Ponder wants Simpson to return

[VikingPaul73]

there has been a lot of talk about the offseason, and whether to keep Jerome Simpson seems to be a big question. Anyway, I thought some might find this interesting.

“He was with one team for so many years — it’s hard to change to a new team and learn a new offense, be around new guys,” Ponder said, via 1500ESPN.com. “He’s a guy that I hope we keep on the roster and continue to develop and build a relationship on the field and off the field.”

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d9lYP?utm_ ... ta-vikings

[Dark]

Not to mention he had that injury that affected his play. I think now that ponder wants him back I say bring him back. At the same time I think I would like to see Jenkins back as well.

[Eli]

He's young, he was injured, he had a crappy quarterback, he'll be cheap, and the Vikings will be very hard pressed to fill as many WR slots as they need to fill.

[HornedMessiah]

Why not resign him? Eli is right, he'll be cheap. He's an upgrade over Aromashodu, who won't be back. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement; good for the team and good for Simpson, who probably won't get much interest or $$$ elsewhere.

[VikingPaul73]

He's young, he was injured, he had a crappy quarterback, he'll be cheap, and the Vikings will be very hard pressed to fill as many WR slots as they need to fill.

The last part is the key to mean. Lets assume they keep 6 WRs next year. Is it reasonable to expect them to bring in 4 quality WRs in 1 offseason, with so many other holes to fill? If you just need a couple guys to fill positions (since you can't expect 4 quality new guys) might as well bring back guys who are familiar with the QB, team, system, offense, etc.

I say, keep Jenkins and Simpson for continuity and familiarity (assuming they can cut and re-sign Jenkins to avoid that bonus). Hopefully they can bring in 2 quality WRs this offseason and revisit Simpson next offseason if he has another disappointing season.

[losperros]

I also agree with Eli, especially the part about the need for WR help probably overwhelming the chance to fill in all the slots.

Jerome Simpson may not be a possession receiver. But when he's *healthy* (and he wasn't this year), Simpson is an outstanding athlete and a big play receiver that is a legitimate deep threat. He can be a talented role player for the Vikings offense.

[sdranger]

I don't know if he is a true number one or not. But there seems to be quite a few available in the draft this year. The only receiver the Vikings have that needs to be so so in blocking is the true number one... whoever that is. The rest of the receiving corps better know how to get and keep blocks.

[PurpleKoolaid]

He isnt a #1, hes a #3. PH is our #1.

But if he is cheap, im sure he can beat out Devin and Burtron.

[Rus]

I don't know if he is a true number one or not. But there seems to be quite a few available in the draft this year. The only receiver the Vikings have that needs to be so so in blocking is the true number one... whoever that is. The rest of the receiving corps better know how to get and keep blocks.

I agree. This is a very good draft for bringing in 2 or 3 guys who can challenge for roster spots right away. They'll probably only keep 5 receivers on the active roster, and maybe 2 on the practice squad. So it's a great time to bring in some competition and see who rises to the top.

Aromashodu's gone and Burton probably won't make the cut despite the occasional flash of a real NFL receiver that he shows. I'm betting one of the Jenkins-Simpson-Wright trio will also see some significant pressure to bring it in training camp or walk. Ponder needs a real red zone weapon with size so he has legit options beyond Kyle Rudolph. There's a fair number of guys in this draft that can do that.

[Pondering Her Percy]

He isnt a #1, hes a #3. PH is our #1.

But if he is cheap, im sure he can beat out Devin and Burtron.

A #1 WR usually consists of their big deep threat or their "X" guy. Harvin wasnt their X receiver. Simpson was considered the #1 this year but he definitely wont be next year. Hopefully they get a guy in FA or in the 1st or 2nd round.

[PurpleKoolaid]

A #1 WR usually consists of their big deep threat or their "X" guy. Harvin wasnt their X receiver. Simpson was considered the #1 this year but he definitely wont be next year. Hopefully they get a guy in FA or in the 1st or 2nd round.

yeah I know, everyone keeps telling me a #! WR has to be at least 6'3'' and almost as fast as PH....Didnt PH lead the NFL at one time before he got hurt? How does Brady do it?

[Mothman]

yeah I know, everyone keeps telling me a #! WR has to be at least 6'3'' and almost as fast as PH....Didnt PH lead the NFL at one time before he got hurt? How does Brady do it?

The problem here is that the term "#1 receiver" is vague. What the heck is a "1 receiver"? Is it the WR with the most catches? Is it a true star receiver? Does every team have a "#1 receiver"?

Whatever it is, I'd say Simpson wasn't a #1 receiver in any sense of that term that I can imagine.

I prefer to discuss receivers in terms of roles and positions: split end, flanker, slot receiver, deep threat, possession receiver, outside receiver, etc. It leaves less room for confusion.

[Purple bruise]

yeah I know, everyone keeps telling me a #! WR has to be at least 6'3'' and almost as fast as PH....Didnt PH lead the NFL at one time before he got hurt? How does Brady do it?

The top #1 Receivers, in the NFL are 6-3 or taller with exceptional speed.
Calvin Johnson
Andre Johnson
Brandon Marshall
Demaryius Thomas
Vincent Jackson
Dez Bryant
Roddy White
A.J. Green
Julio Jones

[MrPurplenGold]

The top #1 Receivers, in the NFL are 6-3 or taller with exceptional speed.
Calvin Johnson
Andre Johnson
Brandon Marshall
Demaryius Thomas
Vincent Jackson
Dez Bryant
Roddy White - Roddy white is 6'0 according to ESPN
A.J. Green
Julio Jones

The top 10 in yards/reception are

Vincent Jackson
Cecil Shorts
Danario Alexander
Torrey Smith
T.Y. Hilton
Chris Givens
Nate Washington
Josh Gordon
Calvin Johnson
Steve Smith

half of them are 6'0 or shorter

there are 3 that are 6'0 or shorter in the top 10 in receiving yards
Reggie Wayne
Wes Welker
Roddy White

there are 3 in the top 12 in receptions that are 6'0 or shorter
Reggie Wayne
Roddy White
Victor Cruz

Being tall doesn't help but it doesn't determine whether or not someone is a #1 WR

[Purple bruise]

The top 10 in yards/reception are

Vincent Jackson
Cecil Shorts
Danario Alexander
Torrey Smith
T.Y. Hilton
Chris Givens
Nate Washington
Josh Gordon
Calvin Johnson
Steve Smith

half of them are 6'0 or shorter

there are 3 that are 6'0 or shorter in the top 10 in receiving yards
Reggie Wayne
Wes Welker
Roddy White

there are 3 in the top 12 in receptions that are 6'0 or shorter
Reggie Wayne
Roddy White
Victor Cruz

Being tall doesn't help but it doesn't determine whether or not someone is a #1 WR

What do you mean that being tall DOESN'T help

Reread my post. I did not say that they were/are ranked in order I did say that the top #1 receivers in the league are 6-3 and fast. Your list is the #1 receivers on various teams. My list and pretty much in the order of how they finished in league receptions for the year (2012). http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/ ... on-leaders