Minnesota Vikings Off Season To Do List: Expect more in Year 2 of Frazier
By Editorial Staff
Minnesota Vikings off Season Check List
2011 Outcome (3-13)
Everyone knew that 2011 season would be a rebuilding year for the Vikings…I just don’t think anyone knew it would be this much of one. Until recently the Vikings were battling for the #1 draft pick. That sounds weird to say when they Vikings have the best Running Back in football and the likely Defensive MVP as well. Leslie Frazier had the Vikings in every contest but struggles on the OL, the secondary, and a rookie QB held them back. Expect improvements in year 2.
Coach Seat Temperature
The Vikings are not going to remove Frazier after one season that was known to be a rebuilding year. Frazier has the love of his players and the trust of the owner. Rick Spielman recently was promoted to General Manager…what he was before is a bit of an anomaly. I think Bill Muscrave is a solid OC and Ken Pagnac will likely be back as DC.
2011 Draft Class Rating (C)
Yet to be decided as with most classes after the first year. I believe Ponder was selected way too early and has shown good and bad film at this point. Joe Webb might give him some competition and that is not a good sign. Kyle Rudolph appears to be a solid TE who will only get better with time. Ballard andBurtonare depth players who have talent. The rest of this class is filled with raw players who might be contributors down the road.
2010 Draft Class Rating (C-)
The Vikings traded out of the first round in this draft. Their class if filled with talented players who are not complete enough to be every down starters. Chris Cook is talented yet injury prone and a trouble maker. Toby Gerhart is a solid RB who lacks the speed to be an every down back. Everson Griffin is a solid rotational DE and Joe Webb is an athlete who can play QB or WR. The rest of this class is filled with Special Team contributors.
2009 Draft Class Rating (B)
Despite the lack of selections this was a solid draft class. Percy Harvin is a big time playmaker at a multitude of positions. Phil Loadholt is a solid RT who is a beast in run blocking and struggles against speed rushers. Asher Allen is a solid depth CB and Sanford and Brinkley are solid depth players as well.
Current Needs
Offense: WR, OG, LT
Defense: DT, LB, CB, SS, FS
Current FA
EJ Henderson: Henderson is a solid MLB who is starting to age and become injury prone. While it is not vital to resign him it would be prudent to sign him to a 2 year deal.
Current Mock
1. Morris Claiborne CB LSU
2. Kelechi Osemele OL IowaState
3. Robert Lester FS Alabama
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