tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60478055521035334722024-03-27T18:53:07.478-05:00Vikings CornerDaniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.comBlogger904125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-49628459031214678862023-04-28T15:45:00.001-05:002023-04-28T15:52:24.547-05:00USC WR Jordan Addison Brings Another Dimension to the Vikings' Offense <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYq3E_8nu2tZ10TJ2eHlLJCN3mQw4yfxk-45WgInM8PJ8sQvdVa9oqEefT2Xhz70GwoM2o1a42VLrD6O0gWzlH1pTf00oYzbFNvarWixLatVdFv4UTYrKBE6K7rOfSk84TfksFZ6GRFvdr3oRJyi6CCv4OgBgPFWdP58ZFrrP3-IuX9skqNr_8pIs6Ew/s2560/Perich%20(4).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYq3E_8nu2tZ10TJ2eHlLJCN3mQw4yfxk-45WgInM8PJ8sQvdVa9oqEefT2Xhz70GwoM2o1a42VLrD6O0gWzlH1pTf00oYzbFNvarWixLatVdFv4UTYrKBE6K7rOfSk84TfksFZ6GRFvdr3oRJyi6CCv4OgBgPFWdP58ZFrrP3-IuX9skqNr_8pIs6Ew/w400-h225/Perich%20(4).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;">Daniel House explained what new Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison will bring to Minnesota's offensive scheme. Check out the new breakdown! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These days, the game of football is all about creating space in the passing game. Teams must put stress on defenses by making them defend every blade of grass. Offenses are accomplishing this goal by building dynamic, diverse and versatile skill position groups. </div><p>It is one of the reasons why Minnesota selected USC wide receiver Jordan Addison in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Addison, a very sudden and crisp route runner, perfectly complements the skill set of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The former Pittsburgh and USC pass catcher was one of the best pure separators in college football over the past two seasons. </p><p>Last year, within USC head coach Lincoln Riley’s offense, Addison averaged 2.78 yards per route run, which ranked No. 26 among FBS wide receivers with at least 32 targets, according to Pro Football Focus' tracking. Addison also averaged 2.94 yards per route run while playing within Mark Whipple’s scheme in 2021. </p><p>With Addison now on the Vikings' roster, head coach Kevin O’Connell will take advantage of how defenses are currently scheming for Justin Jefferson. If teams are bracketing Jefferson, tight end TJ Hockenson, Addison and receiver KJ Osborn will receive better matchups and more space. Next year, Minnesota can do so many different things from a formational standpoint because they have a diverse blend of receiving skill sets. </p><p>For example, Addison and Osborn can spread coverage resources out by aligning on the opposite side of the field from Jefferson. Minnesota can also stack Hockenson and Addison or run bunch sets with Jefferson/Hockenson/Addison. Not to mention, because of Addison’s versatility they can motion him all over before and at the snap (did this a ton at Pittsburgh) to set up leverage/matchups. Also, since Jordan is elusive after the catch, Minnesota will stress defenses laterally by throwing screens and motioning him into the flat for touches. </p><p>I’ve always viewed wide receiver rooms like toolboxes. Why? Well, every home improvement project requires a different mix of tools. The same thing can be said about football. Every offense faces different coverage structures and personnel each week. As a result, coaches must have the personnel to spread the ball around and create positive matchups/space. That isn’t possible if you don’t have a diverse mix of skill sets within your skill position groups. It helps you play multidimensional football, <a href="https://gophersguru.com/2023/03/20/gophers-guru-mailbag-kicking-off-spring-ball/">which I think is important in the modern landscape. </a></p><p>With Addison in the fold, Minnesota can spread defenses out, stress them vertically/laterally, create good matchups, passing windows and space underneath. Not only that, but a versatile, spatially-sound aerial attack generates room/lighter boxes for the ground game. </p><p>One other notable aspect of Addison’s game is his route running prowess vs. single coverage. Last year, Adam Thielen averaged 0.92 yards per route run vs. man coverage, which ranked No. 83 among receivers with a minimum of 12 targets, per PFF. Thielen also racked up the 17th-most man coverage targets (38) and second-most touchdowns (5). </p><p>Of course, college vs. the NFL is different, but Addison averaged 3.28 yards per route run vs. man coverage in 2022, per PFF's tracking. He also accumulated five touchdowns in those situations, which was the eighth-highest mark among FBS receivers. The trend was similar during his sophomore season at Pittsburgh as well. Addison led all wide receivers with eight touchdowns vs. man coverage, per PFF data. He also averaged 3.41 yards per route run in those situations (No. 17 in country). </p><p>Addison exploits man coverage because he is so sudden out of breaks. He accelerates/decelerates with ease and frequently gets defensive backs on skates. Addison’s footwork is very quick and detailed during the initial aspect of his release. I also really like how he varies the tempo of his routes. He sets defensive backs up and attacks leverage well. Addison’s field vision and understanding of angles, space and leverage are apparent too.</p><p>A few examples of attacking man coverage occurred in the red zone. Within the rep below vs. Tennessee’s Cover 0 look, watch how Addison set up the route. He gives the defensive back a subtle shake, keeps his head still and then angles the route off to put him on his hip. Kenny Pickett pumped the ball into the window and Addison did a great job of plucking it outside of his frame. </p>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/uEpm6t8" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/uEpm6t8"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p></p><p>Another example of crisp route running occurred last season against Rice. The Owls were in Cover 0 as well, so Addison received another single coverage matchup. This time, he hit the cornerback with foot fire, planted his outside foot, drove inside, dropped his weight beautifully and got the defensive back off balance. Addison then set up a crisp whip route. The best part about this route is how he kept his shoulders square throughout the entire process, even while swiveling. So many wide receivers immediately lose position/control of the route because they dip their shoulder. Addison exploited the man coverage and picked up an easy touchdown because of it.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/2soS084" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/2soS084">RZ whip </a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p><p><br /></p><p>Addison also does such a great job of attacking leverage and hitting defensive backs in their blind spot on vertical routes. Although he didn’t get the ball in the rep below, watch how he attacks the defensive back’s leverage and gets him to open the gate. Addison puts his break foot in the ground, exploits the corner’s blind spot, transitions and then accelerates vertically. There were so many routes where Addison set things up because of his detail, nuance, suddenness and ability to swiftly drop his weight at the top of routes.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/54zmKZ0" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/54zmKZ0">Accel blind spot</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Another example of this occurred during a game vs. Georgia Tech. Addison received the mismatch vs. a safety and made him pay. Watch how he plants hard with his outside foot, gives a subtle head fake and gets the defensive back to open his hips. Addison then angled the route off, accelerated deep and Pickett dropped the ball in there for an explosive play. </p><p>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/bxGW6Hg" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/bxGW6Hg"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
He did the same thing in a game vs. Stanford the season. When teams rotate safeties into the box and Addison gets a matchup on a nickel or safety, he makes them pay. In the rep below, watch how he steps hard outside, slams in his outside foot, angles the route inside, gets vertical and then makes a play on the ball. Addison does an outstanding job of attacking blindspots and maintaining acceleration through the break point. </p><p>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/2JCnvke" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/2JCnvke"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I thought Pittsburgh featured Addison very well. They aligned him all over the place, including in the backfield. This resulted in Jordan being hidden from defenders. During the rep below, Addison starts in the backfield, but motions out into the slot. Addison provided coverage diagnosis by motiioning and then the safety bracketed him vertically. </p><p>
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There were also times where Addison motioned across the formation and received a good matchup. Notice how the flat route and post created coverage conflict and hid Addison’s wheel route. The safety got his eyes looking in the wrong spot, so Jordan had space in the window. Pickett lofted it up and Addison showcased great body control while making the catch through contact. Pittsburgh's offense did a great job of setting up matchups and leverage through motion and alignment tweaks. Many of the ways Whipple featured Addison in Pittsburgh’s system fit well with what the Vikings want to do offensively. </p><p>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/MQ8qtXo" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/MQ8qtXo"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
While studying Addison, I also took note of his spatial awareness and field vision. He does a nice job of reading the coverage and finding zone windows. In the example below, Addison is stacked tight in a 2x2 formation. Pittsburgh ran a Mills concept (post and dig combination) vs. Cover 3. Addison initially stems outside, gets inside of the curl/flat defender and sees the underneath hook defender. He slides right past him, flattens off the route settles into the zone and then plucks the ball beautifully. This was a perfect example of his spatial awareness, field vision and coverage recognition skills. </p><p>
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The other thing Addison showcased was his yards after the catch ability. Lincoln Riley featured him off of tunnels occasionally. When he did so, Addison broke tackles and was elusive in space. Minnesota can feature him via tunnels, bubbles, etc. too. </p><p><b>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/00L5ddB" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/00L5ddB"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Final Thoughts: </b></p><p>Jordan Addison fits the Vikings’ scheme very well. He is a sudden, versatile and detailed route runner who knows how to get open. Minnesota can set up quality matchups for Addison through motion and alignment tweaks. O’Connell and the offensive staff have to be excited about all of the ways they can scheme open Jefferson, Hockenson, Osborn, Jalen Nailor and Addison. </p><p>Now, the Vikings must focus on adding defensive contributors and depth throughout the remainder of this draft. </p><p></p><p><b>A few players I’m keeping an eye for the Vikings during two (they currently hold pick No. 87 - we’ll see if they move around):</b> CB Cory Trice (Purdue), CB Tyrique Stevenson (Miami), safety/nickel Jartavius Martin, EDGE Derick Hall (Auburn), EDGE Byron Young (Tennessee), LB Dorian Williams</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p>
<p></p><p></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-62877589010489090702023-02-07T10:03:00.004-06:002023-02-07T10:03:45.680-06:00At 88, Paul Wiggin Is Still Writing his Football Story <h2 style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q4FZT09QM7p_-riA0QwvBdiY6jYb7fAbipeGFcg71nlE0XCiSGfUTTfESuBgsJwErJNMkpNZq7mdC09-1ZYwfpAIJ9DGH34a57VHld_ArRRhhLAmUFFB0Ri8hiksJiBKLagmQKNgyolb4-j2rZSopRtE708sBsZ_os3YbGSvIEGs4_UQPh6pYzMJdQ/s2560/Wiggin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q4FZT09QM7p_-riA0QwvBdiY6jYb7fAbipeGFcg71nlE0XCiSGfUTTfESuBgsJwErJNMkpNZq7mdC09-1ZYwfpAIJ9DGH34a57VHld_ArRRhhLAmUFFB0Ri8hiksJiBKLagmQKNgyolb4-j2rZSopRtE708sBsZ_os3YbGSvIEGs4_UQPh6pYzMJdQ/w400-h225/Wiggin.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paul Wiggin loves football. It’s what keeps the 88-year-old coming back. Wiggin, a player personnel consultant for the Vikings, has lived a unique football life. Daniel House spoke with Wiggin about a recent honor, his long career, the evolution of football and more.</span></h3><p><b><span></span></b></p><a name='more'></a><b><i><br /></i></b><p></p><p>by: Daniel House</p><p><b><i>Note: this feature was published for the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. If you're interested in learning more about the organization and its mission, <a href="https://www.nffmn.org/page/show/256186-home">click here. </a></i></b></p><p>Paul Wiggin loves the game of football. It's what keeps the 88-year-old coming back after seven decades around the game.</p><p>Wiggin, a member of the Vikings’ front office since 1992, could write a book about all of the thrilling moments from his long career as a player, coach and NFL talent evaluator.</p><p>He became a College Football Hall of Famer at Stanford, played defensive end for coach Paul Brown in Cleveland, won an NFL championship (1964) alongside Browns running back Jim Brown, worked for Vikings legend Bud Grant, coached future Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway at Stanford and identified countless stars during his career in the Vikings’ personnel department.</p><p>Those special moments, combined with the thrill of seeing players succeed, are reasons why Wiggin is still working for the Vikings as a player personnel consultant.</p><p>“From my standpoint, I love football and I was able to play football and I was able to take it to the next step and coach it. And then another step would have been scouting. So I’ve been able to live a football life,” Wiggin said. “I’ve had ups and I’ve had downs, but I’ve got a ring and I’ve been a world champion. When you’re part of a team that is the best in the world, that’s a pretty good feeling to wake up the next morning with.”</p><p>Paul has earned many major awards over the years, but not many match the one he recently received from the Minnesota Football Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Wiggin, the recipient of the Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan Award, said the honor means even more because it is named after an influential mentor.</p><p>“It means a lot to me because I’ll take anything that has Bud Grant’s name on it. You talk about respect. Respect comes at different levels and that’s the highest level of respect you can have,” Wiggin said, “It was just one year [that I coached with Bud], but I’ll never forget it. There were so many things about Bud that were just amazing.”</p><p>After playing 11 seasons for the Browns (1957-67), Wiggin launched his coaching career under head coach Dick Nolan and the San Francisco 49ers. He spent seven seasons with the 49ers (1968-74) before the Kansas City Chiefs hired him to replace Hank Stram. Wiggin was the Chiefs head coach for three seasons until he became available following the 1977 season.</p><p>That’s when Vikings head coach Bud Grant first reached out. Bud wanted to hire Wiggin for an assistant coaching position. Paul entertained the idea, but instead became Nolan’s defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints.</p><p>“I chose to go back with Dick Nolan at that time because I knew Dick, I knew the staff and I was confident I would be in the role that I had before and I liked that role,” Wiggin said. “I had interviewed with Bud at that time too and it was hard to turn that one down at the time because everybody said back in those days, if you ever get a chance to work for Bud Grant, take it as an assistant coach because he’s the ultimate [coach] in the way you want to be treated as an assistant coach.”</p><p><a href="https://www.nffmn.org/news_article/show/1258977">Click here to read the rest of this piece on the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation website. </a></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-73387807409027120262022-08-17T17:37:00.002-05:002022-08-17T18:11:48.988-05:00Vikings Training Camp Notebook: 49ers Joint Practice (8/17) <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYHNRBqDxFzxLPAfwZFypQ-650CNQKIhI8s4Ee1darI3MWXaJNXLNoJeinKKezXTsCB0MBSpsl2ox0Q4FD3iywduo94B2h_WoYgGi6RDOB1OYC_W2NBR6X52vmtfjq2LX9UdmJV_eE_tptnuX7KJMw1iWnycxUyxz7hjsCpfOw-LEsF7KqQNl3v1vTw/s4032/IMG_3270%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYHNRBqDxFzxLPAfwZFypQ-650CNQKIhI8s4Ee1darI3MWXaJNXLNoJeinKKezXTsCB0MBSpsl2ox0Q4FD3iywduo94B2h_WoYgGi6RDOB1OYC_W2NBR6X52vmtfjq2LX9UdmJV_eE_tptnuX7KJMw1iWnycxUyxz7hjsCpfOw-LEsF7KqQNl3v1vTw/w400-h300/IMG_3270%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><b>The Vikings hosted their first joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday. What did Daniel House learn while attending the session? Here is a brand new notebook! </b></span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">The Vikings hosted their first joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday. It was a great opportunity to see each unit go through a variety of competitive 11-on-11, red zone and 1-on-1 periods. Both coaching staff implemented specific situations and tested each level of the depth chart against top competition.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So what did I learn while watching all of those quality reps? Let’s dive in:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Eyes on the Backup WR Spots</b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The back half of Minnesota’s wide receiver room is filled with competition. Right now, Olabisi Johnson, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Myron Mitchell, Albert Wilson, Trishton Jackson and Jalen Nailor are all competing for the final three roster spots. As Minnesota’s front office makes difficult roster decisions in the coming weeks, special teams will be a major factor. It is why many of these players are frequently earning practice reps as returners and punt gunners.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With that in mind, I zoned in on every drill that involved a backup wide receiver. (Because everyone knows Justin Jefferson's practice session was outstanding). Here is what I found:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">During Wednesday’s 1-on-1 session, Myron Mitchell flashed. He transitioned from break foot, to drive foot, to line foot while setting up a deep speed cut. Mitchell wonderfully accelerated out of the break point and generated separation at the top of the route. So many young receivers banana curl out of this route, but he flattened it off and did not allow cornerback Qwuantrezz Knight to compress space.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A little later, Mitchell showcased a little nuance and physicality at the top of a dig route. He looked like he may be setting up a corner route, but he felt cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields climbing over his inside hip. Mitchell put his foot in the ground and used the wiper technique to shed Castro-Fields. Myron then flattened off the dig route and tracked the ball outside of his frame.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The former UAB receiver also displayed excellent straight line speed while running a double move. He attacked the cornerback’s blind spot and accelerated to gain separation. Mitchell could have tracked the ball a bit better, but the pass was also poorly placed. Despite that, I liked the way he set up the route and accelerated out of the break point.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Another thing I noted? Mitchell’s performance during the special teams portion of practice. He breezed down the field and found the ball carrier while working as a punt gunner. Those details matter and give fringe roster players a chance if battles are tight.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When it comes to the wide receiver No. 4 or 5 spot, Bisi Johnson looks like he is in control. I liked what I saw from him as a blocker during practice and the first preseason game. Johnson can handle blocking the perimeter within condensed formations. Those sets improve angles, but require quality blocking from wide receivers on the edge. Johnson shows the willingness to block at a high level, which is important. In addition, during Wednesday’s practice, Bisi ran a slot fade and made a great play at the catch point. Johnson won the rep due to excellent body control, positioning and ball skills. The Colorado State alum missed all of last season with a knee injury, but looks poised to make an impact this year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ihmir Smith-Marsette put together a strong preseason performance and put together more quality reps on Wednesday. Smith-Marsette got open off a fade against cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields. He won with a nice release off the line of scrimmage and sped past Castro-Fields. A little later in practice, Smith-Marsette exploded out of the break and gained separation off of an out route (vs. Ambry Thomas). The rep was excellent, but he did not execute the situation well. Minnesota was simulating a situation where it trailed 21-20 with 1:30 left and one time remaining. Smith-Marsette caught the pass and didn’t get out of bounds, so the clock continued running. Kicker Greg Joseph eventually ended up making a 46-yard field goal to end the drill.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Trishton Jackson won a 1-on-1 rep by using a head fake at the top of a post. He drove off his break foot, sold the head-fake, got Deommodore Lenoir trailing behind him and made the grab. Jackson has flashed during other practice sessions and made a pretty good impression during the preseason game too. We will see if he continues to ascend forward during upcoming practices and exhibition matchups.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We all saw Albert Wilson catch a pair of touchdowns during Sunday’s preseason game. He did it against backups, but still showed off solid route running while doing so. Wilson’s success continued during Wednesday’s red zone period as well. He beat Qwuantrezz Knight and made an outstanding tip-toe grab in the back left corner of the end zone. Wilson adjusted to Sean Mannion’s pass and managed to get both feet down for the score. The veteran wide receiver was also receiving return reps early in practice. There is no doubt that Wilson must make an impact on special teams if he wants to secure a roster spot.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jalen Nailor, a sixth-round pick out of Michigan State, is still learning the intricacies of the position. Despite that, he has outstanding athletic ability. Nailor frequently uses his speed to get open off of deep crossers and vertical routes. He may not be as polished as other receivers yet, but has a very high ceiling. On top of that, he has extensive experience as a return man. He did muff a kickoff return in the first preseason game, but did not frequently do that during practice or his career at Michigan State.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’m fascinated to see what the Vikings decide to do at wide receiver. They have a great mix of skill sets and high-upside players within the position group. However, at the end of the day, Minnesota’s front office must strike a balance between immediate receiving talent, special teams ability and future upside.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><b></b><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>The Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter Duo</b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Za’Darius Smith is looking comfortable within the Vikings’ scheme. During a team drill, he displayed excellent bend while beating Trent Williams around the edge. Smith touch sacked Lance and flexed for the crowd. Throughout the day, Smith generated several pressures, including one that blew up a flood concept. The Vikings’ free agent signing looked impressive in tandem with Danielle Hunter. Minnesota is drawing up creative packages that take advantage of Hunter and Smith’s versatility and unique athletic ability. Hunter already looks comfortable lining up in different spots within this defensive scheme. At one point, he won with a speed rush and forced Lance to step up into the interior. This year, I can’t wait to see Hunter and Smith create mismatches by moving all over the front.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ed Ingram Gains First Team Reps<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><b></b><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After a very strong preseason game performance, rookie right guard Ed Ingram earned reps with the first team during Monday’s practice. Ingram plays with great pad level, sets a strong anchor, strikes with powerful hands and has impressive length/wingspan in pass protection. He also does an excellent job of climbing into the second level and generating push with his lower-body. Ingram is getting better each day and the coaching staff recognized it by giving him first team reps against the 49ers. The Vikings’ second-round pick gained more quality snaps with the starters, which is huge, especially if the staff is learning toward starting him this season.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Greg Joseph Tested in Situational Period<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Kicker Greg Joseph drained six of his eight field goal attempts during Monday’s practice. His lone misses occurred from 45 and 48 yards out. It is worth noting that each of those mistakes occurred with punter Ryan Wright holding. </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Up Next</b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Vikings host their second joint practice with 49ers tomorrow. The session begins at 10 a.m. CT.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><b>I miss doing frequent Vikings training camp notebooks, but my new Gophers business, <a href="http://GophersGuru.com"><span class="s1" style="color: #dca10d;">GophersGuru.com</span></a>, is where I’m investing a large chunk of time. I will write Vikings articles as my schedule allows, however, if you’re interested in Gophers football content, check out Gophers Guru. The All-Access subscription is just $5 a month.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-40838631808914141262022-04-29T13:16:00.013-05:002022-05-03T12:43:33.388-05:00What does the Lewis Cine selection tell us about the Vikings' new defensive scheme?<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUItKIFy8jBsvIh0LPitWThj-koy5vZNieN7GPGxqUreL0l509F__c12SQWWpVsjl4YIyz1FQv3-PTg2BI7LWn9ELL97lgt4w4wUYPBgLWaAb1y2PPSg6lLXw5PPJLQGuK6YZqdy9Xe7i1CLD7tRug3GbvQ6NREQQd7KtqAGF3S-BqRYjwCos3J6RLA/s2560/cine.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUItKIFy8jBsvIh0LPitWThj-koy5vZNieN7GPGxqUreL0l509F__c12SQWWpVsjl4YIyz1FQv3-PTg2BI7LWn9ELL97lgt4w4wUYPBgLWaAb1y2PPSg6lLXw5PPJLQGuK6YZqdy9Xe7i1CLD7tRug3GbvQ6NREQQd7KtqAGF3S-BqRYjwCos3J6RLA/w400-h225/cine.png" width="400" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"></h3></span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Vikings selected Georgia safety Lewis Cine in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. What does this move tell us about Minnesota's new defensive scheme? Daniel House shared all of his thoughts! </b> </div><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As schemes evolve, NFL teams are building their rosters differently. Defensive coaches want personnel staffs to target versatile, athletic and physical skill sets at all three levels. It is one of the reasons why Minnesota selected Georgia safety Lewis Cine in the first round.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">The Vikings are keeping up with trends by building their secondary differently. Why is this important? Well, schemes are constantly changing at every level of football. Defensive coaches need answers for the unique mix of skill sets they see on a weekly basis. For example, if you’re playing a team that has more physical and big-bodied targets, you want versatile defenders who can play in the box or cover up the seam. </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The same thing can be said while matching up against speed playmakers too. Teams with versatile defensive backs often deploy creative dime packages that include a hybrid player. This athlete can rove around, rob underneath and align in different spots. By following this approach, offenses don’t necessarily know what wrinkle they will see on a play-to-play basis. Coaches are instead changing the picture and making the quarterback think about another variable before the snap. Not only that, but modern defenses keep offenses guessing by substituting and varying personnel packages.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Coaches are essentially building a "defensive back tool box" that blends between length/physicality and smaller speed/agility skill sets. The goal is to have an answer for any type of offensive scheme you may be facing.</p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teams are also countering various offensive personnel groupings by deploying three-safety looks and using creative dime packages. On top of that, offensive coaches are doing everything they can to get their speed moving away from the defense via crossing routes. Defensive minds are responding by showing two-high shell, rotating at the snap, robbing underneath and replacing the player. This can only be done effectively if you have a rangy and fast safety who can back pedal, open his hips and carry receivers on those deep crossing routes. Cine can do that.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coverage tweaks are only part of the equation too. Coordinators consistently tweak their fronts, show exotic looks in pre-snap and send pressure via blitz packages or sims/creepers. Across each level of football, speed, versatility, physicality and pre-snap chaos are becoming prominent. It is why defensive coordinator Ed Donatell and the staff are going to implement a defensive scheme that is very multiple, interchangeable and reactive. These days, adapting and having a variety of answers for different personnel groupings/matchups is more important than ever.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cine, a versatile, athletic (9.92 RAS score out of 10) and physical, checks all of the above boxes and provides the Vikings with a plethora of schematic possibilities. Minnesota’s coaches can draw up unique packages that take advantage of his athletic traits. Cine certainly has the range to play many different roles in the scheme. He can provide a physical dimension around the box, cover the deep half, or match up with targets out of the slot. While watching Cine, his downhill speed and explosiveness jump out. There were several instances where he even swiveled his hips and covered fast slot receivers up the seam or down the sideline. The Georgia safety plays with outstanding instincts and has the closing speed to make plays on the perimeter or in the alley.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Additionally, I really like Cine’s physicality. While playing in the alley, he quickly triggers downhill and makes aggressive run stops. This is critically important, especially considering the Vikings new defensive scheme will emphasize a few different things:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><ol class="ol1"><li class="li1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Setting strong edges</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Range, pursuit skills and tackling ability from nickels, safeties and even corners<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Versatility in the front (players who can align in different spots based upon opponent strengths/weaknesses)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Due to his range, Cine is the type of player who could play in the box, align out of the nickel, play the deep half, rob the middle of the field, or rove around in dime packages. The Vikings are seeing the recent proliferation of three-safety looks and the the type of flexibility it provides. Defenses are combating explosive playmakers by finding creative ways to get all of their speed on the field. Cine’s skill set is headlined by hard-hitting physicality, but his athletic profile is impressive. The Georgia product ran a 4.37 40-yard dash and showcased his explosiveness by posting a 11’1” broad jump (98th percentile). Cine’s combination of size, length, range and speed are all traits the Vikings can build around.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Minnesota will likely run packages where Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum and Cine are all on the field together. People forget that Bynum was a cornerback prospect coming out of California. He has the coverage background, so that provides the Vikings with additional schematic options. More importantly, Harrison Smith is one of the best pre-snap disguise safeties in the league. His intelligence and instincts in the backend are a major asset for Minnesota’s scheme.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With the addition of Cine, the Vikings’ defensive staff can now interchange their safeties based upon certain matchups and tendencies they are seeing during games. These days, having a reactive defensive scheme is more important than ever. That alone is<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1516045600508231680?s=20&t=G727bHar2pORkjmaQpYWiA"> one of the reasons why I felt like Minnesota would value a versatile defensive back early in the draft.</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thoughts on the Trade</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know there was a lot of debate regarding the Vikings’ decision to trade back. New trade models, including Pro Football Focus’ WAR metric, said Minnesota won the trade. As Adofo-Mensah noted in last night’s press conference, trade charts are used as a guide. It is important to evaluate these decisions from multiple vantage points. You have to ask yourself a few things:</span></p><ol class="ol1"><li class="li1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are the strengths of this draft? Do you feel like moving back puts you in a window to pick up key contributors later?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How valuable are the assets you are receiving? Is having the second pick in the second round more valuable due to increased trade interest after draft boards reset?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li></ol><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the beginning, I felt like the sweet spot of the draft fell between No. 25 and 75. There are a lot solid players in that window who can contribute right away and provide critical depth now and into the future. Kwesi and the staff ultimately felt like moving up 12 spots from No. 46 to No. 34 was valuable based upon the structure of their board.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I understand why people are questioning an inter-division trade with the Lions, but I feel as if Kwesi really wanted to gain valuable assets near the start of the draft’s sweet spot. Now the Vikings can reset their board, determine which players they really covet and entertain possible trade options at No. 34. Moving forward, it will be fascinating to look back and see how this trade with Detroit plays out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Options on Day 2</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If they stay put at No. 34, I’d consider a few different players, including pass rusher Boye Mafe (Minnesota), cornerback Kyler Gordon (Washington), cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (Clemson) and wide receiver George Pickens (Georgia). I’m guessing the Bucs will select UConn defensive tackle Travis Jones, so all of the above options may be available.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mafe would provide the Vikings with another dynamic pass rusher to go along with Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter. The Gophers pass rusher’s skill set is headlined by dynamic speed and explosiveness. Mafe has the versatility to rush off the edge, drop in space and stand up inside. Not to mention, there is still a lot of potential that an NFL team can unlock while developing Boye. I got to see him up close for four years while covering the Gophers and feel like he would be an excellent fit for the new scheme. Minnesota needs capable depth on the edge and Mafe would provide that.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to cornerbacks, I’m much higher on Kyler Gordon than most. He is a physical and aggressive cornerback who gets into passing lanes. Gordon skill set is headlined by his agility, lower-body explosiveness, physicality and versatility. He could align inside or out depending on where he is needed most. I also think the Vikings will really value his blitzing ability and the dimension he can bring there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the other hand, Minnesota may wait until later on Day 2 and target Houston cornerback Marcus Jones, an aggressive nickel corner and dynamic return man. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings selected a linebacker at some point on Day 2 with options like Leo Chenal and Nakobe Dean still available.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the day progresses, it is worth keeping an eye on Kentucky defensive lineman Josh Paschal as well. He is a versatile, disruptive player who sets the edge and defeats blocks. Paschal would fill a need and fit Minnesota’s defensive scheme quite well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">For a full list of my favorite draft fits for the Vikings, <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1519704244252811265?s=20&t=G727bHar2pORkjmaQpYWiA">click here. </a></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Final Thoughts</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Vikings have a plethora of options on the board. As things stand now, they could stay put and make three selections between No. 34 and 77 or explore trading back for more assets. It just depends on the type of trade offers Minnesota receives for No. 34. A team in need of a quarterback may send the Vikings a lucrative package. We’ll soon find out!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-79695164788450485592022-01-27T16:40:00.004-06:002022-01-27T18:35:15.825-06:00What will new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah bring to the Vikings? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjqdH8H3LZo2HJV6WXYgsI8r2ps1srg2VCAHrxnhfLzNlJpskBjEos8qpis9b5i8rk0DLlc1jsiBZd2XTcjchh-tfOoB1lyFJqLGs0tyBTmKP3gbI3tGoVxY4x1NUTjlUo-AK1bP5OPWR9ogyUKO4u0G0rSjyGYGJeT7jZ_S6aSDU4RTRaJL-zCTcCig=s2560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjqdH8H3LZo2HJV6WXYgsI8r2ps1srg2VCAHrxnhfLzNlJpskBjEos8qpis9b5i8rk0DLlc1jsiBZd2XTcjchh-tfOoB1lyFJqLGs0tyBTmKP3gbI3tGoVxY4x1NUTjlUo-AK1bP5OPWR9ogyUKO4u0G0rSjyGYGJeT7jZ_S6aSDU4RTRaJL-zCTcCig=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Wilf family handed new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah the Vikings' paintbrush. </b><b>Time will tell, but right now, it is hard not to be excited about the creative mind standing in front of the canvas. Daniel House shared all of his thoughts in this piece! </b></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</p><p>The best organizations in any line of work value collaboration, innovation and research. At the start of the interview process, Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf stressed the importance of those traits as the organization searched for a new general manager. </p><p>Minnesota interviewed several different candidates, but ultimately found one person who checked all of those boxes - Cleveland Browns Vice President of Football Operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. </p><p>Adofo-Mensah, 40, is one of the most versatile front office executives in the NFL. He earned a degree in economics from Princeton, received his master’s from Stanford and worked on Wall Street as a day trader. Adofo-Mensah even considered becoming an economics professor before he found his true calling - football. </p><p>Kwesi instead joined the San Francisco 49ers and transformed the organization’s approach. While working as the team’s Director of Football Research and Development, he changed the way coaches and executives viewed the game. He developed innovative strategies for game management, drafting and personnel acquisitions. Kwesi was often labeled as an “analytics staffer” by many people across the league. However, 49ers GM John Lynch said Kwesi viewed his role with the organization much differently. </p><p>“He always hated when we called it analytics. He preferred research and development,” Lynch said in a statement through the Vikings. “Just a very forward thinker, but he wanted to learn about watching football and studying players and did a tremendous job of that.”</p><p>Adofo-Mensah’s philosophy regarding research and development is refreshing. In recent years, the word “analytics” has become a common buzz word across sports. Many people believe that a person with this type of background simply relies upon data while making decisions. However, that is only part of the story. Staffers who work in the research and development segment of football are simply gathering information. This is not something that is new in football either. </p><p>Over the years, I have found that many coaches at the college and NFL levels are gathering quantitative and qualitative data and do not realize it. Coaches usually track certain trends while breaking down film, gaining feedback from players and making adjustments. These days, people like Kwesi are gathering this information, asking questions and thinking outside the box. </p><p>For example, expected points added (EPA), success rates, testing data and other advanced metrics are changing how executives view the game. Not only that, but things like grit scores, interviews and emotional intelligence data are helping personnel staff’s evaluate prospects better. Adofo-Mensah will certainly take those things into consideration while developing a new decision-making framework in Minnesota. </p><p>It is important to note how Kwesi incorporates player, coach and organizational feedback into the decision-making process. After doing that, he may combine this qualitative data and football context with numbers. That approach will help Kwesi and the Vikings’ organization make evidence-based decisions. </p><p>For years, I have always felt like data is simply information. It is presented in a variety of different forms and explains the “why” behind everything. Many people unfairly assume executives or analysts like Adofo-Mensah are simply using spreadsheets to run a franchise. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though. </p><p>Numbers and trends are just one portion of the decision-making process. Feedback, qualitative information and interviews are shaping the way organizations make decisions. By finding a balance between data usage and football instinct, executives like Adofo-Mensah are helping organizations find small, or even large, competitive advantages. </p><p>When the Vikings parted ways with GM Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer a few weeks ago, ownership knew a fresh approach was necessary. The Wilfs were obviously intrigued by Adofo-Mensah’s unconventional and innovative style. Before the Vikings chose Kwesi, no NFL team had ever hired a general manger who worked as an analytics staffer. Minnesota broke away from the conventional mold and may end up starting a revolution by doing so.</p><p><b>What is Next?</b></p><p>Adofo-Mensah has plenty of challenges ahead, such as navigating salary cap constraints, adding more depth, preparing for the draft and determining the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins. More importantly, in a few days, Kwesi will make his first franchise-defining decision - hiring a new head coach. Adofo-Mensah certainly has a few names in mind and probably made his intentions clear during the interview process. It will not be surprising if he targets Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell or 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Both of them worked with Adofo-Mensah in San Francisco and interviewed with Minnesota earlier in the process. </p><p>No matter what, when Adofo-Mensah picks his first head coach, he should value collaboration, leadership, chemistry and player development skills. All of the best executives understand which players fit and project best within a coach’s scheme. It is why assembling a deep coaching staff should be Kwesi’s top priority. </p><p>As Adofo-Mensah begins making these type of franchise-defining decisions, he can lean on his versatility and unique background. Kwesi’s experience in research/development, scouting (under Andrew Barry), contracts, business and leadership will guide him now and into the future. </p><p><b>Handing Over the Paintbrush</b></p><p>At the end of the day, everyone knew the Vikings needed a fresh, energetic and innovative approach at the top of their franchise. Adofo-Mensah’s unique background and versatility will change the way everyone in Minnesota views football. Not to mention, a groundbreaking hire like this could open the door for similar people who are studying the game through a different lens. </p><p>As many of you know, <a href="https://gophersguru.com/2020/10/19/advanced-offensive-metrics-to-watch-during-the-gophers-season/">I have always drawn parallels between football research and painting. </a></p><p>With every single brush stoke, a painter is bringing his or her vision to life. On the football field, coaches and players control the “game painting” by executing a combination of plays. Front office executives also contribute by making their own creative decisions. In fact, every season, a team’s painting looks different based upon personnel, opponent strengths/weaknesses, salary cap constraints and draft picks. Some general managers make the “paintings” even more unique by gathering the right information and researching new ideas. </p><p>Additionally, like a painting, each game or season becomes its own creation. There are certain strategies and schemes you use to attack weaknesses and maximize strengths. Ultimately, every game and season is its own unique work of art. Each “brush stroke” (or decision) defines what the painting will become. </p><p>Players, coaches and front office executives are in complete control of that creative process (vision). As always, outsiders and critics will interpret the artwork, but they may overlook an important detail while doing so. Like painters, “football artists” are the only people who must understand how every detail contributes to the piece. </p><p>Top “football artists” collaborate with every member of the team and develop the league’s most creative paintings. They incorporate feedback, make adjustments and sometimes have the self-awareness to start over. On the other hand, executives, coaches and players who aren’t as successful may try painting the canvas individually without any input. This often disrupts the group’s vision and produces a messy painting. Instead, the best organizations all work together while creating their “game, season and organizational paintings.”</p><p>Adofo-Mensah has been handed the Vikings’ brush and will eventually show the world his football paintings. Time will tell, but right now, it is hard not to be excited about the creative mind standing in front of the canvas. </p><p><br /></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-3615956069749864142021-08-30T09:50:00.004-05:002021-08-31T16:29:30.967-05:00Initial Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQCNOEiBdmUvWMMueXa5qk1se_v8TCpa3fYEJ757yBdoDAQn762XfB5drkJIAQIK8BCadGcOGTivRrlgbPUHKtNzhG-EPp_PBJk6efn0c5QPhoNRCVhwGcXlrfsge9GDlh1g4BzsAEKGE/s2048/Vikings+53-man.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQCNOEiBdmUvWMMueXa5qk1se_v8TCpa3fYEJ757yBdoDAQn762XfB5drkJIAQIK8BCadGcOGTivRrlgbPUHKtNzhG-EPp_PBJk6efn0c5QPhoNRCVhwGcXlrfsge9GDlh1g4BzsAEKGE/w400-h225/Vikings+53-man.png" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Cuts are about to begin across the NFL. What could the Vikings' initial 53-man roster look like? Daniel House shared his projection. <span><a name='more'></a></span></h3><p>Teams across the NFL are trimming down their rosters ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Right now, everyone is wondering how Minnesota might structure its roster. </p><p>With that in mind, I decided to put together a Vikings 53-man roster projection based upon what I saw during training camp and the preseason. </p><p>Here it is: </p><p><b><u>Offense: (25): </u></b></p><p><b>QB: (2): Kirk Cousins, Kellen Mond </b></p><p><b>Analysis:</b> The Vikings need to sign a veteran backup quarterback. After looking respectable during training camp, Jake Browning struggled in the preseason. Kellen Mond needs more time to develop and should not be Minnesota’s primary backup this season. Nick Mullens was recently released by the Eagles. He worked within a similar offensive system in San Francisco and may fit well within the Vikings’ quarterback room. No matter what, the team should be keeping an eye out for options on the waiver wire. </p><p><b>RB: (4): Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, Ameer Abdullah</b></p><p><b>Analysis:</b> With injuries hitting this room, the Vikings suddenly have question marks entering the season. Right now, we don’t know how much time Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu will miss. The team released Ito Smith on Saturday, which likely signals that Mattison might be returning soon. Ameer Abdullah has flashed on special teams and is the modern era Marcus Sherels. Just when you think he may get cut, he always finds a way to make the team. </p><p><b>FB: (1): C.J. Ham</b></p><p><b>Analysis: </b>C.J. Ham is one of the Vikings’ most valuable players and we do not talk about it enough. </p><p><b>WR: (5): Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Dede Westbrook, KJ Osborn, Ihmir Smith-Marsette</b></p><p><b>Analysis:</b> I left camp a little worried about the wide receiver group. Ihmir Smith-Marsette looked very inconsistent and did not meet my overall expectations. However, he figured things out over the final two preseason games and will be a critical special teams contributor for the Vikings. Not only that, but he could receive a few gadget plays per game to take advantage of his unique athleticism. </p><p>Wide receiver K.J. Osborn put together one of the best overall training camps of anyone on the roster. Osborn was running crisp routes, gaining separation and making tough grabs at every level. He made significant strides and could see rotational action this year. Not to mention, Dede Westbrook is expected to be ready for the season, which provides the Vikings with a little more experience in the receiver room. </p><p><b>TE (4): Irv Smith Jr., Tyler Conklin, Brandon Dillon, Zach Davidson</b></p><p><b>Analysis: </b>With Irv Smith Jr. expected to undergo surgery for a meniscus injury (according to Tom Pelissero), the Vikings should be evaluating the waiver wire and trade market for tight end help. Tyler Conklin was already battling an injury before we learned this news about Smith. Minnesota’s lack of depth behind Smith and Conklin leaves them with minimal replacement options. The Vikings must find an upgrade over Zach Davidson. </p><p><b>OL: (9): Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Garrett Bradbury, Oli Udoh, Brian O’Neill, Rashod Hill, Wyatt Davis, Mason Cole, Blake Brandel</b></p><p><b>Analysis:</b> There are no surprises with the first eight players on this depth chart. Blake Brandel is the only player who showed any promise as a swing tackle. Brandel started camp strong but did not play as well in the preseason. I think the Vikings will be hitting the waiver wire for a swing tackle once options become available across the NFL. The swing tackle spot is a clear weakness, especially since Rashod Hill will be starting at left tackle until Christian Darrisaw is ready. </p><p><b><u>Defense: (25):</u></b></p><p><b>DL: (10): Stephen Weatherly, Michael Pierce, Dalvin Tomlinson, Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, Armon Watts, Sheldon Richardson, DJ Wonnum, Patrick Jones, Kenny Willekes</b></p><p><b>Analysis:</b> This is probably the deepest position on the Vikings’ roster right now. I left camp extremely impressed with Minnesota’s defensive tackles. That trend continued into the preseason. While putting together this projection, I had trouble deciding which player would earn the last spot. I ultimately chose Kenny Willekes. He improved during the preseason and has nice bend and flexibility coming off the edge. The Vikings even tried kicking Willekes inside and got a look at him from that spot. I think there is versatility and developmental potential within his game. Willekes reminds me of a very young Brian Robison. Minnesota could try sliding him onto the practice squad, but I don’t think he would make it there. </p><p>Hercules Mata’afa has moved between linebacker, defensive tackle and defensive end during his time with the Vikings. He had a really strong final preseason game, but I think Willekes has a higher overall ceiling. </p><p><b>LB: (6): Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Nick Vigil, Troy Dye, Chazz Surratt, Ryan Connelly</b></p><p><b>Analysis</b>: Nick Vigil has been a pleasant surprise and looks like he could be a solid third linebacker for the Vikings this season. He is particularly strong in coverage and can help Minnesota on passing downs. </p><p>After the first three options in the linebacker room, the talent level drops off. I believe the Vikings like the developmental potential of Troy Dye. However, the former Oregon Duck must get stronger and improve his ability to get off of blocks. </p><p>Ryan Connelly showed flashes as a linebacker and was very consistent on special teams. I think Connelly did enough in the preseason to initially squeak out one of the team’s final roster spots. That doesn’t mean the Vikings won’t search for upgrades on the waive wire though.</p><p>As expected, Chazz Surratt is pretty rough around the edges. The former quarterback has not played much at linebacker. Surratt has excellent athletic ability and range but is still developing instincts. There were quite a few situations where he was misaligned in the preseason. This year, Surratt will work as a primary special teams contributor until he develops more as a linebacker. </p><p>I have concerns about the depth at this position. This group made a lot of mistakes throughout training camp and the preseason. With that in mind, I would certainly evaluate the waiver wire for potential depth upgrades. </p><p><b>CB: (5): Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, Mackensie Alexander, Kris Boyd, Cam Dantzler</b></p><p><b>Analysis:</b> Kris Boyd has been outstanding throughout training camp and the preseason. If an injury hits, I feel comfortable about him stepping in. I debated keeping Harrison Hand as a seventh cornerback, but I don’t believe his preseason performance warrants a roster spot. Parry Nickerson showed me more overall flashes than Hand. However, I don’t have room for him either. </p><p><b>S: (4): Harrison Smith, Xavier Woods, Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus</b></p><p>Analysis: I’m expecting the Vikings to add a safety from the waiver wire. In fact, I would not be surprised if the team signed Will Parks after Week 1. This would eliminate the vested veteran salary guarantee and give Minnesota more financial flexibility. </p><p>The Vikings really like what Josh Metellus can do across special teams units, so I think his roster spot is safe. Cam Bynum has future potential but is not ready for a large backup role. If the Vikings end up signing a veteran safety, they would probably cut Metellus and stash him on the practice squad. </p><p><b><u>Specialists: (3):</u> Greg Joseph, Britton Colquitt, Andrew DePaola</b></p><p><b>Analysis: </b>Greg Joseph is easily won the kicking battle and is the Vikings’ guy entering the season. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-51264588965524331962021-08-13T13:33:00.004-05:002021-08-13T19:14:14.409-05:00Vikings vs. Broncos Joint Practice Notebook: Day 2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWvAmTIn__W35NgzXM748jswR1rNvikrBnpxO4oivQUk9CMbaRriFrPdZcjVGH5kG8h3FR7GidcVbnytUUutQQCcidr2Yo_Zcv8ABK7BJUq0-kdmxSQhP1EyapeIWYqABXmljKjl8XDls/s4032/IMG_0369.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWvAmTIn__W35NgzXM748jswR1rNvikrBnpxO4oivQUk9CMbaRriFrPdZcjVGH5kG8h3FR7GidcVbnytUUutQQCcidr2Yo_Zcv8ABK7BJUq0-kdmxSQhP1EyapeIWYqABXmljKjl8XDls/w400-h300/IMG_0369.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Vikings and Broncos kept evaluating players during their second joint practice at TCO Performance Center. Daniel House shared all of his takeaways in this new notebook! </h3><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br /><p></p><p>by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>) </p><p>The Vikings and Broncos continued to test each other during Thursday’s second joint practice at TCO Performance Center. Mike Zimmer and Vic Fangio kept using different blitzes and fronts throughout the session. This put stress on both offensive line units. </p><p>The left side of Minnesota’s offensive line did not hold up well during the stunt drill. Rashod Hill and Ezra Cleveland struggled to communicate and pass off rushers at the right depth. This trend has popped up throughout camp during team and OL/DL drills. Nonetheless, the right side of the Vikings’ offensive line is handling these situations much better. Oli Udoh got first-team right guard reps alongside Brian O’Neill during Thursday’s joint practice. Udoh has held up really well against stunts, blitzes and other rushes that test his lateral agility. There was also a noticeable difference in the ground game with Udoh playing right guard. He was displaying his power and frequently hitting the second level. This opened some big creases for Dalvin Cook off outside zone. These type of lanes were less prevalent during Wednesday's session with Dakota Dozier at right guard. Udoh is leading the battle and I do not think it is particularly close. </p><p>One of the biggest takeaways from the second joint practice: the Broncos’ reserve defensive tackles dominated Minnesota’s guards. Dru Samia was pushed flat on his back during a rep against Shamar Stephen. Samia also badly lost a rep to defensive Isaiah Mack, who had a rather strong practice. The Vikings’ second-tier guards also struggled in 1-on-1 drills. Dre’Mont Jones blew past Dakota Dozier and Shamar Stephen muscled around Mason Cole. All day, the Broncos’ interior defensive line was getting pressure, especially against Minnesota’s second and third-string offensive line units. After watching training camp, my biggest concern revolves around this team’s backup offensive line depth. If Rashod Hill starts at left tackle, Blake Brandel is probably the team’s swing tackle. Brandel started camp strong but was less impressive in the joint practices. Derrek Tuszka blew past him in the 1-on-1 drills and he allowed a couple of pressures in team drills. </p><p>Within the interior, Wyatt Davis is the only reserve player who has shown flashes. He has nice balance in pass protection and plays with a mean streak as a run blocker. Davis is a legitimate reserve offensive lineman and should be the team’s primary backup guard. Although he has been inconsistent, his flashes have been very strong. With more reps, I think he could turn into a future starter for Minnesota. Davis keeps getting better and certainly had a strong practice on Thursday. </p><p>Following roster cuts, the Vikings should be perusing the waiver wire for backup guards and swing tackles. It would be particularly advantageous to find an interior player with guard and center flexibility. After seeing practices, I think Mason Cole is better suited to play guard. However, right now, that is just not possible because of the Vikings’ current interior depth chart.</p><p>Garrett Bradbury also struggled during the 1-on-1 portion of practice. He lost reps against DeShawn Williams and Shamar Stephen but was a little more consistent in team drills. Bradbury struggles most while anchoring against big nose tackles in pass protection. He certainly does a much better job of handling speed and quickness. I honestly wish he could play guard. </p><p><b>Kendricks making plays, Cousins a little inaccurate</b></p><p>On the other side of the ball, linebacker Eric Kendricks was making plays in the 7-on-7 period. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater tried to squeeze a tight window throw into tight end Noah Fant, but Kendricks intercepted him. Then, in the same sequence, he tried to connect with Jerry Jeudy off a slant. Kendricks dropped into his zone and batted down the pass. Jeudy had cornerback Harrison Hand beat off the line of scrimmage, however, Kendricks made an excellent play in the passing lane. Bridgewater really struggled in the red zone and 7-on-7 periods but was slightly better in the team sessions. </p><p>One thing I haven’t mentioned much during camp: the Vikings’ reserve linebackers are struggling in coverage. There are numerous situations where they are out of position or get turned around by wide receivers or running backs. Within the 11-on-11 red zone period, Broncos tight end Eric Saubert toasted linebacker Troy Dye. Linebackers Chazz Surratt, Cam Smith, and Ryan Connelly have also been rather inconsistent in coverage. This is something worth monitoring during the preseason. </p><p>Overall, Lock had more command and snapped through progressions better in most of the team, 7-on-7 and red zone periods. At one point, the young quarterback nearly completed the play of the day. KJ Hamler got separation and had space near the end zone. Lock confidently ripped the deep pass, but couldn’t quite connect. I believe there is more vertical and deep, explosive play-action potential with Lock under center. He is just inconsistent and sometimes hesitates or makes the wrong read. If you’re a Broncos fan, I’ll be talking more about this during an upcoming podcast appearance with the Mile High Report. </p><p>On the Vikings side, Kirk Cousins was not very sharp in this practice session. Adam Thielen got separation off a corner route against Patrick Surtain, but Cousins shot the pass over him. Also, Cousins did not respond well to pressure. Blake Brandel rotated into the left tackle spot and Denver’s pass rushers exposed him. The Broncos were also mixing up stunts, which collapsed the pocket and forced Kirk to get rid of the ball quickly. Throughout camp, Minnesota’s offensive line (particularly the left side with Hill and Cleveland) has not responded well to stunts and lateral movement by defensive line units. Cousins needs structure, so the Vikings’ offensive line must figure this out ahead of the season. </p><p><b>Nwangwu is a weapon</b></p><p>Within the backfield, running back Kene Nwangwu stood out. He put his foot in the ground and executed an extremely sharp cut off an outside zone run. Nwangwu frequently makes one cut and quickly turns on the jets. His combination of sharp agility and elite speed could be a major weapon for the Vikings this season. I think Nwangwu should receive a special set of designed plays during games. His athletic traits and explosive playmaking ability would create mismatches against opposing defenses. </p><p>More importantly, he had two really strong reps during the live kick return period. His vision, acceleration and elusiveness are all traits that help him thrive in that role. After seeing camp, I think he should be the team’s primary kickoff returner.</p><p><b>Boyd and Wonnum making plays</b></p><p>Cornerback Kris Boyd had two excellent pass breakups during a situational period against Denver’s first-team unit. Jerry Jeudy tried popping off a pair of slants, but Boyd remained tight out of the break point and notched back-to-back pass breakups. Boyd has been up and down during camp but flashes his potential from time to time. I will be watching him closely during preseason games. Boyd could carve out a key reserve role as the Vikings evaluate potential backups in the secondary. </p><p>I have noted it several times throughout notebooks, but D.J. Wonnum has been really impressive during camp. He is winning 1-on-1s and consistently creating pressure from multiple alignments in team drills. On Wednesday, he swept a pair of reps against Garett Bolles and flashed during nearly every portion of practice.</p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-46654372293599164692021-08-11T21:48:00.008-05:002021-08-11T21:58:24.662-05:00Vikings vs. Broncos Joint Practice Notebook: Day 1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlv1DSGDwF3KpBHg4dRuE_PXqmzk-MI8aQ609HiQTRcoN8qIwIIWX4aBkMjm4MIdxopnlzL8nglFGpdw4jtnwLg8FTAC33yXVc1NThCNDGTfCuJM0klthJHnDmxqNAs-LXtYMUygPgCE9/s4032/IMG_0359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlv1DSGDwF3KpBHg4dRuE_PXqmzk-MI8aQ609HiQTRcoN8qIwIIWX4aBkMjm4MIdxopnlzL8nglFGpdw4jtnwLg8FTAC33yXVc1NThCNDGTfCuJM0klthJHnDmxqNAs-LXtYMUygPgCE9/w400-h300/IMG_0359.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Vikings-Broncos joint practice gave us a chance to see many different players square off against quality competition. What did Daniel House learn? He shared his thoughts in this notebook! <span><a name='more'></a></span></h3><p>by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</p><p>Mike Zimmer and Vic Fangio are using the Vikings vs. Broncos joint practices as an evaluation tool. The reps gained in these sessions are helping them determine what players can do against other NFL competition. </p><p>During Wednesday’s first joint practice between Denver and Minnesota, we got a chance to see both teams battle up front and in the secondary. Fangio and Zimmer dialed up aggressive blitzes, stunts and packages to test their offensive lines. </p><p>While doing so, both the Vikings and Broncos' units likely did not receive strong grades. </p><p><b>Vikings defensive tackles shine</b></p><p>Minnesota’s defensive tackles were making plays all afternoon. During team drills, Armon Watts picked up a pair of run stops and quarterbacks pressures. Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater dropped back and Watts was almost instantly in his face. The third-year defensive tackle won with a combination of power, quickness and solid hand technique. Within the 1-on-1 drills, it was fun watching Watts battle against Broncos rookie Quinn Meinerz. Denver’s rookie center beautifully anchored against him early in the drill. Then, a little later, Watts utilized a blend of power and speed to blow past Meinerz. Overall, Watts has easily been one of the top performers throughout Vikings training camp.</p><p>The success within Minnesota’s interior extended to nearly every other defensive tackle. Michael Pierce was having his way against Lloyd Cushenberry in 11-on-11 action. Pierce muscled past Cushenberry in 1-on-1 drills and used an arm move to get past him in team drills. The Vikings’ big defensive tackle also got his hands into a passing lane for a pass breakup. All day, Pierce was pushing pockets and making an impact against the run. </p><p>Additionally, Dalvin Tomlinson got into the backfield for a run stop and logged a pair of pressures. The Tomlinson-Pierce duo is looking extremely formidable throughout training camp. Not to mention, Watts and Sheldon Richardson are showing the type of situational value they can provide. This will help keep Pierce and Tomlinson fresh throughout games. </p><p><b>And it wasn’t just the interior of Minnesota’s defensive line either....</b></p><p>The Vikings defensive ends were creating pressure throughout practice. D.J. Wonnum breezed around Garett Bolles twice during Wednesday’s 1-on-1 drills. Throughout camp, Wonnum’s versatility is being used very creatively by Mike Zimmer. It is becoming apparent that Zimmer would like to design specific packages for the second-year pass rusher. Rookie defensive end Janarius Robinson also had two great reps against Drew Himmelman. Robinson set his rush up on the edge, got Himmelman to over-set and beautifully countered inside. </p><p>Also, defensive end Jordan Brailford utilized a speed rush around the corner and beat Broncos tackle Quinn Bailey. Brailford’s length and explosiveness are traits that stand out while watching him rush the passer. I really like his potential, but do not think the Vikings will have room for him on the roster. </p><p><b>Vikings O-Line struggling with stunts</b></p><p>I spent most of my time zoning in on the Vikings defensive line during this practice session. However, during the team and 1-on-1 drills I saw, the entire Vikings offensive line was struggling with stunts. Bradley Chubb, Shelby Harris and Dre’Mont Jones were all accumulating pressures off stunts and regular rushes. </p><p>At the end of practice, Minnesota’s offense trailed 21-21 in a late-game situation. Justin Strnad and Jonathon Cooper got pressure on the left side against Rahsod Hill and Ezra Cleveland. Then, on the other side, Malik Reed and Jonathan Reed ran a stunt. Right guard Dakota Dozer froze and Reed got a free run at Kirk Cousins. All day, nearly every offensive linemen struggled with stunts. For example, when Denver and Minnesota drilled stunts, rookie Wyatt Davis was having a difficult time passing off his player and recovering. He got better as the drill progressed but must keep working on that area of his game. </p><p><b>Lock slightly edges Bridgewater</b></p><p>The Vikings and Broncos struggled within the situational, red zone and team drills. Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater forced some passes and was less effective throwing vertically. Drew Lock had similar issues and locked into a couple of receivers within 11-on-11 drills. At one point, during the two-minute drill, he tried to fit a pass over a linebacker and threw the ball a little late. The pass was tipped multiple times and intercepted by safety Xavier Woods. Throughout the day, Lock hesitated quite a bit and did not throw with much anticipation. I would like to see him cut it loose and throw his receivers open more frequently. With that being said, I thought Lock won the day, but not by much. </p><p>Bridgewater had a long 45-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy. However, a Nick Vigil blitz (he was really good as a blitzer today) and Armon Watts pressure would have wrecked the play in a real game. Not to mention, in the secondary, cornerback Bashaud Breeland tried to jump the route and Jeudy won a contested catch battle against him. Jeudy regained his footing and ran another 20 yards for a touchdown.</p><p>Earlier in practice, Breeland had a really strong rep against Jeudy in 1-on-1 drills. Jeudy initially stemmed inside and redirected to an outside release. Breeland remained tight to Jeudy out of the break and forced an incompletion. Overall, there were up and down moments for Breeland, but he made his fair share of plays too. </p><p><b>Jeudy is a remarkable talent, Dukes catches my eye</b></p><p>I particularly enjoyed watching Jerry Jeudy during this practice session. His releases and footwork left me in awe. Jeudy articulately sets up his routes and attacks leverage well. Within a 1-on-1 drill, he ran a beautiful corner route against Mack Alexander. He attacked inside, used a beautiful head fake at the top of his route and gained extensive separation vs. Jeudy. The former Alabama wide receiver was getting open all day by running extremely detailed routes. Jeudy certainly looks like he could have a monster year. </p><p>While watching Denver’s wide receivers, I was impressed with undrafted rookie DeVontres Dukes. He had a great contested catch near the sideline against Cameron Dantzler in 1-on-1 drills. Dukes did an excellent job of getting position but was flagged for taunting after spinning the ball in Dantzler’s face. Dukes responded later and beat Dantzler deep up the seam for a diving touchdown grab. I was rather impressed with the young receiver’s size, ball tracking skills and physicality at the catch point. Despite having 6-foot-4, 216-pound size, Dukes was getting separation by moving well in and out of breaks. If Dukes is cut in a few weeks, I think he could draw interest from other NFL teams. </p><p>On the Vikings side, Chad Beebe had a strong afternoon. At one point, ran a crisp route to the back right corner of the end zone and hauled in a touchdown. He also got separation off an out-breaking route and made a dynamic play after the catch. Beebe did have one drop but still put together a rather solid afternoon. </p><p>Not only that, but K.J. Osborn kept making plays. Within a team drill, he ran an out route to the sideline, exploded out of the break and got extensive separation. Osborn was getting open off a variety of different routes and even made a great block on the perimeter to spark an explosive Dalvin Cook outside zone run. The second-year wide receiver is executing the details and separating himself from everyone else in that position group. </p><p><b>Pass rusher Andre Mintze is intriguing </b></p><p>One other player caught my attention while watching practice. Broncos rookie pass rusher Andre Mintze was consistently getting pressure off the edge. I was impressed with his overall speed and explosiveness. Mintze does not have very long arms but compensates for it by using his hands effectively. There were even a few reps where he got position in the running game. Mintze is less consistent in this area and must continue getting physically stronger. However, I think he might be a player worth developing over the next or so. </p><p><b>Other notes</b></p><p>Early in practice, Vikings kicker Greg Joseph made all five of his field goal attempts from 35-52 yards out. </p><p>Wide receiver Blake Proehl's leg gave out while he was running a route. Proehl left the field on a cart and did not return. </p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-66121614376129190442021-08-04T20:54:00.016-05:002021-08-05T10:08:33.450-05:008/4 Training Camp Notebook: K.J. Osborn is making a strong impression <h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX0RAQAgqngHyf6cn-fzUC8ZaeWlLRIAkvnABlhzNevrxtjQkNoNPAzAF81phI0bCn9ZjQXgOup7phFjyzmyOI0o4s929PR54XsSEXAFfi-QgReed9OZaofEDnvg4wsolrGuC8O7FPgUR/s4032/IMG_0294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX0RAQAgqngHyf6cn-fzUC8ZaeWlLRIAkvnABlhzNevrxtjQkNoNPAzAF81phI0bCn9ZjQXgOup7phFjyzmyOI0o4s929PR54XsSEXAFfi-QgReed9OZaofEDnvg4wsolrGuC8O7FPgUR/w400-h300/IMG_0294.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">K.J. Osborn is squarely in the mix for Minnesota's third wide receiver job. Daniel House explained why and shared his training camp observations. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span></h3><p><br /></p><p>by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</p><p>The Vikings continued to evaluate trench players during Wednesday’s training camp practice. Many different offensive and defensive linemen took advantage of additional 1-on-1 and team reps. </p><p>Minnesota also spent a large portion of practice within rushing, red zone and situational periods. While doing that, tight end Irv Smith Jr. shined. Smith continues to get open off a variety of different routes and is making his presence known inside the 20-yard line. His quickness and explosiveness in and out of breaks create mismatches against opposing linebackers and safeties. During one red zone period, Smith burst up the seam and snatched a 20-yard touchdown in between safeties Harrison Smith and Xavier Woods. The former Alabama tight end keeps making explosive plays throughout practices. </p><p><b>Osborn is making a strong impression</b></p><p>Other than Smith, Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson, nobody is making more noise than wide receiver K.J. Osborn. The second-year wide receiver runs solid routes and consistently creates separation. Osborn is a very sudden route runner who changes direction really well. Within one team period rep, he ran an excellent return route against cornerback Mackensie Alexander. He sold the slant, planted his inside foot, squared his shoulders to the quarterback and broke back to the sideline. Osborn was very sudden and explosive out of the break and finished the play by making an impressive diving grab. Not only that, but earlier in practice, he got position and hauled in a deep back-shoulder fade from Jake Browning. Osborn has been making these type of splash plays throughout camp. It is why he continues to work with the first-team unit in 11 personnel sets. </p><p><b>Vikings continue rotating along the offensive line, Darrisaw makes debut</b></p><p>Throughout the afternoon, Minnesota rotated players at right guard and left tackle. Tackle Rashod Hill walked out for practice in shorts and eventually left the field. This opened the door for left tackle Blake Brandel, <a href="http://www.mnvikingscorner.com/2021/08/83-vikings-training-camp-notebook.html">who put together a strong practice on Tuesday</a>. Brandel and Oli Udoh split first-team left tackle reps throughout team drills. However, Brandel was less consistent within Wednesday’s team and 1-on-1 periods. Several pass rushers, including Patrick Jones, beat him around the edge with speed. Brandel shows flashes of potential but still lacks consistency. </p><p>Additionally, Udoh rotated with Dakota Dozer at right guard. Udoh again took advantage of those reps. He effortlessly passed off stunts on three separate occasions. Udoh communicated well and anchored at the correct depth against Dalvin Tomlinson, Armon Watts and D.J. Wonnum. His quickness, lower body power/technique and awareness are apparent when he is being tested off stunts. Not to mention, during Wednesday's 1-on-1 drill, he won a rep against Patrick Jones by beautifully anchoring against a bull rush. Udoh is certainly making a strong push for the starting right guard job. </p><p>Many fans have been asking me about left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The Vikings' first-round draft is working his way back from offseason core muscle surgery. Darrisaw is getting closer and actually wore pads for Wednesday’s session. He went through a short period of individual drills but did not participate in any other portions of practice. Darrisaw is apparently getting closer and should see more extended action in the next couple of days. It will be fascinating to see him work against Denver’s pass rushers during next week’s joint practices. </p><p>Right guard Wyatt Davis also returned after missing the past two practice sessions with an injury. Davis worked with the third-team unit and spent time getting acclimated again. He was an up and down performer in the stunt drill but put together an excellent rep against Jalyn Holmes. Davis also burst into the second level and popped Tuf Borland. The former Ohio State teammates exchanged a few words and Davis punched Borland. A small scuffle ensued, however, it was quickly stopped by teammates and coaches. </p><p><b>Watts creates disruptions, Wonnum dominates 1-on-1 drills</b></p><p>Along the defensive line, two players (outside of Hunter) are grabbing my attention. First, defensive tackle Armon Watts is playing really well. Watts deconstructs blocks, controls gaps and creates consistent disruptions. He is also effectively rushing the passer from inside. At one point, Watts burst into the backfield and totally disrupted a play-action bootleg. He also pursued a screen pass on the perimeter and completely stopped it. Then, a little later, he again got extensive interior pressure and altered the timing of a throw. Watts has always been an effective pass rusher but looks like he improved both physically and technically this offseason. As Michael Pierce works his way back from a calf injury, Watts is receiving first-team reps alongside Dalvin Tomlinson. He is certainly making the most of those snaps. </p><p>Tomlinson also made a noticeable impact in rushing periods and team drills. The big defensive tackle gains penetration and often forces cutbacks. He also flashed as a pass rusher throughout practice. Tomlinson generated one notable pressure in team drills and split 1-on-1 reps with guard Ezra Cleveland.</p><p>The Vikings certainly have more overall talent and depth at the defensive tackle position than they did last year. </p><p>D.J. Wonnum is another defensive lineman who continues to make a strong impression in camp. He dominated two 1-on-1 reps against tackle Evan Ksiezarczyk by using a blend of speed and power. Wonnum also picked up two additional pressures in team periods. <a href="http://www.mnvikingscorner.com/2021/08/82-vikings-training-camp-notebook-irv.html">As I mentioned in Tuesday’s notebook, </a>his versatility could be a major weapon for the Vikings in 2021. </p><p><b>Setting up a situation and testing Joseph</b></p><p>The Vikings closed out practice by setting up a situation. Minnesota's first-team offense trailed 7-7 with 1:11 left and the ball on its own 25-yard line. Jake Browning worked the team up the field by connecting with Adam Thielen and Irv Smith. Then, once the unit approached midfield, a pass breakup by linebacker Nick Vigil (over the middle against Irv Smith) and a deep Browning throwaway ended the offense’s chances. Minnesota instead sent Greg Joseph out for a 55-yard field goal attempt. Joseph kicked into the wind and missed the try wide left. </p><p>During Wednesday’s practices, Joseph missed two of his three live field goal attempts, including a 45-yard attempt from the right hash. His lone successful attempt was a 38-yarder early in practice. </p><p><b>Injury Report</b></p><p>Wide receiver Dede Westbrook wore pads for individuals, but eventually took them off and rehabbed on a side field. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce also participated in the first portion of practice before spending the majority of Wednesday's session with Minnesota’s trainers. </p><p>Center Cohl Cabral, offensive tackle Rashod Hill, linebacker Anthony Barr and tight end Tyler Conklin all did not practice. </p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-10922219295673309732021-08-03T19:16:00.002-05:002021-08-21T20:16:07.184-05:008/3 Vikings Training Camp Notebook: Keeping an eye on the trenches <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi48Y26wQvkdlgBJCrtkNEBITKjXPY1YlyB_x2PAwj7FjeYCDI8i6uhut8M2_0WNz33r8mHiBuwqeBBDJGNRNT3dmUhdLyhEvQ-jj1Yonl3KR0AZw4S1dFYHg-uRzLLBkDXuXCCKkft8h/s4032/IMG_0286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi48Y26wQvkdlgBJCrtkNEBITKjXPY1YlyB_x2PAwj7FjeYCDI8i6uhut8M2_0WNz33r8mHiBuwqeBBDJGNRNT3dmUhdLyhEvQ-jj1Yonl3KR0AZw4S1dFYHg-uRzLLBkDXuXCCKkft8h/w400-h300/IMG_0286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Vikings strapped on pads and picked up the intensity during Tuesday's training camp practice. Daniel House shared all of his observations in this notebook! </h3><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><p>by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</p><p>The pads were popping for the first time during Tuesday’s practice at TCO Performance Center. Minnesota set up 1-on-1 drills and turned up the intensity within team periods. </p><p>This gave the coaching staff an opportunity to see how players performed in the trenches. I kept an eye on all of the drills and shared my observations in this notebook: </p><p><b>Zoning in on the offensive line </b></p><p>When the Vikings’ offensive and defensive linemen went through 1-on-1 pass blocking and stunt drills, several players stood out. </p><p>Oli Udoh was tested by stunts and responded extremely well. Within those reps, he lined up alongside Garrett Bradbury, Mason Cole and Brian O’Neill. Udoh communicated with them, passed off the defensive linemen and anchored at the right depth. Then, during a 1-on-1 rep, Udoh held his ground against pass rusher Patrick Jones’ bull rush. </p><p>While Udoh was working with the second-team unit, he blew into the second level and pancaked linebacker Chazz Surratt in the second level. He got a head of steam downhill and helped open an inside rushing lane for running back Kene Nwangwu. Udoh had a strong day of practice and is standing out among the interior offensive linemen. The third-year guard/tackle split starting right guard reps with Dakota Dozier throughout red zone and team sessions.</p><p>Additionally, tackle Blake Brandel had two positive reps against both Janarius Robinson and D.J. Wonnum. Brandel has been an up and down performer in team drills but held up well within the 1-on-1 drills. </p><p><b>Hunter’s dominance, Wonnum’s versatility </b></p><p>When it comes to defensive linemen, Danielle Hunter continues to dominate. He burst around the edge for two 1-on-1 wins against Rashod Hill. Hunter’s blend of explosiveness and power instantly stood out. He looks healthy and poised for a big year. </p><p>The Vikings continue moving D.J. Wonnum all over the field. He aligns as a linebacker, edge rusher and pure defensive end. All of those positions take advantage of his athleticism, length and movement skills. Wonnum had two pressures while working with the first-team unit and altered a throw by using a speed rush against Rashod Hill. The former South Carolina pass rusher looks like he could be a versatile weapon for the Vikings in 2021. </p><p>I also had my eye on Minnesota’s rookie defensive ends. Janarius Robinson is really quick and explosive. At one point, he chased down a screen in space and effectively set the edge on a run play. Robinson has unique traits and I am looking forward to seeing what he can do throughout training camp and the preseason. My feelings are similar regarding Patrick Jones. He has nice burst and power, but I want to see more moves within his arsenal. </p><p><b>Browning looks comfortable in the offense</b></p><p>Quarterback Jake Browning made several tight-window throws during Tuesday’s session. Within an early red zone period, he zipped a touchdown pass in the back right of the end zone to wide receiver Chad Beebe. Mackensie Alexander had relatively tight coverage, but Browning placed the ball really well. In addition, during a team season, he found Adam Thielen off a crossing route. He fit the pass in-between two linebackers and displayed a little velocity while doing so. </p><p>Browning also helped produced one of the day’s biggest plays. He again connected with Thielen, who beautifully tracked a deep ball. Patrick Peterson was in tight coverage, but Thielen made a phenomenal last-second adjustment. Not to mention, Browning’s ball placement and touch were excellent. The former Washington quarterback looks more comfortable throwing the ball downfield than he did two years ago. Not only that, but Browning’s mechanics look much improved, especially when you watch his lower half. He is using his hips and core to improve his power and release. This change has helped Browning become a more accurate and efficient downfield passer. Additionally, he throws better on the run and is more consistent off play-action boots. </p><p>After seeing Browning practice early in camp, I think he is turning into a relatively solid backup option for the Vikings. He looks comfortable within the offense and does not make many catastrophic mistakes. </p><p><b>Irv Smith Jr. makes more plays, Cameron Smith seeing starting reps</b></p><p>Finally, tight end Irv Smith Jr. continued to make plays. During a red zone period, he hauled in a one-handed touchdown grab in the flat with Cameron Smith and Patrick Peterson in coverage. So far, Smith is putting together a solid training camp. He has displayed his instincts, range and physicality throughout practice sessions. Within rushing periods, he is in the right run fit before the whistle blows plays dead. It seems like Smith is firmly in the mix to become the team’s third linebacker. </p><p><b>Special Teams update</b></p><p>The Vikings finally did some live punt team work during Tuesday's practice. Minnesota’s coaching staff rotated Parry Nickerson, Tye Smith, Dan Chosen, Kris Boyd, Kene Nwangwu, Ameer Abdullah, KJ Osborn and Ameer Abdullah within punt gunner drills. Also, Chad Beebe, Dede Westbrook, Abdullah, Osborn and Ihmir Smith-Marsette took return reps. </p><p>In the final portion of practice, kicker Greg Joseph received live reps. Joseph ended the situational drill by draining a 52-yard field goal. Then, within the special teams period of practice, Joseph made five of his six tries, including makes from around 30 (middle hash), 40 (right hash), 42 (left hash), 44 (right hash) and 50 yards out. His lone miss was a 47-yard field goal (left hash). </p><p><b>Injury Report</b></p><p>Left tackle Christian Darrisaw, center Cohl Cabral and right guard Wyatt Davis and tight end Tyler Conklin all did not practice. Wide receiver Dede Westbrook participated in the first portion of practice, but then rehabbed. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce also wore pads and went through portions of individual and position drills. Other than that, he rehabbed on the side field with trainers. Pierce is still easing his way back from a calf injury. </p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-75948058702326196962021-08-02T19:21:00.004-05:002021-08-02T19:25:58.515-05:008/2 Training Camp Notebook: Irv Smith continues to shine at Vikings camp <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdR1n7ZstZB1u3ITODSmZdv2aph_B3vH7tmoWQ9QBput0V_-rWh3gcyyGJQEVhpBo7enlCKlLVfY5p6l0mDb8UwcbJ_zm5ZFQdLohGP7zgXXxCu7LVsM4HXBhULkyIM47ojcsUkjd9YWr/s2048/IMG_0229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdR1n7ZstZB1u3ITODSmZdv2aph_B3vH7tmoWQ9QBput0V_-rWh3gcyyGJQEVhpBo7enlCKlLVfY5p6l0mDb8UwcbJ_zm5ZFQdLohGP7zgXXxCu7LVsM4HXBhULkyIM47ojcsUkjd9YWr/w400-h300/IMG_0229.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Vikings held another unpadded practice Monday at TCO Performance Center. Daniel House shared all of his observations in another training camp notebook! </b></span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;">by Daniel House <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">(@DanielHouseNFL)</a></p><p>The Vikings were supposed to hold their first padded practice of training camp on Monday, but an NFL rule forced them from doing so, according to<a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1422258517222768646?s=20"> The Athletic’s Arif Hasan</a>. Minnesota needed to hold one more practice before it could strap on the pads. </p><p>The Vikings’ coaches ripped up the initial practice script and focused on more installation, 1-on-1 drills and rushing periods.</p><p><b>Irv Smith Jr. continues to shine</b></p><p>While attending two practice sessions, I have been very impressed with tight end Irv Smith Jr. He is poised for a bigger role this season after the Vikings released Kyle Rudolph. Smith runs excellent routes and is smooth in and out of breaks. He was very sudden and explosive while working against linebackers in the 1-on-1 drills. At one point, Smith stemmed outside, snapped his head around at the last second and torched linebacker Christian Elliss over the middle. Smith’s strong route running continued to grab my attention throughout the workout. </p><p>During one team period, he popped off a deep crossing route into zone coverage and Jake Browning hit him in stride for a 20-yard gain. Then, within a red zone period, he ran a tight end screen and made an explosive play after the catch. That specific rep was fueled by Brian O’Neill. He got out in front of Smith and found work in the second level. As always, O’Neill’s movement skills are extremely impressive, especially off outside zone runs and screen passes. </p><p>Overall, Smith’s route running looks even better than it did last year. He is consistently creating mismatches, gaining separation and making tough catches all over his frame. The third-year tight end is definitely looking like he could have a breakout season. </p><p><b>Proehl looks great in 1-on-1 drills</b></p><p>While watching the 1-on-1 WR/DB drills, I was really impressed with wide receiver Blake Proehl. He ran a smooth out route against cornerback Harrison Hand and gained several yards of separation. Later in the same session, he smoothly accelerated out of his break and got open against safety Xavier Woods. Proehl also flashed during one portion of the team session. He created space off a post, absorbed a big hit and held onto the ball in traffic. Outside of Justin Jefferson, Proehl was creating the most separation in that drill. </p><p><b>Jefferson is fun to watch </b></p><p>Justin Jefferson is simply a treat to watch. His explosiveness, flexibility and acceleration in and out of breaks are incredible. Within the situational period of practice, he ran a corner route and beautifully adjusted to an underthrown Jake Browning pass. Cornerback Bashaud Breeland was in tight coverage, but Jefferson got in perfect position. The second-year wide receiver beautifully sets up his routes and executes all of the details to perfection. I can’t imagine what he will do this season while playing a 17-game schedule. Keep in mind, Jefferson barely played during the first two games of the 2020 season. </p><p><b>Osborn making his mark in camp</b></p><p>Wide receiver KJ Osborn is also having a really strong camp. He swiftly transitioned out of the break and got open off of an out against cornerback Harrison Hand. Osborn is consistently running sharp routes and making dynamic plays in space. After Olabisi Johnson tore his ACL last week, the door opened even wider for Osborn. The former Miami wide receiver was getting first-team reps with Jefferson and Adam Thielen in three-wide receiver sets. Osborn is making a strong impression and is a player worth keeping an eye on during preseason games. </p><p><b>Udoh sees action at left tackle</b></p><p>The Vikings shuffled the offensive line around for team drills. Rashod Hill was not participating, so Oli Udoh slid out to left tackle. While Udoh was on the edge, Dakota Dozier took reps at right guard. At this stage of camp, it is very difficult to assess the offensive and defensive lines. However, defensive end Danielle Hunter has already been disruptive. His speed and explosiveness were noticeable off the edge. Hunter looks healthy and ready to make some noise this season. </p><p><b>Keeping an eye on the young pass rushers</b></p><p>I was also particularly impressed with Patrick Jones’ first step. He has some burst and frequently turns the corner against offensive tackles. Jones is one player I will be keeping an eye on during padded practices. Additionally, Janarius Robinson’s length and athleticism are quite impressive. He has all of the traits that Minnesota is looking for from a pass rusher. The biggest question is: can he master all of the technique this year? I will have a better idea of Robinson’s skills after seeing padded practices. However, his frame and traits almost immediately grabbed my attention.</p><p><b>Breeland works into the rotation more, Vigil impresses in coverage</b></p><p>Cornerback Bashuad Breeland saw more action during Monday’s practice. Breeland has been slowly working his way back following offseason shoulder surgery. While seeing extended reps, Breeland made plays. During 1-on-1 drills, he tightly covered KJ Osborn and forced a pass breakup. Then, a little later, he tightly covered a Dan Chisena fade and forced an incompletion. Breeland’s physicality and transition quickness help him tightly mirror shifty and sudden wide receivers. </p><p>Linebacker Nick Vigil again performed well in coverage. He had several excellent reps in 1-on-1 drills, including one pass breakup. Vigil looks like he will be a very valuable asset as a coverage linebacker on passing downs.</p><p><b>Browning and Cookus share QB reps</b></p><p>The Vikings placed quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Kellen Mond and Nate Stanley on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. With all of those players in COVID-19 protocol, Minnesota had to bring in more quarterbacks. The team signed Case Cookus, who split reps with Jake Browning during Monday’s session. Browning had an up and down session but made a few flashy plays. Within one team period, Browning rolled to his right and fired a touchdown pass to Adam Thielen in the back right corner of the end zone. He made a great play on the move and showed off some velocity. </p><p><b>Injury Report</b></p><p>Guard Wyatt Davis, center Cohl Cabral, tight end Tyler Conklin and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw all did not practice. Conklin was not spotted early in practice, but eventually made his way out later. <a href="https://twitter.com/SamEkstrom/status/1422305362473017361?s=20">Sam Ekstrom of Purple Insider reported that </a>Conklin had his left ankle in a wrap for precautionary reasons. Rashod Hill also did not participate in the team portion of practice. </p><p><b>Other news</b></p><p>The Vikings claimed former Seahawks quarterback Danny Etling off of waivers, <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1422300626155970562?s=20">according to Tom Pelissero. </a></p><div><br /></div>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-4128910969930858072021-07-29T20:58:00.018-05:002021-07-30T10:22:40.912-05:00Vikings Training Camp Notebook: 7/29<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKeT7DaQLFjbsvP91sQZH0qNnRJA0tghKLrM4Qrtxl1m6qmPpNAxa-NTbnlqvTrtAMEcGhw_nSyok96lPnsAizI-tcyXiQsBFEQcOxHdgswhI__hm6pxoNXc6Kw3H6nA64jnchfS0FwG-/s4032/IMG_0200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKeT7DaQLFjbsvP91sQZH0qNnRJA0tghKLrM4Qrtxl1m6qmPpNAxa-NTbnlqvTrtAMEcGhw_nSyok96lPnsAizI-tcyXiQsBFEQcOxHdgswhI__hm6pxoNXc6Kw3H6nA64jnchfS0FwG-/w400-h300/IMG_0200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Vikings held their second full-squad training camp practice on Thursday afternoon. Daniel House was there shared all of his takeaways in this new notebook! </b></div></b><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</p><p>The Vikings primarily focused on concept installation and execution during Thursday’s training camp practice at TCO Performance Center. </p><p>Minnesota's second full-squad session heavily featured rushing periods and light team drills. In the early stages of camp, teams often focus on player development. Position coaches were frequently stopping players and teaching them new techniques. During position drills, head coach Mike Zimmer rotated between groups but spent a large chunk of time with the safeties. He was coaching up young players through hands-on instruction. <a href="http://www.mnvikingscorner.com/2021/07/vikings-training-camp-position-battles_29.html">As I noted in my last defensive piece</a>, there is quite a bit of uncertainty behind Harrison Smith and free-agent signee Xavier Woods. Zimmer knows the team must build depth by developing young players like Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus. </p><p><b>One player to keep an eye on</b></p><p>During unpadded practices sessions, I am always zoning in on the technique, body types and movement skills of athletes. One player who grabbed my attention was linebacker Nick Vigil. His lateral agility, speed and range were noticeable during team and positional work. Vigil changed direction quickly while going through coverage drills. Later in practice, he also tightly mirrored tight end Irv Smith Jr. in the flat and notched a pass breakup. Vigil, a former third-round draft pick in 2016, spent last season with the Chargers. We must see how he performs as camp progresses, but his athletic traits certainly stood out today. I believe there may be a little upside and potential within his skill set. </p><p><b>Osborn makes the big play</b></p><p>There were only a couple of highlight plays from Thursday’s team sessions. Early in practice, wide receiver KJ Osborn stemmed outside, attacked leverage and turned cornerback Cam Dantzler around. Once that happened, Osborn gained vertical separation and hauled in a deep 40-yard pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins. </p><p>Osborn is a player everyone will be watching closely during training camp and the preseason. Zimmer and Rick Spielman both mentioned the second-year wide receiver during their pre-training camp press conferences. It will be interesting to see if Osborn keeps making noise during practice sessions. </p><p><b>Cousins airs it out off play-action and boots</b></p><p>Throughout the day, Cousins kept airing it out off of play-action. During one team period, he rolled out off a boot and faced heavy pressure from defensive end Stephen Weatherly. Cousins launched an off-platform throw and found wide receiver Adam Thielen, who got open off a corner route. Thielen executed a beautiful head-fake that shifted safety Xavier Woods off balance. </p><p>Then, later in practice, Cousins faced extensive pressure from a stunt and blitz package. With both Danielle Hunter and Armon Watts in his face, he zipped a pass off his back foot and found tight end Irv Smith Jr. via an over route. Smith tracked the pass and hauled it in about 35 yards downfield. Cousins' throw required excellent arm strength due to the pressure he was facing. </p><p>Finally, at the end of practice, the Vikings set up a red zone period inside the 10-yard line. On the second play of the session, Cousins quickly faced pressure. Danielle Hunter set up an inside counter move and got left tackle Rashod Hill to overset. Hunter chased down Cousins, who slid left and fired an errant pass into a crowd of players. The throw was then intercepted by safety Harrison Smith. </p><p><b>A right guard update</b></p><p>It is nearly impossible to evaluate offensive and defensive line play without pads. Coaches are using these practices to focus on technical development and installation. While doing that, Minnesota will be rotating many different players at right guard. During the first half of Thursday’s practice, Dakota Dozier was the team's starting right guard. Dozier probably ended up seeing the most snaps in team drills. However, during the second portion of practice, Oli Udoh also earned a few snaps at right guard. Udoh’s size and athletic profile certainly fit well inside. He simply must gain more reps and keep working on his technique. With that in mind, Minnesota will likely keep rotating Udoh between the first and second-team units early in camp. </p><p><b>Pierce does a little work, Breeland eases back and Smith sees action</b></p><p>Defensive tackle Michael Pierce (calf) saw action during individual drills. However, Pierce did not participate in any other portions of practice. He was instead going through workouts on a side field. Since Pierce was out, Armon Watts aligned alongside Dalvin Tomlinson. Then, during certain periods, Tomlinson subbed out and Sheldon Richardson played 3-technique. It is already clear that the Vikings have much more defensive tackle talent and versatility this year. </p><p>As cornerback Bashaud Breeland works his way back from offseason shoulder surgery, Cameron Dantzler and Patrick Peterson are seeing first-team reps on the outside. </p><p>When the Vikings were in the base package, Cameron Smith primarily worked alongside Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. Nick Vigil also saw a few rotational reps throughout practice. </p><p><b>Joseph boots field goals, returners get reps</b></p><p>The Vikings only worked on the return game once during practice. While doing so, these players took reps on the JUGS machine: Kene Nwangwu, Chad Beebe, KJ Osborn, Dede Westbrook, Ameer Abdullah and Ihmir Smith-Marsette. </p><p>Kicker Greg Joseph made all five of his field goal attempts from 29, 32, 35, 42 and 45 yards out. </p><p><b>Injury Report</b></p><p>Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw and center Cohl Cabral did not participate in practice. Also, Cornerback Jeff Gladney (a legal matter) was not present. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Note: I will not be at practice on Friday or Saturday, but will be returning for the first three full-padded practices (Monday-Wednesday)! Stay tuned for more notebooks. </i></b></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-67949137405904292932021-07-29T08:32:00.004-05:002021-07-29T08:32:38.837-05:00Vikings Training Camp Position Battles: Defense<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOlyiEcZoaun1SipBW9IWyI62vv-7nDg_dm2kNno4nd5x5VpYHAC22P8h0RK245QVRPR9t_OVqmMPXBFv4yV4PcWj9AQs5rrtQxuDDbk_HgWsYJhKUdRMYlyCLSsai_hphtOlUpqajHin/s2048/Mack+photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOlyiEcZoaun1SipBW9IWyI62vv-7nDg_dm2kNno4nd5x5VpYHAC22P8h0RK245QVRPR9t_OVqmMPXBFv4yV4PcWj9AQs5rrtQxuDDbk_HgWsYJhKUdRMYlyCLSsai_hphtOlUpqajHin/w400-h225/Mack+photo.png" width="400" /></a></div><b><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Which defensive position groups will Daniel House be watching during training camp? He shared his thoughts! </b></p></b><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>After fielding an inexperienced defense in 2020, the Vikings added veterans this offseason. Patrick Peterson, Sheldon Richardson, Bashaud Breeland, Mackensie Alexander and Dalvin Tomlinson bring experience to Minnesota’s depth chart.</p><p>Not only that, but the return of defensive end Danielle Hunter, linebacker Anthony Barr and defensive tackle Michael Pierce should significantly upgrade every level of the Vikings’ defense.</p><p>As training camp begins, I will have my eyes on two defensive positions. <b>First, let’s start at cornerback: </b></p><p>Entering this season, my biggest question is: how will veterans like Peterson and Breeland perform? Peterson’s play declined in each of his past two seasons with Arizona. On the other hand, Breeland is recovering from a shoulder injury. Minnesota needs both of its veteran cornerbacks to perform at a high level if they are going to be successful. Peterson should benefit from playing more zone coverage in Mike Zimmer's defense. However, we do not know that for sure. </p><p>Mackensie Alexander is also returning after spending one season with the Bengals. Alexander’s background as a nickel cornerback in Zimmer’s scheme will be a major asset. Zimmer even mentioned Alexander’s improvements during his pre-training camp press conference. </p><p>Behind Peterson, Alexander and Breeland, the back half of Minnesota’s cornerback depth chart is filled with youth. Cameron Dantzler flashed his athleticism and length when he was on the field last year. The biggest issue was Dantzler’s ability to stay healthy. Last year, he frequently missed time with various injuries. Despite that, when he was available, he displayed his upside and potential. After a full offseason of hands-on coaching, it will be interesting to see how much Dantzler improves. </p><p>Additionally, fans should monitor the progress of several other young players. Harrison Hand performed well at the end of last season and will benefit from a non-virtual offseason. On the other hand, Kris Boyd had an up-and-down 2020 season, but continues to show flashes of potential. </p><p>The Vikings have quite a few question marks at cornerback. There is boom or bust potential surrounding the Breeland and Peterson additions. If they indeed play at a high level, the Vikings’ defense should significantly improve. However, if they do not meet expectations or suffer any injury, Minnesota will be relying upon less experienced options. The absence of former first-round pick Jeff Gladney due to legal issues could also loom large, especially when it comes to the team’s overall depth. </p><p>The Vikings aggressively addressed the cornerback position in free agency, but now we must see how all of the pieces come together in training camp. </p><p><b>Secondly, I’m going to be zoning in on Minnesota’s safeties.</b> The Vikings' depth chart is very thin at this position. Former Cowboys defensive back Xavier Woods was the team’s primary addition at safety. Woods is a rangy, instinctive safety who should pair up nicely with Harrison Smith. Over the next couple of weeks, I want to see how Smith and Woods perform together. </p><p>Then, I will be focusing on the back half of the safety depth chart. Rookie converted cornerback Camryn Bynum is probably the third-best safety on Minnesota’s roster right now. Training camp will provide us with an extensive look at his skills in the backend. As things stand right now, Bynum would likely be the first safety off the bench if an injury occurred. He does not have much experience and may not be ready for a primary backup role. We will know if that is the case after seeing him perform during training camp and the preseason. </p><p>After Bynum, we have no clue what the Vikings are going to do at safety. Josh Metellus was named the team’s Special Teams MVP last year and may earn a spot on the roster because of those skills. Since he was a rookie in 2020, I never had an opportunity to see him work in camp. I am looking forward to seeing if he made significant strides this offseason. </p><p>As things stand right now, the Vikings may end up keeping three safeties. Minnesota could do this if it believes Harrison Hand could play safety in a pinch. Hand has past experience at the position and could probably handle that switch. </p><p>Not to mention, keeping three safeties would allow them to stash an extra player on the 53-man roster that may get swiped off waivers. Then, once rosters are set, the Vikings could release that player and sign a safety. </p><p>Nonetheless, Minnesota should be monitoring roster cuts and looking for ways to upgrade their depth at this position. </p><p><b>To read about the offense, <a href=" https://bit.ly/3lacwhA">click here. </a></b></p><p><b>Also, if you're interested in a podcast that discusses the entire roster, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JCy9ziUWyraSdDSMqqpVk">click here. </a></b></p><p><br /></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-53324365163535213692021-07-28T13:30:00.002-05:002021-07-28T13:33:45.767-05:00Vikings Training Camp Position Battles: Offense<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrouR_2nDIndv1O7OKEWd_fduzAasjvLwqEkJDECDONXwz7q6GFj6RkWxIKrd_uKZaa3S2QLmKDCJWEftEA294GNQadmaWGvk63Ow25jGaji0qch4mmngyGFFQCrxKgvV8pz_Y6uS5XBjA/s2048/Oli+Udoh.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrouR_2nDIndv1O7OKEWd_fduzAasjvLwqEkJDECDONXwz7q6GFj6RkWxIKrd_uKZaa3S2QLmKDCJWEftEA294GNQadmaWGvk63Ow25jGaji0qch4mmngyGFFQCrxKgvV8pz_Y6uS5XBjA/w400-h225/Oli+Udoh.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Which offensive position battles should fans watch during training camp and the preseason? Daniel House shared his thoughts in this post! <span><a name='more'></a></span></b></div><p></p><p>The Vikings are hosting their first full-squad practice on Wednesday at TCO Performance Center. After adding numerous veterans in free agency, Minnesota's roster will look very different. The Vikings created more competition and patched holes by signing experienced players to one-year contracts. </p><p>Minnesota's aggressive offseason sets the stage for several fierce position battles. Which ones will I be watching during training camp?</p><p>Let’s start on the offensive side of the ball:</p><p><b>Right Guard</b></p><p>The right guard position is one of the biggest question marks on the Vikings' offense. This offseason, Minnesota traded for Mason Cole and drafted Ohio State right guard Wyatt Davis in the fourth round. Over the past three seasons, Cole started 32 games, including 30 at center and two at right guard. He really struggled as a center and may end up fitting better at right guard. The former Michigan Wolverine has interior versatility, which is something the Vikings desperately need. I’ll be watching him closely during camp. </p><p>On the other hand, rookie Wyatt Davis’ skill set is filled with potential. Davis was widely considered a potential first-round pick before a knee injury caused his play to decline in 2020. The Ohio State guard played through a PCL/ACL sprain and bone bruise in his knee. This injury made it more difficult to evaluate his 2020 film. However, in 2019, he was one of the best guards in the country. He thrived in pass protection and was aggressive in the ground game. <a href="https://gophersguru.com/">While evaluating Davis closely in the Big Ten</a>, I was always impressed with his combination of mobility and power. He is a talented player and could emerge as the Vikings’ starting right guard during training camp. His role this season simply depends upon how quickly he can adjust and develop. </p><p>Outside of Cole and Davis, fans should keep an eye on one underrated candidate. <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/139-paul-allen-kfan-fm-1003-26980875/">In an interview with KFAN</a>, GM Rick Spielman said Oli Udoh “has earned the opportunity” to compete with Cole and Davis at right guard. Udoh, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound tackle, has primarily worked at right tackle during his first two seasons with the Vikings. However, his athletic profile would certainly fit well inside. I did not get to watch camp last year but was particularly impressed with Udoh’s developmental potential back in 2019. I will certainly watch him closely during practices this year. With a strong camp, Udoh is someone who could emerge and earn a starting role. </p><p><b>Wide Receiver </b></p><p>As many of you know, I have been wanting the Vikings to sign a gadget receiver for the longest time. Minnesota needed a speedy slot option that could put stress on defenses in space. The Vikings finally addressed this by signing former Jaguars wide Dede Westbrook.</p><p>Westbrook spent the past four seasons in Jacksonville and worked with new Vikings wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell. This connection should ease Dede's transition into Minnesota’s offense. Westbrook has thrived in the slot by running solid routes and gaining separation. In fact, Westbrook’s 3.5-yard average separation metric ranked fifth among all wide receivers in 2018, <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/">according to NFL Next-Gen Stats</a>. More importantly, <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1418653708041310208?s=20">he finished in the top 15 of this statistic </a>during each of his first three seasons in the league. </p><p>Westbrook also adds a new dimension to the Vikings’ offense. Minnesota can run more gadget plays and take advantage of his athleticism in space. Not to mention, the Vikings know he can provide value as a punt returner. <a href="https://www.vikings.com/video/spielman-on-o-line-coaching-changes-progress-of-rookie-class-kicker-competition-">This is something that general manager Rick Spielman mentioned </a>during his pre-training camp press conference. Westbrook’s experience in the return game is certainly something that grabbed the personnel staff's attention. </p><p>It is worth noting that Westbrook suffered an ACL tear in October and missed most of the 2020 season. The Vikings were monitoring Dede's recovery and decided to sign him after his workout last weekend. Minnesota has not placed Westbrook on the physically unable to perform list (PUP), which indicates he should be ready for camp. </p><p>After signing Westbrook this weekend, the Vikings created even more competition in the wide receiver room. Olabisi Johnson, K.J. Osborn, Chad Beebe and fifth-round draft pick Ihmir Smith-Marsette are all competing for roster spots. Not only that, but undrafted rookies like Whop Philyor and Blake Proehl will be trying to make a strong impression. </p><p>Outside of the above players, I’m probably most excited to watch Ihmir Smith-Marsette. I felt like his talent was not completely maximized during his career at Iowa. He is a very sudden route runner who frequently makes explosive plays in space. Additionally, his footwork and releases off the line of scrimmage help him gain separation against opposing defensive backs. Smith-Marsette can also provide value as a return man until he completely develops his skills at wide receiver. Overall, the fifth-round draft pick could end up being a breakout player for the Vikings if everything clicks. </p><p>Wide receiver K.J. Osborn is another player who will likely compete for one of the final roster spots. Osborn apparently put together a strong minicamp and was mentioned by both GM Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer during their pre-training camp press conferences. Osborn did not receive a normal offseason last year, which makes it difficult to evaluate his full potential. With a strong training camp, he could earn himself a roster spot. However, since Westbrook, Smith-Marsette and Chad Beebe are all competing with him, the road won’t be easy. </p><p>Many of you have also asked: which undrafted wide receiver could emerge? I have my eyes on wide receiver Blake Proehl, the son of 17-year NFL veteran Ricky Proehl. Last year, the East Carolina product enjoyed success out of multiple alignments while racking up 577 yards and four touchdowns. In many ways, his skill set and body type remind me of a very young Adam Thielen. Proehl is a decent route runner with good ball tracking skills and ability after the catch. </p><p>Ultimately, I am very intrigued and want to see how the undrafted rookie performs and develops during training camp and the preseason. </p><div><br /></div>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-27798943195674147692021-05-12T18:54:00.003-05:002021-05-12T19:12:56.378-05:00Full 2021 Minnesota Vikings Schedule Announced <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZg6g9jxc9thN6VvIgVv7JD_m3OigBDmryCb0J_SOEp_nCH3PDlj3Jmsy_XpqJ2eRAFQPe08Ewnw6mWnb_9Ma6_CpVzwFCK0dkw7Hcw9gjqeSNgYW1bpZCZ2yeYjw1rlKfyjwL5Y4WTY4/s2048/Vikings+USB.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZg6g9jxc9thN6VvIgVv7JD_m3OigBDmryCb0J_SOEp_nCH3PDlj3Jmsy_XpqJ2eRAFQPe08Ewnw6mWnb_9Ma6_CpVzwFCK0dkw7Hcw9gjqeSNgYW1bpZCZ2yeYjw1rlKfyjwL5Y4WTY4/w400-h225/Vikings+USB.png" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Vikings' full 2021 schedule has been released. Which matchups are most intriguing? Daniel House shared his quick takeaways. </h3><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">The NFL released its full 2021 schedule on Wednesday night. What stands out about the Vikings' current slate of games? </p><p><b>My quick takeaways: </b></p><p>- The Vikings are scheduled to play four primetime games this season, including road divisional matchups against the Packers and Bears. Minnesota will have a short week to prepare for a Thursday night home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, following that quick turnaround, the Vikings have an 11-day break before a Week 15 Monday Night Football game against the Bears. That additional day of rest will help the team recover from a daunting stretch. </p><p>- It feels like Weeks 9-14 will be the most important portion of the Vikings’ schedule. Minnesota is set to play four road games in a five-week stretch, followed by a Thursday night showdown against the Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The same span of games also features a heavy amount of travel, including a coast to coast trip (Baltimore and Los Angeles). </p><p>Here’s a look at the Vikings’ full 2021 schedule:</p><p><b><u>Week 1: Sept. 12:</u> @ Cincinnati Bengals - Noon CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 2: Sept. 19:</u> @ Arizona Cardinals - 3:05 p.m. CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 3: Sept. 26: </u>Seattle Seahawks - 3:25 p.m. CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 4: Oct. 3:</u> Cleveland Browns - Noon CT - CBS</b></p><p><b><u>Week 5: Oct. 10: </u>Detroit Lions - Noon CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 6: Oct. 17: </u>@ Carolina Panthers - Noon CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 7: Oct. 24: </u>BYE </b></p><p><b><u>Week 8: Oct. 31: </u>Dallas Cowboys - (Sunday Night Football) - 7:20 p.m. CT - NBC</b></p><p><b><u>Week 9: Nov. 7: </u>@ Baltimore Ravens - Noon CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 10: Nov. 14: </u>@ Los Angeles Chargers - 3:05 p.m. CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 11: Nov. 21: </u>Green Bay Packers - Noon CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 12: Nov. 28:</u> @ San Francisco 49ers - 3:25 p.m. CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 13: Dec. 5: </u>@ Detroit Lions - Noon CT - CBS</b></p><p><b><u>Week 14: Dec. 9:</u> Pittsburgh Steelers - (Thursday Night Football) - 7:20 p.m. CT - FOX/NFLN/Amazon </b></p><p><b><u>Week 15: Dec. 20:</u> @ Chicago Bears - (Monday Night Football) - 7:15 p.m. CT - ESPN -</b></p><p><b><u>Week 16: Dec. 26:</u> Los Angeles Rams - Noon CT - FOX</b></p><p><b><u>Week 17: Jan. 2:</u> @ Green Bay Packers - (Sunday Night Football) - 7:20 p.m. CT</b></p><p><b><u>Week 18: Jan. 9:</u> Chicago Bears - Noon CT - FOX</b></p><p><br /></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-78674218359647442852021-05-01T00:23:00.005-05:002021-05-01T20:56:11.323-05:00Analysis: Vikings' Day Two 2021 NFL Draft Picks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye6mxWsxZvh71VrFMj9aNW_Zlca7Jhn122-UbKx6AAtZxnYdVcpdryi66iI2KutuVEATSBoxv8s7gH0y_X7-fd5SWuh-opca1cdejDpq_ZjflGFYkctdWb3vSz8KL3UvHX3hDP50BrwW9/s2048/Wyatt+Davis.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye6mxWsxZvh71VrFMj9aNW_Zlca7Jhn122-UbKx6AAtZxnYdVcpdryi66iI2KutuVEATSBoxv8s7gH0y_X7-fd5SWuh-opca1cdejDpq_ZjflGFYkctdWb3vSz8KL3UvHX3hDP50BrwW9/w400-h225/Wyatt+Davis.png" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Vikings added four new players on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Why did they make these moves? Daniel House shared his thoughts! </h3><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>What did I think of the Vikings’ day two draft picks? Here are some of my thoughts: </p><p><b>Kellen Mond, Quarterback, Texas A&M, Third Round, No. 66</b></p><p>There were many signs pointing to the Vikings drafting a developmental quarterback. Minnesota did a significant amount of research on different passers, including Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond. With Kirk Cousins under contract for just two more seasons, the Vikings are starting to think about the future. Mond has a big arm, but his accuracy is all over the map. </p><p>This was on display while I watched him at the Senior Bowl. He would make a flashy tight-window throw, followed by an erratic intermediate pass. In those situations, Mond was either displaying poor mechanics or trying to thread the needle. He just seemed to lack consistency. Nonetheless, he played well during the game and won the MVP Award. </p><p>If I was offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and the Minnesota Vikings staff, I would immediately hire a personal movement coach to work with Mond. He has a very long and distal throwing motion, which impacted his overall efficiency. The Vikings can improve this by investing in next-generation quarterback training. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, a similar style of quarterback, totally overhauled his mechanics by embracing this movement. With that in mind, I think Mond should follow the same exact developmental path. </p><p><b>So why did the Vikings take a chance on him at pick No. 66? </b></p><p>Mond displayed gradual improvement while playing at Texas A&M. The addition of head coach Jimbo Fisher was a big reason why. </p><p>Mond’s completion percentage increased every year and ended at 63.3 percent in 2020. Mond also tossed 19 touchdowns and just three interceptions, which was his career-best touchdown-to-interception ratio. For reference, Mond threw 20 touchdown passes and nine interceptions during the previous season. The Vikings’ new quarterback also finished the 2020 season with a career-best 7.7 yards per attempt figure. This gradual improvement is something that impressed Minnesota’s scouts and coaches. </p><p>One other notable aspect of Mond’s game is his athleticism. He ran a 4.62 40-yard dash, which correlates with a 9.32 RAS score (out of 10), <a href="https://relativeathleticscores.com/">according to Kent Lee Platte’s data</a>. He posted excellent composite speed metrics and brings some athletic traits to the table. Mond carried the ball 74 times for 294 yards and four touchdowns last season. He certainly has mobility and can add a rushing dimension to the Vikings’ offensive system. </p><p>We don’t know whether Mond can refine his mechanics and improve his accuracy. However, if he does, there is potential in his game. The Vikings will monitor his progress after giving him a year or two of development time. Once that happens, we can determine whether this was a big swing for the fences or a miss. </p><p><b>Chazz Surratt, Linebacker, North Carolina, Third Round, No. 66</b></p><p>North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt only has two years of experience at the position. Surratt was originally recruited as a quarterback but shifted to the defensive side of the ball in 2019. The Tar Heels took advantage of Chazz’s athleticism by playing him in the second level. Surratt posted an 8.46 RAS score, including elite speed and agility metrics. While watching him work at the Senior Bowl, I was impressed with his range and quickness. He shined in the coverage drills and showed the ability to handle tight ends and running backs up the seam. However, the biggest question was his physical strength. He weighs just 229 pounds and must add more physical strength. That is something he can do while redshirting behind Anthony Barr. </p><p>With Barr’s modified contract allowing him to hit free agency next year, Surratt could end up becoming his long-term replacement. The Vikings will get him into the strength program and see what happens. Surratt does not have excellent length, but he makes up for that with his athletic ability. The biggest question is whether adding physical strength will compromise some of his athleticism. </p><p>Nonetheless, the Vikings are thinking ahead and banking on his developmental potential. </p><p><b>Wyatt Davis, Guard, Ohio State, Third Round, No. 86</b></p><p>Ohio State right guard Wyatt Davis was an extreme value pick for the Vikings. Davis was widely considered a second-round pick across the league. Instead, he ended up slipping to the third round. </p><p>Davis does not exactly fit the mold of guards Minnesota has valued in the past. He is a powerful player with 315-pound size. While studying Davis for my Big Ten coverage, I always noted his power in the running game. He pushed people around, but still had enough athleticism to work in space. </p><p>It is also worth mentioning the knee injury Davis battled through this season. Early in the year, he suffered a bone bruise and a “low-level” PCL sprain. After the season, Davis also found out he had an ACL sprain. <a href=" http://buckeyextra.com/story/football/2021/04/30/ohio-state-football-buckeyes-linemen-myers-davis-await-nfl-draft/4869637001/">In an interview with the media</a>, the Ohio State guard said he was experiencing 8 out of 10 level pain while playing through the injury. Therefore, it was pretty hard to evaluate Davis’ film from 2020. Many people believed Davis could be a first-round pick. However, the injury and slight regression in 2020 caused him to slide. </p><p>As a whole, the Vikings clearly wanted to add more size on the offensive line. It is something Mike Zimmer repeatedly mentioned during the Christian Darrisaw press conference last night. Vikings Director of College Scouting Jamaal Stephenson also said Zimmer told the scouts he was looking for more size up front. Davis checks that box but still has enough athletic ability to work in a zone-blocking scheme. </p><p>Zimmer simply wants a guard that can anchor and hold up against defensive tackles. In recent years, the pocket has been pushed far too much, especially up the middle. The Vikings clearly addressed this problem by adding more bulk at guard and tackle. </p><p><b>Patrick Jones II, Defensive End, Pittsburgh, Third Round, No. 90</b></p><p>Pittsburgh pass rusher Patrick Jones II was the third Senior Bowl player the Vikings selected on Friday night. Down in Mobile, Jones did not fare as well in the 1-on-1 drills, but still displayed all of his upside. His quick first step and explosiveness grabbed my attention during the game. That day, Jones posted 1.5 sacks and got into a passing lane. Jones used that explosiveness to frequently cause disruptions on the field. Over his final two seasons at Pittsburgh, he also tallied 17.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss.</p><p>After watching him move at the Senior Bowl, it was actually quite surprising to see him test poorly. However, it was related to an injury. Jones pulled his hamstring running the 40-yard dash and did not post great testing metrics. The Vikings had an opportunity to meet with Jones at the Senior Bowl and saw him up close. They evidently felt comfortable with his athletic traits and potential upside, despite his testing metrics. Jones' game film and flashes at the Senior Bowl clearly grabbed the attention of Minnesota's staff. Now, defensive line coach Andre Patterson will have an opportunity to develop all of his athletic traits. </p><p><br /></p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-47318018338629055662021-04-30T00:51:00.006-05:002021-04-30T09:29:37.508-05:00Analysis: Vikings trade back, select Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw at No. 23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIpIwtE2-ljkhq_tuHxfNIUOE4coDdexG3hmG1V1snqtmMlOEp0qT55Esogp0J9RBHlO0VTKcUvR18OoowJbVcPJp5pl5hRlGrD43R-VUiOVa1nuTMhk361JjoO6QcXUin4-KzE4uu3ev/s2048/Darrisaw+photo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIpIwtE2-ljkhq_tuHxfNIUOE4coDdexG3hmG1V1snqtmMlOEp0qT55Esogp0J9RBHlO0VTKcUvR18OoowJbVcPJp5pl5hRlGrD43R-VUiOVa1nuTMhk361JjoO6QcXUin4-KzE4uu3ev/w400-h225/Darrisaw+photo.png" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Vikings traded back and still managed to land Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw. Daniel House wrote about Darrisaw's skill set and analyzed Rick Spielman's savvy trade. </h3><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><p>After the Vikings parted ways with left tackle Riley Reiff, the offensive line became a major draft priority. Everyone anticipated Minnesota would spend a high pick on at least one tackle. During the first round of Thursday's NFL Draft, GM Rick Spielman addressed this area and gained additional picks. </p><p>Spielman traded No. 14 and No. 143 (fourth round) to the New York Jets for No. 23, No. 66 (third round) and No. 86 (third round). When the Vikings made this move, Virginia Tech tackle Christian Darrisaw was on the board at No. 14. Despite that, Spielman decided to move back nine spots and accumulate more draft capital. </p><p>At that time, nobody thought Darrisaw would be available at No. 23. <a href="https://theathletic.com/2530534/2021/04/29/2021-nfl-draft-consensus-big-board-70-lists-one-ranking-of-the-top-300-prospects/">Arif Hasan’s Consensus Big Board </a>slotted the Virginia Tech tackle at No. 14. However, nine picks later, Darrisaw was still on the board. Minnesota accumulated two third-round picks and somehow managed to land one of their top targets. </p><p>Darrisaw, a 6-foot-5, 322-pound left tackle, brings size and length to the edge of Minnesota’s offensive line. After making the selection, Spielman mentioned Darrisaw's 34 1/4-inch arms, which rank in the 58th percentile among offensive tackles, <a href="https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/christian-darrisaw">per MockDraftable.</a> His length and agility are two specific traits the Vikings liked. </p><p>“I think if you see him move laterally, you know, we’re an outside zone scheme and the athletic ability he has for his size [stood out],” Spielman said Thursday. "I think the other thing that stuck out for us is we looked [at] analytics, picked through all of these offensive linemen as well [and] his arm length with his height is typical of a left tackle.”</p><p>While watching Darrisaw's film this spring, his quick feet, balance, power and flexibility grabbed my attention. He has a strong anchor in pass protection and does not get pushed around by physical edge rushers. In fact, Darrisaw did not allow a sack or quarterback hit last season, <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Vikings/status/1387970109663219712?s=20">according to Pro Football Focus</a>. On the other hand, as a run blocker, <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1387911515764760579?s=20">he frequently hit the second level and moved well in space. </a>Spielman mentioned many of those traits while discussing Darrisaw’s skill set. </p><p>“I think his movement skills at the second level and the one thing that really sticks out to us was his ability in pass protection and how patient of a player he is,” Spielman said. </p><p>Head coach Mike Zimmer also stressed the importance of size and length at the tackle position. He said the team prioritized those traits while evaluating tackles. </p><p>"We feel like we’re athletic [on the offensive line], but you end up going against some really big defensive linemen. Especially inside, you get so many of those big guys,” Zimmer said. “Darrisaw’s got real long arms, so that helps him in pass protection against some of these speed rushers.”</p><p>Outside of Darrisaw's physical traits, Zimmer highlighted his pass protection and movement skills. He said the coaching staff is valuing all of those things within Minnesota’s outside zone blocking scheme. </p><p>“He moves really well in the zone-blocking scheme, has good power. We felt like we needed not just athletic, but we needed some more size with our offensive line,” Zimmer said. “He does a nice job in protection, so we’re excited to get him.” </p><p>One of the biggest questions surrounding Darrisaw was his medical background. The Virginia Tech offensive tackle underwent sports hernia surgery in January. While discussing Darrisaw's health, Spielman said it was challenging to gain medical information this year due to COVID-19 protocols. The Vikings' general manager actually received two prospect medical reports about two hours before the draft started. Despite that, Minnesota’s staff felt comfortable with Darrisaw’s medical evaluations. </p><p><b>What's Next?</b></p><p>After grabbing Darrisaw and gaining additional mid-round picks, the Vikings can easily trade into the second round. Minnesota now has four third-round and three fourth-round selections. The Vikings could package No. 66 (third round) and No. 119 (fourth round) and reach the No. 55-58 range of the second round. Spielman said the resources Minnesota gained will give them more flexibility on day two of the draft. </p><p>“If you’re the second pick in the third round it gives you a lot of opportunity to do a lot of things tomorrow. It could be we move up, we’ve got more than enough ammunition to move up into the second round, or maybe we move down and get six third-round picks, no, just kidding,” Spielman said. “We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”</p><p>The Vikings could certainly trade up into the second round for a pass rusher, wide receiver, or safety. Players like Ronnie Perkins (EDGE - Oklahoma), Carlos Basham Jr. (EDGE - Wake Forest), Amari Rodgers (WR - Clemson), Nico Collins (WR -Michigan), Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (safety/LB - Notre Dame), Jamar Johnson (safety - Indiana) and Richie Grant (safety - UCF) are all day two names I’m keeping an eye on for Minnesota. </p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-36405719759770245872021-04-14T14:38:00.004-05:002021-04-14T19:33:18.835-05:00Evaluating Potential Vikings Draft Scenarios<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPt_ALGAcKEbuVS-hEnn8I7Ey5wvXbVarJrMKY39hSPrFIVtmFcrxeVqBEWqpn4xQIDB1YcMfw8qbU84ZmuFvm1-kjGnQlbucFTIgRyXbRqcUALhCweK2GDZd9pPy0diFKxY1KjsC0kjvY/s2048/USC+Vera+Tucker.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPt_ALGAcKEbuVS-hEnn8I7Ey5wvXbVarJrMKY39hSPrFIVtmFcrxeVqBEWqpn4xQIDB1YcMfw8qbU84ZmuFvm1-kjGnQlbucFTIgRyXbRqcUALhCweK2GDZd9pPy0diFKxY1KjsC0kjvY/w400-h225/USC+Vera+Tucker.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>With the NFL Draft on the horizon, it is time to start thinking about the Vikings’ possible options. Daniel House shared several different scenarios! </b></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>With the NFL Draft on the horizon, it is time to start thinking about the Vikings’ possible options. GM Rick Spielman and the front office could implement a variety of blueprints.</p><p>However, we all know Minnesota must invest ample draft resources into its offensive line. With that in mind, the Vikings may explore several different strategies. </p><p><b>Trade up for Slater</b></p><p>If quarterbacks start flying off the board, a top offensive tackle or guard may slide. Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater is one of my favorite players in the entire 2021 draft class. He is a premier athlete with excellent hand technique and quick feet. Slater posted a 9.71 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), including elite outputs in the explosiveness and speed composites, <a href="https://relativeathleticscores.com/">according to Kent Lee Platte’s database</a>. I had an opportunity to study him very closely in the Big Ten. While watching him, I was very impressed with his hand technique. He frequently gets position, punches and anchors down against top pass rushers. <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1349117524772704257?s=20">Slater’s performance against Chase Young was very impressive.</a> His solid technique and quick feet were on full display during that game. </p><p>Throughout his career at Northwestern, Slater also <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1349118213649362946?s=20">displayed his mobility and blocking range</a>. He frequently hit the second level and took great angles. Additionally, the Wildcats’ guard got out in front of screens and sparked explosive downfield runs. His skill set features excellent athleticism, hand technique, power and range. Slater would fit well at guard in the Vikings’ zone scheme because of his ability to hit the second level and reach defensive tackles. He could also play on the edge and has past experience at both right (26 games) and left tackle (11 games). </p><p>Based upon his film, testing metrics and team needs, Slater will likely be selected ahead of the Vikings. Minnesota could certainly try moving up a few spots for Slater, but without a second-round pick, things become more complicated. Trade value charts indicate it would take a first-round pick swap, along with No. 78 (third round), No. 119 (fourth round) and No. 134 (fourth round) to trade up with the Panthers at No. 8. However, Carolina seems like a logical fit for Slater, especially after the team recently traded for quarterback Sam Darnold.</p><p><b>An aggressive move for a QB?</b></p><p>In the event Minnesota trades up, an offensive lineman might not be the only target. I wouldn’t be surprised if they made an aggressive move for a quarterback. With Kirk Cousins under contract for two more seasons, the Vikings must begin thinking about the future. The Wilf family does not want to consistently pick in the middle of the first round. That means the front office may consider taking advantage of their current draft position. If a quarterback like Justin Fields or Trey Lance is available, Minnesota could easily move up five spots. I would certainly keep an eye on that scenario if the draft board falls a certain way. </p><p><b>Stay put and target Vera-Tucker</b></p><p>If the Vikings stay put at No. 14, USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker would be an excellent target. Vera-Tucker aligned at left/right guard and left tackle for the Trojans. After playing left guard as a sophomore, he kicked out to left tackle in 2020. While watching several games, I noted his athleticism, quick feet and sound technique in pass protection. I was also impressed with his agility and movement skills. What's more, Vera-Tucker has underrated power in the running game. He probably projects best as a guard in Minnesota’s system, but certainly has the skills and traits needed to play tackle. He tallied a 9.03 Relative Athletic Score at tackle and a 9.79 output at guard, <a href="https://relativeathleticscores.com/">according to Kent Lee Platte’s database</a>. That type of athletic ability gives him so much positional versatility. Overall, outside of Slater, Vera-Tucker is my favorite fit for the Vikings at No. 14. </p><p><b>Trade back and accumulate more resources</b></p><p>GM Rick Spielman could also explore trading back. In fact, this scenario makes so much sense. The Vikings do not have a second-round pick (traded for Yannick Ngakoue) and may try getting one back. Depending upon which team Minnesota talks with, it is possible a second-round selection could be received as part of trading back. If the Vikings do make this move and obtain more picks, North Dakota State’s Dillon Radunz, BYU’s Brady Christensen and Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins are all logical targets in the No. 25-50 range. </p><p>Due to the depth and talent in this offensive line class, it may actually make sense to move back. The additional draft capital could be invested into other positions. Ultimately, Minnesota would have more draft flexibility if it can regain its second-round selection. In that scenario, the Vikings could explore drafting a pair of offensive linemen with their first two picks. The team would also have the resources needed to target a defensive player (cornerback or pass rusher) and offensive lineman. </p><p>After taking a wide-angle look at possible scenarios, I think trading back provides the Vikings with more intriguing options and flexibility. However, that is completely dependent upon how the first 10-12 picks shake out. An extremely talented player could certainly slide down the board. In that case, Spielman would need to think about staying at No. 14 and selecting a talented wide receiver, pass rusher, cornerback, or offensive lineman. </p><p><b>A draft-night trade for Orlando Brown Jr. </b></p><p>Finally, the team could work out a trade for Ravens left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. A deal for Brown would likely require a first-round pick swap and future mid-round compensation. If a top receiver is available at No. 14, the Ravens may consider including Brown Jr. in a draft-night package. Spielman and Co. should strongly evaluate the pros and cons of a trade like this.</p><p>Brown is a rock-solid pass protector with proven potential at the left tackle position (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/01/29/orlando-brown-tweets-im-a-left-tackle/">that's where he wants to be</a>). Many people are currently questioning how Brown’s below-average testing metrics would fit in Minnesota’s zone scheme. However, I’ve been told his private workouts (pre-draft) yielded different results. Brown's film also features strong pass protection fundamentals and <a href=" https://twitter.com/robertmays/status/1323114389277474817?s=20">flashes of mobility in the ground game.</a> I think this type of move would solidify the Vikings’ future at both right and left tackle. The Vikings could also draft the best player available or trade back again from No. 27. Not to mention, Spielman would have the flexibility to target another offensive lineman in the No. 27-50 range (if they trade back again). </p><p><b>Final Thoughts</b></p><p>Overall, there are a variety of draft options for the Vikings. Minnesota may explore trading up, moving back, or staying put. However, many of these possible scenarios will be shaped by what happens in front of the Vikings. </p><div><br /></div>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-27106228763339577732021-03-24T17:16:00.010-05:002021-03-24T20:50:21.444-05:00Notre Dame's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would fit perfectly in Mike Zimmer's defense<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWpoMHlT161Yz8KrAMw82mOmgYtVp6dmz8x__ORytNQZ3GymNjuFg1t4UxqE1zcHMAfzBpTPIuPFOF86giBt0nc3lRxhZ4OQNybSe4yf_THI4xSxcofuPj7TKrYj1sAL24X0TibmqBiaK/s2048/JOK++%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWpoMHlT161Yz8KrAMw82mOmgYtVp6dmz8x__ORytNQZ3GymNjuFg1t4UxqE1zcHMAfzBpTPIuPFOF86giBt0nc3lRxhZ4OQNybSe4yf_THI4xSxcofuPj7TKrYj1sAL24X0TibmqBiaK/w400-h225/JOK++%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Vikings should have their eyes on Notre Dame's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Daniel House explains why he would fit perfectly in Mike Zimmer's defense. </b></span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>In the modern NFL, it is extremely important to have versatile and dynamic defensive weapons. Broncos GM George Paton <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Broncos/videos/220318073214094">mentioned this during a recent press conference. </a>While talking about safety Justin Simmons, Paton said, “It’s a space-and-cover league.” He believes it is critical to have safeties that can play in space, cover tight ends and blitz. </p><p>Versatile safeties like Simmons, Jamal Adams, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick have changed defensive schemes. NFL coaches and personnel departments value speed, versatility and range more than ever. As offensive weapons become even more dynamic and explosive, coordinators are creating mismatches and getting playmakers in space. Defensive coordinators are responding by prioritizing speed and versatility in the second and third levels. </p><p>Many teams, including the Vikings, have used “big nickel” packages in the past. It helps coaches counter offenses that are becoming increasingly reliant upon spacing, mismatches and 11 personnel sets. Every year, coordinators like Mike Zimmer are using creative sub-packages up front and in the backend. However, in order to do that, coaches need dynamic and versatile weapons. </p><p>Right now, Minnesota’s safety depth chart is bare behind Harrison Smith. Anthony Harris signed with the Eagles and the Vikings do not have any legitimate replacements. This means Minnesota will likely target a safety during the upcoming NFL Draft. </p><p>If Zimmer wants to bring in a dynamic, versatile and rangy chess piece, Notre Dame safety/linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah should be on his radar. </p><p>Owusu-Koramoah has an extremely unique skill set. Within the Irish’s defensive scheme, he played the rover position (hybrid safety/linebacker). Owusu-Koramoah frequently lined up over shifty slot receivers and also kicked into the box. On film, he fared well in coverage and displayed excellent movement skills. There were many reps where Owusu-Koramoah ran step-for-step with a slot receiver or jumped into a passing lane. </p><p>Additionally, he made plays against the run by utilizing his excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and range. If teams ran to the edge, he was chasing the ball carrier down. What's more, Owusu-Koramoah frequently builds up a head of steam and delivers big hits. He also displays sound tackling fundamentals, especially in space. That particular trait is extremely valuable. </p><p>After watching Owusu-Koramoah’s film, I feel like he fits best at safety. In fact, Notre Dame converted him from safety to rover. In the NFL, he could align in the backend and kick into the box for creative sub-packages. Owusu-Koramoah also frequently covered slot receivers and flex tight ends in Notre Dame’s defense. In that role, he was extremely successful. Owusu-Koramoah displayed great flexibility and body control while working in coverage. Not to mention, his speed, explosiveness and agility helped him keep pace with dynamic slot receivers. You will see that within the reps I pulled out:</p><p>
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</p><p>Owusu-Koramoah was also a dynamic threat off blitz packages. Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea deployed looks that took advantage of his unique physical traits. As a result, Owusu-Koramoah frequently blitzed from the edge and slot.</p><p>
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</p><p>His speed and explosiveness would open up a world of possibilities for creative NFL coordinators. Teams that want to implement creative sub-packages should be targeting Owusu-Koramoah. </p><p><b>A look at the metrics</b></p><p>Owusu-Koramoah will participate in Notre Dame’s Pro Day on March 31. I am expecting him to put up impressive testing metrics, especially in the explosiveness categories. Once we have those numbers, I will be closely comparing the results with Deone Bucannon, Jaquiski Tartt and Keanu Neal. While watching Owusu-Koramoah’s film, all three of those names popped into my head. </p><p>In a league where hybrid defensive players are becoming increasingly important, the Vikings should strongly consider selecting Owusu-Koramoah. Zimmer would take advantage of his unique skill set by drawing up creative sub-packages. Not only that, but Owusu-Koramoah’s dynamic athleticism, range and instincts would fit extremely well next to Harrison Smith. Owusu-Koramoah’s unique skill set is a perfect match for Zimmer’s scheme.</p><p>Additionally, his versatility would give the Vikings plenty of future options. For example, if Anthony Barr does not return in 2022, Zimmer could also explore moving Owusu-Koramoah to off-ball linebacker. That type of positional versatility is a major bonus. </p><p><b>What would it take to get him? </b></p><p>Depending upon how his stock fluctuates over the next couple of weeks, the Vikings could trade back from No. 14 and draft Owusu-Koramoah. A move like that would possibly give Spielman enough draft capital to regain his second-round draft pick. </p><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Note: video courtesy of NBC and ESPN (fair use)</i></b></div>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-20040848042799490702021-01-27T16:48:00.016-06:002021-01-30T14:06:06.410-06:00Analysis: Senior Bowl Standout Performers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgmZJf0MtYeWJX9vfjFv78TJ6MyBJZbLmq4vx6oFJv2tvUvbvpjQqwZTsMnRjVkMb2JEfbefvnVpcKLvmTCxAaGYOCdlCS4mCgrC5MffcyCwU_PSKbHwhlSqryNFe0M8YQ-sVxQfksC__/s2048/Senior+Bowl+Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgmZJf0MtYeWJX9vfjFv78TJ6MyBJZbLmq4vx6oFJv2tvUvbvpjQqwZTsMnRjVkMb2JEfbefvnVpcKLvmTCxAaGYOCdlCS4mCgrC5MffcyCwU_PSKbHwhlSqryNFe0M8YQ-sVxQfksC__/w400-h225/Senior+Bowl+Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;">Senior Bowl week is underway in Mobile! Which players are grabbing Daniel House's attention? Click for complete analysis! <span><a name='more'></a></span></b></div><br /><p></p><p>The Senior Bowl always provides prospects with a chance to shoot up draft boards. This year, players have an even bigger opportunity. </p><p>COVID-19 safety concerns forced NFL officials to cancel the Scouting Combine. Instead, players will be timed and put through workouts at Pro Days. Pre-draft interviews are also going to be held virtually. As a result, NFL teams are losing multiple evaluation opportunities. It means the Senior Bowl may hold even more weight. </p><p>Personnel departments are taking advantage of the opportunity to see players work out in person. Therefore, athletes who shine during Senior Bowl practice may significantly improve their draft stocks. </p><p>I had an opportunity to virtually cover this week’s practices. While watching All-22 and television coverage of the Senior Bowl, I was drawn to several prospects on the field. Here is an early list of standouts:</p><p><b><u>Wide Receivers: </u></b></p><p><b>Demetric Felton - RB/WR - UCLA</b></p><p>In the modern era of the NFL, it is critical to have hybrid playmakers in your offense. UCLA running back/wide receiver Demetric Felton stresses defenses in a variety of ways. Felton was primarily a running back for the Bruins, but played an all-purpose role in their offense. The Senior Bowl staff decided to provide him with wide receiver reps in practice. </p><p>On day one, his crisp routes jumped out. Felton has quick feet off the line of scrimmage and is very explosive in and out of breaks. The rep below featured an excellent release and sound hand technique at the top of the route.</p><p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="404" scrolling="no" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/ParallelWarmheartedIndochinesetiger" width="640"></iframe> </p><p>A team can utilize him creatively in their offensive system. His versatility reminds me a lot of Washington running back Antonio Gibson (lighter version). However, Felton will likely play a slot receiver/gadget role for an NFL team. A coordinator with an innovative scheme could take advantage of his unique playmaking abilities. </p><p><b>D’Wayne Eskridge - WR - Western Michigan</b></p><p>Western Michigan wide receiver D’Wayne Eskridge has been one of the best players on the field. His precise route running and explosiveness help him gain extensive separation. Eskridge is a master of the details and runs very smooth releases. He has excellent short-range quickness and puts defensive backs on skates. During the first route below, he sells the outside release, attacks inside leverage, gets the cornerback off balance and wipes away contact. Then, he explodes out of the break and makes a dynamic play after the catch.
</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Western Michigan WR D'Wayne Eskridge stood out during the first Senior Bowl practice. He runs great routes and is very explosive in and out of breaks. <br /><br />During these reps, Eskridge does a great job of attacking leverage. Also, his hand technique is excellent in route one. <a href="https://t.co/KSTdIWWc2w">pic.twitter.com/KSTdIWWc2w</a></p>— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1354281755004428289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p></p><p>Eskridge was an electric playmaker for the Broncos. His speed, elusiveness and route running ability can be featured in an NFL system. Additionally, he is an excellent kick/punt returner and provides value in that area. Eskridge’s stock will skyrocket if he continues to play like this in Mobile. </p><p><b>Shi Smith - WR - South Carolina</b></p><p>Shi Smith is a very smooth route runner. He glides out of breaks and has a knack for creating separation. Also, when the ball gets into his hands, he creates after the catch. Smith is dynamic in space but still runs very detailed routes to get open. I like how he is patient and attacks leverage. Smith keeps his head still and is very sudden at the top of his routes. At the next level, he is going to thrive as a dynamic slot receiver. Smith also displayed excellent body control while adjusting to a deep crossing route. Many aspects of his skill set remind me of a young Jarvis Landry.</p><p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="404" scrolling="no" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/VelvetyMiserableColt" width="640"></iframe> </p><p><b>Honorable Mention: </b>Tennessee WR Josh Palmer, Arizona State WR Frank Darby and Oklahoma State WR Tylan Wallace and Clemson WR Amari Rodgers </p><p><b><u>Offensive Line: </u></b></p><p><b>Dillon Radunz - OT - NDSU</b></p><p>North Dakota State tackle Dillon Radunz was a solid performer during 1-on-1 drills. He has very quick feet and anchors really well. His pass protection technique and footwork are helping him win against some of the best pass rushers in Mobile, including Daelin Hayes. Radunz sinks his hips and bends well to gain leverage. In the run game periods, he has shown the athleticism needed to move in space. The Becker, Minnesota native would fit best in a zone scheme because he is effective at capturing the line of scrimmage, creating movement and getting out in space. Radunz can play both tackle or guard but might fit best inside. </p><p> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="404" scrolling="no" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/OilyDevotedEnglishpointer" width="640"></iframe> </p><p><b>D’Ante Smith - OT - East Carolina</b></p><p>There is always one developmental prospect who gains buzz at the Senior Bowl. East Carolina tackle D’Ante Smith is that guy. He moves extremely well and features 35 1/4-inch arms. Smith has great balance, footwork and recovery speed. As a run blocker, he possesses the speed and length to reach defensive tackles. Smith occasionally hit the second level, found linebackers and opened creases for running backs. </p><p>However, his footwork, punch and overall technique were occasionally exploited. During two reps against Houston pass rusher Payton Turner, Smith's footwork and hands were out of sync. Additionally, he could be more consistent at sinking his hips to gain leverage. At times, he has a tendency to play tall. It plagued him in most of the reps he lost. In the NFL, Smith could kick inside or play the tackle position. After watching him in practice, I actually think he may fit well at guard in a zone-blocking scheme.
</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">East Carolina OL D'Ante Smith grabbed my attention. He is very athletic and has quick feet in pass pro. Smith probably projects best as a zone scheme OG.<br /><br />He frequently hit the second level for run blocking reps. Smith is still improving his technique but has upside. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeniorBowl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeniorBowl</a> <a href="https://t.co/yvZ8Yy81fs">pic.twitter.com/yvZ8Yy81fs</a></p>— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1354469759811608577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <div><b>Honorable Mention:</b> UW-Whitewater iOL Quinn Meinerz (he’s really good - more to come on him).<p><b><u>Defensive Tackles: </u></b></p><p><b>Marvin Wilson - DT - Florida State</b></p><p>Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson suffered a season-ending leg injury, which clearly impacted his pre-draft buzz. Despite that, he has a big opportunity to show what he can do in Mobile. During drills, Wilson’s power, quickness and flexibility stood out. He gains leverage and consistently slides between blocks to create disruptions.</p><p>Wilson powers through blocks, but also uses his 82-inch wingspan and 33-inch arms to extend/deconstruct. The Florida State product has the versatility to play multiple different alignments. However, I think he may fit best as a 3-technique in the NFL. Wilson’s flexibility, length and ability to gain leverage are three traits that translate well to that position. If he is tasked with controlling a gap, he will get penetration and force a cutback.
</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">I've been keeping a close eye on Florida State DT Marvin Wilson. He had a solid first day at the Senior Bowl. His hand technique really stood out in drills. <br /><br />Wilson is quick, powerful and disruptive. I think he would fit well at 3-tech in the NFL. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> <a href="https://t.co/XbQcAtzr4m">pic.twitter.com/XbQcAtzr4m</a></p>— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1354458379792523267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><b>Levi Onwuzurike - DT - Washington </b><p>After opting out of the 2020 season, Levi Onwuzurike has not participated in live football action for more than 400 days. It did not take long for him to shake the rust off. Onwuzurike’s explosiveness and first step instantly grabbed my attention. His athletic traits would fit perfectly at the 3-technique position in a 4-3 scheme. Onwuzurike flashed during the first Senior Bowl session but did not practice on Wednesday. </p><p>While watching Tuesday's reps, I noticed he was less successful when he did not get hand position. If this occurs, he sometimes struggles to pull off blocks. However, he was still consistently winning during team and 1-on-1 sessions. A few of the clips below show just how explosive he can be:</p><p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="404" scrolling="no" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/IdioticWideIndianringneckparakeet" width="640"></iframe> </p><p><b>Honorable Mention:</b> UCLA DL Osa Odighizuwa </p><p><b><u>Defensive End: </u></b></p><p><b>Daelin Hayes - DE - Notre Dame</b></p><p>Daelin Hayes grabbed my attention throughout practice sessions. While watching him in 1-on-1 and team settings, I noticed his excellent flexibility and bend. He sinks his hips, turns the corner and consistently applies pressure. I’m very impressed with his athletic traits and 80-inch wingspan. Hayes used a blend of power, speed and bend to win off the edge. In the clip below, he bull-rushed, extended and backed up Spencer Brown. </p><p>Hayes’ hand technique was very impressive throughout 1-on-1 sessions. He often finished his moves by wiping or ripping through contact. Hayes also used a nasty spin move for a 1-on-1 win. The Notre Dame pass rusher has been arguably one of the most disruptive players on the field.</p><p>
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</p><p><b>Honorable Mention:</b> Wake Forest DE Carlos Basham Jr., Miami DL Quincy Roche, Pittsburgh Patrick Jones II</p><p><b><u>Cornerbacks: </u></b></p><p><b>Benjamin St-Juste - CB - Minnesota</b></p><p>Minnesota cornerback Benjamin St-Juste’s skill set features a ton of length. He measured in at 6’ 3 3/8”, which translates to a 9.96 relative athletic score (RAS), according to Kent Lee Platte’s database. His height also ranks ninth out of 1,877 cornerbacks (Pro Days and Combine) from 1987-2020. This length shows up on the field. St-Juste used his 80-inch wingspan to jam wide receivers and get into passing lanes. </p><p>The former Gophers’ cornerback has excellent lateral agility and recovery speed. In the first clip below, Arizona State wide receiver Frank Darby snaps off his route and comes back to the ball. St-Juste slid past him but had the recovery speed and agility to establish position. He then used his length to get into the passing lane. St-Juste would thrive in a Cover 3-heavy system where he can play zone coverage and break on the football. However, he could be trained as a dominant press-style cornerback, too. St-Juste’s stock will continue to rise after teams see his Pro Day testing metrics. His agility and explosiveness metrics are going to be in the elite tier. I’m mainly curious to see if he can run a 4.5 40-yard dash. If he hovers in that neighborhood, his metric chart will be extremely impressive.
</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gophers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gophers</a> cornerback Benjamin St-Juste is veryyy physical. His recovery speed and agility are two major strengths. He also has an 80-inch wingspan. <br /><br />St-Juste stops on a dime, flips his hips and changes direction quickly. Then, he uses his length to create breakups. <a href="https://t.co/3bXE25unPU">pic.twitter.com/3bXE25unPU</a></p>— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1354287370065960962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </div><div><b>Aaron Robinson - CB - Central Florida</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Aaron Robinson is another cornerback who is extremely physical and aggressive. He makes it very difficult to release at the line of scrimmage. His skill set also features excellent transition quickness. During one rep, Robinson challenged Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney off the line of scrimmage. Toney used his speed to separate at the top of his route. However, Robinson swiveled his hips, recovered and got his arm in the passing lane. <p>The Central Florida cornerback challenged wide receivers by playing very physical all day. Based upon his athletic profile and physical build, Robinson may have the versatility to align at every defensive back spot, including safety.</p><p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="404" scrolling="no" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/CaringThreadbareGilamonster" width="640"></iframe> </p><p><b>Honorable Mention:</b> Oregon CB Thomas Graham Jr. and Central Florida safety Richie Grant</p><div><br /></div></div>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-39731989922421655832021-01-08T11:01:00.005-06:002021-01-08T11:16:17.310-06:00Podcast: Vikings 2020 Recap and Offseason Preview <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxh7rV6i1Kpdr8b5ztqguTeMj4VgULp0-YPIE-gdOkL30T5jiHeFCngCuNjdlXHbrBW3HAB_4vD8179BZm5kxKxeKrXDylHr2ViKdd5f5dWstZOWUb0_9RZmqSBcU_q64q65o2XvSdObu/s2048/Cook+run.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxh7rV6i1Kpdr8b5ztqguTeMj4VgULp0-YPIE-gdOkL30T5jiHeFCngCuNjdlXHbrBW3HAB_4vD8179BZm5kxKxeKrXDylHr2ViKdd5f5dWstZOWUb0_9RZmqSBcU_q64q65o2XvSdObu/w400-h225/Cook+run.png" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Vikings just wrapped up a very unique season. Daniel House joined Ross Brendel on Minnesota Sports Chat to preview all of the decisions Minnesota's front office will face. </h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></h3><p>I joined Ross Brendel on Minnesota Sports Chat to recap the Vikings' 2020 season. What did we learn from a very unique year? We discussed all of the team's strengths and weaknesses. Which areas need to be fixed first during the offseason? I also highlighted several draft prospects and discussed the Vikings' current financial situation. How can Minnesota's front office improve its depth and navigate salary cap constraints? </p><p>Also, if you haven't already, <a href="http://www.mnvikingscorner.com/2021/01/an-early-look-at-vikings-2021-offseason.html">check out this in-depth offseason preview. </a></p><p>Listen to the podcast below on either Spotify or Apple: </p>
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="232" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/episode/72ocIfiN02Cl8M98hbWGz2" width="100%"></iframe>
<iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *" frameborder="0" height="175" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/edition-32-2020-minnesota-vikings-season-recap/id1517895765?i=1000504565024" style="background: transparent; max-width: 660px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></iframe>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-58475761913755659962021-01-05T18:20:00.026-06:002021-01-11T11:42:37.652-06:00An Early Look at the Vikings' 2021 Offseason<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOI6ndP_3LIWQqtkPxZkhRbEltT1sBPlrcabrppgRfHfsTQ5tOstiWzBlNYYCz35CL7XUxuat56Zg8ZUqVypwfqH6aWa_Z9vOXxxShowTE2WzAHn-mw0Hedg0zKQwNdMgmP8pAhOrXEYy/s2048/Jefferson+for+article.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOI6ndP_3LIWQqtkPxZkhRbEltT1sBPlrcabrppgRfHfsTQ5tOstiWzBlNYYCz35CL7XUxuat56Zg8ZUqVypwfqH6aWa_Z9vOXxxShowTE2WzAHn-mw0Hedg0zKQwNdMgmP8pAhOrXEYy/w400-h225/Jefferson+for+article.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>As a unique 2020 season comes to a close, the Vikings are about to enter one of the most fascinating offseasons in recent memory. Daniel House looks ahead to all of the big decisions Minnesota's front office will face. </b></span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>As a unique 2020 season comes to a close, the Vikings are about to enter one of the most fascinating offseasons in recent memory. Minnesota’s front office is tasked with improving the roster while navigating a tight salary cap situation. </p><p>The Vikings parted ways with many key defensive contributors in 2020. As a result, young players were thrust into prominent roles. This was especially the case after Minnesota’s defense lost Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr to injuries. Nose tackle Michael Pierce also opted out, which drastically impacted the Vikings' defensive line.</p><p>This year, the franchise was entering a new phase of the roster construction process. Due to salary cap constraints, Minnesota’s front office released veterans and added young players. This drastically altered the Vikings’ overall depth. Before the season started, coaches planned to use many of those young players as depth options. However, that strategy quickly changed. When injuries hit during the season, we saw just how top-heavy and inexperienced the roster was. It was compounded by the fact coaches had limited access to players during the spring months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of all the seasons in recent memory, this was the year Minnesota really needed a complete offseason. </p><p>Moving into next year, several young players on the roster will benefit from the experience they gained in 2020. That will naturally help the team’s overall depth. However, while facing financial constraints, the Vikings must upgrade several positions. </p><p>The other day, I asked myself, which aspects of this roster need to improve the most? Here is my list: </p><p><b>Upgrading at 3-Technique </b></p><p>Many of the Vikings’ defensive issues stemmed from a lack of physicality up front. Minnesota struggled to get consistent interior penetration. All year, the Vikings did not have a dominant nose tackle to take on double teams and get push against the run. Over the years, <a href="http://www.mnvikingscorner.com/2020/04/the-value-of-nose-tackle-in-mike.html">we have learned how important this is in Mike Zimmer’s scheme. </a>When Zimmer arrived in Minnesota, his first free-agent signing was nose tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph quickly thrived in Zimmer’s scheme and made everything tick. However, once his play started to decline, the Vikings let Joseph walk in free agency and signed nose tackle Michael Pierce to replace him. Minnesota’s front office thought Pierce would be the anchor of its defensive line. However, Pierce eventually opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. This decision significantly altered the Vikings’ defensive plans. </p><p>Minnesota instead started nose tackle Shamar Stephen and 3-technique Jaleel Johnson. Before the season, Zimmer indicated nose tackle was “probably a better position for [Stephen] anyways." It did not seem to go as well as Zimmer anticipated. Stephen wasn’t dominant enough inside and frequently got outmuscled at the point of attack. Additionally, Jaleel Johnson never consistently got one-gap penetration. In Zimmer’s scheme, it is critical to have an explosive 3-technique that can control a gap. The Vikings didn’t receive dominant play out of their defensive tackles this year. In fact, Minnesota had the third-worst rush defense DVOA in the NFL, <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/nfl/team-defense/2020">according to Football Outsiders.</a></p><p>The return of Pierce will certainly provide a major lift, but Minnesota must keep searching for a 3-technique. Johnson is a free agent and I would not expect him to return. The Vikings should draft an explosive 3-technique in this cycle. It may be critical to do so in the first round because the position group is very top-heavy in 2021. After teams see Iowa defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon’s testing metrics, he will shoot up boards. He is an ultra-athletic player who got after the quarterback and created disruptions against the run. Nixon led the Big Ten in tackles for loss (33) and posted 5.5 sacks. After watching him over the past two years, I think he would fit perfectly in Zimmer’s scheme. The Vikings could also target Alabama’s Christian Barmore in the first round. He hasn’t played 3-technique nearly as much in the Crimson Tide’s scheme (rotated between techniques) but has intriguing athletic traits. However, when Barmore did align there, he was extremely disruptive as a pass rusher (see the CFB Playoff Semifinal game). </p><p>After Nixon and Barmore, the 3-technique class drops off significantly. With that in mind, Minnesota may need to spend a high pick on the position. </p><p>If Minnesota decides to wait until later rounds, it may signal the team's overall confidence in Armon Watts. He played well on a rotational snap share and generated plenty of interior penetration this year. </p><p><b>Big Financial Decisions and the O-Line</b></p><p>If Zimmer wants to get his defense back on track, he must improve up front. It starts by stopping the run and building inside. Additionally, the team should continue adding depth on the edge. Due to salary cap constraints, Minnesota may need to rely on player development and draft picks to address the defensive end position. The Vikings are currently around $10 million over the cap for 2021, so it could be very difficult to make veteran depth signings. Minnesota’s front office must determine which positions are a top priority this offseason. Not only that, but several veterans will likely be released to free up cap space, including tight end Kyle Rudolph. The Vikings can create around $5.1 million by releasing Rudolph. </p><p>Minnesota’s front office also faces a difficult decision on the offensive line. Before the season, left tackle Riley Reiff restructured his contract to free up salary cap space. The Vikings are not fully committed to Reiff beyond this season and could save $11.75 million by releasing him. It is a delicate decision because he was a key veteran and top performer on the offensive line. Minnesota must decide how it wants to approach the future at left tackle. Will the Vikings try to reach a new short-term agreement with Reiff to keep him in Minnesota? If not, Erza Cleveland may kick out to tackle. Right now, I do not see the Vikings sliding Brian O’Neill to the left side, but that is also a possibility if Reiff doesn’t return. </p><p>At the same time, the Vikings need to find a serviceable left guard. Dakota Dozier was a liability all season and struggled mightily in pass protection. After another offseason of development, Oli Udoh may be ready to start. He could either play tackle or guard, depending upon where Ezra Cleveland is aligned. </p><p>If the Vikings decide to spend a top pick on the offensive line, Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater is a very intriguing prospect. He has played both tackle spots but may fit best at guard due to his 6-foot-4 frame and lack of length. While watching him play over the past couple of years, I was impressed with his overall athleticism and quickness. It will be particularly interesting to see his testing metrics and weigh-in numbers at the combine. If the Vikings want to add a versatile offensive lineman in the first round, Slater might be the best choice. </p><p><b>How can the Vikings free up money?</b></p><p>If the Vikings want to be aggressive in free agency, there are only a couple other ways to free up space. First, we must consider any contract extensions that may be on the horizon. Minnesota could sign right tackle Brian O’Neill to a long-term deal this offseason. It is also possible that pass rusher Danielle Hunter may want a new contract. If that’s the case, Minnesota needs to factor his pay increase into the equation.</p><p>In an effort to free up money, the Vikings may try to re-work linebacker Anthony Barr and safety Harrison Smith contracts. Outside of that, there is one other extremely unlikely scenario. Would any team offer Minnesota a trade package for Kirk Cousins? Cousins’ 2022 base salary of $21 million becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the league year. This means the Vikings would need to trade him before March 20. </p><p>If the team were to move him before that date, they would incur $20 million in dead money, along with an $11 million cap savings. In the event Minnesota’s front office and ownership group want to dramatically reshape the roster, they could entertain this idea. However, there is no solid succession plan if Cousins is traded. Minnesota would need to use the draft resources they received in the trade package to draft a rookie quarterback. That’s risky business, especially considering Minnesota doesn’t have a viable plan at quarterback right now. More importantly, another team would need to be willing to take on Cousins’ big cap hits.</p><p>Instead, Minnesota should solidify the left guard position through the draft or free agency. Even though Cousins navigated high pressure rates all year, he still put together one of his most analytically sound seasons. Cousins faced the second-highest pressure percentage (27.6%) in the NFL this season. Despite that, he still finished No. 10 in EPA per play (0.213), <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">per Ben Baldwin’s datasets.</a> He also posted the eighth-best success rate (52.7%) and fifth-best completion percentage over expectation (4.6). He did an excellent job of maximizing his attempts within a run-first offense. Minnesota tallied the sixth-fewest passing attempts (516) in the NFL, but Cousins still thrived off play-action and downfield passing. </p><p>If Gary Kubiak indeed retires, the Vikings will be looking for a new offensive coordinator. Quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak may be the top option to replace him. There is no doubt the Vikings want to maintain their outside zone scheme and play-action passing concepts. All of those things align with the strengths of Cousins and maximize his potential. If any offensive changes are made, Minnesota should try to increase its passing frequency. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a star and needs to be prominently featured in every game plan. </p><p>This year, Jefferson broke the NFL’s rookie record for receiving yardage (in the Super Bowl era) while playing in a low passing frequency offense. The Vikings need to take advantage of the fact they have two of the league’s most dynamic route runners. Wide receiver Adam Thielen finished 2020 with the second-most touchdowns inside the 20-yard line (13). He stressed defenses and continued to get open off extremely detailed routes. Running back Dalvin Cook is one of the league's best playmakers, but the Vikings also need to completely maximize the talents of Jefferson and Thielen.</p><p><b>Final Thoughts: </b></p><p>The Vikings must focus on getting better up front on both sides of the ball. Many of their losses this season were a product of poor play in the trenches. Danielle Hunter, Michael Pierce, Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are all set to return, which will help the defense. Due to the top-heavy nature of this roster, the Vikings must focus on building defensive depth through the draft. It is also necessary to find starting-caliber players at 3-technique defensive tackle and safety (if Anthony Harris isn’t brought back). The team must also solidify the interior of the offensive line. It starts by adding a capable starting guard to the roster. Additionally, the Vikings need to build off of the scheme and find ways to increase their overall passing outputs. </p>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-5049295346090125332020-12-01T15:49:00.017-06:002020-12-04T16:32:09.938-06:00House's Film Room: Cousins' Game-Winning Drive, Jefferson's Routes, and Wonnum's Impact<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffGegiIwq2CR5bo3X85G-thv4LgXnaLOYb2qIz2WVKxlGtcPlsJ5H2i4CTfaEaE-9lO033q27i1GBpOgJcnHY_ym8_JFTCrNsg3xAzQkUJtONyThA85Qh0jL3iTvBBOZK_qRE_8RMCUj3/s2048/Screen+Shot+2020-12-01+at+3.32.56+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="2048" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffGegiIwq2CR5bo3X85G-thv4LgXnaLOYb2qIz2WVKxlGtcPlsJ5H2i4CTfaEaE-9lO033q27i1GBpOgJcnHY_ym8_JFTCrNsg3xAzQkUJtONyThA85Qh0jL3iTvBBOZK_qRE_8RMCUj3/w400-h219/Screen+Shot+2020-12-01+at+3.32.56+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Quarterback Kirk Cousins orchestrated a game-winning drive during the Vikings' 28-27 win over the Panthers. Daniel House analyzed all of the film and advanced metrics. Which important variables are helping Cousins find a groove? </h3><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</p><p>Many Vikings fans have been waiting for quarterback Kirk Cousins to produce a clutch two-minute drive in 2020. He delivered during Sunday’s 28-27 win over the Panthers. Despite all of the numbers being against Minnesota, the offense found a way. </p><p>The Vikings only had a 14.3 win probability when the drive began on their own 25-yard line (1:51 remaining). Cousins wasted no time and quickly navigated Minnesota up the field off five intermediate completions. Once the Vikings reached the red zone, Kirk faced a second-and-goal situation with 50 seconds left. </p><p>During a similar situation earlier in the game, Carolina sent Cover 0 pressure. When Cousins saw it, he exploited man coverage and connected with Justin Jefferson for a touchdown. However, with the game on the line, Carolina took a slightly different approach. The Panthers appeared to have Tre Boston in single-high with Juston Burris rolled down toward the box. Kyle Rudolph’s drag drew Burris, which freed up the seam for Chad Beebe. He stemmed outside, used a head fake, and got Corn Elder to open his hips. Cousins zipped a pass to the back of the end zone and Beebe went up to get it. The Vikings’ wide receiver redeemed himself after his critical special teams lapse nearly cost Minnesota the game.</p><p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" scrolling="no" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/SlimySarcasticHectorsdolphin" width="640"></iframe></p><p>Beebe’s muffed punt increased Carolina’s win probability by 17.7 percent. After that blunder, the Panthers had a 96.5 percent win probability with 2:18 remaining. On the next drive, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater missed D.J. Moore in the back of the end zone and Carolina settled for a field goal. Head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady called too many passing plays in the final moments. This odd approach gave Minnesota an opportunity to create the game-winning drive. If the Panthers had called two more running plays, the Vikings may have never started a comeback drive. </p><p>Cousins’ touchdown connection to Beebe ultimately increased the Vikings’ win probability by 34.6 percent, which is currently the largest jump of any play during Minnesota’s 2020 campaign. Each year, there are always two games a team wins that probably shouldn’t happen. On the other hand, NFL clubs usually lose a pair of games they are heavily favored in. The Vikings checked two of those four boxes in consecutive weeks. </p><p><b>Cousins is Finding a Groove</b></p><p>Since the bye week, Kirk Cousins has settled in. He currently ranks No. 3 in average intended air yards (9.1) among quarterbacks with at least 11 starts, <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/">according to NFL Next Gen Stats</a>. Additionally, more than 80 percent of his passes have been on target, which is the third-best mark in the NFL. He has also posted the third-lowest bad throw percentage (13.8 percent). Cousins is playing aggressively, but at the same time, he is limiting catastrophic mistakes. Last year, <a href="http://www.mnvikingscorner.com/2019/10/upon-further-review-vikings-vs-bears.html">I frequently said Cousins wasn’t taking enough chances.</a> His 12.8 percent aggressiveness percentage was the fifth-lowest mark in 2019, <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/">according to NFL Next Gen Stats</a>. This year, the figure has jumped to 18.4 percent, which is the second-highest output among quarterbacks who have played at least 11 games. </p><p>Cousins’ increased aggressiveness is also illustrated by one other key metric. His 62.2 percent expected completion percentage is the third-lowest output among quarterbacks with at least 11 starts. This metric essentially gives us a better idea of overall throw difficulty. After breaking things down even further, only Russell Wilson (6.0) has a higher completion percentage above expectation (5.9). Overall, Cousins is taking chances and completing more difficult throws. </p><p>He’s also been thriving on passes between 10-20 yards downfield. Cousins’ past four <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/">Next Gen Stats spray charts</a> illustrate the type of success he is having through the intermediate passing game. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeOrxp01PwXce5BPvGxDKgCPOgQ4ovjNij9h1coZKj1c5ihLwEigVcwIHx7gd4cWqPyloW9SpA0Fy_PsQFjn7rQV5NBYM2gTbYzpQgrFpZxKpqEHO9HD3WDYezS6s1ypZ0nQf4hGuhDil/s2478/Screen+Shot+2020-12-01+at+1.21.26+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="2478" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeOrxp01PwXce5BPvGxDKgCPOgQ4ovjNij9h1coZKj1c5ihLwEigVcwIHx7gd4cWqPyloW9SpA0Fy_PsQFjn7rQV5NBYM2gTbYzpQgrFpZxKpqEHO9HD3WDYezS6s1ypZ0nQf4hGuhDil/w640-h169/Screen+Shot+2020-12-01+at+1.21.26+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Entering the bye week, Cousins said he wanted to eliminate costly errors that shifted the outcome of games. So far, he has done an effective job of this. Gary Kubiak’s scheme is also maximizing Cousins' strengths. The Vikings’ offensive coordinator scaled back the frequency of deep drops, implemented more play-action, and got Cousins out of the pocket off boots. Kirk is extremely accurate in these situations and loves throwing intermediate/deep over routes. When Cousins has time, gets the ball out quick, or moves off of boots, he thrives. </p><p><b>Jefferson’s Route Running is Electric </b></p><p>While talking about Cousins, we also have to discuss rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson's dominance. The former LSU star has rapidly become one of the league’s top pass catchers. His dynamic route running, elite body control skills, and yards after the catch ability, have grabbed the attention of everyone. All of those traits were on display in college and perfectly transitioned over to the NFL. </p><p>Each week, Jefferson’s <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/">Next Gen Stats</a> route charts look like a beautiful painting. His overall route diversity and versatility are two things that make him such a special wide receiver. He threatens teams at every level and can work from multiple alignments. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9O44ULU9oopAXcnITqbFeuC20_6G45487ucrycloWlVUKVti3NIvnmnP1yTJURkbZhnfDIiUAQcVGr_v1WpoY_Z9yP2oQzpaNsDRP73LoNSZ0gCAs1srxowyJkzjU_nKHa-ngQq0lN8i/s900/Jefferson+route+chart.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9O44ULU9oopAXcnITqbFeuC20_6G45487ucrycloWlVUKVti3NIvnmnP1yTJURkbZhnfDIiUAQcVGr_v1WpoY_Z9yP2oQzpaNsDRP73LoNSZ0gCAs1srxowyJkzjU_nKHa-ngQq0lN8i/s320/Jefferson+route+chart.jpeg" /></a></div><p>During Sunday's game, Jefferson essentially utilized a whip route in the red zone. However, instead of pivoting, opening up completely, and reversing course, Justin's initial slant simply broke off into an out. Some coaches<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X1Lqu4qoWw"> apparently call it a Colorado route.</a> Justin stemmed inside, dropped his hips, whipped his head around, wiped away contact, and made an explosive transition from break to drive foot. Jefferson also finished the play with a fantastic adjustment and play after the catch.
</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Justin Jefferson’s route running 🤯<br /><br />(via <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecheckdown</a>)<a href="https://t.co/tQ5SJ9W6KK">pic.twitter.com/tQ5SJ9W6KK</a></p>— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) <a href="https://twitter.com/brgridiron/status/1333154854592712711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><div><br /></div>Earlier in the game, Minnesota received a Cover 0 blitz matchup and man coverage across the board. The Panthers had one underneath defender covering the middle, but Cousins moved him with his eyes. More importantly, Jefferson had a 1-on-1 matchup and exploited Rasul Douglas. Jefferson stemmed outside, used a subtle head fake, was explosive out of the break, and got enough separation to make the grab. Douglas looked like he thought Jefferson may run the corner route, but the Vikings’ star snapped inside.<div><br /><div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="395" scrolling="no" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/ThunderousFeistyCaribou" width="640"></iframe> <p>So many people thought Jefferson was exclusively a slot receiver at LSU, but they didn’t see what he did on the outside in 2018. His success in that role was a key variable during the Vikings’ evaluation process. Minnesota’s offensive staff knew he could thrive out of both alignments during his NFL career. This year, he has stressed defenses off intermediate crossers, quick outs, posts, deep over routes, shake routes, and vertical fades. Just about every single route has been utilized on numerous occasions. Jefferson is leading the league in yards per route (2.90,<a href=" https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1333406935828324353?s=20"> according to PFF’s Twitter</a>) and ranks No. 10 in yards after the catch (273 yards, per AirYards.com). What’s more, he has posted an impressive 13.7 average depth per target. Jefferson stresses defenses at every single level and is putting together a historic rookie season. Each week, we are witnessing a star launch his career.</p><p><b>Wonnum’s Impact and Big Play</b></p><p>Defensive end D.J. Wonnum’s blocked field goal with 5:27 remaining in the fourth quarter was quietly a defining play in Sunday’s win over Carolina. Before the snap, Carolina’s win probability was at 93.1 percent. By blocking the field goal, Minnesota decreased the Panthers' win probability by 11.3 percent. For reference, only Carolina’s two fumble return touchdowns and Joey Slye’s missed 54-yard field goal created more significant shifts in win probability. Additionally, the Panthers lost 4.57 expected points added (EPA) as a result of the miss. Carolina’s pair of fumble return touchdowns were the only plays that created larger negative EPA outputs. This blocked field goal clearly cracked the door open for Minnesota.</p><p>
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</p><p>Wonnum, a fourth-round draft pick in this year’s draft, has flashed on a rotational basis. He is still tuning up the technical components of his game but is already making splash plays in 2020. He sacked Aaron Rodgers in the final seconds to complete a 28-22 win over Green Bay. Two weeks later, Wonnum stunted inside for a critical third-quarter sack against Chicago. Each of those plays dramatically impacted game outcomes.</p><p>
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</p><p>His sack in the final seconds against the Packers decreased Green Bay's win probability by 7.4 percent, which was the largest decline in that game. Not only that, but his sack against the Bears resulted in the game's third-largest win probability shift. Before the snap, Chicago’s win probability was at 57.1 percent, but Wonnum’s sack dropped this figure to 44.9 percent (a 12.2 percent decrease). Based upon win probability shifts, this was the eleventh most impactful defensive play of the Vikings’ season. </p><p>Out of all the rookies not named Justin Jefferson, I might be most excited about Wonnum’s future. Coming out of South Carolina, <a href="http://www.mnvikingscorner.com/2020/04/analyzing-vikings-day-3-picks.html">we all knew Wonnum had special athletic traits</a>, but his lack of college production created question marks. Some of this was attributed to a bothersome ankle injury he suffered in 2019. Despite that, Wonnum bounced back and grabbed the attention of scouts. </p><p>During his final season with the Gamecocks, he posted 37 tackles (9.5 for loss), 4.5 sacks, an interception, and blocked kick. Defensive line coach Andre Patterson saw those flashes and pounded on the table for Wonnum. In recent weeks, the Vikings have started to witness his overall upside and potential. Wonnum has posted four quarterback hits and a sack over the past three games. There are also reps where his pass rush angle has forced quarterbacks to step into sacks. Those plays don’t show up on the stat sheet but are very impactful. Wonnum does need to tighten up his technique (especially against the run), however, we expected that would be the case. </p><p>At the end of the day, all of these flashes are just the beginning for the Vikings' young pass rusher. After a full offseason of work (hopefully) with Patterson, Wonnum could be poised for a monster sophomore season in the NFL. </p><p><b><i>Note: </i></b><a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/deryck3647#!/vizhome/nflfastRPlaybyPlay/PlaybyPlayExplorer?publish=yes"><b><i>Special thanks to Deryck for providing the data I needed for this piece. </i></b></a></p></div></div>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-15957409696241465652020-10-10T13:28:00.004-05:002020-10-10T14:28:38.497-05:00House’s Film Room: Vikings Offense vs. Houston and Justin Jefferson’s Route Running<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDC62bj4z3sMBksBZaFDK0v3UFpnw3oPaSTQuRRcn1GwUUzDee24PQWVBMi6f20-P0ftikBQWoHFb-j3IoEH-OS6Z0UpOVbqOd7GURhNh-K7S1MwwNZ-GGQDnAkWui0CN5qN2DoATnwl4/s1518/Screen+Shot+2020-10-10+at+2.24.30+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1518" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDC62bj4z3sMBksBZaFDK0v3UFpnw3oPaSTQuRRcn1GwUUzDee24PQWVBMi6f20-P0ftikBQWoHFb-j3IoEH-OS6Z0UpOVbqOd7GURhNh-K7S1MwwNZ-GGQDnAkWui0CN5qN2DoATnwl4/w400-h199/Screen+Shot+2020-10-10+at+2.24.30+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>How did offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak get the Vikings' offense back on track? Daniel House analyzed the film from Minnesota's 31-23 win over Houston! </b></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Motion, play-action passing and condensed formations were key areas of emphasis during the Vikings’ 31-23 win over Houston. I broke down all of the adjustments offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak made to get Minnesota’s offense going. </p><p>I also analyzed the route running of wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Find out what makes him such a special player!</p><div><br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wfHETXxbAF0" width="560"></iframe>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047805552103533472.post-38755284244512824572020-09-17T17:05:00.017-05:002020-09-17T18:47:19.109-05:00House's Film Room: Analyzing the Vikings' Coverage in Sunday's 43-34 loss <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5MapKISB3CYVlTpBNFu_i5VhUr2f-9T71KIbmJWaE-xiCa0Hh7APicLtR5KITfvPt9oyf1x3jQk4rEmsAZ92jU2EnqpOSVT9k863SvwjmD0re1Olrn3tG4ye6FEzQPkJG62phS48upx1/s2048/Screen+Shot+2020-09-17+at+5.04.30+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5MapKISB3CYVlTpBNFu_i5VhUr2f-9T71KIbmJWaE-xiCa0Hh7APicLtR5KITfvPt9oyf1x3jQk4rEmsAZ92jU2EnqpOSVT9k863SvwjmD0re1Olrn3tG4ye6FEzQPkJG62phS48upx1/w400-h229/Screen+Shot+2020-09-17+at+5.04.30+PM.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><b style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Vikings struggled to play tight coverage during Sunday's 43-34 loss to Green Bay. Daniel House analyzed the film and mentioned areas Mike Zimmer could tweak. </b></div></b><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;">by: Daniel House (<a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL">@DanielHouseNFL</a>)</p><p>When time of possession and total plays are lopsided, the entire game changes. That is what happened during the Vikings’ 43-34 loss to Green Bay. </p><p>The Packers held a 76-to-49 advantage in total plays and controlled the ball for more than 41 minutes. Minnesota’s defense couldn’t get off the field and quickly became fatigued. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur also frequently utilized misdirection to keep everyone off balance. His unique play calling blend helped Green Bay complete long scoring drives. </p><p>Aaron Rodgers picked the Vikings’ secondary apart with quick-hitting passes. This occurred because Mike Zimmer had his cornerbacks play a large amount of off coverage. They were also often shaded with inside leverage. This gave Green Bay’s wide receivers plenty of room to work. Wide receiver Davante Adams frequently ran speed cuts and routes into the flat. Rodgers took advantage of the quick-hitting opportunties and placed the Packers within favorable down and distance situations. Zimmer and the defense didn’t have much of a counter move for this. The defensive backs weren't challenging many of the quick-hitting throws, so Green Bay took advantage of free yardage.
</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> were killed by speed cuts and quick hitters against the Packers. In many instances, DBs were playing off WRs and shading with inside leverage. <br /><br />Minnesota never really had a counter move for this. Rodgers sliced and diced with quick passes. <a href="https://t.co/ur55oRWWwV">pic.twitter.com/ur55oRWWwV</a></p>— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielHouseNFL/status/1306636259629002752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Overall, the Vikings’ secondary is filled with inexperience. There were several instances where defensive backs initially had position, but didn’t finish the play. For example, on the deep go route touchdown to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, cornerback Cam Dantzler initially had position, but slowed up while tracking the ball. The Vikings were playing quarters coverage with two-deep safeties and Anthony Harris was reading the inside route. <a href="https://www.vikings.com/video/zimmer-we-re-going-to-have-to-get-better-quick">Zimmer even mentioned Dantzler’s positioning during his press conference.</a> This is an instance where he has to finish the play. Dantzler matched the speed of this vertical route, but just needed to get into the passing lane.<div><br /><div>
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<div><p>There were also moments where technique was poor at the line of scrimmage. In this rep, Holton Hill opens his hips and gives Adams an outside release out of Cover 3. As he’s rotating, Adams gets a step on him over the top. Hill didn’t get tight enough at the vertical extension part of this route. Despite that, Holton nearly used his recovery speed to break up the pass. He just couldn’t quite get there. This is also an insane throw by Rodgers:</p><p>
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</p><p>Additionally, I pulled an example where Mike Hughes was beat over the top on a go route. Minnesota sent pressure and was playing man-to-man across the board. Valdes-Scantling simply beat Hughes deep. He used a subtle head fake, while Hughes lunged and attempted to get his outside hand on him. Once Hughes swiveled his hips, Valdes-Scantling won by using speed. </p><p>
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</p><p>Additionally, the Vikings struggled to adequately communicate in the backend. On a deep throw to Allen Lazard up the seam, there appeared to be a miscommunication between Anthony Harris and Eric Kendricks. Harris crept down to help over the middle and Harrison Smith was already playing on the other boundary. It is even hard to diagnose the exact zone coverage they were playing because of where Harris is aligned. This was simply a major breakdown.</p><p>
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</p><p>These type of coverage mistakes were rather frequent throughout this game. When Green Bay bunched up or ran a mesh concept, the Vikings’ cornerbacks had trouble passing players off. I pulled out two examples (first mesh and second bunch) where the Packers did an effective job of creating confusion in Minnesota’s secondary.</p><p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="404" scrolling="no" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/ElegantQuestionableChick" width="640"></iframe></p><p>I know the Vikings’ defensive line struggled to get any type of rush. However, it was a direct result of Minnesota allowing Rodgers to quick hit for most of the game. This opened up the Packers’ offense and placed them in favorable down and distance situations. The Vikings have to tighten up in coverage and make adjustments to alter the timing of throws. I would expect we won’t see as much defensive back cushion in this week’s game against Indianapolis. </p><p>Entering 2020, we knew the Vikings would have growing pains in the secondary. This is the year Minnesota really needed a preseason. Player development just isn’t the same without in-game reps. After seeing last week’s game, the coaches now have to make all of the adjustments. Zimmer can help players through schematic tweaks, including possibly playing tighter man coverage on the perimeter. Minnesota simply has to challenge more throws and give its pass rush a chance to make plays. When the ball is getting out so quick, it is challenging to apply enough pressure. Of course, the Vikings’ pass rush missed opportunities, but leaky coverage on the perimeter impacted their ability to generate a consistent rush. </p><p>Not only that, but the defensive line naturally slowed up due to Green Bay’s use of misdirection. Minnesota’s discipline was tested by a combination of quick passing and pre-snap movement. If you get too far up field or out of position, a big play can occur. Pre-snap looks often slow the pass rush down and create positive mismatches. Matt LaFleur deserves a lot of credit for his game plan and play calling mix. </p><p>Up front, I was drawn to several of Jaleel Johnson’s reps. He got interior penetration and did a nice job of using his hands to fight through blocks. In two of the clips below, Shamar Stephen drew double teams and got interior push. Johnson also fought through a few blocks and finished backside run stops. Within the last film clip below, Johnson’s hand technique was phenomenal. He got inside hand position and wiped away center Corey Linsley. At the same time, Stephen fought through a block and got interior penetration. There were still inconsistent moments from the interior of Minnesota’s defensive line, but we saw several flashes. As you all know, defensive tackle play was one of my biggest concerns entering the season. This week, it was hard to assess the performance of these players, especially since the time of possession scale was tilted so much.</p><p>
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</p><p><b>Final Thoughts</b></p><p>Overall, the Vikings need to tighten up in coverage. This could be done by challenging receivers more on the perimeter. It seemed like Minnesota was very worried about get beat over the top. With the experience level of this secondary, it might make more sense to man up hard on the perimeter and provide help over the top. We could see an occasional Cover 2 Man Under look to help the cornerbacks. This would be specifically effective if the coaches are worried about putting defensive backs on a complete island. </p><p>Not only that, but given the Colts’ success with screen passes, this type of coverage scheme could be very advantageous. I honestly think bumping and pressing on the perimeter might help the defensive backs considerably. The group is just missing a physical dimension right now. Minnesota has to find a way to alter timing and get the pass rush going. If you aren’t playing any tight coverage, it’s nearly impossible to generate pressure. </p><p>At this point, Zimmer is still trying to find out what his young cornerbacks can do. He now has the game film needed to assess strengths and weaknesses. </p><p>After seeing last week's game, one thing is certain - the Vikings desperately need to tighten up in coverage.</p></div></div></div>Daniel Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178376382314615196noreply@blogger.com4