Categories: Transaction
| On 11 years ago

Middle Linebacker Still A Need… But So Is Point Guard

By Adam Warwas

The Minnesota Vikings released defensive back Nick Taylor on Tuesday, according to reports.

Taylor made headlines, and provided an opportunity for sophomoric headlines (look up), when the Vikings signed the Florida International point guard to play cornerback as an undrafted free agent.  Given the recent acquisitions of cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Jacob Lacey it is not overly surprising that the Vikings wanted to part ways with their inexperienced long shot.

Taylor caught the front office’s eye when he ran sub-4.4 forty yard dashes at FIU’s pro day, and presumably made an impression on tape from his brief stint in arena football, but he never played a down for the Vikings.  He spent 2012 on injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury.

Adam Warwas

Adam Warwas (Founder) has been writing about the Vikings for a total of eight years. Five of those years have been here at Vikings Territory where he continues to surround himself with enough talented individuals that people keep coming back. As proud as he is of what Vikings Territory has become, his real treasures are in his home... a beautiful wife and three amazing children (and a dog named Percy).

Tags: jacob lacey Nick Taylor xavier rhodes

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  • ILB Max Bullough from Michigan State could be a guy to keep an eye on in the 2014 draft.

    Coach Dantonio says Bullough is a great leader, tough down hill player, always prepared for every game and is great in pass coverage.

    I think Henderson in the middle with Hodges outside will get us by for a year. Although I am hoping Mauti can steel the ILB job my mid season.

  • Does anyone know why the Vikings didn't sign RB Robbie Rouse or RB Rayon Simmons?
    I don't see Duron Carter on the 90 man roster either?

    I was looking forward to seeing what those guys could do.

    • Duron Carter is a part of a tryout basis. He could be signed if they like him enough in the tryouts.

      • I'm guessing Rayon Simmons is also going to be there on a tryout basis being that he's a local guy. It wouldn't surprise me if Rouse is also coming in for a tryout. It doesn't look like he was picked up by any other team. I was excited to see his name on the original list, but frankly the three backs they do have agreements with are really intriguing to me. If you have some time to check out the youtube highlights on Randle from UNLV do it. The guy is small but is pretty agressive in pass protection and has some return ability. He and Williams both look like potential 3rd down backs with return potential. Then there's Zack Line who profiles a lot like Asiata as a #2 fullback, 3rd RB, and special teams coverage guy.

  • Here is a possible solution to the mike backer position.
    - According to a tweet from Tom P. Henderson says coaches have made clear they expect him to open OTAs at the mike. That is significant. He apparently is Plan A now. #Vikings

    - He is bulked up to 248 now and will be the main plan at mike backer so far.

  • Duron Carter is coming in on Thursday for a physical. If he passes he will wear #13.

    Maybe Rouse and Rayon Simmons just need to pass a physical before being signed?

    Anyway, I am surprised the Vikings didn't draft a RB to compete for the #3 RB job. The Vikings must be planning on resigning Toby.