Post-minicamp 53 projection

they get to carry 90 until late training camp.... you dont have to cut to 53 until late august iirc.

@"JimmyinSD" said: they get to carry 90 until late training camp.... you dont have to cut to 53 until late august iirc.

I do think Newman offers some flexibility in the DBs.  Also, watching some of the defensive movement last year, I think our DBs are getting comfortable playing multiple spots.  I remember one breakdown that had Newman or Rhodes dropping into safety coverage with one of the safeties rolling up and playing coverage. 

@"greediron" said: I do think Newman offers some flexibility in the DBs.  Also, watching some of the defensive movement last year, I think our DBs are getting comfortable playing multiple spots.  I remember one breakdown that had Newman or Rhodes dropping into safety coverage with one of the safeties rolling up and playing coverage. 

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"greediron" said: I do think Newman offers some flexibility in the DBs.  Also, watching some of the defensive movement last year, I think our DBs are getting comfortable playing multiple spots.  I remember one breakdown that had Newman or Rhodes dropping into safety coverage with one of the safeties rolling up and playing coverage. 

not sure if you saw it or not,  but Newman was taking snaps this week at safety with Dejo out.

You are missing Anthony Harris   he WILL be on the team, he may even beat out Sendejo... 

@"greediron" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"greediron" said: I do think Newman offers some flexibility in the DBs.  Also, watching some of the defensive movement last year, I think our DBs are getting comfortable playing multiple spots.  I remember one breakdown that had Newman or Rhodes dropping into safety coverage with one of the safeties rolling up and playing coverage. 

not sure if you saw it or not,  but Newman was taking snaps this week at safety with Dejo out.

Yes, and I see that as a reason he probably is a lock as long as he hasn't lost a step or 2.  His position flexibility makes our D that much more versatile.  With Barr, Harrison, Robison and Newman all able to move around and play different positions, Zim can really get creative.

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: You are missing Anthony Harris   he WILL be on the team, he may even beat out Sendejo... 

@"greediron" said:

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: You are missing Anthony Harris   he WILL be on the team, he may even beat out Sendejo... 

Good point.  Not sure if he beats out Sendejo or not, but he was the one called on to fill that spot when Sendejo was out.

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: You are missing Anthony Harris   he WILL be on the team, he may even beat out Sendejo... 

My thinking is that Newman can play the Sendejo position as a back-up, so the question is which of Harris or Kearse can better back up Smith.  

I think I'd have to agree that Harris' size and length is better at that position than Kearse's.

@"SmashmouthD" said:

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: You are missing Anthony Harris   he WILL be on the team, he may even beat out Sendejo... 

I think Sendejo is still the starter, but you are probably right about Harris over Kearse. 

My thinking is that Newman can play the Sendejo position as a back-up, so the question is which of Harris or Kearse can better back up Smith.  

I think I'd have to agree that Harris' size and length is better at that position than Kearse's.

Yes, Kearse is the giant freak back there.  Would be interesting if he can ever figure it out.  That length would be a huge factor.

I'm having a hard time seeing Blake Bell make the team as a 4th TE...  Rudolph is the starter and Morgan is the best blocking TE on the team.  Conklin is freshly drafted and should make the final 53.  He's probably most like Rudy in that he's a good receiver and adequate blocker.  I think the Vikings will only keep 3 TEs again and go for a 6th WR that can play special teams.  Zylstra has been impressive according to the coaching staff...  he might stick.
Another thing, I think you're pretty overloaded along the DL...  it wouldn't surprise me to see Joseph, Richardson, Johnson, and Holmes be the top 4.  Whether they keep Parry or not depends on how well they think Jaleel Johnson can do at NT.  I could see 5 given that Holmes could always bump outside to DE.
However, that DE list is going to get trimmed down...  keeping 6 is unheard of...  Odenigbo was on the PS last year...  if he doesn't make a jump, I could see him going back there.  Weatherly NEEDS to make a jump...  he's entering his 3rd year in the league and has basically been invisible.  I wouldn't be surprised if he is cut if someone passes him up on the depth chart.  I'm actually highest on Bower...  long, strong, and smart.  He made some plays in preseason and had a sack in limited snaps during the regular season.  I wouldn't count him out of making the final 53.

Agreed on bower Wetlander!!    he is built like Hunter

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: Agreed on bower Wetlander!!    he is built like Hunter

I'm also intrigued by this Aruna kid...  6'5 and 260 lbs...  34-inch arms and ran a 4.6 forty.  38.5-inch vertical jump.  He's RAW, RAW, RAW...  but the dude is an athlete.  He also held Andrew Wiggins to 11 points when they played against each other in high school.  That doesn't really have anything to do with him as a football player, but it's a cool tidbit none-the-less...  LOL
BOOM

@"Wetlander" said:

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: Agreed on bower Wetlander!!    he is built like Hunter

I'm also intrigued by this Aruna kid...  6'5 and 260 lbs...  34-inch arms and ran a 4.6 forty.  38.5-inch vertical jump.  He's RAW, RAW, RAW...  but the dude is an athlete.  He also held Andrew Wiggins to 11 points when they played against each other in high school.  That doesn't really have anything to do with him as a football player, but it's a cool tidbit none-the-less...  LOL
BOOM

Not much to argue with. I'd maybe cut Bell in favor of an extra offensive linemen, so Compton and Gossett. We're going to see that "heavy" package a lot this year with Collins and maybe even O'Neal. And I agree about the interior DL. In fact that whole DL is just nasty. 

do we even have a need for a FB?  

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: do we even have a need for a FB?