2020 NFL Scouting Combine Invites

With Super Bowl LIV in the books, the next big event on the NFL calendar is the 2020 Scouting Combine. That event will be held in Indianapolis from February 24 to March 1. The league announced yesterday the list of 337 prospects that have been invited to be weighed, measured, timed, poked, prodded, and questioned. It's a very strange job interview. Here's the list of those 337 prospects, by position.

Quarterbacks
» Kelly Bryant, QB, Missouri
» Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
» Kevin Davidson, QB, Princeton
» Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
» Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
» Anthony Gordon, QB, Washington State
» Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
» Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
» Brian Lewerke, QB, Michigan State
» Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
» Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State
» Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii
» Steven Montez, QB, Colorado
» James Morgan, QB, Florida International
» Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan
» Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
» Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Running backs
» Salvon Ahmed, RB, Washington
» Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
» Jet Anderson, RB, TCU
» LeVante Bellamy, RB, Western Michigan
» Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
» Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette
» DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami
» AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College
» J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
» Rico Dowdle, RB, South Carolina
» Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
» Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
» JaMycal Hasty, RB, Baylor
» Brian Herrien, RB, Georgia
» Tony Jones, RB, Notre Dame
» Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA
» Javon Leake, RB, Maryland
» Benny LeMay, RB, UNC-Charlotte
» Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland
» Zack Moss, RB, Utah
» Sewo Olonilua, RB, TCU
» La'Mical Perine, RB, Florida
» Scottie Phillips, RB, Mississippi
» James Robinson, RB, Illinois State
» D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
» J.J. Taylor, RB, Arizona
» Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
» Patrick Taylor, RB, Memphis
» Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
» Mike Warren, RB, Cincinnati

Wide receivers
» Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
» Omar Bayless, WR, Arkansas State
» Lynn Bowden, WR, Kentucky
» Tony Brown, WR, Colorado
» Lawrence Cager, WR, Georgia
» Marquez Callaway, WR, Tennessee
» Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
» Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
» Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida
» Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
» Gabriel Davis, WR, Central Florida
» Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
» Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
» Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
» Chris Finke, WR, Notre Dame
» Aaron Fuller, WR, Washington
» Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
» Antonio Gibson, WR, Memphis
» Stephen Guidry, WR, Mississippi State
» KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
» Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
» John Hightower, WR, Boise State
» K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
» Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
» Trishton Jackson, WR, Syracuse
» Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
» Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
» Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee
» Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
» Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
» Juwan Johnson, WR, Oregon
» Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
» CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
» Kalija Lipscomb, WR, Vanderbilt
» Austin Mack, WR, Ohio State
» Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
» Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane
» K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami
» Aaron Parker, WR, Rhode Island
» Dezmon Patmon, WR, Washington State
» Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
» Malcolm Perry, WR, Navy
» Michael Pittman, WR, USC
» James Proche, WR, SMU
» Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
» Joe Reed, WR, Virginia
» Kendrick Rogers, WR, Texas A&M
» Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
» Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
» Darrell Stewart, WR, Michigan State
» Freddie Swain, WR, Florida
» Jeff Thomas, WR, Miami
» Ben Victor, WR, Ohio State
» Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Mississippi
» Cody White, WR, Michigan State

Tight ends
» Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
» Jacob Breeland, TE, Oregon
» Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
» Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
» Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
» Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
» Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
» Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
» Sean McKeon, TE, Michigan
» Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
» C.J. O'Grady, TE, Arkansas
» Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
» Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford
» Jared Pinkney, TE, Vanderbilt
» Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU
» Charlie Taumoepeau, TE, Portland State
» Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
» Mitchell Wilcox, TE, South Florida
» Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia
» Dom Wood-Anderson, TE, Tennessee

Offensive linemen
» Trey Adams, OL, Washington
» Hakeem Adeniji, OL, Kansas
» Tremayne Anchrum, OL, Clemson
» Ben Bartch, OL, St. John's (MN)
» Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville
» Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin
» Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan
» Cohl Cabral, OL, Arizona State
» Saahdiq Charles, OL, LSU
» Cameron Clark, OL, UNC-Charlotte
» Ezra Cleveland, OL, Boise State
» Trystan Colon-Castillo, OL, Missouri
» Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU
» Jack Driscoll, OL, Auburn
» Yasir Durant, OL, Missouri
» Jake Hanson, OL, Oregon
» Nick Harris, OL, Washington
» Charlie Heck, OL, UNC
» Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple
» Justin Herron, OL, Wake Forest
» Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana-Lafayette
» Keith Ismael, OL, San Diego State
» Cordel Iwuagwu, OL, TCU
» Austin Jackson, OL, USC
» Jonah Jackson OL, Ohio State
» Joshua Jones, OL, Houston
» Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
» Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon
» Damien Lewis, OL, LSU
» Colton McKivitz, OL, West Virginia
» John Molchon, OL, Boise State
» Kyle Murphy, OL, Rhode Island
» Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State
» Lucas Niang, OL, TCU
» Mike Onwenu, OL, Michigan
» Matt Peart, OL, Connecticut
» Tyre Phillips, OL, Mississippi State
» Danny Pinter, OL, Ball State
» Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
» Jon Runyan, OL, Michigan
» John Simpson, OL, Clemson
» Terence Steele, OL, Texas Tech
» Logan Stenberg, OL, Kentucky
» Simon Stepaniak, OL, Indiana
» Alex Taylor, OL, South Carolina State
» Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia
» Calvin Throckmorton, OL, Oregon
» Prince Tega Wanogho, OL, Auburn
» Darryl Williams, OL, Mississippi State
» Jedrick Wills, OL, Alabama
» Isaiah Wilson, OL, Georgia
» Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa

Defensive linemen
» McTelvin Agim, DL, Arkansas
» Bradlee Anae, DL, Utah
» Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
» Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
» Josiah Coatney, DL, Mississippi
» Kendall Coleman, DL, Syracuse
» Darrion Daniels, DL, Nebraska
» Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
» Carlos Davis, DL, Nebraska
» Khalil Davis, DL, Nebraska
» Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
» Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri
» A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
» Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
» Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
» Jonathan Garvin, DL, Miami
» Trevis Gipson, DL, Tulsa
» Jonathan Greenard, DL, Florida
» Yetur Gross-Matos, DL, Penn State
» DaVon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
» LaDarius Hamilton, DL, North Texas
» Alex Highsmith, DL, UNC-Charlotte
» Trevon Hill, DL, Miami
» Benito Jones, DL, Mississippi
» Khalid Kareem, DL, Notre Dame
» Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
» Rashard Lawrence II, DL, LSU
» James Lynch, DL, Baylor
» Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
» Larrell Murchison, DL, North Carolina State
» Julian Okwara, DL, Notre Dame
» John Penisini, DL, Utah
» Chauncey Rivers, DL, Mississippi State
» Malcolm Roach, DL, Texas
» Alton Robinson, DL, Syracuse
» Qaadir Sheppard, DL, Mississippi
» James Smith-Williams, DL, North Carolina State
» Jason Strowbridge, DL, UNC
» Derrek Tuszka, DL, North Dakota State
» Broderick Washington, DL, Texas Tech
» Kenny Willekes, DL, Michigan State
» Raequan Williams, DL, Michigan State
» Rob Windsor, DL, Penn State
» D.J. Wonnum, DL, South Carolina
» Chase Young, DL, Ohio State
» Jabari Zuniga, DL, Florida

Linebackers
» Joe Bachie, LB, Michigan State
» Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue
» Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
» Francis Bernard, LB, Utah
» Daniel Bituli, LB, Tennessee
» Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple
» Jordan Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
» Cameron Brown, LB, Penn State
» K'Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
» Nick Coe, LB, Auburn
» Carter Coughlin, LB, Minnesota
» Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
» Michael Divinity, LB, LSU
» Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
» Tipa Galeai, LB, Utah State
» Cale Garrett, LB, Missouri
» Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
» Scoota Harris, LB, Arkansas
» Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
» Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan
» Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama
» Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor
» Azur Kamara, LB, Kansas
» Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
» Jordan Mack, LB, Virginia
» Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota
» Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
» Dante Olson, LB, Montana
» Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
» Michael Pinckney, LB, Miami
» Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami
» Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
» Chapelle Russell, LB, Temple
» Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
» Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
» Darrell Taylor, LB, Tennessee
» Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
» Casey Toohill, LB, Stanford
» Josh Uche, LB, Michigan
» Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State
» Curtis Weaver, LB, Boise State
» Evan Weaver, LB, California
» Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
» David Woodward, LB, Utah State

Defensive backs
» Damon Arnette, DB, Ohio State
» Grayland Arnold, DB, Baylor
» Trajan Bandy, DB, Miami
» Essang Bassey, DB, Wake Forest
» Julian Blackmon, DB, Utah
» Antoine Brooks Jr., DB, Maryland
» Myles Bryant, DB, Washington
» Terrell Burgess, DB, Utah
» Shyheim Carter, DB, Alabama
» Jeremy Chinn, DB, Southern Illinois
» Nevelle Clarke, DB, Central Florida
» Rodney Clemons, DB, SMU
» Brian Cole II, DB, Mississippi State
» Kamren Curl, DB, Arkansas
» Cameron Dantzler, DB, Mississippi State
» Ashtyn Davis, DB, California
» Javaris Davis, DB, Auburn
» Grant Delpit, DB, LSU
» Trevon Diggs, DB, Alabama
» Kyle Dugger, DB, Lenoir-Rhyne
» Jalen Elliott, DB, Notre Dame
» Jordan Fuller, DB, Ohio State
» Kristian Fulton, DB, LSU
» Alohi Gilman, DB, Notre Dame
» Jeff Gladney, DB, TCU
» A.J. Green, DB, Oklahoma State
» Javelin K. Guidry, DB, Utah
» Bryce Hall, DB, Virginia
» Harrison Hand, DB, Temple
» Jaylinn Hawkins, DB, California
» C.J. Henderson, DB, Florida
» Lavert Hill, DB, Michigan
» Darnay Holmes, DB, UCLA
» Noah Igbinoghene, DB, Auburn
» Dane Jackson, DB, Pittsburgh
» Lamar Jackson, DB, Nebraska
» Jaylon Johnson, DB, Utah
» Brandon Jones, DB, Texas
» BoPete Keyes, DB, Tulane
» Xavier McKinney, DB, Alabama
» Josh Metellus, DB, Michigan
» Chris Miller, DB, Baylor
» Tanner Muse, DB, Clemson
» Michael Ojemudia, DB, Iowa
» Jeff Okudah, DB, Ohio State
» James Pierre, DB, Florida Atlantic
» Troy Pride, DB, Notre Dame
» J.R. Reed, DB, Georgia
» John Reid, DB, Penn State
» Amik Robertson, DB, Louisiana Tech
» Reggie Robinson II, DB, Tulsa
» Stanford Samuels, DB, Florida State
» Josiah Scott, DB, Michigan State
» L'Jarius Sneed, DB, Louisiana Tech
» Geno Stone, DB, Iowa
» A.J. Terrell, DB, Clemson
» Daniel Thomas, DB, Auburn
» Stantley Thomas-Oliver, DB, Florida International
» Kindle Vildor, DB, Georgia Southern
» K'Von Wallace, DB, Clemson
» Antoine Winfield Jr., DB, Minnesota

Specialists
» Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern
» Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia
» Joseph Charlton, P, South Carolina
» Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU
» Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse
» Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M
» JJ Molson, K, UCLA
» Alex Pechin, P, Bucknell
» Arryn Siposs, P, Auburn
» Tommy Townsend, P, Florida
» Michael Turk, P, Arizona State
» Steven Wirtel, LS, Iowa State

***

Cal has three players on the invite list. That's more than they've had in recent years.

Evan Weaver, LB
Ashtyn Davis, DB
Jaylinn Hawkins, DB

Some of the other schools had a few more invites:
LSU  16
Michigan  11
Ohio State  11
Alabama  10
Georgia  10
Auburn  9
Notre Dame  9
Utah  9
Florida  8
Miami  8

2020 Minnesota Vikings Pre-Free Agency Roster

After signing each member of their practice squad and a couple players from the CFL, the Minnesota Vikings roster currently includes 70 players. 18 of those players have contracts that will expire at the start of the league year on March 18. Here's the current Minnesota Vikings roster and how each position group can/will be impacted by free agency.

Offense

Quarterbacks
 8 Kirk Cousins
 3 Jake Browning

Free Agent
 4 Sean Mannion

Running Backs
33 Dalvin Cook
25 Alexander Mattison
23 Mike Boone
35 Tony Brooks-James

Free Agents
31 Ameer Abdullah
30 C.J. Ham-FB

Receivers
14 Stefon Diggs
19 Adam Thielen
81 Olabisi Johnson
12 Chad Beebe
15 Alexander Hollins
16 Davion Davis
17 Dillon Mitchell
     Bralon Addison

Free Agent
11 Laquon Treadwell

Tight Ends
82 Kyle Rudolph
84 Irv Smith Jr.
83 Tyler Conklin
89 David Morgan
86 Brandon Dillon

Offensive Line
71 Riley Reiff
65 Pat Elflein
56 Garrett Bradbury
64 Josh Kline
75 Brian O'Neill
73 Dru Samia
76 Aviante Collins
74 Oli Udoh

Free Agents
69 Rashod Hill
78 Dakota Dozier
61 Brett Jones

Defense

Defensive Line
97 Everson Griffen
93 Shamar Stephen
98 Linval Joseph
99 Danielle Hunter
92 Jalyn Holmes
94 Jaleel Johnson
95 Ifeadi Odenigbo
96 Armon Watts
51 Hercules Mata'afa
52 Eddie Yarbrough
90 Stacy Keely

Free Agent
91 Stephen Weatherly

Linebackers
55 Anthony Barr
54 Eric Kendricks
42 Ben Gedeon
59 Cameron Smith

Free Agents
50 Eric Wilson
40 Kentrell Brothers

Cornerbacks
29 Xavier Rhodes
21 Mike Hughes
24 Holton Hill
38 Kris Boyd
44 Nate Meadors
32 Mark Fields
37 Kemon Hall
     Marcus Sayles

Free Agents
26 Trae Waynes
20 Mackensie Alexander
35 Marcus Sherels

Safeties
22 Harrison Smith

Free Agents
41 Anthony Harris
34 Andrew Sendejo
27 Jayron Kearse

Special Teams

Kicker
Free Agent 
5 Dan Bailey

Punter
Free Agent
2 Britton Colquitt

Long Snapper
58 Austin Cutting

It only takes a quick look to see that the Vikings have an issue at safety. Harrison Smith is the only safety currently with a contract that puts him on the roster in 2020. The hope here is that Anthony Harris is re-signed and the Vikings boast two highly paid safeties in the secondary. With those two contracts there might not be enough money for backup safeties.

Kicker Dan Bailey and punter Dustin Colquitt have expiring contracts. The Vikings kicking game had been a disaster until Bailey and Colquitt stabilized it. The Vikings must bring back both. The place kicking battery of Bailey, Colquitt, and long snapper Austin Cutting should be even better with an offseason of work together.

The Vikings are facing a situation in which the player contracts exceed the projected salary cap. They will be forced to trim or renegotiate some of the bigger contracts on the roster to get under the salary cap. The Vikings won't be able to do any re-signings or signings until they do that.

Throwback Thursday: History of the Super Bowl Coin Toss

The only excitement over the opening coin toss of the Super Bowl probably comes from the people that have a bet riding on it. It's always important to get a fast start in a game but a fast start has to be made on offense and defense. It doesn't really matter much which comes first. More significant than getting the ball first in the first half is getting the ball in first in the second half. If played right, a team can get consecutive possessions. If a team can score at the end of the first half and at the start of the second half while stealing a possession from their opponent they can blow the game open. The opening coin toss is more pageantry than important. The most important coin toss in Super Bowl history didn't come at the start of the game. Here's the history of the Super Bowl Coin Toss.

Super Bowl	Teams, Score	Coin Toss Winner
I	Packers 35,  Chiefs 10	Packers
II	Packers 33, Raiders 14	Raiders
III	Jets 16, Colts 7	Jets
IV	Chiefs 23, Vikings 7	Vikings
V	Colts 16, Cowboys 13	Cowboys
VI	Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3	Dolphins
VII	Dolphins 14, Redskins 7	Dolphins
VIII	Dolphins 24, Vikings 7	Dolphins
IX	Steelers 16, Vikings 6	Steelers
X	Steelers 21, Cowboys 17	Cowboys
XI	Raiders 32, Vikings 14	Raiders
XII	Cowboys 27, Broncos 10	Cowboys
XIII	Steelers 35, Cowboys 31	Cowboys
XIV	Steelers 31, Rams 19	Rams
XV	Raiders 27, Eagles 10	Eagles
XVI	49ers 26, Bengals 21	49ers
XVII	Redskins 27, Dolphins 17	Dolphins
XVIII	Raiders 38, Redskins 9	Raiders
XIX	49ers 38, Dolphins 16	49ers
XX	Bears 46, Patriots 10	Bears
XXI	Giants 39, Broncos 20	Broncos
XXII	Redskins 42, Broncos 10	Redskins
XXIII	49ers 20, Bengals 16	49ers
XXIV	49ers 55, Broncos 10	Broncos
XXV	Giants 20, Bills 19	Bills
XXVI	Redskins 37, Bills 24	Redskins
XXVII	Cowboys 52, Bills 17	Bills
XXVIII	Cowboys 30, Bills 13	Cowboys
XXIX	49ers 49, Chargers 26	49ers
XXX	Cowboys 27, Steelers 17	Cowboys
XXXI	Packers 35, Patriots 21	Patriots
XXXII	Broncos 31, Packers 24	Packers
XXXIII	Broncos 34, Falcons 19	Falcons
XXXIV	Rams 23, Titans 16	Rams
XXXV	Ravens 34, Giants 7	Giants
XXXVI	Patriots 20, Rams 17	Rams
XXXVII	Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21	Buccaneers
XXXVIII	Patriots 32, Panthers 29	Panthers
XXXIX	Patriots 24, Eagles 21	Eagles
XL	Steelers 21, Seahawks 10	Seahawks
XLI	Colts 29, Bears 17	Bears
XLII	Giants 17, Patriots 14	Giants
XLIII	Steelers 27, Cardinals 23	Cardinals
XLIV	Saints 31, Colts 17	Saints
XLV	Packers 31, Steelers 25	Packers
XLVI	Giants 21, Patriots 17	Patriots
XLVII	Ravens 34. 49ers 31	Ravens
XLVIII	Seahawks 43, Broncos 8	Seahawks
XLIX	Patriots 28, Seahawks 24	Seahawks
50	Broncos 24, Panthers 10	Panthers
LI	Patriots 34, Falcons 28	Falcons-opening/Patriots-OT
LII	Eagles 41, Patriots 33	Patriots
LIII	Patriots 13, Rams 3	Rams
LIV	Cheifs 31, 49ers 20	49ers

The most important coin toss in Super Bowl history was the one that the New England Patriots won to start overtime in Super Bowl LI.

The New Orleans Saints winning the coin toss in Super Bowl XLIV turned out to be pretty significant. Kicking off to start the second half allowed the Saints the opportunity to stun the Colts with an onside kick.

The Rams have won the coin toss in all four of their Super Bowls. They are 1-3 in those four Super Bowls.

Teams winning the opening coin toss of the Super Bowl are 24-30.

Minnesota Vikings Free Agents

The Minnesota Vikings offseaon started about three weeks too soon. They spent those weeks mourning the sad end of a fun season and reassembling the coaching staff. Now, it's time to build the team that will try to play three weeks longer in 2020. The Vikings will have at least 18 players with contracts that will expire when the new league year starts on March 18.

Unrestricted Free Agents
Anthony Harris
Trae Waynes
Andrew Sendejo
Mackensie Alexander
Marcus Sherels
Jayron Kearse
Kentrell Brothers
Steven Weatherly
Sean Mannion
Ameer Abdullah
Laquan Treadwell
Rashod Hill
Dakota Dozier
Brett Jones
Dan Bailey
Britton Colquitt

Restricted Free Agents
C.J. Ham
Eric Wilson

The list may have defensive end Everson Griffen added to it. He hit benchmarks with his play in 2019 that has given him the option to void the remaining years of his contract.

The Vikings are in a bit of a salary cap bind this offseason. They are currently projected to be over the 2020 salary cap and will be forced to trim or restructure the contracts of a few of their more well-compensated players.

Since the franchise tag became a thing in 1993, the Vikings have only used it twice (Jim Kleinsasser in 2003 and Chad Greenway in 2011). This year could be the third. Anthony Harris has developed into one of the better safeties in the league. He's the sort of young, homegrown player that the Vikings have made it a practice of re-signing. Harris may be the priority of the offseason. The franchise tag tender for a safety is projected to be just under $13 million. Using the franchise tag should only be as a last resort. Negotiating a long-term contract is always preferred. Both sides are happier when they agree to a deal. Due to the team's salary cap situation it might be too much of a luxury to have two highly-compensated safeties. As with Anthony Barr last year, I think that the Vikings will find a way to afford Harris. Without using the franchise tag.

As for the other 17 potential free agents, I see the following as the priorities after Harris:

Steven Weatherly
Dan Bailey
Britton Colquitt
C.J. Ham
Eric Wilson

Steven Weatherly has developed into a productive rotational defensive lineman. If Griffen isn't on the roster. Weatherly and Ifeadi Odenigbo are the current leading contenders to replace him in the lineup. After too many years of maddening, inconsistent kicking, the Vikings finally found a solid combination in kicker Dan Bailey and punter Britton Colquitt. It would be nice to maintain that consistency. An offseason of working together can only help. C.J. Ham and Eric Wilson have developed into significant contributors on offense and defense respectively.

It'll be tough to lose corners Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander. I'm not sure that the Vikings can afford either if they re-sign Anthony Harris. Unless salary cap maestro Rob Brzezinski can pull off his greatest miracle, there might be a complete turnover at cornerback for the Vikings.

One, or more, of the free agent offensive linemen will probably be re-signed.

Rashod Hill
Dakota Dozier
Brett Jones

I don't see any as starters but each provides valuable depth.

That's an early, quick look at the Vikings upcoming free agents.

First Round Order of the 2020 NFL Draft

With the Kansas City Chiefs victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV the order of the first round, and all subsequent rounds (excluding the Compensatory picks), of the 2020 NFL Draft is finally set. Accurate mock drafts, if mock draft can ever be considered accurate, may now commence. Here's the first round order of the 2020 NFL Draft.

1.   Cincinnati Bengals (2-14)
2.   Washington Redskins (3-13)
3.   Detroit Lions (3-12-1)
4.   New York Giants (4-12)
5.   Miami Dolphins (5-11)
6.   Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)
7.   Carolina Panthers (5-11)
8.   Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1)
9.   Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
10. Cleveland Browns (6-10)
11. New York Jets (7-9)
12. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)
13. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
15. Denver Broncos (7-9)
16. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
17. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers (8-8))
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears (8-8))
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams (9-7))
21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
22. Buffalo Bills (10-6)
23. New England Patriots (12-4)
24. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
25. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans (10-6))
27. Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
28. Baltimore Ravens (14-2)
29. Tennessee Titans ((9-7)
30. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
31. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
32. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)

It sure is strange to see Las Vegas Raiders. It'll be strange for a long time. We've seen it before but it still isn't right for the Raiders to be anywhere other than Oakland.

There will be a definite Raiders presence at the Draft as it will be held in Las Vegas. The Raiders are also currently slotted to pick twice in the first round.

Teams with multiple first round picks:
Miami Dolphins: 3 (#5, #18, #26)
-courtesy of their unloading of Minkah Fitzpatrick (Steelers) and Laremy Tunsil (Texans)
Las Vegas Raiders: 2 (#12, #19)
-courtesy of the Kahlil Mack trade
Jacksonville Jaguars: 2 (#9, #20)
-courtesy of the Jalen Ramsey trade

Teams without a first round pick:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago Bears
Los Angeles Rams
Houston Texans

It's unusual to see the Steelers without a first round pick. They probably rank with the Cincinnati Bengals as the teams that hold most tightly to the picks where they are originally slotted.

The NFL offseason has officially started.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Stuff

First of all, Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs and their wonderful fans. Second of all, it was fun to see the Chiefs dust off the football playbook and pull off something like the old Notre Dame Box to set up their first touchdown of the game.

The final piece of the giant 20-member 2020 Pro Football Hall of Class was revealed on Sunday. The Hall voters decided on the five Modern-era players that will be part of that giant Hall of Fame Class. While I don't agree with all that was done to insure that the Class numbered 20, I can't disagree with the 20 men that make up that number. I was surprised that Tony Boselli was forced to wait. Again. I was very disappointed that Lavvie Dilweg was denied what was his best, and probably last, opportunity. Despite those surprises/disappointments I can see/understand the Hall of Fame merits of all 20.

Congratulations to the 5 Modern-era Hall of Famers

Modern-era Players
Troy Polamalu
Steve Atwater
Steve Hutchinson
Isaac Bruce
Edgerrin James

For me, the star of the Modern-era players is Steve Hutchinson. The poison pill manner in which he joined the Minnesota Vikings was thrilling good fun. His play on the field from 2006-11 was even more fun. It's not often that an offensive lineman is considered the MVP of a team but Hutchinson was that for the Vikings in 2006. I knew then, and it was confirmed each following year, that he'd be honored in Canton one day. That day has come.

The above five will join the following "centennial" members to form the giant 20-member 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class.

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

Coaches
Bill Cowher
Jimmy Johnson

The Modern-era Hall of Famers will be inducted during the celebratory weekend of August 6-9. There will be second event on the weekend of September 17 celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the NFL. I'm not sure how the induction of the "centennial" players, the contributors, and the coaches will be divided between the two events.The players had to wait so damn long that only four of the 10 are still alive. Jim Covert, Harold Carmichael, Donnie Shell, and Cliff Harris are the surviving new Hall of Fame players. Paul Tagliabue, Bill Cowher, and Jimmy Johnson were also still around to receive their call. The Pro Football Hall of Fame website states that some members of the Centennial Class will be on hand for the Modern-era inductions. Perhaps the coaches will be grouped with the Modern-era players. Who knows? I don't.

Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune posted his final ballot in the paper this morning.

1. Steve Hutchinson
2. Edgerrin James
3. Troy Polamalu
4. Richard Seymour
5. Zach Thomas

Craig had Steve Atwater 7th and Isaac Bruce outside his top 10.

More Hall of Fame Fun:

Voter discussion times for each of the Modern-era finalists:
Sam Mills-24:43
Richard Seymour-16:43
Edgerrin James-23:45
Tory Holt-15:58
Zach Thomas-18:58
LeRoy Butler-11:51
Alan Faneca-9:20
Steve Atwater-19:54
Steve Hutchinson-21:35
Tony Boselli-35:49
Bryant Young-12:04
Troy Polamalu-13:09
John Lynch-27:25
Isaac Bruce-21:58
Reggie Wayne-11:42

Finalist Cut Lists:
1st Cut
LeRoy Butler
Torry Holt
Sam Mills
Reggie Wayne
Bryant Young

2nd Cut
Tony Boselli
Alan Faneca
John Lynch
Zach Thomas
Richard Seymour

Elected
Steve Atwater
Isaac Bruce
Steve Hutchinson
Edgerrin James
Troy Polamalu

Upcoming 1st-year Hall of Fame Eligibles
2021
Peyton Manning
Charles Woodson
Calvin Johnson
Jared Allen
-big year
2022
DeMarcus Ware
Devin Hester
Steve Smith Sr.
Robert Mathis
Andre Johnson
Vince Wilfork
Anquan Boldin
2023
Darrelle Revis
Joe Thomas
Dwight Freeney
Jahri Evans
2024
Rob Gronkowski
Antonio Gates
Julius Peppers
Haloti Ngata

Congratulations to all of the New Pro Football Hall of Famers! Welcome to Canton.

Flea Flicker Super Bowl Prediction

Super Bowl LIV is finally here. Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers. On paper it looks like a fun game. I hope that it plays out that way. Here's a guess at the 2019 NFL Champ.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Chiefs
It doesn't help that I'm still a little salty about the 49ers' Divisional game against the Vikings. The Vikings' shitty play in that game is on them. I shouldn't let the clear failings of my team taint my thoughts on the team that bested them. It doesn't help that I'm so damn tired of the bandwagon 49ers fans. 49ers Fans are real tough to find when the team is losing but they sure are everywhere when the team is winning. The Chiefs have one of the most loyal fan bases in the league. Those fans have been there for their team, win or lose, since 1963. There are way too many 49ers fans that are only there for their team when times are good. Living in northern California, I'm sick of seeing it. I also can't pick a team that employs Nick Bosa. After his cheap shot on Brian O'Neill, he'll always be a dirty player to me. As for the game, it just feels like Patrick Mahomes' time.