2019 Season General Thread (News, Notes, Interviews, etc)

[Bowhunting Viking]

I know this post doesn't contain info on a Free Agency move that we are actively making, but is just one of those what if/ wishful thinking posts.
I just wish that we were sitting in a position like the Colts with a ton of money to spend.
I was just reading an article about C.J. Anderson feeling disrespected by not being re-signed by the Rams and no real interest from any teams. I think he could be a possible great pairing with Cook in our backfield.
I know the argument is that he came in late in the season on fresh legs from not playing all season.
But I also see a guy, from different interviews I've seen with him, a guy that is truly hungry to get another fair shot. I could just see him as a perfect compliment to Cook, and a great guy on the goal line and when we are in a short ydg 1st down scenerio.
I know it can't happen due to our cap situation, but man if we could get him on a cap friendly couple yr deal could really be a great signing.
I know it won't happen but it's fun to think about it.
That's what us Vikes fans are experts at... dreaming away!!

[Maelstrom88]

If Haskins were available at 18 If definitely take him that would be a steal. I don't see him making it put of the top 10. Hask8ns from what I've seen can struggle to drive the ball outside the numbers and his spiral is a little wonky. Lock has an elite level arm and I think he would be a good pick if he made it to 18 as well. Having a QB play at a pretty high level on a rookie deal works wonders. That's how the Rams were able to go out and seem like they were exempt from the cap.

I dont know why I'm just not a Haskins fan. Reminds me of Cam Newton. I'm definitely a fan of Lock though

What about Lock makes you a believer?

[Dakotavike]

I know this post doesn't contain info on a Free Agency move that we are actively making, but is just one of those what if/ wishful thinking posts.
I just wish that we were sitting in a position like the Colts with a ton of money to spend.
I was just reading an article about C.J. Anderson feeling disrespected by not being re-signed by the Rams and no real interest from any teams. I think he could be a possible great pairing with Cook in our backfield.
I know the argument is that he came in late in the season on fresh legs from not playing all season.
But I also see a guy, from different interviews I've seen with him, a guy that is truly hungry to get another fair shot. I could just see him as a perfect compliment to Cook, and a great guy on the goal line and when we are in a short ydg 1st down scenerio.
I know it can't happen due to our cap situation, but man if we could get him on a cap friendly couple yr deal could really be a great signing.
I know it won't happen but it's fun to think about it.
That's what us Vikes fans are experts at... dreaming away!!

Totally agree with you! I've often thought he's underrated and would be a perfect fit with Cook. Ideally I'd like to see Rudolph restructure and we sign CJ to a reasonable deal. Won't happen but since we're dreaming that's how I'd draw it up.

[Bowhunting Viking]

I know this post doesn't contain info on a Free Agency move that we are actively making, but is just one of those what if/ wishful thinking posts.
I just wish that we were sitting in a position like the Colts with a ton of money to spend.
I was just reading an article about C.J. Anderson feeling disrespected by not being re-signed by the Rams and no real interest from any teams. I think he could be a possible great pairing with Cook in our backfield.
I know the argument is that he came in late in the season on fresh legs from not playing all season.
But I also see a guy, from different interviews I've seen with him, a guy that is truly hungry to get another fair shot. I could just see him as a perfect compliment to Cook, and a great guy on the goal line and when we are in a short ydg 1st down scenerio.
I know it can't happen due to our cap situation, but man if we could get him on a cap friendly couple yr deal could really be a great signing.
I know it won't happen but it's fun to think about it.
That's what us Vikes fans are experts at... dreaming away!!

Totally agree with you! I've often thought he's underrated and would be a perfect fit with Cook. Ideally I'd like to see Rudolph restructure and we sign CJ to a reasonable deal. Won't happen but since we're dreaming that's how I'd draw it up.

Well if we are gonna dream, I wish Slick Rick was a visitor on the board and would feel the same way we do.
That would make a great backfield duo for sure.

[PacificNorseWest]

Well, teams are going to have some weak spots for sure. There's no way around it. But in keeping the context, are you saying they are at a spot where they should consider drafting a quarterback for the future in the 1st round? Because that's what's being discussed. While I see the holes, some of them will be filled before the season starts and no team is going to be stacked, top to bottom.

But just to play aglong...I would like to see Minnesota add a top tier TE, they do have one. Rudolph can get it done on 3rd downs and in the redzone. There's still David Morgan too, don't forget and he's proven to be invaluable. On the DL, the only guy they lost so far is Richardson. While that is a big loss, they already filled his void. Bringing back Everson means they don't have a mass exodus of producers. This is a position that is deep in the draft and they will get another body there for sure. Other than that, there's promise with Weatherly, so that makes 3 good to great DE's and they got some young guys inside to go with Linval. And I agree with the total depth at WR, but it's not like the cupboard is bare...They have 2 of the top 20ish WR's in the game. That's a great place to start. They need one guy to step up and they're good there, but they also probably address this in the draft with a pick. Agree again on RB, but given that there's no real studs in this draft and the fact that you can always find top producing RB's later drafts, the Vikings will be able to find somebody to spell Cook. I'm sure of that. The OL is a mess though and the biggest concern to me. Everything else mentioned can be made whole or much better by one draft pick and/or signing either an unheralded, under the radar player or cap casualty when camp rolls around. The offensive line will take an investment of at least 2 high draft picks and other bodies some other way. I also think they could use another LB.

I see holes, but nothing that can't be fixed with the right moves. It's very much true that the window on this current team is closing pretty fast, but it's not closed completely.

Good points. No team is stacked. Perhaps I'm looking to down on everything. Getting Griff back was a very good move no doubt. Maybe his issues are in check. I thought he was gone for sure. But he took a CAP redo also. Another good thing. I missed on that one. One player I hope wouldn't be back is Rudy. IMO he's not good enough for what he gets. Matter of fact he's not that good at anything. Another great point is 20ish WRs. Having 2 is a good thing. I was under the impression that some felt they were two top WRs. Again a mistake on my part. They will fix things the best they can with the means available. Which is exactly what you stated.

I think what really hurt them was whiffing on Treadwell. Had be been what most thought he would, I don't think the offense would have gone so stale for a period there last season, regardless if they could run the football or not. There was just so much focus on Thielen and Diggs, it was just too easy to take away because as we've been discussing, Rudolph is exceptionally slow and he very easy to bracket in coverage, so when they don't have that 3rd threat, it makes it pretty vanilla to defend. With another playmaking guy on the outside and with a healthy Cook for a full season, they should be much harder to game plan for and it would make things easier on Kirk.

I know this post doesn't contain info on a Free Agency move that we are actively making, but is just one of those what if/ wishful thinking posts.
I just wish that we were sitting in a position like the Colts with a ton of money to spend.
I was just reading an article about C.J. Anderson feeling disrespected by not being re-signed by the Rams and no real interest from any teams. I think he could be a possible great pairing with Cook in our backfield.
I know the argument is that he came in late in the season on fresh legs from not playing all season.
But I also see a guy, from different interviews I've seen with him, a guy that is truly hungry to get another fair shot. I could just see him as a perfect compliment to Cook, and a great guy on the goal line and when we are in a short ydg 1st down scenerio.
I know it can't happen due to our cap situation, but man if we could get him on a cap friendly couple yr deal could really be a great signing.
I know it won't happen but it's fun to think about it.
That's what us Vikes fans are experts at... dreaming away!!

CJ Anderson will get signed by somebody. No one is going to rush to add him with the draft right around the corner. He's probably going to be a camp signee and Minnesota could end up showing some interest. He'd be a complement to Cook.

[Pondering Her Percy]

I dont know why I'm just not a Haskins fan. Reminds me of Cam Newton. I'm definitely a fan of Lock though

What about Lock makes you a believer?

The arm talent and his ability to go through progressions. You don’t see those two things often in a QB coming out of college

[PacificNorseWest]

Not seeing it with Lock. If it were 5-10 years ago, I'd go out saying I guarantee he busts, but it's much easier for rookie quarterbacks to come in the league these days and throw for yards and look pretty good. I think Haskins is the best QB in the draft and he is nothing like Cam...He's not a mobile/athlete-type whatsoever, but he does have that pocket mobility that all QB's covet and he has a great sense of pressure and maneuvering around it. He can throw absolute seeds and gets away with it because of his arm strength. He's not afraid to throw down field. He'll make mistakes because of the chances he takes, but all in all, he'll win more than he loses. He's accurate and he has touch, two things Cam is still struggling with.

[fiestavike]

Totally agree with you! I've often thought he's underrated and would be a perfect fit with Cook. Ideally I'd like to see Rudolph restructure and we sign CJ to a reasonable deal. Won't happen but since we're dreaming that's how I'd draw it up.

Cut Rudolph and sign Maxx Williams

[PacificNorseWest]

Totally agree with you! I've often thought he's underrated and would be a perfect fit with Cook. Ideally I'd like to see Rudolph restructure and we sign CJ to a reasonable deal. Won't happen but since we're dreaming that's how I'd draw it up.

Cut Rudolph and sign Maxx Williams

Man, I thought Maxx was going to kill in the NFL, but he was a massive bust. I don't know why exactly it didn't work out, but he was a ghost in B'more. Could be because they had so many TE's on that roster and in camps, but he should've risen to much higher on the depth chart from what I/we saw of him at U of M.

So, no...I would not cut Rudolph for Maxx at this point. I wouldn't mind them brining him in to fall camp to see if they can spark anything, but Rudolph is a proven guy who can still make some things happen...especially in the redzone. I do want them to get a TE this draft though.

[CharVike]

Not seeing it with Lock. If it were 5-10 years ago, I'd go out saying I guarantee he busts, but it's much easier for rookie quarterbacks to come in the league these days and throw for yards and look pretty good. I think Haskins is the best QB in the draft and he is nothing like Cam...He's not a mobile/athlete-type whatsoever, but he does have that pocket mobility that all QB's covet and he has a great sense of pressure and maneuvering around it. He can throw absolute seeds and gets away with it because of his arm strength. He's not afraid to throw down field. He'll make mistakes because of the chances he takes, but all in all, he'll win more than he loses. He's accurate and he has touch, two things Cam is still struggling with.

Cam was never a true QB. He's a RB that can throw a football about 70 yards. He's a joke who is a great marketer. Plus he takes a ton of CAP. Some feel Cousins is a waste. IMO I like this guy Lock. Is he the talent that was in the draft last year? Nope. But he has the physical skills and has played a lot. That's what I look at. It's not like the bs we have drafted in the past that lack any physical gifts beginning with arm strength. Like the chicken wing stick Teddy. Or the no arm Ponder ect... Plus he will have the benefit of learning for a few seasons. It seems he is moving up the board quickly. Haskins didn't really play that much. Plus he had outstanding talent around him. Never had to elevate the team. This is a guy I wouldn't even look at in the top 3 rounds. But he will blow up the measure game and be a top half 1st round pick. Good luck with that move.

[CharVike]

Good points. No team is stacked. Perhaps I'm looking to down on everything. Getting Griff back was a very good move no doubt. Maybe his issues are in check. I thought he was gone for sure. But he took a CAP redo also. Another good thing. I missed on that one. One player I hope wouldn't be back is Rudy. IMO he's not good enough for what he gets. Matter of fact he's not that good at anything. Another great point is 20ish WRs. Having 2 is a good thing. I was under the impression that some felt they were two top WRs. Again a mistake on my part. They will fix things the best they can with the means available. Which is exactly what you stated.

I think what really hurt them was whiffing on Treadwell. Had be been what most thought he would, I don't think the offense would have gone so stale for a period there last season, regardless if they could run the football or not. There was just so much focus on Thielen and Diggs, it was just too easy to take away because as we've been discussing, Rudolph is exceptionally slow and he very easy to bracket in coverage, so when they don't have that 3rd threat, it makes it pretty vanilla to defend. With another playmaking guy on the outside and with a healthy Cook for a full season, they should be much harder to game plan for and it would make things easier on Kirk.

I know this post doesn't contain info on a Free Agency move that we are actively making, but is just one of those what if/ wishful thinking posts.
I just wish that we were sitting in a position like the Colts with a ton of money to spend.
I was just reading an article about C.J. Anderson feeling disrespected by not being re-signed by the Rams and no real interest from any teams. I think he could be a possible great pairing with Cook in our backfield.
I know the argument is that he came in late in the season on fresh legs from not playing all season.
But I also see a guy, from different interviews I've seen with him, a guy that is truly hungry to get another fair shot. I could just see him as a perfect compliment to Cook, and a great guy on the goal line and when we are in a short ydg 1st down scenerio.
I know it can't happen due to our cap situation, but man if we could get him on a cap friendly couple yr deal could really be a great signing.
I know it won't happen but it's fun to think about it.
That's what us Vikes fans are experts at... dreaming away!!

CJ Anderson will get signed by somebody. No one is going to rush to add him with the draft right around the corner. He's probably going to be a camp signee and Minnesota could end up showing some interest. He'd be a complement to Cook.

Losing Murray was a big blow. Especially if we are going to get back to more run. Which will be the case this year especially since that no run OC is gone. How is that possible with one back who has proven won't stay healthy. He's not a workhorse guy. Unfortunately Treadwell was a wasted pick. Why he was even thought to be a 1st round candidate is the big question. This will never happen but they should make him a TE. The blocking will be pitiful but the guy could split the seam from that position and help our two WR out some. Bottom line is Cousins has crap to work with. I'd like to still have Patterson here. At least he can run and make defenses keep the top sealed. No defense has to worry about that with us. Especially with a slug at TE that can't even get out of his own way.Talk about a CAP waste. We need a guy that can blow the top off. Won't get that from this years draft. Matter of fact looking for help at that position in the draft is one of the longest shots outside of QB of course. If this guy Anderson had any value he would have flew off the board like Murray did. He's a CAP min guy or stay away. Might as well just draft some stiff late.

[CharVike]

See i was thinking this but for Haskins, not Lock. IMO Haskins is the best QB in the draft, and has the potential to be a top 5 QB in the NFL. Great arm, ridiculously accurate, decent feet (when used sparingly) etc.
A big reason for this thought, is because of where it leaves the team when they have a Rookie QB salary for the starter QB. If you look at who represents the NFC in the superbowl in recent years, they all have young QB's under a rookie contract. Which in turn, frees up a big chunk of salary cap to improve the rest of the team.
Draft Haskins, let him learn from Cousins and roll him out when he's ready in 1-2 seasons time.
Thats what i'd do (although i know its not very likely)

If Haskins were available at 18 If definitely take him that would be a steal. I don't see him making it put of the top 10. Hask8ns from what I've seen can struggle to drive the ball outside the numbers and his spiral is a little wonky. Lock has an elite level arm and I think he would be a good pick if he made it to 18 as well. Having a QB play at a pretty high level on a rookie deal works wonders. That's how the Rams were able to go out and seem like they were exempt from the cap.

I disagree with Haskins. I don't see him as a 1st round talent. Played one year with tremendous supporting talent around him. Hello you should do good. Highly overrated guy who is setting himself up well. He also will put on a great workout. That means zero. Especially at that position. What was Lucks 40 time? Who cares. As for the Rams the rookie was a great pick. But a team needs to crap the bed to have that great pick position. We are not in that spot. The top level will be off the board by the time our pick comes around. Picking at our spot isn't a great position. That's why I'd rather s the bed. Only way to get a top QB on a rookie deal that can play right off the bat. I like Lock the most but he's not ready to play right out of the gate. But if he's there he better be the pick. It's perfect since we already have our guy. So it won't happen that way for sure. Once we make this last run at the show we need to crap the bed big time and finally get a decent QB. Jimmy Johnson already proved that a long time ago. This sitting at 6-9 wins while not developing a guy is about as dumb as it gets. There's zero chance of this happening but I can still hope we make the show this year.

[Bowhunting Viking]

Personally, and maybe it's my born and bred in Ohio with a daughter and future son in law who both graduated with Masters at THE Ohio State University.. lol had to get that shameless plug in... but I truly believe that Elf will be back in a big way this season. Especially if he has ends up having some decent help on either side of him.
Gotta remember that he was able to very very little strength training and working out prior to last season due to healing and rehab from the off season surgeries.
Kid really is a tough, mean dude out there when healthy, and a very intelligent player and does well calling out pre snap adjustment due to D recognition. I feel Kubiak and his system will help Elf further improve. I also believe the unfortunate passing of Sporano had a much bigger impact on the O line room.. no the whole team.. than any of us can realize.
I know many here thought he was "trash" last season. And I admit he wasnt nearly the player he can be. But I'm anxious to see what coming into the season healthier and with a big chip to put last years season in the rear view mirror. Now is just the hope that we can add some other good pieces around him.
On another note, I haven't seen any other news on Eastons disallowed contract with the Saints. The last report said it was technical wording that was the sticking point. Anyone else see any updates yet?

[fiestavike]

Cut Rudolph and sign Maxx Williams

Man, I thought Maxx was going to kill in the NFL, but he was a massive bust. I don't know why exactly it didn't work out, but he was a ghost in B'more. Could be because they had so many TE's on that roster and in camps, but he should've risen to much higher on the depth chart from what I/we saw of him at U of M.

So, no...I would not cut Rudolph for Maxx at this point. I wouldn't mind them brining him in to fall camp to see if they can spark anything, but Rudolph is a proven guy who can still make some things happen...especially in the redzone. I do want them to get a TE this draft though.

We need the cap space and Kyle stinks. Maxx would be an immediate upgrade for far less money.

[fiestavike]

Losing Murray was a big blow. Especially if we are going to get back to more run.

Losing Murray was not a negative. He is an easily replaceable RB who was not particularly good at anything and was a poor fit as their short yardage/power back.