Percy Harvin Video

Undrafted Free Agents

Following the NFL Draft, the Vikes signed the following undrafted free agents:

RB Ian Johnson - Boise State
LB Robert Francois - Boston College
QB Sean Glennon - Virginia Tech
S Devon Hall - Utah State
DT Antoine Holmes - North Carolina State
DT Tremaine Johnson - LSU
G Andy Kemp - Wisconsin
T Bobby Lepori - Fresno State
WR Nick Moore - Toledo
WR Vinny Perretta - Boise State
TE Nick Walker - Alabama
S Colt Anderson - Montana
RB Kahlil Bell - UCLA
C Jon Cooper - Oklahoma

Round Seven: Jamarca Sanford, Safety

Similar to the Brinkley pick in Round Five, I don’t really know much about Sanford. Great last name obviously, but besides that. I know he has had some off-field issues including a disorderly conduct and theft of a car stereo, but he told the Chiller he has grown up.

Here is a scout’s breakdown on Sanford:

BIOGRAPHY: Four-year starter at strong safety who briefly spent time at outside linebacker as a sophomore. Senior totals included 82 tackles after 83 as a junior. Set a record for defensive backs at the combine when he completed 29 reps on the bench.

POSITIVES: Physical, run defending safety best playing downhill. Flies up the field, flashes on the scene and chases hard to get involved in the action. Displays a burst of closing speed, active in all aspects of the game and works hard to intimidate opponents. Effectively reads the action and displays solid speed to the sidelines.

NEGATIVES: Displays marginal ball skills and not active in coverage.

ANALYSIS: Sanford is a tough, hard-working safety best making plays up the field, between the numbers. He has limitations in coverage yet could fill the role as a traditional strong safety.

NEWT’S GRADE: C

Round Five: Jasper Brinkley, Linebacker

Well I can’t claim I know much about linebacker Jasper Brinkley from South Carolina. The Vikes moved up nine spot to #150 to grab him. Personally, I was hoping the Vikes would take Oklahoma guard, Duke Robinson and let Robinson and 2nd Round Pick, Phil Loadholt anchor the right side of the Vikes line for years to come.

It is not yet known what Minnesota gave up for this pick. More on that later.

Here is a scout’s breakdown on Brinkley:

BIOGRAPHY: Junior-college transfer who made an immediate impact upon arriving at South Carolina. All-Conference selection as a senior when he totaled 65/5/2.5. Broke into the starting lineup his first year with the Gamecocks in 2006 and posted 107/14.5/5 when he initially won all-Conference honors. Receive a medical redshirt in 2007 after playing four games then injuring his knee.

POSITIVES: Tough, run defending inside linebacker who projects as a two down defender. Plays disciplined football, stacks well against the run and wraps up tackling. Stout at the point, holds his ground against blocks and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Forceful up the field and plays with authority.

NEGATIVES: Marginal skills in coverage and does more chasing opponents down the field rather than defending the pass. Lacks the quick change direction and plays with just average speed.

ANALYSIS: Brinkley looked like a star in the making after his junior season in 2006 but was set back by the knee injury the following season. He's best playing downhill and could effectively fill the inside linebacker position of a 3-4 alignment.

NEWT’S GRADE: C

Round Three: Asher Allen, Cornerback

Minnesota makes a third consecutive solid pick by drafting cornerback, Asher Allen from Georgia in Round Three. Allen is 5-9, 195 pounds. Although he is a bit undersized, he is a solid tackler and is somewhat in the mold on Antoine Winfield. Allen should battle Marcus McCauley and Benny Sapp for the nickel and dime role on the Vikes.

Here is a scout’s breakdown on Allen:

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter who totaled 44/0/7 as a junior after 64/3/4 during his sophomore campaign. Also returned kicks in 2007 and averaged 24.6 yards on 28 returns.

POSITIVES: Nice-sized cornerback who flashes ability. Quick flipping his hips off the line to run with opponents, has a nice move to the ball, and displays the terrific burst of closing speed. Shows a good head for the ball in run defense, and immediately comes up the field to make the tackle. Works hard to get off blocks. Plays with a good degree of suddenness.

NEGATIVES: Gives up a lot of underneath receptions and shows poor skill in zone coverage. Not a sure-handed tackler.

ANALYSIS: Allen possesses terrific size/speed numbers, yet he is very much a prospect who needs a lot of work on his overall game. He presently grades as a mid-round pick who could make it as a dime back at the next level. Had Allen returned for his senior season and performed up to expectations, he likely would have been a top-45 selection in 2010.

NEWT’S GRADE: B

Round Two: Phil Loadholt, Offensive Tackle

The Vikes made another great pick in Round Two. Minnesota selected offensive tackle, Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma. Loadholt is 6-7, 330 pounds. He is a BEAST! Loadholt will instantly be installed as the starting right tackle.

Minnesota needed to leave Day One of the NFL Draft with an offensive tackle and a receiver. Not only did the Vikes land a OT & WR, but they got great value and two possible solid NFL players.

Here is a scout’s breakdown on Loadholt:

BIOGRAPHY: Junior-college transfer who immediately broke into the starting lineup upon his arrival at Oklahoma. All-Conference selection the past two seasons, and named to several All-America teams.

POSITIVES: King-sized blocker who displays a lot of skill and potential in his game. Blocks with a wide base, keeps his feet moving, and stays square. Jolts defenders with terrific hand punch, and easily controls them once engaged at the point of attack. Gets movement run blocking, driving defenders off the ball, and finishes blocks. Patient in pass protection, easily anchors at the point, and effectively plays with leverage for a tall lineman. Pushes speedy edge rushers from their angle of attack. Keeps his head on a swivel, and works well with teammates.

NEGATIVES: Lacks top footwork sliding out to protect the edge, and struggles to adjust. Somewhat overweight and looks poorly conditioned. Does not play with good balance.

ANALYSIS: Loadholt showed terrific skill from the minute he stepped onto the field at Oklahoma, and he is a lineman with great upside potential. He played well at the Senior Bowl, and then he turned in a solid combine performance. If Loadholt properly conditions himself throughout the season, he offers starting ability on the right side.

NEWT’S GRADE: A

VIKES DAY ONE GRADE: A

Round One: Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver

I am SO JACKED with the Vikes Round One selection of wide receiver, Percy Harvin. Harvin is an explosive playmaker who has a nack for the end zone. The Vikes now have a burner receiver and return man!

Harvin has had some off-field issues including testing positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine, but this kid can play! A little shocking that Brad Childress took Harvin, but the Chiller must be feeling the heat! Chilly went down and met with Harvin a few days prior to today’s draft. He must have like him.

Here is a scout’s breakdown on Harvin:

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter who also saw extensive action with the first team as a true freshman. All-Conference selection the past two years and named as an All-American in 2008, when he led Florida in receiving posting 40/644/7 and finished second in rushing with 70/660/10. Sophomore receiving totals included 59/858/4, with 83/764/2 carrying the ball. Made an impact as a true freshman with receiving totals of 34/427/2.

POSITIVES: Explosive, big play ball-handler who impacts games in a variety of ways. Plays with tremendous quickness, balance, and body control. Easily adjusts to the errant throw, and effortlessly reaches back to make the reception at full speed without breaking stride. Possesses strong hands and displays the ability to pull the fastball from the air. Looks the pass in, makes the reception away from his frame, and effectively uses his body to shield away defenders or protect the pass. Runs low to the ground, beats defenders into the open field, and can run to daylight. Follows blocks handling the ball, eludes defenders, and possesses the ability to create his own yardage. Has a stout build and shows surprising power carrying the ball. Consistently keeps the play in bounds, and runs north-south to pick up yardage. Gives effort as a blocker. Does an outstanding job picking up yardage running after the reception.

NEGATIVES: Loses out battling large defensive backs. Is a talented receiver, yet he may not be a true #1 wideout in the NFL. Known to have an explosive personality, which has caused him problems in the past. Has had durability issues throughout college.

ANALYSIS: Harvin is a multi-purpose skill player who possesses great speed and the ability to score from any point on the field. He can be used in a variety of roles, and a creative offensive coordinator will find ways to get him the ball as a receiver or running reverses. Harvin also has potential as a return specialist, which only adds to his value. He has the ability to be a big-time player at the next level if he can stay healthy, focus on the team, and stay under control at all times.

NEWT’S GRADE: A+

Newt’s Vikes Mock Draft 2009

The NFL Draft is only eight days away. Minnesota has SIX picks (Rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 & 7). Assuming they don’t trade for wide receiver, Anquan Boldin, below is my take on what they need to do.

The Vikes head into the NFL Draft with needs at offensive tackle, center, offensive guard, quarterback (although Childress doesn’t think so), cornerback and wide receiver.

If somehow the Vikes land Percy Harvin at # 22, the whole NFL Draft in 2009 is a success for Minnesota. Harvin is a STUD who can play the slot and be a return man. If Harvin is gone by # 22, The Vikes will look to help the offensive line. I think Minnesota needs to leave the first three rounds with a wide receiver, center and an offensive tackle.

I understand that Harvin failed a drug test at the Combine (marijuana), but still he is the guy the Vikes need! Yes, it is concerning one would be so dumb to be peeing dirty at the Combine where you KNOW you are going to get tested, but still I want Harvin. Randy Moss smoked a little dope in his day and he turned out alright! Granted Moss wasn’t dumb enough to smoke it before the Combine.

If the Vikes don’t land Harvin, I can live with Eben Britton, a offensive tackle in the first round. Minnesota will NOT be drafting a cornerback in Round One. These magazines and websites that think they will prove they don’t know ANYTHING about the Minnesota Vikings.

Round 1 (# 22): Percy Harvin (WR/KR) – Florida

Other possibilities: Eben Britton (OT) – Arizona, Alex Mack (C) – California

Round 2 (# 54): Eric Wood (C) – Louisville

Other possibilities: Duke Robinson (OG) – Oklahoma, Victor Harris (CB) – Virginia Tech

Round 3 (# 86): Jamon Meredith (OT) – South Carolina

Other possibilities: Mohammed Massaquoi (WR) – Georgia, Nate Davis (QB) – Ball State

Round 5 (# 158): Myron Pryor (DT) – Kentucky

Round 7 (# 221): Tony Carter (CB) – Florida State

Round 7 (# 231): Chase Daniels (QB) – Missouri

Vikes 2009 Schedule

The NFL announced the 2009 schedule yesterday. Here is the Vikes 2009 schedule:

Sept. 13 at Cleveland
Sept. 20 at Detroit
Sept. 27 San Francisco
Oct. 5 Green Bay - Monday Night
Oct. 11 at St. Louis
Oct. 18 Baltimore
Oct. 25 at Pittsburgh
Nov. 1 at Green Bay
Nov. 8 BYE
Nov. 15 Detroit
Nov. 22 Seattle
Nov. 29 Chicago
Dec. 6 at Arizona
Dec. 13 Cincinnati
Dec. 20 at Carolina - Sunday Night
Dec. 28 at Chicago - Monday Night
Jan. 3 N.Y. Giants

Honestly if you were to start with two road games, I’m not sure you could pick better then Cleveland and Detroit. Followed by a home opened against San Fran and Monday Night against Green Bay at Metrodome, the Vikes really have potential to have a strong start. Minnesota should have no problem winning at least 10 games next season.

Winfield Ball

Above is the latest addition to the football collection, cornerback, Antoine Winfield. I think it is going to get T-Jack’s case. These are real autographs, right?

Oh yeah, Jay Cutler was traded to the Bears. Unsure what they gave up, but now the Vikes will have to deal with him twice a year.