Posts by Adam Warwas

Stephen Hill Continues To Draw Interest

March 8, 2012, by 1 comment

Georgia Tech receiver Stephen Hill went from a mid-round prospect, to a near lock to be selected in the first round of April’s Draft after a fantastic showing at the NFL’s Scouting Combine.

He was so fast, and so fluid in his drills, that my partner in crime wondered if the Vikings wouldn’t target him specifically in April.

The problem, however, is that Hill is no longer considered a well kept secret as evidenced by the crowd drawn to his Pro Day.

It should be noted that Vikings receiver coach George Stewart not only attended Hill’s Pro Day, but pulled the receiver aside to offer encouragement.

If he is around when the Vikings make their second round selection, which I am starting to think isn’t going to happen, then don’t be surprised if Brett turns out to be correct and Hill ends up owning a nice, new purple jersey.

Links Of The Week: Free Agency Starts Soon

March 8, 2012, by No comments yet

Okay, so I know I haven’t been keeping you as up-to-date as I normally like to, but these links should ensure you are all caught up and didn’t miss anything so far this week:

  • Our blogroll has been updated to include another cool Vikings blog.  Check’ em out and tell ‘em who sent you.
  • Could Peyton Manning’s landing spot affect this year’s Vikings draft?
  • Joe Webb is still jumping really high on YouTube.
  • The new Madden video game could, in theory, include either Jared Allen or Percy Harvin on the cover.
  • Unless this is a typo, the “snitch” that spurred “bountygate” was actually a Vikings player.
  • A breakdown of the reasons behind Pro Football Focus’s crush on linebacker Erin Henderson.
  • Chris Cook’s girlfriend testified in court on Wednesday.  Here is a summary of the bizarre testimony that she gave.  He might just be off the hook.
  • Cook’s attorneys argued self defense in court on Wednesday.
  • An argument for a very stiff penalty for the New Orleans Saints.
  • Christian Ponder is preparing (yeah, right) for the possibility of the Vikings drafting another first round quarterback.
  • The Vikings are trying to re-sign linebacker Erin Henderson prior to free agency starting.
  • Some of the key figures involved with the new stadium proposal.
  • Brett Favre says that a referee apologized to him for a missed call in the 2009 NFC Championship game against the Saints.
  • I think some hack blogger has mentioned this before, but gambling is an unpredictable revenue source for a new stadium and could be a sticking point in the proposal.
  • An interesting experiment surrounding the Cris Carter Hall of Fame mystery.
  • Jared Allen takes an even handed approach in answering “bountygate” questions.
  • This mock draft has the Vikings drafting… oh, forget it, you already know.
  • Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.  He is also one of the classiest NFL players of all time.  Any team would be lucky to have a guy like this for as long as Indianapolis had Manning.  So, here it is, your moment of Zen:

Fabricating Excuses

March 6, 2012, by 6 comments

If you haven’t noticed (you better have!) I am relying on Brett even more than I usually do to help me keep the site fresh with the latest news and rumors surrounding the Vikings.

It just so happens that this is one of those weeks when my real job has me tied up all hours of the day, and I am even more worthless than normal when I get home.

But don’t worry, I talked to Rick Spielman today and he said they would host a few more meetings with ownership and wait until Saturday to make any big roster decisions.  That will give me time recoup from the long work week and bring you the latest, greatest Vikings news as free agency approaches.

Spielman said that his free agency plans are finalized and that the team is simply waiting for March 13th to roll around.  In the meantime, he plans to attend as many pro days as possible, including Oklahoma State and USC, where he will get up-close looks at Matt Kalil and Justin Blackmon.

Oh, and if you are wondering what the heck I am babbling on about, click here to read all about Spielman’s recent statements regarding his plans for the week.

Moving One Step Closer To Deciding Cook’s Future

March 5, 2012, by No comments yet

Stemming from an October 21st fight in his home, Chris Cook will soon stand trial for charges of domestic assault and third-degree assault, both of which are felonies.

The charges stem from an incident in which Cook allegedly assaulted, and then tried to strangle, a 21 year old woman believed to be his girlfriend at the time.  Cook’s attorney is expected to use the self defense argument, and also try to play up the idea that the woman in question recanted the strangulation accusations late in 2011.

Right now, it is unknown whether or not the woman will testify in court.

One more step in the process should be completed on Monday, as it is expected that his jury will be selected in Hennepin County.

The last time Cook appeared in court he appeared very clean cut, having rid himself of the long dread locks, and attributed the new look to a “lifestyle change.”

It is believed that Cook’s future as a Viking, or as an NFL player in general, is tied directly to the outcome of this court case.

COMMUNITY MOCK: Day Four

March 5, 2012, by 5 comments

Don’t forget to check out the results for our community mock draft by clicking here.  Yesterday, the Vikings made the unsurprising pick of USC left tackle Matt Kalil in a landslide.

In fact, all three of the first picks have been landsides.

Now, however, things begin to get a little more tricky (and fun), and it starts with the Browns and what they will do with their fourth overall selection.

Vote in the poll below, and leave us a comment with your analysis, our mock is being filled out complete with analysis from you, the readers!

COMISSIONER KLUWE ARGUES THE OBVIOUS

March 4, 2012, by 1 comment

If there was ever an NFL punter that weighed in on every league-wide issue to the extent that one had to assume he wants to work in football following his career as a player, it is Vikings punter Chris Kluwe.

Kluwe has never shied away from making his opinions known, even when the topic may result in him shunning a fellow player, and “bountygate” has proven to be no different.

It threatens the image of the game.  When you look at an NFL game…you don’t want to think that guys are out there actively trying to hurt each other. NFL’s a violent game. We all know the risks when we step on the field. Granted, as a punter, I don’t face those risks quite as much as other people. At the same time there’s a chance a guy’s going to hit you, injuries happen, that’s part of the game, that’s why people are interested in it. But what people aren’t interested in seeing, unless they’re sadistic twisted people, is guys that are actively trying to hurt other people. That’s not part of what makes the NFL the most popular sport in America.

As a player you don’t want to believe guys are out there trying to hurt other guys.  It’s a dangerous game and that’s without trying to hurt other people. You’re in a lot of vulnerable positions and it’s really an issue of trust. Players have to be able to trust each other that if you’ve got a guy in a vulnerable position…you have to trust that a guy’s not going to dive into your knee and end your career. Because if that starts happening teams are going to retaliate. Then all of a sudden it starts escalating and you get superstars that are done.

Kluwe didn’t stop there.  He went above and beyond surmising how scandals like this one can damage the game of football, and continued on to single out a few individuals and provide his suggestion for their punishment.

“I think that Vilma and Williams should be banned from football for life. And any of the guys that took money on a hit that injured someone should be suspended for at least a year.” Kluwe added, “You have to make a serious example out of what has gone on here.”

As more details begin to trickle out regarding this mess, I have to say, it is difficult to disagree with out outspoken punter on this one.

COMMUNITY MOCK: Vikes Are On The Clock

March 4, 2012, by 9 comments

Day three of our community mock draft has arrived which means two things:

  1. Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin are off the board.
  2. The Vikings are on the clock.

Need I say more? 

Cast a vote and leave a comment.