What are the Vikings doing?

I think the Vikings are waiting on their draft to make a decision about Harris. If they find the safety they want in the first few rounds, they'll probably turn right around and trade Harris. I think if the Trent Williams interest is true, that will also impact what we do there. If they trade for Williams, it will take OT off the draft needs list that could be replaced by safety. They likely can't afford both Williams and Harris. 

@"MaroonBells" said: I think the Vikings are waiting on their draft to make a decision about Harris. If they find the safety they want in the first few rounds, they'll probably turn right around and trade Harris. I think if the Trent Williams interest is true, that will also impact what we do there. If they trade for Williams, it will take OT off the draft needs list that could be replaced by safety. They likely can't afford both Williams and Harris. 

They are not close to being done this off-season. The Vikings have done very good the past few years getting day one starters through the 3rd round. If they can trade down from either #22 or #25 they'll likely add an additional 3rd giving them 6 picks in the top 3 rounds. There are obviously some misses here or there, but the Vikings are one of the better drafting teams in the league.

They will still likely add another player in the secondary but the truth is they're going to carry 10 DBs into the season in some capacity. Right now they're sitting with: 

CB: Hughes / Hill /Boyd / Sayles / Meadors / Fields / Hall 
S: Smith / Harris 
 
The guys in bold are likely chalked into the 53. Meadors will compete for a spot but nothing is assured. If they sign one quality FA they likely have 7 spots locked up and they only need depth at Safety. So you're looking to spend 1 or maybe 2 high draft picks on the secondary. That still leaves you 4 others picks in round 1-3 to grab a WR, D-Lineman, and O-lineman (or two). 

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I think the Vikings are waiting on their draft to make a decision about Harris. If they find the safety they want in the first few rounds, they'll probably turn right around and trade Harris. I think if the Trent Williams interest is true, that will also impact what we do there. If they trade for Williams, it will take OT off the draft needs list that could be replaced by safety. They likely can't afford both Williams and Harris. 

Makes sense.  But they still need 2 more safeties whether they trade Harris or not.  They are doing nothing. Corner has to be a huge concern too.

Right now this board is in denial, also known as, "Hope The Draft Saves Us" Season.
Is the team in that same mental state? I have no idea but I'd guess that the answer is yes.
But so far the offseason has been a disaster. The Diggs trade stinks but I'm not even talking about that. The true disaster is the seeming lack of direction of the team, like you pointed out.
On one hand we're getting younger. On the other we're signing Kirk to a big deal.
On one hand we're building long-term. On the other our coach and GM are on one year deals.
On one hand we're in cap hell. On the other we're (allegedly) trying to extend Dalvin Cook.
It's weird. It's directionless. And I haven't felt that way about the team in a while. I don't like it. I really hope the powers that be have a master plan in place that my pea brain cannot see. But right now to answer your question: I have no idea.

@"Geoff Nichols" said: They are not close to being done this off-season. The Vikings have done very good the past few years getting day one starters through the 3rd round. If they can trade down from either #22 or #25 they'll likely add an additional 3rd giving them 6 picks in the top 3 rounds. There are obviously some misses here or there, but the Vikings are one of the better drafting teams in the league.

They will still likely add another player in the secondary but the truth is they're going to carry 10 DBs into the season in some capacity. Right now they're sitting with: 

CB: Hughes / Hill /Boyd / Sayles / Meadors / Fields / Hall 
S: Smith / Harris 
 
The guys in bold are likely chalked into the 53. Meadors will compete for a spot but nothing is assured. If they sign one quality FA they likely have 7 spots locked up and they only need depth at Safety. So you're looking to spend 1 or maybe 2 high draft picks on the secondary. That still leaves you 4 others picks in round 1-3 to grab a WR, D-Lineman, and O-lineman (or two). 

Relying on Hughes, Hill, and Boyd is risky too.

They could not even get Roberts to come here when it was reported they expressed interest

But based on your comment, do you expect they will draft a safety early?

I am starting to think that veterans DO NOT want to come play for Zimmer.

This cornerback depth chart should not worry any veteran and those looking for a one year prove it deal couldn't find an easier group to grab a starting spot.

Yet, they are not really looking too hard.

I wish I was a better makeup artist so that I could put the lipstick on better.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I think the Vikings are waiting on their draft to make a decision about Harris. If they find the safety they want in the first few rounds, they'll probably turn right around and trade Harris. I think if the Trent Williams interest is true, that will also impact what we do there. If they trade for Williams, it will take OT off the draft needs list that could be replaced by safety. They likely can't afford both Williams and Harris. 

Makes sense.  But they still need 2 more safeties whether they trade Harris or not.  They are doing nothing. Corner has to be a huge concern too.

for some Rick was like a jedi master of the offseason.... now for some he is like watching Stevie Wonder driving a McLaren P1 on a mountain road course.   I am guessing that what we are seeing is something in between when all the cards are on the table.

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I think the Vikings are waiting on their draft to make a decision about Harris. If they find the safety they want in the first few rounds, they'll probably turn right around and trade Harris. I think if the Trent Williams interest is true, that will also impact what we do there. If they trade for Williams, it will take OT off the draft needs list that could be replaced by safety. They likely can't afford both Williams and Harris. 

Makes sense.  But they still need 2 more safeties whether they trade Harris or not.  They are doing nothing. Corner has to be a huge concern too.

for some Rick was like a jedi master of the offseason.... now for some he is like watching Stevie Wonder driving a McLaren P1 on a mountain road course.   I am guessing that what we are seeing is something in between when all the cards are on the table.

There is still time to make some really nice moves that inspire confidence.

Right now, I have very little confidence on either side of the ball.

There will be immense pressure on rookies to perform next year.

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I think the Vikings are waiting on their draft to make a decision about Harris. If they find the safety they want in the first few rounds, they'll probably turn right around and trade Harris. I think if the Trent Williams interest is true, that will also impact what we do there. If they trade for Williams, it will take OT off the draft needs list that could be replaced by safety. They likely can't afford both Williams and Harris. 

Makes sense.  But they still need 2 more safeties whether they trade Harris or not.  They are doing nothing. Corner has to be a huge concern too.

for some Rick was like a jedi master of the offseason.... now for some he is like watching Stevie Wonder driving a McLaren P1 on a mountain road course.   I am guessing that what we are seeing is something in between when all the cards are on the table.

There is still time to make some really nice moves that inspire confidence.

Right now, I have very little confidence on either side of the ball.

There will be immense pressure on rookies to perform next year.

No doubt about that - the team will be much younger and it will be frustrating at times for the fans. 

I apologize for the general negative tone to this post.

Being stuck up inside with the kids going crazy is really starting to get me to pull all my hair out.  And I'm bald.

Stay safe everyone.

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: They are not close to being done this off-season. The Vikings have done very good the past few years getting day one starters through the 3rd round. If they can trade down from either #22 or #25 they'll likely add an additional 3rd giving them 6 picks in the top 3 rounds. There are obviously some misses here or there, but the Vikings are one of the better drafting teams in the league.

They will still likely add another player in the secondary but the truth is they're going to carry 10 DBs into the season in some capacity. Right now they're sitting with: 

CB: Hughes / Hill /Boyd / Sayles / Meadors / Fields / Hall 
S: Smith / Harris 
 
The guys in bold are likely chalked into the 53. Meadors will compete for a spot but nothing is assured. If they sign one quality FA they likely have 7 spots locked up and they only need depth at Safety. So you're looking to spend 1 or maybe 2 high draft picks on the secondary. That still leaves you 4 others picks in round 1-3 to grab a WR, D-Lineman, and O-lineman (or two). 

OK.  Which veteran safety?

Relying on Hughes, Hill, and Boyd is risky too.

They could not even get Roberts to come here when it was reported they expressed interest

But based on your comment, do you expect they will draft a safety early?

I am starting to think that veterans DO NOT want to come play for Zimmer.

This cornerback depth chart should not worry any veteran and those looking for a one year prove it deal couldn't find an easier group to grab a starting spot.

Yet, they are not really looking too hard.

I wish I was a better makeup artist so that I could put the lipstick on better.

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: They are not close to being done this off-season. The Vikings have done very good the past few years getting day one starters through the 3rd round. If they can trade down from either #22 or #25 they'll likely add an additional 3rd giving them 6 picks in the top 3 rounds. There are obviously some misses here or there, but the Vikings are one of the better drafting teams in the league.

They will still likely add another player in the secondary but the truth is they're going to carry 10 DBs into the season in some capacity. Right now they're sitting with: 

CB: Hughes / Hill /Boyd / Sayles / Meadors / Fields / Hall 
S: Smith / Harris 
 
The guys in bold are likely chalked into the 53. Meadors will compete for a spot but nothing is assured. If they sign one quality FA they likely have 7 spots locked up and they only need depth at Safety. So you're looking to spend 1 or maybe 2 high draft picks on the secondary. That still leaves you 4 others picks in round 1-3 to grab a WR, D-Lineman, and O-lineman (or two). 

OK.  Which veteran safety?

Relying on Hughes, Hill, and Boyd is risky too.

They could not even get Roberts to come here when it was reported they expressed interest

But based on your comment, do you expect they will draft a safety early?

I am starting to think that veterans DO NOT want to come play for Zimmer.

This cornerback depth chart should not worry any veteran and those looking for a one year prove it deal couldn't find an easier group to grab a starting spot.

Yet, they are not really looking too hard.

I wish I was a better makeup artist so that I could put the lipstick on better.

I think it would be a complete waste to spend more money or even a high draft pick at safety when you have Smith / Harris. Both have proven to be durable and you can cover up late round draft picks in the scheme. Even if you spent on 5th/6th on JR Reed you'd have a good safety next. 

The issue that is starting to transpire is that you need to choose your strengths. The Vikings want to stuff the run and get after the QB, it has always been their bread & butter. Truth is, if they can hold teams to 3rd and 5 vs. 3rd and 2 you can have less talent in the secondary. 

You're putting a lot of tea leaves together when it comes to player not wanting to play for Zimmer. He isn't for everyone, but he is highly respected. Teams cannot compete for a Super Bowl window every season. But that doesn't mean you need to take a large step back either. Look at Green Bay who is also dealing with a veteran QB. If the Vikings can get by in 2020 they'll be able to spend to fill their remaining holes in 2021. 

Cripes just because they are not advertising their intentions doesn't mean they are not planning.  Right now Free Agency is at a lull.  There are dealing trying to be hammered out that would determine which way the teams goes.  Some will not happen until Draft day.  The team is playing everything close to the vest and just because you did not like how something went down does not mean it happened haphazardly.   Diggs forced his hand and the Vikings got a potentially pretty good return.  Waynes got over paid and Rhodes took a prove it deal.    

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said: They are not close to being done this off-season. The Vikings have done very good the past few years getting day one starters through the 3rd round. If they can trade down from either #22 or #25 they'll likely add an additional 3rd giving them 6 picks in the top 3 rounds. There are obviously some misses here or there, but the Vikings are one of the better drafting teams in the league.

They will still likely add another player in the secondary but the truth is they're going to carry 10 DBs into the season in some capacity. Right now they're sitting with: 

CB: Hughes / Hill /Boyd / Sayles / Meadors / Fields / Hall 
S: Smith / Harris 
 
The guys in bold are likely chalked into the 53. Meadors will compete for a spot but nothing is assured. If they sign one quality FA they likely have 7 spots locked up and they only need depth at Safety. So you're looking to spend 1 or maybe 2 high draft picks on the secondary. That still leaves you 4 others picks in round 1-3 to grab a WR, D-Lineman, and O-lineman (or two). 

OK.  Which veteran safety?

Relying on Hughes, Hill, and Boyd is risky too.

They could not even get Roberts to come here when it was reported they expressed interest

But based on your comment, do you expect they will draft a safety early?

I am starting to think that veterans DO NOT want to come play for Zimmer.

This cornerback depth chart should not worry any veteran and those looking for a one year prove it deal couldn't find an easier group to grab a starting spot.

Yet, they are not really looking too hard.

I wish I was a better makeup artist so that I could put the lipstick on better.

I think it would be a complete waste to spend more money or even a high draft pick at safety when you have Smith / Harris. Both have proven to be durable and you can cover up late round draft picks in the scheme. Even if you spent on 5th/6th on JR Reed you'd have a good safety next. 

The issue that is starting to transpire is that you need to choose your strengths. The Vikings want to stuff the run and get after the QB, it has always been their bread & butter. Truth is, if they can hold teams to 3rd and 5 vs. 3rd and 2 you can have less talent in the secondary. 

You're putting a lot of tea leaves together when it comes to player not wanting to play for Zimmer. He isn't for everyone, but he is highly respected. Teams cannot compete for a Super Bowl window every season. But that doesn't mean you need to take a large step back either. Look at Green Bay who is also dealing with a veteran QB. If the Vikings can get by in 2020 they'll be able to spend to fill their remaining holes in 2021. 

I may be off on the tea reading but something is up.

Do you think the Vikings have enough to stop the run now?  Is Stephen the answer at the 3T?  Will Jaleel and Jalyn finally do something/

Is Odenigbo and Zettel enough to replace Griffen and Weatherly?

I'd love to see them splurge for Clowney but that would immediately force them to give Hunter a raise (at least by 2021).

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I think the Vikings are waiting on their draft to make a decision about Harris. If they find the safety they want in the first few rounds, they'll probably turn right around and trade Harris. I think if the Trent Williams interest is true, that will also impact what we do there. If they trade for Williams, it will take OT off the draft needs list that could be replaced by safety. They likely can't afford both Williams and Harris. 

Makes sense.  But they still need 2 more safeties whether they trade Harris or not.  They are doing nothing. Corner has to be a huge concern too.

@"mjollnir_k" said: Cripes just because they are not advertising their intentions doesn't mean they are not planning.  Right now Free Agency is at a lull.  There are dealing trying to be hammered out that would determine which way the teams goes.  Some will not happen until Draft day.  The team is playing everything close to the vest and just because you did not like how something went down does not mean it happened haphazardly.   Diggs forced his hand and the Vikings got a potentially pretty good return.  Waynes got over paid and Rhodes took a prove it deal.    

There are only two safeties on the roster right now and two rookies drafted late does not really inspire much confidence.

They always play close to the vest but the options are dwindling.

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"mjollnir_k" said: Cripes just because they are not advertising their intentions doesn't mean they are not planning.  Right now Free Agency is at a lull.  There are dealing trying to be hammered out that would determine which way the teams goes.  Some will not happen until Draft day.  The team is playing everything close to the vest and just because you did not like how something went down does not mean it happened haphazardly.   Diggs forced his hand and the Vikings got a potentially pretty good return.  Waynes got over paid and Rhodes took a prove it deal.    

OK.  I am just seeing the free agents that may help the secondary getting signed elsewhere. 

There are only two safeties on the roster right now and two rookies drafted late does not really inspire much confidence.

They always play close to the vest but the options are dwindling.

Well considering Harris, Sendejo were undrafted, Epps, Blanton, Kearse were late rounders.  If we keep Harris I think they will find somebody.  We have 12 picks and a history of keeping them the first year.

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"MarkSP18" said:

@"mjollnir_k" said: Cripes just because they are not advertising their intentions doesn't mean they are not planning.  Right now Free Agency is at a lull.  There are dealing trying to be hammered out that would determine which way the teams goes.  Some will not happen until Draft day.  The team is playing everything close to the vest and just because you did not like how something went down does not mean it happened haphazardly.   Diggs forced his hand and the Vikings got a potentially pretty good return.  Waynes got over paid and Rhodes took a prove it deal.    

OK.  I am just seeing the free agents that may help the secondary getting signed elsewhere. 

There are only two safeties on the roster right now and two rookies drafted late does not really inspire much confidence.

They always play close to the vest but the options are dwindling.

I'll never understand this "we need a 1st rounder at every position" mentality. My goodness....what do you want? Two rookie safeties drafted late actually offers a pretty solid outlook, considering the fact that we might have the best starting tandem in the league. I would argue that it's actually overkill. Personally, I would not pay Harris. I'd replace him with a rookie from the first three rounds. Then draft depth later on and add a veteran after the draft...or June 1st...or from 1st cuts. 

@"mjollnir_k" said: Cripes just because they are not advertising their intentions doesn't mean they are not planning.  Right now Free Agency is at a lull.  There are dealing trying to be hammered out that would determine which way the teams goes.  Some will not happen until Draft day.  The team is playing everything close to the vest and just because you did not like how something went down does not mean it happened haphazardly.   Diggs forced his hand and the Vikings got a potentially pretty good return.  Waynes got over paid and Rhodes took a prove it deal.    

Minnesota has been a model of consistency for years now with the lone exception of not knowing what the plan was at QB. Now that question has been answered but scads of new ones were raised this offseason. Which is very much not how Rick & Mike have typically operated together. 

And there's also the fact that neither has been extended. 

Mac signed with Cinci for peanuts. He either didn't want to stay or Minnesota didn't want to keep their best performing CB. Or the knee injury bothered them, which is ironic since they caused it by trotting him out on Week 16 when the rest of the Starters sat. Rick responds by offering Robey-Coleman the veterans minimum. He signs for not much more. 

So what's the plan here? Hughes? Then why try to snag Nikell for the minimum? Are they just bargain shopping? Are they good with the kids + a Draft Pick if they can't find any bargains?

Why extend Cousins? So far that savings has netted the team Jones, Abdullah, and Dozier. I get Dozier. He's still relatively young and Dennison obviously sees something there. But why the hell do you keep an aging 3rd string Center when you can't even afford your League Average RG? Why keep your aging 4th string Running Back? 

Moves like Pierce and Cousins suggest they still think they can compete this year or next at the earliest. Moves like Kline suggest they're going with youth and an outright rebuild. 

It's all over the place, which is not the typical MO for this FO. And it's caught the national media's attention. Which makes it more than an apt topic here and kudos to Mark for bringing it up.

FWIW, my belief is the Wilfs are losing money hand over fist because of the pandemic and want butts in seats when this is all behind us. You need marketable faces to do that. Cousins is one. Cook will get extended soon, another thing you don't do when you're strapped financially and rebuilding. But he's marketable. And they still have Smith, Kendricks, Barr and Hunter to hype on Defense. 

Rick & Mike will try to keep the Team in the Playoff conversation, which is easier now with the addition of the 7th seed, with those marketable names and as many as 8 Payers who will be first time Starters next year. They'll call it retooling. And they probably believe when the real window actually reopens in 2022 that Cousins will still be in his prime and can lead them all the way home. I just doubt their still with the organization at that point. 

Team goes 7-9, misses the Playoffs, Rick and Mike become the fall guys. The Wilfs hype a new FO and HC as the reason to believe the window is open again. Revenue flows. We're all older. Same old story. Sigh.