2012 NFL Offseason: Minnesota Vikings

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents

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Minnesota Vikings (Last Year: 3-13)

2012 NFL Draft Grade: A

Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: Minnesota has so many needs, but the front office has to prioritize acquiring support for Christian Ponder. The No. 12 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft has absolutely nothing to work with outside of Percy Harvin, an injured Adrian Peterson and a raw Kyle Rudolph. The offensive line is in shambles, and it must be addressed immediately. The secondary is also a mess.

2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Good news and bad news. The good news is that Rick Spielman made a brilliant move by not only drafting Matt Kalil; but trading down and acquiring three third-day picks in the process. The top left tackle prospect since Joe Thomas will effectively shield the fragile Ponder from Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews and Cliff Avril. The bad news? I won't be able to make any Spielman-Matt Millen kielbasa jokes.

Spielman had a brilliant draft. He upgraded the line, acquired two promising targets for Ponder (coincidentally, both Razorbacks) and improved the secondary. I don't know if he needed to trade up for Harrison Smith, but he had the ammunition to do so because of the Kalil deal. Smith will be the quarterback of the secondary - a leader at safety that the Vikings haven't had since Darren Sharper.

All in all, the Vikings had one of the top drafts in 2012. I absolutely loved what they did.





2012 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

*** Rick Spielman says the No. 3 pick will come down to Matt Kalil, Justin Blackmon and Morris Claiborne. I'd like to issue grades for all three scenarios. ***

3. Matt Kalil, OT, USC: A+ Grade
The Vikings made a big investment in Christian Ponder, and they're doing the right thing by protecting him. Ponder suffered a hip injury last year, thanks in part to his offensive line's ineptness. Kalil, considered by most to be the top prospect in this class outside of the two quarterbacks and Trent Richardson, will be a huge upgrade over Charlie Johnson at left tackle. Some may argue that teams don't need an elite blind-side protector to win in the NFL. This is true, but only if you have a perennial Pro Bowl quarterback. Ponder is not that (at least not yet), so he needs all the help he can get. Bravo, Rick Spielman. You made the correct decision.

Update: Great job by Spielman. Not only did he get Kalil; he traded down and got some picks too. Awesome.

29. Harrison Smith, SS, Notre Dame: A- Grade
The Vikings had a bunch of picks from the Matt Kalil trade, so they gave up a fourth-rounder to move up six spots. This was a good move; Harrison Smith fits the range and offers a huge upgrade at safety. He'll really improve Minnesota's secondary.

66. Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida: A Grade
Spielman is having one hell of a draft. He addressed the cornerback position not at No. 3 or 4, but at No. 66 with a player in Josh Robinson who could have been chosen in the middle of the second round.

118. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas: B+ Grade
The Vikings had to find a receiver. I'm disappointed that they waited this late, but Jarius Wright is a decent pick. He fits the range in the middle of Round 4.

128. Rhett Ellison, FB/TE, USC: C Grade
Rhett Ellison is a reach. No major big board had him ranked in the top 160. He'll take Jim Kleinsasser's role as a blocking fullback/tight end.

134. Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas: A Grade
Rick Spielman sure loves his Arkansas receivers. Greg Childs could have gone in Round 3, so he provides great value at this spot. He also fills a need; Christian Ponder needs as much help as possible.

139. Robert Blanton, CB/S, Notre Dame: B+ Grade
The Vikings want only Notre Dame and Arkansas players, apparently. Robert Blanton fits the defense well and fills a need; Minnesota needed two cornerbacks (and two safeties) in the draft. This is also the right range for Blanton.

175. Blair Walsh, K, Georgia: B- Grade
Ryan Longwell, 38 in August, hit just 78.6 percent of his field goals this past season, so it's understandable that they'd want to bring in a kicker.

210. Audie Cole, ILB, N.C. State: A Grade
Audie Cole could have been chosen in the fifth round, so this is nice value atop Round 7. The Vikings have a hole at inside linebacker, so Cole might be able to compete for the starting job.

219. Trevor Guyton, DE, California: A+ Grade
Trevor Guyton was No. 95 on Mike Mayock's big board and No. 119 on the consensus chart. He's too talented to last until Round 7. He also satisfies a defensive end depth need.

*** 2012 NFL OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Leave a comment Name Comment Verification: click on image to refresh it   King VI 05-24-2012 11:15 am xxx.xxx.xxx1.78 (total posts: 33) 0     0 QB- Christian Ponder, Joe Webb, Sage Rosenfels HB- Adrian Peterson, Toby Gerhart, Jerome Felton TE- Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson FB- Rhett Elisson WR- Jerome Simpson, Greg Childs, Michael Jenkins Slot- Percy Harvin, Jarius Wright LT- Matt Kalil, Demarcus Love LG- Charlie Johnson, Joe Berger C- John Sullivan, RG- Geoff Schwartz, Brandon Fusco RT- Phil Loadholt, Chris Deagre RE- Jared Allen, D'Aundre Reed DT- Kevin Williams, Trevor Guyton NT- Letroy Guion, Christian Ballard LE- Brian Robison, Everson Griffen LOLB- Erin Henderson, Solomon Eliminian MLB- EJ Henderson, Jasper Brinkly, Audie Cole ROLB- Chad Greenway, Marvin Mitchell, Tyler Nielsen CB- Chris Cook, Chris Carr, Josh Robinson Slot CB's- Winfield, Brandon Burton, Zachary Bowman SS- Harrison Smith, Jamarca Sanford FS- Robert Blanton, Mistral Raymond ST- Blair Wlash, Chris Kluwe, Cullen Loeffler, Eric Frampton BucsFan 05-19-2012 04:03 am xxx.xxx.xxx.229 (total posts: 1) 15     3 The first thing Matt Kalil did when drafted was to take his Vikings hat and bend the bill....like it should be. I'll always be a fan for that reason. I don't know what this has to do with the draft, but I hate you idiots with straight brimmed hats and the size sticker left on. King VI 05-17-2012 11:00 am xxx.xxx.xxx1.78 (total posts: 33) 32     4 I am very happy with this draft and it gets me excited. A franchise LT, Starting Safety, and a potential No. 1 wide-out in the 4th round. Our secondary will be a massive improvement With Chris Carr, Josh Robinson, and the return of Cook and Winfield. Added Childs, Simpson and Percy 2.0 to our receiving core along with Percy 1.0, Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson. O-Line is miles away from last years as well. 8-8 is a true possibility, and a good draft next year could put us in contention for a Wild-Card berth. A very exciting draft indeed. Greek G 05-15-2012 09:43 pm xxx.xxx.xxx24.2 (total posts: 1) 4     4 Do you know something about the Minnesota Defense that I don't? DB/S Robert Blanton is best at press-man coverage; Minnesota usually runs zone coverage. What's up with "Robert Blanton fits the defense well"? However, I do agree that MIN had too many holes to fill in a single draft and that they needed multiple CB and multiple safeties -- yesterday. King VI 05-11-2012 09:34 am xxx.xxx.xxx1.78 (total posts: 33) 9     5 So what's the thoughts on the draft? NutsoNoah 05-10-2012 11:14 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.10 (total posts: 1) 6     15 SirA You spot on. SirA 04-30-2012 10:05 am xxx.xxx.xxx44.4 (total posts: 1) 123     1113 I'm going to LOL when Ponder busts hard this year frazier is fired and another Pats Coach lands the HC job and then the Pats trade the Vikings Ryan Mallett for a high 2nd round draft pick in 2013. That way Mallet can continue to throw to two of his WR from college. USC 04-29-2012 04:20 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.203 (total posts: 1) 8     13 Spiel an loves his USC, Arkansas, and Notre Dame players thank you very much. TheWall 04-29-2012 03:49 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.98 (total posts: 3) 6     2 Spielman said he knew for a fact that Ellison would be going in that range. Mayock said that the USC offence basically ran trew him. So I say its a good pick being as he will easily beat out Felton, D'Imperio, and Hilliard. Vikings now got a little JimmyK Haters 04-29-2012 02:17 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 1) 11     2 I love how he gives one pick a average grade (Rhett) and people complain and tell him its stupid Rubio 04-29-2012 12:34 am xxx.xxx.xxx.177 (total posts: 2) 116     5 "Rubio's Official Vikings Day 3 Perfect Draft" *NO TRADES* 4th Round: 23. Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma 33. Greg Chlds, WR, Arkansas 39. Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina 5th Round: 3. Marvin Mcnutt, WR, Iowa 4. Senio Kelemete, G, Washington 6th Round: 5. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State 7th Round: 3. Audie Cole, MLB, NC State 4. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska 12.Trevor Guyton, DE, California brett favre 04-28-2012 08:55 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.137 (total posts: 1) 4     4 http://mrfantasyfreak.com/ Packer Backer Steve 04-28-2012 08:53 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.225 (total posts: 2) 12     4 stuknuts - Thank you. I always try to be objective and honest whenever I make a post. Even if it is about a NFC North Divison rival such as the Vikes. stuknuts 04-28-2012 08:39 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.222 (total posts: 3) 72     43 I hate to say something like this, but I believe the Vikes became a whole lot better in the past 72 hours. LT Matt Kalil (USC) is no LT Joe Thomas (Cleveland Browns / Wisconsin) but he is far better than anything they have had at that position in recent memory. SS Harrison Smith (Notre) should also be a significant upgrade both in terms of talent and leadership. His intelligence will certainly help big time in terms of getting everyone lined-up correctly and on the same page. That's a big first round for the Vikes. CB Josh Robinson (Central Flordia) and WR Greg Childs (Arknsas) should also be immediated contributors, if not starting sometime in 2012. I strongly believe Childs, if he can remain healthy, will be far more productive than his collegiate teammate WR Jarius Wright (Arkansas EXACTLY--but I am still not sold on Childs--but we shall see! Very good post Packer Backer Steve 04-28-2012 08:37 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.225 (total posts: 2) 39     3 I hate to say something like this, but I believe the Vikes became a whole lot better in the past 72 hours. LT Matt Kalil (USC) is no LT Joe Thomas (Cleveland Browns / Wisconsin) but he is far better than anything they have had at that position in recent memory. SS Harrison Smith (Notre) should also be a significant upgrade both in terms of talent and leadership. His intelligence will certainly help big time in terms of getting everyone lined-up correctly and on the same page. That's a big first round for the Vikes. CB Josh Robinson (Central Flordia) and WR Greg Childs (Arknsas) should also be immediated contributors, if not starting sometime in 2012. I strongly believe Childs, if he can remain healthy, will be far more productive than his collegiate teammate WR Jarius Wright (Arkansas). Pages: 12 3 4 ...19 20

Season Summary:
If going 3-13 and seeing Christian Ponder regress on a week-to-week basis wasn't enough, Viking fans had to endure watching Adrian Peterson tear his ACL and MCL in late December. With Peterson unlikely to be ready for the opener, the 2012 campaign is shaping up to be another lost year for this franchise.




Offseason Moves:

Vikings cut K Ryan Longwell

Vikings sign WR Jerome Simpson

Vikings sign ILB Marvin Mitchell

Dolphins sign SS Tyrell Johnson

Vikings sign CB Chris Carr

Vikings sign CB Zackary Bowman

Vikings re-sign WR Devin Aromashodu

Vikings re-sign OLB Erin Henderson

Vikings sign OT/G Geoff Schwartz

Vikings cut DT Remi Ayodele

Vikings sign FB Lex Hilliard

Vikings re-sign DT Fred Evans

Panthers sign OLB Kenny Onatolu

Redskins sign CB Cedric Griffin

Titans sign G Steve Hutchinson

Vikings sign TE John Carlson

Vikings re-sign DT Letroy Guion

Vikings re-sign QB Sage Rosenfels

Vikings cut G Steve Hutchinson

Vikings cut G Anthony Hererra

Vikings cut CB Cedric Griffin

Vikings announce retirement of S Jarrad Page


Offseason Needs:

1. Left Tackle: In my 2011 NFL Season Preview of the Vikings, in which I projected them to go 5-11, I wrote, "This is a throw-away season for Minnesota. The ideal strategy would be to win the Matt Kalil sweepstakes so Christian Ponder will actually have some solid pass protection when he's ushered into lineup." Kalil is desperately needed, and he can be Minnesota's if the Rams trade the No. 2 pick to a team looking to acquire Robert Griffin. If St. Louis takes Kalil, however, the Vikings will need to look elsewhere. Charlie Johnson cannot be allowed to protect Ponder's blind side again.
   
   
2. Cornerback: Minnesota's cornerbacks are a mess. Antoine Winfield is 35 and can't stay healthy. Chris Cook has legal issues. Cedric Griffin cleaned out his locker because he knows he's gone. Morris Claiborne will be considered at No. 3 overall if Matt Kalil is off the board. Signed Chris Carr and Zackary Bowman
   
   
3. Wide Receiver: Percy Harvin is the only receiver of worth on Minnesota's roster. This can be changed by selecting Justin Blackmon at No. 3 overall (if Matt Kalil is off the board). Signed Jerome Simpson; re-signed Devin Aromashodu
   
   
4. Safety: The free safety position is in dire need of an upgrade. The Strong safety spot, meanwhile, could be Mistral Raymond's in 2012. Raymond, a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, played well there down the stretch. The Vikings might as well give him a chance because they have so many other needs.
   
   
5. Two Guards: Steve Hutchinson and Anthony Herrera were both cut. Signed Geoff Schwartz
   
   
6. Two Linebackers: Make it one linebacker if Erin Henderson re-signs. His brother, E.J., was a liability in the middle of the defense this past season. He's a free agent anyway. Re-signed Erin Henderson; signed Marvin Mitchell
   
   
7. Defensive Tackle: The Vikings could use a run-stuffing interior presence. Pat Williams was missed last year. Re-signed Letroy Guion and Fred Evans
   
   
8. Fullback: Jim Kleinsasser, a great fullback/blocking tight end in Minnesota for a very long time, has announced his retirement. Signed Lex Hilliard
   
   
9. Running Back Depth: The Vikings may look to bring in some depth behind Toby Gerhart with Adrian Peterson likely out for the first two months or so.
   
   

2012 NFL Free Agent Signings:

1. Jerome Simpson, WR, Bengals. Age: 26.
   Signed with Vikings (1 year)
   
   Jerome Simpson had that acrobatic touchdown in Week 16, but was otherwise really inconsistent. He's still young though, and the talent is unquestionably there. Unfortunately, his alleged drug connections downgrade him.
   
   
2. John Carlson, TE, Seahawks. Age: 28.
   Signed with Vikings (5 years, $25 million; $11 million guaranteed)
   
   How is John Carlson 28 already? The former Notre Dame tight end missed all of 2011 with a shoulder injury, and it's safe to wonder if he'll ever reach his potential.
   
   
3. Chris Carr, CB, Ravens. Age: 29.
   Signed with Vikings (1 year)
   
   Chris Carr played very well in 2010, but tumbled down the depth chart this past season. He was a healthy scratch toward the end.
   
   
4. Geoff Schwartz (RFA), OT/G, Panthers. Age: 26.
   Signed with Vikings (1 year)
   
   Geoff Schwartz played well in 2010 at both right tackle and right guard, but he missed all of 2011 with a hip injury.
   
   
5. Marvin Mitchell, ILB, Dolphins. Age: 27. -- Signed with Vikings
6. Lex Hilliard (RFA), FB, Dolphins. Age: 28. -- Signed with Vikings
7. Zackary Bowman, CB, Bears. Age: 27. -- Signed with Vikings (1 year)

Minnesota Vikings Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

1. Steve Hutchinson, G, Vikings. Age: 34.
   Signed with Titans (3 years)
   
   Steve Hutchinson will be 35 in November, but he's still getting it done. He was terrific this past season, and based on how long interior linemen can usually last, he should be able to play at a high level for a couple more years.
   
   
2. Ryan Longwell, K, Vikings. Age: 38.
   Ryan Longwell didn't hit at least 83 percent of his field goals in a season for the first time last year since 2005. He went 22-of-28, though he did nail 2-of-3 from 50-plus. He's actually 10-of-11 from that distance in the past four seasons.
   
   
3. Erin Henderson, OLB, Vikings. Age: 26.
   Re-signed with Vikings (1 year, $2 million)
   
   Erin Henderson had a solid year at weakside linebacker for the Vikings. At just 26, he has a bright future ahead of him.
   
   
4. E.J. Henderson, ILB, Vikings. Age: 32.
   E.J. Henderson used to be a really good linebacker, but age and injuries have sapped him of his coverage skills. He can still be an OK two-down linebacker somewhere.
   
   
5. Letroy Guion, DT, Vikings. Age: 25.
   Re-signed with Vikings (3 years)
   
   Letroy Guion is a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type of player. He's a quality rotational lineman, but nothing else.
   
   
6. Donovan McNabb, QB, Vikings. Age: 35.
   Constantly overrated by the media, Donovan McNabb is fat and lazy. He's also a bad guy to have in the locker room because he throws teammates under the bus and seldom takes the blame. He could be a good backup quarterback if he were willing to accept the role. But his enormous ego will get in the way of that.
   
   
7. Cedric Griffin, CB, Vikings. Age: 29. -- Signed with Redskins (1 year, $2.5 million)
8. Fred Evans, DT, Vikings. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Vikings
9. Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Vikings. Age: 32.
10. Anthony Herrera, G, Vikings. Age: 32.
11. Devin Aromashodu, WR, Vikings. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Vikings
12. Kenny Onatolu (RFA), OLB, Vikings. Age: 29. -- Signed with Panthers (3 years)
13. Benny Sapp, CB, Vikings. Age: 31.
14. Remi Ayodele, DT, Vikings. Age: 29.
15. Sage Rosenfels, QB, Vikings. Age: 34. -- Re-signed with Vikings (2 years)
16. Tyrell Johnson, S, Vikings. Age: 27. -- Signed with Dolphins
17. Husain Abdullah, S, Vikings. Age: 27.
18. Greg Camarillo, WR, Vikings. Age: 30.
19. Lorenzo Booker, RB, Vikings. Age: 28.
20. Jarrad Page, S, Vikings. Age: 27. -- Announced retirement
21. Xavier Adibi, OLB, Vikings. Age: 27.

2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon



Divisional Rival History:
Chicago Bears: The home team has claimed 16 of 19. This excludes that weird game at the University of Minnesota.
Detroit Lions: The Vikings had somehow won 21 of the past 24 meetings prior to 2011. Detroit swept Minnesota this year.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers had won nine of 12 in this rivalry; 11 of 12 if you exclude the 2009 season.



Features to be Posted This Offseason:

1. 2012 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
2. Detailed season preview
3. Fantasy football projections
4. Positional rankings
5. Daily updates on free-agent signings

2012 NFL Offseason Pages


2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25


2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22


Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21


2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19


2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7