Posts by Adam Warwas

Vikings Announce Felton Signing

March 20, 2012, by 12 comments

The battle for backup running back and starting fullback may not be the most exciting one when training camp rolls around, but the Vikings are making sure there will be plenty of competition.

A couple of days after signing Lex Hilliard to a one year contract, the Vikings have now announced the addition of fullback Jerome Felton. 

A 2008 fifth round selection by the Lions, Felton figures to compete for a roster spot at age 25.  He had spent three seasons with the Lions, playing in 42 games before being waived in 2011.  He was claimed by the Panthers and then later in the season joined the Colts.

Felton joins a running back squad that consists of the following:  Adrian Peterson, Toby Gerhart, Lex Hilliard, Matt Asiata, and Ryan D’Imperio.  It might be safe to assume that no bruising backs are targeted on Draft weekend, and that we should instead keep our eye on any quick, speedy scat backs in the later rounds.

Terms of Felton’s deal are not yet known.

The Vikings also officially announced the re-signing of Letroy Guion on Tuesday, a move that we knew was coming for a week.

Ted Ginn Jr. In For A Visit

March 20, 2012, by 8 comments

Fullback Jerome Felton isn’t the only free agent expected to meet with the Vikings today.

According to Vikings Now, the Vikings are hosting wide receiver and return specialist Ted Ginn Jr.

Ginn has had struggles with hanging onto passes throughout his career, but he has earned plenty of recognition as a dangerous return man.  Ginn was selected ninth overall by the Dolphins in 2007 and will be 27 years old.

Community Mock: Day Twelve

March 20, 2012, by 4 comments

Day Eleven of our Community Mock is updated with the results from our last poll.  We awarded nose tackle Dontari Poe to the Chiefs and now it is the Seattle Seahawks that are on the clock.

The Seahawks recently signed quarterback Matt Flynn to compete with Tarvaris Jackson in the starting lineup, but there are plenty of other needs to fill and that will start with this selection.

View the Community Mock by clicking here.

Cast your vote below.

Schwartz Continues Tour, Other Monday Notes

March 20, 2012, by No comments yet

I apologize for being absent most of Monday, but luckily for me it turned out to be a pretty slow day.  Let’s take a look at what did happen:

Abdullah Has An Offer:  Apparently the Vikings have made an offer to safety Husain Abdullah and he is “mulling it over.”  Abdullah has been a serviceable option at safety the last two years, but has struggled with concussions, and could be a possible starter into the future, as well.

Schwartz To Visit Niners:  “Awesome Visit with the Vikings!” tweeted offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz on Monday.  Schwartz left Minnesota without a contract but the Vikings knew that was the plan all along.  He has visits set up with the Chiefs and the 49ers over the next couple of days and Schwartz plans to honor those commitments.  “Just doing my due diligence,” Schwartz tweeted, and one can’t blame him for that.

Felton To Visit:  Fullback Jerome Felton is set to visit the Vikings on Tuesday, despite the recent signing of Lex Hilliard, not to mention the presence of Ryan D’Imerio and Matt Asiata at the position.  Felton was a fifth round pick by the Lions in 2008 and has also spent time with the Panthers and Colts.  The Vikings tried to claim Felton off of waivers last year, but the Panthers claimed him and had priority.  Felton is only 25 years old.

Pre-Draft Visit For Kirkpatrick:  The Vikings have a pre-Draft visit set up with Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick.  Kirkpatrick, known for his skill as a zone coverage player, and six foot two inches and widely regarded as the second best cornerback in this Draft class.  He would likely be a serious option if the Vikings were to trade backwards from the three spot.

More Claiborne Talk:  Bob Sansavere of the Pioneer Press discusses some first-hand conversations with General Manager Rick Spielman that could suggest he is serious about selecting LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne over USC left tackle Matt Kalil in April’s Draft.  More smokescreen?  You be the judge.

More Rumblings Regarding Vikings Third Overall Selection

March 18, 2012, by 11 comments

Whether by design or otherwise, the Vikings are suddenly in possession of the hottest pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

The third overall selection that the Vikings hold is suddenly the center of the most buzz.  There appears to possibly be a trade market growing for teams that think Ryan Tannehill could be a franchise quarterback.  Peter King mentioned it earlier in the week, and Matt Flynn’s signing in Seattle has seemingly left the Browns and the Dolphins out in the cold in regards to their quarterback situation.

I find it hard to believe that any team would be willing to select Tannehill third overall, let alone trade up to get him there, but stranger things have happened.

Also, I had previously passed along an article citing an unnamed source saying that the Vikings front office was somewhat split and the LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne could seriously be considered by the Vikings when they are on the clock.

The National Football Authority has a similar article today in which a source “close to the scouting ranks” who says the Vikings will indeed target Claiborne over tackle Matt Kalil and receiver Justin Blackmon.

Claiborne is a quality player worthy of consideration, but I find these unnamed sources stories hard to take seriously this time of year, as the Vikings or any other team could be sending out smokescreens for any number of reasons.

Regardless, the Vikings have successfully gone from “they will certainly take Kalil” to “they have lots of options” and that mystery can only help them in their quest to generate a trade partner in April.

Defensive Backs Not Visiting Winter Park

March 18, 2012, by 1 comment

Despite an NFL.com report saying that the Vikings would be playing host to free agent safety O.J. Atogwe, Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press insists that no such visit is going to happen.  It appears that the report originated at the Detroit Lions official website, and Atogwe is actually going to visit them.

Also, despite rumors of interest, Fowler says the Vikings are not interested in pursuing former Cowboys defensive back Alan Ball.

Fowler also indicates that wide receivers Devin Aromshodu and Ted Ginn Jr. are names to keep an eye on in the coming days.

For more on Fowler’s free agency rumor notes, go ahead and click here.

Vikings Continue To Bolster Backfield Depth

March 18, 2012, by No comments yet

In the post below this one, I opined that a bowling ball back like Mike Tolbert would be a solid addition to this roster, particularly given Adrian Peterson’s current rehab situation.

The Vikings didn’t sign Tolbert, but they did make a similar signing on Sunday by getting former Dolphin Lex Hilliard to agree to a one year deal.

Hilliard was a restricted free agent that Miami decided not to tender.  Hilliard has played in every game for the Dolphins over the last three seasons, but seldom produced big numbers.  At age 27, Hilliard only has 39 carries for 130 yards under his belt, which includes two touchdowns.  In 2009, he showed some solid hands with 20 catches and 158 yards, but the Dolphins went away from using him as a pass catcher the last two seasons.

Listed at 5’ 11” and 240 pounds, Hilliard possesses the versatility that would allow him to play both half back and full back in Bill Musgrave’s offense.

He joins a backfield that already has Adrian Peterson, Toby Gerhart, Jordan Todman, Caleb King, Matt Asiata, and Ryan D’Imperio.  He can also be a special teams contributor, but probably not as a return man.

The competition for who makes the roster behind Peterson and Gerhart this year should be a fun one to watch.