Image courtesy of Vikings.com
Minnesota has had an interesting offseason so far in which we have seen a number of free agents leave for new teams, a pair of tackles highlight Rick Spielman’s hauls, a fair share of disappointments, and the (presumed) end of two very great Viking careers.
With that being said, the Vikings roster is far from complete, and our Question of the Week is a simple one today:
[quote_box_center]Who is your favorite free agent target still available that you want the Vikings to pursue?[/quote_box_center]
If I had to choose and couldn’t stand pat with the “I’m happy with the current haul” answer, I’d have to go with Ladarius Webb. The eight-year pro, who’s spent his entire tenure with the Ravens, made an early career as one of the NFL’s best slot cornerbacks. But injuries slowed his play, forcing Baltimore to move the veteran to safety in late 2015 and 2016. Webb proved capable enough in the role to start for the Ravens last season, but age and price quickly became more important to the front office than Webb’s capabilities. The team released Webb this offseason, making him an attractive option on the open market. Seeking a worthy counterpart to Harrison Smith, Minnesota reportedly expressed interest in Webb, though their pursuit never for further than said interest. Knowing he’s played slot cornerback—a need with Captain Munnerlyn gone—and has the ability to slide to safety, Webb could serve as a solid rotational piece for the Vikings. At the right price, he’d be a reasonable fit in Minnesota’s secondary.
I, like Austin, am not completely comfortable with the Vikings’ nickel cornerback situation. If they can add one more corner in free agency, those concerns will be alleviated, as it will give the team excellent positional depth and allow them the flexibility to bring along second-year man Mackensie Alexander as fast or slow as they like. It would also give them free reign in the draft; the Vikings have done a good job of plugging holes in free agency, reducing the burden to draft players at positions of need and giving them the freedom to take the best players available. Corner is the last box to check in that regard.
I do think Webb would be a fine addition, but I will hitch my wagon to another: Nickell Robey-Coleman. He, like Webb, has extensive experience at the nickel. But my reasons for choosing him are mostly related to his name. First, the first name: Nickell. Come on—it’s too perfect. Second, his last name is hyphenated, and studies have shown that individuals with hyphenated last names disproportionately achieve NFL success. This is a lineage that includes NFL greats such as Maurice Jones-Drew, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and many others, and I would love to see Robey-Coleman continue this proud tradition with the Vikings.
As it stands today, I am pretty satisfied with how the Vikings have handled free agency. I don’t necessarily believe they need to make another move, but, gun to my head, I’d have to say wide receiver Michael Floyd. Multiple DUIs have cost him both his job with the Arizona Cardinals and image around the league, but the home-town kid has plenty of natural talent and isn’t nearly the “problem child” the media has portrayed him as. While I don’t see this move actually coming to fruition, Floyd’s size and physicality would, in theory, add a dimension to the Vikings’ red-zone attack that Minnesota hasn’t had since Sidney Rice at a bargain price. Certainly wouldn’t hurt to sign a wide receiver after losing Cordarrelle Patterson and Charles Johnson to free agency either. The best-case scenarios for safety Jairus Byrd (New Orleans) and offensive tackle Ryan Clady (N.Y. Jets) also intrigue me.
I’m not overly impressed with what is left on the open market, there is no “must have” talent out there right now, in my opinion. With that being said, I would not mind at all if the Vikings further explored the veteran leadership and stout toughness that center Nick Mangold might bring to the table. The Vikings could add the 33 year old, who has been to seven Pro Bowls, and get even more short-term flexibility along an offensive line that is still seeking to find long-term solutions. Also, Mangold was released by the Jets, meaning he would not count against the Vikings compensatory pick possibilities in 2018.
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A linebacker too but otherwise I like who you guys picked. Nickel safety mangold. Definitely FLOYD
Mangold can be expensive more than we have and his age rather go for pocic, elflien, toth they will be cheaper while securing the pos for at least 4+ yrs
Matt Birk was the same age when he went to Baltimore... and played 4 very solid years.
1) Floyd
2) Robey - Coleman
3) Webb
4) Mangold
With the addition of Reiff & Remmers offensive line is no long the 1 - 5 of needs for the team. Adding at least 4 more lineman before training camp is still fairly imperative but the group has been upgraded from the steaming pile of doodoo that it was at the end of last year. As the Vikings have proved over the last like 15 years, finding a center in the draft is far from the most difficult thing. So paying for an old, albeit good, one doesn't make much sense.
Webb may still have some play in his legs but neither safety nor corner need another guy nearing the end of his career. I'd much rather give kearse those reps and see if he can be a player for the Vikings or not.
Bringing in an experience replacement for Cap makes a lot of sense, just would depend on the money and time required. Alexander should still be the answer in the future but a bridge never hurts!
Floyd comes with as much baggage as anyone in the NFL today but an incentive laden, mutually beneficial contract would make a lot of sense.
As a short term solution Mangold would appear to be a no brainer, but I fear that he will either want a contract offering longterm security, or an expensive one year deal. He isn't likely to accept a one year low cost 'prove it' deal knowing that he is a team injury away from virtually naming his price.
I agree but I think the vikes will have Berger and Easton battle it out for the center spot and possibly Draft either Elflien or Pocic as the center of the future. That would give the Vikes a lot of options.
Yes, drafting Elfien or Pocic would be great. One of them may be there in the 3rd round? I also like G Feeney in the 2nd. That would give them a lot of options along the line.
If they pass on Feeney for BPA say a RB or WR, Maybe big body guards/Tackles like Zach Banner or David Sharpe will be available in the 4th.
Drafting a project OT may be a good idea now that they have their starters. I read something about Storm Norton being raw but has a high potential. Anyone know if he fits that mold or any other names out there for a late round pick?
All offensive draft emphasizing the line for fun:
2nd G Feeney
3rd C Elfien or Pocic
3rd RB (sign FA WR Floyd and grab the best available RB here - Mixon, Gallman, Perine, Foreman)
4th OT David Sharpe
4th G Zach Banner
5th give this to the defense
6th OT Storm Norton
7th Punter/kicker
Watch tape on Banner?
If healthy, Deandre Levy at OLB would be interesting
Gotta go with Zach Line here, Adam.
By now, Viking's fans know Zach brings all and nothing to the table. Nobody in the world can have it all. For this reason, we need to fill the void that is "Nothing". Zach Line was born for this role.
"Why Line" you might ask. Let's face it, there are numerous players in the NFL who can contribute less. With Zach, we know that we are getting a zero sum solution to the non existent fullback problem. With Peterson now an ex-Viking, the I Formation will be non existent. Mark my words, no one can do non existent better than Zach Line. If SpeilMullen fails to re-sign Line, I promise to keep reminding the readers of VT that he is no longer here.