Minnesota Vikings team needs

by Jon Dove on Jan 29, 2010 5:00 PM EST in Mocking the NFC North

The Minnesota Vikings had a really nice run this season but some question marks surround the team. Will Brett Favre and Pat Williams retire? Will Antoine Winfield recover from his knee injury? Below are what I believe the Vikings need to address this offseason. Take note that quarterback isn’t one of them, I still have some hope for Tavaris Jackson (maybe due to lack of better options).

1. Middle Linebacker

- It’s quite possible that EJ Henderson’s career is over and while Jasper Brinkley looks promising he has shown that he is the long term solution. Unfortunately there really isn’t a first round prospect behind Rolando McClain (who will be long gone). Look for this to be a position they address after the 1st round. Possibilities include Sean Lee (PSU) and Brandon Spikes (Fla).

2. Defensive Tackle

- Many will argue that the Williams Wall is directly responsible for the success of the Vikings defense. Pat Williams is pushing age 38 and talking retirement so it’s important that the Vikings look to address this position. There could be several tackles around at the end of round 1 such as Dan Williams (Tenn), Terrence Cody (Ala) and Jared Odrick (PSU).

3. Cornerback

- Antoine Winfield’s injury really exposed a weakness for the Vikings defense. While he made it back in the playoffs, Cedric Griffin went down with a serious knee injury. Knees can be very tricky, so at least depth needs to be addressed. Someone like Patrick Robinson (FSU) might be available when the Vikings pick at the end of round 1.

Poll

Do you feel comfortable with Tarvaris Jackson as your "quarterback of the future"?

Yes

132 votes

No

480 votes

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Comments

as a lions fan i hope they stick with jackson but i dont think they will

by det32 on Jan 29, 2010 5:07 PM EST reply actions

I think I’d make corner #1. Winfield’s health (it’s a foot actually, not a knee) and age are a problem, and Cedric Griffen’s got a torn ACL and probably won’t be ready by the beginning of next season. The guy they started using in Winfield’s place—Benny Sapp—is a free agent, and has been a bit of a journeyman and isn’t young. That basically leaves Asher Allen as their last man standing, and the staff didn’t let him see the field much this year.

Beyond the depth issues, the secondary just wasn’t good at coverage, playmaking, or tackling, despite playing behind a great front 4. A guy who could contribute immediately is almost a must, preferably one who can make a play every now and then.

So yeah, I’d say it’s over 50% they go CB in the first.

Fortunately for the Vikes, DT and CB are pretty deep positions this year…

by jianfu on Jan 29, 2010 7:54 PM EST reply actions

Middle LB is not a pressing need IMHO

I think that the Vikings need to address CB, DT, & OG first. Without obtaining extra picks for picks next year I would want them to do this …

1. Mike Iupati OG
2. Brandon Ghee CB
3. Mike Neal DT
4. Myron Rolle S
5. Jamar Chaney LB
6. Jim Dray TE
comp. Jeffrey Fitzgerald DE
7. Kevin Thomas CB

by MarkSP18 on Jan 29, 2010 8:06 PM EST reply actions

vikes picks

I think they pick too late to get those guys there. I could see the first five guys all in those rounds, but falling to an earlier team. Would not argue with the positions or the players, though.

I thought Brinkley played well this year. I’m remembering some big hit he made in the playoffs. Johnson really stepped up at safety in the playoffs as well. Corner is a need, but you could not tell from the Saints game. Impressive effort from the backups.

I voted for Jackson. He shows promise, he just needs experience.

by ct17 on Jan 30, 2010 12:29 AM EST up reply actions

I agree with MarkSP18

We need an upgrade over Herrera at RG, a replacement For Phat Pat at DT, and someone to start for Griffin and eventually replace Winfield. Drafting two CBs would be a good thing, we need some size and speed at the CB position and that’s what this draft has to offer.

by nmvikesfan on Jan 30, 2010 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

Weird fact: Minnesota has not drafted a DB in the first round since 1994. (DeWayne Washington).

by jianfu on Jan 29, 2010 8:32 PM EST reply actions

Big draft

The Vikings have limited options in free agency. Yet, they have needs, or possible needs at: QB, DT, S, CB, MLB, C, G, and possibly running back if Chester Taylor is lost to free agency.

It’s an important draft for the Vikings.

by medicineball on Jan 29, 2010 10:13 PM EST reply actions

There’s no way I can believe Henderson’s career is over. He broke his leg, broken bones heal.

by KingRichard on Jan 30, 2010 9:28 PM EST reply actions

Should the Vikes wait a year to draft a QB or gamble on Tebow?

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by Patssuck456 on Jan 31, 2010 9:45 PM EST reply actions

An emphatic NO on Tebow

If we’re going to wait a couple rounds for a QB I’d rather have LeFevour, Pike, or McCoy as our future QB than Tebow. Tebow might end up being good in 5 years, but the Vikes need someone good in 2-3 years. Tebow is a good college QB, he’s just not someone I want the Vikes hanging their hats on for the future.

I’d look for a OG in the first round, either Iupati or Pouncey from Florida. Get a QB (LeFevour if he’s there) or CB in the second. After that BPA, but make sure they grab the other position that they didn’t get in the second.

by whateveritis12 on Feb 17, 2010 5:03 PM EST reply actions

DEFENSE !!!

when it came down to it the secondary had a hard time stopping much if anyone , i think the most important thing is to get a shutdown corner at all costs!!! And get a hybrid ss or fs that can hit and be used on blitz schemes.

I think Two A plus linebackers are necessary we need to pursue a MIDDLE linebacker, but also an outside linebacker that can strike some fear into opposition. Our linebackers just dont have the speed or strength to really make HUGE plays.

offense can stay the same, but we need to run out of I form more often AP runs better behind a FULLBACK not out of a one back pro set.

i bet favre will be back. to close to the prize to quit now!

by Damien777 on Mar 6, 2010 2:08 AM EST reply actions