Mock Offseason

[Loki]

Seeing that the new coaching staff is in place we now look forward to Free agency and The Draft. Normally I keep an eye on these things but don't Look too in depth into them until later, but considering how many holes we have on this team I've taken it upon myself to take an in depth look at the upcoming offseason. Heres how i would handle the offseason.

Contracts Restructured

LB - Chad Greenway - As a Hawkeyes fan it hurts but greenway took a step back this year. Need to keep him but not at current price. Team first guy he takes a pay cut to stick with the team.

Players Released

QB - Christian Ponder - Terrible decision making and has not shown improvement.
TE - John Carlson - Good Player but paid too much and i see a lot more potential in Chase Ford.
LB - Erin Henderson - Struggles on field and off, Mauti, Hodges, and Cole all have more potential.
DT - Letroy Guion - No upside, paid too much, See more out of Evans.

Free Agents Retained

QB - Matt Cassel - Chooses Not to opt out of contract and compete for starting QB job.
DE - Everson Griffen - Tempting to lure in free agent Michael Johnson, but smarter move to give griffen his chance for less money.
DT - Fred Evans - Not starting material, but good rotational player.

Free Agent Signings

SS - Donte Whitner - Scary tandem when teamed up with Harrison Smith. TJ Ward and Jarius Byrd will be Franchise tagged. 49ers look to save money for massive contract Collin Kaepernick will demand. Hitner will bring the tough hard nosed football Coach Zimmer wants. Also last time he was a free agent he verbally committed to The Bengals/Zimmer before backing out and signing with 49ers



G - Geoff Schwartz - Played for the vikings Recently so he'll be comfortable with the team. will cost more this time around but at 6'6 340 and 28 years old hes worth bringing back as a replacement for Charlie Johnson.



CB - Walter Thurmond III - Solid Man to Man Corner stuck in the shadow of Richard Sherman/Brandon Browner. Sees Vikes as his opportunity at starting. Cost effective stop gap player/ slot corner. Issues with substance abuse but zimmer made pacman work so i trust he can work with Thurmond.



vikings will bring in more Cheap players to fill holes but i wont go that far at this point. now to the draft.

NFL DRAFT

1st Round - Darqueze Dennard - CB Michigan St. - I have vikes trading back to 12 with the giants wanting a LB, or OT and adding another third round pick. With Carr being the only QB i see falling to us we pass and trade back to take Dennard a physical man to man corner who can handle the big receivers we face in the division. we risk losing him to the lions but i see them being more interested in Justin Gilbert. If Denard is taken we can fall back on Louis Nix or Justin Gilbert.



2nd Round - Jimmy Garoppolo - QB Eastern Illinois - A few people will have a problem with this based on level of competition and late riser status. Level of competition is a legitimate concern But hes broken all of tony Romos records so while it is lower level competiton he's dominated it more so than a Pro QB with a $108 million dollar contract. He displays exelent field vision quick realease and great ball placement. Will take some time to adjust to speed of nfl and may not start from day 1 but will be and upgrade over the current situation when he does take over.



3rd Round - Gabe Jackson - G Mississippi St. - While its tempting to look at LB or DT here with a young QB developing we need to give him time. with shwartz at LG Gabe could take over at RG at a massive 6'4 340 and surprisingly good foot movement Peterson will be back to a 2000 yard back and Our QB's will have all day in the pocket to throw Norv's Deep Balls. Doesn't allways give 100% but i trust Zimmer and Norv can get the best out of him.



3rd Round (from Giants) - Christian Jones - MLB Florida St. - Good Instincts, Athletic ability and a hard hitter. Surrounded by a lot of talent at FSU makes it easy for him to make plays. Think he would be a great addition to the LB core we have. can also play OLB and although undersised played some DE with the seminoles this year.



3rd Round (from Seatle) - De'Anthony Thomas - RB/WR Oregon - One of the most explosive play makers in the draft this year, threat to score every time he touches the ball. Size is a Major issue for him at 5'10 176. With the Vikes He will need to add at least 10 pounds and will Contribute as a slot receiver, receiving back, punt returner, and if we wish to keep patterson healthy kick returner. While not a need an offense with Peterson, Patterson, Jennings, and now Thomas defenses will be forced to pick their poison and suffer the consequences.



4th Round - Daniel McCullers - DT Tennessee - Makes O-Lineman look like children at 6'6 352. Demands a double team reminiscent of Pat Williams. will be dominant against the run but would need to rotate with Fred Evans on passing downs. Not super athletic but can move his feet surprisingly well for a man his size. will free up others around him to make plays. Coaches say hes done everything they've asked of him. Struggled with his weight early in his career but now under control he is much more effective.



5th Round - Stephen Morris - QB Maimi - Very tough Prospect to judge. Has all of the tools of what i'd call a new age quarterback. Has a cannon arm and is mobile in the pocket. The trouble comes with his inconsistency flashes elite skills at times and then makes dumbfounding mistakes at other times. I think this late Norv would be all in off of deep ball ability alone. Undersized but Russel Wilson cliche applies. Needs a lot of refining but if his decision can catch up with his natural talent he could be a huge steal.



6th Round - Colt Lyerla - TE Oregon - Was busted for possession of cocaine so he Needs to keep his nose clean to be drafted (pun intended). Has all the Physical tools of a top TE in the league but surely will drop because of off field incidents. Zimmer has shown time and time again he's willing to give people a second chance and he shows it here. Would team up with Kyle Rudolph for a duo similar to Gronk and Hernandez and make a great security blanket for a young QB.



7th Round - Tyler Starr - LB University of South Dakota - Physical Freak, and a local prospect. Vikings cant let a talent like this escape their own backyard. lower level of competition at USD but that's less important when looking at linebacker. Vikes should look to the same state they found other starting OLB Greenway to fill the other side. more of a fit for 3-4 with great pass rushing skills but is talented enough to make the switch. Plays mean. Reminds me a lot of Clay Mathews.



Thanks for reading. Comments are welcome.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Welcome to the board! Some of this (draft wise) was very similar to what I have had in my mock off seasons (Garappolo, Jones, and McCullers) and I've had Thurmond in mocks as well. Overall, I like the mock. I'm sure we will retain more in-house guys than you had but overall, it's very realistic and fills many needs! Nice job

[9man]

USD! Funny thing, Starr is from Iowa and played in South Dakota. Greenway is from South Dakota and played in Iowa.

[dead_poet]

Contracts Restructured

LB - Chad Greenway - As a Hawkeyes fan it hurts but greenway took a step back this year. Need to keep him but not at current price. Team first guy he takes a pay cut to stick with the team.

Given the state of the Vikings' linebackers, I don't see how the Vikings have much leverage. I don't doubt they ask him to restructure, but I don't know if he abides.

Players Released

QB - Christian Ponder - Terrible decision making and has not shown improvement.

This is possible, though I think it's just as possible he stays around given his manageable $1.76 million contract. My gut says he stays one more year.

TE - John Carlson - Good Player but paid too much and i see a lot more potential in Chase Ford.

More likely he retires given his concussion history.

LB - Erin Henderson - Struggles on field and off, Mauti, Hodges, and Cole all have more potential.

Agree. Given his last arrest, I don't see how he isn't released after the Super Bowl.

DT - Letroy Guion - No upside, paid too much, See more out of Evans.

He flashes, but isn't very consistent. And his flashes aren't all that spectacular. Not sure he's really built for the nose. Could be brought back for depth (our DT depth is pretty weak), depending on where we sit after the draft, but he's not worth his nearly $4 million contract.

I'd also think that Raymond is going to find it hard to make the 53 next season. He seemed to have fallen down the depth chart.

Free Agents Retained
QB - Matt Cassel - Chooses Not to opt out of contract and compete for starting QB job.

Agree. Though I wonder when the option has to be exercised. If the VIkings spend the #8 pick on a QB, I wonder if that would change his decision. Probably not.

DE - Everson Griffen - Tempting to lure in free agent Michael Johnson, but smarter move to give griffen his chance for less money.

The signing of Zimmer helps his chances of staying, but my feeling is he wants to test free agency. Saying that, I still think he stays, likely for more than what we want. With Allen likely leaving, signing Griffen is really a priority. And he knows it.

DT - Fred Evans - Not starting material, but good rotational player.

Given our DT depth, he's probably re-signed on the cheap. But he's 30 and has done little to nothing over the course of his career, but I wouldn't surprised if he's released.

Free Agent Signings

SS - Donte Whitner - Scary tandem when teamed up with Harrison Smith. TJ Ward and Jarius Byrd will be Franchise tagged. 49ers look to save money for massive contract Collin Kaepernick will demand. Hitner will bring the tough hard nosed football Coach Zimmer wants. Also last time he was a free agent he verbally committed to The Bengals/Zimmer before backing out and signing with 49ers

I like it, though this is probably more of a luxury signing. It'd be surprising to me if the Vikings addressed safety earlier than the mid rounds.

G - Geoff Schwartz - Played for the vikings Recently so he'll be comfortable with the team. will cost more this time around but at 6'6 340 and 28 years old hes worth bringing back as a replacement for Charlie Johnson.

I'm all in favor, though I'm guessing he re-ups with KC. Reports are there's mutual interest in re-signing.

CB - Walter Thurmond III - Solid Man to Man Corner stuck in the shadow of Richard Sherman/Brandon Browner. Sees Vikes as his opportunity at starting. Cost effective stop gap player/ slot corner. Issues with substance abuse but zimmer made pacman work so i trust he can work with Thurmond.

I'd support this, though I'm guessing his services are going to be in high demand.

NFL DRAFT

1st Round - Darqueze Dennard - CB Michigan St. - I have vikes trading back to 12 with the giants wanting a LB, or OT and adding another third round pick. With Carr being the only QB i see falling to us we pass and trade back to take Dennard a physical man to man corner who can handle the big receivers we face in the division. we risk losing him to the lions but i see them being more interested in Justin Gilbert. If Denard is taken we can fall back on Louis Nix or Justin Gilbert.

A quick note on Dennard from Mayock:

"People are worried about his long speed and his ability to cover off-man," Mayock said on the NFL Network. "I look at this kid, and I had this conversation with a general manager and a head coach this morning, and their point was, 'Listen, we know he can press, we know he's tough, but we need to see him off. And if he doesn't show up, we assume he can't do it. Not that he can do it."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap200000 ... enior-bowl

Still, if we play more press-man, I'd love the combo of Rhodes, Dennard, Thurmond, Whitner, Smith. That'd be a formidable secondary. I just don't think it'll happen. I do like Dennard, though.

2nd Round - Jimmy Garoppolo - QB Eastern Illinois - A few people will have a problem with this based on level of competition and late riser status. Level of competition is a legitimate concern But hes broken all of tony Romos records so while it is lower level competiton he's dominated it more so than a Pro QB with a $108 million dollar contract. He displays exelent field vision quick realease and great ball placement. Will take some time to adjust to speed of nfl and may not start from day 1 but will be and upgrade over the current situation when he does take over.

I like it. I've been doing a bit of film study of Garoppolo and have been pleasantly surprised. He looks pretty polished (though he gets "happy feet" from time to time). Pocket awareness and internal clock could use some polish. Quick release. Better-than-adequate arm. Quick eyes and seems to see the field well. I'd love if he lasted to the third, but would understand if he's selected in the second.

3rd Round - Gabe Jackson - G Mississippi St. - While its tempting to look at LB or DT here with a young QB developing we need to give him time. with shwartz at LG Gabe could take over at RG at a massive 6'4 340 and surprisingly good foot movement Peterson will be back to a 2000 yard back and Our QB's will have all day in the pocket to throw Norv's Deep Balls. Doesn't allways give 100% but i trust Zimmer and Norv can get the best out of him.

He's seen as one of the best guards in the class, so I'd be surprised if he lasted until the third. Cyril Richardson (mauler who would fit in well in Turner's power running scheme), David Yankey or Zack Martin would be solid alternates. I agree that there needs to be more emphasis on the position this season in lieu of any real options in FA.

3rd Round (from Giants) - Christian Jones - MLB Florida St. - Good Instincts, Athletic ability and a hard hitter. Surrounded by a lot of talent at FSU makes it easy for him to make plays. Think he would be a great addition to the LB core we have. can also play OLB and although undersised played some DE with the seminoles this year.

I'd prefer Skov, but he'll likely be gone. If so, Jones would be a good pick from what i've read. Seems to be plus in coverage.

3rd Round (from Seatle) - De'Anthony Thomas - RB/WR Oregon - One of the most explosive play makers in the draft this year, threat to score every time he touches the ball. Size is a Major issue for him at 5'10 176. With the Vikes He will need to add at least 10 pounds and will Contribute as a slot receiver, receiving back, punt returner, and if we wish to keep patterson healthy kick returner. While not a need an offense with Peterson, Patterson, Jennings, and now Thomas defenses will be forced to pick their poison and suffer the consequences.

Probably a luxury pick here, but if we somehow have three first-rounders, I could see it. Agree he'd need to add at least 10 pounds. Not a big fan of his attitude.

4th Round - Daniel McCullers - DT Tennessee - Makes O-Lineman look like children at 6'6 352. Demands a double team reminiscent of Pat Williams. will be dominant against the run but would need to rotate with Fred Evans on passing downs. Not super athletic but can move his feet surprisingly well for a man his size. will free up others around him to make plays. Coaches say hes done everything they've asked of him. Struggled with his weight early in his career but now under control he is much more effective.

I've been very unimpressed with McCullers. He had a very poor showing at the Senior Bowl as well.

5th Round - Stephen Morris - QB Maimi - Very tough Prospect to judge. Has all of the tools of what i'd call a new age quarterback. Has a cannon arm and is mobile in the pocket. The trouble comes with his inconsistency flashes elite skills at times and then makes dumbfounding mistakes at other times. I think this late Norv would be all in off of deep ball ability alone. Undersized but Russel Wilson cliche applies. Needs a lot of refining but if his decision can catch up with his natural talent he could be a huge steal.

I've been more of a fan of Logan Thomas and Connor Shaw. Morris' bowl game was UGLY.

6th Round - Colt Lyerla - TE Oregon - Was busted for possession of cocaine so he Needs to keep his nose clean to be drafted (pun intended). Has all the Physical tools of a top TE in the league but surely will drop because of off field incidents. Zimmer has shown time and time again he's willing to give people a second chance and he shows it here. Would team up with Kyle Rudolph for a duo similar to Gronk and Hernandez and make a great security blanket for a young QB.

I'd be surprised if he was drafted before the 7th. Probably goes undrafted. I'd be fine taking a flyer in the 7th or inviting as an UDFA.

Thanks for reading. Comments are welcome.

Cool. Thanks for putting this together.

[dead_poet]

Kevin Williams - DL - Vikings

Impending free agent DT Kevin Williams wants to re-sign with the Vikings.

"I'd like to play a couple more years (with Minnesota), but that's totally up to the Vikings," Williams said. He also really wants to play for new coach Mike Zimmer. Williams will be 33 before the start of next season and likely will have to settle for a one- or two-year deal with minimal guaranteed money. He's started at least 14 games in each of his 11 seasons. The Vikings have Sharrif Floyd waiting in the wings at the three-technique defensive tackle spot.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

[frosted]

Kevin Williams - DL - Vikings

Impending free agent DT Kevin Williams wants to re-sign with the Vikings.

"I'd like to play a couple more years (with Minnesota), but that's totally up to the Vikings," Williams said. He also really wants to play for new coach Mike Zimmer. Williams will be 33 before the start of next season and likely will have to settle for a one- or two-year deal with minimal guaranteed money. He's started at least 14 games in each of his 11 seasons. The Vikings have Sharrif Floyd waiting in the wings at the three-technique defensive tackle spot.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

That is good to hear. I hope they can get something done with him, he's a great veteran presence and can hold his own most of the time.

[PurpleHalo]

Kevin Williams - DL - Vikings

Impending free agent DT Kevin Williams wants to re-sign with the Vikings.

"I'd like to play a couple more years (with Minnesota), but that's totally up to the Vikings," Williams said. He also really wants to play for new coach Mike Zimmer. Williams will be 33 before the start of next season and likely will have to settle for a one- or two-year deal with minimal guaranteed money. He's started at least 14 games in each of his 11 seasons. The Vikings have Sharrif Floyd waiting in the wings at the three-technique defensive tackle spot.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

I'd take him as a backup, but it's time to start Floyd. The last 2 seasons I wasn't sure if KWill had retired already or not. He is no longer starter material in the NFL, but it was a nice run.

[Loki]

That's a good sign, I'd love us to bring him back but only at the right price. Physical hes lost a step but Mentally and technique wise Hes still got it. 1 or 2 year deal would be perfect so we can address more important needs this year.

[Pondering Her Percy]

I've been very unimpressed with McCullers. He had a very poor showing at the Senior Bowl as well.

Not sure why you are so down on McCullers. He's a beast in the middle and is an absolute monster size wise. He was one player that was most impressive at the Senior Bowl practice today as well. If we don't take Nix in the 1st, McCullers is my 2nd choice in the 3rd round no doubt. He's a definite sleeper.

[dead_poet]

Not sure why you are so down on McCullers. He's a beast in the middle and is an absolute monster size wise. He was one player that was most impressive at the Senior Bowl practice today as well. If we don't take Nix in the 1st, McCullers is my 2nd choice in the 3rd round no doubt. He's a definite sleeper.

I'm down on him because he's big and that's about it. His effort on a play-by-play basis is questionable and he can be sluggish. He gets beat in the run game more often than he should for a guy his size. I just get a McKinnie/Terrence Cody vibe from him.

[Pondering Her Percy]

I'm down on him because he's big and that's about it. His effort on a play-by-play basis is questionable and he can be sluggish. He gets beat in the run game more often than he should for a guy his size. I just get a McKinnie/Terrence Cody vibe from him.

I hear ya that's understandable. Glad to see someone defend their opinion on a draft prospect instead of just saying he won't be good just because Everyone has their likes and dislikes in every draft.

My 3 Biggest Sleepers this year are Tajh Boyd, Daniel McCullers, and Telvin Smith (the perfect LB for Zimmers defense)

[Pondering Her Percy]

My 3 Biggest Sleepers this year are Tajh Boyd, Daniel McCullers, and Telvin Smith (the perfect LB for Zimmers defense)

Oh and Stanley Jean-Baptiste from Nebraska. I think he's a legitimate stud and we could get him in the 2nd-3rd range

[dead_poet]

Oh and Stanley Jean-Baptiste from Nebraska. I think he's a legitimate stud and we could get him in the 2nd-3rd range

Apparently he has spoken to the Vikings at least twice.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Apparently he has spoken to the Vikings at least twice.

Really?!!! Where did you see that?

[dead_poet]

Really?!!! Where did you see that?

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