[NOTE FROM ADAM: I am thrilled that Branden Lemke has once again agreed to lend us his talents here at VT, this time he will be providing us with ten “bold predictions” for you all to mull over as the season fast approaches. This is his first installment. I know I’ve been way too absent this week, but I promise I’ll be back to normal in just a few short days. Thanks for hanging in there.]
Hey everybody! If you’re like me, right now you’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2013 NFL season. For the first time since 2009, Vikings fans have a lot of reason for hope this time of year (Last year at this time nobody thought we’d finish 10-6, and if you did you’re a football genius). Leading up to the start of the season, I’m going to give you 10 bold predictions of what you will hopefully see over the course of the 2013 season. Some of you may remember me doing this a couple years ago when I worked with Adam at Vikings Gab. I looked up my bold predictions from 2011 and it turns out I was right about half of them! I’m shooting for a better ratio this time around.
There’s no question the Vikings struck gold in 2012 by trading up in the first round to select safety Harrison Smith out of Notre Dame. Many were skeptical at first because the 2012 safety class was viewed as a fairly weak class, and some fans and experts thought it might have just been a desperation shot by the Vikings, trying to fill a glaring need in the secondary. It didn’t take Smith long to show everyone that despite a weak safety class, he was for real.
We saw his talent on display throughout the entire 2012 season. He delivered one hard hitting tackle after another, and finished with 3 interceptions on the year, 2 of them for touchdowns. I was honestly surprised Smith wasn’t more highly considered for Defensive Rookie Of The Year, and I felt he could have been a pro bowler this year. In 2013, I think Smith is poised for a breakout year. He’s already become one of the main leaders in our secondary, and his play will be huge for the Vikings. I think Smith will finish in the area of 80 tackles, 4-5 interceptions, and a couple forced fumbles. Hopefully we can see more defensive touchdowns from him as well. I think the Pro Bowl is a place he’ll belong after the season is said and done, hopefully voters feel the same way when the Pro Bowl ballots are out.
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Paul Krause 2.0! I was a fan of Smith 4 months before the draft, in January he was predicted as a 4th rounder, I wanted us to take him in the 2nd or 3rd even in the first where we got him I was happy!
I would rather see another Joey Browner. Best Vikings safety ever.
Are you drunk? Paul Krause is the best coverage safety of all time, he wasn't the greatest tackler but the man could catch anything.
Paul Krause is my all time favorite Viking. He still holds the NFL record for interceptions (81)
(Browner had 37)
Guy was BIG too and hit HARD.
I've been trying to find a #22 Jersey for some time but they're pretty scarce, it seems.
Great prediction Lemke and I hope you're right. Smith looks like the kind of guy that can see many Probowls if he stays healthy.
If you can loosen up the purse strings Fran, here's an autographed jersey for just over a hundy (with shipping)..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAUL-KRAUSE-SIGNED-AUTO-MINNESOTA-VIKINGS-JERSEY-JSA-HOF-98-AUTOGRAPHED-/220910661072?pt=US_Autographs&hash=item336f4d2dd0#ht_769wt_932
That's pretty cool Tomb, and only a 100 bucks! I'd get that sucker...but the wifey would likely be a bit mad about it. And I might not get the Sunday ticket.
I'd be all over that but I want one to wear and that one is just too pristine
(And signed) to wear. Thanks anyway Tomb and if you see any others, let me know.
agree 100 %.
that reminds gotta get a Paul Krause and Harrison Smith jersey next to one another
A motivated linebacker. hhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmm something the Vikings need...http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/17/bishop-confirms-vikings-visit-says-hes-motivated/
The physical will be the test for Bishop. This could be a huge score if he's healthy, very underrated player but he has both the injury concern and the switch to a 4-3 defense. Just curious, is there a particular reason that no-one in the media has called out the Green Bay organization for how quick they are to terminate contracts of players who have had injuries? I know it happens across the league but I swear the Packers must lead the NFL in cutting guys who get hurt.
they get hurt on purpose because they can't stand garbage bay and want out any way they can
delouse him and offer him a deal with little guaranteed money
Check it out!
https://vine.co/v/hB29Brd6ap2
He can catch!
Think you're right on this one.