-2011 but it's also little like post-2011.
Here's the 2017 NFL Draft First Round Signing Tracker, courtesy of NF.com's Around the NFL.
2. QB Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears: Trubisky signed his rookie deal July 19, the Bearsannounced.
3. DE Solomon Thomas, San Francisco 49ers
4. RB Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars: Fournette has signed his four-year, fully guaranteed contract, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source. There is no offset language in the contract, Rapoport added.
5. WR Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans
6. S Jamal Adams, New York Jets: Adams has agreed to terms with the Jets on a deal worth $22.3 million, Rapoport reported.
7. WR Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers: The team announced with a Twitter video that the former Clemson receiver signed his rookie deal on May 11. Per Rapoport, the deal is worth $19.75 million, fully guaranteed.
8. RB Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers: Signed a deal worth $17.2 million, per Rapoport. The contract includes a $10.7 million signing bonus.
9. WR John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals: Signed a deal worth $17.1 million with a $10.6 million signing bonus, per Rapoport.
10. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: The team announced that they have signed Mahomes.
11. CB Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints: Signed his rookie contract with the team on June 2, the Saints announced.
12. QB Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans: Watson's deal is worth $13.85 million and has a signing bonus of $8.22 million, a source informed of the situation told Rapoport.
13. LB Haason Reddick, Arizona Cardinals: The team announced that they have signed Reddick to a four-year contract.
14. DE Derek Barnett, Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles and Derek Barnett have agreed to terms on a four-year contract, the team announced.
15. S Malik Hooker, Indianapolis Colts: Signed a four-year deal worth $12.6 million, including a $7.3 million signing bonus, on May 18, Rapoport reported.
16. CB Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens: Signed a deal worth $11.9 million fully guaranteed, per Rapoport. It included a $6.8 million signing bonus.
17. DE Jonathan Allen, Washington Redskins: Signed a four-year, $11.6 million contract on May 11, per Rapoport. The deal included a $6.6 million signing bonus.
18. CB Adoree' Jackson, Tennessee Titans: Signed rookie contract on May 23, the team announced.
19. TE O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Howard signed his rookie deal May 22.
20. OT Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos: NFL Network's James Palmer reported the offensive tackleagreed to terms on his rookie contract on May 11. Per Rapoport, the deal is worth $11 million, fully guaranteed, with a $6.2 million signing bonus.
21. LB Jarrad Davis, Detroit Lions: Signed a rookie contract. Per Rapoport, the deal is worth $10.97 million, fully guaranteed, with a $6.1 million signing bonus.
22. OLB Charles Harris, Miami Dolphins: Signed his Dolphins rookie contract on May 24, the team announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
23. TE Evan Engram, New York Giants: Signed a rookie contract on June 15, per the transaction wire.
24. CB Gareon Conley, Oakland Raiders
25. S Jabrill Peppers, Cleveland Browns
26. DE Takkarist McKinley, Atlanta Falcons: The team announced the pass rusher agreed to terms on his rookie deal on May 11.
27. CB Tre'Davious White, Buffalo Bills: Signed a rookie deal on May 18, the team announced.
28. DE Taco Charlton, Dallas Cowboys: Signed a rookie deal. Per Rapoport, the deal is worth $8.65 million ($7.12 million fully guaranteed), with a $5.4 million signing bonus.
29. TE David Njoku, Cleveland Browns: Signed a rookie deal on June 15, the team announced.
30. OLB T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers: The team announced Watt signed his rookie deal on June 14.
31. LB Reuben Foster, San Francisco 49ers: Signed a rookie deal on June 9, the team announced. Rapoport reports Foster's deal includes a $4.7 million signing bonus and guarantees into the fourth year of the contract.
***
The Chicago Bears signed quarterback Mitchell Trubisky on Wednesday. The second pick in the 2017 NFL Draft signed his rookie contract exactly one month after the first pick signed his. Was it the preferential treatment often handed to quarterbacks that brought about the extra month of contract talks.
What's up with the rookie contract strategy of the Oakland Raiders? Not only is first round corner Gareon Conley still unsigned so is second round safety Obi Meliforwu. The Raiders new-look secondary might not look so new right away.
This signing tracker looks more pre-2011 than any draft since. Actually five unsigned rookies is nothing like pre-2011 but it's also little like post-2011.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Throwback Thursday: All-Time Pac-12 NFL Team
How about an All-Time NFL Team made up of players from the Pac-12 in all of it's various forms through it's 100+ years? What we now know as the Pac-12 Conference started as the Pacific Coast Conference in 1915. The charter members were the University of California (Go Bears!), Washington, Oregon, and Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State). Washington State joined in 1916 and Stanford was finally allowed to come on board in 1918. USC and Idaho were added in 1922, Montana in 1924, and UCLA in 1928. 10 teams. The PCC continued with these 10 teams until Montana left to join the Mountain States Conference in 1950. The PCC was a nine-team conference until things went awry in 1959. The PCC disbanded after "pay-for-play" scandals at California, USC, UCLA, and Washington. From 1959-63, the four colleges that wrecked things for the PCC stuck together as the Athletic Association of Western Universities. Stanford soon joined the "baddies" to form what was popularly known as the Big-5. Washington State made it the Big-6 in 1962. When Oregon and Oregon State joined in 1964 the colleges unofficially became the Pacific-8 while still officially being the AAWU. The Pacific-8 Conference became official in 1968. Ten years later the Pac-8 became the Pac-10 with the addition of Arizona and Arizona State. That stood until 2010 when Utah and Colorado made it 12. A wacky college athletic history but probably no more wacky than most long-time conferences. There's a lot of politics that unfortunately goes into college athletics. Fortunately there's also a lot of great football and a lot of great football players have played at the assorted Pac-whatever colleges. Here are some of those football players.
Quarterback
John Elway, Stanford
Others: Troy Aikman (UCLA), Norm Van Brocklin (Oregon), Warren Moon (Washington), Aaron Rodgers (Cal)
Others: Troy Aikman (UCLA), Norm Van Brocklin (Oregon), Warren Moon (Washington), Aaron Rodgers (Cal)
Running backs
Ernie Nevers, Stanford
Marcus Allen, USC
Others: O.J. Simpson (USC), Frank Gifford (USC)
Marcus Allen, USC
Others: O.J. Simpson (USC), Frank Gifford (USC)
Receiver
James Lofton, Stanford
Tom Fears, UCLA
Other: Lynn Swann (USC)
Tom Fears, UCLA
Other: Lynn Swann (USC)
Tight end
Tony Gonzalez, Cal
Other: Rob Gronkowski (Arizona)
Other: Rob Gronkowski (Arizona)
Tackles
Anthony Munoz, USC
Jonathan Ogden, UCLA
Others: Ron Yary (USC), Gary Zimmerman, (Oregon), Ron Mix (USC)
Jonathan Ogden, UCLA
Others: Ron Yary (USC), Gary Zimmerman, (Oregon), Ron Mix (USC)
Guards
Randall McDaniel, Arizona State
Bruce Matthews, USC
Other: Ed White (Cal)
Other: Ed White (Cal)
Center
Mel Hein, Washington State
Other: Alex Mack (cal)
Other: Alex Mack (cal)
Defensive ends
Willie McGinest, USC
Terrell Suggs, Arizona State
Defensive tackles
Arnie Weinmeister, Washington
Curley Culp, Arizona State
Other: Keith Millard (Washington State), Haloti Ngata (Oregon)
Other: Keith Millard (Washington State), Haloti Ngata (Oregon)
Linebackers
Junior Seau, USC
Les Richter, Cal
Ken Norton Jr., UCLA
Others: Ken Harvey (Cal), Tedy Bruschi (Arizona), Jerry Robinson (UCLA)
Ken Norton Jr., UCLA
Others: Ken Harvey (Cal), Tedy Bruschi (Arizona), Jerry Robinson (UCLA)
Cornerbacks
Mike Haynes (Arizona State)
Jimmy Johnson (UCLA)
Other: Chris McAlister (Arizona)
Jimmy Johnson (UCLA)
Other: Chris McAlister (Arizona)
Safeties
Ronnie Lott, USC
Kenny Easley, UCLA
Others: Troy Polamalu (USC), Joey Browner (USC), Willie Wood (USC)
Kenny Easley, UCLA
Others: Troy Polamalu (USC), Joey Browner (USC), Willie Wood (USC)
Kicker
Jason Hanson, Washington State
Punter
Nick Harris, Cal
A few things. First of all, there are far too many Stanford and USC players. Second of all, it would've been nice to have a couple of Oregon players on this team. Linebacker Dave Wilcox and corner Mel Renfro played at Oregon right before the Ducks rejoined their conference friends in 1964. Wilcox would've been one of the three linebackers. Renfro would've been a very nice nickel corner. Third of all, this conference is stacked with talented safeties.
A few things. First of all, there are far too many Stanford and USC players. Second of all, it would've been nice to have a couple of Oregon players on this team. Linebacker Dave Wilcox and corner Mel Renfro played at Oregon right before the Ducks rejoined their conference friends in 1964. Wilcox would've been one of the three linebackers. Renfro would've been a very nice nickel corner. Third of all, this conference is stacked with talented safeties.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
One Last Time
The Minnesota Vikings announced yesterday that their upcoming training camp will be their last at Minnesota State University-Mankato. It was an expected announcement as the team's sprawling, new practice facility, Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, in Eagan is expected to be completed in March. The Vikings will be holding their training camps there starting next summer.
This will be the 52nd year that the Vikings have packed up their football gear and traveled south to Mankato for training camp. They are one of 12 teams that still get away from their home for the hot football days of summer. Their first five training camps (1961-65) were held at Bemidji State. Mankato has been their training camp home since 1966. A great Vikings tradition and close relationship with a college town are coming to an end.
"Over the past 52 years we have formed incredible relationships with Minnesota State University, Mankato, the city of Mankato, and the entire community, and those partnerships made this decision difficult," Vikings executive Kevin Warren said. "With our increased space and amenities, the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center will give our players, coaches and staff the best opportunity to succeed, and we feel hosting training camp at our new home is the proper move for the organization and the Vikings fans."
It's the proper move but it's a sad one. There's a lot of stories in those 52 years. Equipment manager Dennis Ryan has been packing up the Vikings for their annual trek to Mankato since 1977. His job gets easier next summer.
The Vikings plan to recognize the Mankato training camp finale in several special ways.
Fans will receiver a free commemorative poster and this year's Training Camp Playbook will celebrate camp history.
The Vikings are also planning to endowing a scholarship at Mankato State. There will be a special event at the night practice on August 5 as well as a "thank-you ceremony" for partners on August 7.
It's often hard to see a fine and fun tradition come to an end but it's not done yet. The Vikings 52nd Mankato training camp opens Sunday with the arrival of the rookies and select veterans. The rest of the team arrives three days later.
This will be the 52nd year that the Vikings have packed up their football gear and traveled south to Mankato for training camp. They are one of 12 teams that still get away from their home for the hot football days of summer. Their first five training camps (1961-65) were held at Bemidji State. Mankato has been their training camp home since 1966. A great Vikings tradition and close relationship with a college town are coming to an end.
"Over the past 52 years we have formed incredible relationships with Minnesota State University, Mankato, the city of Mankato, and the entire community, and those partnerships made this decision difficult," Vikings executive Kevin Warren said. "With our increased space and amenities, the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center will give our players, coaches and staff the best opportunity to succeed, and we feel hosting training camp at our new home is the proper move for the organization and the Vikings fans."
It's the proper move but it's a sad one. There's a lot of stories in those 52 years. Equipment manager Dennis Ryan has been packing up the Vikings for their annual trek to Mankato since 1977. His job gets easier next summer.
The Vikings plan to recognize the Mankato training camp finale in several special ways.
Fans will receiver a free commemorative poster and this year's Training Camp Playbook will celebrate camp history.
The Vikings are also planning to endowing a scholarship at Mankato State. There will be a special event at the night practice on August 5 as well as a "thank-you ceremony" for partners on August 7.
It's often hard to see a fine and fun tradition come to an end but it's not done yet. The Vikings 52nd Mankato training camp opens Sunday with the arrival of the rookies and select veterans. The rest of the team arrives three days later.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Best Specialists
On the heels of his attention-getting "Best Players" lists, Gil Brandt recently went so far as to list his "Best Holders" and "Best Deep-Snappers." Some might say that this is going way too far but, as Rich Eisen famously says of punters, holders and long-snappers are people too. They are also football players. Unfortunately, the only time we ever notice these football players is when they do something wrong. When they do something great it looks routine. Brandt listing these players and me acknowledging those lists here probably says more about where we are on the football calender than it says about anything else. Here are Gil Brandt's "Greatest Holders All-Time" and "Best Deep-Snappers All-Time." I have no idea why he designated one the "Greatest" and the the other the "Best."
Greatest Holders All-Time:
1. Shane Lechler
2. Danny White
3. Paul Krause
4. Joe Theisman
The two that stand out for me are Minnesota Vikings safety Paul Krause and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White. As an itty-bitty Vikings fan learning the game all of football's little things interested me, even the holding for place kicks. Krause was automatic. He was such a great athlete and the whole process seemed so smooth. It was fun to watch the ease with which he placed the ball and the coordination with Fred Cox kicking. Krause's athleticism also allowed him to improvise easily. It never seemed to matter whether his improvisation was intended or forced. White was intriguing to me because he was also the Cowboys punter and quarterback. He was always a threat to throw the ball on fakes because he was so comfortable offensively with the ball in his hands.
Best Deep-Snappers All-Time
1. Cullen Loeffler
2. Patrick Mannelly
3. Lonnie Paxton
4. David Binn
5. D.D. Lewis
6. Vic Lindskog
7. Ethan Albright
Brandt's pick of Cullen Loeffler as the best deep-snapper that he's ever seen is what grabbed my attention. I knew that Loeffler was very good at what he did because things rarely went awry with his snaps. They were routine. I took the ease with which the punter caught and kicked the ball and the holder caught and placed the ball for granted. All aspects of the Vikings kicking game were sound when Loeffler, Ryan Longwell, and Chris Kluwe were a part of it. From the standpoint of long-snapping these years were worry-free years for this Vikings fan. I just never really knew where that put Loeffler among the other long-snappers of his day and historically. Patrick Mannelly, Lonnie Paxton, David Binn, and Ethan Albright were among Loeffler's long-snapping peers. It's great, and no surprise, to see Binn on Brandt's list. I've followed him from his Cal days. Cal might even have the reputation of "Long-Snapping U." If there really is such a thing. Long-snappers should be good at their job since that's all that they're called upon to do. It wasn't always that way. D.D. Lewis is one of the last players that I can recall that long-snapped as a side gig. He snapped the ball, ran down to cover the punt, and stayed on the field for his main gig as a linebacker. Brandt went way back to the 1940s to honor the career of Vic Lindskog. He played on the offensive line as well as handling the long-snapping for the two-time league champion Philadelphia Eagles.
More fun, pre-training camp stuff from Gil Brandt.
Monday, July 17, 2017
Vikings Receivers
Friday's announcement of a four-game suspension for Michael Floyd got me thinking about the Minnesota Vikings receivers. Seeing as it doesn't take much to kick-start my thoughts on a particular Vikings position group I'd probably get to the receivers soon with or without the suspension news. Training camp is less than a week away. Yay! The Vikings have 11 receivers on the roster.
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley
Isaac Fruechte
Moritz Boehringer
Cayleb Jones
R.J. Shelton
Michael Floyd's suspension could give an extra four-game audition to one of the receivers (Stacy Coley?) fighting for a final roster spot. Unless the Vikings decide to use that roster spot to carry an extra linebacker, safety, or defensive lineman for the first quarter of the season. Those are positions that might have some tough choices to make when it comes to the final roster trimming.
The only "sure-thing" with the Vikings receivers group is that Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Laquon Treadwell will be at the top of it. Diggs just has to stay healthy. Thielen just has to keep doing what he's been doing to create his remarkable "rags-to-riches" NFL story. Both were terrific last season while threatening the 1,000-yard receiving barrier. That's a milestone that's been way too elusive in Minnesota since the receiving glory days of Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Too much has been made of Treadwell's very silent first season. He was a rookie and a rookie still recovering from a brutal 2014 ankle injury. He's too talented and works too hard to not become a productive NFL receiver. Floyd should round out a nice top-foursome when he returns to the roster for Week 5. Jarius Wright's place on the roster is the greatest mystery. For most of his first four seasons he was a solid, productive playmaker. Most of the plays that he made were of the big-play variety, plays that converted first downs, plays that got the team out of a hole, plays that won games. Last season his role on the team diminished to nearly non-existent. His job status is a puzzle. If he's the fifth receiver on the roster that says more about the receivers above him than it says about him, in my book. There has been some speculation that he might not even make the team. I don't see it. I've seen enough of Wright to know that he can play and even shine in this league. The wild card of the Vikings receiver group could be fifth-round rookie Rodney Adams. He's probably the front-runner to win the kick returner job so his place on the roster is nearly assured. If there are enough footballs to go around he might get a chance to catch a few on offense. His ability to advance the ball after the catch might be the best on the team.
It's too early and wrong to write off the remainder of the receivers. Too much can change during training camp. Maybe Stacy Coley leaps Adams as a returner. Isaac Fruechte has managed to stick to practice squads the past two seasons. Maybe he's about to start his own "Adam Thielen-like" roster climb. Moritz Boehringer has ridiculous natural talents. Maybe he pulls it all together as his knowledge of the game and comfort with it grows. Maybe Cayleb Jones and R.J. Shelton are more than just intriguing talents. Anything can happen but their path to roster is a steep one.
I'm typically optimistic about these sorts of things, especially at this time of the year, but I really like the potential of the Vikings receivers. On paper, it's probably the most talented group that the team has had in a very long time. Perhaps the most talented since those wonderful Carter and Moss days. That's not saying a lot. 2009 was nice when Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Bernard Berrian were catching darts from Brett Favre but quality pass-catching has been lacking in Minnesota for more than a decade. This receiver group should change that. I think they can. I think they can....
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley
Isaac Fruechte
Moritz Boehringer
Cayleb Jones
R.J. Shelton
Michael Floyd's suspension could give an extra four-game audition to one of the receivers (Stacy Coley?) fighting for a final roster spot. Unless the Vikings decide to use that roster spot to carry an extra linebacker, safety, or defensive lineman for the first quarter of the season. Those are positions that might have some tough choices to make when it comes to the final roster trimming.
The only "sure-thing" with the Vikings receivers group is that Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Laquon Treadwell will be at the top of it. Diggs just has to stay healthy. Thielen just has to keep doing what he's been doing to create his remarkable "rags-to-riches" NFL story. Both were terrific last season while threatening the 1,000-yard receiving barrier. That's a milestone that's been way too elusive in Minnesota since the receiving glory days of Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Too much has been made of Treadwell's very silent first season. He was a rookie and a rookie still recovering from a brutal 2014 ankle injury. He's too talented and works too hard to not become a productive NFL receiver. Floyd should round out a nice top-foursome when he returns to the roster for Week 5. Jarius Wright's place on the roster is the greatest mystery. For most of his first four seasons he was a solid, productive playmaker. Most of the plays that he made were of the big-play variety, plays that converted first downs, plays that got the team out of a hole, plays that won games. Last season his role on the team diminished to nearly non-existent. His job status is a puzzle. If he's the fifth receiver on the roster that says more about the receivers above him than it says about him, in my book. There has been some speculation that he might not even make the team. I don't see it. I've seen enough of Wright to know that he can play and even shine in this league. The wild card of the Vikings receiver group could be fifth-round rookie Rodney Adams. He's probably the front-runner to win the kick returner job so his place on the roster is nearly assured. If there are enough footballs to go around he might get a chance to catch a few on offense. His ability to advance the ball after the catch might be the best on the team.
It's too early and wrong to write off the remainder of the receivers. Too much can change during training camp. Maybe Stacy Coley leaps Adams as a returner. Isaac Fruechte has managed to stick to practice squads the past two seasons. Maybe he's about to start his own "Adam Thielen-like" roster climb. Moritz Boehringer has ridiculous natural talents. Maybe he pulls it all together as his knowledge of the game and comfort with it grows. Maybe Cayleb Jones and R.J. Shelton are more than just intriguing talents. Anything can happen but their path to roster is a steep one.
I'm typically optimistic about these sorts of things, especially at this time of the year, but I really like the potential of the Vikings receivers. On paper, it's probably the most talented group that the team has had in a very long time. Perhaps the most talented since those wonderful Carter and Moss days. That's not saying a lot. 2009 was nice when Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Bernard Berrian were catching darts from Brett Favre but quality pass-catching has been lacking in Minnesota for more than a decade. This receiver group should change that. I think they can. I think they can....
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Bridgewater's Workouts
Over the past few months Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has posted pictures and video of his workouts. Throwing, running, moving, rehabbing. Things that some of the more morbid out there predicted that he'd never do again after suffering a brutal knee injury last August. I have mixed feelings about these pictures and video. Mostly I'm thrilled to see them but the media's knee-jerk reaction to them bothers me. It drives me to near madness every time that head coach Mike Zimmer or general manager Rick Spielman step near a microphone and are bombarded with questions about whether Bridgewater will be cleared for training camp. For one thing, neither head coach nor general manager clears injured players for practice. That's not their decision to make. It's a doctor's decision. For another thing, every injury is different and Bridgeater's injury is far from a routine knee injury. His was one of the worst knee injuries that a football player, or anyone, can have. A dislocation and torn ligaments. The injury to the knee was so severe that the quick response and handling by trainer Eric Sugarman might've been what saved the leg. All of this was and is new injury and rehab territory for Bridgewater, the doctors, Sugarman and the Vikings trainers, Zimmer, and Spielman. No one has any answers because no football player that I can recall has had to come back from this exact injury. There have been similar injuries, Marcus Lattimore's comes to mind, but every player, injury, rehab, and situation is different. Doctors often don't even know what they're facing until they have their patient cut open. Bridgewater and those involved in his return to the football field are writing a new script, their own script. No one can know how it ends at this point in the process. So why does the media keep asking the same questions? Supposedly it's their job but how many times do they have to ask a question to which no one knows the answer? Why do many in the media recruit doctors for a prognosis on a person that's not their patient? It strikes me as unprofessional, unethical, and just plain wrong for a doctor to comment on the recovery from an injury that they didn't treat. Some fans and some in the media seem to have a perverse fascination in Bridgewater never playing again, even walking again. As if that's a better story. Do those stories really get more clicks, more forwards, more retweets, more national attention? It's sad if they do. That's why I have mixed feelings about Bridgewater posting evidence of his progress. Each picture and video keeps the media talking about how unlikely his return is despite ample evidence that he might. The media just mucks everything up. NFL.com's Around the NFL writer Connor Orr is probably the media member that summed up Bridgewater's situation best.
Regardless of whether or not this is major rehabilitation news, it's another reminder to everyone watching his comeback to step back and think about how far he's come. The macabre depictions of Vikings practice the day Bridgewater got hurt were jarring. Surgery and rehab were brutal. The fact that we're even entertaining a return to football is fairly incredible.
Despite all of that belly-aching, I'm mostly thrilled to see evidence of Teddy Bridgewater's progress. Especially when it's done on his terms through his social media platforms rather than some creepy TMZ worm. It's wrong to assume that everything's just sailing along and he'll return to the field to lead the Vikings to multiple Super Bowl titles and join the ranks of the league's throwing greats. Nothing's guaranteed in football. That was proven true when Bridgewater went down after stepping away from center last August. Since that terrible day I've believed that he would play again simply because I tend to believe in things like that. Whether he returns to the field this year or next doesn't matter. All that does matter is that he returns to the field. He'd probably prefer the sooner the better but his return can't be rushed. The Vikings have Sam Bradford right now. At some point they'll have to pick one. It's far better to have to pick between two capable quarterbacks than to not have one at all. The Vikings know that all too well. Teddy Bridgewater's progressing in his return to the field and that's all that really matters right now. I look forward to that return but I don't look forward to he media's coverage of it.
Regardless of whether or not this is major rehabilitation news, it's another reminder to everyone watching his comeback to step back and think about how far he's come. The macabre depictions of Vikings practice the day Bridgewater got hurt were jarring. Surgery and rehab were brutal. The fact that we're even entertaining a return to football is fairly incredible.
Despite all of that belly-aching, I'm mostly thrilled to see evidence of Teddy Bridgewater's progress. Especially when it's done on his terms through his social media platforms rather than some creepy TMZ worm. It's wrong to assume that everything's just sailing along and he'll return to the field to lead the Vikings to multiple Super Bowl titles and join the ranks of the league's throwing greats. Nothing's guaranteed in football. That was proven true when Bridgewater went down after stepping away from center last August. Since that terrible day I've believed that he would play again simply because I tend to believe in things like that. Whether he returns to the field this year or next doesn't matter. All that does matter is that he returns to the field. He'd probably prefer the sooner the better but his return can't be rushed. The Vikings have Sam Bradford right now. At some point they'll have to pick one. It's far better to have to pick between two capable quarterbacks than to not have one at all. The Vikings know that all too well. Teddy Bridgewater's progressing in his return to the field and that's all that really matters right now. I look forward to that return but I don't look forward to he media's coverage of it.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
4 Games!
The NFL "finally" announced yesterday it's punishment of Minnesota Vikings receiver Michael Floyd for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. 4 games. From the Vikings side of things there might've been some hope for a two-game suspension but four was always the more realistic number. Floyd is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. Once the regular season starts he's out and won't be eligible to return to Minnesota's active roster until Monday, October 2, following the team's Week 4 games against the Detroit Lions.
The Vikings first four games:
Week 1: New Orleans Saints
Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 4: Detroit Lions
Each is a tough game but the Vikings were expecting something close to this when they signed him. It's one of the reasons a player as talented and proven as Floyd was still available when the Vikings signed on May 10.
Floyd put himself in this situation. He was arrested in December for extreme DUI in Scottsdale. The Arizona Cardinals promptly released him. The New England Patriots picked him up and gave him a few football tasks. He got a Super Bowl ring. So there's that.The Patriots chose not to re-sign Floyd and he became a free agent. The "free" part only applied to football. He had a prison sentence. He served the first 24 days of his 120-day jail sentence at a county facility before spending the final 96 days in home confinement. In addition to jail time, he was ordered not to drink alcohol, undergo alcohol counseling, perform 30 hours community service and pay a fine of $5,115.99. During the homestretch of his home confinement Floyd was flagged for positive alcohol tests. This resulted in his well-publicized Kombucha tea defense. He didn't realize that the beverage contained alcohol and he had apparently consumed a lot of it. Despite his explanation being a little flimsy the Vikings stood by their receiver. He didn't get any extra legal punishment but it probably didn't help his looming NFL suspension. The Vikings' may have stood by their player but that trust only goes so far. Head coach Mike Zimmer apparently told Floyd that he'd cut him if he found out that some un-truths were told. Some have speculated that this could be the beginning of the end of Floyd's brief stay in Minnesota. I don't see it. The Vikings knew all along that a suspension was likely. If that was a concern why sigh him at all? If they were going to cut him at the slightest setback they would've done so after the positive alcohol flags and the sketchy "Kombucha defense." Unless he does another truly stupid thing or it's found that he lied to the team the Vikings appear committed to giving Floyd an opportunity to salvage his promising football career. He now has 12 games to do that.
The Vikings first four games:
Week 1: New Orleans Saints
Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 4: Detroit Lions
Each is a tough game but the Vikings were expecting something close to this when they signed him. It's one of the reasons a player as talented and proven as Floyd was still available when the Vikings signed on May 10.
Floyd put himself in this situation. He was arrested in December for extreme DUI in Scottsdale. The Arizona Cardinals promptly released him. The New England Patriots picked him up and gave him a few football tasks. He got a Super Bowl ring. So there's that.The Patriots chose not to re-sign Floyd and he became a free agent. The "free" part only applied to football. He had a prison sentence. He served the first 24 days of his 120-day jail sentence at a county facility before spending the final 96 days in home confinement. In addition to jail time, he was ordered not to drink alcohol, undergo alcohol counseling, perform 30 hours community service and pay a fine of $5,115.99. During the homestretch of his home confinement Floyd was flagged for positive alcohol tests. This resulted in his well-publicized Kombucha tea defense. He didn't realize that the beverage contained alcohol and he had apparently consumed a lot of it. Despite his explanation being a little flimsy the Vikings stood by their receiver. He didn't get any extra legal punishment but it probably didn't help his looming NFL suspension. The Vikings' may have stood by their player but that trust only goes so far. Head coach Mike Zimmer apparently told Floyd that he'd cut him if he found out that some un-truths were told. Some have speculated that this could be the beginning of the end of Floyd's brief stay in Minnesota. I don't see it. The Vikings knew all along that a suspension was likely. If that was a concern why sigh him at all? If they were going to cut him at the slightest setback they would've done so after the positive alcohol flags and the sketchy "Kombucha defense." Unless he does another truly stupid thing or it's found that he lied to the team the Vikings appear committed to giving Floyd an opportunity to salvage his promising football career. He now has 12 games to do that.
Friday, July 14, 2017
There Really Was A Supplemental Draft
The 2017 Supplemental Draft came and went on Wednesday with barely a peep. That's because no players were selected. It's been that way for a couple of years. Georgia Military College defensive end Tavares Bingham and New Mexico running back Marques Rodgers were the only players available. They are now free agents. The St. Louis Rams' selection of Clemson defensive Isaiah Battle in 2015 is the only Supplemental Draft selection in the last five years. Terrelle Pryor (2011) and Josh Gordon (2012) were a little more famous Supplemental selections before Battle.
The Supplemental Draft is for players whose draft status has changed in the days since the regular draft. It's been around since 1977 but doesn't get much attention. Only the most committed media and fans know that it even takes place since discovering when it takes place often takes some digging. That's due mostly to the unfortunate fact that many of the players are available for it because something has gone awry with their college career. That includes annoying little things like being declared academically ineligible, failing drug tests, getting kicked off the team, or being suspended by the NCAA. A shaky end to a college career doesn't have to dismantle an NFL career but it isn't a good start to it. 43 players have been selected over the years in the Supplemental Draft. Most of those players have done little to nothing but every now and then a gem can be found. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Ohio State receiver Cris Carter in the 1987 Supplemental Draft. Carter was overshadowed in that draft by Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth. Carter ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame while Bosworth appeared in a few movies. Somewhere in between Carter and Bosworth were fellow Supplemental Draft picks Bernie Kosar, Bobby Humphrey, Rob Moore, Mike Wahle, Jamal Williams, Ahmad Brooks, and Josh Gordon. Each of those players made it to a Pro Bowl or more. For every player selected with the NFL potential of Rob Moore there are about five players with the potential of Harvey Unga. That's the nature of this draft.
The Supplemental Draft has been an NFL staple for about 40 years even if nothing much happens.
The Supplemental Draft is for players whose draft status has changed in the days since the regular draft. It's been around since 1977 but doesn't get much attention. Only the most committed media and fans know that it even takes place since discovering when it takes place often takes some digging. That's due mostly to the unfortunate fact that many of the players are available for it because something has gone awry with their college career. That includes annoying little things like being declared academically ineligible, failing drug tests, getting kicked off the team, or being suspended by the NCAA. A shaky end to a college career doesn't have to dismantle an NFL career but it isn't a good start to it. 43 players have been selected over the years in the Supplemental Draft. Most of those players have done little to nothing but every now and then a gem can be found. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Ohio State receiver Cris Carter in the 1987 Supplemental Draft. Carter was overshadowed in that draft by Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth. Carter ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame while Bosworth appeared in a few movies. Somewhere in between Carter and Bosworth were fellow Supplemental Draft picks Bernie Kosar, Bobby Humphrey, Rob Moore, Mike Wahle, Jamal Williams, Ahmad Brooks, and Josh Gordon. Each of those players made it to a Pro Bowl or more. For every player selected with the NFL potential of Rob Moore there are about five players with the potential of Harvey Unga. That's the nature of this draft.
The Supplemental Draft has been an NFL staple for about 40 years even if nothing much happens.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Throwback Thursday: Gil Brandt's Best Cornerbacks
To help pass the slow weeks that block the start NFL training camps I've posted Gil Brandt's lists of the best players at each position. The long-time scout has seen so much football, so many players. His views and opinions are fun and worth exploring. Here are Brandt's Best Cornerbacks
31. Eric Wright
30. Josh Norman
29. Dave Grayson
28. Bobby Boyd
27. Albert Lewis
26. Lester Hayes
25. Antoine Winfield
24. Emmitt Thomas
23. Aqib Talib
22. Ronde Barber
21. Roger Wherli
20. Malcolm Butler
19. Dick LeBeau
18. Ty Law
17. Patrick Peterson
16. Darrelle Revis
15. Lem Barney
14. Herb Adderley
13. Jimmy Johnson
12. Champ Bailey
11. Dick "Night Train" Lane
10. Mel Renfro
9. Richard Sherman
8. Aeneas Williams
7. Darrell Green
6. Mel Blount
5. Willie Brown
4. Charles Woodson
3. Mike Haynes
2. Rod Woodson
1. Deion Sanders
There's a strong Raiders presence at the top of Brandt's list. It's a very deserving presence as Willie Brown, Charles Woodson, and Mike Haynes were fantastic football players. Rod Woodson now carries a Raiders connection as well. He's the defensive backs coach in Oakland.
Malcolm Butler at #20 is the biggest surprise for me. He's been excellent since that play in the Super Bowl that put him on the football map. It just feels a little early to put him among the best to ever play.
It's great to see Antoine Winfield get some love from Brandt. He was such an underated corner throughout his career. He was one of the best corners in the game for most of his first nine years in the league yet he didn't make the Pro Bowl until his tenth season. Winfield is one of the best tackling corners that I've ever seen and he was routinely one of the smallest players on the field.
31. Eric Wright
30. Josh Norman
29. Dave Grayson
28. Bobby Boyd
27. Albert Lewis
26. Lester Hayes
25. Antoine Winfield
24. Emmitt Thomas
23. Aqib Talib
22. Ronde Barber
21. Roger Wherli
20. Malcolm Butler
19. Dick LeBeau
18. Ty Law
17. Patrick Peterson
16. Darrelle Revis
15. Lem Barney
14. Herb Adderley
13. Jimmy Johnson
12. Champ Bailey
11. Dick "Night Train" Lane
10. Mel Renfro
9. Richard Sherman
8. Aeneas Williams
7. Darrell Green
6. Mel Blount
5. Willie Brown
4. Charles Woodson
3. Mike Haynes
2. Rod Woodson
1. Deion Sanders
There's a strong Raiders presence at the top of Brandt's list. It's a very deserving presence as Willie Brown, Charles Woodson, and Mike Haynes were fantastic football players. Rod Woodson now carries a Raiders connection as well. He's the defensive backs coach in Oakland.
Malcolm Butler at #20 is the biggest surprise for me. He's been excellent since that play in the Super Bowl that put him on the football map. It just feels a little early to put him among the best to ever play.
It's great to see Antoine Winfield get some love from Brandt. He was such an underated corner throughout his career. He was one of the best corners in the game for most of his first nine years in the league yet he didn't make the Pro Bowl until his tenth season. Winfield is one of the best tackling corners that I've ever seen and he was routinely one of the smallest players on the field.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Fan-Friendly Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are set to open their sparkling new Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 26. The total cost of the construction is projected to be about $1.6 billion. Those that paid the bills won't be seeing an immediate return on their investment from the sale of concessions. That's becasue the Falcons are doing something unusual there. They will have a "Fan First Menu Pricing" and it truly is fan-friendly. Check out these prices.
Coca-Cola-Refillable Cup: $2
Hot Dog: $2
Waffle Fries: $3
Bud Lite Draft Beer: $5
Dasani Water Bottle: $2
Popcorn: $2
Pizza Slice: $3
Cheeseburger: $5
Pretzel: $2
Nachos w/Cheese
Souvenir Refillable Cup: $4
Chicken Tender Basket w/Fries: $6
That's remarkable. A fan can visit the concession stand, order two beers and the Chicken w/Fries, pay with a $20 bill and get some change. Two beers alone often cost more than 20 bucks at stadiums.
Many fans have been priced right out of attending games. Ticket prices have sky-rocketed with each new stadium and even without a new stadium. Concession stand prices have always been ridiculous. It's nice to see the Falcons price some of their goods with the fan in mind.
Coca-Cola-Refillable Cup: $2
Hot Dog: $2
Waffle Fries: $3
Bud Lite Draft Beer: $5
Dasani Water Bottle: $2
Popcorn: $2
Pizza Slice: $3
Cheeseburger: $5
Pretzel: $2
Nachos w/Cheese
Souvenir Refillable Cup: $4
Chicken Tender Basket w/Fries: $6
That's remarkable. A fan can visit the concession stand, order two beers and the Chicken w/Fries, pay with a $20 bill and get some change. Two beers alone often cost more than 20 bucks at stadiums.
Many fans have been priced right out of attending games. Ticket prices have sky-rocketed with each new stadium and even without a new stadium. Concession stand prices have always been ridiculous. It's nice to see the Falcons price some of their goods with the fan in mind.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Another Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection
The Minnesota Vikings won't open the doors to training camp for another three weeks. That makes this the perfect time to take another stab at the their 53-man roster. Most of the roster is fairly set but there are a few interesting position battles, like at center, weak-side linebacker, and nickle cornerback. So here's another Flea Flicker 53-Man Roster Projection.
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Teddy Bridgewater-PUP
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Whether Teddy Bridgewater will be ready to play this season will be an ever-present storyline throughout training camp and into the season.
Running backs
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham-fullback
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Rodney Adams
On the bubble: Stacy Coley, Isaac Freuchte
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
On the bubble: Nick Truesdell, Josiah Price, Kyle Carter
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Jeremiah Sirles
Danny Isidora
T.J. Clemmings
Nick Easton
Rashod Hill
On the bubble: Zac Kerin, Aviante Collins, Willie Beavers, Reid Fragel. Freddie Tagaloa, Austin Shepherd
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd-PUP
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
On the bubble: Will Sutton, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Dylan Bradley, Tashawn Bower
This is the most talented position group on the team. As a result the final cuts will be tough.
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Edmond Robinson
Kentrell Brothers
Ben Gedeon
Eijah Lee
On the bubble: Emmanuel Lamur, Eric Wilson
If this projection holds, Emmanuel Lamur moves from potential starter at weak-side linebacker to off the roster. That's due more to my projecting the Vikings keeping youngsters than Lamur's abilities. I'd like to keep seven linebackers but I don't think that will fit in the final numbers game.
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
Tre Roberson
On the bubble: Jabari Price, Horace Richardson
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Jayron Kearse
Jack Tocho
On the bubble: Anthony Harris, Antone Exum, Jr.
As with the linebackers, I'd like to keep one more safety than the final numbers permit. I'd hate to see Anthony Harris cut.
Kicker
Marshall Koehn
On the bubble: Kai Forbath
Punter
Taylor Symmank
On the bubble: Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Teddy Bridgewater-PUP
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Whether Teddy Bridgewater will be ready to play this season will be an ever-present storyline throughout training camp and into the season.
Running backs
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham-fullback
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Rodney Adams
On the bubble: Stacy Coley, Isaac Freuchte
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
On the bubble: Nick Truesdell, Josiah Price, Kyle Carter
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Jeremiah Sirles
Danny Isidora
T.J. Clemmings
Nick Easton
Rashod Hill
On the bubble: Zac Kerin, Aviante Collins, Willie Beavers, Reid Fragel. Freddie Tagaloa, Austin Shepherd
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd-PUP
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
On the bubble: Will Sutton, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Dylan Bradley, Tashawn Bower
This is the most talented position group on the team. As a result the final cuts will be tough.
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Edmond Robinson
Kentrell Brothers
Ben Gedeon
Eijah Lee
On the bubble: Emmanuel Lamur, Eric Wilson
If this projection holds, Emmanuel Lamur moves from potential starter at weak-side linebacker to off the roster. That's due more to my projecting the Vikings keeping youngsters than Lamur's abilities. I'd like to keep seven linebackers but I don't think that will fit in the final numbers game.
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
Tre Roberson
On the bubble: Jabari Price, Horace Richardson
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Jayron Kearse
Jack Tocho
On the bubble: Anthony Harris, Antone Exum, Jr.
As with the linebackers, I'd like to keep one more safety than the final numbers permit. I'd hate to see Anthony Harris cut.
Kicker
Marshall Koehn
On the bubble: Kai Forbath
Punter
Taylor Symmank
On the bubble: Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
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