Speilman: Build thru the draft?

[dead_poet]

Yeah, but is it that much to ask to sign ONE outside player? I'm sorry, but I am disappointed with this FA period so far. I was hoping for something.

It's also rough when you look at it from the perspective that you lost your second best offensive and defensive players in areas of significant need prior to their release. It feels like losing a new Ferrari and classic 1962 Mustang Shelby GT 500 but replacing them with a slightly used 2009 Hummer and Ford F-150.

[losperros]

It's not a bad move but re-signing players has actually been his priority so far. The Vikings have been very active in free agency even if it doesn't quite feel like it. They've signed Loadholt, Simpson, Henderson and Felton (and let's not forget Berger!) in the first 24 hours. Those are all returning players so I know that doesn't seem like a step forward but as of 3 PM yesterday, none of them would have been Minnesota Vikings (and most of them weren't). Losing say, Loadholt and Felton would have felt like another big step backwards.

I definitely am happy that Loadholt and Felton are re-signed. I'm glad the Vikings are signing some of their own free agents.

What I'm trying to say, Jim, is that the passing game and defending against the pass are sore spots on the team and now they're worse. I realize that it's early in the free agency. Yes, there is still time. But right now I feel apprehensive about what the Vikings might do, given what they've already done to two important areas of the team.

[Mothman]

And all it took was the greatest seven-game stretch by a running back in NFL history. Spielman simply cannot count on that.

Didn't we cover this same topic yesterday?

You're right, he can't count on it, but do we really think he intends to count on it? He needs to add talent at WR and that need isn't even debatable. However, this is the hand Harvin and his attitude dealt the Vikings. Percs put them in this position and I'm sure Spielman intends to do what he can to improve the situation. However, I imagine he's also trying to be smart and avoid making a panic-induced move that will hurt more than help. I think paying Wallace more than Miami offered him would have been such a move, don't you? It would have given the Vikings a nice weapon at WR but ultimately, would it have been worth the price? If Spielman is reluctant to give the clearly declining and oft-injured Greg Jennings a huge contract, that's understandable too. I'm hoping between the WRs he has, the WRs remaining in free agency and the WRs available in the draft, he can put together a receiving corps that works but Harvin thew a wrench in the works that's a frustrating but unavoidable setback.

[losperros]

It's also rough when you look at it from the perspective that you lost your second best offensive and defensive players in areas of significant need prior to their release. It feels like losing a new Ferrari and classic 1962 Mustang Shelby GT 500 but replacing them with a slightly used 2009 Hummer and Ford F-150.

Nice way of putting it. I couldn't agree more.

[headless_norseman]

I wouldn't count on it and it will probably earn me the label of fool....but I believe Simpson will have a solid season next year, if he keeps healthy.

Not suggesting that will solve the WR issue by any stretch. I just don't think he is as bad as he looked last season and I think Wright is a player. We are one guy away from having a respectable starting group IMO.... what scares me is the complete lack of depth.

Spielman brought in 3 new WRs last year. One got wrecked before the season, one played well with the snaps he got and the other underperformed and was resigned for less money.

I see nothing to suggest that Spielman will stand pat here.

Agree with every line here. Simpson could very well be a decent #3 guy and/or be good for depth. I actaully hope they get Jennings by tonight. If not, then we can almost guarantee 2 WR's by round 3, including with our first #1 pick.

* I seriously doubt they even entertain trading up with one of those two #1 picks

[Mothman]

Yeah, but is it that much to ask to sign ONE outside player? I'm sorry, but I am disappointed with this FA period so far. I was hoping for something.

We all were but again, it just started. Very few receivers have signed anywhere yet.

I definitely am happy that Loadholt and Felton are re-signed. I'm glad the Vikings are signing some of their own free agents.

What I'm trying to say, Jim, is that the passing game and defending against the pass are sore spots on the team and now they're worse.

I get it but in Harvin's case, what could they do? If, as reported, he was disgruntled, wanted out and intended to hold out next season if not traded, it wouldn't have helped much to keep him. He'd just be a distraction and he'd be less help to the team sitting at home during a holdout than a player they can get by using the first round pick they received for him.

In Winfield's case, I think releasing him was questionable, if more or less understandable. Spielman is rolling the dice and might be thinking the great, almost injury-free year they got out of Antoine last season might have been the last such year he had to give. Who knows if that's right or not?

I realize that it's early in the free agency. Yes, there is still time. But right now I feel apprehensive about what the Vikings might do, given what they've already done to two important areas of the team.

Rightly so, Craig. I'm preaching patience and trying to look at the moves from both sides but believe me, I'm apprehensive too. Harvin and Winfield were difference-makers on a Vikes team that needed more of them, not less. I see very little chance their on-field production won't be missed in 2013 (not to mention Winfield's leadership).

[mosscarter]

people, are you failing to recognize our running back had one of the greatest seasons in NFL HISTORY? case closed, that is the ONLY reason we made the playoffs.

[mosscarter]

and for what is worth, amendola isn't worth 1 mil a year, he is pathetic.

[Mothman]

people, are you failing to recognize our running back had one of the greatest seasons in NFL HISTORY?

I don't think anybody is missing that point.

[The Breeze]

Agree with every line here. Simpson could very well be a decent #3 guy and/or be good for depth. I actaully hope they get Jennings by tonight. If not, then we can almost guarantee 2 WR's by round 3, including with our first #1 pick.

* I seriously doubt they even entertain trading up with one of those two #1 picks

It would be nice to snag Jennings, but I'm not sure how we get Jennings without overpaying...assuming it's true that GB wants him back. Everything would point at it being a better situation for him in GB, unless it comes down to his role in the offense. If he played here I would think it'd be a much bigger role for him.



That extra first round pick is sweet. I also would like to see them make it rather than trade up or trade it. So, that would mean no Victor Cruz for me. He was an undrafted free agent too.

Wish the draft was next week.

[PacificNorseWest]

If Spielman's eye for drafting young talent continues like he started last year then I'm fully confident they will find a starting caliber receiver and probably a playmaking WR in this years draft. There are plenty of guys at that position this year, which seem to be said daily, but I can name names of more than a few guys that may be slept on or will go in later rounds that have the potential to be offensive weapons for any team.

[Cliff]

I feel like I've been transported back to last year.

"Why aren't the Vikings signing <insert guy here!?> ... this team is going to be horrible!"

After turning this team around last season the staff has earned the benefit of the doubt in my mind.

[Mothman]

I feel like I've been transported back to last year.

... and the year before that and the year before that...

[Purple bruise]

I feel like I've been transported back to last year.

"Why aren't the Vikings signing <insert guy here!?> ... this team is going to be horrible!"

After turning this team around last season the staff has earned the benefit of the doubt in my mind.

Now that is spot on Why did they not sign, Cassel, Matt Fynn, Mario Williams, Robert Meachum, David Boston, Jeff Garcia, Hayensworth, Jake Delhomme, (yes even Tebow), Assomwah (sp), and the list goes on for ever. Yes, it is true there are some really good free agents that become available but there are also lots and lots of high priced "busts". One teams trash often times is another teams perceived treasure. How is that working out for the Eagles and all of their high priced players they brought in
This has been and will continue to be Spielman's THREE YEAR rebuild plan mainly through the draft and resigning players that are familiar and fit into the system. I am sure we Viking fans are not much different from the rest of the NFL fans but it seems as though we want immediate gratification and will not settle for less. I like the idea of having 2 first round picks and 9 others. Look back at last years draft. Kalil was a no brainer but Harrison Smith is the bomb. I would love to get more young studs through the draft and build the team that way than bring in some older high priced players that could just as easily flop as not.

[losperros]

I get it but in Harvin's case, what could they do? If, as reported, he was disgruntled, wanted out and intended to hold out next season if not traded, it wouldn't have helped much to keep him. He'd just be a distraction and he'd be less help to the team sitting at home during a holdout than a player they can get by using the first round pick they received for him.

In Winfield's case, I think releasing him was questionable, if more or less understandable. Spielman is rolling the dice and might be thinking the great, almost injury-free year they got out of Antoine last season might have been the last such year he had to give. Who knows if that's right or not?

Maybe there really was nothing the Vikings could do about Harvin. That said, I'm still not certain I completely understand how much of Harvin's complaints were ego motivated or maybe even valid. Here's what I know:

1) Both Harvin and Frazier are now on public record confirming that they talked to each other every day leading up to the trade, plus they have deep respect for each other. I am taking them at their word and therefore don't believe there was much, if any, friction between them. BTW, Kevin Williams said that if Harvin and Frazier had a shouting match after a game, then it happened behind closed doors because it never happened in the locker room.
2) Harvin has said he didn't like the way the team (re: Musgrave) ran the offense, particularly the passing game. I don't fully disagree with him.
3) Harvin did make a comment that might slam Ponder in a left-handed way regarding preparation. I'm not sure what to make of that.

None of this answers anything but it takes two to tango, so I really wonder if Harvin is really solely at fault here.

I agree with you about Winfield's case but that doesn't mean I like it. Keep in mind that as a fan I've just seen my two favorite current Vikings players get dumped from the team. It's difficult to be Mr. Spock logical about it.

Rightly so, Craig. I'm preaching patience and trying to look at the moves from both sides but believe me, I'm apprehensive too. Harvin and Winfield were difference-makers on a Vikes team that needed more of them, not less. I see very little chance their on-field production won't be missed in 2013 (not to mention Winfield's leadership).

Yes, that's what I'm saying too. I also am concerned about how this could impact both Christian Ponder's QB growth and Leslie Frazier's standing as a HC if next season goes awry.