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According to Vikings Website they have signed FB Thomas Tapeh. And according the Star Tribune they have agreed to terms with S Madieu Williams who is on his way to town to sign the contract. Also, WR Bernard Berrian is in Mpls today.
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Williams isn't a bad safety. To me, he's sort of on par with Dwight Smith, but he's younger and doesn't do foolish things off the field. Tapeh is a backup FB type. He's a former Gopher. Kind of a nothing signing, but I guess they needed to replace Tony Richardson."There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted Thompson -
Is it just me, or does it seem like Minnesota signs a safety every off season?Comment
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They definitely have the last few. Can't seem to find the right combination of good player and good person.Originally posted by Deputy NutzComment
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Williams is better in coverage than some of the guys they've had, and that's a big weakness for them. I didn't think Smith was a bad safety. I thought both he and Sharper were decent, but not great. Williams is probably better than either one of them at this point."There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted ThompsonComment
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Im surprised Berrian wants to go to MN. I thought he would try to make his way out West.Comment
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I would think Berrian would finally want to go to a team with an NFL quarterback.I can't run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud
But they've summoned, they've summoned up
A thundercloud
They're going to hear from me - Leonard CohenComment
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From ESPN Insider. Done before last season (they don't update their scouting reports until later in the offseason):
#40 Madieu Williams | S
2007 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 65
Comment: Williams is coming off his third year in the league and he returned to his rookie season form having a very productive season. He has good size, athleticism, instincts and toughness for the safety position. He is best attacking the line of scrimmage in run support. He aligns as both a free and strong safety along with dropping down in the box in the Bengals? eight man fronts. Williams reads well and has a nose for the ball and gets to the pile often. He is a solid wrap tackler that will insert often into the action. He has solid foot quickness and agility, but is best as a half field coverage defender. He doesn?t have great burst to play tight man coverage but can play intermediate and deep zone schemes well. He leverages the ball well as an alley player and keeps his depth effectively off the hash. His injury in 2005 hindered his development some but he should continue to be a very effective NFL safety in the coming years."There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted ThompsonComment
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I still have insider
From this years:
Grade 72
Expert's Take Williams didn't have his best season in 2007, but he spent much of it trying to mask the deficiencies of Cincinnati's young cornerbacks. He has experience at cornerback and can cover slot receivers, but free safety is his best position. He is fluid, fast and changes directions well. He has good size and a fine build for a free safety. He has very good range and is more than capable of handling the deep half in Cover 2 or playing back in one-deep coverages. He's a decent blitzer out of the slot. He also can play in the box, on a limited basis, as an extra run defender. He is smart, puts himself (and his teammates) in good positions and reacts well. He works very hard on and off the field. But his competitiveness and aggressive playing style have led to some injuries. And though he shows very good burst to the ball, he doesn't consistently wrap up. He misses too many tackles as the last line of defense. He isn't afraid of contact, but he isn't a great run defender. He is around the ball a lot, but he lacks great ball skills and has to finish better. But after finishing last season on injured reserve (quadriceps), Williams' durability may be the biggest concern of potential suitors.Comment
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What's funny is that Richardson was supposed to be such a major signing and he really wasn't all that.
Williams is decent but nothing special. Frankly our safties are better.
If the Vikes don't sign BB then there's nothing left in FA for them at WR really so expect them to offer him huge bucks.All hail the Ruler of the Meadow!Comment
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Originally posted by Cheesehead Craig
Who told you it was a major signing? The dude was in his late 30s. He played just fine last year, I have no problem with Richardson. Good guy in the locker room too.
As for safeties, Williams is pretty solid. He's a good coverage guy which is what they need.Comment
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Packer fans shouldn't look down on a team with a revolving door at one safety position the last few years!
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Wonder if McCree and Florence from SD will get big deals somewhere. Florence would be a nice pickup as a nickle DB. He's started previously, so maybe he'll want to start again.Originally posted by 3irty1Comment
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Another big hitter is always welcome.
Originally posted by 3irty1Comment
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He went to the Pro Bowl at age 37. Can't expect more out of a guy than that.Originally posted by RastakComment
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