Continue to read the low level buzz about DT Jalyn Holmes

It would be great if Holmes or Jaleel Johnson (or both) develop into reliable starters this season.  Both were 4th round picks that were pretty talented college players...  it would really help our roster construction in future years if we can lock down one of the DT spots with a cheap rookie for the next couple years.

one of those two has to step up,  we need to see some cheap help on the defensive side of the ball soon.

@"StickyBun" said: He's over 300 lbs now and word is that Vikings are very pleased with his offseason and how he's looked physically. He's big and versatile. Long limbed and that will help inside as a pass rusher. Sounds like the team thinks he's going to take a nice step up this season at 3-tech.

@"greediron" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's over 300 lbs now and word is that Vikings are very pleased with his offseason and how he's looked physically. He's big and versatile. Long limbed and that will help inside as a pass rusher. Sounds like the team thinks he's going to take a nice step up this season at 3-tech.

Sure hope someone takes over that spot.  Wasn't Holmes a DE in college?

@"greediron" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's over 300 lbs now and word is that Vikings are very pleased with his offseason and how he's looked physically. He's big and versatile. Long limbed and that will help inside as a pass rusher. Sounds like the team thinks he's going to take a nice step up this season at 3-tech.

Sure hope someone takes over that spot.  Wasn't Holmes a DE in college?

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's over 300 lbs now and word is that Vikings are very pleased with his offseason and how he's looked physically. He's big and versatile. Long limbed and that will help inside as a pass rusher. Sounds like the team thinks he's going to take a nice step up this season at 3-tech.

Sure hope someone takes over that spot.  Wasn't Holmes a DE in college?

yep,  but he had the frame to add weight and IIRC was never really considered a pro DE candidate in a 4-3,  maybe would have worked out in a 3-4 as an end though.

I always wanted him to be a 3-tech for us. I like the weight gain!

If he works out as well... Rick has to get some credit. We have found some gems on the defense! Granted, who knows how much of that is Zimmer picking his guys.

@"greediron" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"StickyBun" said: He's over 300 lbs now and word is that Vikings are very pleased with his offseason and how he's looked physically. He's big and versatile. Long limbed and that will help inside as a pass rusher. Sounds like the team thinks he's going to take a nice step up this season at 3-tech.

Sure hope someone takes over that spot.  Wasn't Holmes a DE in college?

yep,  but he had the frame to add weight and IIRC was never really considered a pro DE candidate in a 4-3,  maybe would have worked out in a 3-4 as an end though.

Understood.  I know he was drafted with the intent on moving him inside.  My thought was that if he was a college DE, his pass rush abilities should be more honed.

@"Canthony" said: If he works out as well... Rick has to get some credit. We have found some gems on the defense! Granted, who knows how much of that is Zimmer picking his guys.

@"medaille" said:

@"Canthony" said: If he works out as well... Rick has to get some credit. We have found some gems on the defense! Granted, who knows how much of that is Zimmer picking his guys.

I think they all get their credit.   I'd probably give the most credit to Patterson and Zimmer as I think coaching is bigger than picking the right guys.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"medaille" said:

@"Canthony" said: If he works out as well... Rick has to get some credit. We have found some gems on the defense! Granted, who knows how much of that is Zimmer picking his guys.

I think they all get their credit.   I'd probably give the most credit to Patterson and Zimmer as I think coaching is bigger than picking the right guys.

I think it goes hand in hand,  if the GM making the picks and the coaches arent on the same page in terms of system required talent then you end up with the Browns.

I hope Jalyn is the guy the steps up.  I am from Iowa and know a couple individuals that played with Jaleel, not to say he can't grow up or become more dedicated, but they essentially state he got by on pure athletic ability, didn't put the time or effort in to truly be successful.  I still question whether he started making some progress as he did have some pretty good success his senior year, but in general they don't think he has the drive to truly excel at the NFL level.   At this point all he has shown is he can stay on the roster, I am curious if he can take the step forward, as it sounds like Jalyn is really putting his best foot forward.  Hopefully one or both turn out to be success stories for us. 

@"Kmerry82" said: I hope Jalyn is the guy the steps up.  I am from Iowa and know a couple individuals that played with Jaleel, not to say he can't grow up or become more dedicated, but they essentially state he got by on pure athletic ability, didn't put the time or effort in to truly be successful.  I still question whether he started making some progress as he did have some pretty good success his senior year, but in general they don't think he has the drive to truly excel at the NFL level.   At this point all he has shown is he can stay on the roster, I am curious if he can take the step forward, as it sounds like Jalyn is really putting his best foot forward.  Hopefully one or both turn out to be success stories for us. 

Great to hear he has bulked up, indicates he is definitely aiming to play DT. I think Holmes is a great talent, but he is also similar to Datone Jones, who was a disappointing conversion attempt. Hopefully this is more successful, since Holmes has not been ruined by 4 years of mis-coaching in Green Bay...

I'm sure he'll be a big part of the rotation this year. I sort of wonder if 3T is going to be less Stephen's job and more of a rotation of players like Stephen, Holmes, Griffen, and Watts. Jaleel Johnson probably moves to nose. 

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Kmerry82" said: I hope Jalyn is the guy the steps up.  I am from Iowa and know a couple individuals that played with Jaleel, not to say he can't grow up or become more dedicated, but they essentially state he got by on pure athletic ability, didn't put the time or effort in to truly be successful.  I still question whether he started making some progress as he did have some pretty good success his senior year, but in general they don't think he has the drive to truly excel at the NFL level.   At this point all he has shown is he can stay on the roster, I am curious if he can take the step forward, as it sounds like Jalyn is really putting his best foot forward.  Hopefully one or both turn out to be success stories for us. 

I have to think that if he wasnt working... he wouldnt be there.  Zim can put up with some shit,  but I doubt its lack of effort.

I heard PA talking about it the other day.  George Edwards was raving about Holmes and said to watch out for him this season.

That'd be awesome if Holmes contributes!

I've pretty much written Jaleel Johnson off as Scott Crichton 2.0 on the DL. Would love to be wrong.

I tell you, Spielman taking chances on big time high school recruits that go to big time football schools (Ohio State) has been paying off to some extent. Holmes is a big talented kid.