Vikings Message Board.Com

The Breeze wrote: Tomlin said the same thing in an interview from the owner's meetings.

PacificNorseWest wrote:Russell has always been a throw first QB who supplements his throwing with his innate ability to feel the defense and take off when needed. Seattle was never heavy in the read option until the very later stages of the year when they wanted to add an element to the offense. Wilson had displayed strong growth and progression in his passing and they wanted to utilize his athleticism once he was able to work within their offense.

As far as height goes...It's a dead issue in my opinion. I've done a write-up regarding him before and just all the components involved in his game definitely help in offsetting his height. A quick list: An almost exagerrated overhand delivery, a deeper first drop step to give him more separation from the line on his dropbacks, plays that move the pocket to give Wilson even further separation and bigger windows, and he also was successful playing behind an NFL sized line at Wisconsin. He'll still get balls batted and what not, but he's like Drew Brees with how he uses mechanics and parts of his game to compensate for lack of height.

He's like a walking intangible too. The guys work ethic, knowledge, and leadership abilities are outstanding.

PacificNorseWest wrote:You didn't give that impression necessarily. I'm just confident in the fact that Wilson is one of those Drew Brees types that's just a natural like you said and excels under any circumstances.

I agree about expert player evaluators who OD on the 40 times and measurables and what not. Can the guy play football is the first question I would ask or look for an answer to.

Mothman wrote: Amen!

losperros wrote: Absolutely! I keep being mystified why people, even NFL team staff, put so much emphasis on a *track event* like a 40 yard dash over actual football speed. Why do we constantly see 4.6/40 linebackers run supposedly 4.4/40 RBs down from behind on the football field? Put the pads on and play the game, and you can toss the races against a stopwatch out the window. Folks, keep in mind, this is coming from someone who used to run track and definitely appreciates track technique.

Anyway, case in point. WR DeAndre Hopkins ran disappointing mid 4.5's at the combine. Not a wonder. He stood up too straight and took too many steps while running the 40. Then he goes back to Clemson, gets some pointers from coaching, and turns in a best 4.41/40 at the Pro Day. You watch Hopkins play football and it's obvious the guy can run and is a deep threat. But put him against a stopwatch and it's a different story.

dead_poet wrote: Not saying you're wrong, but (as you know) the type of track makes a difference too. I, for one, wouldn't be opposed to Hopkins from what I've seen/read.

Mothman wrote: ... and yet they're still easier to move than all those Brad Childress hoodies you convinced me to invest in.

losperros wrote:That's' one reason why electronic timing would probably be the best way to go.

PacificNorseWest wrote:
Been there since NC State. It just had to be Seattle though. Smh.

dead_poet wrote: I can't believe I didn't know this, but I thought the combine WAS electronically timed. I just looked it up and if what I'm reading is correct, it's partial electronic timing (started by hand, finished electronically). Here's one thing I didn't read: are the runners able to start themselves or are they told to "go"? The only reason I ask is because I'm wondering why the entire thing isn't done electronically. Perhaps they're measuring reaction time? Then again, that can also likely be calculated electronically. I'm not sure the advantage of partial electronic timing.

Laserman wrote:Hard to really analyze Ponder's Skill as a QB without a valid WR who can get open to throw to. Hopefully we get a freak of WR in the draft and we shall see

ViciousBritishVike wrote: I believe when healthy, Jennings is more than capable of this but as you addressed, hopefully we'll acquire an additional viable threat at WR in the draft. I'm thinking perhaps a versatile threat, dependable hands that Ponder can rely on in the short to intermediate game.

A primarily slot orientated guy is crucial as a compliment to Greg.