2015 Offseason - Free Agent/Draft Tracker

[slapnut19]

I don't think we do. In fact I think it's a waste to some degree. You need competent pros who are also willing and able to fight for the ball regardless of getting hit.

Also, it merits pointing out that the Patriots have had a different guy lead the team in rushing each month of the season this year.

I'm getting to the point of believing that it's not necessary to have superstars at either position. Would rather have those guys on defense and at QB..

I'm really glad we have Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith....I would like to see the Vikes work on complimenting these guys while letting Bridgewater make his receivers into stars. And I don't give a rats rear who runs the ball as long as the dude will get yards after contact and run hungry/angry.

Its easy to say "let's be like the super bowl teams " but unless we have a hall of fame qb-coach duo or an all time defense that isn't happening. I just want to add pieces to what we have to get this team into playoff contention, not copy the hawks and pat

[The Breeze]

Its easy to say "let's be like the super bowl teams " but unless we have a hall of fame qb-coach duo or an all time defense that isn't happening. I just want to add pieces to what we have to get this team into playoff contention, not copy the hawks and pat

I'm not suggesting copying anyone. It's the oldest formula in the book. Build a team around solid fundamentals with guys who value that...or get rid of them. It's not rocket surgery. That's how all time defenses start...strict adherence to fundamentally sound football.

Guys who know how to tackle and have ball skills are the kinds of guys I'd want on defense and guys who can actually play their position on offense.

Look at what the Atlanta Hawks are doing in the NBA. The heck with guys who are self absorbed, just collecting a check, looking to make a name for themselves.

You want the players to lead and set the standard so the coaches can do their jobs.

The main hurdle this team has, IMO, is a culture of veteran leadership. Guys like Harrison, Barr, TB, Griffin, Jennings? have to be the tone setters and Zimmer needs enough time getting his kinda guys in here.

I just don't think it requires a max salary guy at wideout or running back because that has not been the case for a few years now. I'd rather have a wideout that can do 6 different things well with consistency than the guy who does 3 things better than anyone else at his position on the roster...if that makes any sense. Same at running back.

Spend the money at LB and DB...get deeper elsewhere and get back to playing real team football again. It looks like that's where they're heading, to me, with Zimmer/Turner. I spose a lot will fall on TB to steer the ship.

[IIsweet]

Spot on !
On offense, I believe that we can do enough with a 2nd year QB in Teddy. With a healthy OL we should be okay. Next is the offensive game plan. Josh McDaniels was 1step ahead of Indy the entire game. They mixed the run and the pass really well. Defensively, they played disciplined football. They have some real playmakers, but they keep quiet and all they do is win, win, win !

I am really hoping we can trade down and still draft LB Shaq Thompson. He seems like a real playmaker. Next I really like CB PJ Williams. He was much better last year as a press CB.
We would have multiple playmakers at all Levels on defense.

[PurpleKoolaid]

am wondering who people think would be the best FA/trade material, and best college draft LB, to play our MLB position, from day 1. I have a couple ideas, but im not 100% everything involved with the MIKE position. Im also wondering why they never gave real though to Greenway moving inside.

[DK Sweets]

am wondering who people think would be the best FA/trade material, and best college draft LB, to play our MLB position, from day 1. I have a couple ideas, but im not 100% everything involved with the MIKE position. Im also wondering why they never gave real though to Greenway moving inside.

I don't think they felt he was strong enough at the point of attack. Most guards would eat him alive.

[808vikingsfan]

Bleacherreports take on the Vikings and FA
Vikings Free Agency: Projecting Contract Offers for Minnesota


They also reference a nice link to players salaries.
http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/minnesota-vikings/

[Pondering Her Percy]

I don't think they felt he was strong enough at the point of attack. Most guards would eat him alive.

As for MLB, in Zimmers scheme, I think the best prospect is Perryman hands down. Although a guy like Mason Foster or Brandon Spikes would be great free agency signings.

[John_Viveiros]

I am really hoping we can trade down and still draft LB Shaq Thompson. He seems like a real playmaker. Next I really like CB PJ Williams. He was much better last year as a press CB.
We would have multiple playmakers at all Levels on defense.

Another LB/RB Hybrid, like Barr? I was wondering if that would be just too strange to attempt.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Another LB/RB Hybrid, like Barr? I was wondering if that would be just too strange to attempt.

Yeah I would pass on Thompson. We need a thumper in the middle. The better the play-maker/sure tackler in the middle, the better our run defense is. That's exactly why Perryman, Foster, or Spikes fits that bill

[HardcoreVikesFan]

Yeah I would pass on Thompson. We need a thumper in the middle. The better the play-maker/sure tackler in the middle, the better our run defense is. That's exactly why Perryman, Foster, or Spikes fits that bill

I am just curious, but why do you think Mason Foster would be such an upgrade for us? He really isn't that special of a player. He isn't great in coverage, and only above average in run support. Tampa Bay was ready to move on from him, but he ended up being better than anyone not named LeVonte David on Tampa Bay's defense at linebacker.

[Pondering Her Percy]

I am just curious, but why do you think Mason Foster would be such an upgrade for us? He really isn't that special of a player. He isn't great in coverage, and only above average in run support. Tampa Bay was ready to move on from him, but he ended up being better than anyone not named LeVonte David on Tampa Bay's defense at linebacker.

Well first of all, he wasn't a fit in Fraziers scheme which requires you to cover. Zimmers defense is the complete opposite. What you need in a LB is a guy that is great in run support. Foster has been very consistent in the middle for TB up until this past year. Hence the coaching change. Foster is stout vs the run and that's what is required in Zimmers defense. Look at Brinkley....he can't cover a lick and is slow but still had a decent year in the middle. Foster is only 25, much more athletic and better vs the run

[Demi]

Look at Brinkley....he can't cover a lick and is slow but still had a decent year in the middle.

Did you watch him in coverage? Talk about a liability! We desperately need someone who can support the run, but who has at least average coverage abilities when asked to. Otherwise we'll need a backup to play part time MLB in how many sets?

[Pondering Her Percy]

Did you watch him in coverage? Talk about a liability! We desperately need someone who can support the run, but who has at least average coverage abilities when asked to. Otherwise we'll need a backup to play part time MLB in how many sets?

That's my point. He did decent in the sense of dedending the run but that was even average. This is why I have mentioned Perryman, Foster or Spikes.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Im not sold on Foster, but if we managed Perryman or Spikes, I would be happy. I think Perryman is under rated and hopefully stays that way till the draft. I love watching his highlights. He is so fasts, fights off tackles, and hits as hard as any LB I have seen. I don't really understand the knock on his height. He is a LB, not a DE.

[IIsweet]

Another LB/RB Hybrid, like Barr? I was wondering if that would be just too strange to attempt.

I think that he's an elite type of talent that makes the defense faster. He's a 3 down LB who can cover anything and tackles everything!
Barr was more a 3-4 OLB imo! Very glad that he was as good as he is.
I suppose 2 1st rd LBers is a little excessive, but he could be really good.


Someone else questioned my Yankey and Crichton starting idea. That's if Robison doesn't restructure and he's released. Yankey I bet gets the start this year at LG. Crichton is a 3rd rd LDE. Going to play sooner than later.