Open Rants by SKOLarson

The Vikings started off 2016 red hot, going 5-0 behind a savage defense, only to stumble to an 8-8 finish. The retirement of Norv Turner and offensive line injuries brought the running game to a halt, and constricted the passing game to short passes and check-downs. Although the defense was still stout, they could no longer support the team with defensive points like they had in the first 5 contests. I'm very optimistic with the right moves and draft strategy the Vikings can be 2017 Superbowl Contenders in their own new stadium. 

Team Needs:

1. Offensive Line

2. Defensive Tackle

3. Outside Linebacker

4. Running back (More or less pending AD)

5. Safety

Cuts:

   Adrian Peterson*: Ideally I believe they should try to keep Peterson at a lower price and cap hit. Getting up under 10 million per year instead of his currently owed 18 million would save 8+ million in cap room and keep the face of the franchise. He is not worth his current contract due to his age and recent injury history. If a deal cannot be worked out then he should be cut. 

   Brandon Fusco: He counts for almost 5 million against the cap and has not played up to his contract he signed in 2014. Cutting him will save 3.2 million in cap space.

   Emmanuel Lamur: Only a backup linebacker, is worth almost 3 million against the cap with no dead money from being cut. 

Notable Free Agents:

   Matt Kalil: Let him go. His skills have only decayed every year since he was drafted.

   Captain Munnerlyn: A quality nickel corner, but young talent at the position on the roster makes re-signing him a luxury. If he wants to stay on a modest contract it wouldn't be a bad thing. 

   Andre Smith: Spent most of his one year prove-it deal injured, but showed some promise when he did play. Re-sign him on another reasonable one year contract. 

   Shaun Hill: At 37 years old, who knows whether retirement is in his future or not. If he is playing he should be re-signed. He was a quality backup who showed he can keep the ship afloat when needed.

   Chad Greenway: Isn't the same linebacker he used to be, but if the market is thin for him it would be great to sign him for a low price as a backup. He would be great for teaching younger linebackers and be a great locker room presence. 

   Terence Newman: Like Hill, Newman is getting very old for professional football. If he is playing in 2017 he will most likely be playing under Zimmer, like he has for most of his career.

   Cordarrelle Patterson: Proved to be an enormous asset on special teams and screen plays. Re-signing him would keep a team strength. Hopefully he finally develops some route running skills.

   Zach Line: One of the better fullbacks in the NFL right now. Re-signing him is a no-brainer.

   Matt Asiata: Player who knows how to grind, but has a limited skillset. Finding better talent for a backup or potential starter at the position is a need that will force Asiata out of town.

   Joe Berger: Has played will for his age, I say keep him around on a one year deal or until it's obvious he can no longer play at a starter level.

   *RFA Adam Theilen: Should be a priority to keep as he proved himself a dangerous weapon this year.

If all goes well re-signing players and proper cuts, the Vikings should have about 20 million in cap space if they keep Peterson at a discount or around 30 million if they cut him. 

Free-Agent Targets:

  Guard: Kevin Zeitler or Larry Warford: With the cut of Fusco, bringing in a young premier guard with upside and a good push in the run game is needed drastically. Most of the offensive woes came from the line, money will need to be spent here. 

  Tackle: Riley Reiff: Originally a LT that switched to the right side this year. Could be solid for the Vikings LT spot with potential for improvement in his play.

  Saftey: John Cyprien or Tony Jefferson: If either of these players are signed the Vikings might be inclined to cut Sendejo, who has played solid but not exceptional football. It may just be smarter to target a safety in the draft with such a deep class this year. 

   Defensive Tackle: Dominique Easley: An interior pass rusher with incredible upside. Zimmer could polish him up and the pass rush would be very formidable.

Draft Strategy:

Unfortunately the vikings have no first round pick in the 2017 draft, but a trade with Miami gives them an extra 3rd and 4th round pick. These can be used to find players with upside. The tackle talent in this draft is unfortunately thin, yet it is stocked at the runningback, tight end, and safety positions. A quality runningback is needed on this roster, as well as a tight end with run-after-the-catch ability (Rudolph has none) and safety depth. All can be found in the early to middle rounds because of the depth. I think ts a little too early to be making round by round picks since draft stock is unsettled at this point.

2nd Round: If a solid tackle prospect falls to the middle of the 2nd due to lack of depth at the position this year, that would be very beneficial to Minnesota. If not runningback (whether for depth or dire need) or tight end need to be considered. 

   Options: Garret Bolles, OT Utah / David Njoku, TE Miami / Alvin Kamara, RB Tennesse

3rd Round (2 picks): Target Players who will provide depth or have tremendous upside. Danielle Hunter was a 3rd round pick who developed very well. Depending on the 2nd round pick they need to target those two other positions named above. 

4th Round (2 picks): Drafting tackle help will need to be a key in this years draft. A developmental safety or center would be ideal as well.

5th-7th Round: These are over my head. These rounds are up to Zigi and Zimmer to find quality players in later rounds.

Moves like this can make the Vikings once again the kings of the NFC North, a playoff team, and possible Superbowl contenders.

-Given that they can find the mojo which faded during the week 6 bye this year.

In Zimmer we trust, SKOL!