The Minnesota Vikings hold the 23rd pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. With that in mind here's a look at the 23rd pick of every single draft. Starting with that first one in 1936. Fun stuff.
1936 Chicago Cardinals-Eddie Erdelatz, E, St. Mary's
1937 Chicago Cardinals-Art Guepe, B, Marquette
1938 New York Giants-Fred Vanzo, B, Northwestern
1939 Washington Redskins-Charley Holm, B, Alabama
1940 Washington Redskins-Bert "Buddy" Banker, B, Tulane
1941 Chicago Bears-Hugh Gallarneau, B, Stanford
1942 New York Giants-Bob Sweiger, B, Minnesota
1943 Green Bay Packers-Irv Comp, B, St. Benedictine
1944 Washington Redskins-Earl Audet, T, USC
1945 Washington Redskins-John "Tree" Adams, T, Notre Dame
1946 Philadelphia Eagles-Gordon Gray, E, USC
1947 Chicago Bears-Frank Minini, B, San Jose St.
1948 Chicago Cardinals-Bill Smith, T, North Carolina
1949 Boston Yanks/New York Bulldogs-Phil Colella, B, St. Bonaventure
1950 San Francisco 49ers-Dan Campora, T, Pacific
1951 Chicago Bears-Bill George, LB, Wake Forest
1952 New York Giants-Ray Beck, G, Georgia Tech
1953 Cleveland Browns-Billy Reynolds, HB, Pittsburgh
1954 San Francisco 49ers-Leo Rucka, C, Rice
1955 Chicago Bears-Bobby Watkins, HB, Ohio St.
1956 Los Angeles Rams-Hugh Pitts, C, TCU
1957 New York Giants-Sam DeLcua, T, South Carolina
1958 New York Giants-Frank Youso, T, Minnesota
1959 Cleveland Browns-Dick Schafrath, T, Ohio St.
1960 Baltimore Colts-Don Floyd, T, TCU
1961 Detroit Lions-Danny LaRose, E, Missouri
1962 Baltimore Colts-Bill Saul, LB, Penn St.
1963 Cleveland Browns-Jim Kanicki, T, Michigan St.
1964 Chicago Bears-Pat Crain, HB, Clemson
1965 Minnesota Vikings-Lance Rentzel, WR, Oklahoma
1966 St. Louis Cardinals-Harold Lucas, T, Michigan St.
1967 Houston Oilers-Tom Regner, G, Notre Dame
1968 Baltimore Colts-John Williams, T, Minnesota
1969 Kansas City Chiefs-Jim Marsalis, CB, Tennessee St.
1970 Dallas Cowboys-Duane Thomas, RB, West Texas A&M
1971 San Francisco 49ers-Tim Anderson, CB, Ohio St.
1972 Kansas City Chiefs-Jeff Kinney, G, Nebraska
1973 Oakland Raiders-Ray Guy, P, Southern Mississippi
1974 Cincinnati Bengals-Bill Kollar, DT, Montana St.
1975 Miami Dolphins-Darryl Carlton, T, Temple
1976 Green Bay Packers-Mark Koncar, T, Colorado
1977 Los Angeles Rams-Bob Brudzinski, LB, Ohio St.
1978 Cleveland Browns-Ozzie Newsome, TE, Alabama
1979 Kansas City Chiefs-Steve Fuller, QB, Clemson
1980 Philadelphia Eagles-Roynell Young, DB, Alcorn St.
1981 Oakland Raiders-Curt Marsh, T, Washington
1982 New York Jets-Bob Crable, LB, Notre Dame
1983 Dallas Cowboys-Jim Jeffcoat, DE, Arizona St.
1984 Pittsburgh Steelers-Louis Lipps, WR, Southern Mississippi
1985 Los Angeles Raiders-Jesse Hester, WR, Florida St.
1986 Los Angeles Rams-Mike Schad, T, Queens (Canada)
1987 New England Patriots-Bruce Armstrong, T, Louisville
1988 Chicago Bears-Brad Muster, FB, Stanford
1989 Houston Oilers-David Williams, T, Florida
1990 Los Angeles Rams-Bern Bostek, C, Washington
1991 Miami Dolphins-Randall Hill, WR, Miami
1992 San Diego Chargers-Chris Mims, DE, Tennessee
1993 Pittsburgh Steelers-Deon Figures, CB, Colorado
1994 Dallas Cowboys-Shante Carver, DE, Arizona St.
1995 New England Patriots-Ty Law, CB, Michigan
1996 Detroit Lions-Jeff Hartings, G, Penn St.
1997 Buffalo Bills-Antowain Smith, RB, Houston
1998 Oakland Raiders-Mo Collins
1999 Buffalo Bills-Antoine Winfield
2000 Carolina Panthers-Rashard Anderson, DB, Jackson St.
2001 New Orleans Saints-Deuce McAllister, RB, Mississippi
2002 Oakland Raiders-Napoleon Harris, LB, Northwestern
2003 Buffalo Bills-Willis McGahee, RB, Miami
2004 Seattle Seahawks-Marcus Tubbs, DT, Texas
2005 Oakland Raiders-Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska
2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma
2007 Kansas City Chiefs-Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
2008 Pittsburgh Steelers-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
2009 Baltimore Ravens-Michael Oher, T, Mississippi
2010 Green Bay Packers-Bryan Bulaga, T, Iowa
2011 Philadelphia Eagles-Danny Watkins, DT, Baylor
2012 Detroit Lions-Riley Reiff, T, Iowa
2013 Minnesota Vikings-Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
2014 Kansas City Chiefs-Dee Ford, DE, Auburn
2015 Denver Broncos-Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Bold-Hall of Fame player
The 23rd pick wasn't a first round pick until the first NFL-AFL joint draft in 1967. It wasn't even a second round pick until the AAFC teams joined the NFL in 1950.
Despite the presence of three Hall of Fame football players the 23rd pick has not provided much over the years. It's actually pretty bleak. Duane Thomas had the natural talent to be one of the best backs to ever play the game. He just never seemed to want it very much. He drove Tom Landry a little nuts. Maybe a lot. Ty Law could get some Hall of Fame traction in the coming years. The Patriots found another good one with the 23rd pick in Bruce Armstrong. Antoine Winfield was one of my favorites for all of his Vikings years. Some of his Bills years too. He was a terrific football player. His tackling should be mandatory viewing for any kid interested in playing football.
Here's hoping that the Vikings pick this year, if they stay at 23, is more like Ozzie Newsome and less like Danny Watkins.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
All-Remaining Free Agent Team
NFL Free Agency started three weeks ago. Most of the top players were "officially" signed on the first day. A few more over the next couple of days. The signings have slowed to a trickle as teams really start shifting into draft mode. There are still a lot of veteran football players looking for work. Here's a team made up of some of those players. A few years ago some of these players would have been free agent prizes. Hell, some of them were free agent prizes.
WR Anquan Boldin
T William Beatty
G Jahri Evans
C Stefen Wisniewski
G Louis Vasquez
T Don Barclay
TE Owen Daniels
WR Percy Harvin
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
FB John Kuhn
RB Arian Foster
DE Mike Neal
NT Terrance Knighton
DT Henry Melton
DE Aldon Smith
LB Justin Durant
LB Zach Brown
LB Chad Greenway
CB Leon Hall
CB Antonio Cromartie
S Reggie Nelson
S Walter Thurmond
Defensive end Greg Hardy would be the star of this team if he wasn't such a turd. Actually he'd be a member of an NFL team if he wasn't such a turd. Although not in the same class of turd as Hardy, Percy Harvin and Aldon Smith would probably be with a team if they didn't cause their teams such frustration. A fairly constant string of injuries since his Minnesota days hasn't done Harvin any favors. When healthy and happy he's a dynamite football player.
There was a time not all that long ago when I thought Henry Melton was one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the league. He just hasn't been the same player since the knee injury that wiped out his 2013 season.
It's a little surprising to see the apparent lack of interest in relative youngsters like Stefen Wisniewski (27), Zach Brown (26), and Walter Thurmond (28).
It must be assumed that Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to be back with the New York Jets at some point. Right? Granted, he only had to get the ball close to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker but he led an efficient Jets offense last year. One would think that he could do it again until a more permanent passing solution comes along.
If this team were to include special teams players, kicker Greg Zuerlein would be a part of it.
WR Anquan Boldin
T William Beatty
G Jahri Evans
C Stefen Wisniewski
G Louis Vasquez
T Don Barclay
TE Owen Daniels
WR Percy Harvin
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
FB John Kuhn
RB Arian Foster
DE Mike Neal
NT Terrance Knighton
DT Henry Melton
DE Aldon Smith
LB Justin Durant
LB Zach Brown
LB Chad Greenway
CB Leon Hall
CB Antonio Cromartie
S Reggie Nelson
S Walter Thurmond
Defensive end Greg Hardy would be the star of this team if he wasn't such a turd. Actually he'd be a member of an NFL team if he wasn't such a turd. Although not in the same class of turd as Hardy, Percy Harvin and Aldon Smith would probably be with a team if they didn't cause their teams such frustration. A fairly constant string of injuries since his Minnesota days hasn't done Harvin any favors. When healthy and happy he's a dynamite football player.
There was a time not all that long ago when I thought Henry Melton was one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the league. He just hasn't been the same player since the knee injury that wiped out his 2013 season.
It's a little surprising to see the apparent lack of interest in relative youngsters like Stefen Wisniewski (27), Zach Brown (26), and Walter Thurmond (28).
It must be assumed that Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to be back with the New York Jets at some point. Right? Granted, he only had to get the ball close to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker but he led an efficient Jets offense last year. One would think that he could do it again until a more permanent passing solution comes along.
If this team were to include special teams players, kicker Greg Zuerlein would be a part of it.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Vikings Backers
This is about the linebackers. The Minnesota Vikings linebackers.
There's still a few more months left in the offseason. There's still the 2016 NFL Draft. A position group on an NFL roster can change quite a bit in that time. With that in mind here's an early look at the Minnesota Vikings linebackers.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Edmond Robinson
Audie Cole
Brandon Watts
Travis Lewis
Terrance Plummer
Alex Singleton
If the season opened today the linebacker trio in the Vikings base defense would probably look like this
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Indications have been and continue to be that the team intends to re-sign veteran Chad Greenway. Hopefully that comes to be. It would be great to see him end his career in Minnesota. If that does happen Greenway and Lamur would likely compete for the weak-side spot.
The ceiling for Anthony Barr is sky-high. He should be a difference-making defender in Minnesota for a very long time. He can do it all. Rush, chase, cover. Eric Kendricks made the middle linebacker his as a rookie last season. At 6' and 235 lbs he might be smaller than head coach Mike Zimmer's ideal for the position but he simply makes plays. He also plays with an infectious energy. After he was selected in the second round of last year's draft Zimmer said that Kendricks could eventually end up as the weak-side linebacker. The media and fans have run with that quote and tried to move him there ever since. I haven't heard Zimmer say anything about moving Kendricks from the middle since he proved that he could play there. I like Kendricks leading the Vikings defense and I hope that he stays in the middle of it. But that's just me. No matter what happens Barr and Kendricks will be the heart of the Vikings linebackers for, hopefully, a very long time. It's that third spot that's up for grabs. While Lamur and, hopefully, Greenway are the top contenders for the spot they aren't the only contenders. Edmond Robinson and Brandon Watts are former seventh-round picks that made the roster. Robinson last year and Watts in 2014. Robinson might have been drafted higher if he had played at a big school than Newberry College. Both linebackers are fast and athletic. Robinson, at 6'3" and 245 lbs, is more in the bigger backer mold that Zimmer seems to prefer and likely has a more secure hold on a roster spot. He's probably considered the backup to Barr but if Robinson turns into one of the top-3 linebackers on the team, and he does have the natural talent to do so, the coaches will find a spot for him in the base defense. Audie Cole has made some starts at middle linebacker and has done quite well in those starts. He's a solid special teams player and a dependable backup in the middle. Travis Lewis was signed on the first day of free agency and immediately becomes one of their top special teams players. He started some games at linebacker for the Detroit Lions last season. Terrance Plummer and Alex Singleton were signed to the practice squad last season and will compete for spots in training camp.
This is probably the most depth that the Vikings have had at linebacker in a long time. I see the top-six, if they keep six, looking like this.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Edmond Robinson
Audie Cole
Travis Lewis
And that doesn't include my hoped-for return of Greenway. Do they keep seven if they re-sign Greenway? If they do bring back Greenway, he would likely come in as the highest-paid linebacker on the team. Perhaps that's the discussion now between the team and his agent. At best, Geenway will be a part-time player but that's just the way the finances work when a position group is as young as this one. Barr, Kendricks, and Lamur are 24, 24, an 26 respectively. Lewis is the old man at 28. Personally, I think that the Vikings would like a safety/linebacker-hybrid as part of their starting trio. That would give them much more versatility in their base defense. Watts is probably the player currently on the roster that best fits that role and I don't have him making it out of training camp. Lamur played some safety in college and was often used in coverage with the Cincinnati Bengals. And it was Zimmer, as the Bengals defensive coordinator, that first used Lamur in that role. If the Vikings draft a player like Ohio State's Darron Lee, LSU's Deion Jones, or USC's Su'a Cravens early in the 2016 NFL Draft that would likely mark the end of Greenway's terrific Vikings career. Perhaps the less terrific Vikings career of Cole or Robinson as well. Robinson is one of the most physically gifted linebackers on the roster. I have a tough time seeing a player with his potential being cut. It's a good thing that these decisions aren't mine. No matter what happens between now and September the Minnesota Vikings will have a very talented bunch of linebackers. And that goes beyond the starters.
There's still a few more months left in the offseason. There's still the 2016 NFL Draft. A position group on an NFL roster can change quite a bit in that time. With that in mind here's an early look at the Minnesota Vikings linebackers.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Edmond Robinson
Audie Cole
Brandon Watts
Travis Lewis
Terrance Plummer
Alex Singleton
If the season opened today the linebacker trio in the Vikings base defense would probably look like this
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Indications have been and continue to be that the team intends to re-sign veteran Chad Greenway. Hopefully that comes to be. It would be great to see him end his career in Minnesota. If that does happen Greenway and Lamur would likely compete for the weak-side spot.
The ceiling for Anthony Barr is sky-high. He should be a difference-making defender in Minnesota for a very long time. He can do it all. Rush, chase, cover. Eric Kendricks made the middle linebacker his as a rookie last season. At 6' and 235 lbs he might be smaller than head coach Mike Zimmer's ideal for the position but he simply makes plays. He also plays with an infectious energy. After he was selected in the second round of last year's draft Zimmer said that Kendricks could eventually end up as the weak-side linebacker. The media and fans have run with that quote and tried to move him there ever since. I haven't heard Zimmer say anything about moving Kendricks from the middle since he proved that he could play there. I like Kendricks leading the Vikings defense and I hope that he stays in the middle of it. But that's just me. No matter what happens Barr and Kendricks will be the heart of the Vikings linebackers for, hopefully, a very long time. It's that third spot that's up for grabs. While Lamur and, hopefully, Greenway are the top contenders for the spot they aren't the only contenders. Edmond Robinson and Brandon Watts are former seventh-round picks that made the roster. Robinson last year and Watts in 2014. Robinson might have been drafted higher if he had played at a big school than Newberry College. Both linebackers are fast and athletic. Robinson, at 6'3" and 245 lbs, is more in the bigger backer mold that Zimmer seems to prefer and likely has a more secure hold on a roster spot. He's probably considered the backup to Barr but if Robinson turns into one of the top-3 linebackers on the team, and he does have the natural talent to do so, the coaches will find a spot for him in the base defense. Audie Cole has made some starts at middle linebacker and has done quite well in those starts. He's a solid special teams player and a dependable backup in the middle. Travis Lewis was signed on the first day of free agency and immediately becomes one of their top special teams players. He started some games at linebacker for the Detroit Lions last season. Terrance Plummer and Alex Singleton were signed to the practice squad last season and will compete for spots in training camp.
This is probably the most depth that the Vikings have had at linebacker in a long time. I see the top-six, if they keep six, looking like this.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Edmond Robinson
Audie Cole
Travis Lewis
And that doesn't include my hoped-for return of Greenway. Do they keep seven if they re-sign Greenway? If they do bring back Greenway, he would likely come in as the highest-paid linebacker on the team. Perhaps that's the discussion now between the team and his agent. At best, Geenway will be a part-time player but that's just the way the finances work when a position group is as young as this one. Barr, Kendricks, and Lamur are 24, 24, an 26 respectively. Lewis is the old man at 28. Personally, I think that the Vikings would like a safety/linebacker-hybrid as part of their starting trio. That would give them much more versatility in their base defense. Watts is probably the player currently on the roster that best fits that role and I don't have him making it out of training camp. Lamur played some safety in college and was often used in coverage with the Cincinnati Bengals. And it was Zimmer, as the Bengals defensive coordinator, that first used Lamur in that role. If the Vikings draft a player like Ohio State's Darron Lee, LSU's Deion Jones, or USC's Su'a Cravens early in the 2016 NFL Draft that would likely mark the end of Greenway's terrific Vikings career. Perhaps the less terrific Vikings career of Cole or Robinson as well. Robinson is one of the most physically gifted linebackers on the roster. I have a tough time seeing a player with his potential being cut. It's a good thing that these decisions aren't mine. No matter what happens between now and September the Minnesota Vikings will have a very talented bunch of linebackers. And that goes beyond the starters.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Taylor's Top-4
While at a Houston-area appearance, Lawrence Taylor was "coerced" into talking about the football talents of J.J. Watt. Big surprise there. They love Watt in Houston. As they should. Taylor placed the Houston Texans defensive lineman among his top-4 defensive players of all time. Taylor had himself among the four as well.
1. Reggie White
2. Deacon Jones
3. Lawrence Taylor
4. J.J. Watt
The only significant problem that I have with Taylor's top-4 is where he's placed himself. I'd put him #1. In only five seasons, J.J. Watt has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players that I've seen during my time as a football fan. The only other defensive player that I've seen do more consistent damage to an offense in that time was Lawrence Taylor. He destroyed offenses. I've heard some mention that former Houston Oilers linebacker Robert Brazile did the things that Taylor did before Taylor did them. That's true. Brazile did show the pass rushing impact that a 3-4 outside linebacker could make on the game and he did it several years before Taylor arrived on the scene. Taylor simply took it to a whole other level. He changed the game.
Most dominant football players are a focus of an opposing football team. Players like Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt are THE focus. Taylor could wreck a game. He could wreck it with his play. He could wreck it because the offensive players were afraid that he would. Or they were simply afraid of him in general. He often wrecked the play before the ball was even snapped. I've seen a similar sort of impact from Watt. I've seen dominant defensive players like Reggie White, Alan Page, Joe Greene, John Randle, Bruce Smith, to name a few, have stretches in games in which they thoroughly thrashed the intentions of an offense. Taylor and Watt separate themselves from the best because their stretches last the entire game. It's remarkable to see. I wish that I'd seen Deacon Jones in his prime. I only saw him later in his career. He wasn't even a member of the Los Angeles Rams at the time. Even at my young, naive age that didn't feel right.
If I were to rank the four most dominant defensive players of all time the top two are easy.
1. Lawrence Taylor
2. J.J. Watt
The next two aren't so easy.
3. Reggie White
4. Deion Sanders?
It's tough to rank a corner among the most dominant. If he's dominating a game you never see him because the ball never comes his way. Ed Reed? I loved the way that he played the game. Gino Marchetti? He probably made a similar pass rushing impact to that of Deacon Jones. One of the middle linebackers: Joe Schmidt, Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke? The defensive tackles: Bob Lilly, Merlin Olsen, Joe Greene, Alan Page? The debate, in my book, after Taylor and Watt is wide open.
By the way, Robert Brazile should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1. Reggie White
2. Deacon Jones
3. Lawrence Taylor
4. J.J. Watt
The only significant problem that I have with Taylor's top-4 is where he's placed himself. I'd put him #1. In only five seasons, J.J. Watt has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players that I've seen during my time as a football fan. The only other defensive player that I've seen do more consistent damage to an offense in that time was Lawrence Taylor. He destroyed offenses. I've heard some mention that former Houston Oilers linebacker Robert Brazile did the things that Taylor did before Taylor did them. That's true. Brazile did show the pass rushing impact that a 3-4 outside linebacker could make on the game and he did it several years before Taylor arrived on the scene. Taylor simply took it to a whole other level. He changed the game.
Most dominant football players are a focus of an opposing football team. Players like Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt are THE focus. Taylor could wreck a game. He could wreck it with his play. He could wreck it because the offensive players were afraid that he would. Or they were simply afraid of him in general. He often wrecked the play before the ball was even snapped. I've seen a similar sort of impact from Watt. I've seen dominant defensive players like Reggie White, Alan Page, Joe Greene, John Randle, Bruce Smith, to name a few, have stretches in games in which they thoroughly thrashed the intentions of an offense. Taylor and Watt separate themselves from the best because their stretches last the entire game. It's remarkable to see. I wish that I'd seen Deacon Jones in his prime. I only saw him later in his career. He wasn't even a member of the Los Angeles Rams at the time. Even at my young, naive age that didn't feel right.
If I were to rank the four most dominant defensive players of all time the top two are easy.
1. Lawrence Taylor
2. J.J. Watt
The next two aren't so easy.
3. Reggie White
4. Deion Sanders?
It's tough to rank a corner among the most dominant. If he's dominating a game you never see him because the ball never comes his way. Ed Reed? I loved the way that he played the game. Gino Marchetti? He probably made a similar pass rushing impact to that of Deacon Jones. One of the middle linebackers: Joe Schmidt, Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke? The defensive tackles: Bob Lilly, Merlin Olsen, Joe Greene, Alan Page? The debate, in my book, after Taylor and Watt is wide open.
By the way, Robert Brazile should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Patriots Offseason
The New England Patriots have had an interesting offseason. No surprise there. Bill Belichick and the boys often move to a different beat. Far more often than not it works. The Patriots didn't do much in the first week of the NFL's spending season. That changed in the second week with the addition of the following players.
TE Martellus Bennett: Trade Bears
RB Donald Brown: FA Chargers
G Jonathan Cooper: Trade Cardinals
LB Ramon Humber: FA Saints
DL Frank Kearse: UFA Redskins
DE Chris Long: FA Rams
LB Shea McClellin: UFA Bears
In a year in which the Patriots were robbed of their first round pick as a result of Roger Goodell's random and sometimes tyrannical pattern of punishment it's a little interesting to note that four of the above were selected in that round. Donald Brown, Jonathan Cooper, Chris Long, and Shea McClellin were all first round picks of their original teams. The most significant might be Cooper and McClellin. Neither really found a home with the team that drafted them. Cooper was a top-10 pick of the Cardinals in 2013. He was considered by just about everyone with an opinion as one of the safest picks in that draft. He just never seemed to fit in the offensive line plans of the Cardinals after excelling in a spread zone scheme in college at North Carolina. A series of leg injuries after arriving in the NFL certainly didn't help his learning curve. The offense of the Patriots and the coaching of line guru Dante Scarnecchia should help Cooper make the impact in New England that he never had a chance to make in Arizona. He just has to stay healthy. As for McClellin, I'm not so sure that the Bears could ever decide what they had in the former Boise St. defensive end. He was a terrific pass rusher in college but he didn't/doesn't quite have the size to do that full-time in the NFL. He had to learn the linebacker position. Instead of concentrating on just one of those positions he was moved around. A coaching change and the resulting scheme change didn't help. His arrival in New England brings about another coaching/scheme change. McClellin has hybrid-linebacker/end skills and Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have shown a willingness, even an eagerness, to find a place for hybrid players. The Patriots created a need for a defensive end when they traded Chandler Jones for Cooper and a second-round pick. Long was signed to fill that need. He may no longer be the dynamic pass rusher that Jones has become but Long has been an effective, and sometimes great, football player for a while. He still has some football in him. I really like the line combo/rotation of Long and Jabaal Sheard. Brown fits the mold of a versatile back that the Patriots have a history of coveting. He also provides insurance if Dion Lewis has any setbacks in his recovery from an ACL injury.
Then there's the addition of tight end Martellus Bennett. Pairing Bennett with Rob Gronkowski should be deemed illegal before they are even allowed on the same field. Having to tangle with one 6'6" 270 lb athletic tight end with Tom Brady throwing the ball is a nightmare for a defense. Having to tangle with two is going to keep defensive coordinators scrambling. If Bennett is motivated for 16+ games the 2016 Patriots offense could be as scary as the 2007 Patriots offense featuring Randy Moss. Perhaps not as explosive but as difficult to contain.
The New England Patriots should never have lost their first round pick. It was a trumped-up punishment for a trumped-up, and very questionable offence. Adding some former first round picks,and a former second in Bennett, doesn't really make up for the loss of the pick but they are still very interesting additions. Bill Belichick will find a place for them.
TE Martellus Bennett: Trade Bears
RB Donald Brown: FA Chargers
G Jonathan Cooper: Trade Cardinals
LB Ramon Humber: FA Saints
DL Frank Kearse: UFA Redskins
DE Chris Long: FA Rams
LB Shea McClellin: UFA Bears
In a year in which the Patriots were robbed of their first round pick as a result of Roger Goodell's random and sometimes tyrannical pattern of punishment it's a little interesting to note that four of the above were selected in that round. Donald Brown, Jonathan Cooper, Chris Long, and Shea McClellin were all first round picks of their original teams. The most significant might be Cooper and McClellin. Neither really found a home with the team that drafted them. Cooper was a top-10 pick of the Cardinals in 2013. He was considered by just about everyone with an opinion as one of the safest picks in that draft. He just never seemed to fit in the offensive line plans of the Cardinals after excelling in a spread zone scheme in college at North Carolina. A series of leg injuries after arriving in the NFL certainly didn't help his learning curve. The offense of the Patriots and the coaching of line guru Dante Scarnecchia should help Cooper make the impact in New England that he never had a chance to make in Arizona. He just has to stay healthy. As for McClellin, I'm not so sure that the Bears could ever decide what they had in the former Boise St. defensive end. He was a terrific pass rusher in college but he didn't/doesn't quite have the size to do that full-time in the NFL. He had to learn the linebacker position. Instead of concentrating on just one of those positions he was moved around. A coaching change and the resulting scheme change didn't help. His arrival in New England brings about another coaching/scheme change. McClellin has hybrid-linebacker/end skills and Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have shown a willingness, even an eagerness, to find a place for hybrid players. The Patriots created a need for a defensive end when they traded Chandler Jones for Cooper and a second-round pick. Long was signed to fill that need. He may no longer be the dynamic pass rusher that Jones has become but Long has been an effective, and sometimes great, football player for a while. He still has some football in him. I really like the line combo/rotation of Long and Jabaal Sheard. Brown fits the mold of a versatile back that the Patriots have a history of coveting. He also provides insurance if Dion Lewis has any setbacks in his recovery from an ACL injury.
Then there's the addition of tight end Martellus Bennett. Pairing Bennett with Rob Gronkowski should be deemed illegal before they are even allowed on the same field. Having to tangle with one 6'6" 270 lb athletic tight end with Tom Brady throwing the ball is a nightmare for a defense. Having to tangle with two is going to keep defensive coordinators scrambling. If Bennett is motivated for 16+ games the 2016 Patriots offense could be as scary as the 2007 Patriots offense featuring Randy Moss. Perhaps not as explosive but as difficult to contain.
The New England Patriots should never have lost their first round pick. It was a trumped-up punishment for a trumped-up, and very questionable offence. Adding some former first round picks,and a former second in Bennett, doesn't really make up for the loss of the pick but they are still very interesting additions. Bill Belichick will find a place for them.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Draft Winds
The routinely interesting CFB 24/7 section of the NFL's website has a column titled Draft Winds: Rumors connecting players, NFL teams. As the title suggests the column reveals some of the college prospects that have been associated with each team. These associations can range from a formal interview at the Scouting Combine to an assistant coach-player meeting at one of the college all-star games to simple praise of a particular player. The list is far from absolute but it's still revealing. The current mock drafts of NFL Media's panel of draft analysts are also included. Here's what they have to say about the Minnesota Vikings.
We're deep in draft time. Let the rumors fly.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
First-round spot: 23
Mock drafts:
» Daniel Jeremiah: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
» Charles Davis: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
» Bucky Brooks: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
» Lance Zierlein: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
» Chad Reuter: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
» Daniel Jeremiah: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
» Charles Davis: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
» Bucky Brooks: Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
» Lance Zierlein: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
» Chad Reuter: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Prospects associated with the Vikings:
» Robby Anderson, WR, Temple: Anderson spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Briean Boddy-Calhoun, CB, Minnesota: Boddy-Calhoun spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Jake Brendel, C, UCLA: Brendel spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Devon Cajuste, WR, Stanford: Cajuste spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Ken Crawley, CB, Colorado: Crawley spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Josh Doctson, WR, TCU: Doctson to meet with Vikings
» Darion Griswold, TE, Arkansas State: Griswold spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State: Hargrave spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Darien Harris, LB, Michigan State: Harris spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana: Holmes reminds Vikings coach of Everson Griffin
» William Jackson III, CB, Houston: Vikings assistant praises Jackson
» Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia: Scheduled to meet with Vikings
» Ted Karras, OG, Illinois: Karras spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama: Ragland has visit scheduled with Vikings
» Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina: Shell spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Terrance Smith, LB, Florida State: Smith spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss: Treadwell set up to meet with Vikings
» Wendall Williams, WR, Cumberlands: Has interview with team scout at regional combine
Receiver, offensive line, and linebacker look like the positions of interest. So, it's really no surprise that all of the NFL's draft gurus have the Vikings selecting a player at one of those positions, receiver in particular, with the 23rd pick of the first round. TCU receiver Josh Doctson is a very popular Vikings pick in mock drafts across the internet. I wouldn't mind one of Doctson, Reggie Ragland, William Jackson III, and Laquon Treadwell in the first round and Javon Hargrave in a later round.» Robby Anderson, WR, Temple: Anderson spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Briean Boddy-Calhoun, CB, Minnesota: Boddy-Calhoun spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Jake Brendel, C, UCLA: Brendel spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Devon Cajuste, WR, Stanford: Cajuste spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Ken Crawley, CB, Colorado: Crawley spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Josh Doctson, WR, TCU: Doctson to meet with Vikings
» Darion Griswold, TE, Arkansas State: Griswold spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State: Hargrave spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Darien Harris, LB, Michigan State: Harris spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana: Holmes reminds Vikings coach of Everson Griffin
» William Jackson III, CB, Houston: Vikings assistant praises Jackson
» Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia: Scheduled to meet with Vikings
» Ted Karras, OG, Illinois: Karras spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama: Ragland has visit scheduled with Vikings
» Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina: Shell spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Terrance Smith, LB, Florida State: Smith spotted with Vikings at Shrine Game
» Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss: Treadwell set up to meet with Vikings
» Wendall Williams, WR, Cumberlands: Has interview with team scout at regional combine
We're deep in draft time. Let the rumors fly.
Friday, March 25, 2016
NFL Rule And Bylaw Changes
19 NFL rule changes were proposed at this week's Annual League Meeting. Nine were passed. Six were, three were withdrawn and one was tabled until May. Here are the nine new rule changes.
1) Elimination of chop blocks
Defensive players are happy. Offensive linemen are not.
2) Offensive and defensive play-callers are permitted to use the headset communication system whether they are on the field or in the booth.
If nothing else this will cut down on some stupid delay of game penalties.
3) Extra points will be permanently spotted at he 15-yard line.
Last year this was an experiment. It's now permanent.
4) Expanding the horse collar tackle rule to include when the defender grabs the jersey by the nameplate or above and pulls a runner to the ground.
5) A team will be flagged for delay of game if they attempt to call a timeout when they are not allowed to do so.
6) Eliminating the 5-yard penalty for an eligible receiver illegally touching a forward pass after being out of bounds and re-establishing himself in bounds and making it a loss of down.
7) Eliminating multiple spots of enforcement for a double foul after a change of possession.
The following two rule changes required two days of debate and will be implemented on a one-year experimental basis.
8) Any player flagged for two specific unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one game will be automatically ejected.
The following infractions are included:
-throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent, even though no contact is made
-using abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures to opponents, teammates, officials or representatives of the league
-using baiting or taunting acts or words that engender ill will between teams
9) Change the spot from the 20-yard line to the 25-yard line following a kick that results in a touchback.
The last two rule changes have created the greatest debate. At the meetings, among the talking heads, and on the streets. If recent history holds few players will be ejected as a result of two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Few players have been so stupid as to do stupid things twice in a game. This rule has been incorrectly linked to the highly-publicized meltdowns of Odell Beckham Jr. and Vontaze Burfict. The penalties called in those instances didn't and don't fall in the unsportsmanlike conduct category. Just the purely stupid category. Beckham and Burfict should have been ejected simply for doing something way outside of rules. My only concern with this new rule is whether all officiating crews will view unsportsmanlike conduct penalties consistently but I suppose that's true of the enforcement of all rules.
I'll have to see the new 25-yard line spot following a touchback in action before I judge it. I enjoy kick returns but it's clear that it's one of the most dangerous plays in the game.
In addition to the nine rule changes, three bylaws were passed this week.
1) The period of time in which teams are prohibited from re-signing players with whom it has executed injury settlements will be shortened.
2) Expand the time period for a club to designate a player from the reserve/injured-designated to return list.
Teams will now be allowed to see how a player recovers/rehabs an injury before they have to designate him as a player to return.
3) Teams must terminate or request waivers for players who are placed on Injured Reserve with minor injuries.
No more hiding players on injured reserve with minor injuries.
A bylaw change proposal to allow players and coaches to review video on the sidelines with Surface tablets will be revisited by ownership at the meetings in May. Only the viewing of still photos are currently allowed. This proposed change approaches what the New England Patriots were penalized for doing several years ago.
There it is. The new NFL rules. None of which are truly earth-moving.
1) Elimination of chop blocks
Defensive players are happy. Offensive linemen are not.
2) Offensive and defensive play-callers are permitted to use the headset communication system whether they are on the field or in the booth.
If nothing else this will cut down on some stupid delay of game penalties.
3) Extra points will be permanently spotted at he 15-yard line.
Last year this was an experiment. It's now permanent.
4) Expanding the horse collar tackle rule to include when the defender grabs the jersey by the nameplate or above and pulls a runner to the ground.
5) A team will be flagged for delay of game if they attempt to call a timeout when they are not allowed to do so.
6) Eliminating the 5-yard penalty for an eligible receiver illegally touching a forward pass after being out of bounds and re-establishing himself in bounds and making it a loss of down.
7) Eliminating multiple spots of enforcement for a double foul after a change of possession.
The following two rule changes required two days of debate and will be implemented on a one-year experimental basis.
8) Any player flagged for two specific unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one game will be automatically ejected.
The following infractions are included:
-throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent, even though no contact is made
-using abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures to opponents, teammates, officials or representatives of the league
-using baiting or taunting acts or words that engender ill will between teams
9) Change the spot from the 20-yard line to the 25-yard line following a kick that results in a touchback.
The last two rule changes have created the greatest debate. At the meetings, among the talking heads, and on the streets. If recent history holds few players will be ejected as a result of two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Few players have been so stupid as to do stupid things twice in a game. This rule has been incorrectly linked to the highly-publicized meltdowns of Odell Beckham Jr. and Vontaze Burfict. The penalties called in those instances didn't and don't fall in the unsportsmanlike conduct category. Just the purely stupid category. Beckham and Burfict should have been ejected simply for doing something way outside of rules. My only concern with this new rule is whether all officiating crews will view unsportsmanlike conduct penalties consistently but I suppose that's true of the enforcement of all rules.
I'll have to see the new 25-yard line spot following a touchback in action before I judge it. I enjoy kick returns but it's clear that it's one of the most dangerous plays in the game.
In addition to the nine rule changes, three bylaws were passed this week.
1) The period of time in which teams are prohibited from re-signing players with whom it has executed injury settlements will be shortened.
2) Expand the time period for a club to designate a player from the reserve/injured-designated to return list.
Teams will now be allowed to see how a player recovers/rehabs an injury before they have to designate him as a player to return.
3) Teams must terminate or request waivers for players who are placed on Injured Reserve with minor injuries.
No more hiding players on injured reserve with minor injuries.
A bylaw change proposal to allow players and coaches to review video on the sidelines with Surface tablets will be revisited by ownership at the meetings in May. Only the viewing of still photos are currently allowed. This proposed change approaches what the New England Patriots were penalized for doing several years ago.
There it is. The new NFL rules. None of which are truly earth-moving.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Throwback Thursday: Then And Now
A lot has changed for the Minnesota Vikings since the 2013 NFL season. They were 5-10-1 that season. A record was good enough for a last place finish in the NFC North. Leslie Frazier was the coach. And the starting lineup looked like this.
WR Greg Jennings
T Matt Kalil
G Charlie Johnson
C John Sullivan
G Brandon Fusco
T Phil Loadholt
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Jerome Simpson
QB Christian Ponder
FB Jerome Felton
RB Adrian Peterson
DE Jared Allen
NT Letroy Guion
DT Kevin Williams
DE Brian Robison
LB Chad Greenway
LB Erin Henderson
LB Marvin Mitchell
CB Josh Robinson
CB Chris Cook
S Jamarca Sanford
S Andrew Sendejo
WR Greg Jennings
T Matt Kalil
G Charlie Johnson
C John Sullivan
G Brandon Fusco
T Phil Loadholt
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Jerome Simpson
QB Christian Ponder
FB Jerome Felton
RB Adrian Peterson
DE Jared Allen
NT Letroy Guion
DT Kevin Williams
DE Brian Robison
LB Chad Greenway
LB Erin Henderson
LB Marvin Mitchell
CB Josh Robinson
CB Chris Cook
S Jamarca Sanford
S Andrew Sendejo
That looks like a team that could put together a 5-10-1 season. A lot of the problem was the quarterback position. As is often the case when a team finishes last in their division. Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel split most of the starts. Josh Freeman even got a start. That game was an unrelenting disaster on the national stage of Monday Night Football. Fortunately the roster has turned over greatly in the two years since 2013. Here's the expected 2016 starting lineup from the players on the roster in March. A lot can still change in a few months.
WR Stefon Diggs
T Matt Kalil
G Alex Boone
C John Sullivan
G Brandon Fusco
T Andre Smith
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Jarius Wright
QB Teddy Bridgewater
FB Zach Line
RB Adrian Peterson
DE Everson Griffen
NT Linval Joseph
DT Sharrif Floyd
DE Brian Robison
LB Anthony Barr
LB Eric Kendricks
LB Emanuel Lamur
CB Xavier Rhodes
CB Trae Waynes
S Harrison Smith
S Michael Griffin
And Mike Zimmer is the head coach.
T Matt Kalil
G Alex Boone
C John Sullivan
G Brandon Fusco
T Andre Smith
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Jarius Wright
QB Teddy Bridgewater
FB Zach Line
RB Adrian Peterson
DE Everson Griffen
NT Linval Joseph
DT Sharrif Floyd
DE Brian Robison
LB Anthony Barr
LB Eric Kendricks
LB Emanuel Lamur
CB Xavier Rhodes
CB Trae Waynes
S Harrison Smith
S Michael Griffin
And Mike Zimmer is the head coach.
Five offensive starters from 2013 are expected have those starting jobs in 2016. Matt Kalil, John Sullivan, Brandon Fusco, Kyle Rudolph, and Adrian Peterson. There's going to be competition for just about every spot on the offensive line so Kalil, Sullivan, and Fusco shouldn't get too comfortable. The change on defense has been far more dramatic. That's a very good thing too. The 2013 defense was historically bad. Mike Zimmer was hired to change that. He changed it in a hurry. Only Brian Robison remains as an expected starter but Danielle Hunter might have something to say about that. There's still a good chance that Chad Greenway will be re-signed in the coming weeks. So a second starter from 2013 could return in 2016.
The biggest change since 2013 was the hiring of head coach Mike Zimmer. That one move changed everything. It brought about an immediate change in the defense. It brought about the drafting of Teddy Bridgewater to hopefully put an end to the revolving door at the all-important quarterback position. Most importantly Zimmer has pointed the Minnesota Vikings in the right direction.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Top Remaining Free Agents a
Free agency started two weeks ago today. A lot has happened since then. Most of it happened in the first day. More accurately, most of it happened in the two days before free agency "officially" opened. Here's a look at the top free agents still unsigned after two weeks. Rankings by NFL Trade Rumors.co.
1 Ryan Fitzpatrick QB 33 NYJ
2 Greg Hardy DE 28 DAL
3 Arian Foster RB 30 HOU
4 Aldon Smith OLB26 OAK
5 Nick Fairley DT 28 LA
6 Reggie Nelson S 32 CIN
7 Patrick Robinson CB 28 SD
8 Terrance Knighton DT 30 WAS
9 Walter Thurmond S 29 PHI
10 Rashad Johnson S 30 ARI
11 Zach Brown ILB 26 TEN
12 Geoff Schwartz G 30 NYG
13 Husain Abdullah S 31 KC
14 Stefen Wisniewski C 27 JAX
15 Brandon Boykin CB 26 PIT
16 Rueben Randle WR 25 NYG
17 Karlos Dansby ILB 34 CLE
18 Anquan Boldin WR 35 SF
19 Amini Silatolu G 27 CAR
20 LeGarrette Blount RB 29 NE
21 Louis Vasquez G 29 DEN
22 Ben Grubbs G 32 KC
23 Robert Griffin III QB 26 WAS
24 Jason D. Jones DE 30 DET
25 Courtney Upshaw OLB26 BAL
26 O’Brien Schofield OLB29 ATL
27 Will Beatty OT 31 NYG
28 Dashon Goldson S 31 WAS
29 Jahri Evans G 33 NO
30 Jared Cook TE 29 LA
31 Antonio Cromartie CB 32 NYJ
32 Jason Hatcher DT 34 WAS
33 James Ihedigbo S 32 DET
34 Percy Harvin WR 28 BUF
35 Vernon Davis TE 32 DEN
36 Roddy White WR 34 ATL
37 James Jones WR 32 GB
38 Chris Canty DE 33 BAL
39 Will Allen S 34 PIT
40 Mike Neal OLB29 GB
41 Dwight Freeney OLB36 ARI
42 Scott Chandler TE 31 NE
43 Sammie Lee Hill DT 29 TEN
44 Mike Devito DE 32 KC
45 Randy Starks DT 32 CLE
46 DeMeco Ryans ILB 32 PHI
47 Jared Crick DE 27 HOU
48 Ronnie Hillman RB 24 DEN
49 Patrick Omameh G 26 CHI
50 Owen Daniels TE 33 DEN
-nice formatting
Age is likely a big reason for many of the above still being available. Greg Hardy and Aldon Smith would probably have about 32 suitors if not for their off field idiocy. I'm a little surprised that former Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown hasn't attracted more attention. He's young and made some plays the last couple of seasons. He seems to be an emerging player in the league. Maybe several teams have reached out to him and the media just haven't gotten wind of it. Maybe he has outrageous contract demands. Who really knows?
There's still some free agent talent out there. Several of the above players could help a team.
1 Ryan Fitzpatrick QB 33 NYJ
2 Greg Hardy DE 28 DAL
3 Arian Foster RB 30 HOU
4 Aldon Smith OLB26 OAK
5 Nick Fairley DT 28 LA
6 Reggie Nelson S 32 CIN
7 Patrick Robinson CB 28 SD
8 Terrance Knighton DT 30 WAS
9 Walter Thurmond S 29 PHI
10 Rashad Johnson S 30 ARI
11 Zach Brown ILB 26 TEN
12 Geoff Schwartz G 30 NYG
13 Husain Abdullah S 31 KC
14 Stefen Wisniewski C 27 JAX
15 Brandon Boykin CB 26 PIT
16 Rueben Randle WR 25 NYG
17 Karlos Dansby ILB 34 CLE
18 Anquan Boldin WR 35 SF
19 Amini Silatolu G 27 CAR
20 LeGarrette Blount RB 29 NE
21 Louis Vasquez G 29 DEN
22 Ben Grubbs G 32 KC
23 Robert Griffin III QB 26 WAS
24 Jason D. Jones DE 30 DET
25 Courtney Upshaw OLB26 BAL
26 O’Brien Schofield OLB29 ATL
27 Will Beatty OT 31 NYG
28 Dashon Goldson S 31 WAS
29 Jahri Evans G 33 NO
30 Jared Cook TE 29 LA
31 Antonio Cromartie CB 32 NYJ
32 Jason Hatcher DT 34 WAS
33 James Ihedigbo S 32 DET
34 Percy Harvin WR 28 BUF
35 Vernon Davis TE 32 DEN
36 Roddy White WR 34 ATL
37 James Jones WR 32 GB
38 Chris Canty DE 33 BAL
39 Will Allen S 34 PIT
40 Mike Neal OLB29 GB
41 Dwight Freeney OLB36 ARI
42 Scott Chandler TE 31 NE
43 Sammie Lee Hill DT 29 TEN
44 Mike Devito DE 32 KC
45 Randy Starks DT 32 CLE
46 DeMeco Ryans ILB 32 PHI
47 Jared Crick DE 27 HOU
48 Ronnie Hillman RB 24 DEN
49 Patrick Omameh G 26 CHI
50 Owen Daniels TE 33 DEN
-nice formatting
Age is likely a big reason for many of the above still being available. Greg Hardy and Aldon Smith would probably have about 32 suitors if not for their off field idiocy. I'm a little surprised that former Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown hasn't attracted more attention. He's young and made some plays the last couple of seasons. He seems to be an emerging player in the league. Maybe several teams have reached out to him and the media just haven't gotten wind of it. Maybe he has outrageous contract demands. Who really knows?
There's still some free agent talent out there. Several of the above players could help a team.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Another Mock Draft
37 days until the start of the real draft. Until then there's this fake one.
1. Tennessee Titans-Laremy Tunsil, T, Mississippi
2. Cleveland Browns-Jared Goff, QB, Cal
3. San Diego Chargers-Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida St.
4. Dallas Cowboys-Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio St.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars-Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6. Baltimore Ravens-Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
7. San Francisco 49ers-DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
8. Philadelphia Eagles-Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
10. New York Giants-Darron Lee, LB, Ohio St.
11. Chicago Bears-Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
12. New Orleans Saints-Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
13. Miami Dolphins-Taylor Decker, T, Ohio St.
14. Oakland Raiders-Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
15. Los Angeles Rams-Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
16. Detroit Lions-Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
17. Atlanta Falcons-Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
18. Indianapolis Colts-Jack Conklin, T, Michigan St.
19. Buffalo Bills-Jerran Reed, DT, Alabama
20. New York Jets-Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
21. Washington Redskins-A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
22. Houston Texans-Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
23. Minnesota Vikings-Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
24. Cincinnati Bengals-Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
26. Seattle Seahawks-Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
27. Green Bay Packers-Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
28. Kansas City Chiefs-Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
29. Arizona Cardinals-Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
30. Carolina Panthers-Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
31. Denver Broncos-Jason Spriggs, T, Indiana
1. Tennessee Titans-Laremy Tunsil, T, Mississippi
2. Cleveland Browns-Jared Goff, QB, Cal
3. San Diego Chargers-Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida St.
4. Dallas Cowboys-Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio St.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars-Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6. Baltimore Ravens-Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
7. San Francisco 49ers-DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
8. Philadelphia Eagles-Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
10. New York Giants-Darron Lee, LB, Ohio St.
11. Chicago Bears-Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
12. New Orleans Saints-Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
13. Miami Dolphins-Taylor Decker, T, Ohio St.
14. Oakland Raiders-Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
15. Los Angeles Rams-Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
16. Detroit Lions-Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
17. Atlanta Falcons-Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
18. Indianapolis Colts-Jack Conklin, T, Michigan St.
19. Buffalo Bills-Jerran Reed, DT, Alabama
20. New York Jets-Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
21. Washington Redskins-A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
22. Houston Texans-Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
23. Minnesota Vikings-Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
24. Cincinnati Bengals-Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
26. Seattle Seahawks-Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
27. Green Bay Packers-Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
28. Kansas City Chiefs-Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
29. Arizona Cardinals-Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
30. Carolina Panthers-Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
31. Denver Broncos-Jason Spriggs, T, Indiana
Monday, March 21, 2016
If The Season Started Today...
the Minnesota Vikings starting lineup might look like this.
WR Stefon Diggs
T Matt Kalil
G Alex Boone
C John Sullivan
G Brandon Fusco
T Andre Smith
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Jarius Wright
QB Teddy Bridgewater
FB Zach Line
RB Adrian Peterson
DE Everson Griffen
NT Linval Joseph
DT Sharrif Floyd
DE Brian Robison
LB Anthony Barr
LB Eric Kendricks
LB Emanuel Lamur
CB Xavier Rhodes
CB Trae Waynes
S Harrison Smith
S Michael Griffin
K Blair Walsh
P Jeff Locke
LS Kevin McDermott
KR Cordarrelle Patterson
PR Marcus Sherels
There's still over five months until any Vikings starting lineup really means anything but it could look a lot like this. There will be position competition all across the offensive line. If there is any drastic changes in the above it will probably be with that position group. The receiver spot opposite Stefon Diggs is fairly open. The wildcard there could be Cordarrelle Patterson. An offensive disappointment since his electric rookie season of 2013, Patterson could pull it all together this season. Appearances indicate that he's working harder this season than he's ever worked before. And it's not just at getting into shape. He actually seems to be working on the intricacies of the receiver position. Something that he's rarely done before and desperately needs. He's even slated to spend some time with his quarterback in the coming weeks. Imagine that.
The defense is mostly set. Danielle Hunter was force a defensive end through the final weeks of his rookie season last season. He could wrestle the right end spot from veteran Brian Robison in training camp. Head coach Mike Zimmer stresses a heavy defensive line rotation so it doesn't really matter much which name is written on the starting lineup card. The hope here is that linebacker Chad Greenway is re-signed. He's had a terrific career and it would be great to see him end it in Minnesota. With the emergence of Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks at linebacker Greenway mostly played in only the base defense. The decreased playing seemed to help him sustain his solid play when he was on the field. Nagging injuries hampered Greenway greatly the previous couple of seasons. Michael Griffin was signed in free agency to boost the safety play opposite Harrison Smith but that's far from certain. Youngsters Anthony Harris or Antone Exum or even a draft pick could grab that starting spot.
If quarterback Teddy Bridgewater takes a big step forward behind what should be a much improved offensive line this Vikings team should contend for much more than another NFC North title.
WR Stefon Diggs
T Matt Kalil
G Alex Boone
C John Sullivan
G Brandon Fusco
T Andre Smith
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Jarius Wright
QB Teddy Bridgewater
FB Zach Line
RB Adrian Peterson
DE Everson Griffen
NT Linval Joseph
DT Sharrif Floyd
DE Brian Robison
LB Anthony Barr
LB Eric Kendricks
LB Emanuel Lamur
CB Xavier Rhodes
CB Trae Waynes
S Harrison Smith
S Michael Griffin
K Blair Walsh
P Jeff Locke
LS Kevin McDermott
KR Cordarrelle Patterson
PR Marcus Sherels
There's still over five months until any Vikings starting lineup really means anything but it could look a lot like this. There will be position competition all across the offensive line. If there is any drastic changes in the above it will probably be with that position group. The receiver spot opposite Stefon Diggs is fairly open. The wildcard there could be Cordarrelle Patterson. An offensive disappointment since his electric rookie season of 2013, Patterson could pull it all together this season. Appearances indicate that he's working harder this season than he's ever worked before. And it's not just at getting into shape. He actually seems to be working on the intricacies of the receiver position. Something that he's rarely done before and desperately needs. He's even slated to spend some time with his quarterback in the coming weeks. Imagine that.
The defense is mostly set. Danielle Hunter was force a defensive end through the final weeks of his rookie season last season. He could wrestle the right end spot from veteran Brian Robison in training camp. Head coach Mike Zimmer stresses a heavy defensive line rotation so it doesn't really matter much which name is written on the starting lineup card. The hope here is that linebacker Chad Greenway is re-signed. He's had a terrific career and it would be great to see him end it in Minnesota. With the emergence of Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks at linebacker Greenway mostly played in only the base defense. The decreased playing seemed to help him sustain his solid play when he was on the field. Nagging injuries hampered Greenway greatly the previous couple of seasons. Michael Griffin was signed in free agency to boost the safety play opposite Harrison Smith but that's far from certain. Youngsters Anthony Harris or Antone Exum or even a draft pick could grab that starting spot.
If quarterback Teddy Bridgewater takes a big step forward behind what should be a much improved offensive line this Vikings team should contend for much more than another NFC North title.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Proposed Rule Changes
The NFL is considering the following bylaw changes that have been proposed by individual teams or the Competition Committee. These proposed changes will be hashed out and voted on by the league owners meet this week in Boca Raton.
Most consider the lack of any mention of revising the catch rule a travesty. We probably wouldn't have a catch rule issue if players weren't so careless with the possession of the football. If you have the football don't let go of the football. Rule #1.
The disqualification rule would be interesting if approved.
Baltimore's proposal requiring players to wear jersey vests with numbers appropriate to their position is just sad. They are still bellyaching over the New England's gadget plays in the 2014 playoffs. Do they want the intended play call as well? Just pay attention and know the rules.
It looks like we are moving closer to making all official calls on the field reviewable.
Kansas City should not be allowed to make rule change proposals.
Washington should be allowed to make all rule change proposals.
2016 Playing Rules Proposals
1. By Competition Committee; Permanently moves the line of scrimmage for Try kicks to the defensive team’s 15-yard line, and allows the defense to return any missed Try.
2. By Competition Committee; Permits the offensive and defensive play callers on the coaching staffs to use the coach-to-player communication system regardless of whether they are on the field or in the coaches’ booth.
3. By Competition Committee; Makes all chop blocks illegal.
4. By Competition Committee; Disqualifies a player who is penalized twice in one game for certain types of unsportsmanlike conduct fouls.
5. By Competition Committee; Changes the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line.
6. By Baltimore; to amend Rule 5, Sections 3, Articles 1 and 2 (Changes in Position) to require players to wear jersey vests with numbers appropriate for their positions.
7. By Baltimore; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, Articles 1, 4, and 5 (Instant Replay ) to provide each team with three challenges and expand reviewable plays.
8. By Buffalo; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, Articles 1, 4, and 5 (Instant Replay) to permit a coach to challenge any official's decision except scoring plays and turnovers.
9. By Carolina; to amend Rule 8, Section 2, Article 1 (Intentional Grounding) to expand the definition of intentional grounding.
10. By Kansas City; to amend Rule 14, Section 2, Article 1 (Half-distance Penalty) to add penalty yards to the distance needed to gain a First Down.
11. By Kansas City; to amend Rule 8, Section 1, Article 2 (Legal Forward Pass) to prohibit quarterbacks from falling to the ground, getting up, and throwing a forward pass.
12. By Minnesota; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, Article 1 (Coaches' Challenge) to eliminate the requirement that a team be successful on each of its first two Instant Replay challenges in order to be awarded a third challenge.
13. By Washington; to amend Rule 16, Section 1, Articles 1, 4, 6 and 7 (Overtime procedures) to eliminate overtime periods in preseason games.
14. By Washington; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, Article 4 (Reviewable Plays) to subject personal foul penalties to Instant Replay review .
15. By Washington; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, Article 1 (Coaches' Challenge) to eliminate the requirement that a team be successful on each of its first two Instant Replay challenges in order to be awarded a third challenge.
16. By Competition Committee; Expands the horse collar rule to include when a defender grabs the jersey at the name plate or above and pulls a runner toward the ground.
17. By Competition Committee; Makes it a foul for delay of game when a team attempts to call a timeout when it is not permitted to do so.
18. By Competition Committee; Eliminates the five-yard penalty for an eligible receiver illegally touching a forward pass after being out of bounds and re-establishing himself inbounds, and makes it a loss of down.
19. By Competition Committee; Eliminates multiple spots of enforcement for a double foul after a change of possession.
Most consider the lack of any mention of revising the catch rule a travesty. We probably wouldn't have a catch rule issue if players weren't so careless with the possession of the football. If you have the football don't let go of the football. Rule #1.
The disqualification rule would be interesting if approved.
Baltimore's proposal requiring players to wear jersey vests with numbers appropriate to their position is just sad. They are still bellyaching over the New England's gadget plays in the 2014 playoffs. Do they want the intended play call as well? Just pay attention and know the rules.
It looks like we are moving closer to making all official calls on the field reviewable.
Kansas City should not be allowed to make rule change proposals.
Washington should be allowed to make all rule change proposals.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Heady Issues
On Monday, Jeff Miller, the NFL's senior vice president for health and safety, acknowledged a connection between football and degenerative brain disorders. This was the first admission from a high-ranking NFL official that such a connection exists. It was such a significant event that the New York Times compared it to big tobacco's confession in 1997 that smoking causes cancer and heart disease. I didn't understand the significance of big tobacco's admission in 1997 and I don't understand the significance of the NFL's admission now. Why did we need Miller's, and by extension the NFL's, admission to make it so. The league's annual commitment of millions of dollars to the study of the brain and trauma to it was, at the very least, a pretty clear admission that the sport of football and the head don't always get along. Anyone with even a basic grasp of common sense knew that a life of football isn't conducive to a long, healthy life. Everyone knew that smoking caused cancer and heart disease long before 1997 and everyone knew that repeated blows to the head wasn't a good thing long before Miller's admission on Monday. Anyone that's ever heard an interview with a boxer, with a career of fights behind him, should have known that repeated blows to the head has a lasting impact. Even as a kid I knew that one couldn't just sleep off being "punch-drunk." Who cares if big tobacco or the NFL is too stupid, or irresponsible, to admit that their product has health issues? Miller's admission on Monday was simply stating the obvious.
I'm not making light of head trauma in football. It's such a serious issue. The problem that I have with all of it is this great need to assign blame for it. Especially when everyone involved with football is at fault. The NFL, colleges, high schools, youth leagues, coaches, administrators, parents, and players. Everyone wants to point to the NFL because they are at the top of the food chain. They have the money and the bright lights and they have a well documented history of taking horrible care of former players. Players have always been a consumable to league owners. Players only have value while they are performing on the field. If they can't perform there are others that will. There have always been more football players ready and willing to sacrifice their bodies for the glory of the game. The same tragedy takes place at each level of football. I've seen college and high school football players turned into insignificant bystanders simply because they twisted a knee or was knocked unconscious. A player, amateur or professional, is no longer a player when he's injured. The stage is simply bigger in the NFL.
Football players have been playing with concussions since the very first tackle. "He just had his bell rung." Throughout the game's history, coaches and players rarely put much thought into concussions. If you were conscious and could run you could play. The coaches thought that. The players thought that. Players never want to come off the field. They would hide concussions if it kept them on the field. Even with all that we know now about the dangers of repeated head trauma there are many players that will still play when they shouldn't. The thrill of the game, the fear of losing a starting spot, the fear of losing the glory are strong motivation to stay in the game at that moment. The future be damned. So often, that decision to play is on the player. And only the player. Many of the retired players suffering now would do the whole thing again. Maybe changing little. During the 60 minutes of football action, a football player rarely has a concern for his life at 45. That's on them. It's also on the coaches, officials, school and league administrators, and parents that should have the player's welfare higher on their list of priorities.
This isn't the first time that football has dealt with health concerns. The sport was nearly banned in the early 1900s. The high number of injuries, some of which resulted in death, forced many colleges to drop football. It's a violent game. That's part of it's great appeal. It's a violent game despite recent moves to make it less violent. Football will always have risks but every sport has risks. Football just has a few more. It's the awareness of those risks that will make this great game more safe. Despite Jeff Miller's all-important admission on Monday, football's decision-makers have long been aware of the game's head trauma issues. Proof of that awareness can be seen in the constant evolution of the helmet. The helmet is the most obvious visual difference between football in the 1920s and football in the 2000s. That's hardly enough and the suffering of retired players is proof of it. So much more needs to be done but assigning blame shouldn't be a concern. Greater awareness is a start. Better tackling techniques at all levels. Following effective procedures before a concussed player returns to a game or practice. Better and safer equipment. And how about actually caring for injured football players. They are too often and too easily forgotten.
I'm not making light of head trauma in football. It's such a serious issue. The problem that I have with all of it is this great need to assign blame for it. Especially when everyone involved with football is at fault. The NFL, colleges, high schools, youth leagues, coaches, administrators, parents, and players. Everyone wants to point to the NFL because they are at the top of the food chain. They have the money and the bright lights and they have a well documented history of taking horrible care of former players. Players have always been a consumable to league owners. Players only have value while they are performing on the field. If they can't perform there are others that will. There have always been more football players ready and willing to sacrifice their bodies for the glory of the game. The same tragedy takes place at each level of football. I've seen college and high school football players turned into insignificant bystanders simply because they twisted a knee or was knocked unconscious. A player, amateur or professional, is no longer a player when he's injured. The stage is simply bigger in the NFL.
Football players have been playing with concussions since the very first tackle. "He just had his bell rung." Throughout the game's history, coaches and players rarely put much thought into concussions. If you were conscious and could run you could play. The coaches thought that. The players thought that. Players never want to come off the field. They would hide concussions if it kept them on the field. Even with all that we know now about the dangers of repeated head trauma there are many players that will still play when they shouldn't. The thrill of the game, the fear of losing a starting spot, the fear of losing the glory are strong motivation to stay in the game at that moment. The future be damned. So often, that decision to play is on the player. And only the player. Many of the retired players suffering now would do the whole thing again. Maybe changing little. During the 60 minutes of football action, a football player rarely has a concern for his life at 45. That's on them. It's also on the coaches, officials, school and league administrators, and parents that should have the player's welfare higher on their list of priorities.
This isn't the first time that football has dealt with health concerns. The sport was nearly banned in the early 1900s. The high number of injuries, some of which resulted in death, forced many colleges to drop football. It's a violent game. That's part of it's great appeal. It's a violent game despite recent moves to make it less violent. Football will always have risks but every sport has risks. Football just has a few more. It's the awareness of those risks that will make this great game more safe. Despite Jeff Miller's all-important admission on Monday, football's decision-makers have long been aware of the game's head trauma issues. Proof of that awareness can be seen in the constant evolution of the helmet. The helmet is the most obvious visual difference between football in the 1920s and football in the 2000s. That's hardly enough and the suffering of retired players is proof of it. So much more needs to be done but assigning blame shouldn't be a concern. Greater awareness is a start. Better tackling techniques at all levels. Following effective procedures before a concussed player returns to a game or practice. Better and safer equipment. And how about actually caring for injured football players. They are too often and too easily forgotten.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Vikings Line Competition
The Minnesota Vikings took several steps in the right direction in 2015. The offensive line was one area that was a few steps behind and they are probably tired of hearing about it. The best way to stop hearing that sort of talk is to do something about it. It looks like competition at all positions along the line will be the hoped for path to improvement. There are 14 offensive lineman on the current roster.
Tackles
Matt Kalil
Phil Loadholt
Andre Smith
T.J. Clemmings
Jeremiah Sirles-G/T
Carter Bykowski
Austin Shepherd
Guards
Alex Boone
Brandon Fusco
Mike Harris
Zac Kerin
Centers
John Sullivan
Joe Berger-C/G
Nick Easton
The draft and continued free agency work should bring some more.
There is already a better feeling about the talent level of this offensive line group. It's amazing what the addition of only a couple of new players (Alex Boone and Andre Smith) can do. It also helps that right tackle Phil Loadholt and center John Sullivan return from injuries that wiped out their entire 2015 seasons. There's a lot of starting experience and promising depth. Kalil, Loadholt, Smith, Boone, Fusco, and Sullivan have long-term starting experience. Clemmings, Harris, and Berger were season-long starters last year. 9 of the 14 linemen on the roster have at least a year of starting experience. All 14 should enter training camp believing that they have a legitimate shot at being one of the five starters in 2016. No one should feel too comfortable with their place on the line. It's up to new offensive line coach Tony Sparano and returning assistant line coach Hank Fraley to find the right five players in the right combination.
Last year the Vikings offensive line looked like this for each of the 16 regular season games and one playoff game.
LT Matt Kalil
LG Brandon Fusco
C Joe Berger
RG Mike Harris
RT T.J. Clemmings
From novice eyes to the more analytical, but not always accurate, eyes of the fine folks at Pro Football Focus, Berger and Harris were the best of the Vikings starters. Kalil was improved from 2014 but still struggled at times. Fusco, stellar as a right guard in recent seasons, had a tough transition to the left side. He was also recovering from a torn pectoral muscle that wiped out nearly all of his 2014 season so his strength might not have been where it should have been. Loadholt's season-ending torn achilles forced rookie Clemmings into the starting lineup. It was a difficult learning experience but I felt that he improved through the season. Clemnings can play in this league. And who knows, maybe he takes over at left tackle at some point if Kalil doesn't play to the great promise that he showed as a rookie in 2012.
The Vikings offensive line simply has to improve. Nearly everything else is in place for deep playoff runs in the next few seasons. Hopefully more. The line has to keep quarterback Teddy Bridgewater safe and upright. The line has to open holes for superb running back Adrian Peterson and emerging back Jerick McKinnon. The fact that Peterson was able to lead the league in rushing behind this offensive line shows that he is far from done at 31.
The Vikings first move to improve was to let offensive line coach Jeff Davidson go and bring in Tony Sparano. This change alone probably amps up the intensity across the line. Intensity is something that's been missing from the Vikings offensive for a while now. The next move was to shake up the line by creating competition. No player is safe and all players have a shot. Training camp and preseason will decide the starting five.
Just for fun, here's a stab at the Vikings starting five for 2016
LT Matt Kalil
LG Alex Boone
C John Sullivan
RG Brandon Fusco
RT Andre Smith
But it could also look like this.
LT Matt Kalil
LG Alex Boone
C Brandon Fusco
RG T.J. Clemmings
RT Carter Bykowski
Who knows right now? Anything is possible when every spot is up for grabs.
From Sparano's coaching, the competition, and perhaps the load of criticism recently dumped on the group the Vikings offensive line moving forward should bring an aggressiveness, an attitude, a nastiness. That should make for an offense that is much closer to the liking of head coach Mike Zimmer. And the fans.
Tackles
Matt Kalil
Phil Loadholt
Andre Smith
T.J. Clemmings
Jeremiah Sirles-G/T
Carter Bykowski
Austin Shepherd
Guards
Alex Boone
Brandon Fusco
Mike Harris
Zac Kerin
Centers
John Sullivan
Joe Berger-C/G
Nick Easton
The draft and continued free agency work should bring some more.
There is already a better feeling about the talent level of this offensive line group. It's amazing what the addition of only a couple of new players (Alex Boone and Andre Smith) can do. It also helps that right tackle Phil Loadholt and center John Sullivan return from injuries that wiped out their entire 2015 seasons. There's a lot of starting experience and promising depth. Kalil, Loadholt, Smith, Boone, Fusco, and Sullivan have long-term starting experience. Clemmings, Harris, and Berger were season-long starters last year. 9 of the 14 linemen on the roster have at least a year of starting experience. All 14 should enter training camp believing that they have a legitimate shot at being one of the five starters in 2016. No one should feel too comfortable with their place on the line. It's up to new offensive line coach Tony Sparano and returning assistant line coach Hank Fraley to find the right five players in the right combination.
Last year the Vikings offensive line looked like this for each of the 16 regular season games and one playoff game.
LT Matt Kalil
LG Brandon Fusco
C Joe Berger
RG Mike Harris
RT T.J. Clemmings
From novice eyes to the more analytical, but not always accurate, eyes of the fine folks at Pro Football Focus, Berger and Harris were the best of the Vikings starters. Kalil was improved from 2014 but still struggled at times. Fusco, stellar as a right guard in recent seasons, had a tough transition to the left side. He was also recovering from a torn pectoral muscle that wiped out nearly all of his 2014 season so his strength might not have been where it should have been. Loadholt's season-ending torn achilles forced rookie Clemmings into the starting lineup. It was a difficult learning experience but I felt that he improved through the season. Clemnings can play in this league. And who knows, maybe he takes over at left tackle at some point if Kalil doesn't play to the great promise that he showed as a rookie in 2012.
The Vikings offensive line simply has to improve. Nearly everything else is in place for deep playoff runs in the next few seasons. Hopefully more. The line has to keep quarterback Teddy Bridgewater safe and upright. The line has to open holes for superb running back Adrian Peterson and emerging back Jerick McKinnon. The fact that Peterson was able to lead the league in rushing behind this offensive line shows that he is far from done at 31.
The Vikings first move to improve was to let offensive line coach Jeff Davidson go and bring in Tony Sparano. This change alone probably amps up the intensity across the line. Intensity is something that's been missing from the Vikings offensive for a while now. The next move was to shake up the line by creating competition. No player is safe and all players have a shot. Training camp and preseason will decide the starting five.
Just for fun, here's a stab at the Vikings starting five for 2016
LT Matt Kalil
LG Alex Boone
C John Sullivan
RG Brandon Fusco
RT Andre Smith
But it could also look like this.
LT Matt Kalil
LG Alex Boone
C Brandon Fusco
RG T.J. Clemmings
RT Carter Bykowski
Who knows right now? Anything is possible when every spot is up for grabs.
From Sparano's coaching, the competition, and perhaps the load of criticism recently dumped on the group the Vikings offensive line moving forward should bring an aggressiveness, an attitude, a nastiness. That should make for an offense that is much closer to the liking of head coach Mike Zimmer. And the fans.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Throwback Thursday: Vikings Best Free Agent Signings
The current NFL free agent season has slowed to a crawl after a wild first day. With free agency in mind here's a look back at ten of the best signings of that sort by the Minnesota Vikings. It's not a very strong list as the Vikings are usually 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. Bernard Berrian, WR
Bernard Berrian was a pretty big signing for the Vikings when they signed him in 2008 and he responded with a pretty big first season in Minnesota. 48 catches for 964 yards and 7 touchdowns, including an unbreakable NFL record 99-yard score. His 20.1 yards per catch was quite robust. He combined with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin to form a nice trio for Brett Favre in 2009. Berrian's production over the final two years with the Vikings dwindled to nearly nothing and the end of his career. While his first two years as a pretty big free agent signing were great to good, the fact that he's on this list says a lot of the Vikings modest success in free agency.
9. Tom Johnson, DT
Tom Johnson's performance over the last two seasons have been 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 27. He really found his place in the NFL with the Vikings in 2014. Johnson has been 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 over a decade ago. Actually, Johnstone is a player that probably should be on this list.
8. 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.
7. Linval Joseph, DT
Linval Joseph was awesome last season. The only knock on his play were the games that he didn't play. Injuries kept him out of a couple. When healthy, he was one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league. If he plays the next few seasons like he played last season he will be the near the top of this list.
6. 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 for each of his six seasons in Minnesota. He's in the argument for best kicker in Vikings franchise history.
5. Chester Taylor, RB
Chester Taylor had an outstanding first season for the Vikings in 2006. He probably would have had several for 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.
4. 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 simply 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 bid of his career that season. Smart football player.
3. 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 got through the line so fast. He was a lot of fun to watch.
2. 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. And as a result the entire offense. He was an outstanding football player for all of his six seasons in Minnesota. He should be honored in Canton in a few years.
1. Antoine Winfield, CB
Antoine Winfield's signing in 2004 was the Vikings first true venture into big time free agency. They merely dabbled 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. A great, fun football player.
The Minnesota Vikings have rarely gotten too involved in free agency. The Hutchinson and Winfield signings were the biggest but they were and are rare. A low 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.
It will only take another solid season from Captain Munnerlyn to boot Berrian from this list.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Vikings Free Agency Tracker
The NFL's 2016 edition of Free Agency kicked off one week ago today. Here's a look at what the Minnesota Vikings have done. So far.
Re-signed
Andrew Sendejo, S: 4 years, $16 million
Kenrick Ellis, NT: one year, $810,00
Adam Thielen, WR: one year, $600,000
Carter Bykowski, OT: one year, $525,000
Audie Cole, LB: one year, $840,000
Mike Harris, OL: one year, $2 million
Marcus Sherels, CB: 2 years, $4 million
Justin Trattou, DE: one year, terms undisclosed
Rhett Ellison, TE: one year, $2.25 million
Terence Newman, CB: one year, $3 million
Tendered restricted free agent
Zach Line, FB: original-round tender
It sure does seem like teams and players are agreeing to one-year deals far more often these days.
Andrew Sendejo's 4-year, $16 million contract was the biggest of the bunch. It also caused the Vikings fan base to lose their collective minds. Most saw it as starter money and an indication that the team wasn't going to pursue an external upgrade at the safety position. On the surface, Sendejo's contract was much closer to starter money than backup safety/solid special teams player money. In reality, the contract is only starter money if Sendejo is the starter. Which seems fair. If he isn't the starting safety the contract is closer to that of a backup safety and solid special teams player. It was a good contract for Sendejo and the team. And it didn't restrict the Vikings from pursuing upgrades at the safety position.
Unsigned free agents
Chad Greenway, LB
Matt Asiata, RB
Robert Blanton, S
Casey Matthews, LB
Jason Trusnik, LB
The Vikings are in negotiations to bring back Chad Greenway and that should get done. Greenway has to finish his career in Minnesota. He just has to. It sounds like the Vikings want to bring back Matt Asiata but he's looking for a better deal and probably more playing time elsewhere.
Free agency losses
Josh Robinson, CB: signed with Buccaneers
The Vikings entered the offseason with 17 free agents. They have re-signed 10 and tendered Zach Line. Greenway will probably be back (perhaps as early as today) and Asiata could be back. The Vikings have done a nice job of keeping their own free agents. That's always good for consistency and team-building.
Released
Mike Wallace, WR
Austin Wentworth, G
The release of Mike Wallace saved the Vikings $11.5 million. It also kept the Vikings from being contractually obligated to a turd. Wallace signed with the Baltimore Ravens yesterday and wasted no time in bashing his former team. A completely different tune from the one that he was whistling just weeks ago. If he did anything well in his single season in Minnesota it was posing as something that he really wasn't. A decent teammate and a game-changing receiver. Austin Wentworth's release was more of a technicality than anything else. He suffered career-ending health issues last offseason and the Vikings kept him on the roster as he dealt with those issues.
Free agent additions
Alex Boone, G: four year, $26.8 million
Michael Griffin, S: one year, $2.5 million
Emmanuel Lamur, LB: two years, $5.5 million
Travis Lewis, LB: one year, $810,000
This is the highlight of free agency for many teams. The Vikings try to run things in such a way that free agency is more of a supplement to building the team through the draft. That's the goal. Fans hate it. They love seeing new players flying in and money flying out. That route rarely ends well but fans sure do love it in March. Improving the offensive line was the Vikings top priority this offseason. That was seen in their most significant move so far. The signing of Alex Boone. The talent and attitude boost that Boone should provide to the line should be much greater than the modest contract that he signed. The Vikings are also in the mix to sign former Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andre Smith. There will be competition across the offensive line this summer. Competition that should improve the line and the offense. A viable safety option next to Harrison Smith was the next biggest need. Michael Griffin was signed to fill that need. At 31, his impact will be more short-term than long-term. That will give youngsters Anthony Harris, Antone Exum, and perhaps a draft pick a little more time before they step into a bigger role. Emmanuel Lamur and Travis Lewis will provide linebacker depth and boost the special teams.
All four new Vikings players were signed on the first day of free agency. A whirlwind of activity. Other than the wining and dining of Andre Smith it appears that the Vikings have been most interested in keeping their own free agents in the days since that wild first day.
Re-signed
Andrew Sendejo, S: 4 years, $16 million
Kenrick Ellis, NT: one year, $810,00
Adam Thielen, WR: one year, $600,000
Carter Bykowski, OT: one year, $525,000
Audie Cole, LB: one year, $840,000
Mike Harris, OL: one year, $2 million
Marcus Sherels, CB: 2 years, $4 million
Justin Trattou, DE: one year, terms undisclosed
Rhett Ellison, TE: one year, $2.25 million
Terence Newman, CB: one year, $3 million
Tendered restricted free agent
Zach Line, FB: original-round tender
It sure does seem like teams and players are agreeing to one-year deals far more often these days.
Andrew Sendejo's 4-year, $16 million contract was the biggest of the bunch. It also caused the Vikings fan base to lose their collective minds. Most saw it as starter money and an indication that the team wasn't going to pursue an external upgrade at the safety position. On the surface, Sendejo's contract was much closer to starter money than backup safety/solid special teams player money. In reality, the contract is only starter money if Sendejo is the starter. Which seems fair. If he isn't the starting safety the contract is closer to that of a backup safety and solid special teams player. It was a good contract for Sendejo and the team. And it didn't restrict the Vikings from pursuing upgrades at the safety position.
Unsigned free agents
Chad Greenway, LB
Matt Asiata, RB
Robert Blanton, S
Casey Matthews, LB
Jason Trusnik, LB
The Vikings are in negotiations to bring back Chad Greenway and that should get done. Greenway has to finish his career in Minnesota. He just has to. It sounds like the Vikings want to bring back Matt Asiata but he's looking for a better deal and probably more playing time elsewhere.
Free agency losses
Josh Robinson, CB: signed with Buccaneers
The Vikings entered the offseason with 17 free agents. They have re-signed 10 and tendered Zach Line. Greenway will probably be back (perhaps as early as today) and Asiata could be back. The Vikings have done a nice job of keeping their own free agents. That's always good for consistency and team-building.
Released
Mike Wallace, WR
Austin Wentworth, G
The release of Mike Wallace saved the Vikings $11.5 million. It also kept the Vikings from being contractually obligated to a turd. Wallace signed with the Baltimore Ravens yesterday and wasted no time in bashing his former team. A completely different tune from the one that he was whistling just weeks ago. If he did anything well in his single season in Minnesota it was posing as something that he really wasn't. A decent teammate and a game-changing receiver. Austin Wentworth's release was more of a technicality than anything else. He suffered career-ending health issues last offseason and the Vikings kept him on the roster as he dealt with those issues.
Free agent additions
Alex Boone, G: four year, $26.8 million
Michael Griffin, S: one year, $2.5 million
Emmanuel Lamur, LB: two years, $5.5 million
Travis Lewis, LB: one year, $810,000
This is the highlight of free agency for many teams. The Vikings try to run things in such a way that free agency is more of a supplement to building the team through the draft. That's the goal. Fans hate it. They love seeing new players flying in and money flying out. That route rarely ends well but fans sure do love it in March. Improving the offensive line was the Vikings top priority this offseason. That was seen in their most significant move so far. The signing of Alex Boone. The talent and attitude boost that Boone should provide to the line should be much greater than the modest contract that he signed. The Vikings are also in the mix to sign former Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andre Smith. There will be competition across the offensive line this summer. Competition that should improve the line and the offense. A viable safety option next to Harrison Smith was the next biggest need. Michael Griffin was signed to fill that need. At 31, his impact will be more short-term than long-term. That will give youngsters Anthony Harris, Antone Exum, and perhaps a draft pick a little more time before they step into a bigger role. Emmanuel Lamur and Travis Lewis will provide linebacker depth and boost the special teams.
All four new Vikings players were signed on the first day of free agency. A whirlwind of activity. Other than the wining and dining of Andre Smith it appears that the Vikings have been most interested in keeping their own free agents in the days since that wild first day.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Vikings Corners
The Minnesota Vikings currently have five cornerbacks under contract.
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Captain Munnerlyn
Jabari Price
Marcus Sherels
The Vikings are in talks to bring back 37-year old Terence Newman. He had a solid season last year as the starter Xavier Rhodes. So solid that he was able to keep 2015 top draft pick Trae Waynes on the bench. If Newman comes back he'll probably come back for depth as Waynes is ready to play.
Rhodes and Waynes have the talent to become one of the top corner combos in the league. Captain Munnerlyn is one of the better nickel corners in the league. Jabari Price showed some promise as a rookie in 2014 but injuries wrecked his second season last season. He's a promising, young player. Marcus Sherels is a standout on special teams, excelling at returning punts. In addition to his solid play on the field Newman provided excellent leadership to a very young position group. It would be great to have him back for that reason alone. His still solid play on the field would simply be a bonus. The Vikings are certain to add more corners in the draft. Perhaps more in free agency too. A team can never have enough corners.
There was a time not long ago when the Minnesota Vikings cornerback situation was an absolute disaster. Scary times. Wasswa Serwanga, Robert Tate, and such. It's a not like that anymore. Nearly as important as better talent is the coaching. Defensive backs coach Jerry Gray has an abundance of playing and coaching experience. Jonathan Gannon assists Gray. Head coach Mike Zimmer entered the league as a defensive backs coach. Unlike many head coaches he's very active in coaching up his players and he pays particular attention to the players that he knows best. Gray, Gannon, and Zimmer do an excellent job of refining the techniques and bringing out the natural talent of Rhodes, Waynes, Munnerlyn and the the rest of the cornerback group. And Rhodes and Waynes, in particular, have a great deal of talent. Minnesota is an excellent place for defensive backs to be. It's a good place to get better.
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Captain Munnerlyn
Jabari Price
Marcus Sherels
The Vikings are in talks to bring back 37-year old Terence Newman. He had a solid season last year as the starter Xavier Rhodes. So solid that he was able to keep 2015 top draft pick Trae Waynes on the bench. If Newman comes back he'll probably come back for depth as Waynes is ready to play.
Rhodes and Waynes have the talent to become one of the top corner combos in the league. Captain Munnerlyn is one of the better nickel corners in the league. Jabari Price showed some promise as a rookie in 2014 but injuries wrecked his second season last season. He's a promising, young player. Marcus Sherels is a standout on special teams, excelling at returning punts. In addition to his solid play on the field Newman provided excellent leadership to a very young position group. It would be great to have him back for that reason alone. His still solid play on the field would simply be a bonus. The Vikings are certain to add more corners in the draft. Perhaps more in free agency too. A team can never have enough corners.
There was a time not long ago when the Minnesota Vikings cornerback situation was an absolute disaster. Scary times. Wasswa Serwanga, Robert Tate, and such. It's a not like that anymore. Nearly as important as better talent is the coaching. Defensive backs coach Jerry Gray has an abundance of playing and coaching experience. Jonathan Gannon assists Gray. Head coach Mike Zimmer entered the league as a defensive backs coach. Unlike many head coaches he's very active in coaching up his players and he pays particular attention to the players that he knows best. Gray, Gannon, and Zimmer do an excellent job of refining the techniques and bringing out the natural talent of Rhodes, Waynes, Munnerlyn and the the rest of the cornerback group. And Rhodes and Waynes, in particular, have a great deal of talent. Minnesota is an excellent place for defensive backs to be. It's a good place to get better.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Post-First Week of Free Agency Mock Draft
Here's another stab at a mock draft after the first wave of free agency. That wave also brought a change in the first round when the trade between the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins involved a flip of first round picks. The Eagles moved up to #8. The Dolphins moved down to #13.
1. Tennessee Titans-Laremy Tunsil, T, Mississippi
2. Cleveland Browns-Jared Goff, QB, Cal
3. San Diego Chargers-Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida St.
4. Dallas Cowboys-Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio St.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars-Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6. Baltimore Ravens-DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
7. San Francisco 49ers-Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
8. Philadelphia Eagles-Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
10. New York Giants-Darron Lee, LB, Ohio St.
11. Chicago Bears-Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
12. New Orleans Saints-Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
13. Miami Dolphins-Taylor Decker, T, Ohio St.
14. Oakland Raiders-Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
15. Los Angeles Rams-Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
16. Detroit Lions-Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
17. Atlanta Falcons-Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
18. Indianapolis Colts-Jack Conklin, T, Michigan St.
19. Buffalo Bills-Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
20. New York Jets-Eli Apple, CB, Ohio St.
21. Washington Redskins-A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
22. Houston Texans-Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
23. Minnesota Vikings-Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
24. Cincinnati Bengals-Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
26. Seattle Seahawks-Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
27. Green Bay Packers-Jerran Reed, DT, Alabama
28. Kansas City Chiefs-Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
29. Arizona Cardinals-Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
30. Carolina Panthers-Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma St.
31. Denver Broncos-Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
I'm not so sure that the Vikings use a top pick on a linebacker for the third consecutive year. I think that a receiver, Josh Doctson, is more likely at #23. And Doctson is becoming the consensus pick for the Vikings. That only means that it's becoming less likely that he's the pick. It's still fun to think about a linebacking trio of Anthony Barr-Ragland-Eric Kendricks. That's tempting enough to actually do it.
1. Tennessee Titans-Laremy Tunsil, T, Mississippi
2. Cleveland Browns-Jared Goff, QB, Cal
3. San Diego Chargers-Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida St.
4. Dallas Cowboys-Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio St.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars-Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6. Baltimore Ravens-DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
7. San Francisco 49ers-Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
8. Philadelphia Eagles-Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio St.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
10. New York Giants-Darron Lee, LB, Ohio St.
11. Chicago Bears-Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
12. New Orleans Saints-Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
13. Miami Dolphins-Taylor Decker, T, Ohio St.
14. Oakland Raiders-Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
15. Los Angeles Rams-Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
16. Detroit Lions-Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
17. Atlanta Falcons-Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
18. Indianapolis Colts-Jack Conklin, T, Michigan St.
19. Buffalo Bills-Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
20. New York Jets-Eli Apple, CB, Ohio St.
21. Washington Redskins-A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
22. Houston Texans-Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
23. Minnesota Vikings-Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
24. Cincinnati Bengals-Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
25. Pittsburgh Steelers-Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
26. Seattle Seahawks-Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
27. Green Bay Packers-Jerran Reed, DT, Alabama
28. Kansas City Chiefs-Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
29. Arizona Cardinals-Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
30. Carolina Panthers-Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma St.
31. Denver Broncos-Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
I'm not so sure that the Vikings use a top pick on a linebacker for the third consecutive year. I think that a receiver, Josh Doctson, is more likely at #23. And Doctson is becoming the consensus pick for the Vikings. That only means that it's becoming less likely that he's the pick. It's still fun to think about a linebacking trio of Anthony Barr-Ragland-Eric Kendricks. That's tempting enough to actually do it.
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