Bucky Brook's 2020 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Despite still having a 2019 game to play, it appears that we've hit mock draft season. Seeing as some maniacs post mock drafts throughout the year I suppose that it's always mock draft season. For me, when Daniel Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks, and a few others start posting mocks it's mock draft season. I posted Jeremiah's first mock draft a few days ago. It's only right that I turn some attention to his Move The Stick podcast partner and fellow draft analyst. Brooks is a former NFL player and scout. He has a unique perspective. Here's his first mock draft of the 2020 NFL Draft.

1.   Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2.   Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
3.   Detroit Lions-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4.   New York Giants-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
5.   Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6.   Los Angeles Chargers-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7.   Carolina Panthers-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
8.   Arizona Cardinals-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
9.   Jacksonville Jaguars-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
10. Cleveland Browns-Tristan Wirfs, OG, Iowa
11. New York Jets-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
12. Las Vegas Raiders-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
13. Indianapolis Colts-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
15. Denver Broncos-Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
16. Atlanta Falcons-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
17. Dallas Cowboys-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)-Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
22. Buffalo Bills-A.J. Espenesa, Edge, Iowa
23. New England Patriots-Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
24. New Orleans Saints-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
25. Minnesota Vikings-Grant Delpit, S, LSU
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
27. Seattle Seahawks-Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State
28. Baltimore Ravens-Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
29. Houston Texans-Marlon Davidson, Edge, Auburn
30. Green Bay Packers-Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
31. Kansas City Chiefs-Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State
32. San Francisco 49ers-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

I wouldn't be surprised if the Minnesota Vikings take a swing at a quarterback early in this draft. If they sign Kirk Cousins to a contract extension before the draft, I don't think they will pick a quarterback early. If they don't sign Cousins to an extension I think that quarterback could be an early pick, even a first round pick. If Jordan Love is anywhere near the Vikings' 25th pick, as he is in this mock, it'll be tempting to make a move to get him. Brooks also has Washington quarterback Jacob Eason available at 25.

As has been the case for about a decade, Alabama players will get a lot of attention in this first round. Brooks has six Tide players being selected in his first mock draft.

Vikings safety Anthony Harris is currently on track to become a free agent in March. It's likely that his re-signing is the team's top priority of the offseason. If he's re-signed, Grant Delpit will be the team's first pick only if he can also play on the offensive line.

Mock Drafts are here!

Throwback Thursday: Ranking The 53 Super Bowls

The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will play in Super Bowl LIV this Sunday. Here's a ranking of the 53 Super Bowls that came before it. I hope that the 54th will slide in somewhere near the top of next year's rankings. A good Super Bowl is a fun Super Bowl.

53. Super Bowl IV-Kansas City Chiefs 23, Minnesota Vikings 7

52. Super Bowl VIII-Miami Dolphins 24, Minnesota Vikings 7

51. Super Bowl IX-Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Minnesota Vikings 6

50. Super Bowl XI-Oakland Raiders 32, Minnesota Vikings 14

49. Super Bowl XXIV-San Francisco 49ers 55, Denver Broncos 10

48. Super Bowl XLVIII-Seattle Seahawks 43, Denver Broncos 8

47. Super Bowl XX-Chicago Bears 46, New England Patriots 10

46. Super Bowl XXXV-Baltimore Ravens 34, New York Giants 7

45. Super Bowl XXIX-San Francisco 49ers 49, San Diego Chargers 26

44. Super Bowl XXXVII-Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48, Oakland Raiders 21

43. Super Bowl XXII-Washington Redskins 42, Denver Broncos 10

42. Super Bowl XXVII-Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17

41, Super Bowl XII-Dallas Cowboys 27, Denver Broncos 10

40, Super Bowl XXXIII Denver Broncos 34, Atlanta Falcons 19

39. Super Bowl XVIII Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington Redskins 9

38. Super Bowl XXVI-Washington Redskins 37, Buffalo Bills 24

37. Super Bowl XV-Oakland Raiders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10

36. Super Bowl I-Green Bay Packers 35, Kansas City Chiefs 10

35, Super Bowl VI-Dallas Cowboys 24, Miami Dolphins 3

34. Super Bowl XL-Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Seattle Seahawks 10

33. Super Bowl XLI-Indianapolis Colts 29, Chicago Bears 17

32. Super Bowl II-Green Bay Packers 33, Oakland Raiders 14

31. Super Bowl XIX-San Francisco 49ers, 38, Miami Dolphins 16

30. Super Bowl V-Baltimore Colts 16, Dallas Cowboys 13

29. Super Bowl VII-Miami Dolphins 14, Washington Redskins 7

28, Super Bowl XXVIII-Dallas Cowboys 30, Buffalo Bills 13

27. Super Bowl XXI-New York Giants 39, Denver Broncos 20
26. Super Bowl XXXI-Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21

25. Super Bowl XXX-Dallas Cowboys 27, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
24. Super Bowl L-Denver Broncos 24, Carolina Panthers 10
23. Super Bowl XVII-Washington Redskins 27, Miami Dolphins 17

22. Super Bowl XLIV-New Orleans Saints 31, Indianapolis Colts 17
21. Super Bowl LIII-New England Patriots 13, Los Angeles Rams 3
20  Super Bowl XXXIX-New England Patriots 24, Philadelphia Eagles 21

19. Super Bowl XLV-Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25

18. Super Bowl XLVI-New York Giants 21, New England Patriots 17

17. Super Bowl XXXII-Denver Broncos 31, Green Bay Packers 24

16. Super Bowl III-New York Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7

15. Super Bowl XLVII-Baltimore Ravens 34, San Francisco 49ers 31
14. Super Bowl XXXIV-St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16
13. Super Bowl XVI-San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21

12. Super Bowl XXXVI-New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17

11. Super Bowl XIV-Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Los Angeles Rams 19

10. Super Bowl LII-Philadelphia Eagles 41, New England Patriots 33
  9. Super Bowl X-Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17

  8. Super Bowl XXIII-San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16

  7. Super Bowl XXV-New York Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19
  6. Super Bowl XXXVIII-New England Patriots 32, Carolina Panthers 29

  5. Super Bowl XLII-New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14
  4. Super Bowl LI-New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28
  3. Super Bowl XLIX-New England Patriots 28, Seattle Seahawks 24
  2. Super Bowl XLIII-Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23

  1. Super Bowl XIII-Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31

RIP Chris Doleman

I woke this morning to the sad news that Chris Doleman has passed away after a two-year fight with brain cancer. I'm numb. I thought/hoped that he'd made a turn for the better in hitting his two-year anniversary as a brain cancer survivor.

 

ChrisDoleman@chrisdoleman1

Today is my 2 year anniversary of being a brain cancer survivor! Huge!

22.8K

10:46 AM - Jan 25, 2020

Doleman underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2018. He still made it to Canton that August for the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Inductions. It was Randy Moss' year and there was a significant Vikings presence. I had the opportunity to meet and chat with him. He and his wife truly appreciated and were fueled by the support of the fans. I visited with him again this past summer in Canton. It was amazing that despite all that he was fighting that he still made the annual trip to Canton for the Hall of Fame inductions. He seemed stronger than the year before. I truly believed that he was going to beat this damn disease. Just like he beat Anthony Munoz on a 1989 Christmas night. That's why this is so stunning. I thought that Doleman was getting better. I thought that there'd be many more Cantons. Perhaps it was really just hope that he was getting better.

The Minnesota Vikings released a statement:

The Minnesota Vikings express our deepest sympathies to Chris Doleman's family and friends upon his passing. Chris was a great example for players past and present, as he embodied all the best characteristics of a Viking – resilience, toughness and a competitive spirit. Chris always carried himself with dignity and class. Vikings fans worldwide will greatly miss him. - The Minnesota Vikings and the Wilf family

Football has lost one of the best to ever play the game. I'm so thankful that I had a couple brief moments to meet Chris Doleman. His memory will always be alive with me and in Canton. My condolences to his wife, family, and friends on their tremendous loss.

Twitter Ads info and privacy

Minnesota Vikings 2020 Coaching Staff

The Minnesota Vikings announced some changes and additions to their coaching staff yesterday. It was reported last week that Gary Kubiak would be the offensive coordinator. The Vikings made that move official yesterday. Coaching changes on the offensive side of the ball have been unfortunately routine in Mike Zimmer's six years as head coach. It's been the opposite among the defensive coaches. The Vikings have seen nothing but coaching stability on the defensive side of the ball. This year will be different. George Edwards had been Zimmer's defensive coordinator for all six years. His contract wasn't renewed and has moved on to the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Gray has been the defensive backs coach for the same duration. He won't be back. Jeff Howard had assisted Gray the last two seasons and been with the team since 2013. He won't be back either. To replace Edwards, Zimmer made the somewhat unusual move of promoting defensive line coach Andre Patterson and linebackers coach Adam Zimmer to co-defensive coordinator. Zimmer's defense is the Vikings defense. The Vikings defense is Zimmer's defense. Edwards was defensive coordinator in name only. Zimmer is the architect of the defense and play-caller. Perhaps one day, he'll pass the play-calling duties to another coach. Unless that day comes this season I don't think that the Vikings defense will operate any differently with co-defensive coordinators. Also, having Patterson and Zimmer as co-defensive coordinators will allow each to continue coaching their respective positions. The Vikings hired Daronte Jones to replace Jerry Gray. Jones coached defensive backs for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2018-19 and the Miami Dolphins from 2016-17. He had several college stops and a year in the CFL before jumping to the NFL in 2016. 

The Vikings maintained offensive continuity by replacing 2019 offensive coordinator Kevin Stafanski with Kubiak. That continuity didn't mean that there wasn't some juggling of the offensive coaches. Receivers coach Drew Petzing left to join Stefanski's staff in Cleveland. Assistant offensive line coach Andrew Janocko was promoted to a position group of his own. He replaces Petzing as the receivers coach. The Vikings hired Phil Rauscher to replace Janocko as assistant offensive line coach. Rauscher was the assistant offensive line coach of the Washington Redskins from 2018-19. When the Redskins fired Jay Gruden during the 2019 season and offensive line coach Bill Callahan was named interim head coach, Rauscher was named interim offensive line coach for the final 11 games of the season. Perhaps more significantly, Rauscher worked with Kubiak in Denver from 2015-17. 

Unless the Vikings hire a coach to assist Daronte Jones with the defensive backs the 2020 coaching staff might be complete. 

Minnesota Vikings 2020 Coaches

Head Coach: Mike Zimmer

Offensive Coaches: 
Offensive Coordinator: Gary Kubiak
Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Quarterbacks: Klint Kubiak
Running Backs: Kennedy Polamalu
Wide Receivers: Andrew Janocko
Tight Ends: Brian Pariani
Assistant Offensive Line: Phil Rauscher
Offensive Quality Control: Christian Jones
Offensive Quality Control: AC Patterson

Defensive Coaches:
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line: Andre Patterson
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers: Adam Zimmer
Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones
Assistant Defensive Line: Robert Rodriguez
Defensive Quality Control: Nick Rallis

Special Teams Coaches:
Special Teams Coordinator: Marwan Maalouf
Assistant Special Teams: Ryan Ficken

Strength and Conditioning:
Head Strength and Conditioning: Mark Uyeyama
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Derik Keyes
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chaz Mahle

Daniel Jeremiah's 2020 Mock Draft 1.0

NFL Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah posted his first mock draft of the 2020 NFL Draft season last week. It's a bit early seeing as two of the league's teams are still involved in the 2019 season. The demand is always high for mock drafts and Jeremiah is one of the best draft analysts in the business. I highly recommend the Move the Sticks podcast that he does with Bucky Brooks. Here's Jeremiah's 2020 Mock Draft 2.0. As a Minnesota Vikings fan I wish that it was the real deal.

1.   Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2.   Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
3.   Detroit Lions-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4.   New York Giants-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
5.   Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6.   Los Angeles Chargers-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
7.   Carolina Panthers-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
8.   Arizona Cardinals-Tristan Wirf, OG, Iowa
9.   Jacksonville Jaguars-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
10. Cleveland Browns-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
11. New York Jets-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
12. Las Vegas Raiders-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
13. Indianapolis Colts-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
15. Denver Broncos-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons-A.J. Espenesa, Edge, Iowa
17. Dallas Cowboys-Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
22. Buffalo Bills-Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
23. New England Patriots-Grant Delpit, S, LSU
24. New Orleans Saints-Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
25. Minnesota Vikings-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)-Austin Jackson, OT, USC
27. Seattle Seahawks-Russ Blacklock, DT, TCU
28. Baltimore Ravens-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
29. Houston Texans-Marlon Davidson, Edge, Auburn
30. Green Bay Packers-Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
31. Kansas City Chiefs-Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin
32. San Francisco 49ers-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

It's still so early in the process. A lot will change between now and April. From Daniel Jeremiah's first shot at a mock it looks like the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft will be dominated by the big schools. There's a lot of Alabama, LSU, and Clemson. That shouldn't be a surprise as one of those three schools has won the last five national titles.

At least Jordan Love should be around to give the smaller schools some love.

Speaking of love, I'd love to see Javon Kinlaw available to the Vikings at #25. Who knows, maybe Kinlaw has a drop like the one that Sharrif Floyd had in 2013.

At this early stage of the draft process the following players are my favorites for the Vikings.

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

It's a shame that it would take a minor miracle for any of the four to make it out of the Top 10. Simmons might be my favorite player in the draft.

The mock draft season has started.

Flea Flicker Pro Bowl Prediction

I've always found it hilarious that football fans and the talking heads that cover the game seem to care greatly about the Pro Bowl when it comes to announce the rosters but rip the game when it comes to playing the game. They say that the game should be tossed but they still watch it. And that's why the Pro Bowl is still an event. Personally, I've always enjoyed the game. Perhaps it's because I've always accepted the game as the fun exhibition game that it was always meant to be. It used to be more of a real game than the glorified practice that it is today. Sean Taylor's famous hit on a punter (A PUNTER!) is an indication that the drop in actual hitting is a fairly recent thing. That drop in effort has been disappointing but it's still a fun game. I enjoy seeing the players interacting in this environment. I do wish that it was still held in Hawaii. The players probably agree. Anyway, here's a Pro Bowl prediction.

AFC vs NFC
Pick: NFC

This is an easy pick. The NFC is simply the better team because of the following players:

Kirk Cousins
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham
Danielle Hunter
Everson Griffen
Eric Kendricks
Harrison Smith
Xavier Rhodes

That list should include Stefon Diggs and Anthony Harris and not include Xavier Rhodes. But that's a whole other issue.

Good luck and stay healthy to all of the players on the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl rosters. It's a fun game. Football is fun.

All-Time Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

All the chatter about the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff got me thinking about the best coaches that have done some time with the team. From those thoughts, I couldn't stop myself from piecing together an All-Time Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff.

Head Coach
Bud Grant

Offense

Offensive Coordinator
Jerry Burns

Quarterbacks
Norm Van Brocklin

Running Backs
Eric Bienemy

Receivers
Chip Myers

Tight Ends
Brian Billick

Offensive Line
John Michels

Assistant Offensive Line
Mike Tice

Defense

Defensive Coordinator
Mike Zimmer

Defensive Line
Buddy Ryan

Assistant Defensive Line
Andre Patterson

Linebackers
Monte Kiffin

Defensive Backs
Tony Dungy

Assistant Defensive Backs
Pete Carroll

Special Teams

Special Teams Coordinator
Bud Grant

Assistant Special Teams
Gary Zauner

I tried to place all of the coaches in positions that they held with the Vikings. Mike Zimmer doesn't hold the title of defensive coordinator but there's no doubt that he coordinates the defense as the head coach. I also demoted the Vikings first head coach to quarterback coach. Norm Van Brocklin never spent a day as an assistant coach. He went straight from NFL MVP to head coach of an expansion team. Fran Tarkenton said that Van Brocklin had a brilliant mind for offensive football. That's good enough for me. Perhaps he'd be better suited as the team's offensive coordinator but I really want Jerry Burns in that position. The emotional range of Van Brocklin and Burns together would be a riot to see. Tony Dungy coordinated the defense for Dennis Green. He was never the Vikings defensive back coach but he gets that job for this team. Picking a special teams coordinator was an issue. The Vikings' special teams during their Super Bowl years were factors in so many games. I've never seen a team block as many kicks and punts as those teams did. I wanted the special teams coach of those teams to be the All-Time coordinator. The problem is that no Vikings coach had that specific title. Entire NFL coaching staffs of that era could fit into one of today's SUVs. Assistant coaches often had to work with more than a single position group. Bud Grant stressed the importance of special teams. Because the special teams of his teams were so damn special he gets to be the head coach and coordinate the special teams.

From a Vikings perspective, I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing that former assistants Pete Carroll, Tony Dungy, Brian Billick, and Mike Tomlin went on to be Super Bowl-winning head coaches for other teams. Buddy Ryan wasn't the head coach of a Super Bowl-winning but he played a significant role in winning one as a defensive coordinator.

The Vikings offensive explosion in 1998 propelled Brian Billick into a head coaching opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens. Chip Myers coached the receivers from 1994-97 and quarterbacks in 1998. His work with the receivers and juggling of Brad Johnson and Randall Cunningham during the explosive 1998 season made him an easy choice to replace Billick as the Vikings offensive coordinator. About a month after being promoted, Myers died suddenly at the age of 53 of a heart attack. In a sad case of what might have been, I've often wondered what a Chip Myers-led Vikings offense might have looked like. Playmakers like Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Jake Reed, and Robert Smith can make coaching look easy. I thought that the Vikings offense could build on what they did in 1998. Instead, that was their peak. The sad, sudden loss of Myers left a hole on the coaching staff that Dennis Green never could fill.

There weren't enough positions on this coaching staff for all of the terrific coaches that have impacted the Vikings franchise. Here are a few of the former Vikings coaches that deserve mention:
Jack Patera
Neil Armstrong
Bus Mertes
Floyd Peters
John Teerlinck
Paul Wiggin
Mike Tomlin

Minnesota Vikings Coaches, So Far

When the Cleveland Browns hired Kevin Stefanski as their head coach, on the basis of calling plays for 21 games, the Minnesota Vikings were in need of a new offensive coordinator. It wasn't a surprise that the Browns hired Stefanski. It sounded like the geniuses that did the hiring this year wanted to hire him last year, on the basis of calling plays for three games. Stefanski, if given the opportunity, will be a good head coach. The question is whether Browns owner Jimmy Haslam will give him an opportunity. He seems to have the attention span of a puppy. Anyway, the Vikings needed a new offensive coordinator. In his end-of-the-season press conference, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer stressed the importance of maintaining the offensive identity that was established last season under Stefanski. It came as no surprise when it was reported yesterday that Gary Kubiak is the new offensive coordinator in Minnesota. He was hired last year as assistant head coach/offensive adviser. His primary role was to combine his zone blocking/play action system with Stefanski's ideas and offensive football philosophy. As important, Kubiak was hired to assist Stefanski through his first full season as an offensive coordinator. Kubiak also brought with him a trio of coaches. Son, Klint Kubiak coached the quarterbacks. Rick Dennison coordinated the run game and coached the offensive line. Brian Pariani coached the tight ends. Zimmer loved what he saw from his offensive coaches and what he saw on the field from the players. He wanted to continue and build on what was started in 2019. Hiring Kubiak does that.

The Vikings still have three open positions on the coaching staff. Within a window of a couple hours Wednesday night, it was reported that receivers coach Drew Petzing had signed a contract to return and had not signed a contract to return. I'm guessing that the latter of the two reports is true and that Petzing is not returning in 2020. So, the Vikings need a receivers coach. George Edwards has been the defensive coordinator for all of Zimmer's six years as head coach of the Vikings. Jerry Gray has been the defensive backs coach for the same duration. Neither is returning in 2020. There's been rumors that defensive line coach Andre Patterson and linebackers coach Adam Zimmer are being considered for the defensive coordinator position. It's even been speculated that each could get a co-defensive coordinator title. However that plays out, the Vikings defense will remain Mike Zimmer's defense. Assistant defensive backs coach Jeff Howard could be promoted to replace Gray. I kinda hope that Zimmer can pry Terence Newman away from his retirement.

Minnesota Vikings Coaches, So Far

Head Coach: Mike Zimmer

Offensive Coaches: 
Offensive Coordinator: Gary Kubiak
Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Quarterbacks: Klint Kubiak
Running Backs: Kennedy Polamalu
Wide Receivers:
Tight Ends: Brian Pariani
Assistant Offensive Line: Andrew Janocko
Offensive Quality Control: Christian Jones
Offensive Quality Control: AC Patterson

Defensive Coaches:
Defensive Coordinator:
Defensive Line: Andre Patterson
Linebackers: Adam Zimmer
Defensive Backs:
Assistant Defensive Line: Robert Rodriguez
Assistant Defensive Backs: Jeff Howard
Defensive Quality Control: Nick Rallis

Special Teams Coaches:
Special Teams Coordinator: Marwan Maalouf
Assistant Special Teams: Ryan Ficken

Strength and Conditioning:
Head Strength and Conditioning: Mark Uyeyama
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Derik Keyes
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chaz Mahle

Throwback Thursday: Minnesota Vikings 2010s All-Decade Team

Since the 2010s ended and especially since the Minnesota Vikings 2019 season sadly ended, I've been thinking about the best Vikings players of the decade. With only four playoff appearances it wasn't a great decade. Many of the problems for the Vikings can be attributed to an inability to get reliable quarterback play. Too make things even worse, the Vikings put all of their quarterbacks behind mostly horrible offensive lines. Other than those very important positions, the Vikings had several great players over the past decade. Here are a team of them.

Offense

Quarterback
Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins' two statistically very good seasons is enough to top four inconsistent seasons from Christian Ponder, one bad season from Brett Favre, a respectable season from Sam Bradford, and a surprising season from Case Keenum. The only real challenge to Cousins was Teddy Bridgewater.

Running Backs
Adrian Peterson
Dalvin Cook

The Vikings opened and closed the decade with great backs.

Fullback
C.J. Ham

C.J. Ham vs. Jerome Felton. Ham offers more offensively.

Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Percy Harvin

Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are easy picks. Percy Harvin's unique, versatile, often spectacular  play at the start of the decade gets him a spot with them.

Tight End
Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph has probably wrestled the "best tight end in Vikings history" title from Steve Jordan.

Tackles
Riley Reiff
Phil Loadholt

Guards
Joe Berger
Brandon Fusco

Center
John Sullivan

The offensive lines that the Vikings have trotted out each season of the past decade have been, at best, far below average. The above group of decent players would make up a dream offensive line. Riley Reiff can best be described as reliable and a tick above average. Phil Loadholt did enough to keep Brian O'Neill off this team. That's saying something as O'Neill's first two seasons in the NFL are as promising as any Vikings offensive lineman in a long time. Joe Berger was a journeyman that became much more than that for the Vikings. It's a shame that it came at the end of his career. Brandon Fusco was playing great until a torn pectoral. John Sullivan was pretty good most of the time.

Defense

Defensive Ends
Jared Allen
Danielle Hunter

Jared Allen vs. Everson Griffen. It came down to Griffen's good to excellent play for nearly the entire decade vs. Allen's outstanding play for four seasons. It really is no debate. Allen's four years of the 2010s are probably the best four years of a career that should put him in Canton. In the 2010s, he collected 56.5 sacks. His 22 sacks in 2011 should've gotten him the defensive player of the year award. Danielle Hunter is a special player. If he continues on his present career arc he'll join Allen in Canton.

Defensive Tackles
Kevin Williams
Linval Joseph

Kevin Williams' final four seasons with the Vikings tops Sheldon Richardson's single season. For most of Linval Joseph's six seasons in Minnesota he was the best nose tackle in the league.

Linebackers
Chad Greenway
Eric Kendricks
Anthony Barr

These three linebackers might be the best three linebackers in franchise history.

Cornerbacks
Antoine Winfield
Xavier Rhodes

Antoine Winfield was so much fun to watch play football. I miss him. At his best, Xavier Rhodes was one of the best cover corners in the league. It's a shame that his peak play didn't last longer.

Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo

Harrison Smith is great. He's been great since the first game of his 2012 rookie season. Andrew Sendejo was a solid starter for a surprising number of years.

Special Teams

Kicker
Blair Walsh

Blair Walsh was All-Pro as a rookie in 2012. Each season after was worse than one before. If he'd only played that one season in Minnesota he'd still make this team. He'd definitely be remembered better.

Punter
Chris Kluwe

Chris Kluwe is arguably the best punter in Vikings history.

Kick Returner
Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson is arguably the best kick returner in NFL history.

Punt Returner
Marcus Sherels

Marcus Sherels is the best punt returner in Vikings history.

Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl Boost

After all of the Pro Bowl ballots were counted, the Minnesota Vikings had modest representation in the annual all-star game.

Dalvin Cook, RB
Danielle Hunter, DE
Harrison Smith, S

There were some snubs. Linebacker Eric Kendricks and safety Anthony Harris were two of the most deserving players in the NFC. Receiver Stefon Diggs also played at a Pro Bowl level. It happens. Sometimes it takes 2-3 Pro Bowl-deserving seasons to make it the first time. Since the league moved the Pro Bowl from the Sunday after the Super Bowl to the Sunday before it, roster replacements have become routine. By the time the game is played, the teams that actually step on the field look nothing like the teams that were selected. Players playing in the Super Bowl obviously bow out of the Pro Bowl. Players still sore from losing a Conference Championship game sometimes bow out of playing in an extra exhibition game. Injuries might keep several more players from the game. All of that leaves a bunch of last minute replacement additions to the respective Pro Bowl rosters. The Vikings had an additional five players added to the NFC roster.

Kirk Cousins, QB
C.J. Ham, FB
Everson Griffen, DE
Eric Kendricks, LB
Xavier Rhodes, CB

Kirk Cousins is replacing Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
C.J. Ham is replacing 49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk
Everson Griffen is replacing 49ers DE Nick Bosa
Eric Kendricks is replacing Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner
Xavier Rhodes is replacing 49ers CB Richard Sherman

Kendricks and Cousins deserved to make it over the players that they are replacing. Griffen and Ham are deserving of replacing the players that they are replacing. If this were the 2017 Pro Bowl, Rhodes would be very deserving of a place on the roster. His play throughout the 2019 season was nowhere near Pro Bowl quality, or even Pro Bowl replacement quality. There are at least a dozen corners that are more deserving of replacing Sherman.

The Vikings now have 8 players in the Pro Bowl. Congratulations to the Vikings 8 Pro Bowl players. Anthony Harris and Stefon Diggs remain Pro Bowl snubs.

2020 Important NFL Dates

A couple teams still have 2019 business. For the remaining 30 teams, it's on to the 2020 offseason. Here are the important 2020 dates from NFL Operations.

2020 Important NFL Dates

JANUARY
Jan. 25
Senior Bowl, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama.
Jan. 26
NFL Pro Bowl.
An assistant coach, whose team is participating in the Super Bowl, who has previously interviewed for another club’s head coaching job may have a second interview with such club no later than the Sunday preceding the Super Bowl.

FEBRUARY
Feb. 2
Super Bowl LIV, Hard Rock Stadium, South Florida.
Feb. 3
Waiver system begins for 2020.
Feb. 11
Beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, NFL clubs may begin to sign players whose 2020 CFL contracts have expired. Players under contract to a CFL club for the 2020 season or who have an option for the 2020 season are not eligible to be signed.
Feb. 24-March 2
NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Feb. 25
First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

MARCH
March 10
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
March 16-18
Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2019 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 18.
March 18
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2020 on all players who have option clauses in their 2019 contracts.
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2019 contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.
Top 51 Rule begins. All clubs must be under the 2020 Salary Cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.
All 2019 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
The 2020 league year and free agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
The first day of the 2020 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 18. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 18.
Trading period for 2020 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2019 contracts.
March 29-April 1
Annual League Meeting, Palm Beach, Florida.

APRIL
April 6
Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2019 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
April 17
Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
April 20
Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
April 23-25
NFL Draft, Las Vegas, Nevada.
April 27
Beginning this date, NFL clubs may request permission to visit with, try out, or sign any player who was under contract to the XFL at the conclusion of the XFL season.

MAY
May 1-4
Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
May 5
Deadline for prior club to send “May 5 Tender” to its unsigned Unrestricted Free Agents. If the player has not signed a player contract with a club by July 22 or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later, he may negotiate or sign a player contract from that date until the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, at 4:00 p.m., New York time, only with his prior club.
May 8-11
Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
May 11
Rookie Football Development Programs begin.
May 14-17
NFLPA Rookie Premiere. Invited rookies (typically, first- and/or second-round selections) must be permitted by their respective clubs to attend. Such players are unavailable for offseason workouts, OTA days, and minicamps during this period.
May 19-20
Spring League Meeting, Marina Del Ray, California.

JUNE
June 1
Deadline for prior club to send “June 1 Tender” to its unsigned Restricted Free Agents who received a qualifying offer for a right of first refusal only in order for such player to be subject to the CBA’s “June 15 Tender” provision.
June 15
Deadline for club to withdraw qualifying offer to Restricted Free Agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting “June 15 Tender” of one-year contract at 110 percent of the player’s prior-year Paragraph 5 Salary (with all other terms of his prior-year contract carried forward unchanged).
Late June
Rookie Transition Program to be held at individual clubs.

JULY
July 15
At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a oneyear contract with his prior club for the 2020 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.
Mid-July
Clubs are permitted to open preseason training camp for rookies beginning seven days prior to the club’s earliest permissible mandatory reporting date for veteran players.
Veteran players (defined as a player with at least one pension-credited season) other than quarterbacks or “injured players” (as defined in CBA Article 21, Section 6) may report to a club’s preseason training camp no earlier than 15 days prior to the club’s first scheduled preseason game or July 15, whichever is later.
Veteran quarterbacks and injured players may be required to report to the club’s preseason training camp no earlier than five days immediately prior to the mandatory reporting date for all other veteran players, provided the club has already opened (or simultaneously opens) its official preseason training camp for all rookies and first-year players
A three-day acclimation period will apply to players who are on a club’s roster up to and including the mandatory veteran reporting date. Players who rejoin the roster after that date may practice (including wearing pads) and play immediately after passing a physical.
July 22*
Signing period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents to whom a “May 5 Tender” was made by prior club. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.
* or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later.
July 22
Signing period ends for Transition Players with outstanding tenders. After this date and until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.

AUGUST
August 6
Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio.
August 6-9
Hall of Fame Weekend, Canton, Ohio.
August 11
Deadline for players under contract to report to their clubs to earn an accrued season for free agency.

If a drafted rookie has not signed with his club by this date, he cannot be traded to any other club in 2020, and may sign a player contract only with the drafting club until the day of the Draft in the 2021 league year.

SEPTEMBER
Sept. 5
Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.

Simultaneously with the cut-down to 53, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/NonFootball Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.
Sept. 6
Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at 12:00 noon, New York time.

Upon receipt of the Personnel Notice at approximately 1:00 p.m., New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of 10 players (clubs participating in the International Player Development Program may sign one additional international player to a Practice Player Contract.) No club, including the player’s prior club, will be permitted to sign a player to a practice player contract until all clubs have received simultaneous notification via the above Personnel Notice that such player’s prior NFL player contract has been terminated via the waiver system.
Sept. 10
At 12:00 a.m., New York time, the Top 51 Rule expires for all NFL clubs.
Sept. 10, 13-14
Regular Season Week 1.

Vikings Bookkeeping

The Minnesota Vikings offseason started suddenly and sadly just over a week ago. There's really no time for pouting in the NFL as the business of the 2020 season started immediately. On the Sunday following their Divisional round loss, the Vikings announced the signing of seven of their practice squad players to reserve/future free agent contracts.

Tony Brooks-James, RB, Oregon
Jake Browning, QB, Washington
Davion Davis, WR, Sam Houston State
Brandon Dillon, TE, Marian
Mark Fields, CB, Clemson
Kemon Hall, CB, North Texas
Dillon Mitchell, WR, Oregon

The Vikings also signed a couple of players that played the last two seasons in the Canadian Football League to reserve/future free agent contracts.

Marcus Sayles, CB, West Georgia
Bralon Addison, WR, Oregon

Marcus Sayles looks like an intriguing player. At 5'10" and 175 lbs, he's a little than the cornerbacks that typically interest the Vikings. From his style of play in some highlight videos he looks like he could play the nickel position a little like Antoine Winflield. He's an agressive tackler despite his smallish size. He can blitz, play the run, and cover. He couldn't stick with the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams in 2017 but he excelled in the CFL the last two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

2018
72 tackles
1 sack
3 interceptions
2 forced fumbles

2019
64 tackles
1 sack
3 interceptions
3 forced fumbles

He was a CFL All-star in 2019 as he helped lead the Blue Bombers to the Grey Cup title. The CFL isn't the NFL but there's something about Sayles that's intriguing. He just looks like a football player. Mackensie Alexander has improved each season as the Vikings nickel corner. He's improved to the point that he's probably been the team's most steady corner since the middle of the 2018 season. He's a free agent this year. Id' like to see Alexander return but if he doesn't Sayles could be a candidate to replace him. Who knows? Perhaps Sayles brings a Cameron Wake-like career arc to Minnesota.

Bralon Addison spent training camp with the Denver Broncos in 2016. The Chicago Bears signed him to their practice squad in December of that year. He was bumped to the active roster for a late season game. His lone NFL reception came against the Vikings. Addison signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018. His first CFL season was modest but he broke out with an All-Star season in 2019.

2018
8 receptions
113 yards
1 TD

2019
95 receptions
1236 yards
7 TDs

The Vikings receiver group is topped by Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Olabisi Johnson had a nice rookie showing as the third receiver. Chad Beebe was supposed to be the third receiver but was injured early and spent nearly all of the season on injured reserve. After Diggs, Thielen, and perhaps Johnson the Vikings receiver group is wide open. Addison joins that group.

The above player moves are just the first (little) steps of the building of the 2020 roster. Before the Vikings get to the heavy lifting of that process they will have to put together their coaching staff. For the fifth time in his seven years as the head coach, Mike Zimmer is looking for an offensive coordinator. Norv Turner couldn't take it and left the team during the 2016 season. Pat Shurmur replaced Turner on the fly and kept the job for 2017 season. The New York Giants hired Shurnur as their head coach after a Vikings run to the 2017 NFC Championship game. John DeFilippo was hired to replace Shurmur. The offense struggled under DeFilippo and he was fired before the 2018 season was done. Kevin Stefanski finished the season and was named the team's offensive coordinator for the 2019 season. The Cleveland Browns hired Stefanski last week as their head coach. Gary Kubiak was hired as assistant head coach last offseason. He was tasked with working with Stefanski. Kubiak brought a few coaches with him. Son, Klint Kubiak worked with the quarterbacks. Rick Dennison coached the offensive line and coordinated the running game. Brian Pariani coached the tight ends. Zimmer has raved about the communication and compatibility of last year's offensive coaches. He has stressed that he wants to maintain that continuity. The implication appears obvious. The Kubiaks are staying in Minnesota. So, who will be the offensive coordinator? My guess is that, as he did last year, senior Kubiak will oversee the process from a distance. I get the feeling that he's more content with that setup, that he doesn't want the day-to-day grind of NFL coaching. He once retired from the game due to the physical toll that it took on him. That leaves junior Kubiak and Dennison as offensive coordinator possibilities. Despite being 32 (33 next month), my guess is that Klint Kubiak gets the offensive coordinator job. There's been a league-wide trend toward younger offensive play-callers so a 32/33-year old offensive coordinator shouldn't be shocking. Junior Kubiak will have a lot of support around him. While Zimmer has seen a lot of offensive coordinators parade through the building, he's seen nothing but stability with his defensive coaching staff. That changes this year. George Edwards has been Zimmer's only defensive coordinator. His contract was up and wasn't renewed. Jerry Gray has been Zimmer's only defensive backs coach. He's gone as well. The Vikings defense is Zimmer's defense in every sense. He designed it. He calls the plays. Being the defensive coordinator of the Vikings isn't really the same as being the defensive coordinator for most teams. That probably played a role in Edwards moving on to other opportunities. It's expected that a current position coach (defensive line coach Andre Patterson or linebacker coach Adam Zimmer) will be promoted. Current assistant defensive backs coach Jeff Howard could be promoted to replace Gray. In his season-ending press conference, Zimmer said that he wanted to get away for a few days before doing player evaluations and making decisions on his coaching staff. It's been a week. So, the coaching decisions could come any day.

Unless an NFL team plays in the Super Bowl, the offseason always comes too soon. For the Vikings, the offseason started a week ago. Too soon. The work toward Super Bowl LV started a week ago.

Flea Flicker Conference Championship Game Predictions

I was hoping for a Minnesota Vikings presence on this day but they were thrashed by the San Francisco 49ers last Saturday. Here's a guess at the two teams that will be playing in Miami in two weeks.

AFC Championship
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Chiefs
Titans running beast Derrick Henry has rushed for over 180 yards in both playoff games. The Titans offense managed 14 points against the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round. A flurry of mistakes by the Baltimore Ravens were the main reason for the Titans 16-point win in the Divisional round. Henry is on a playoff run rarely seen from a running back but that running hasn't resulted in a lot of points. The Titans will need a lot of points to beat the Chiefs. The Titans will need more than they've needed so far from quarterback Ryan Tannehill. In picking the Chiefs, I'm guessing that they don't get more from Tannehill.


NFC Championship
Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Packers
Perhaps I'm still bitter from last week's game but I can't pick the 49ers. The Vikings inability to do anything against the 49ers and Nick Bosa's cheap shot on Brian O'Neill is still too fresh.

So, in the NFL's 100th year the league is getting a rematch of Super Bowl I.

2020 NFL Draft Early Entrants

Yesterday was the deadline for underclassmen to file declaration papers for the 2020 NFL Draft. Those that have declared now have a 72-hour window in which to reconsider. The list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry by the NFL will be released to the 32 teams on January 21. So, the list below is unofficial.

At least 100 early entrants have become the standard. From the list below, I count 107 players that have declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. When the dust clears on Tuesday, perhaps there's more. Perhaps there's fewer. According to NFL.com, the 107 underclassmen declaring for this draft would top the record of 106 set in 2018.

2020 NFL Draft Early Entrants

Alabama
» Jerry Jeudy, WR
» Xavier McKinney, S
» Henry Ruggs III, WR
» Tua Tagovailoa, QB
» Jedrick Wills, OT

Appalachian State
» Darrynton Evans, RB

Arizona
» J.J. Taylor, RB

Arizona State
» Eno Benjamin, RB
» Michael Turk, P

Arkansas
» Kamren Curl, S

Auburn
» Noah Igbinoghene, CB
» Nick Coe, edge rusher
» Arryn Siposs, P

Baylor
» Grayland Arnold, CB
» James Lynch, DL

Boise State
» Ezra Cleveland, OT
» Curtis Weaver, edge rusher

Boston College
» A.J. Dillon, RB

BYU
» Ty'Son Williams, RB

Central Florida
» Gabriel Davis, WR

Cincinnati
» Michael Warren II, RB

Clemson
» Tee Higgins, WR

Colorado
» Laviska Shenault, WR

Florida
» C.J. Henderson, CB

Florida Atlantic
» James Pierre, CB

Florida State
» Cam Akers, RB
» Stanford Samuels III, CB

Fresno State
» Netane Muti, OG

Georgia
» Jake Fromm, QB
» Solomon Kindley, OG
» D'Andre Swift, RB
» Andrew Thomas, OT
» Isaiah Wilson, OT

Hawaii
» Cole McDonald, QB

Illinois
» Oluwole Betiku Jr., DE

Iowa
» A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher
» Geno Stone, S
» Tristan Wirfs, OT
» Toren Young, RB

Kentucky
» Lynn Bowden Jr., WR

Louisiana Tech
» Amik Robertson, CB

Louisville
» Mekhi Becton, OT

LSU
» K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher
» Saahdiq Charles, OT
» Lloyd Cushenberry, C
» Grant Delpit, S
» Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
» Justin Jefferson, WR
» Thaddeus Moss, TE
» Jacob Phillips, LB
» Patrick Queen, LB

Maryland
» Javon Leake, RB
» Anthony McFarland Jr., RB

Miami
» Trajan Bandy, CB
» DeeJay Dallas, RB
» Jeff Thomas, WR

Michigan
» Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR
» Cesar Ruiz, center
» Josh Uche, edge rusher

Michigan State
» Josiah Scott, CB
» Cody White, WR

Minnesota
» Antoine Winfield Jr., S

Mississippi State
» Cameron Dantzler, CB
» Willie Gay Jr., LB

Missouri
» Trystan Colon-Castillo, OT
» Jordan Elliott, DL
» Albert Okwuegbunam, TE

Monmouth
» Peter Guerriero, RB

Notre Dame
» Alohi Gilman, S
» Tony Jones Jr., RB
» Cole Kmet, TE

Ohio State
» J.K. Dobbins, RB
» Jeff Okudah, CB
» Chase Young, edge rusher

Oklahoma
» CeeDee Lamb, WR
» Kenneth Murray, LB

Oregon State
» Isaiah Hodgins, WR

Penn State
» Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher
» K.J. Hamler, WR

San Diego State
» Keith Ismael, C

South Carolina
» Kyle Markway, TE

Southern Miss
» Quez Watkins, WR

Stanford
» Colby Parkinson, TE

Syracuse
» Trishton Jackson, WR

TCU
» Ross Blacklock, DT
» Jalen Reagor, WR

Temple
» Harrison Hand, CB
» Matt Hennessy, C

Texas A&M
» Quartney Davis, WR
» Justin Madubuike, DT
» Debione Renfro, CB
» Kendrick Rogers, WR

Texas Tech
» Houston Miller, DE

UCLA
» Devin Asiasi, TE

USC
» Austin Jackson, OT

Utah
» Javelin Guidry, CB
» Jaylon Johnson, CB

Utah State
» Jordan Love, QB
» David Woodward, LB

Virginia Tech
» Dalton Keene, TE
» Deshawn McClease, RB

Washington
» Salvon Ahmed, RB
» Hunter Bryant, TE
» Jacob Eason, QB

Wisconsin
» Tyler Biadasz, C
» Quintez Cephus, WR
» Jonathan Taylor, RB

The declaration that’s getting the most attention, at the moment, is that of Clemson running back Travis Etienne. He chose to continue his college experience rather than enter the draft. Most talking heads are criticizing his decision. Great. They wouldn’t make the same decision. Leave it at that. I hate to break it to these talking heads but it’s not their decision to make. It’s Etienne’s decision. He made it. He doesn’t need or deserve your criticism. Accept it and let him finish HIS college experience and college football experience on HIS terms. I applaud him.

Pro Football Focus 50 Best Free Agents

Pro Football Focus released their list of the 50 Best Available Free Agents in 2020. It should probably read "Best Potentially Available..." as it's a certainty that not all 50 will actually be free agents when the tampering opens on March 16 and the market opens on March 18. Many will sign extensions or be slapped with the franchise tag by their current teams. For now, these are the players with contracts expiring that PFF sees as the 50 Best.

50. Blake Martinez, LB, Green Bay Packers
49. Jarran Reed, DT, Seattle Seahawks
48. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
47. Kendall Fuller, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
46. Robert Quinn, DE, Los Angeles Rams
45. D. J. Humphires, OT, Arizona Cardinals
44. Karl Joseph, S, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders
43. Jamie Collins Sr., LB, New England Patriots
42. Shelby Harris, DT, Denver Broncos
41. Jason Peters, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
40. Brian Poole, CB, New York Jets
39. Andrew Whitworth, OT, Los Angeles Rams
38. Trae Waynes, CB, Minnesota Vikings
37. Mike Daniels, DT, Detroit Lions
36. Logan Ryan, CB, Tennessee Titans
35. Michael Pierce, DT, Baltimore Ravens
34. Joe Schobert, LB, Cleveland Browns
33. Kyle Van Noy, LB, New England Patriots
32. Melvin Gordon III, RB, Los Angeles Rams
31. Breshad Perriman, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30. Austin Hooper, TE, Atlanta Falcons
29. Jimmie Ward, S, San Francisco 49ers
28. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
27. Troy Hill, CB, Los Angeles Rams
26. Leonard Williams, DT, New York Giants
25. Javon Hargrave, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
24. D.J. Reader, DT, Houston Texans
23. Tre Boston, S, Carolina Panthers
22. Eric Ebron, TE, Indianapolis Colts
21. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Chicago Bears
20. Arik Armstead, DL, San Francisco 49ers
19. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, San Francisco 49ers
18. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
17. Shaquil Barrett, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Joe Thuney, G, New England Patriots
15. Devin McCourty, S, New England Patriots
14. Brandon Scherff, G, Washington Redskins
13. Jack Conklin, OT, Tennessee Titans
12. Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos
11. Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
10. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Indianapolis Colts
  9. Corey Littleton, LB, Los Angeles Rams
  8. Hunter Henry, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
  7. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Seattle Seahawks
  6. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
  5. Chris Harris Jr., CB, Denver Broncos
  4. Byron Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys
  3. Anthony Harris, S, Minnesota Vikings
  2. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
  1. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys

***

A priority of the offseason for the Minnesota Vikings is signing Anthony Harris to an extension. After that, it would be a dream if the Vikings could pluck the following players from PFF's list.

Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
Brandon Scherff, G, Washington Redskins

Each, let alone both, will be well outside what the Vikings will be able to spend. But one can dream.

Throwback Thursday: The Development Of The 1969 Minnesota Vikings

I recently started reading Joe Kapp's book A Life of Leadership: Joe Kapp "The Toughest Chicano." It's a fun read. That's no surprise as every book about the 1960s Minnesota Vikings is a fun read. Kapp's time with the Vikings is a bit before my time but I've read, heard, and learned enough about those teams that I feel as if I actually experienced them. Kapp joined the Vikings in 1967. That was the same year that Bud Grant was hired as head coach. After six years of entertaining but mediocre play, winning football games was about to become the norm in Minnesota. The Vikings won their first division title in 1968. They won the NFL title in 1969. The 1969 team isn't thought of as a champion because they unfortunately went on to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. That day wasn't their day but the 1969 Minnesota Vikings team is still one of the best in NFL history. In his book, Kapp put together an interesting chart that details how the 1969 Vikings team was put together. It's interesting in that he lists a value that each player brought to the team. I've never seen a player, coach, general manager, anybody do such a thing. He called it the Development of the 1969 Vikings.

Player/Position/Value
1961 (3-11)
Grady Alderman, T: Control
Paul Dickson, DT: Loyalty
Jim Marshall, DE: Spirit
Ed Sharockman, CB: Commitment

1962 (2-11-1)
Fred Cox, K: Responsibility
Mick Tingelhoff, C: Determination
Roy Winston, LB: Wisdom

1963 (5-8-1)
Bill Brown, FB: Toughness
Karl Kassulke, S: Enthusiasm

1964 (8-5-1)
Carl Eller, DE: Confidence
Milt Sunde, G: Dedication

1965 (7-7)
Dale Hackbart, S: Humor
Gary Larsen, DT: Effort
Earsell Mackbee, CB: Concentration
Dave Osborn, RB: Perseverance
Lonnie Warwick, LB: Intensity

1966 (4-9-1)
Doug Davis, T: Awareness
Jim Lindsey, RB: Reliability
Jim Vellone, G: Empathy

1967 (3-8-3)
John Beasley, TE: Faith
Bobby Bryant, CB: Courage
Bob Grim, WR: Poise
Jim Hargrove, LB: Steadiness
Clint Jones, RB: Attitude
Joe Kapp, QB: Hunger
Alan Page, DT: Resourcefulness
Gene Washington, WR: Respect

1968 (8-6) Central Division Champs
Bookie Bolin, G: Cooperation
Gary Cuozzo, QB: Pride
John Henderson, WR: Courtesy
Paul Krause, S: Patience
Bob Lee, QB: Ambition
Mike McGill, LB: Judgement
Oscar Reed, RB: Desire
Steve Smith, DT: Harmony
Charlie West, DB: Integrity
Ron Yary, T: Trust

1969 (12-2) NFL Champs, lost Super Bowl IV
Kent Kramer, TE: Balance
Bill Harris, RB: Initiative
Wally Hilgenberg, LB: Aggression
Mike Riley, LB: Alertness
Ed White, G: Madness

I find the last one funny. Ed White was an All-American defensive lineman at Cal. The Vikings successfully flipped him to the offensive line. Kapp felt that White brought madness to the team.

I've long known Dale Hackbart as a hard-hitting, versatile safety for the 1960s Vikings. From Kapp's book, I discovered that his versatility stretched beyond the football field. As seen above, Kapp valued Hackbart for his humor. The always smiling safety's ability to make his teammates laugh kept the team loose.

Roster note: With a roster much smaller than today, the Vikings kept six running backs.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Centennial Class

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Centennial Class has finally been announced. The reveals actually started this past weekend when Hall of Fame president David Baker surprised a couple of former head coaches on their respective pregame broadcasts.

Bill Cowher
Jimmy Johnson

Their inclusion in the Centennial Class left 10 players and three contributors. The final 13 members of this special Class were revealed this morning on NFL Network's Good Morning Football.

Players
Jim Covert
Winston Hill
Harold Carmichael
Duke Slater
Ed Sprinkle
Alex Karras
Bobby Dillon
Donnie Shell
Cliff Harris
Mac Speedie

Contributors
Steve Sabol
George Young
Paul Tagliabue

The “blue-ribbon” panel that was tasked with the selection of the Centennial Class came up with a 50:50 split of Super Bowl era and pre-Super Bowl era.

pre-Super Bowl:
Duke Slater
Ed Sprinkle
Alex Karras
Bobby Dillon
Mac Speedie

Super Bowl:
Jim Covert
Winston Hill
Harold Carmichael
Donnie Shell
Cliff Harris

It was my understanding that this Centennial Class was intended to a) celebrate the league’s 100 years and b) clean up as many of the missed “old-timers” as possible. With an emphasis on the latter. I don’t think that a 50:50 split does the “old-timers” proper justice. I felt that the “old-timers” deserved a numbers edge because for a couple reasons. First, there were enough that deserved it. Second, the Super Bowl era players are still in the running for future inductions. This was probably the last shot for the pre-1950 players. I’m thrilled for Slater, Sprinkle, Karras, Dillon, and Speedie. I’m also stunned that Al Wistert and LaVern Dilweg didn’t make it. Both  should’ve made it to Canton long ago. This was their chance, probably last chance, and both were more deserving than anyone not named Slater. Wow. I assumed that Wistert making it was a certainty.

Other than Dilweg and Wistert not making it, the biggest surprise to me was probably Harold Carmichael and Jim Covert making it. It’s not that they don’t deserve induction. I just had Randy Gradishar, Cliff Branch, and Drew Pearson slightly above them.

While the 10 players had a few surprises, the three contributors had none. I’m especially thrilled that Steve Sabol made it. I’ve wanted to see him get this deserved honor for a while but it feels so appropriate that he goes in with a Class that specifically honors the league’s 100 years. One of the best things that I can say about Paul Tagliabue is that I felt that the NFL was in great hands when he was overseeing it. I haven’t felt that way for far too long.

Congratulations to all 15 members of Pro Football Hall of Fame Centennial Class.

2020 NFL Drat Order, So Far

Despite the thorough thrashing that the San Francisco 49ers gave the Minnesota Vikings, I truly believed that I'd be spending this week thinking about the Vikings prospects in the Conference Championship game. Instead, I'm thinking about the 25th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Things don't always go as planned. Next year's draft will be held April 23-25 in Paradise, Nevada. That sounds like a nice place. Here's the first round order, so far, of the draft.

1.   Cincinnati Bengals
2.   Washington Redskins
3.   Detroit Lions
4.   New York Giants
5.   Miami Dolphins
6.   Los Angeles Chargers
7.   Carolina Panthers
8.   Arizona Cardinals
9.   Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Cleveland Browns
11. New York Jets
12. Las Vegas Raiders
13. Indianapolis Colts
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15. Denver Broncos
16. Atlanta Falcons
17. Dallas Cowboys
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)
21. Philadelphia Eagles
22. Buffalo Bills
23. New England Patriots
24. New Orleans Saints
25. Minnesota Vikings
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)
27. Seattle Seahawks
28. Baltimore Ravens
29. TBD
30. TBD
31. TBD
32. TBD

The four teams still standing in the playoffs will obviously fill out the final four spots as they are eliminated or crowned.

Tennessee Titans
Kansas City Chiefs
Green Bay Packers
San Francisco 49ers

***

It's strange seeing the Raiders referred to as the Las Vegas Raiders. I'm not sure that I'll ever get used to that tragic move.

Teams with multiple first round picks:
Miami Dolphins: 3
Las Vegas Raiders: 2
Jacksonville Jaguars: 2

Teams with no first round picks:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago Bears
Los Angeles Rams
Houston Texans

It's interesting that all four teams without first round picks gave up those picks to get over the hump. Each felt that they were a player or two away from competing for a title and decided to pull the trigger on a big trade. Only the Texans made the playoffs. Despite disappointing finishes this season, I'm pretty sure that the Steelers are thrilled that Minkah Fitzpatrick is part of their defense, the Rams are ecstatic about Jalen Ramsey (if they can sigh him), and the Texans are comforted by Laremy Tunsil protecting Deshaun Watson. Khalil Mack had a modest, for him, second season in Chicago but he's still a ridiculous talent.

It's on to the draft, among other offseason things.

Minnesota Vikings Playoff History

After their no-show on Saturday, looking at the playoff history of the Minnesota Vikings probably isn't the best form of therapy. The best thing that can be said about the playoff history of the Vikings is that they have an extensive one. It just isn't a successful one. In the roughly fifty years since they graduated from bumbling expansion team the Vikings have made the playoffs 30 times. Seeing as they've never ended a playoff run with a win they've lost 30 playoff games. The 30 playoff losses is an NFL record.

Here's a quick summary of the Minnesota Vikings playoff history:

All-time Playoffs: 51 games, 21-30
Wild Card Round: 14 games, 7-7
Divisional Round: 23 games, 10-13
Conference Championship: 10 games, 4-6
Super Bowl: 4 games, 0-4

Here's a little more complete summary of the Minnesota Vikings playoff history:

Year	Opponent	Score
2019
Wild Card	@ New Orleans Saints	W 26-20 OT
Division	@ San Francisco 49ers	L 10-27
2017
Division	New Orleans Saints	W 29-24
Conference Championship	@ Philadelphia Eagles	L 7-38
2015
Wild Card	Seattle Seahawks	L 10-9
2012
Wild Card	@ Green Bay Packers	L 10-24
2009
Division	Dallas Cowboys	W 34-3
Conference Championship	@ New Orleans Saints	L 28-31 OT
2008
Wild Card	Philadelpia Eagles	L 14-26
2004
Wild Card	@ Green Bay Packers	W 31-7
Division	@ Philadelphia Eagles	L 14-27
2000
Division	New Orleans Saints	W 34-16
Conference Championship	@ New York Giants	L 0-41
1999
Wild Card	Dallas Cowboys	W 27-10
Division	@ St. Louis Rams	L 37-49
1998
Division	Arizona Cardinals	W 41-21
Conference Championship	Atlanta Falcons	L 27-30 OT
1997
Wild Card	@ New York Giants	W 23-22
Division	@ San Francisco 49ers	L 22-38
1996
Wild Card	@ Dallas Cowboys	L 15-40
1994
Wild Card	Chicago Bears	L 18-35
1993
Wild Card	@ New York Giants	L 10-17
1992
Wild Card	Washington Redskins	L 7-24
1989
Division	@ San Francisco 49ers	L 13-41
1988
Wild Card	Los Angeles Rams	W 28-17
Division	@ San Francisco 49ers	L 9-34
1987
Wild Card	@ New Orleans Saints	W 44-10
Division	@ San Francisco 49ers	W 36-24
Conference Championship	@ Washington Redskins	L 10-17
1982
Wild Card	Atlanta Falcons	W 30-24
Division	@ Washington Redskins	L 7-21
1980
Division	@ Philadelphia Eagles	L 16-31
1978
Division	@ Los Angeles Rams	L 10-34
1977
Division	@ Los Angeles Rams	W 14-7
Conference Championship	@ Dallas Cowboys	L 6-23
1976
Division	Washington Redskins	W 35-20
Conference Championship	Los Angeles Rams	W 24-13
Super Bowl XI	Oakland Raiders	L 14-32
1975
Division	Dallas Cowboys	L 14-17
1974
Division	St. Louis Cardinals	W 30-14
Conference Championship	Los Angeles Rams	W 14-10
Super Bowl IX	Pittsburgh Steelers	L 6-16
1973
Division	Washington Redskins	W 27-20
Conference Championship	@ Dallas Cowboys	W 27-10
Super Bowl VIII	Miami Dolphins	L 7-24
1971
Division	Dallas Cowboys	L 12-20
1970
Division	San Francisco 49ers	L 14-17
1969
Division	Los Angeles Rams	W 23-20
Conference Championship	Cleveland Browns	W 27-7
Super Bowl IV	Kansas City Chiefs	L 7-23
1968
Division	Baltimore Colts	L 14-24

***

One day the Vikings will end a playoff run with a win. 

Vikings-49ers

One team was healthy and well-rested. The other team was coming off of a tough, Wild Card overtime win on a short week. The healthy, well-rested team cruised to a 27-10 win. The San Francisco 49ers will host the NFC Championship game next week. The Minnesota Vikings fun, up and down 2019 season is over. For the 59th season the Vikings end the season short of a title. 30 of those seasons have ended with a postseason loss.

The first indication that yesterday might not be the Vikings day came late in the first quarter. Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter hit 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as he was throwing the ball. Somehow, the ball fluttered it's way 16 yards and into the hands of a diving Kendrick Bourne. Those fluttering throws usually end up as interceptions. Not yesterday.

Two bitching points.

1. What was the thinking, if there even was any, behind the NFL's decision to play both NFC Wild Card games on Sunday? That stupidity gave one AFC Wild Card team (Houston Texans) an extra day of preparation and rest. It gave the other AFC Wild Card team (Tennessee Titans) and one NFC Wild Card team (Seattle Seahawks) a full week of preparation and rest. It left one NFC Wild Card team with a short week of preparation and rest. That team was the Vikings. NFL playoff games will never be on a level playing field simply because one team has earned the coveted right to host the game. The top two seeds in each conference get the added advantage of starting the playoffs with bye week. They've earned the right to rest and get healthy. That's fine. But how do you take a day of preparation and rest away from one team? The Vikings didn't even know their next opponent until their plane from New Orleans landed at Minneapolis-St. Paul late Sunday night/early Monday morning. This Vikings team that opposed the 49ers yesterday looked nothing like the team that faced the Saints last week. The 49ers were a reason for that. They weren't the only reason. The NFL's ridiculous decision to alter the Wild Card schedule impacted this game. It was scheduling stupidity that was unique to this season.

2. 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa should've been tossed from the game for his cheap shot hit on Vikings offensive tackle Brian O'Neil. The cheap shot came on Richard Sherman's interception return. Bosa took advantage of O'Neill focusing on the return and went for his head. O'Neill left the game with a concussion and did not return. Bosa was hit with a penalty but was allowed to stay in the game while O'Neill was being treated for a head injury. O'Neill is the Vikings best offensive lineman and his absence changed the game. Four of the 49ers six sacks came after O'Neill left the game. An ineffective run game and the score allowed the 49ers pass rush to tee off on Kirk Cousins. The path to the quarterback was exponentially easier without O'Neill on the field. It was the sort of asshat hit that has no place in the game. As such, Bosa should've been tossed from it. Nick Bosa will forever be a cheap, dirty player to me.

None of those bitching points are the reason that the Vikings lost the game. The 49ers won. They were the better team yesterday. It's just frustrating to have a fun season end so suddenly. It's like falling off a cliff without the physical damage that comes with doing so. The Vikings team that beat the Saints last week was real close to the team that I believe they can be. The offense and defense showed up in the same game for the first time this season. I thought/hoped that it was an indication that the team was coming together at the right time. Instead, against the 49ers they looked like the disconnected, disjointed, disorganized team that bumbled their way through games against the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Yesterday was the wrong day for that team to return.

It's frustrating. This season wasn't supposed to end this soon. For the 30th time the Vikings playoffs ended with a loss. I remember all but a handful of them.

Congratulations to the 49ers. They have a terrific, young team. Being from northern California, the 49ers are the team of choice of many family and friends. If the Vikings are out of the picture I usually hope that those family and friends have success with their team. I can't find that right now. Perhaps it's just the frustration of the loss but I'm sick of the bandwagon nature of 49ers fans. Hell, some flip to the Oakland Raiders if things are more promising over there. They're everywhere when the 49ers are winning. They're on to other things when the team struggles. The team's 2019 slogan is "Faithful Then. Faithful Now." That's perfect. The fans were faithful during the team's incredible run from 1981-95. The fans are faithful now with this strong, promising team. They weren't so faithful in between. 49ers fans are faithful when times are good. A friend of mine had 49ers season tickets in the early 90s. It was a good time to have them. After a couple seasons of falling just short of the Super Bowl, she said to me that she wouldn't renew her season tickets if the team couldn't guarantee a Super Bowl win. Not every 49ers fan has such flighty loyalty but many do.Way too many. Right now, I don't want the 49ers to win another game. Time might mellow my feelings but I just can't deal with such wavering fans and I just can't deal with a team that employs Nick Bosa.

Thank you to all of the Minnesota Vikings players and coaches. It was a fun season. I'm with you always. Our day will come.

Flea Flicker Divisional Round Predictions

The 2019 NFL season continues for eight teams. It's the Divisional Round. Here's a guess at the four teams that will be playing in the Conference Championship games.

Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Vikings

I have no idea why a team, it's fans, and it's media overlook any team in the NFL playoffs. There's little difference in talent between playoff teams. More significantly, anything can happen under the pressure of the NFL playoffs. 49ers fans and their media are looking past the Vikings. They did it in 1987 and they are doing it again. Here's hoping that the outcome of this game is the same as the 1987 game.  

Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

Hopefully, this is the tough, fun game that it looks like it can be. 

Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

While Titans-Ravens could be a tough, fun football game. This one could be an explosive, fun football game. Against the Chiefs, DeShaun Watson can't wait until the fourth quarter to turn into Superman.

Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Packers

It's easy to pick against the Seahawks. Even if it means picking the Packers. 

Coaching Vacancies

Minnesota Vikings playoff fun has kept me from thinking too much about the annual the NFL's head coach firings and hirings.  With only five vacancies, the 2020 coaching churn feels light. The Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers fired their head coach during the 2019 season. The New York Giants and Cleveland Browns fired their head coach immediately following the season. The Dallas Cowboys danced to their own weird tune. They left Jason Garrett in some sort of employment purgatory for about a week. The annual hiring/firing cycle started with five openings. Only one remains.

Washington Redskins
Out: Jay Gruden
In: Ron Rivera

Carolina Panthers
Out: Ron Rivera
In: Matt Ruhle

New York Giants
Out: Pat Shurmur
In: Joe Judge

Dallas Cowboys
Out: Jason Garrett
In: Mike McCarthy

Cleveland Browns
Out: Freddie Kitchens
In: ?

Of the four coaching hires, Matt Ruhle to the Panthers and Joe Judge to the Giants intrigue me the most. Ron Rivera and Mike McCarthy are known head coaches. They've been fine coaches. They'll probably be fine coaches for their new teams. Ruhle and Judge are unknowns. Ruhle is more known simply because he's been a very successful head coach at the college level. He looks and sounds like he'll be a successful head coach at any level. Panthers fans should be excited about the possibilities. Judge probably isn't even known by New England Patriots fans even though he's coached for the team since 2012. He's been a special teams coach so few know anything about him. I find special teams coaches interesting. They're the only coaches that coach both offensive and defensive players. They're the only coaches that have to deal with all the other coaches on the staff. In short, their day-to-day job is the most like that of a head coach. Coordinating and delegating in addition to coaching is their job. Neither Ruhle nor Judge has scheduled an NFL offseason or head coached an NFL game but their addition to the NFL head coach fraternity is far more interesting that Rivera continuing to be a part of it and McCarthy returning to it.

The Browns. Nearly every "hot" head coach candidate is in the mix. With the other four vacancies filled, they can move at their own pace. Can the Browns finally get the decision right? Can they finally give the coach that they do hire more than a year or two to coach the team? The Browns are getting so tiresome.

The big problem with the annual head coach searches and hires is the lack of minorities. The Rooney Rule isn't the answer to this problem. It might even might make things worse. The owners simply have to throw out a bigger net. They shouldn't be forced to interview one minority coach to simply satisfy a rule. They should interview more qualified candidates. The objective should be to hire the best coach for their team. They should be more interested in hiring that coach than the "big name" that's been fired a time or two or the "hot" assistant that did something splashy for a minute. If the owners throw out a bigger net they are sure to bring in more than a single token minority.