First off I want to apologize for accidently erasing my fanpost on this subject, because with that also was erased the comments from my fellow Viking fans. I had forgotten to write about Darius Raynuad and when I went to edit to enter him in, I instead erased the whole thing. So if you'll forgive me I would like to atleast summarize what I had posted.

   Back in the late 90's and early this decade our Minnesota Vikings had the best receiving core in the NFL ( sorry "greatest show on turf" you were a close second), but age, attitudes, contracts expiring, off the field troubles and Coach Childress new standard of accountability depleted that core. By Chilly's 2nd season the cupboard was now empty and the rebuilding process had begun.

   The Vikings started off by signing free agent Bobby Wade, and then selecting 3 WRs in the draft: Sidney Rice (2nd rd.), Andre Allison (5th rd.), and Charlie williams (7th rd., who would not make the team).The Vikings also brought in free agent TE Vishante Shancoe from the Giants. The following year the Vikings signed away Bernard Berrian from our hated rivals dabears, and then select Jarmar Johnson (6th rd.)  in the draft. Undrafted Darius Raynuad made the practice squad and would later be signed to the active roster. This years offseason would see the Vikings bring in free agent Glen Holt, and to much a surprise the first round pick of Percy Harvin.

   As we look ahead to this upcoming season, we have a lot forward to in our passing offense and the KOA finally coming to life; here's why...

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I have read comments here on the DN about how Todd Pinkston had better stats than our own Sidney Rice in their first two years, and because of that the doubters are trying to say Pinkston was a better player. I disagree with that logic  and will tell you my reasons why Rice is better. First the stats can be deceiving; being that Pinkston had more receptions (52) to Rice's (46). Pinkston played for the pass happy Eagles, which pass the ball 60/40 to running the ball. In Minnesota where we have the best running back in the game, we run the ball about 55/45 to passing it. Second Pinkston played in more games (31) to Rices (26), so more oppertunities on a pass happy team = better stats. One stat the doubters don't mention is TD's where Rice has more (8) to Pinkston's (4). To be honest Pinkstons stats should have been much greater but he alligator armed so many passes that went his way. Rice will separate himself from anymore of these lame comparasions this year now with Harvin on board and if he can stay healthy. I'm counting on him to make our QB's job easier and start playing up to his potential. The biggest thing that separates Rice from Pinkston is HEART Rice isn't afraid - no alligator arms here. I think the rest of the league better pay attention the Vikings are coming!!!

With all the rejoicing that we have been doing over last weekend's draft and all the recent talk about "you know who" maybe unretiring again, we have forgotten and rightly so that da Bears picked up Jay Cutler via a costly trade. As much as I would have liked the Vikes to have traded up 4 years ago and draft him or make a move and aquire him this year when he was on the trading block. I must admit even though he is now the QB for our rivals from the windy city, I kinda like seeing him there. Think about it for 15 years we had that "you know who" guy to hate and every year when the schedule would come out we would circle those dates with our confrontations with #4. Well, now we have someone new to hate and he comes in a #6 fashion. True he has a connon of an arm and is athletically gifted, all the more to root for our defense to get him and do horrible things to him. This makes for good football and having #6 in the NFC North will make the division better and our beloved Vikings better, so come playoff time we will be prepared to conquer whatever teams stand in our way of a Super Bowl title. As for Stafford we have to wait and see. Any thoughts or comments on this subject?  

I know everyone wants Loadholt but he may not be around at #54 and I don't see us trading up, so with that said I say we take Meredith OT out of South Carolina. He may be "undersized" for a RT (289 lbs.) but he has the frame  to grow 6'5" and he has a hand punch we have not seen since Randell Mcdaniel left town. He has quick feet and is a perfect fit for the zone blocking scheme the Vikings use. He excels in pass protection, which was an area of weakness last year, and for his size he will not be bullrushed back into the QB, he is one tough hombre. RT is our most pressing need right now that we got our playmaker :). We can grab a corner later. What do you think? 

We are one week away from the draft and up until now there has been some grumblings about why we haven't brought anybody in and why are sitting on our hands while every one else is improving through FA?

Well, I'm not worried about all that and here's why: the Vikings are not known for bringing in FA's over 30 and for over paying for less talent and that's what they have done this offseason. I personally wanted them to bring in some 30 somethings but the Vikings view that as getting in the way of developing younger talent and I can't argue with that. The Vikings like bringing in FA's in the 24-27 year old age range so they get them in their prime. The Vikings resigned the ones they felt they should keep and let the others go that they felt they could improve on talent wise.

They only brought in two FA's from outside of the organization so far and both are to improve  the horrid ST's we had last year, with a new coach. After the draft expect a few other FA signings as teams unload vets to make room for their draft picks. The Vikes have done well in this department for years, picking up needs and quality depth. So no need to panic.

Most of all, I'm not worried because we have a solid core of players who are under contract for some years still to come and our younger players now have more experiance in the offensive and defensive systems, which they will be more comfortable in and be able to make more plays. Sometimes bringing in all kinds of FA's  can actually set a team back because it takes a team time to gel and chemistry is everything (see Washington Redskins).  The Vikings hit a homerun with their FA's last year now it' time to replenish through the draft.

True we have a few pieces to the puzzle missing but with the draft and roster cuts coming, we should find what we need. Our schedule looks very favorable as well and after our team got a taste of the playoffs, I am sure they are hungry for more and have some unfinished business to attend to. I am excited about this upcoming season and look forward to repeating as NFC North champs and stomping a few heads along the way!  Go Vikes!!!    ...any comments? 

 With all the "excitment" ( I say that tongue in cheek) the Viking FA signings have generated this offseason, I say let's bring in the old guys. By old I mean by NFL standards 32+ years. I know the FA agent market wasn't that great this year and the team is spending it's money wisely but their is some old guys who still have something left and could contribute to a Superbowl run.  Here are the players I would like to see wearing Purple this year.

Jason Taylor DE: Doesn't anyone remember the 06 game where he almost singlehandedly beat the Vikes? He has a lot to prove after his big contract last year and is is pursuit of a ring. He is a natural LDE and would conjure up memories of the old Purple People Eaters.

Orlando Pace OT: could be brought in to play RT where he would definately be an upgrade. He has always been dominant in the run game and would love having a RB like AD to block for.

Tory Holt WR: A true pro at wideout who runs disciplined routes and knows how to take care of his body. Would serve as a tutor to Vikes young WR's while giving us a true #2 WR.

Jeff Garcia QB: A veteran of the WCO who would love to go out with a SB ring. He does not have much of a window left and his experiance would benefit the Vikes other QB's.

Of course they would all have to take a pay cut which I think they would if they really want a SB title. This would allow the Vikes to take the BPA in each round of the draft or even allow them to trade down  and get extra picks to fortify this team for the future. Any thoughts?