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Posts Tagged ‘Bryant McKinnie’

Yes, the Brett Favre story has hit the presses with the 2009 edition and as much as it may or may not be just titillating subject matter for sports writers and bloggers, it is like the coming of spring and discussions about the weather, we just can’t resist. But, more on that later, let’s talk the draft: I haven’t had much time to digest it a whole lot, being busy over here in Kuwait and all (which is probably a good thing), but I do have a first impression.

Percy Harvin – I was sort of surprised by this pick. I thought all the press about the Vikings wanting him was pure subterfuge. Tice was rebuked for expressing the Vikings’ desired pick one year. Then there was the whole “culture of accountability” thing, the stupid act in judgment of Percy to decide to go organic prior to the scheduled test, and the fact that he is an under-sized hybrid that will be asked to fit into the rigidity of the KAO scheme, a round peg into a square hole type of thing. With all of that, I thought all of the talk was pure smoke. …The type that gets you busted on a pee test. I was wrong.

If Childress gets creative (and Percy abstains from trouble), this could be brilliant and make whoever plays quarterback almost irrelevant. If he gets lined up in the slot opposite of B2 and with AD in the backfield, who gets the one on one coverage or drops out of the box to help defend leaving Adrian with almost an unfair advantage. I’m drawing up plays in my head now and starting to get excited. …But can we really expect that from Mr. Predictable who may still be laying awake trying to think of new ways of, “How am I going to get the ball to Tahi?” (Thanks Jim Souhan for that disturbing mental picture).

Talking with a good buddy of mine, Noroof from Vikings Valhalla and author of The Purple Buckeye, about the Harvin selection and here is what he had to say.

If Childress has a plan for Harvin, and it works, my God…imagine AP, No Mercy Percy, and Berrian all available to get the ball. If you focus on AP, Harvin will kill you. You focus on neutralizing Harvin and AP will run all over you. Concentrate your efforts on neutralizing Berrian’s deep threat, and the next thing you know Harvin takes a 5 yard swing pass and goes 80 yards untouched. At Florida Harvin was like Moss in his prime, Devin Hester, and Adrian Peterson are…when he touches the ball, you hold your breath, because you’re thinking something big is gonna happen. When he makes the first guy miss, your pulse picks up, and when he gets to the second level it becomes a foot race. You mutter ‘My God’ and rewind the Tivo to make sure you really just did see what you think you saw. Can Childress use Harvin correctly? He better be able to, or he’ll be out of a job.

Phil Loadholt will be that competition for Ryan Cook that I talked about in my previous blog. I worry that he was written up as having issues with speed edge rushers. But hey, that is no different than we have now on either side of the line. He can also play left tackle if Bryant McKinnie gets his groove on one night and gets a little too feisty. Loadholt has the size and comes from a good program at OU. This was a good pick and should pay dividends for years.

I think picking the corner, Asher Allen, next was a good move. The kid sounds like a young version of Antoine Winfield and from what I’ve heard idolized and emulates him as a player. He will at least have the opportunity to watch and learn from him for a year if not hopefully a couple. I also saw this move as a motivational one for Winfield’s extension talks. The team can say, “we’ve drafted your replacement”. That can also possibly said about Harvin being Chester’s.

Speaking of the runningbacks, I like what I read about the undrafted free agent (UDFA) we signed out of Boise State, Ian Johnson. We needed at least one more body back there like I had pointed out in my needs blog. Did you notice that there wasn’t a fullback picked like I thought? They are cheap and we may have signed an UFDA one already…(the Vikings haven’t), or with the Harvin drafting, Chilly may be moving away from using them so much (or he’s happy with who is on the roster already).

It looks like Rick Spielman read The Purple Buckeye blog and we picked up that linebacker, Jasper Brinkley. He is big enough to play MLB, but what I’m really hoping is that he’ll be the bookend twin of Heath Farwell on the special teams.

I’m starting to get excited about the possibilities of the new season and for some reason, even think Childress might even pull it off. “In 2009, the Vikings will play a remarkably easy schedule. They will play in a mediocre division. They will be in their fourth year under Childress’ guidance, and will have maintained continuity on their coaching staff and throughout their football operation.” – Jim Souhan

Remember, we also now have a new special teams coach [a sore spot from last year] and that alone should mean a couple more wins. The Packers had a decent draft and have started to rebuild and mold their new 3-4 defense. The Lions have started the Stafford era and in a couple of years hopefully will have something to show for it. I like the new redesigned logo and uni’s, and Detroit is due for a fresh start. The Bears had nothing but a second day draft, but they did land Jay Cutler and will be tough to play against and the most likely team to have a shot at challenging the Vikings for the NFC North crown (sorry Cheeseheads, you’re destined for at least 3rd again).

Now to the story that just keeps coming back year after year for the last few years or so, “to retire or not retire,… or even un-retire… again”. Brett Favre’s agent, Bus Cook passed his words in a message Tuesday, “Nothing has changed. At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football.”

“At this time” is the key phrase in the statement that has folks all over the NFC North in a bit of a tizzy. No matter which side of the love-hate side of Brett Favre the future Hall of Famer and player, this begs the question of will he get the itch to come off the tractor and play? He is now a free agent, one that could sign the $1 contract with the Packers and call it officially a career. Then again, he being the same best friend of Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and a good acquaintance with Vikings head coach Brad Childress. These are the men running the offense on the team that Brett openly said that he wished to play for last year and the only one that has question at quarterback. There is a small question of a torn bicep tendon needing extensive rehab or surgery, but who knows what Brett has been doing since the end of last season.

My friend Noroof, an avid Brett to the Vikes advocate last year, doesn’t quite think it would work this year.

Here’s the problem with signing Favre now, as I see it. First off, which QB do you get rid of? TJ is still a Childress guy and will be given every opportunity to win the job. They just traded for and gave an extension to Sage, and for God sakes, they spent two years trying to get him. That leave JD Booty, who might be an insurance policy as your long term QB if Jackson flames out, because Sage is over 30.

If you get Favre, you really upset the apple cart now, because you’ve promised TJ and Sage that they will compete for the job, and the best man will win. If you bring in Favre and make him the guy, you embitter your top two guys that will be here next year (because I doubt Favre will be around more than a year) and as great as Favre is, Childress could really lose a lot of creditability in the locker room.

Is a healthy Brett Favre leading very talented team worth the locker room credibility that Childress has tried to establish in his first 3 years? Does Brett have it in him physically after fading last season due to his arm injury? What about the Vikings other quarterbacks, the newly acquired starting competition Sage Rosenfels, Childress’ own pick Tarvaris Jackson and even John David Booty and UDFA Sean Glennon? Do you think the Vikings would carry 4 quarterbacks on the starting roster, or get rid of Rosenfels who they spent 2 years trying to acquire, or Tarvaris who played his best ball in the final games of last season [not including the Wild Card loss]? Is the gamble worth it?

Worth it or not, it is and will be the talk of the summer again and I’m interested in your opinion.

I’d like to give a shout out to the men and women serving in Kuwait and the rest of the CENTCOM theater, especially the folks I spend time with at Camp Arifjan, K-Crossing and those Camp Buehring. Thanks for keeping America free and enjoying the greatest sport on earth.

I was asked by a reader why this season’s Vikings free agency has been so silent.  I agree is has been nothing more than a whimper than roar [not that the Bears have been doing much of that either].  It has come in like a lamb but will hopefully conclude like a lion [not to be confused with the 0-16 Detroit Lions].  The remainder of the NFC North has been just as frozen and smelling of old Limburger cheese.  Why?

I cannot give you any sane reasons why the Vikes seem almost silent during this free agent period.  I don’t think it has to do with the economy, because any big name like TJ Houshmandzadeh couldn’t hurt ticket sales, but TJ almost seemed an afterthought.  I can only surmise that most available free agents this year don’t fit the “coming off of their first contract with plenty of potential” mode that the Vikings like so much.

To date, The Vikings signed Sage Rosenfels after two years of courting and no visits to back up pay.  Yes, he will compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job (as of now), but a 3 year $9 million contract is only good back up money.

Speaking of 3 years and $9 mil, one of the first things the Vikings have done right so far was to re-sign Jimmy Kleinsasser, one of the very best blocking tight ends in the league.  Jimmy has been with the team since being drafted in 1999 and now that Matt Birk is a new Raven, makes him the longest tenured Viking.  His power and blocking abilities come in handy when lined up next to Ryan Cook and even Bryant McKinnie.  He has been part of the blocking scheme for 4 of the 5 highest rushing seasons by Minnesota backs.  Matt Birk can’t even claim that due to the season he was out with his sports hernia operation.

The only free agent that was brought in so far was TJ Houshmandzadeh, and even though the Vikings offered the veteran receiver the best chance at winning, he sided with the money.  He had proclaimed earlier that he would, so that, and being closer to his LA home shouldn’t have surprised us that he chose the Seahawks.  Do you really want a player that doesn’t want to be there?  You can say the same about Matt Birk and wish him well as he moves on to the Ravens.

Then today, we hear the good news that the Vikings re-signed their special team ace and #4 linebacker Heath Farwell.  Heath, like Jim, was allowed to test the free agent waters and visited the Pats and the Browns but felt like his place was in Minnesota.  He, like Jimmy wants to be here.  The Vikings ended up signing him to the richest special teams player contract in their history, a 3 year, $7.75 million that calls for $3.25 mil in guarantees.  With the release of Vinny Ciurciu, who wasn’t as good as Heath anyway, the need to have the special teams ace was all the more important.  Vikings fans everywhere don’t want to see a repeat performance of the horrible coverage teams from last year.

Karl Paymah is scheduled to come visit this coming up week.  He is a cornerback from the Broncos who started a couple of games last year.  He is a second tier free agent that fits that “coming off of their first contract with plenty of potential” mold.  We need depth in the secondary with not only Antoine Winfield getting older, but also with Darren Sharper not being re-signed.  Paymah, if signed, will fit that depth role and could hope to earn more though improved play combined with an unfortunate injury to Winfield or Griffin.  He will only be the second free agent to visit if he makes it past his meeting with the Buccaneers and Browns first, and definitely nothing to get excited about.

Hoping for excitement, that roar of the warrior right before battle may manifest itself in a blockbuster trade like last year’s to get Jared Allen.  The only hint of that may be in the rumors of the Vikings being interested in disgruntled Jay Cutler from Denver, but the theories on how to pull that off are not real plausible.  It will take a huge leap on the Broncos’ part to give up their Pro Bowl quarterback with no real alternative waiting in the wings.  Here’s hoping to their stupidity.

The other big name quarterback situation that the Vikings are watching is of Donovan McNabb in Philly.  If that relationship sours again, you might see a move by the Vikes to trade for Brad Childress’ claim to fame.

Another option may be the discarded Terrell Owens, but word from Vikings personnel guy Rick Spielman said the Vikings have no interest.  “We would never say never, but you can put the pieces together and the history with Coach Childress [in Philadelphia].”  Word had it that Chilly and T.O. had buried the hatchet and were getting along, plus with George Stewart being T.O.’s father figure and old receiving coach from his 49ers days, you have to wonder if a deal could actually work.  T.O. does make quarterbacks into legitimate stars (at least for the first year) as pointed out by my good friend Pacifist Viking.  But he is getting older, his production is dropping off and he doesn’t fit the free agent mold the Vikings like, but then again neither did TJ Who…

Like the rest of the NFC North, free agency has been eerily quiet.  Hopefully the draft will stir more excitement, but the Vikings having the #22 pick won’t net the team any blue chippers.  Let’s just hope we can get some quality starters at need positions and depth where it is needed.  Our favorite coach, Brad Childress will be on the hot seat after finishing the season with a 21% approval rating, so you hope he tries to make some move to ensure that the Vikes win the division again and make a long drive into the playoffs.

I think the overall answer to your question is that there weren’t the players available to make the noise with so far, or at least ones that the Vikings and Brad Childress were interested in.  Let’s hope something changes for the better.   Here’s to a roar sometime this offseason and hoping that your spring will be a little more exciting.

Hicks Now Right and Cook Can Only Look

In an effort to shake things up a little, Brad Childress notified this year’s under-performer of the week, Ryan Cook, that he has been demoted to the bench. After starting at right tackle in 29 consecutive games, Cook was relieved of his starting duties and Artis Hicks was named the new starting right tackle.

Artis played left tackle for the suspended Bryant McKinnie and did a respectable job against four outstanding defensive ends. Did that had a lot to do with Hicks getting the nod?

“It sure doesn’t hurt the decision at all,” Childress said. “I mentioned before he’s a natural left-handed guy, but he’s got the ability to swing all the way along that line.”

Being left-handed means that his usual or natural position on the line is on the left side. That is the side he is most comfortable with and moves naturally. If you remember last year, he was replaced at right guard by Anthony Herrera for poor performance himself. Let us all hope that tackle has much better results.

Cook and Hicks were each asked about the move.

“I kind of saw it (coming),” he said. “Obviously, I’m not very happy with the decision, but that’s the decision they made. I’m here to support Artis in all his endeavors and the team, as well.”

“It’s all for the betterment of the offense. Cook’s a great player,” Hicks replied. “Don’t take nothing away from Cook. We all go through times where we’re not playing as good as we like. I had kind of known from my own personal opinion of how I played (in the Green Bay and Tampa Bay) games. I made technical mistakes that I shouldn’t be making.”

As being one of the few Ryan Cook fans in the Vikings blogosphere because he’s a hometown boy, I have taken a lot a grief over his play and given some. For all of those I may have come on a little strong or over the top, my apologies. I did my analysis last year and he was just barely below average compared to other starting right tackles , but this year, and especially the last two games has played worse than that. Demotion is deserved.

All we need now is Cedric Griffin benched (which was a possibility prior to Gordon’s gruesome injury), and the whole 2006 second round of Ryan Cook, Cedric Griffin and Tarvaris Jackson could be standing behind Brad Childress and cheering the team together. Some advice, “Watch your back Cedric.”

Artis Hicks needs to view this as his chance to cement a starting position and we all hope play on the right side of the line improves. First test is the Jags and rookie Quenton Groves. A nice start and help with a win will be a step in the right, and first place direction.

Are you really looking forward to the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers opener?  Me too.  Even Zygi Wilf and his family have a new found appreciation for what is the premier rivalry in the division and one of the arguably all time best in football.  This season version was heightened by the Brett Favre saga and the immediate [and acquitted] charges of tampering leveled against the Vikes by the Pack.  Feel the love Baby!

The preseason has ended and the games are starting to count.  A few things came out of the games in the preseason that Vikings fans will look forward to.  First and foremost was the improved play by Tarvaris Jackson in the first two games prior to his knee sprain.  The sprain is easily at a point now, that not 100% will be fully functional and not impair his play.

Tarvaris this year also has an improved group of receivers led by Bernard Berrian and second year player Sidney Rice.  The big case of dropsies was traded off to Jacksonville earlier in the year and I don’t anticipate its return.  Even the under-achieving Visanthe Shiancoe has shown improvement at catching the ball.  This ability to throw should give the Vikings the ability to strike from anywhere on the field and compliment the run.  It will also be necessary to pull the safety from the box that will surely be there to stop the run.

Running the ball is what the Vikings of ’07 did best.  With the Rookie of the Year, Adrian Peterson, and the Chester Taylor providing a league leading tandem at running the ball, the only way that teams could stop them was to shut down the passing game and throw 8, 9, and sometimes 10 guys in the box.  The Vikes still drove the ball, but it eventually lowered the offensive output.  This year, Adrian Peterson has been learning patience and following his linemen, then when a hole opens up to break free instead of trying to force it.  Plus, he should be in on more passing situations either blocking or getting open in space where he is absolutely deadly.

If opposing teams, and by that I mean Green Bay this week try to fill the box, Jackson with weapons and confidence will beat them over the top.  The Vikings will be a run first team with the stable of backs they have but this year with the acquisition of Berrian and the improved play of receivers and more importantly Tarvaris Jackson, there should be more of a balanced attack with each facet of the offense feeding off of what the defense is trying to stop.

Monday night’s game, the Vikings will see an injury recovering Packers defense lead by linebacker A.J. Hawk and his sprained chest (questionable) and a slower Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila with a gimped knee not practicing Friday, but listed as probable.  This should help Artis Hicks who will be making his start at left tackle for the suspended Bryant McKinnie.

Artis Hicks should have help from Steve Hutchinson on his right and Jimmy Kleinsasser on his left.  The only thing I’m concerned about is that Childress will show which direction the play [run] is designed to go by which tackle is getting help from Kleinsasser.  Last year the left side of the line had a 5+ yard per carry average and the right side of the O-line had a league leading 7+ yards per carry average, and though Ryan Cook contributed, it was probably more due to the help of Kleinsasser’s and somewhat Tony Richardson’s blocking abilities.  This year Thomas Tapeh will be at full back, and along with Jimmy be helping more now no matter which direction the play is designed.

On the defensive side of the ball the Vikings will be testing the first season starter Aaron “I’m want my Mommy” Rodgers like he has not been tested before.  Just think, he’s named the starter and future of the franchise after Brett Favre’s retirement, Brett has a change of heart and a fight with the club, and the poor backup who is to be the new leader is stuck in the middle.  Even the young Packers fans where giving him grief.  All I can say is expect more.

Jared Allen was one of the best free agent acquisitions in the league this year and has bonded with the Williams Wall and the forgotten Ray Edwards to form the best defensive line in football today.  They will be busting through a highly suspect line due to injuries; Josh Sitton (G) is out with a knee, Chad Clifton (T) is listed as not participating with some sort of knees and chest problems, but is listed as probable, and Scott Wells (C) with back issues and only listed as questionable.  That lineup of wounded and substitutes will have all of the front four licking there chops in anticipation of many meetings in the backfield.

Take a first time starting QB, a busted line and throw in for good measure a starting running back in Ryan Grant that sat out most of the preseason, then once finally showing up tweaks a hamstring.  He did not participate Friday, but is still listed as probable.  Pat Williams is sure hoping he will be there, because he is the only back last year to gain over 100 yards against him [the Vikings run D] and he takes it personally.

Such a strong defensive line will command double team blocking from the opposition whether it be the Pack or the rest of the league.  This leaves the Vikings linebackers lead by E.J. Henderson in the middle to reek havoc and fill holes in the running game and hunt for receivers in the passing game.

In the passing game, a sore spot from ’07, pressure on the QB from that defensive line [thank you Zygi for getting Allen] should shorten the time Rodgers has to throw the ball along with mess with his mind causing bad decisions and wounded ducks that Darren Sharper will eagerly gobble up.  The Vikes only rookie starter, Tyrell Johnson will be playing next to him and should be holding his own.  He will be targeted for sure, but with help from Sharper, has shown throughout preseason that he is up to the task.

There were a few things that came to focus during the week.  This defense looks to be very, very good and the offense has greatly improved.  Leadership in the front office and coaching staff has made it possible, but what gets me psyched is the chemistry of the players.

Jimmy Kleinsasser, my favorite player also thinks so, and thinks it is unique because the closeness is for the team as a whole. He credits players such as defensive standouts Jared Allen and Kevin and Pat Williams and offensive stalwarts Peterson and Steve Hutchinson with setting a good tone in the locker room.

“This group is probably the closest team I’ve been on in the NFL, that’s for sure,” he said. “And that’s across the board, every position, offense and defense. We’re not just having guys sitting as a position group or hanging out with the offense. We’re all for each other.”

And we as fans are for them too.  I expect the Vikings to go into Lambeau Field and start something special.  This is the ticket I’m voting for in ’08 and it will start by defeating the NFC North champs.  Skol Vikings!

What this time is between preseason game 3 and, an early final preseason game and preparations for week 1 on Monday Night Football. A few thoughts first on Saturday’s game first, then the cuts for Tuesday, Dallas and the final 53. That’s a lot I know, but let’s see how it goes… So much so, that I’ve decided to do this as a two part-er.

Part One:

A little Vikings self critiquing to make some of the Steelers fans feel a little better. The offense sure missed Tarvaris Jackson [I didn’t expect it that much, but it shows how much he is in sync with the offense], but thankfully we have old Gus, but things were “off”. Be it nervousness about the Steelers good defense or as the excuse I heard last night, “not being used to Frerotte’s cadence”, the O-line and even the running backs looked like their timing was a skewed. Childress went on to call it rhythm, but whatever it was the offense just wasn’t as productive as it had been with TJ at the helm.

AD and Taylor only getting 26 yards? Good job Steelers.

“The Steelers’ defense is very stingy,” said Peterson, who rushed for 21 yards on 12 carries. “They’re a playoff team, so we knew what to expect. We came out the second half with a good drive and really got into a groove. That’s what our offense is all about. When you play playoff-caliber teams it’s going to be tough.”

Tough maybe, but I think it may be more of the vanilla and lack of game planning style of the preseason. Plus Adrian and Chester both become effective because them and the offensive line wears down the opponent over the course of a game, not just one half. Some of those runs needed just one missed tackle and either back was off to the races. Like I said, good job by the Steelers D.

False start penalties from Herrera, Birk and Shiancoe, flat out unacceptable. The line play was “off” as a group with a sack even given up by Steve Hutchinson, but at least we saw McKinnie’s suspension backup, Artis Hicks get some snaps with the first team at left tackle. Shiancoe did catch 2 passes and didn’t drop or fumble either one, so progress there. Allison looked good receiving except for his drop, and Frerotte did well statistically with the exception of the one horrible interception leading to the Steelers’ 3 points.

The defense looked great! My favorite play among many was Pat Williams meeting Mendenhall 4 yards deep in the backfield. Sweet! EJ Henderson should be a Pro Bowler this year easily the way he is playing, a beast. I guess besides his talent, it says something for having the same D coordinator 2 years in a row. Also, why his kid brother wasn’t drafted is beyond me. Erin is playing better than many first day draft picks. Don’t worry guys, he’s made the final 53 [especially after the first cut was announced].

Longwell, who played for the first time looked good and distance on kickoffs was adequate. (Some day I would love to get a guy that consistently blast kickoffs through the end zone… sigh.)

It was good contest between two good teams, which who knows if all goes well, might see each other again in Tampa.

The only injury of note was to Robert Ferguson who got kicked in the calf. He was seen Monday in Winter Park with a stiff limp and a sleeve over the right calf.

Tuesday, the day teams make their first cuts from 80 to 75. The Vikings accomplished that task on Monday and with only one surprise. Linebacker Derrick Pope, who was signed as a free agent in the spring to be another special teams ace and backup linebacker has failed to make the team. That currently leaves Vinny Ciurciu, Rufus Alexander, J Leman, David Herron and Erin Henderson as the backups. Last year the Vikes kept 7 backers on the roster, but even if they go to 6 this year, I am convinced that Ciurciu, Erin Henderson and Alexander will be the #2s. It will be tight between Leman and Herron if they keep 7, but either one should now make it to the practice squad.

The other three cuts were offensive tackles Sean Dumford and Brock Pasteur and receiver Daniel Davis. Dumford and Pasteur were literally camp bodies picked up after the Vikings when on an IR spree. The Vikes were already down to 79 because of it and never replacing defensive tackle Kenderick Allen a part of the same spree. Davis didn’t do anything worthy to stand out, a must when you are trying to make the team.

What are you guys watching or reading about camp that is striking your interest?

Is it about Tarvaris hitting passes to Berrian?

How about Adrian Peterson wanting to get better?

That must be a scary thought to our opponents. He is trying to learn patience and to let the blocks develop in front of him. I remember when they were saying that about Robert Smith, then later to see him sort of hover behind the line, see a hole open, then turn on the burners for 65 yards. Throw that type of skill on top of AD’s talents and we are in for one heck of a special treat.

For me, I like reading about Jarred Allen and how he and Bryant McKinnie are purposefully working to improve each other. Then also hearing that it isn’t just speed or moves, but that Chase Johnson got to feel what his bull rush is like.

That fact that we hearing about the players trying to get better and trying to make each other better is what is special.

Take the story about the fight for the #3 QB spot between Brooks Bollinger and John David Booty. Knowing that one of them will most likely be gone after the final cut, and that Brooks being the guy that has been around but that coach Childress has an affinity for developing young quarterbacks, this looks to be a battle where each knows the other will get their job. Heartburn and antipathy between the two? No, just respect and friendship. Booty saying that it is Brooks that is helping him the most and trying to bring him up to speed. That says a whole lot about what type of atmosphere there is at this camp. That is different than most ever other camp in the league and should result in a great season. My hat is off to coach Childress and his staff for fostering this type of environment.

How about reading of Zygi Wilf’s speech and Ben Leber’s reaction? Or that Zygi was out there catching Kluwe’s punts? Isn’t nice to have an owner that cares this much, and is obviously trying to do what it takes to bring a perennial winner to Minnesota?

How about the stories of the fans getting to talk to players and get autographs? How about the ability to look a boat load of pictures taken by Vikings Valhalla’s own Admiral BigGun? So many that they are broken down into part 1 and part 2.  Thanks there Buddy!

Are you glad that they are now hitting at full speed? Happy that injuries are minor to date? Can’t wait for the scrimmage against the Chief’s or better yet the first preseason game?

What do you find interesting and how are your feelings on camp this year so far? Tell me about them and let’s talk about it.

The draft is over and the rookies are getting ready to start their rounds of newcomer briefings to learn what it will be like to be part of the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings personnel office switches from scouting to contract writing and this is where Rob Brzezinski works his magic and gets our draft picks and rookie free agents signed. The Vikes drafted 5 players, the smallest draft class in their history, and as of sundown Sunday, and agreed to terms with another 16 rookie free agents, but in the bunch, not a single true offensive tackle.

Byant McKinnie is in the middle of legal actions for his part in a bar fight in Miami and almost assuredly looking at a suspension from the league for at least a couple of games, if not conviction and jail time. Ryan Cook played adequately in his first year as a starter but had problems handling speed rushers just like McKinnie on the left side, plus is listed as Matt Birk’s backup. Depth was thin at best and it looked like in this tackle heavy draft that selecting an OT would be a top priority. Well, it did not happen.

From coach Childress’ press conference Sunday afternoon comes this:

Q. How do you feel about the offensive tackle position, especially when you consider left tackle Bryant McKinnie’s offseason legal troubles?

A. I’m OK with it. We have Chase Johnson, [who] I believe will be a year better. You have Artis Hicks, who has that swing capability there, and Marcus Johnson. So none of that has changed. Nobody has left us in that regard there and I’d have to say that those five guys played all right last year.”

To me this indicates that he is quite comfortable with going with what we’ve got already on the books. I wonder if mentioning Chase Johnson first is a subliminal way of indicating his game plan replacement should [more like when] Bryant misses some playing time.

The biggest surprise to me was that we didn’t target an OT in the draft, or felt that there were none left worth drafting once the Vikings were back on the clock.

We picked up John Sullivan of Notre Dame, another smart center [which may indicate that Ryan Cook most likely will spend his career at right tackle] and that was it. Childress said, “And then the Sullivan kid, we talked to [Notre Dame coach] Charlie Weis today. I like some of the things that he brings to the table. He’s a tough guy, a very smart guy. He’s from Greenwich, Conn., originally. I like what he brings.”

Sullivan was gracious with his comments after being selected a Viking. “At this point, I’m with a team that I’m incredibly happy to be with,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier with the result of how the draft went and looking at draft stock, up, down, it doesn’t matter to me at this point. I’m on a great team and I’m happy with my situation.”

He also said that he would play anywhere the team needed him when asked about the ability to play guard, but with Matt Birk completing the final year of his contract, Sullivan can be viewed as his replacement. He is very excited to learn from Birk, the man he will likely succeed. “I think that’s as great a situation as a young player can have,” Sullivan said. “Matt Birk is an incredible player. He’s someone that I have looked up to for a long time. When it comes to centers in the NFL, he is second to none.”

A bit of trivia over the selection: Sullivan is only the third center ever drafted by the Vikings – Matt Birk in 1998 and Mike Malano in 2000 were the other two.

Then if you look at “round 8”, the signings of the undrafted rookie free agents, the only lineman signed was Drew Radovich T/G of USC. Scout.com had Radovich listed as their #6 OG which makes me feel a little better, and guard is his natural position even though he was slid over to right tackle his senior year.

That makes just a center and a guard brought in leaving me to think that Childress is a whole lot more comfortable than me with our situation at tackle. Maybe he and the scouting department are hoping for some June cuts, or even last minute roster cuts in August, but that is a lot of ifs to plan for. I surely hope for the running game and pass protection that Childress is right, but in the mean time, I want to be the first to welcome the two “big bellies” on the offensive side of the ball.