Vikings 2012 Season: Gentlemen, We Are Hosed

[Dances With Gophers]

Let 'er rip (or "R.I.P.", depending on your level of optimism...)

Who should we take in the draft? Should we trade our pick? What area should be addressed first? What stadium sites make sense? Would you rather have Tebow than Ponder? Will All Day's boo-boo heal up in time for the season opener? Will he be as effective?

Predictions for the 2012 season? (I say we finish 4-12)

[Handyman]

I say 3-13. Trade down...bait Washington into making a deal cause they want RG3. Vikes need a couple linemen, 3 dbacks and at least one linebacker.

As for the stadium...anywhere that doesnt have them playing at TCF is a good start. Shakopee is terrible unless they add a few more ways to get out there because 169 is just not good enough.

[Bushwood Gopher]

7 - 9. About four games into the season Vikings brass will figure out that Joe Webb is roughly twice the QB that Christian Ponder is, and Webb will single-handedly win three games for them that they otherwise would not have.

Either Cle or Wash will trade up with St Louis to draft RG3 leaving the Vikings to take Matt Kalil 3rd overall.

[Snowcool08]

As for the stadium...anywhere that doesnt have them playing at TCF is a good start. Shakopee is terrible unless they add a few more ways to get out there because 169 is just not good enough.

I like the idea of the Shakopee stadium and you're right, there isn't any way to get down there. On race days at Canterbury, it's possible to get stuck on 169 all the way past 101. That 3 mile or whatever stretch of road can take up to an hour to get through, because of the people merging from 13 causing havoc. Putting the stadium on 101 isn't any better. There's less room than 169 and only two ways out of the area.

It looks like the Farmer's Market area is going to win out by default. Everything else is just too expensive with road additions or not where the Vikings want it to be.

[Chris83]

I will be cautiously optimistic and say 1-15.

[Hammy]

I know it is early but what is the mock for the top 5? I am guessing the Rams are in the prime spot for trade down. They don't need a QB and some teams will want to trade up. I would guess that would mean the OL from USC would fall in our laps.

[dxmnkd316]

I will be cautiously optimistic and say 1-15.

Jeebus. You ARE an optimist. I was thinking -1 and 17.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

FRAZIER'S last season

[Chris83]

I will be cautiously optimistic and say 1-15.

Jeebus. You ARE an optimist. I was thinking -1 and 17.

Well, I didn't want it to seem as though I've COMPLETELY given up hope.

[Bushwood Gopher]

I know it is early but what is the mock for the top 5? I am guessing the Rams are in the prime spot for trade down. They don't need a QB and some teams will want to trade up. I would guess that would mean the OL from USC would fall in our laps.

Pretty much the way I see it also. The Vikings could've gotten a bounty for having the 2nd pick instead of #3. Like everything else in their history, they fell just short...

[Riff Raff]

I know it is early but what is the mock for the top 5? I am guessing the Rams are in the prime spot for trade down. They don't need a QB and some teams will want to trade up. I would guess that would mean the OL from USC would fall in our laps.

Pretty much the way I see it also. The Vikings could've gotten a bounty for having the 2nd pick instead of #3. Like everything else in their history, they fell just short...

....Unless the Rams keep the pick and take the USC kid. Then maybe we can get the bounty from a team looking to trade up for RG3

[magoose]

The Califonia Vikings will be 6-10 with Ponder jerseys outselling webb by a 2:1 margin.

[team22tank]

The Califonia Vikings will be 6-10 with Ponder jerseys outselling webb by a 2:1 margin.

The Vikes aren't going anywhere. Just a matter of where in MN the new stadium goes. I say MPLS.

[Beauner]

I'd be surprised if St. Louis trades down.
The 2nd overall pick means they get to pick from Blackmon (definite need) or Kalil (possible need--as I mentioned earlier they've used 2 early early-round picks on tackles in the last 3 years). If they trade out of the #2 spot they aren't guaranteed either one of those, and if they trade with Washington they are guaranteed to get neither one.

Most mock drafts I've seen go like this
Indy: Luck
St. Louis: Kalil
Minnesota: Claiborne/Blackmon
Cleveland: RG3
Tampa Bay: Claiborne if available

(Although all of them have the caveat that there is almost no chance that RG3 falls to #4, most mock drafts don't predict trades)

My personal mock draft (predicting a trade, otherwise largely based off a jumble of other mocks I've seen)

1. Indy: Andrew Luck (QB)
2. St. Louis: Matt Kalil (LT)
3. Washington (via Vikings): RG3 (QB)--Trade: #6 overall, a 2nd round pick, a 4th round pick, and first round in 2013 for #3 overall
4. Cleveland: Justin Blackmon (WR)
5. Tampa Bay: Morris Claiborne (CB)
6. Minnesota via Washington: Riley Reiff (LT)
7. Jacksonville: Quinton Coples (DE)
8. Miami: Trent Richardson (RB) (I know they just drafted a RB last year in the 2nd round and saw a huge year from Reggie Bush but I see this as an AP situation--Can't let a guy this good keep falling down the draft board)
9. Carolina: Dre Kirkpatrick (CB)
10. Buffalo: Courtney Upshaw (DE/LB)
11. KC: Jonathan Martin (OT)
12. Seattle: Devon Still (DE) - I could see this being Tannehill the QB from TAMU. I picture him being one of those guys who shoots up draft boards.
13. Arizona: Luke Kuechly (MLB)
14. Dallas: Devin DeCastro (OG)
15. Philadelphia: Michael Floyd. They will not be bringing back DeSean Jackson after his pathetic efforts and attitude this season.
16. NY Jets: Whitney Mercilus (DE/OLB)
17. Cincinnati (from Oakland): Janoris Jenkins (CB)
18. San Diego: Nick Perry (OLB/DE)
19. Chicago: Alfonzo Dennard (CB)
20. Tennessee: Melvin Ingram (DE)
21. Cincinnati: Cordy Glenn (OG)
22. Cleveland (from Atlanta): Ryan Tannehill (QB)--As mentioned, I could see Seattle take him, but if he is still available by this point Cleveland takes him.

That is as far as I'm going to go because 22 is the other pick the Vikes/Rams would likely get if they traded out of the 2/3 spot with Cleveland for 4 and 22.

[Bushwood Gopher]

Corey Chavous was on with PA last week and was talking about how he and others were projecting a better pro career for Reiff than Kalil. Which I found interesting. And one possible reason why the Rams wouldn't be afraid to move down.

[Beauner]

Corey Chavous was on with PA last week and was talking about how he and others were projecting a better pro career for Reiff than Kalil. Which I found interesting. And one possible reason why the Rams wouldn't be afraid to move down.

I tend to agree with Chavous. Kalil and Reiff have almost identical size (I think they are 1/2 inch apart and listed at 5 pounds apart). I think Reiff played in a conference that is more ideal for offensive linemen and more proven for creating NFL linemen. I don't have any film background on either one, but historically Big Ten linemen are better than Pac 10/12 and go up against bigger, stronger DLs.

[Hobey Baker]

We need OL, DB, LB and WR talent. If we can get a top player on the OL, DB or WR, I am all for acquiring picks. There is a lot of pressure on the Vikes to hit on their picks. How is our cap room for FA??

[Beauner]

We need OL, DB, LB and WR talent. If we can get a top player on the OL, DB or WR, I am all for acquiring picks. There is a lot of pressure on the Vikes to hit on their picks. How is our cap room for FA??

If they make the moves I'd expect them to make we should have a pretty good amount of room. After re-signing AP and Greenway this year we gave ourselves a lot more wiggle room because they end-loaded those contracts I believe.
Anyways, here is what I would expect as far as big salary moves/dumps.

I think Hutchinson is gone (his contract is worth more than 7 million). EJ Henderson, Visanthe Shiancoe, Donovan McNabb, and Jim Kleinsasser are all coming off the books and the only one that has a chance to come back (IMHO) is EJ who made north of 5 million this season. Between those 4 guys is another 15-ish million+ 7 million from Hutch. After dumping Berrian's nearly 4 million dollar hit, we should be sitting somewhere around 20-25 million under the cap if all of those guys are gone.

With some of that money I fully expect them to make a run at Vincent Jackson, set to be a free agent. He is almost perfect for a WR to line up with Cheech. A big strong deep threat to open underneath for Cheech.
I would like to see them sign Rashean Mathis as well. He's a veteran corner that still has 2-3 good years left in him. After that, I'd like to rebuild through the draft.

[g_manpucker]

Corey Chavous was on with PA last week and was talking about how he and others were projecting a better pro career for Reiff than Kalil. Which I found interesting. And one possible reason why the Rams wouldn't be afraid to move down.

I tend to agree with Chavous. Kalil and Reiff have almost identical size (I think they are 1/2 inch apart and listed at 5 pounds apart). I think Reiff played in a conference that is more ideal for offensive linemen and more proven for creating NFL linemen. I don't have any film background on either one, but historically Big Ten linemen are better than Pac 10/12 and go up against bigger, stronger DLs.

Haven't seen one down of Kalil but I have seen plenty of Reiff over the last couple of years and I would put him up with Bulaga easily. Iowa linemen are good so I wouldn't be afraid to pull the trigger and draft him here, one thing is for sure is that he will have a much better ethic than McKinnie ever thought of!!

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

who is gonna be the purples new defensive coordinator any ideas.

[gopher6]

who is gonna be the purples new defensive coordinator any ideas.

rumor has it Singletary will be moved up

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

FRAZIERS buddy SINGLETARY MR INTENSE.

[Chris83]

who is gonna be the purples new defensive coordinator any ideas.

rumor has it Singletary will be moved up

Ugh. Heard numerous times that Singletary is a great screamer but totally clueless on "Xs & Os". Not what you're looking for in a coordinator.

[Bushwood Gopher]

who is gonna be the purples new defensive coordinator any ideas.

rumor has it Singletary will be moved up

Ugh. Heard numerous times that Singletary is a great screamer but totally clueless on "Xs & Os". Not what you're looking for in a coordinator.

Another classic example of the Coaching Corollary--the better you were at your sport, the worse coach you make. And often vice versa...

[Armadillo]

who is gonna be the purples new defensive coordinator any ideas.

rumor has it Singletary will be moved up

Ugh. Heard numerous times that Singletary is a great screamer but totally clueless on "Xs & Os". Not what you're looking for in a coordinator.

Another classic example of the Coaching Corollary--the better you were at your sport, the worse coach you make. And often vice versa...

Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.

[dxmnkd316]

who is gonna be the purples new defensive coordinator any ideas.

rumor has it Singletary will be moved up

Ugh. Heard numerous times that Singletary is a great screamer but totally clueless on "Xs & Os". Not what you're looking for in a coordinator.

This is EXACTLY what I've been hearing too. You want your position coaches to be the drill sergeants and your coordinators to be the ones you look for to strategy.

[dxmnkd316]

who is gonna be the purples new defensive coordinator any ideas.

rumor has it Singletary will be moved up

Ugh. Heard numerous times that Singletary is a great screamer but totally clueless on "Xs & Os". Not what you're looking for in a coordinator.

Another classic example of the Coaching Corollary--the better you were at your sport, the worse coach you make. And often vice versa...

Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.

My theory is that people who understand something the best have trouble teaching it because it just comes so naturally. You really don't have to think about it, you just do it.

So when a guy is failing at his position, the guy who was great at his position may not be able to offer any other advice than, "Why can't you do it as good as I used to? You suck." Instead of, "Well, here''s where you need to improve. Here's where your doing it right."

[george]

rumor has it Singletary will be moved up

Ugh. Heard numerous times that Singletary is a great screamer but totally clueless on "Xs & Os". Not what you're looking for in a coordinator.

Another classic example of the Coaching Corollary--the better you were at your sport, the worse coach you make. And often vice versa...

Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.

My theory is that people who understand something the best have trouble teaching it because it just comes so naturally. You really don't have to think about it, you just do it.

So when a guy is failing at his position, the guy who was great at his position may not be able to offer any other advice than, "Why can't you do it as good as I used to? You suck." Instead of, "Well, here''s where you need to improve. Here's where your doing it right."

It's why I was always so good at coaching.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

is this the right pick for d coordinator.

[gopher6]

is this the right pick for d coordinator.

2-14? I think that answers your question

[Hobey Baker]

is this the right pick for d coordinator.

Not an exciting pick. Not a different direction. I wonder how much Frazier is going to be involved???

[Beauner]

In fairness, while he was in Indianapolis their pass defenses usually were pretty stout. I think I heard that in the last 9 years they are #1 as far as fewest TD passes allowed and #4 in passing yards allowed. I'm not positive and am too lazy to check but I believe I heard that on PA's show today or yesterday.

[Hobey Baker]

According to ESPN, Speilman and the Vikings aren't interested in Randy Moss (part 3).

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

speilman is a clown.

[gopher6]

0-16

[dryfly]

The Califonia Vikings will be 6-10 with Ponder jerseys outselling webb by a 2:1 margin.

The Vikes aren't going anywhere. Just a matter of where in MN the new stadium goes. I say MPLS.

Three years ago I would have said you were FOS - Vikes age gone. But Cali is the only real plum location and frankly - they won't want an incompetent organization there... So we are probably safe.

[dxmnkd316]

They aren't moving. The state is calling their bluff. I applaud them.

The only way they move is if Zigi sells them.

[dryfly]

They aren't moving. The state is calling their bluff. I applaud them.

The only way they move is if Zigi sells them.

But sounds like we are still going in on an arena for them ... just a matter of where an how much.

[Hobey Baker]

They aren't moving. The state is calling their bluff. I applaud them.

The only way they move is if Zigi sells them.

Calling their bluff? How do you figure? Sounds like the deal is put together and needs to be voted on.

[dxmnkd316]

They aren't moving. The state is calling their bluff. I applaud them.

The only way they move is if Zigi sells them.

Calling their bluff? How do you figure? Sounds like the deal is put together and needs to be voted on.

Kinda like Arden Hills was announced months ago.

The guys on KFAN were saying the same thing on Friday that I'm saying. They all have this feeling that with the deadline passing on the Vikings declaring their intentions to moving to the NFL, they are locked into Minnesota for another year.

[Hobey Baker]

They aren't moving. The state is calling their bluff. I applaud them.

The only way they move is if Zigi sells them.

Calling their bluff? How do you figure? Sounds like the deal is put together and needs to be voted on.

Kinda like Arden Hills was announced months ago.

The guys on KFAN were saying the same thing on Friday that I'm saying. They all have this feeling that with the deadline passing on the Vikings declaring their intentions to moving to the NFL, they are locked into Minnesota for another year.

It has to do more with it being an election year and the Vikes realizing it. The deal is close and the Vikes don't want to screw things up. As for Arden Hills, I don't think anyone realistically thought that Minneapolis was out of it.

[Superstar]

They aren't moving. The state is calling their bluff. I applaud them.

The only way they move is if Zigi sells them.

Calling their bluff? How do you figure? Sounds like the deal is put together and needs to be voted on.

So...what is the deal that's on the table right now? I've heard so many.

[monty]

950 M stadium behind the Metrodome. 425 M from Wilfs, 390M from state, and the City of Minneapolis with the rest. Not likely to be passed by the city council. I have my doubts about anyone wanting to stick out their neck this year.

[Handyman]

Kinda like Arden Hills was announced months ago.

The guys on KFAN were saying the same thing on Friday that I'm saying. They all have this feeling that with the deadline passing on the Vikings declaring their intentions to moving to the NFL, they are locked into Minnesota for another year.

They are staying for the year...the NFL already said no team is going to LA this offseason.

That means nothing, if they dont get a stadium Zygi is out as owner and most likely the next owner will move it. The State is going to play chicken (if the new deal fails) and they wont win.

Minneapolis has made their move, they got the Governor and the Legislature to backdoor Arden Hills and make it Minneapolis or Bust so all the cards are out on the table now. Either Minneapolis finds a way to do this or the Vikes are gone. (though I dont think they go to LA for some reason I keep thinking San Antonio but I dont know why) The ego of this city is just amazing.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

SAN ANTONIO is that RED MCOMBS territory.

[Tee09]

It would be fitting if the San Antonio Vikings won a SB just like the Stars won the cup.

Edit: assuming Minneapolis got another pro football team, what idiotic verb/adjective/singular noun would they slap a stupid logo on? I'm going with the Minnesota Freeze.

[dxmnkd316]

Minnesota Snowfairies.

[Tee09]

Minnesota Snowfairies.

NOT SINGULAR!

[dxmnkd316]

Minnesota Snowfairies.

NOT SINGULAR!

[dryfly]

Moving to San Antonio - what a laugh. I go there on business too - what a sad city. They'd be better off moving to McAllen/Reynosa or ElPaso/Juarez... at least they have a strong economy and lots of money. Cash money. Could call them the Rio Bloods. Razor wire for the helmet logo...

[Hobey Baker]

KFAN reporting that Kessler is tweeting that Viking bill introduced with Arden Hills as site with electronic pull tabs as funding mechanism.

[sec 16 row16 seat 16 17]

go ARDEN HILLS.

[dxmnkd316]

KFAN reporting that Kessler is tweeting that Viking bill introduced with Arden Hills as site with electronic pull tabs as funding mechanism.

This is the only site in the running that actually makes sense.

[Hobey Baker]

KFAN reporting that Kessler is tweeting that Viking bill introduced with Arden Hills as site with electronic pull tabs as funding mechanism.

This is the only site in the running that actually makes sense.

I disagree with your assessment.

Today 3 GOP legislators think the Viking should get a loan to build stadium .. you have to be kidding me!!!

[dryfly]

KFAN reporting that Kessler is tweeting that Viking bill introduced with Arden Hills as site with electronic pull tabs as funding mechanism.

This is the only site in the running that actually makes sense.

I disagree with your assessment.

Today 3 GOP legislators think the Viking should get a loan to build stadium .. you have to be kidding me!!!

It will play among certain circles.

BTW I have been out on the Arden Hills site when the munitions plant was still running [late cold war]. I was told the contamination is real bad. Not bad like Hanford bad [had friends doing that clean up] but bad. That is the one good argument for Arden - if the thing could actually get cleaned up as a result.

[dxmnkd316]

From what I understand, the Feds will pay for the cleanup since it's their mess. It would be nice to get it cleaned up.

Plus the infrastructure around it is far better than any of the other proposed sites.

[Beauner]

From what I understand, the Feds will pay for the cleanup since it's their mess. It would be nice to get it cleaned up.

Plus the infrastructure around it is far better than any of the other proposed sites.

This is my understanding too.
The military site would be cleaned up by the Federal government because it was an Army base. IIRC, they cleaned up an ammunition site in Illinois not too long ago (within 10 years).

[ScoobyDoo]

This is why the Vikings need a real GM.

"Is the left tackle that important or is it more important to have playmakers on offense?" the Vikings GM asked. "Because when your quarterback evolves, he learns the system, he gets the ball out of his hand quicker and all of a sudden that left tackle doesn't need to be a Pro Bowl left tackle. He can be a functional left tackle. Because the quarterback evolves and he has playmakers."

[Beauner]

This is why the Vikings need a real GM.

"Is the left tackle that important or is it more important to have playmakers on offense?" the Vikings GM asked. "Because when your quarterback evolves, he learns the system, he gets the ball out of his hand quicker and all of a sudden that left tackle doesn't need to be a Pro Bowl left tackle. He can be a functional left tackle. Because the quarterback evolves and he has playmakers."

Are you saying this isn't true?
Because I would whole-heartedly beg to differ. Good QBs can make their average OL look a lot better than they are when they get the ball out quickly. Just like having an elite offensive line makes your QB (and skill-position players) look significantly better.
When you have an elite LT and an elite QB with a couple good skill-position guys, your team is going to be near the top of the league in offense (see: Green Bay, New England).
If a QB is getting the ball out of his hands faster because the playmakers are getting open right off the snap, the LT only has to hold his block for 1-2 seconds. If the LT can hold his block for 4-5 seconds, the QB has time to look for more plays, the crappy WRs have more time to get open down field.

[gopherguy13]

This is why the Vikings need a real GM.

"Is the left tackle that important or is it more important to have playmakers on offense?" the Vikings GM asked. "Because when your quarterback evolves, he learns the system, he gets the ball out of his hand quicker and all of a sudden that left tackle doesn't need to be a Pro Bowl left tackle. He can be a functional left tackle. Because the quarterback evolves and he has playmakers."

Are you saying this isn't true?
Because I would whole-heartedly beg to differ. Good QBs can make their average OL look a lot better than they are when they get the ball out quickly. Just like having an elite offensive line makes your QB (and skill-position players) look significantly better.
When you have an elite LT and an elite QB with a couple good skill-position guys, your team is going to be near the top of the league in offense (see: Green Bay, New England).
If a QB is getting the ball out of his hands faster because the playmakers are getting open right off the snap, the LT only has to hold his block for 1-2 seconds. If the LT can hold his block for 4-5 seconds, the QB has time to look for more plays, the crappy WRs have more time to get open down field.

I would agree as well. If you have a mobile QB with good skill positions, you don't NEED an elite LT. An average LT can get the job done.

[gopherguy13]

Saw on the ESPN ticker that Spielman says the Vikings are "definitely" looking to trade the 3rd pick.

[ScoobyDoo]

Yeah, I'm saying it isn't true. Left Tackle makes the entire offense better including your playmakers. Average Left Tackle makes your whole offense worse including your playmakers.

If what he says is what he believes then please let the Vikings draft a defensive player in the first round. Cause based on what he's saying the first round pick on offense will be a receiver and this team needs an offensive line(man) WAY more than another skill player.

[Beauner]

Yeah, I'm saying it isn't true. Left Tackle makes the entire offense better including your playmakers. Average Left Tackle makes your whole offense worse including your playmakers.

If what he says is what he believes then please let the Vikings draft a defensive player in the first round. Cause based on what he's saying the first round pick on offense will be a receiver and this team needs an offensive line(man) WAY more than another skill player.

I don't think we'll draft a defensive player if we stay at #3. If we stay at 3, it'll be Kalil or RG3.
If we trade down, I think we'll try to get Claiborne, and then package a couple extra picks to move back up into the first round and get Reiff (although he'll be gone by 12 I think)/Martin/Adams, who many people are saying may end up being better than Kalil. I would LOVE to see them trade down and get Claiborne--meaning we'd have to trade to either Cleveland or Washington, and then if necessary move back up and get Mike Adams. I think Adams is going to be a very good player for a very long time, and I think the difference between Kalil and Adams may end up being negligible. Same with Reiff.

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

NFL draft speculation is pretty much the most pointless endeavor in sports. It's 3 months of draft "experts" whacking off with no actual news being produced.

[magoose]

NFL draft speculation is pretty much the most pointless endeavor in sports. It's 3 months of draft "experts" whacking off with no actual news being produced.

And I thought it was just the Vikings getting whacked in 2011 and probably 2012.

[Hobey Baker]

KFAN reporting that Kessler is tweeting that Viking bill introduced with Arden Hills as site with electronic pull tabs as funding mechanism.

This is the only site in the running that actually makes sense.

I disagree with your assessment.

Today 3 GOP legislators think the Viking should get a loan to build stadium .. you have to be kidding me!!!

So City Council is blocking because they want a referendum... gambling money opens the door for the city council to vote yes. It is amazing to me that the city and state refuse to go down this avenue (electronic pull tabs don't cut it). A state / city run casino will cover all the costs necessary. So difficult to figure out!

[Chris83]

Pardon my obviously being dense on this: Is the casino/gambling aspect generally a "No" simply because it IS further expansion of gambling, or is it the threat of Native American push back and potential lawsuits because that is THEIR domain?

[monty]

Pardon my obviously being dense on this: Is the casino/gambling aspect generally a "No" simply because it IS further expansion of gambling, or is it the threat of Native American push back and potential lawsuits because that is THEIR domain?

It is the lobbists for the Native Anericans that threaten withdrawl of support for legislators. And the maybe the possibility of the Native Americans making headaches in other aspects, like treaty enforcement.

[Hobey Baker]

Pardon my obviously being dense on this: Is the casino/gambling aspect generally a "No" simply because it IS further expansion of gambling, or is it the threat of Native American push back and potential lawsuits because that is THEIR domain?

Both.

[Bigbeer]

This is why the Vikings need a real GM.

"Is the left tackle that important or is it more important to have playmakers on offense?" the Vikings GM asked. "Because when your quarterback evolves, he learns the system, he gets the ball out of his hand quicker and all of a sudden that left tackle doesn't need to be a Pro Bowl left tackle. He can be a functional left tackle. Because the quarterback evolves and he has playmakers."

I'd say the flaw in the reasoning is the Vikings having a QB that "evolves".

[Beauner]

Robert Griffin III ran a 4.38 40 yard dash today.

[Chris83]

Robert Griffin III ran a 4.38 40 yard dash today.

I think he is going to be VERY good. I hope someone deals with the Rams and takes him so the Vikings don't have the chance to pass on him.

[Handyman]

Pardon my obviously being dense on this: Is the casino/gambling aspect generally a "No" simply because it IS further expansion of gambling, or is it the threat of Native American push back and potential lawsuits because that is THEIR domain?

Depends on the Party...the Dems don't want to tick off the Native Americans and the GOP don't want to expand gambling because it is seen as Anti-Family Values. It is kind of funny to watch

Arden Hills makes the most sense, and it doesnt screw the Gophers at TCF (I dont want the Vikes anywhere near there) so we can bet there is no way it gets the votes. Minneapolis will find a way to use electronic Pull Tabs and some other non-Native Gambling mechanism and backdoor Ramsey County again.

As for who the Vikes should draft...well that depends on who the QB is going to be. A mobile QB does not necessarily need an elite LT since they have the ability to run the ball and extend the pocket so it could be argued that if they drafted RG3 they could sign a Free Agent LT that is decent and be ok. If they stick with Ponder, then they need an LT badly because he will die without one. Personally I go LT either at 3 if you are in love with Kalil or trade down and get one of the others.

Scooby,

You cant trust anything anyone says to the press about the draft...the NFL is all a bunch of gamesmanship...GMs and coaches trying to outsmart and out think each other. Chances are Spielman is talking this up to try and get a team like the Browns to make a deal because they need a QB in a bad way.

[dxmnkd316]

Robert Griffin III ran a 4.38 40 yard dash today.

I think he is going to be VERY good. I hope someone deals with the Rams and takes him so the Vikings don't have the chance to pass on him.

I wouldn't take Griffin, period. Sure I said I wouldn't take Cam Newton at all but there's a reason. QBs like that are so prone to injury you just don't see them get deep into a career. The NFL is built around pocket passers. On offense and defense. Manning, Brady, Brees, other Manning, etc.

[Bigbeer]

That's the beauty of RGIII, he's fast, but a pocket passer. Don't know about his injury history, but he's a unique player.