My Plan to Fix the Vikings

[Texas Vike]

I brought up the potential of cutting Rudolph yesterday too. Not sure how they feel about Conklin going foward, but there's a couple TE's in this draft they could set their eyes on. After OL in the 1st, I think they might go with a pass rusher in round 2, but if Hockenson from Iowa is still on the board, they might just need to do go and get him.

A stud TE could help us big time. I also think a #3 WR that can ball could really elevate our O. I like Marquise (Hollywood) Brown from OU. Crazy video game like speed and solid route runner. He's currently projected around pick 72, which happens to be our 3rd round pick. (oops, we're actually 82)

Another WR I like is Collin Johnson, from my UT Longhorns. Dude is 6' 6" and very athletic. Check out some of his diving catches. Looking forward to seeing him play tonight vs. Georgia.

18 is a high pick for a guard (though Cody Ford, who is projected to change to G, is projected at 18 by Walter FB). I am guessing they keep Reiff at LT and look to upgrade their guards. They might trade down from 18 or go for a LB or DT and pick up a G at #50.

[PurpleMustReign]

I brought up the potential of cutting Rudolph yesterday too. Not sure how they feel about Conklin going foward, but there's a couple TE's in this draft they could set their eyes on. After OL in the 1st, I think they might go with a pass rusher in round 2, but if Hockenson from Iowa is still on the board, they might just need to do go and get him.

A stud TE could help us big time. I also think a #3 WR that can ball could really elevate our O. I like Marquise (Hollywood) Brown from OU. Crazy video game like speed and solid route runner. He's currently projected around pick 72, which happens to be our 3rd round pick.

Another WR I like is Collin Johnson, from my UT Longhorns. Dude is 6' 6" and very athletic. Check out some of his diving catches. Looking forward to seeing him play tonight vs. Georgia.

18 is a high pick for a guard. I am guessing they keep Reiff at LT and look to upgrade their guards. They might trade down from 18 or go for a LB or DT and pick up a G at 40.

I like LilJordan Humphrey. But either of them would be a great pickup.

[Texas Vike]

A stud TE could help us big time. I also think a #3 WR that can ball could really elevate our O. I like Marquise (Hollywood) Brown from OU. Crazy video game like speed and solid route runner. He's currently projected around pick 72, which happens to be our 3rd round pick.

Another WR I like is Collin Johnson, from my UT Longhorns. Dude is 6' 6" and very athletic. Check out some of his diving catches. Looking forward to seeing him play tonight vs. Georgia.

18 is a high pick for a guard. I am guessing they keep Reiff at LT and look to upgrade their guards. They might trade down from 18 or go for a LB or DT and pick up a G at 40.

I like LilJordan Humphrey. But either of them would be a great pickup.

LJ is awesome too, but I have a feeling he stays in Austin for another year. They're both fantastic and will make great pros, IMO.

[YikesVikes]

Here is my detailed plan if I was in charge to fix the Vikings.

1. Gain some offensive nuts.
Right now the Vikings are soft on offense. I can't tell you the last time I saw us dominate or bully another team. We have scored a lot in some games but do you ever feel like we just took another team's will? I don't think so. We don't over power teams and that has to stop. I want to turn us into bullies on offense.

2. Hire the best OC/Oline Coach in the business - Bill Callahan
My plan for this is to offer Bill Callahan a dual role here on the Vikings. He would be titled Assistant Head Coach but his main role would be that of OC with a focus on fixing the offensive line. He can hire whoever he wants as Oline coach but they would be his baby and his responsibility. No more 2.1 seconds to throw. Kevin will be allowed to move on. I know he wasn't given a fair chance to show what he can do with building a playbook from his play and terminology but I can't risk it. I need a guy that has the proven ability to be a darn good OC. Callahan has the resume and one of the top offenses when he was a HC.

3. Cut the dead weight on the oline
If we are going to suck on the oline, I rather do so at on the cheap and pay some other guys. Reiff is expected to make 11 million this season. If he won't restructure for less than 8. Cut him. Saves 9.5 million. Cut Remmers saves 6 million. That's 15 million a year average to address guys that can actually play at an average level.

4. Draft a RT.
Fixing this line means addressing RT after moving Oneil to LT. Unlike Speilman, I will build redundancies in case Oneil doesn't work out at LT. I am taking Greg Little from Ole Miss to play RT and incase Oneil bombs allow them to switch. We will retain hill to play swing tackle like last season.

5. Sign run blockers at guard. I want guys that can open up holes. I am tired of seeing us destroyed in the run game. I am tired of seeing defenders in the backfield. I want to see some nasty. I want to see some bullying. I want these guys for under 6 millon each. Chance Warmack and Raymond Foster fits the build.

6. Trade Rhodes. Im sure you love the guy, I'm not impressed. I think he is physical but I don't think he is sticky. He's always "hurt" and he seems to be faking a lot. I rather get an early 2nd rounder for him and get rid of that salary. Saves 11 million in salary. Cbs next year would be Hughes and Waynes, Hill as the 3rd. Mac as the nickel. We can draft a guy late and use UDFAs to fill the void. Time for the DB whisperer to earn his title.

7. Draft a Tough ILB to replace Barr.
Kid I have in mind is Devin Bush from Michigan. Some won't like his size but none will question his ability to simply destroy an offense. He possesses everything (but height.). Speed, instincts, and toughness. Is a real alpha male in the room. If Mack Wilson from Alabama fell here, we would have an interesting choice.

8. Address the DT position after letting Richardson walk.
At the top of the 2nd round we should have a chance at Raekwon Davis or Christian WIlkins. 2 different guys but both would help us. Run stuffing against us with Davis and Joseph will be a non-factor. Wilkins is an uber athlete at the DT position.

9. Extend Theilan to a big frontloaded payday to make use of our new cap space early. The remaining years of the deal will average about 9 million a year but this year's signing bonus will have him averaging 14 a year.

10. Continue to address the oline and depth peices in the 4-7. We should have an extra 3rd or 5th. Doesn't matter to me. Rick can continue to do the nonsense he always does. With these changes, the team will be well on it's way to having a new oline and still have the ability to draft a QB in the 2020 NFL draft to groom to replace Cousins. Qb will sit and learn.

I think, while your plan is reasonable, it makes the team worse next year not better.

How. Our oline will instantly be better. The defense is soft. Soft. Barr is overrated and lazy. In the last 3 games, there are times that he is jogging on the field after someone has passed him by with the ball. Moving on from Rhodes gives us cap flexibility and we get a DT and LB that can stop the run. Which would allow our pass rushers to get to the QB on 3rd and long.

[YikesVikes]

I brought up the potential of cutting Rudolph yesterday too. Not sure how they feel about Conklin going foward, but there's a couple TE's in this draft they could set their eyes on. After OL in the 1st, I think they might go with a pass rusher in round 2, but if Hockenson from Iowa is still on the board, they might just need to do go and get him.

A stud TE could help us big time. I also think a #3 WR that can ball could really elevate our O. I like Marquise (Hollywood) Brown from OU. Crazy video game like speed and solid route runner. He's currently projected around pick 72, which happens to be our 3rd round pick. (oops, we're actually 82)

Another WR I like is Collin Johnson, from my UT Longhorns. Dude is 6' 6" and very athletic. Check out some of his diving catches. Looking forward to seeing him play tonight vs. Georgia.

18 is a high pick for a guard (though Cody Ford, who is projected to change to G, is projected at 18 by Walter FB). I am guessing they keep Reiff at LT and look to upgrade their guards. They might trade down from 18 or go for a LB or DT and pick up a G at #50.

Keeping Reiff would be a mistake. Too much money and too little production.

[Texas Vike]

A stud TE could help us big time. I also think a #3 WR that can ball could really elevate our O. I like Marquise (Hollywood) Brown from OU. Crazy video game like speed and solid route runner. He's currently projected around pick 72, which happens to be our 3rd round pick. (oops, we're actually 82)

Another WR I like is Collin Johnson, from my UT Longhorns. Dude is 6' 6" and very athletic. Check out some of his diving catches. Looking forward to seeing him play tonight vs. Georgia.

18 is a high pick for a guard (though Cody Ford, who is projected to change to G, is projected at 18 by Walter FB). I am guessing they keep Reiff at LT and look to upgrade their guards. They might trade down from 18 or go for a LB or DT and pick up a G at #50.

Keeping Reiff would be a mistake. Too much money and too little production.

I agree, but do you realistically think they'll cut him? I don't, but I guess I've come to expect utter incompetence at the OL strategy from the Ricker.

[YikesVikes]

Keeping Reiff would be a mistake. Too much money and too little production.

I agree, but do you realistically think they'll cut him? I don't, but I guess I've come to expect utter incompetence at the OL strategy from the Ricker.

I expect us to resign Compton.

[PurpleMustReign]

I agree, but do you realistically think they'll cut him? I don't, but I guess I've come to expect utter incompetence at the OL strategy from the Ricker.

I expect us to resign Compton.

And bring back TJ Clemmings.

[PurpleMustReign]

I like LilJordan Humphrey. But either of them would be a great pickup.

LJ is awesome too, but I have a feeling he stays in Austin for another year. They're both fantastic and will make great pros, IMO.

I thought LJ was a senior. He will be a beast in the NFL. I could see him being a TE/WR hybrid.
I saw a few Longhorns games this season, including both against Oklahoma (I'm a Sooner fan). Both of those receivers will be studs.

[Texas Vike]

I thought LJ was a senior. He will be a beast in the NFL. I could see him being a TE/WR hybrid.
I saw a few Longhorns games this season, including both against Oklahoma (I'm a Sooner fan). Both of those receivers will be studs.

He's a junior and hasn't decided whether to declare or not. His mom tweeted her opinion--that he stay at UT--and caused some hullabaloo.

What do you think of Hollywood Brown? Seems like a Desean Jackson type of guy to me.

Another Big 12 guy to keep an eye on (he'll declare for 2020 draft) is TCU's Jalen Reagor. Guy's a beast.

Any of these guys paired with Stefon and Adam would be SO much better than Treadwell.

[PurpleMustReign]

I thought LJ was a senior. He will be a beast in the NFL. I could see him being a TE/WR hybrid.
I saw a few Longhorns games this season, including both against Oklahoma (I'm a Sooner fan). Both of those receivers will be studs.

He's a junior and hasn't decided whether to declare or not. His mom tweeted her opinion--that he stay at UT--and caused some hullabaloo.

What do you think of Hollywood Brown? Seems like a Desean Jackson type of guy to me.

Another Big 12 guy to keep an eye on (he'll declare for 2020 draft) is TCU's Jalen Reagor. Guy's a beast.

Any of these guys paired with Stefon and Adam would be SO much better than Treadwell.

I love Hollywood Brown but I like CeeDee Lamb more. He's more of a full package than Brown.

[StumpHunter]

I think, while your plan is reasonable, it makes the team worse next year not better.

How. Our oline will instantly be better. The defense is soft. Soft. Barr is overrated and lazy. In the last 3 games, there are times that he is jogging on the field after someone has passed him by with the ball. Moving on from Rhodes gives us cap flexibility and we get a DT and LB that can stop the run. Which would allow our pass rushers to get to the QB on 3rd and long.

Our Oline might get better with your plan. It will get worse at TE, CB, Dline and LBer.

It is all fine and good to say we should get a LBer or a DT who are better than Barr and Richardson against the run, but who are those guys? Richardson and Barr hit FAs and they might be the top guys at their positions available, so you aren't improving that way. So that leaves the draft, where you would have to find 3 good starters on the line, a starting TE, a starting DT and a starting OLB...that are better than two pro-bowlers in the draft. That would be the best draft of all time. Even if you assume we are addressing two spots on the line in a weak class of FA olinemen. That would still be asking a lot of the draft. Especially with the GM we have.

It isn't a horrible plan, and might be the best move with the cap space and draft capital available, but it likely leaves us worse next year than this one. Something that I believe will happen no matter what.

[YikesVikes]

How. Our oline will instantly be better. The defense is soft. Soft. Barr is overrated and lazy. In the last 3 games, there are times that he is jogging on the field after someone has passed him by with the ball. Moving on from Rhodes gives us cap flexibility and we get a DT and LB that can stop the run. Which would allow our pass rushers to get to the QB on 3rd and long.

Our Oline might get better with your plan. It will get worse at TE, CB, Dline and LBer.

It is all fine and good to say we should get a LBer or a DT who are better than Barr and Richardson against the run, but who are those guys? Richardson and Barr hit FAs and they might be the top guys at their positions available, so you aren't improving that way. So that leaves the draft, where you would have to find 3 good starters on the line, a starting TE, a starting DT and a starting OLB...that are better than two pro-bowlers in the draft. That would be the best draft of all time. Even if you assume we are addressing two spots on the line in a weak class of FA olinemen. That would still be asking a lot of the draft. Especially with the GM we have.

It isn't a horrible plan, and might be the best move with the cap space and draft capital available, but it likely leaves us worse next year than this one. Something that I believe will happen no matter what.

You made some assumptions that I want to address.

1. We don't have to rely on FA to fill anything. As I pointed out, Barr is vastly overrated. He plays great when he wants to. The majority of the time he is soft and as a result, teams run it down our throats. He is too big and fast to have almost no impact on games. I believe he has 13 career sacks in 5 years. He ducks under block and gets cute when blitzing. Soft.

Devin Bush is a monster in the middle. His only flaw his height. He has everything else you want in a player and he is a LEADER of the defense. Upgrade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi4IeC_akWY

Richardson was fantastic to start the season but he was less and less effective as the season wore on. To keep him he is going to want 9 million + per season or more. I think that is money not wisely spent. We will have the same issues we had this season. An inability to stop the run. I rather draft Raekwon Davis and start him. He is uber-athletic at the DT position and is unbelievable in run support. He can use his athletic ability to rush the passer this season and eventually take over as the NT for Joesph in an attacking front. When you add to the fact that we have young guys that they want to get playing like Holmes and company, this seems like a no-brainer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J1MURp83uc

[YikesVikes]

As for TE,
We drafted Conklin last season and he is serviceable. Morgan is also a talent. Paring them with a late round pass catching TE in the Hernandez role would be a good idea. Someone that is a miss match in the passing game that we can split out wide but might not be a great inline. Rudy is in his 9th season and he a dropoff has come or is going to come really soon.

I believe staying the course leaves us as a good but not great team. A team that is prone to being dominated on both sides of the ball. This team is soft. As much as it pains me to say so. When a team is more physical than we are, we shink. I can't think of a game that we set the tone as a physical team. Not Detroit or the phins despite the high sack numbers.

[S197]

I brought up the potential of cutting Rudolph yesterday too. Not sure how they feel about Conklin going foward, but there's a couple TE's in this draft they could set their eyes on. After OL in the 1st, I think they might go with a pass rusher in round 2, but if Hockenson from Iowa is still on the board, they might just need to do go and get him.

I don't think they're sold on Conklin, rumor is they were working a trade with the Rams for Higbee.