Who will start at MLB??? Poll

[Mothman]

Good read on our two Nittany Lion LBs:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 05191.html

Thanks for the link. I'm pretty excited about these two picks. I think Hodges has a legitimate chance to start on the weak side this season and depending on Mauti's health and Henderson's performance, Mauti could rapidly ascend the depth chart at MLB. Both seem to have the character, leadership and enthusiasm for football that Frazier and Spielman talk about seeking in their players.

[losperros]

Good read on our two Nittany Lion LBs:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 05191.html

Thanks for the link. Definitely a good read.

I think Hodges might be a bit of a sleeper. As for Mauti, it all comes down to his health. I'm really pulling for both to succeed for their sake and the team's benefit.

[VikingPaul73]

The more I read about Hodges the more I like the pick. Seems like he has the ability and the right attitude to be successful. Of course time will tell, but it'll be fun to watch!!!

[King James]

I'm really pulling for Michael Mauti. If this man can stay healthy, I guarantee that he will eventually be starting MLB for the Vikings one day. Back in day you could argue that with ACL injuries players are never the same player anymore. But with this day and age, players seem to perform better after ACL surgeries.

I'm pulling for Audie Cole as well. Even though I think he is very unproven and the reason why most Vikings fans love him is because of those 2 picks he caught during last year's preseason. lol I think he has potential as well but I dont think he has that leadership trait that Mauti does. But I know when healthy Mauti is going to fight until he gets that starting MLB spot.

[NextQuestion]

Hell, I am surprised Henderson is still with the Vikings.

[King James]

Hell, I am surprised Henderson is still with the Vikings.

Who are you telling????? Henderson has not shown that he is good enough to stay on the team. He was mediocre at best at the WILL spot. Now they expect him to command the middle?? Good luck with that. He's lucky the Vikings haven't really addressed the MLB spot aggressively yet.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Erin should have been cut, along with Jasper. I think Spielman knew how weak this draft was for a 4-3 Mike LB. And Erin would most likely be an easier fit until one of the young ones can beat him out.

[VikingLord]

Thanks for the link. Definitely a good read.

I think Hodges might be a bit of a sleeper. As for Mauti, it all comes down to his health. I'm really pulling for both to succeed for their sake and the team's benefit.

In reading the player profile of Hodges at WalterFootball: http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2013OLB.php (he's the #12 ranked OLB there), and watching his highlights on youtube, it's really hard for me to understand why Hodges wasn't rated more highly coming out of college. I guess he didn't stand out at the Combine, but the guy moves fluidly and covers a lot of ground. He seems strong in pass coverage and has experience as a safety. Hodges seems like an ideal OLB for an NFL team. Heck, at 6'1" and 243# he's the same size as Teo. If Teo is slotted as a MLB, maybe Hodges can take a crack at it.

I really like both the Mauti and Hodges picks. Both guys have a real chance to become not just starters, but very good players.

[PurpleJarl]

In reading the player profile of Hodges at WalterFootball: http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2013OLB.php (he's the #12 ranked OLB there), and watching his highlights on youtube, it's really hard for me to understand why Hodges wasn't rated more highly coming out of college. I guess he didn't stand out at the Combine, but the guy moves fluidly and covers a lot of ground. He seems strong in pass coverage and has experience as a safety. Hodges seems like an ideal OLB for an NFL team. Heck, at 6'1" and 243# he's the same size as Teo. If Teo is slotted as a MLB, maybe Hodges can take a crack at it.

I really like both the Mauti and Hodges picks. Both guys have a real chance to become not just starters, but very good players.

I wonder if we could put Hodges legs on Mauti's body....

[Deadpool]

Looks like Erin will get the nod. Cole better play his heart out or hes going to be gone I bet. Must be something about him the Vikes didn't like, since they spent 2 picks on other LBs.

I agree that Erin is looking like the new starting Mike, and Hodges may start on the outside at Will.

Per Rotoworld:

Erin Henderson has bulked up to 248 pounds in anticipation of his move to middle linebacker.

Henderson has been a special teamer and weak-side linebacker throughout his five-year career. He's now penciled in as the starter in the middle after Jasper Brinkley signed with the Cardinals. If Henderson sticks in the middle, look for fourth-round rookie Gerald Hodges to take a crack at the starting WILL job. May 1 - 9:42 AM

Per the Pioneer Press:

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_231 ... linebacker

When discussing the Vikings' options for their vacant middle linebacker spot this offseason, general manager Rick Spielman made a point of saying Erin Henderson could slide over from weak-side linebacker. Evidently, the Vikings have told Henderson the same.

Henderson said Wednesday, May 1, that he and linebackers coach Fred Pagac talked earlier this offseason about the possibility of the move, adding he expects to start the season there. He has put on 8 or 9 pounds since last season ended, he said, "to have a little bit more lead in my pencil, so to speak."

He is assuming the spot is his to win heading into the team's offseason workout program.

I get it, he's cheap. 1.75 million this year, 2.25 million next year if we keep him.

I think we need to sign another vet (someone not named Urlacher), Dansby appears to still have gas in the tank.

Hopefully Brinkley wins a starting job in AZ so we have the chance of getting a compensatory pick out of that.

[Demi]

Hopefully Brinkley wins a starting job in AZ so we have the chance of getting a compensatory pick out of that.

Players you sign count against it.

Heck, at 6'1" and 243# he's the same size as Teo. If Teo is slotted as a MLB, maybe Hodges can take a crack at it.

Wish he'd at least get a look. But they like two down can't cover a lick thumpers. So doubt it.

[PurpleMustReign]

Players you sign count against it.

/quote]

Does ot have to be a player who plays the same position? I don't think we signed another LB yet.
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[Demi]

Players you sign count against it.

No, any qualifying free agent. So Jennings will cancel out Brinkley when it comes to compensatory picks.

[dead_poet]

Michael Mauti - LB - Vikings

Vikings ILB Michael Mauti "absolutely" expects to be ready for camp.

"I'm sprinting. I'm doing some light agility stuff. So, it's not like I'm limping around here," Mauti said. Mauti tore his right ACL during fall practice in 2009 and missed what would have been his sophomore season. He tore his left ACL four games into the 2011 season, then re-tore it on Nov. 17, at a time he was playing well enough some projected him as a second- or third-round pick. He's expected to compete for the starting middle linebacker job.
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities May 4 - 12:13 PM

[Eli]

It would be interesting to see Michael Mauti start at MLB. He has probably the best credentials of anyone on the team to play the position.

But just like Greg Childs, you have to question how much of your resources you invest in and then how much you can rely on a guy whose career is all too close to ending on any play. While that might be said for anyone, these two are balancing on a knife edge. One slip and you'll never see them again in the NFL.