Westbrook signs with Minnesota
Old news but an interesting story....
https://www.inforum.com/sports/minnesota-signs-guard-westbrook
Curious on why he lasted ‘til the 4th rd… deep class, slot only, anyone remember?
With the Sooners, Westbrook recorded 80 catches for 1,524 yards and a school-record 17 scores in 2016, winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's most outstanding receiver. He was also one of five Heisman Trophy finalists along with Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield.
@"Kentis" said: Curious on why he lasted ‘til the 4th rd… deep class, slot only, anyone remember?With the Sooners, Westbrook recorded 80 catches for 1,524 yards and a school-record 17 scores in 2016, winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's most outstanding receiver. He was also one of five Heisman Trophy finalists along with Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield.
Little on the light side, older, and had some off afield issues.
@"BarrNone55" said:@"Kentis" said: Curious on why he lasted ‘til the 4th rd… deep class, slot only, anyone remember?With the Sooners, Westbrook recorded 80 catches for 1,524 yards and a school-record 17 scores in 2016, winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's most outstanding receiver. He was also one of five Heisman Trophy finalists along with Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield.
Little on the light side, older, and had some off afield issues.
Yep. Still only 27 though. Vikings have signed a ridiculous amount of free agents this off season, but I especially like the cheap, 1-year deals to youngish players like Cole, Woods and Westbrook, who still have a little measure of upside.Sounds like Woods was the star of OTAs, and I think Westbrook, on a much better offense with a much, MUCH better QB, has a chance to break out a little bit. Probably what he's thinking too.
Westbrook hasn't caught a pass since 2019.
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WestDe00.htm
ACL surgeries can take longer than 8 months to heal.
@"Mattyman" said: Westbrook hasn't caught a pass since 2019.Well, without the ACL tear, he likely doesn't end up a Viking. And certainly not at that salary.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WestDe00.htm
ACL surgeries can take longer than 8 months to heal.
I suspect he'll take it easy through camp and ease his way into the lineup sometime this fall. Either way, at the very minimum, this is a low cost, no risk addition to the offense for the stretch run.
I think Zimmer likes the potential of this team. Very much.
What was your favorite KJ Osburn moment?
@"BarrNone55" said:New WR Dede Westbrook had a "very impressive" workout last weekend, Zimmer said, affirming that he's ready to go for Wednesday's start to camp after tearing an ACL last fall. GM Rick Spielman called WR among the team's most competitive positions. Westbrook will also return punts.What was your favorite KJ Osburn moment?
Apparently, KJ was one of the more impressive players at OTAs. But yeah, with Dede, ISM and Kene competing at returner, it's going to be tough for him to make the team.
Westbrook 'ready' for WR raceNewly signed receiver Dede Westbrook is "ready to go" for practice only nine months after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee with the Jaguars, Zimmer said. Westbrook had an impressive workout over the weekend that confirmed his health, according to Zimmer, who added Westbrook will bolster both receiver and punt returner competitions.
"It's going to be one of the most competitive positions on our roster," Spielman said. "Dede is going to come in and have to get caught up, but with Keenan McCardell coaching him the last four years , it's a huge advantage."
Nice. I can't wait to see some training camp video. I wasn't going to go this year but I just might take a drive over to TCO.
Newest Viking Dede Westbrook eyes dual impact as receiver, returner
CARLOS GONZALEZ, STAR TRIBUNEWestbrook fielded punt after punt in his first Vikings practice Wednesday, making it clear he'll try to help his new team in more ways than one. The ex-Jaguars receiver agreed to a one-year deal on Sunday to reunite with Vikings receivers coach Keenan McCardell, a pairing entering its fifth NFL season after four years in Jacksonville.
But it's on special teams, and the Vikings' continued search for a punt returner, where Westbrook sees an immediate opening to help.
"I honestly feel like I'm going to have a huge impact," Westbrook said. "I've been focusing on it a lot, been dialed in, and I'm trying to do everything I possibly could to get on the field and lead this team to a Super Bowl."
Returning from an injury-marred 2020 because of shoulder and ACL ailments, Westbrook is still easing his knee back into shape. He's running again, but was limited during Wednesday's practice to receiver and special teams drills. The playbook is also an obstacle, but the years working with McCardell are expected to expedite his learning curve.
"Coach McCardell is like a father figure to me," Westbrook said. "We're kind of from around the same area. He's from Houston. I'm from Cameron , so we've been knowing each other for a little while now. Every time we worked out, he killed me. He expects the most out of me. He shoots me text messages every night, so y'all kind of know how that situation is when I'm doing wrong."
McCardell pulled Westbrook to Minnesota, but so did the thought of playing alongside receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. He could find room as the No. 3 slot receiver, a job held by Chad Beebe last season. Westbrook was Jacksonville's top slot receiver in 2018 and 2019, when he combined for 132 catches, 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns.
"I've felt like we had a pretty talented receiver group, and then we brought in Dede," Cousins said. "Last year, when we lost Adam for a game or two, you realize the importance of depth."
"I know he's got great movement skills," Cousins added, "and has been a pro and knows what it takes, so he should be able to help us."
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