State of the roster... what our are needs now?

[pumpf]

Here is our roster, as of right now (below).  Where do you think we need to add pieces?

Here's what I think:

• If we don't like Heinicke as a long-term possible starter, then we might as well dump him and draft someone to replace him (as a long-term possibility).  We should also get a veteran FA, since Teddy isn't going to be ready to go.
• We need some interior OL help.  For this season, I'd like to see Easton start at Center and put Berger at OG.  Between Sirles and Berger we should be OK on depth.  But Berger will be retiring soon; and Boone ain't no spring chicken.  Ideally I'd like to see us get the OSU C/OG (Elflien)... or Pocic (LSU) in the 2nd or 3rd round.
• Obviously, we need to be thinking about grooming an OT, as well.
• We need some help at WR.  We've got about 3 guys that can play... and about 3 others that we hope/wish could play.  There are some good mid round talent WRs available; if nothing else, it would give us some more competition for those spots.
• Maybe Jake Butt would be available with a 4th round pick?  We seem a little light at the TE spot.  Not sure if it's a need at this point... but with Rudolph's injury history, it might be.
• Defensively, we might not "need" anyone.  But I worry about the LB spot.  I like our DBs, but we could (maybe) improve at the safety position (someone better than Zendejo?)

So, overall... I think we NEED a C/OG; and an OT.  

We could really use some help/depth at QB (FA); RB (draft); WR (draft)... although FA WR Kamar Aiken from Baltimore intrigues me;  LB (draft); Safety (draft).

Plus, we need a punter.  I'm OK with Forbath as our kicker.

Quarterback

Sam Bradford

Taylor Heinicke

Teddy Bridgewater


Running back

Latavius Murray

Jerick McKinnon

Bishop Sankey



Wide receiver

Stefon Diggs

Adan Thielen

Jarius Wright

Laqon Treadwell

Isaac Fruechte

Moritz Boehringer



Tight end

Kyle Rudolph

David Morgan

Kyle Carter



Tackle

Riley Reiff

Mike Remmers

Rashod Hill

TJ Clemmings

Willie Beavers

Austin Shepherd


Guard

Alex Boone

Jeremiah Sirles


Center

Joe Berger

Nick Easton


Defensive end

Everson Griffen

Danielle Hunter

Brian Robison

Datone Jones

Stephen Weatherly


Defensive tackle

Sharrif Floyd

Linval Joseph

Tom Johnson

Shamar Stephen

Toby Johnson



Linebacker

Eric Kendricks

Anthony Barr

Kentrell Brothers

Edmond Robinson

Emmanuel Lamur



Cornerbacks

Xavier Rhodes

Terence Newman

Trae Waynes

Mackensie Alexander

Jabari Price



Safeties

Harrison Smith

Andrew Sendejo

Anthony Harris

Jayron Kearse

Antone Exum

[Purp1eOne]

Mar 18, 2017 16:12:19 GMT -6 pumpf said:

Here is our roster, as of right now (below).  Where do you think we need to add pieces?

Here's what I think:

• If we don't like Heinicke as a long-term possible starter, then we might as well dump him and draft someone to replace him (as a long-term possibility).  We should also get a veteran FA, since Teddy isn't going to be ready to go.
• We need some interior OL help.  For this season, I'd like to see Easton start at Center and put Berger at OG.  Between Sirles and Berger we should be OK on depth.  But Berger will be retiring soon; and Boone ain't no spring chicken.  Ideally I'd like to see us get the OSU C/OG (Elflien)... or Pocic (LSU) in the 2nd or 3rd round.
• Obviously, we need to be thinking about grooming an OT, as well.
• We need some help at WR.  We've got about 3 guys that can play... and about 3 others that we hope/wish could play.  There are some good mid round talent WRs available; if nothing else, it would give us some more competition for those spots.
• Maybe Jake Butt would be available with a 4th round pick?  We seem a little light at the TE spot.  Not sure if it's a need at this point... but with Rudolph's injury history, it might be.
• Defensively, we might not "need" anyone.  But I worry about the LB spot.  I like our DBs, but we could (maybe) improve at the safety position (someone better than Zendejo?)

So, overall... I think we NEED a C/OG; and an OT.  

We could really use some help/depth at QB (FA); RB (draft); WR (draft)... although FA WR Kamar Aiken from Baltimore intrigues me;  LB (draft); Safety (draft).

Plus, we need a punter.  I'm OK with Forbath as our kicker.

Quarterback

Sam Bradford

Taylor Heinicke

Teddy Bridgewater


Running back

Latavius Murray

Jerick McKinnon

Bishop Sankey



Wide receiver

Stefon Diggs

Adan Thielen

Jarius Wright

Laqon Treadwell

Isaac Fruechte

Moritz Boehringer



Tight end

Kyle Rudolph

David Morgan

Kyle Carter



Tackle

Riley Reiff

Mike Remmers

Rashod Hill

TJ Clemmings

Willie Beavers

Austin Shepherd


Guard

Alex Boone

Jeremiah Sirles


Center

Joe Berger

Nick Easton


Defensive end

Everson Griffen

Danielle Hunter

Brian Robison

Datone Jones

Stephen Weatherly


Defensive tackle

Sharrif Floyd

Linval Joseph

Tom Johnson

Shamar Stephen

Toby Johnson



Linebacker

Eric Kendricks

Anthony Barr

Kentrell Brothers

Edmond Robinson

Emmanuel Lamur



Cornerbacks

Xavier Rhodes

Terence Newman

Trae Waynes

Mackensie Alexander

Jabari Price



Safeties

Harrison Smith

Andrew Sendejo

Anthony Harris

Jayron Kearse

Antone Exum

I think we need interior OL like you said and a RB on O, I also think we need some interior DL guy that can plug the inside and take some reps, a LB and CB.

As far as QB goes Rick showed his hand with interest in Foles and it doesn't sound like Hill will be back.  With the crap out there for FA QBs its 50/50 if he rides with Taylor as the backup and drafts a guy or picks up one of the FAs and has Talyor the third option.

Maybe we get lucky and the big German surprises at WR.  Would be nice to have a big target like that with speed even if its just running go routes.

[badgervike]

Am i the only one that thinks Easton is our center of the future? I thought he held his own with carnage around him. Another Harvard guy. I think they may actually slide Berger to Right Guard for the season (assuming he resigns)


Edit: You forgot Kerin at Guard btw Pumpf.  I think the team has hope for him..

[nodakviking]

Mar 18, 2017 16:12:19 GMT -6 pumpf said:

Quarterback

Sam Bradford

Taylor Heinicke

Teddy Bridgewater

Joel Stave??


Running back

Latavius Murray

Jerick McKinnon

Bishop Sankey

CJ Ham

Wide receiver

Stefon Diggs

Adan Thielen

Jarius Wright

Laqon Treadwell

Isaac Fruechte

Moritz Boehringer



Tight end

Kyle Rudolph

David Morgan

Kyle Carter



Tackle

Riley Reiff

Mike Remmers

Rashod Hill

TJ Clemmings

Willie Beavers

Austin Shepherd

Reid Fragel

Guard

Alex Boone

Jeremiah Sirles

Zac Kerin

Center

Joe Berger

Nick Easton


Defensive end

Everson Griffen

Danielle Hunter

Brian Robison

Datone Jones

Stephen Weatherly

BJ Dubose


Defensive tackle

Sharrif Floyd

Linval Joseph

Tom Johnson

Shamar Stephen

Toby Johnson



Linebacker

Eric Kendricks

Anthony Barr

Kentrell Brothers

Edmond Robinson

Emmanuel Lamur



Cornerbacks

Xavier Rhodes

Terence Newman

Trae Waynes

Mackensie Alexander

Jabari Price

Tre Roberson

Safeties

Harrison Smith

Andrew Sendejo

Anthony Harris

Jayron Kearse

Antone Exum

Here are a few that were missed that may be in the mix next year.

To me the glaring weakness(outside of the OL/OT) is the safety spot next to Smith.  I think the roster affirms they have a lot of flexibility to go BPA in the draft, not sure they need another CB or DE but for the right player you can make room.

I'd like to see them add an athletic TE, a RB of the future, a good interior OL, a X WR prospect, any good quality DL for competition, a quality OLB, but none of these needs are glaring needs for a starter as much as for depth/development/future.

I like the roster a lot better now than last year.  I'm happy to have moved on from AP and Kalil and be into the next era of Vikings football that hopefully includes a modern QB centric offense.

[pumpf]

Mar 18, 2017 19:47:49 GMT -6 badgervike said:

Am i the only one that thinks Easton is our center of the future? I thought he held his own with carnage around him. Another Harvard guy. I think they may actually slide Berger to Right Guard for the season (assuming he resigns)


Edit: You forgot Kerin at Guard btw Pumpf.  I think the team has hope for him..

Actually, I just cut and pasted the list from ESPN 1500.  Blame them: 

And, I agree: I have high hopes for Kerin, too! 

[vikingdan]

Need two OL from the draft, need another, better, safety. Need a new LB, Barr isn't doing what he is capable of and we need someone to push him. Sadly after last years first Rd pick we still need WR, hoping things are better for Treadwell this year but I am not convinced.

[Jayme96]

Well the obvious is LB to replace Greenway (and provide depth behind the oft-dinged up UCLA boys) and S to replace Sendejo. Then you need more WRs, since Thielen is the only good, reliable one on the roster. Diggs is hurt too much. Treadwell has done absolutely nothing. Wright is not even good enough to get playing time. Patterson and Johnson are gone. Pretty obvious need there. TE is another one with Ellison gone, and Rudy not being reliable (he is a little like Diggs....good when playing, but not reliable). I consider CB to be a need since Waynes and Alexander aren't exactly good yet, and Newman won't be around forever. So planning for the future, you lose Newman soon, leaving you with only 3....plus they already lost Munnerlyn.

I don't think you want to draft 2 OL. That's a very bad thought to have in your head when you go into the draft in a draft that is very poor for OL. If someone like Forrest Lamp is available, you absolutely take him. But you don't draft project junk just for the sake of taking OL.

Looking at the roster right now after the FA signings, and how the draft projections are right now (taking guys projected within 10 spots or so for the most part), this is what I'd do:

2 (48). Chidobe Awuzie 39, TJ Watt 41, Budda Baker 44, Adam Shaheen TE 53, Cooper Kupp 61
3 (77). Pat Elflein 71, Zay Jones 72, Ahkello Witherspoon CB 75, Jordan Willis 76
3 (86). Ethan Pocic 90, Chad Hansen WR 96, Trey Hendrickson 102
4 (122). Alex Anzalone LB 112, Carroll Phillips 120,
4 (129). Tanoh Kpassagnon DE 124
5 (156). Brian Allen CB 153, Dawuane Smoot DE 158, Damontae Kazee CB 171
6 (199). Ryan Switzer WR 195, KD Cannon WR 199,
7 (232). Tedric Thompson S 243, Jimmie Gilbert 252, Montae Nicholson S 295 (bring him in as an UDFA)

You could justify taking Elflein or Pocic, but I'd rather have Witherspoon and Hansen. I think you could give the guys like Easton, Kerin, Sirles a year playing inside instead of at OT in Sirles' case, and see what you can draft for OL next year if they don't work out.

Explanations behind the picks/positions:

2. Shaheen, TE - I don't trust Rudy and this allows you to free up a ton of cap space next year if Rudy sucks again. I also think Shaheen could be a monster. Plays much faster than the 4.79 he was timed at, and even 4.79 at 6'7" 278 isn't bad.

3. Witherspoon, CB - A 6'3" corner that led the nation in passes defensed this year. Fast and good COD too. You get Newman's replacement a year early.

3. Hansen, WR - A vertical threat with good body control. Plays faster than the 4.5 he was timed at.

4. Anzalone, LB - I love this guy. Injury concerns are the only concern. Much needed depth pick at the very least.

4. Kpassagnon, DE - Griff and Robison are not getting any younger and you need depth. I am not a fan of this guy really, but I think Zimmer will be.

5. Allen, CB - more CB depth, and he is another 6'3" corner with great athleticism.

6. Switzer, WR - a return man to free you up from keeping Sherels around, and could also be a Welker-type shifty slot guy. I debated Cannon as a vertical threat guy, but I think Switzer has better hands so that was the deciding factor.

7. Thompson, S - a ball hawk that tied with his teammate Witherspoon in passes defensed, but his turned into INTs more often. Decent size at 6' 204 but a bit medicore speed at 4.60. He's smart and instinctual at playing the ball though.

UDFA.  Nicholson, S - an athlete that needs developed.  nab him as a UDFA to develop on a PS if he isn't ready to roll right away.

[badgervike]

Mar 19, 2017 15:59:46 GMT -6 Jayme96 said:

Well the obvious is LB to replace Greenway (and provide depth behind the oft-dinged up UCLA boys) and 

What's the story with Edmond Robinson and Lamur?  Are they players or not?

[Jayme96]

Mar 20, 2017 9:05:05 GMT -6 badgervike said:

Mar 19, 2017 15:59:46 GMT -6 Jayme96 said:

Well the obvious is LB to replace Greenway (and provide depth behind the oft-dinged up UCLA boys) and 

What's the story with Edmond Robinson and Lamur?  Are they players or not?

I've never seen anything impressive out of them.  Have you?  I'm no expert.  I kinda half watched a lot of the games last year too after a certain point.  I'd just skip to the plays and not watch it as closely as I always had before.  I had other stuff on my mind and the team just couldn't get my attention that much.  

[badgervike]

Mar 20, 2017 9:09:57 GMT -6 Jayme96 said:

Mar 20, 2017 9:05:05 GMT -6 badgervike said:

What's the story with Edmond Robinson and Lamur?  Are they players or not?

I've never seen anything impressive out of them.  Have you?  I'm no expert.  I kinda half watched a lot of the games last year too after a certain point.  I'd just skip to the plays and not watch it as closely as I always had before.  I had other stuff on my mind and the team just couldn't get my attention that much.  

I'm not sure myself. I've actually read some favorable stuff on both of them...but I don't have a strong opinion.  I just know that we're carrying them on the roster.  The team doesn't use 3 linebackers all that often so assuming Barr bounces back...we don't have a big need if one of those guys can step in.  It seems to me, we're looking at 2nd tier type of LBs as replacements for Greenway....when we have a few 2nd tier LBs on the team.  Maybe somebody has a strong opinion one way or the other.

[Jayme96]

Mar 20, 2017 9:14:17 GMT -6 badgervike said:

Mar 20, 2017 9:09:57 GMT -6 Jayme96 said:

I've never seen anything impressive out of them.  Have you?  I'm no expert.  I kinda half watched a lot of the games last year too after a certain point.  I'd just skip to the plays and not watch it as closely as I always had before.  I had other stuff on my mind and the team just couldn't get my attention that much.  

I'm not sure myself. I've actually read some favorable stuff on both of them...but I don't have a strong opinion.  I just know that we're carrying them on the roster.  The team doesn't use 3 linebackers all that often so assuming Barr bounces back...we don't have a big need if one of those guys can step in.  It seems to me, we're looking at 2nd tier type of LBs as replacements for Greenway....when we have a few 2nd tier LBs on the team.  Maybe somebody has a strong opinion one way or the other.

To be honest, I suspect they think that Lamur or Robinson (most likely Lamur) is going to be the Greenway replacement unless a stud is available.  I'm not saying it's a #1 need, but he is the only starter we lost, so it's the obvious choice as a #1 need if you don't view any of the backups on the roster as a quality replacement.  Carroll Philips from Illinois is a guy I could see Zimmer liking as a Barr-type linebacker, and he's a projected mid rounder.  Any way you look at it, you lost a LB so you need to replace the depth at any rate even if you can just promote a backup to replace the starter.  

Your comments on Barr are spot on too.  He's not reliable anymore.  So I'd be looking at a LB now for depth behind him, and as a potential replacement in the future.  What I've seen out of Barr so far, I would not re-sign.  This is, of course, with me assuming he'll make ~10 mill a year.  No way do I pay him even half of that based on what I've seen so far.  So I'm always looking ahead....just like my comments on Shaheen being drafted this year provides depth behind Rudy, while also freeing up cap space next year if Rudy tanks again and Shaheen looks to be as good as I think he can be (lots of projection here with Shaheen since he's a D-2 guy).    

[badgervike]

I hear ya.  Actually, we lost two linebackers if you count Cole so no doubt it's a position of need...even if it's depth.  I just wonder about the 2nd tier of players on the team...and wonder who can step up and start...whether it's Boone, Kerin, Lamur, Robinson or one of the secondary guys.

[Jayme96]

Yeah, Cole was a guy they should've re-signed. He would've been a fine LB on the first 2 downs or w/e they're in the base D with 3 of them on the field. I think this year you just roll with what you have on the OL and see who steps up. Easton, Kerin, Sirles all showed flashes last year. Those 3, along with Berger and Boone should be able to get the job done now that we have decent OTs next to them. If not, you draft some next year. I wouldn't be opposed to nabbing Elflein and maybe Pocic in 2-3 though. Forrest Lamp I'd love to add, but I think he'll be long gone. Same with Ramczyk and Bolles. I'm glad they added OTs in FA, because I'm not impressed with this OL class.

Anzalone in 4, which is where he's projected now, would be a great pickup though. I think he'll be better than Barr and Kendricks.....but has that injury red flag too.

[SmokedPears]

What are the theories for why Barr took a step back? Could it simply be he was banged up?

Or does he not care anymore?

He clearly had talent. That doesn't just go away.

[badgervike]

Mar 20, 2017 9:47:01 GMT -6 SmokedPears said:

What are the theories for why Barr took a step back? Could it simply be he was banged up?

Or does he not care anymore?

He clearly had talent. That doesn't just go away.

I think we're all hoping he was banged up.  If he was playing at his previous level with Kendricks next to him...that would be a fairly formidable linebacking corps.