Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Fourth Round Picks

I’ve addressed the best Minnesota Vikings draft picks of the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. Why not select the best of the fourth round.

Top Ten Minnesota Vikings Fourth Round Picks

10. Rhett Ellison, TE, USC, 2012

Perhaps a surprise pick. Rhett Ellison was tasked with replacing Jim Kleinsasser. That’s a tough task. Kleinsasser was a beast. Ellison wasn’t Kleinsasser but he was an excellent blocker and occasional pass catcher. It was a sad day when he bolted for free agency dollars.

9. Brian Williams, CB, North Carolina State, 2002

Brian Williams was a good, physical corner. Just when I thought he was becoming one of the better corners in the league he left in free agency. 

8. Mewelde Moore, RB, Tulane, 2004

Mewelde Moore was a very good, versatile running back. He was also terrific in the return game. As with the first two on this list, Moore left too soon in free agency.

7. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas, 2012

If Jarius Wright produced on the first two downs as he did on third down, he might be on his way Canton. Wright was always open on third down. He always made the big catch.

6. Reggie Rutland, CB, Georgia Tech, 1987

Reggie Rutland might be better known as Najee Mustafaa. For about five years, Mustafaa and Carl Lee formed one of the best cornerback duos in franchise history. 

5. Ray Edwards, DE, Purdue, 2006

Ray Edwards was the least heralded member of the Vikings terrific defensive line of the late 2000s. Jared Allen got a ton of attention. Kevin and Pat Williams received a lot of attention as the “Williams Wall.” Edwards was a very productive edge rusher and run defender. He turned that production into a big free agent deal with another team. 

4. Paul Flatley, WR, Northwestern, 1963

Paul Flatley started the Vikings strong tradition of rookie receivers. It’s a tradition that includes Sammy White, Randy Moss, and Justin Jefferson. From 1963-66, Flatley was one of the most productive and least known receivers in the league. 

3. Roy Winston, LB, LSU, 1962

Roy Winston, Lonnie Warwick, and Wally Hilgenberg were the fine linebackers that played behind the Vikings great defensive line. The linebackers didn’t get much attention because they played behind the Vikings great defensive line. Winston was a mainstay on the left side for more than a decade.

2. Brian Robison, DE, Texas, 2007

Brian Robison made the free agency loss of Ray Edwards an overall gain. Robison was a terrific Viking on and off the field. 

1. Everson Griffen, DE, USC, 2010

The Vikings have had great success finding edge rushers in the fourth round. Everson Griffen was the best of them. Jared Allen kept him on the bench for four years. Griffen was such a great athlete that the Vikings spent those four years trying to find ways to get him on the field. He was a gunner on the punt team. A 280-pound gunner! The Vikings spent part of one training camp trying to fit him into a linebacker position. Griffen got his first big contract before he was a full time starter. Talking heads outside Minnesota thought that it was foolish deal. Those that had seen how Griffen had taken advantage of every opportunity were certain that he’d earn the deal. He did. And then some. Griffen was the heart, soul, and leader of Mike Zimmer’s great defenses. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Third Round Picks

Here’s a look at some of the best third round picks in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. One of the best draft picks in the team’s 60+ years was their very first third round pick. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Third Round Picks

10. Jerick McKinnon, RB, Georgia Southern, 2014

Jerick McKinnon would’ve had a greater impact on the Vikings offense if his early years weren’t during Adrian Peterson’s final years and his final year wasn’t during Dalvin Cook’s first year. His playing time was always dependent on the availability of another back. His most productive season was 2017. A torn ACL cut short Cook’s rookie season. McKinnon worked with Latavius Murray to form a potent rushing attack as the Vikings wound their way to the NFC Championship game. McKinnon, like Chester Taylor before him, was a very good back stuck behind a great back. 

9. Moe Williams, RB, Kentucky, 1996

Moe Williams was a terrific team player for about a decade. From special teams to various offensive roles, whatever needed to be done Williams was available to do. In 2003, he was needed often on offense. He responded with 745 rushing yards and 65 receptions. He also teamed with Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss for one of the great plays in team history. 

8. Tom Hannon, S, Michigan State, 1977

Tom Hannon had the tall task of replacing Paul Krause in the back of the Vikings defense. He was a solid player for 8 seasons. So solid that I’ve long considered Hannon one of the most underrated players in Vikings history.

7. Al Noga, DE, Hawaii, 1988

Al Noga was part of the first great defensive line since the Purple People Eaters days. Chris Doleman, Keith Millard, Henry Thomas, and Noga. This foursome was at their best in 1989. Noga posted 11.5 sacks. That impressive total was third on the team behind Doleman’s 21 and Millard’s 18. This was a rough group for offenses. 

6. Kirk Lowdermilk, C, Ohio State, 1985

Kirk Lowdermilk became the third in the Vikings strong center tradition started by the great Mick Tingelhoff. Lowdermilk took the mantle from Dennis Swilley in 1987 and held it through the 1992 season. 

5. Jake Reed, WR, Grambling, 1991

Jake Reed combined with Cris Carter to form one of the most dangerous receiving duos of the 1990s. Then came 1998. Reed and Carter combined with Randy Moss to form “3 Deep”, one of the greatest receiving trios in league history. 

4. Tim Irwin, OT, Tennessee, 1981

Tom Hannon wasn’t the first fourth round pick that had to replace a Hall of Famer. Tim Irwin was tasked with replacing Ron Yary. From 1982-93, Irwin more than capably sealed the right side of the Vikings offensive line. He was never tapped for a Pro Bowl but should’ve been to a few. 

3. Henry Thomas, DT, LSU, 1987

Henry Thomas was the heart of the great Vikings defensive line of the late 1980s. It’s a damn shame that he only played eight of his 14 seasons in Minnesota.

2. Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU, 2015

In only five seasons, Danielle Hunter has played his way into franchise greatness. He’s only 26. He’s an amazing football player. The astonishing thing is that it still feels like Hunter has only scratched the surface of his potential. 

1. Fran Tarkenton, QB, Georgia, 1961

This draft pick was one of the best, if not the best, pick in Vikings franchise history. It takes a player like Fran Tarkenton to keep a player like Danielle Hunter at #2. Nothing can be said about Tarkenton that hasn’t already been said. He’s one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. He held every career passing record longer than any quarterback ever has. The frequency with which quarterbacks currently topple those records probably means that will forever have hold that mark. The Vikings were so enamored with Tarkenton’s passing ability that they acquired him twice to be their franchise quarterback. The team has been searching for their next franchise quarterback since he retired after the 1978 season. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Second Round Picks

Ranking the first round picks of the Minnesota Vikings naturally got me thinking about the team’s best second round picks. Naturally. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings Second Round Picks

10. Orlando Thomas, S, SW Louisiana, 1995

Orlando Thomas led the league with nine interceptions as a rookie. Four more fine seasons followed and it felt like Thomas was well on his way as a franchise all-timer. Injuries slowed and then ended his career. 

9. Dennis Swilley, C, Texas A&M, 1977

Dennis Swilley was drafted in 1977 to be the eventual replacement for the great Mick Tingelhoff. That’s a tough deal. Swilley didn’t receive any league accolades but he was a very good center for nearly a decade. The Vikings haven’t needed many centers over their six decades. That’s due to their strong tradition at the position. Swilley is a part of that strong tradition. 

8. Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma, 2009

Phil Loadholt was a load. 6’8” 340 lbs and he always seemed bigger than that. He started as a rookie on the great, fun 2009 Vikings team and Brett Favre’s right side was secure. 

7. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State, 2017

Dalvin Cook is well on his way to soaring up this list. Like Robert Smith, injuries slowed the start of his career. Fortunately, Cook has only had to work his way through two injury-riddled seasons. He’s been one of the league’s best backs the last two seasons. 

6. Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA, 2015

Eric Kendricks is also well on his way to soaring up this list. He’s arguably the best middle linebacker in franchise history. 

5. E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland, 2003

E.J. Henderson was the heart of some excellent defenses during the late 2000s. If not for his brutal leg injury late in the 2009 season, the Vikings probably get past the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game.

4. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame, 2011

Kyle Rudolph is the best tight end in Vikings franchise history. He’s also been one of the greats in the community. 

3. Jim Kleinsasser, TE, North Dakota, 1999

Simply put, Jim Kleinsasser made every team better. I remember reading a pre-draft scouting report in regards to his blocking that said “if he gets his hands on you, it’s over.” Jim Kleinsasser was a beast. He’s the best blocking tight end I’ve ever seen. He was so valuable in pass protection and the run game that anything he did as a pass-catcher was simply a bonus. He never complained. He was a team player, always a team player. 

2. Ed White, OG, Cal, 1969

First of all, Ed White was the best Cal player in Vikings franchise history. He was drafted as a defensive lineman. It didn’t take long for him to be switched to the offensive line. He attacked defensive linemen like a defensive linemen. He played between Hall of Fame offensive linemen Ron Yary and Mick Tingelhoff. An argument can be made that White should join those teammates in Canton. 

1. Matt Blair, LB, Iowa State, 1974

Matt Blair was an impact player during the last few years of the Purple People Eaters run. After the Hall of Famers and greats moved on or retired, he became the leader of the Vikings defense. Some of those years were tough years and Blair shined during them. He’s there with Jim Marshall, Ed White, Chuck Foreman, Ahmad Rashad, and Joey Browner as former Vikings players that deserve to have their careers discussed by the Hall of Fame voters. 

The third round is next. Naturally. 

College Pro Days

The NFL Scouting Combine was supposed to be starting this week. The global pandemic erased it from the league schedule this year. That leaves scattered College Pro Days as the only opportunity for team talent evaluators to see the draft prospects up close. A schedule of confirmed College Pro Days was released yesterday. Due to COVID-related restrictions, teams will be limited to a maximum of three representatives at any of the Pro Days. 

Confirmed College Pro Days

March 5

Kansas 

March 9

Kansas State

Northwestern

Wisconsin-Whitewater

March 10

Arkansas

Marshall

Maryland

Wisconsin

March 11

Clemson

Nevada

Texas

March 12

Arkansas State

North Dakota State 

Oklahoma

March 15

Kent State

Middle Tennessee

March 16

Georgia Tech

March 17

Arizona

Army

Georgia

Illinois

Pittsburgh 

San Jose State

March 18

Auburn

Buffalo

Central Arkansas

Louisiana Tech

Louisiana-Monroe

West Virginia

March 19

Memphis

Ohio

TCU

March 22

Air Force

Bowling Green

Colorado State

Florida State

Iowa

Missouri

Toledo

March 23

Alabama

Central Michigan

Iowa State

Nebraska

Purdue

March 24

Michigan State

Mississippi State

South Carolina

USC

Virginia

March 25

Georgia Southern

Massachusetts 

Mississippi 

Penn State

San Diego State

SMU

Tennessee 

Western Michigan 

March 26

Boston College

BYU

Michigan

South Dakota State 

Virginia Tech

March 29

Arizona State

Duke

Louisiana-Lafayette

Miami 

Miami (Ohio)

North Carolina

Washington State

March 30

East Carolina

Florida Atlantic

Louisville

North Carolina State

Ohio State

Texas A&M

Tulane

Washington

March 31

Baylor

Boise State

Florida 

Kentucky

LSU

Notre Dame

Wake Forest

April 1

Minnesota

North Carolina-Charlotte

Oklahoma State

Oregon State

South Florida

UCF

Western Kentucky

April 2

Indiana 

Oregon

Tulsa

April 7

Texas Tech

April 9

Ball State

Houston

UAB

***

No Cal! Where’s Cal?

Both Miamis (Florida and Ohio) have their Pro Day scheduled for the same day, March 29. I wonder if that results in some scheduling confusion for as many as three representatives from a team. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings First Round Picks

During this time of the football calendar I’m often thinking thinking about the NFL Draft. Those thoughts are usually on the upcoming draft. Every now and then I think about drafts of the past. Those thoughts brought this. 

The Top 10 Minnesota Vikings First Round Picks

10. Robert Smith, RB, Ohio State, 21st pick 1993

Robert Smith is one of the biggest “what ifs” in Vikings franchise history. Just about every malady from chicken pox to a torn ACL slowed his NFL start. Once he finally got his footing in the NFL he was rarely slowed. In fact, the only thing that slowed him was his early retirement at 28. If he’d put up the numbers in his first four seasons that he put up his final four seasons, Smith would be honored in Canton. 

10. Keith Millard, DT, Washington State, 13th pick 1984

Through his first five seasons with the Vikings, Keith Millard was on an all-timer pace. He routinely had his way with the blocking schemes designed to slow him. It was a blast to watch. 1989 was his best seasons. 18 sacks, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, NFC Player of the Year. The attention paid to Millard that year helped defensive end Chris Doleman reach 21 sacks. Injuries sadly shortened Millard’s career.

10. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame, 29th pick 2012

Harrison Smith has been a playmaking force all over the Vikings defense since his first game. He plays everywhere. He can do everything. In my book, he’s been the best safety in football over the past decade. He should get Hall of Fame consideration five years after his retirement. I loathe the thought of his retirement. 

10. Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State, 9th pick 2003

When I think of Kevin Williams I often think of a play he made against the Kansas City Chiefs. At the snap, he flashed through Will Shields, dispatched Tony Richardson as if he wasn’t there, and tackled Priest Holmes at a spot closer to the quarterback than the line of scrimmage. At the time, each of those players was among the best in the game at their position. Shields is a Hall of Famer. Williams made each look like they didn’t belong in his league. He’s the sort of defensive tackle that the Vikings have been seeking since he departed Minnesota. Defensive tackles like Kevin Williams don’t come around too often. 

9. Joey Browner, S, USC, 19th pick 1983

After Joey Browner took apart his Los Angeles Rams team, head coach John Robinson called him the game’s best defensive player. As with Millard, injuries shortened Browner’s career. If not for those injuries he’d be in the Hall of Fame. Despite an injury-shortened career, he has a legitimate Hall of Fame case. Especially after safety peer Kenny Easley made it. There are many Vikings fans of a certain age that consider Joey Browner their favorite player. He was a great, fun football player. 

8. Chuck Foreman, RB, Miami, 12th pick 1973

For his first five years, Chuck Foreman was one of the best, if not the best, running back in the league. He was certainly the most versatile back. In 1975, he was seven rushing yards shy of leading the NFC in rushing, receptions, and touchdowns. There was no talk of a Triple Crown because there was never a thought that a running back could lead those three categories. Only Hall of Famers rank higher than Foreman on this list. There’s a legitimate argument that he should be in the Hall of Fame as well. 

7. Chris Doleman, DE, Pittsburgh, 4th pick 1985

Just like I have that particular memory of Kevin Williams, I have a particular memory of Chris Doleman. It’s a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s a game against Anthony Munoz. Some consider Munoz the best offensive tackle the game’s ever seen. Doleman made him look pedestrian. He made a lot of the offensive linemen look pedestrian. 

6. Ron Yary, OT, USC, 1st pick 1968

Ron Yary was arguably the best offensive tackle of his era. First pick in the draft, six time first-team All-Pro, two time second-team All-Pro, seven Pro Bowls, 1970s All-Decade Team. 

5. Carl Eller, DE, Minnesota, 6th pick 1964

Carl Eller’s playing size is listed as 6’6” and 247 lbs. As a little, California kid falling for the Vikings in the early 1970s, Eller seemed twice that size. He was a beast of a football player and one of the reasons I’ve been a Vikings fan since the early 1970s. 

4. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma, 7th pick 2007

Adrian Peterson was a beast of a back. One of the best I’ve ever seen. He has the greatest rushing game in NFL history. He was eight yards from the greatest rushing season in NFL history. Three-time rushing champ, five time first-team All-Pro, seven Pro Bowls, 2010s All-Decade Team, 2012 MVP. Adrian Peterson is a Hall of Famer five years after he retires. 

3. Randall McDaniel, OG, Arizona State, 19th pick 1988

His funky stance was noticeable. His athleticism and ability to dominate defenders was even more noticeable. He’s one of the best guards to ever play in the league. Nine time first-team All-Pro, 12 Pro Bowls, 1990s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. 

2. Randy Moss, WR, Marshall, 21st pick 1998

Randy Moss scared defenses more than any receiver I’ve ever seen. Blanket double, even triple, coverage often wasn’t enough coverage to keep him from catching a pass. He’s arguably the most physically gifted receiver that’s ever played. Four time first-team All-Pro, six Pro Bowls, 2000s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. 

1. Alan Page, DT, Notre Dame, 15th pick 1967

Alan Page gets the #1 spot because he was a fantastic football player. He’s also my favorite all-time player. Page was the first defensive football player to be named the league’s MVP. For the young folk, he was the Aaron Donald of his day. Page was so quick off the snap. He just tore up offensive lines. Six time first-team All-Pro, three time second-team All-Pro, nine Pro Bowls, two time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1971 MVP, 1970s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. 

***

Hall of Famers

Alan Page

Randy Moss

Randall McDaniel

Carl Eller

Ron Yary

Chris Doleman

Will be a Hall of Famer

Adrian Peterson

Have a Hall of Fame Case

Chuck Foreman

Joey Browner

Kevin Williams

Harrison Smith

If not for the injuries that dismantled his career, Keith Millard would be in the Hall of Fame company of fellow Vikings defensive linemen Page, Eller, Doleman, and John Randle. 

Each AFC Team’s Top Hall of Fame Candidate

Yesterday was Each NFC Team’s Top Hall of Fame Candidate. Today it’s that other conference’s turn. 

Baltimore Ravens

Jamal Lewis, RB

Jamal Lewis was All-Pro once and played in one Pro Bowl. Those accolades came in 2003 when he rushed for 2066 yards. Seeing as he had three more seasons with over 1300 yards and six other seasons with more than 1000 yards it’s surprising that he didn’t receive more season honors. A decade of rushing consistency, if not excellence, did earn him 2nd-team All-Decade for the 2000s. For his career, Lewis rushed for 10,607 yards. If he hadn’t missed the 2001 season to injury, he might’ve passed 12,000 yards. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

L.C. Greenwood, DE

The Hall of Fame voters should be able to find room for another member of the Steel Curtain. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Ken Riley, CB

The Bengals have a few deserving Hall of Fame candidates that have been patiently waiting. Ken Riley, Lamar Parrish, and Ken Anderson. I’ll go with Riley. And his 65 interceptions. 

Cleveland Browns

Jim Ray Smith, G

The number of Browns players already in the Hall and a couple years lost to military service are probably the reasons that Jim Ray Smith isn’t already honored in Canton. Those aren’t very good reasons. 

New York Jets

Larry Grantham, LB

Larry Grantham is one of the AFL greats that’s slipped through the Hall of Fame cracks. 

Buffalo Bills

Mike Stratton, LB

Tom Sestak, Mike Stratton, George Saimes, Butch Byrd, Jim Dunaway. The Buffalo Bills defense of the mid-1960s were dominant. I’ll go with Stratton as the one first deserving of Hall of Fame consideration.

New England Patriots

Richard Seymour, DL

I don’t think that Richard Seymour’s Hall of Fame wait will last much longer. 

Miami Dolphins

Bob Kuechenberg, OL

Bob Kuechenberg, Jake Scott, or Dick Anderson? I could make a Hall of Fame case for either Miami Dolphins safety. I’ll go with the one player that played on all five of the Dolphins Super Bowl teams. Kuechenberg was one of the best guards of the 1970s. 

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts

Alan Ameche. FB

In an era of great fullbacks Alan Ameche may have trailed only Jim Brown. Ameche’s touchdown in the 1958 NFL Championship game may be the most replayed touchdown in league history. 

Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans 

Charlie Hennigan, WR

Charlie Hennigan had a couple seasons in the early 1960s that would fit well in today’s pass-happy NFL. 82 catches for 1746 yards and 12 TDs in 1961. 1961! 101 catches for 1546 yards and 8 TDs in 1964. 1964!

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tony Boselli, OT

This is an easy choice. Tony Boselli should already be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Houston Texans

Andre Johnson, WR

The Texans first great player should be their first Hall of Fame candidate. He’s still a year from even being eligible. 

Oakland/Los Angeles/Las Vegas Raiders

Cliff Branch, WR

They finally got Tom Flores into Canton. Cliff Branch is next. 

Denver Broncos

Randy Gradishar, LB

Randy Gradishar was one of the players that I was certain would be part of the Hall’s Centennial Class. He wasn’t so he’s an easy pick here. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Jim Tyrer, OT

As a player, Jim Tyrer should already have a bust in Canton. 

San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

Earl Faison, DL

It’s a coin flip between Earl Faison and Ernie Ladd. Both were freakishly sized for their day and could probably play today. The early 1960s Chargers teams were known for their offense. With Faison and Ladd on the line, their defense was a force. 

Each NFC Team’s Top Hall of Fame Candidate

Every NFL team has a player, usually players, that are deserving of Hall of Fame induction. Just ask a fan of any team. It’s a subjective, often personal, thing but here are my picks for each team’s most deserving Hall of Fame candidate. I’ll start with the NFC. 

Minnesota Vikings

Chuck Foreman, RB

Jim Marshall is the pick of most Vikings’ fans. I’m not one of them. I’d love it if Marshall finally made it. He’s probably the most important player of the franchise’s first two decades. He was the heart and soul of the Super Bowl teams. He wasn’t the best player. He wasn’t even the best player, or second best player, among his position group. Chuck Foreman was one of the team’s best players. For a few years he was arguably the best running back in the game. He was the most versatile running back in the game.

Green Bay Packers

Lavvie Dilweg, End

Lavvie Dilweg should’ve been inducted long ago. He played in the 1920s and that’s apparently the problem. The Hall voters clearly have difficulty appreciating the careers of players from the NFL’s earliest decades. How else can you explain the ridiculous waits of Fritz Pollard, Benny Friedman, and Duke Slater? I was stunned that Dilweg wasn’t part of the Centennial Class. 

Chicago Bears

Ken Kavanaugh, End

A long history and a lot of success give the Bears a few candidates. Rick Casares, Joe Fortunato, and Steve McMichael among them. I’m picking Ken Kavanaugh due to his being among the best at his position during the era he played. He was a three-time champion (1940, 1941, 1946) and was named to the 1940s All-Decade Team. For his career, he averaged a ridiculous 22.4 yards per catch. 

Detroit Lions

Buddy Parker, coach

A coach gets the nod here. Buddy Parker led the Lions to two NFL titles (1952 and 1953). The Lions team that he built and coached won again in 1957 but he bolted in a huff before the season. 

New York Giants

Charlie Conerly, QB

Quarterbacks with an NFL title and a league MVP aren’t usually waiting for that Hall of Fame call. Charlie Conerly was one of the league’s elite players during the 1950s. Plus, he was the Marlboro Man! 

Philadelphia Eagles

Al Wistert, T

Al Wistert’s Hall of Fame absence is nearly as mind-numbing as Lavvie Dilweg’s absence. There were five players that I was certain would be part of the Centennial Class. Dilweg, Duke Slater, Wistert, Mac Speedie, and Alex Karras. Dilweg and Wistert are still waiting. They shouldn’t be waiting. 

Washington Football Team

Gene Brito, End

Gene Brito was one of the NFL’s first great pass rushers. He was overshadowed by the ends of his era that played on better teams, such as Gino Marchetti, Andy Robustelli, and Len Ford. 

 

Dallas Cowboys

Charlie Waters, S

This is probably more personal than accurate. Chuck Howley, Cliff Harris, or Cornell Green would probably be better choices. I’m going with Charlie Waters. First of all, as an itty bitty Vikings fan I hated the Cowboys in the 1970s. Despite that, Waters was one of my favorite football players. He was also a very good football player. It felt like he was part of every play. 

New Orleans Saints

Sam Mills, LB

The Carolina Panthers claim Sam Mills despite playing only three seasons for them. It’s due to the impact that he had on that franchise. He had that sort of impact everywhere he played. If he was judged more by his play than his size, Mills would probably have about 10 Pro Bowls and five All-Pros on his resume. That would put him in the Hall of Fame. He was an outstanding football player. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ronde Barber, CB

Ronde Barber hasn’t been waiting as long as the rest on this list. He gets knocked by some due to the Cover-2 scheme in which he played. Perhaps he didn’t have to shadow each team’s top receiver wherever he went. He made big plays and impacted damn near every one of those Buccaneers game that I watched.

Atlanta Falcons

Mike Kenn, OT

The Falcons candidate comes down to Tommy Nobis, George Kunz, Bill Fralic, and Mike Kenn. It was tough. I’m going with Kenn simply because I felt that he was among the league’s best at his position for a longer period than the other two players. 

Carolina Panthers

Steve Smith, WR

This is cheating as Steve Smith isn’t eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame until the next voting cycle. Not only that, I don’t think that Smith makes it, or should make it, in his first year of eligibility. I just can’t think of another Panthers player that’s ready for Canton. There’s Sam Mills but he’s with the Saints. 

San Francisco 49ers

Frankie Albert, QB

Frankie Albert is another player that’s a little more of a personal pick than an accurate one. Albert was one of my father’s favorites. I grew up to stories of Albert, the early 49ers, and the All America Football Conference. He was a magician with the football. 

Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams

Riley Matheson, OG/LB

Riley Matheson was named All-Pro on both sides of the ball. His blocking was integral to the Cleveland Rams 1945 NFL Championship.

Chicago/St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals

Marshall Goldberg, Back

Marshall Goldberg was a big part of the Cardinals’ great backfield of the late-1940s. A backfield that brought home the 1947 NFL title. He’s been on the doorstep of Canton as a finalist. Of any deserving Cardinals candidate, he’s been waiting the longest. 

Seattle Seahawks

Shaun Alexander, RB

Shaun Alexander’s five-year run from 2001-05 was Hall of Fame-caliber. It’ll probably be enough to eventually get him there.

Some Football Thoughts

Here are some of my footballs as we work our way through the early days of the league’s offseason. 

1. Everyone should know Joe Roth’s story. He lost his battle with cancer on February 19, 1977. He was only 21. He filled those 21 years. He’s right there with Aaron Rodgers and ahead of Carson Palmer as the best college quarterbacks I’ve ever seen from stadium seats. Roth played his final season at Cal while battling cancer. Few knew. Have a Joe Roth type of day. 

2. The Detroit Lions traded quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for quarterback Jared Goff and some top picks. The Philadelphia Eagles traded quarterback Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts for some picks. One of those picks could be a top pick. There are two things that I find interesting with these quarterback deals. The first is that Jared Goff is an afterthought in this quarterback movement and he’s the only one that’s played in a Super Bowl. The second hasn’t gotten much, if any, mention. Lions general manager Brad Holmes, recently hired from the Rams, sent Stafford to his former team. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, recently hired from the Colts, sent Wentz to his former team. Perhaps that convenient familiarity greased the dealings between the teams.

3. Some fans of teams shut down during the offseason. Most fans that I know lose sleep crafting offseason plans for their teams. The ease with which some of these fans shed players from their team’s roster to create cap space never ceases to amaze me. Minnesota Vikings fans are trading Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter. They are releasing Harrison Smith, Anthony Barr, Riley Reiff, and Kyle Rudolph. I get the roster debate of Reiff and Rudolph. I don’t get the rest. They’re trying to fix issues by creating more issues. 

4. I hope that the Vikings and Kyle Rudolph can come to an agreement that keeps team and player together. I hate the thought of seeing Rudolph in the uniform of another team but I’m worried that the team’s needs and his needs aren’t the same needs. It’s Irv Smith Jr’s and Tyler Conklin’s time. Rudolph’s role in the Vikings offense would probably be a supporting one. I don’t think that suits him.

5. Not one of the Vikings 13 Hall of Fame players spent their entire career in Minnesota. It’s always been painful to see Vikings greats with other teams. Alan Page in a Chicago Bears uniform was the worst. Even non-Hall of Fame Vikings greats like Jim Marshall, Chuck Foreman, Ahmad Rashad, and Joey Browner spent time with other teams. Thank goodness for Matt Blair and Chad Greenway. 

6. Every day brings rumors of a new team loading up to take a run at DeShaun Watson. Is that news? Is that a surprise? If Watson is on the trading block, every team with the slightest need at quarterback is going to take a shot at acquiring him. Ah, the NFL offseason. It’ll suck the life out of you. 

7. Occasionally I hear media talking heads chatter about quarterbacks playing into their late 30s being a new thing. I wonder what they make of the careers of the following quarterbacks. 

John Unitas: 1956-73, 18 years

Fran Tarkenton: 1961-78: 18 years

Sammy Baugh: 1937-52: 16 years

Earl Morrall: 1956-76: 21 years

Len Dawson: 1957-75: 19 years

Craig Morton: 1965-82: 18 years

Y.A. Tittle: 1948-64: 17 years

Bart Starr: 1956-71: 16 years

Charlie Conerly: 1948-61: 14 years

Charlie Conerly was a 27-year old rookie. He was 40 during his final season with the Giants. Then there’s George Blanda. He was an emergency quarterback during his final few seasons with the Raiders. Still, he played 26 professional football seasons. He was 48 when he finally retired. Quarterbacks playing into their late 30s isn’t a new thing. Nearly all football players will keep playing as long as they’re bodies allow it. What’s truly remarkable about the long careers and durability of the above quarterbacks is that they played without the protections of today’s pampered quarterbacks. 

8. My Minnesota Vikings first round draft preferences look something like this:

Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern 

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech 

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami

Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan 

Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama 

At least four of those players should be available at #14. Is that reason enough to trade back a bit?

9. Some rumors have it that the Cincinnati Bengals might release defensive tackle Geno Atkins in a cap-saving move. The Bengals have loads of cap space. If he’s released, it’s probably a move to get younger and save a chunk of money along the way. Whatever the reason, I’d like to see Atkins on the open market and I’d love to see the Vikings sign him. I’ve wanted to see him in Minnesota every year of the 2010s. I often dreamed that Mike Zimmer brought Atkins along with him from Cincinnati when he was hired as the Vikings coach in 2014. Atkins will be 33 in a month and he dealt with a shoulder injury for the entirety of the 2020 season. He missed the first four games, appeared in only eight games, played only 119 snaps, and had surgery on the shoulder in December. If healthy and a contract works for player and team, Atkins would be a dynamite addition to the Vikings defensive line for a year or two. It’d also be great if he could be bring defensive end Carl Lawson with him.

10. Hearing the salary cap floor will be at least $180 million, and perhaps close to $190 million, was great news for cap-strapped teams like the Vikings. 

Daniel Jeremiah 2021 Mock Draft 2.0

NFL Network/NFL.com/Move the Sticks draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his second mock draft this week. Mock draft season is in full swing. 

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars-Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

2.   New York Jets-Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

3.   Miami Dolphins-Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

4.   Atlanta Falcons -Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

5.   Cincinnati Bengals-Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

6.   Philadelphia Eagles-Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

7.   Detroit Lions-Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

8.   Carolina Panthers-Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

9.   Denver Broncos-Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

10. Dallas Cowboys-Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama

11. New York Giants-Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami

12. San Francisco 49ers-Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

13. Los Angeles Chargers-Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

14. Minnesota Vikings-DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

15. New England Patriots-Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

16. Arizona Cardinals-Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

17. Las Vegas Raiders-Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan

18. Miami Dolphins-Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

19. Washington Football Team-Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

20. Chicago Bears-Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

21. Indianapolis Colts-Greg Newsome II, CB. Northwestern

22. Tennessee Titans-Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Miami

23. New York Jets-Ronnie Perkins, Edge, Oklahoma

24. Pittsburgh Steelers-Jaylen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

25. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

26. Cleveland Browns-Joe Tyron, Edge, Washington

27. Baltimore Ravens-Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

28. New Orleans Saints-Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

29. Green Bay Packers-Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

30. Buffalo Bills-Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia

31. Kansas City Chiefs-Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

***

Daniel Jeremiah has the Minnesota Vikings selecting Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith at #14. Despite this being a mock draft in February, it got the attention of fans. Mock drafts are funny that way, especially mock drafts from analysts like Jeremiah. Fans often react as if it’s the real thing. Smith is a special football player and receiver options other than Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson is a need. The Vikings have several needs and it’s only natural to try and answer the most pressing needs (offensive and defensive line) in the first round. A receiver needs to be selected at some point during the draft. Why not the first round? If they were to end the draft day fall of Smith at 14, the Vikings might have as many as 13 more picks to fill their remaining needs. I wouldn’t mind a draft haul that starts out like this:

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State

Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse

Dayo Odeyingbo, Edge, Vanderbilt

Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh 

That could work. Smith would be tempting at #14 but I’d be surprised if he’s the pick. If the real draft fell as Jeremiah scripts it here, I’d lean more towards Kwity Paye or Christian Darrisaw being the Vikings pick.

Due to the quarterbacks, pass catchers, cornerbacks, and Penei Sewell that should fill out the first dozen picks, the Vikings could have their choice of the following:

Rashawn Slater 

Gregory Rousseau 

Kwity Paye

Christian Darrisaw

Alijah Vera-Tucker

Christian Barmore

Slater is presently my dream pick at 14. I doubt that he gets past the 49ers and the Chargers. 14 is a good spot. I like the players that should be available. There’s also enough of them that the Vikings could trade back a bit and still select one of them. 

There are six Alabama players in Jeremiah’s first round. If that happens, it would tie the all-time mark set by Miami in 2004.

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

The Athletic’s Chad Graff posted a seven-round mock draft earlier this week. At first, I found it suspect. Then I liked it. Here it is.

1. (14) Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

3. (79) Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State

3. (91) Dayo Odeyingbo, Edge, Vanderbilt

4. Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse

4. Royce Newman, OG, Mississippi

4. Cade Johnson, WR, South Dakota State

5. Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB, Oklahoma State

5. Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota

6. Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame

7. Cary Angeline, TE, North Carolina State

When I initially scanned through these picks I missed the selection of Dillon Radunz. Not seeing offensive line addressed until the fourth round felt problematic. When I finally noticed the selection of DIllon Radunz I liked this mock. I liked it a lot. Much of my early focus on the Vikings picks in the 2020 NFL Draft has been in adding the most promising combination of offensive and defensive tackle talent. Christian Barmore and Dillon Radunz works. Due to the high end left tackle talent at the top of the draft, I’m currently favoring offensive tackle in the first and defensive tackle in the third or fourth. My current go to: 

1. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

3. Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh 

The dream combo is the two Christians, Darrisaw and Barmore, but that is far too dreamy. Both will be gone before the draft gets to the 20th pick. Barmore could be the next coming of Kevin Williams. That’s enticing enough to pull me away from favoring offensive tackle in the first. Anyway, Barmore and Radunz would be an excellent start to the draft. 

After offensive and defensive tackle, safety is probably the Vikings biggest need. Andre Cisco is one of my favorites in this draft. I don’t enough about the draft’s edge rushers to properly judge the selection of Dayo Odeyingbo. He certainly fits the physical model favored by Mike Zimmer and his coaches. 

Simply for the impact on Vikings radio voice Paul Allen, I love the picks of Dayo Odeyingbo and Amen Ogbongbemiga. 

I really like the Day 3 picks of Cade Johnson and Benjamin St-Juste. 

Ian Book. I like the selection of another developmental quarterback. Chad Graff mentions Texas’ Sam Ehlinger as another possibility. I presently prefer Ehlinger. 

The Vikings could receive as many as four compensatory picks (Over the Cap projects four). That would result in a projected haul of 14 draft picks. Rick Spielman often trades picks to gain picks. He doesn’t have to do that this year. I see him using the picks to move up in the draft. I especially see him getting into the second round, I can’t imagine Spielman sitting out an entire early round. 

I might need to take a swing at a seven-round mock. Chad Graff is an inspiration.

Throwback Thursday: Best Minnesota Vikings Free Agent Signings

With the offseason here and free agency in mind here's a look back at ten of the best free agent signings of  the Minnesota Vikings. It's not a modest list as the Vikings have often been bystanders rather than participants in these annual shopping sprees. These are only unrestricted and restricted free agent signings so no Brett Favre, Randall Cunningham and other street free agents like them.

10.  Tom Johnson, DT

Tom Johnson’s play with the Vikings was a revelation mostly because it took him so long to hit his stride in the NFL. He played in the Arena Football League, Canadian Football League, and NFL Europe before he found a spot with the New Orleans Saints in 2011 at the age of 27. He really found his place in the NFL with the Vikings in 2014. Johnson was a terrific interior pass rusher. So terrific that he's one of the best Vikings free agent signings. His impact on the pass rush reminds of that made by Lance Johnstone two decades ago. Actually, Johnstone is a player that should probably be on this list.

9.  Ben Leber, LB

Ben Leber was a consistently solid linebacker for the Vikings from 2006-10. He had a great knack for making big plays in crucial moments. The linebacker trio that Leber formed with Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson was one of the best in franchise history.

8.  Ryan Longwell, K

A kicker! The only thing that keeps Ryan Longwell from being ranked higher is the position that he played. Longwell was an excellent kicker each of his six seasons in Minnesota. He's in the argument for best kicker in Vikings franchise history.

7.  Chester Taylor, RB 

Chester Taylor had an outstanding first season for the Vikings in 2006. He probably would have had several more in Minnesota if not for the surprising arrival of Adrian Peterson in the 2007 NFL Draft. Taylor's playing time was cut drastically but he remained an effective complimentary back to Peterson. The two formed an excellent combo.

6. Corey Chavous, S

Corey Chavous came to Minnesota as a corner in 2002 but really found his home with a switch to safety. His 2003 season was outstanding. That was the year in which he often seemed to be the only Vikings player on the field that had any interest in playing defense. He earned the only Pro Bowl nod of his career that season. Smart football player.

5.  Pat Williams, DT

Defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams formed the "Williams Wall." No one ran on the "Williams Wall." It was remarkable to watch Pat Williams move short distances. He was so big but he got through the line so fast. He was a lot of fun to watch.

4.  Linval Joseph, DT

Linval Joseph was a force in the middle of the Vikings defensive line from the moment he joined the team in 2014. In his six years in Minnesota there were stretches of games in which he simply couldn't be blocked. The only knock on his play was the occasional injuries. When healthy, he was among the very best interior defensive linemen in the league. 

3. Kirk Cousins, QB

Kirk Cousins has been sailing up this list. Statistically, each of Cousins’ three seasons in Minnesota are among the best passing seasons in Vikings franchise history. Unless he can lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl title it’ll never be enough. If nothing else Cousins has brought consistency to football’s most important position. The Vikings have been seeking quarterbacking consistency since Fran Tarkenton’s last snap. 

2.  Antoine Winfield, CB

Antoine Winfield's signing in 2004 was the Vikings first true venture into big time free agency. They merely dabbled in the player market for the first ten years. They struck gold with Winfield. He played for the Vikings for nine years and was fantastic for nine years. He made it to three Pro Bowls. He should have been to more. It was a real treat to be witness to his football career. He won't get much Hall of Fame consideration but he's in my Hall of Fame. Winfield was a great, fun football player. 

1.  Steve Hutchinson, G

Steve Hutchinson might have been the team MVP in 2006. He quickly changed the level of play and attitude of the Vikings offensive line the moment he became a part of it. As a result he changed the entire offense. He was an outstanding football player for all of his six seasons in Minnesota. He’ll take his much deserved place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.

***

The Minnesota Vikings have rarely gotten too involved in free agency. The Hutchinson, Winfield, and Cousins signings were the biggest but such signings have been rare in Minnesota. A low free agency profile is the norm. That's why 2006 was such a surprise. In Brad Childress' first season as head coach the Vikings really dove into free agency. Four players on this list were signed that year. Steve Hutchinson, Chester Taylor, Ryan Longwell, and Ben Leber. That offseason was a bonanza and Vikings fans were delirious. All four helped form the foundation of a team that improved each season. A team that ended up being a play away from the Super Bowl in 2009. 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agent Targets?

When the NFL free agency clock strikes “go” on March 17th, the Minnesota Vikings likely won’t be very active. Most of their activity might be focused on some contract-juggling just to get on the right side of the salary cap. So, picking free agent targets a month out is being more dreamy than most years. It can’t hurt to dream. 

The biggest needs entering this offseason are in the trenches. Improving the offensive line is an annual need. Improving the defensive line is a new need. There are some other needs. There usually are when the team hits a mark of 7-9. Here are some of those needs.

Offensive line (left guard in particular)

Defensive line (3-technique in particular)

Receiver depth

Safety

Here are some free agent targets that fit those needs:

Guard

Brandon Scherff

Joe Thuney

It would take some serious financial juggling to afford either Brandon Scherff or Joe Thuney. Who knows? There’s always a way to work around the NFL salary cap.

More likely (affordable) guard options:

Forrest Lamp

Matt Feiler

Austin Blythe

Nick Easton

I really liked Forrest Lamp in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was a tackle then. Injuries have hampered his development with the Los Angeles Chargers. If he can be the player that I liked in 2017, I like him as a guard in 2021. 

Three-technique

Leonard Williams

As with Scherff and Thuney at guard, Leonard Williams would be the dream solution at defensive tackle. If the Vikings were to chase a high-priced free agent, I might put Williams ahead of the guards. That could change tomorrow. 

More likely (affordable) 3-technique options:

Roy Robertson-Harris

Shelby Harris

Mike Daniels

I included Mike Daniels simply for the player that I remember him to be. Perhaps he’s no longer that player but I think that he’s an intriguing option. Another intriguing option would be Geno Atkins if he’s released by the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s been one of the best three-techniques of the past decade. Injuries dismantled his 2020 season. If he’s healthy and available, a reunion with Mike Zimmer and Paul Guenther could be a beautiful thing. 

Receiver options

Curtis Samuel

Keelan Cole

Josh Reynolds

DeDe Westbrook

Curtis Samuel tops my receiver list simply because he’s a different sort of receiver to Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Samuel’s playmaking versatility could put some nuance in the Vikings offense. The sort of nuance that they haven’t had since Cordarrelle Patterson and Percy Harvin. It always felt like Samuel was underused in Carolina. New Vikings receiver coach Keenan McCardell will have some insider knowledge on Keelan Cole and Dede Westbrook. The latter Jacksonville Jaguars receiver is rehabbing a torn ACL so that’s a concern. The Vikings are in fine shape with their top two receivers. They need more from their third and fourth receivers. Perhaps Chad Beebe and/or Olabisi Johnson can do that. Right now, I think that the Vikings need to add to the receiver room. I like Curtis Samuel as the addition. 

Safety

John Johnson

Malik Hooker

Keanu Neal 

Marcus Maye

Desmond King

The only thing that might keep any of the above players within the Vikings budget is the usual down market for safeties. If the Rams didn’t have so much money tied up with a few players, I doubt that John Johnson makes it out of Los Angeles. Who knows? There’s always a way around the salary cap. Perhaps the Rams and Johnson can make it work. Going into the 2017 NFL Draft I figured that Malik Hooker would be an annual All-Pro by 2020. I liked him more than Jamal Adams. And I liked Jamal Adams a lot. If the Vikings can find a way to afford any of the above, they might be able to find a way to afford to re-sign Anthony Harris. He made over $11 million last year on the franchise tag. Where do you go from there? Probably not back to Minnesota. Desmond King might be the most appealing of the above simply for his positional versatility. 

A Dream Vikings’ free agency haul:

Leonard Williams

Forrest Lamp

Curtis Samuel

Or:

Brandon Scherff

Roy Robertson-Harris

Curtis Samuel

Right now, I’m leaning toward the second one. I have faith in Andre Patterson and Imarjaye Albury coaching up a defensive line that returns Danielle Hunter and Michael Pierce. The offensive line group is in more need of an infusion of talent than the defensive line group. Brandon Scherff adds much more talent. His addition gives the Vikings an offensive line that looks like this:

LT  Riley Reiff (or 1st round pick)

LG Brandon Scherff

C   Garrett Bradbury

RG Ezra Cleveland

RT  Brian O’Neill

I like that offensive line. I’d like it a great deal if the left tackle first round pick is Rashawn Slater or Christian Darrisaw. The Vikings would probably have to release Riley Reiff in order to afford any player the quality (and cost) of Scherff. It’s a good draft for left tackles so it’s a good time to rely on a rookie left tackle. 

NFL Free Agency is still over month away. This is the time for dreaming. A more realistic free agency haul might look something like this.

Geno Atkins

John Johnson

Some modest depth signings

If Geno Atkins can be anything like the player he was only two seasons ago, he’d be a terrific addition. The Vikings desperately need a pocket-collapsing presence on the interior of the defensive line. Atkins can provide that for a season, or two, while a young player like James Lynch or a draft pick is groomed for the role. I can see a scenario in which the Vikings spend a bit on Atkins, spend nothing to upgrade the offensive line, and splurge a little on a safety. Spending on a relatively young, high end guard or defensive tackle will likely cost a lot more than spending on a relatively young, high end safety. That safety could be John Johnson. With a very young cornerback group, it would be nice to have experienced safeties on the field to assist. It was a strategy that was used with questionable results last season. I think that it would have better results next season. I think that for two reasons. One, the young cornerbacks have a season of experience. Two, the pass rush should be much improved. Re-signing Anthony Harris is an option. I’m leaning Johnson because he’s nearly five years younger. Ignoring the offensive line is a gamble but I have a feeling that one of Kyle Hinton or Oli Udoh will emerge as a starter at one of the guard positions. My feelings are often suspect as I had a feeling last offseason that Dru Samia would step up as an Anthony Herrera-like right guard. That didn’t happen. Not even close. Hinton and Udoh are late-round picks so either emerging as a starter would be a surprise. Guard would be a position change for Udoh so Hinton is more likely. Plus, Udoh might be relied upon to replace Rashod Hill as the swing tackle. I liked Hinton in the draft as a small school sleeper and I was thrilled when he was selected in the sixth round. Unfortunately, there were no preseason games last summer to see what he can do on an NFL stage.

Until things actually start happening in just over a month there’ll be a lot of rambling thoughts like these.

2021 Minnesota Vikings Satrters?

I was thinking about the offensive and defensive starters for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. It’s difficult to do that with an offseason of unknowns between now and then. The 2020 Vikings season was frustrating. The most frustrating part was the players that missed much, if not all, of the season. Those missing players were on defense. It’s no surprise that the play of the defense was the most frustrating part of the team. Well, that and special teams. The Vikings’ special teams was so bad in 2020 that I don’t even want to think about that unit until training camp. If then. For now, I’m only thinking about the potential 2021 offensive and defensive starters. The following projected starters are pulled from the players that are currently under contract for the 2021 season. 

Offense

WR	Justin Jefferson
LT	Riley Reiff
LG	Ezra Cleveland
C	Garrett Bradbury
RG	Kyle Hinton
RT	Brian O’Neill
TE	Kyle Rudolph
WR	Adam Thielen
QB	Kirk Cousins
RB	Dalvin Cook
FB	C.J. Ham

Despite a few rough games (Colts, Falcons, Buccaneers) the Vikings offense was mostly good in 2020. There were even stretches during games in which they were great. The offensive line is still the weak link. If the line was at least an average unit every week, the offense would be a chore for any and every defense it faces. Perhaps the biggest questions facing the offense this offseason is whether left tackle Riley Reiff and tight end Kyle Rudolph will be part of the team next season. The Vikings will be facing serious salary cap issues. The seriousness of those issues will be determined by the actual cap number. No matter how serious the cap issues, one or both, probably both, will be asked to take a pay cut. If refused, they could be with other teams next seasons. With the emergence of Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin the Vikings will be fine at tight end no matter what happens with Rudolph. Personally, I want to see him stay but his contract doesn’t work. A Reiff departure would trigger a slew of position, free agent, and draft decisions. Does Ezra Cleveland move to left tackle or stay at guard? Is a left tackle the pick in the first round? The only thing currently known about the offensive line is that Brian O’Neill, Garrett Bradbury, and Ezra Cleveland will be a part of it. I’ve been curious about Kyle Hinton since he was drafted in the sixth round last April. He had no preseason games so I’ve yet to see him take an NFL snap. Despite that, I have this feeling that either he or Oli Udoh could be part of the starting offensive line moving forward. Then again, I had a similarly good feeling about Dru Samia this time last year. That didn’t work the way that I had it working. The 2020 NFL Draft looks to be a good one for left tackles. That should be a factor in the Reiff debate. 

Defense 

DE	Danielle Hunter
DT	Armon Watts
NT	Michael Pierce
DE	D.J. Wonnum
LB	Anthony Barr
LB	Erick Kendricks
LB	Troy Dye
CB	Cam Dantzler
CB	Jeff Gladney
S	Harrison Smith
S	Josh Metellus

I’m not saying that all of the Vikings defensive woes of 2020 will be righted with the return of the players that missed the season. I am saying that the defense will be much better in 2021 with those players on the field. The Vikings were missing four of their five best defensive players for most, if not all, of the 2020 season. How could the defense not improve with Danielle Hunter, Michael Pierce, Anthony Barr, and Eric Kendricks on the field rather than off it? Jeff Gladney and Cam Dantzler in their second year will also bring improvement. I can’t wait to see the Vikings defense in 2021. The biggest question is the starting safety next to Harrison Smith. I have doubts that a free agency answer is manageable with the expected cap restraints. That leaves the draft or Josh Metellus entering his second year. The Vikings field a third linebacker on about a third of their snaps. In that sense, the third corner is a bigger concern than the third linebacker. Cornerback Mike Hughes will have one more season to show that he deserves a second contract. When he’s healthy he’s shown promise. Unfortunately, he’s been off the field much more than on the past three seasons. When all are healthy, I really the potential of the cornerback trio of Dantzler, Gladney, and Hughes. Three isn’t enough. No team in today’s NFL can ever have enough corners. 

The Vikings offense is mostly set. If Riley Reiff returns, a guard is needed. If Reiff departs, a left tackle and a guard are needed. The defense has a few holes. Defensive tackle, edge, third linebacker, and safety. Players like Kyle Hinton, Armon Watts, D.J. Wonnum, and Troy Dye could step up and fill some of the projected vacancies. If not, players need to be found in free agency and/or the draft. 

These are just some February thoughts on the 2021 Minnesota Vikings starters. 

2022 Football Scholarship Offers

I recently stumbled upon this school rankings of the football scholarship offers for the 2022 recruiting class. The 2021 (late) National Signing Day recently passed. So this is a ranking of the scholarships offered so far in the next recruiting cycle. Due to a 2020 college football season seriously altered by a global pandemic many student-athletes were granted extra years of eligibility. That will make for some tricky recruiting decisions over the next couple years. That’s not seen in these scholarship numbers. Many schools are still offering without restraint. 

2022 Scholarship Offers

Rank	Team	2022 Offers
1	Arizona State	357
2	Kansas	346
3	Penn State	324
4	Nebraska	322
5	Tennessee	317
6	Arkansas	314
7	West Virginia	301
8	Michigan State	289
9	Florida State	279
10	Virginia Tech	276
11	Mississippi	266
12	Kentucky	259
13	Georgia Tech	256
14	Pittsburgh	253
14	Michigan	217
16	Miami	215
17	Florida	207
18	Colorado	206
19	Boston College	201
20	Indiana	199
21	Oregon	192
22	Auburn	191
23	Iowa State	189
24	Maryland	188
25	South Carolina	185
26	USC	184
27	LSU	180
28	Mississippi State	175
29	Georgia	169
30	Alabama	165
31	Minnesota	159
31	Texas A&M	159
32	Louisville	157
32	Syracuse	157
35	Virginia	156
36	Baylor	153
37	Arizona	152
38	Notre Dame	150
39	Rutgers	137
40	Oklahoma	133
40	Missouri	133
42	Utah	130
43	Texas	129
44	Duke	126
45	Vanderbilt	122
46	Kansas State	114
47	Oregon State	107
48	Oklahoma State	104
49	Washington State	100
50	Ohio State	93
51	Purdue	89
52	California	86
53	TCU	85
54	North Carolina State	83
55	Texas Tech	82
56	Wake Forest	79
57	North Carolina	75
58	Iowa	67
59	Illinois	65
60	Washington	62
61	Wisconsin	60
62	Stanford	57
63	Clemson	50
64	Northwestern	48
65	UCLA	44

The number of scholarships that some schools offer never ceases to amaze me. Perhaps it’s the idealist in me. I’ve always thought of a young person’s choice of college a very personal decision. Seeing some of these offer numbers, it doesn’t feel like a very personal decision for the school’s coaches. It’s very much a business decision for coaches so the recruits become numbers to them. College football is big business so I suppose the number thing tracks. I get that the schools have to offer more than they need. I just don’t like the idea of the #6 receiver accepting an offer early only to have that offer yanked when the #2 receiver accepts late. So much for that expressed loyalty throughout the decision-making process.

As for this Cal grad, I prefer the modest offer numbers of Justin Wilcox to the ridiculous numbers of Herm Edwards. 

Maybe I just don’t get the realities of the recruiting game. If I was a high school football player being courted by some of these schools, I wouldn’t even consider the top half of the list. I’d like to be considered more than a number on a chart.