#1 Offseason Priority?

[VikingPaul73]

OK, I know things depend on who is available when the Vikings pick, but ASSUMING the ideal person is available at each of these positions (and they grade out equally at their respective positions) and assuming AD is back next year, which position would you draft with the #1 pick next year?

[VikingPaul73]

I went with LT. Kalil is a train wreck right now.

[joe h]

If spielman gets to waste another 1st/2nd round pick on a lt, when he started this mess by cutting mckinnie. I will be making the news! This jack #### has no business building our offense, every decision has led to mediocrity or bust.

[MichViking]

We need a MLB to command and lead mike zimmers young defense for years to come. Someone with instincts and speed. Jasper Brinkley has to be the most quiet linebacker the vikes have had. Sometimes I forget hes even out there. Was really hoping Mauti would somehow miraculously regain his Penn state form.

Look at Old Jasper's Stats from the last 3 weeks....appalling. 1 tackle in each of the last 3 games. Hes not injured is he?

http://www.nfl.com/player/jasperbrinkley/79840/profile

[Vette3434]

Thoughts on drafting a stud LT and sliding Kalil inside to G. Who believes this could work? I do. 2 solved in 1 draft pick. Let Charlie go before next year. I think Kalil gets run around but he seems to stand up to a straight forward push fairly well.

[Mothman]

I think their #1 offseason priority should be to improve their offense, especially on the line. The latter might require anything from replacing OL coach Jeff Davidson to replacing several players on the line (or just providing more quality competition for those players).

However, in the first round of the draft, I believe in looking for maximum impact, especially when a team isn't good. Ideally, in the first round, I'd like to see them find a blue chip offensive player but if their best option is a defensive player, that's fine. That unit is a work-in-progress too.

I think a lot of teams who try to develop a QB fail to surround that player with the right mix of talent, experience and stability for him to be successful. If the Vikes are as committed to Bridgewater as they seem to be, they need to need to do a better job of protecting him but they also need to give him skilled playmakers. Putting the best cast possible around him should be their top priority.

[VikingPaul73]

I think their #1 offseason priority should be to improve their offense, especially on the line. The latter might require anything from replacing OL coach Jeff Davidson to replacing several players on the line (or just providing more quality competition for those players).

However, in the first round of the draft, I believe in looking for maximum impact, especially when a team isn't good. Ideally, in the first round, I'd like to see them find a blue chip offensive player but if their best option is a defensive player, that's fine. That unit is a work-in-progress too.

I think a lot of teams who try to develop a QB fail to surround that player with the right mix of talent, experience and stability for him to be successful. If the Vikes are as committed to Bridgewater as they seem to be, they need to need to do a better job of protecting him but they also need to give him skilled playmakers. Putting the best cast possible around him should be their top priority.

How did you vote in the poll? just curious...

[VikingPaul73]

Thoughts on drafting a stud LT and sliding Kalil inside to G. Who believes this could work? I do. 2 solved in 1 draft pick. Let Charlie go before next year. I think Kalil gets run around but he seems to stand up to a straight forward push fairly well.

I don't know. Coming out of college I thought Kalil's strengths were technique and finesse, more suited to the outside than the inside. I just don't think Kalil is strong enough to handle the likes of Suh.

Also, to me a lot of his problems seem mental.....I think the guy is just not NFL material. I don't think I'd even want him as a backup to be honest. But we will see.

[mansquatch]

At this point I voted for Guard. However, WR is a possibility as the MLB idea isn't a terrible one.

Call me an optimist, but I think we'll see the OL improve from this year. Losing Fusco probably hurt us more than we all give it credit for. Charlie Johnson is still the weakest link though and that is why I went OG in the poll.

WR is probably going to become a need, but I'm finding it hard to go that route. I'm sure of the issues are also on the QB's shoulders.

Lots of unknowns here.

[Pepper2Moss]

I voted LG, although I could make the same case at LT. The way I would approach the oline is by signing a vet to push Kalil & eventually replace if he doesn't show improvement next year. The LG I would totally replace Johnson either thru FA or the draft. WR/MLB/safety are the other 3 positions I'd like to see improved, but oline is definitely my top priority.

[chicagopurple]

I feel we are obliged to invest in 3-4 monster OL prospects. Its the only way we will ever be able to assess what we really have in Teddy. WR in necessary but WR takes the longest time to develop once you draft them, so I would be better to find some good (not necessarily great) WRs to plug in. I don't want a revolving door of OC's and OL's as that will only create excuses and delays in the process of finding a QB ( had enough of that with Ponder/TJax)

[Mothman]

How did you vote in the poll? just curious...

I didn't vote. Sorry, as you can tell, I just don't really think in terms of which position they should draft first. I really see the first round of the draft, particularly the top half of it, as a place to try to get the best, most impactful player available. Ideally, that approach would fill a need as well and in that sense, I would definitely have my eye on an OT or WR if I were drafting for the Vikings.

[J. Kapp 11]

I'm with Jim on this one when it comes to the draft. In the first round, especially the top half, draft impact. I don't know if that's truly BPA, but it should be a player who can make an immediate impact, a little like Anthony Barr has done this year (at times), or Adrian Peterson in the past.

As far as addressing positions, which may or may not involve the draft, I think it's O-line, linebacker, and receiver, in no particular order. They're all positions of need.

[losperros]

I'm with Jim on this one when it comes to the draft. In the first round, especially the top half, draft impact. I don't know if that's truly BPA, but it should be a player who can make an immediate impact, a little like Anthony Barr has done this year (at times), or Adrian Peterson in the past.

As far as addressing positions, which may or may not involve the draft, I think it's O-line, linebacker, and receiver, in no particular order. They're all positions of need.

I'm with Jim on this as well for the same reasons.

Regarding the OL, I don't care if the Vikings choose a tackle or guard first. They need both.

[IIsweet]

I feel we are obliged to invest in 3-4 monster OL prospects. Its the only way we will ever be able to assess what we really have in Teddy. WR in necessary but WR takes the longest time to develop once you draft them, so I would be better to find some good (not necessarily great) WRs to plug in. I don't want a revolving door of OC's and OL's as that will only create excuses and delays in the process of finding a QB ( had enough of that with Ponder/TJax)

I disagree to some extent. OL Coach Davidson and WR Coach Stewart really have not developed much. Sullivan and Fusco on the OL and ? At WR have been developed? I wonder if Davidson can develop an athlete like Kalil? Stewart obviously cannot.
I think that football players can produce immediately if they're that good, have the work ethic, and will do the extra!
I think Spielman got a few right, but gets caught up in projectabilty. Great coaches get the most out of their guys. Davidson and Stewart obviously do not.
I like the potential of Kalil, Yankey, Sullivan, Fusco, Loadholt. We also have a rookie backup OT Tiny Richardson. Not sure we need a 1st rd OT or OG. It definitely needs improvement. I suggest scheme.
Not sure yet who or what position right now. I vote for a can't miss player !