AP in Minny

[swede]

He runs like a tree and his injuries are a huge risk but the guy truely is a freak and could be a huge impact player in Minny's offense. Some scouts think he is the best rb prospect to come out in years.

Not sure what to make of that phrase. All the trees in my yard are pretty damn slow, but I ran into one once and it hurt like hell.

Agreed. Trees are much better suited to DT.

Cliff Branch was a good WR, though.

[mngolf19]

Rastak, although I agree that AP is a potentially a special talent, are you the least bit concerned he'll be another Kenechi Udeze?

Sometimes I understand you have to take a risk but all too often it bites you in the ass. One of the few positive things that I can remember of Sherman as a GM was him taking Barnett over the higher rated but more injury prone Boss Bailey and time has proven his move a smart one. I know there are plenty of examples going the other way but given the Vikings needs at other positions at the #7 spot they likely have their choice of the top rated player at some of the need positions is the risk worth AP?

Lastly, anybody know if Vikings front office (Wilf/Rick Spielman/etc.) along with Childress are best player available oriented or need based?

Given the one year last year it appears more need based but I defer to a Viking fan for a more accurate answer.

My guess is that they would take best player available unless they really have depth there and the next option is potentially a great need. But like you I am not sure what way they would go. I just think they are blowing smoke with AP, more likely to go a different direction.

[Rastak]

Rastak, although I agree that AP is a potentially a special talent, are you the least bit concerned he'll be another Kenechi Udeze?

Sometimes I understand you have to take a risk but all too often it bites you in the ass. One of the few positive things that I can remember of Sherman as a GM was him taking Barnett over the higher rated but more injury prone Boss Bailey and time has proven his move a smart one. I know there are plenty of examples going the other way but given the Vikings needs at other positions at the #7 spot they likely have their choice of the top rated player at some of the need positions is the risk worth AP?

Lastly, anybody know if Vikings front office (Wilf/Rick Spielman/etc.) along with Childress are best player available oriented or need based?

Given the one year last year it appears more need based but I defer to a Viking fan for a more accurate answer.

My guess is that they would take best player available unless they really have depth there and the next option is potentially a great need. But like you I am not sure what way they would go. I just think they are blowing smoke with AP, more likely to go a different direction.

If he's there they'd better either get a BUNCH in return for trading down or just take him.

[Partial]

I could see you guys picking up Peterson Ras!

It would certainly make things easier for Tarvaris by having very capable backs. If they can improve their running game and secondary that team is scary good.

[Rastak]

I could see you guys picking up Peterson Ras!

It would certainly make things easier for Tarvaris by having very capable backs. If they can improve their running game and secondary that team is scary good.

Chester Taylor got pretty worn down so two backs would be better than one in this case.

[Partial]

I could see you guys picking up Peterson Ras!

It would certainly make things easier for Tarvaris by having very capable backs. If they can improve their running game and secondary that team is scary good.

Chester Taylor got pretty worn down so two backs would be better than one in this case.

Yep, and that team is scary, scary, scary good if Peterson turns out to be the player he is expected to be. If they add a player like Weddle or happen to have a Corner fall to them in the second, they could be a super bowl contender.

[Zool]

Tarvaris Jackson is not leading a team to the SB just yet.

[Partial]

Tarvaris Jackson is not leading a team to the SB just yet.

With two stud backs Tarvaris won't have to do a whole lot. That defense will be dominating once they get a secondary. Also, having Erasmus back will help with the pass rushing and pressuring the QB, helping out the secondary big time.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Yep, and that team is scary, scary, scary good if Peterson turns out to be the player he is expected to be. If they add a player like Weddle or happen to have a Corner fall to them in the second, they could be a super bowl contender.

Scary good? They don't have much at WR or TE. The rightside of their OL is pretty pourous. They have some question marks at LB. Their depth at CB isn't very good. They don't have any pass rushers. They have some things to build on (their DTs and a couple of other good defensive players, Taylor, and a few good OL), but they are more than 2-3 players from a Super Bowl.

[Partial]

Yep, and that team is scary, scary, scary good if Peterson turns out to be the player he is expected to be. If they add a player like Weddle or happen to have a Corner fall to them in the second, they could be a super bowl contender.

Scary good? They don't have much at WR or TE. The rightside of their OL is pretty pourous. They have some question marks at LB. Their depth at CB isn't very good. They don't have any pass rushers. They have some things to build on (their DTs and a couple of other good defensive players, Taylor, and a few good OL), but they are more than 2-3 players from a Super Bowl.

Nonsense. You land a stud premiere running back and you are in the playoffs right there. They can stop the run which is key come playoff time, and if they develop some sort of a secondary they will have a good defense.

[Zool]

So...if you cant pass, you can still run? The QB has a good arm and no one to throw to and no idea what to do from there. Balance wins games.

[Partial]

So...if you cant pass, you can still run? The QB has a good arm and no one to throw to and no idea what to do from there. Balance wins games.

Tell that to the Atlanta team that went to the conference championship a few years back, or Vince Young who really didn't do a whole lot through the air, or the brad johnson led bucs, or hell even the Jaguars the past couple of years.

Lots of teams use the run to open up the pass. With a dominating run game they will have more success passing then most would think.

[Zool]

I have to disagree. As sad as the Atl receivers are, they still have Crumpler, I would take them over the MN receivers all day.

[b bulldog]

Running like a tree= running with a high pad level

[ND72]

Tarvaris Jackson is not leading a team to the SB just yet.

With two stud backs Tarvaris won't have to do a whole lot. That defense will be dominating once they get a secondary. Also, having Erasmus back will help with the pass rushing and pressuring the QB, helping out the secondary big time.

So then Defenses will put 8-9 guys in the box, and force Jackson to throw...Rastak better be ready for an 0-16 season like that then.