Vikings plan to turn Smith loose in Year 3

[dead_poet]

Jerry Gray spent the 2010 season as the defensive backs coach for a Seattle Seahawks team that made the playoffs with a dubious honor, becoming the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a losing record after winning the NFC West at 7-9.

One of Gray's tasks that season was to develop the two safeties the Seahawks had taken in that year's draft -- Earl Thomas, whom the team drafted in the first round, and Kam Chancellor, the Seahawks' fifth-round pick. Four years later, the Seahawks are the world champions, thanks in no small part to Thomas and Chancellor, who might form the best safety duo in the NFL.

And Gray is now in Minnesota, working with a player who could put his name in the same sentence as the Seahawks' duo by the end of this season.

"I think you'll see him as one of the top safeties in the league," Gray said. "Him and Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas, they were all drafted around the same time, and now they're going to be in there about the same time. That's a sentence you want to be in, if you're Harrison.

More at the link: http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikin ... -in-year-3

[Texas Vike]

Man, what a relief… I misunderstood the expression "turn loose" and thought it was a reference to letting him walk or not signing him to a contract extension. Cool… Turn him loose! let him fulfill his potential! Smith is one of my favorites. Maybe it's time to change my avatar pic?

[frosted]

I would love to see Harrison take that next step. My favorite player on the Viking's defense. He has so much potential.

[mondry]

I really hate to harp on it so much but I'm just glad we have good coaches now who know what they're doing. I hope Smith has a HUGE year and makes the probowl.

[S197]

Man, what a relief… I misunderstood the expression "turn loose" and thought it was a reference to letting him walk or not signing him to a contract extension. Cool… Turn him loose! let him fulfill his potential! Smith is one of my favorites. Maybe it's time to change my avatar pic?

Hah I thought the same thing.

[Demi]

Be nice to get someone who's at least average to play next to him too!!

[The Breeze]

I had no idea gray was part of the Vikes staff now. I'm liking the sound of this defensive scheme....finally some innovation.

[King James]

I had no idea gray was part of the Vikes staff now. I'm liking the sound of this defensive scheme....finally some innovation.

Agreed. I'm just happy we finally got rid of Joe Woods. All those years he's been here and our secondary with the expectation of a few great players, has always been a laughing stock.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Good safety play will really benefit even the average CB. They know they will have help back there. In fact, I am almost wondering if the Vikes are even considering a Denard or Gilbert at all, and want a safety opposite Smith. If they don't go QB first pick.

[NextQuestion]

Clinton Dix + Smith = dream

[nolandgilmore]

Clinton Dix + Smith = dream

Would the Vikes be able to trade down and pick up another 2nd round pick and still get Clinton Dix at like 12-16? Or would they have to just take him that high to ensure that they get him?

[NextQuestion]

Pat Kirwan from CBS thinks we should take him at 8. I've heard "experts" say he's a true "cover safety". If we could drop back to like 12...I think you'd be safe

[KSViking]

Would the Vikes be able to trade down and pick up another 2nd round pick and still get Clinton Dix at like 12-16? Or would they have to just take him that high to ensure that they get him?

My eyes bleed everytime I see someone say can we trade down. Answer is always "Yes, its possible" but In order to trade down, you have to find the RIGHT team interested, at the RIGHT range of picks that you would be comfortable getting the guys you want. Also, if the RIGHT offer comes in, you can give away virtually any pick. Someone calls and asks for your first round pick, and offers up a RG3 type deal, you take it and run to the bank. Unless of course Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck are on the board. Then you just grab your future HOF Franchise QB and be thankful that you don't have to search for one for the next 20 years, like the Vikings.

[Eli]

For the past two years Harrison Smith has been the Vikings best weapon in pass coverage in a secondary almost completely absent of talent. Taking him out of pass coverage could backfire. If the coaching staff is even half-way competent they'll realize that soon enough. I'm not sure I can see this secondary improving enough in one year to allow Smith to roam free and blitz much more than before, but we'll see.