Looking at the Vikings

[Partial]

bump now that ras is online

[HarveyWallbangers]

Jackon is athletic enough. His arm is strong enough. I think he's smart enough, and will eventually get the mental aspect. The thing I don't like about him though is that he's not accurate on medium or deep balls. He'll occasionally throw a decent ball, but more times than not he looks terrible on those throws. He throws a nice spiral on the 5-12 yard routes, shows a little touch on the dumpoffs--but if he's not accurate on 15 yard outs or slants, he won't survive in the NFL. That's what would scare me more than anything about him if I were a Vikings fan.

It's not just being a homer, but I think Rodgers looks like a better prospect. The only thing I worry about Rodgers is that he seems brittle. He makes all the throws, he has nice touch, he can move around in the pocket well. I'm just worried that he'll be injury prone.

[Rastak]

They clearly have some pieces, but they have some holes and some potential holes in the future.

Hutchinson obviously has good years left, but he will be 30 in a month, so now is the time as far as he is concerned. Four years from now could be too late. Birk is already 31. Hicks will be 29 next month. McKinnie isn't quite the stud many thought he could be, and Cook seems to need some work if he is to be their future at tackle. I don't see their O-line improving. It could be at its peak with these players.

Williamson and Rice might develop into something. Wade is what he is. Their RBs look good. They should be a good running team for a few years, so maybe they can ride Peterson to some wins. But as with most teams, unless they have a QB, the offense will likely struggle.

Defensively they have some age to deal with in the not real distant future. Pat Williams will be 35 this month, Sharper is almost 32, Winfield is 30. The window with hese guys is closing, not unlike with Harris and Woodson.

The Vikings need Jackson to blossom, or they need to stumble on to someone else. Then they need to really hit on a draft or two to infuse some youth into their roster at some key spots.

Not a bad analysis Patler. OL can play a lot longer than most corners and safeties for the most part. They have a couple safeties that ar 26, so Sharper can be phased out. Cook does need work, he is a converted center and still a little raw. McKinnie has been pretty average this year but was sick as a dog against the Packers, they finally pulled him after getting 2 litres of fluid via IV, he was completely dehydtrated from barfing after every series (bad stomach virus). Either way, your point stands.

Williamson isn't much from what I've seen. Rice can be a very good reciever in this league. I said that from day one. Unreal body control and hands. 4.5 speed is serviceable. Wade is a decent #3, and plays the slot pretty well. Cut Ferguson just because I trust Bretsky. Allison might turn out to be ok.


Peterson is a stud. Taylor is a great #2 back. The Vikings QB situation sucks. Jackson should have started in year three, not the end of his rookie season. Chilly and Speilman should have done something as a stopgap, and not trade for a guy after training camp ends....a guy 4th on the depth chart even.


As far as the draft, they had a great draft. McCauley was up and down against Green Bay, Robison got a sack. Rice and Peterson looked great.


If they tank this year, they REALLY need to have a similar draft.

I think having Chilly quit would be best for the team but I fear we (as Vike fans) are saddled with this guy until year 3 of his contract ends.