Minnesota Vikings: A Look At Their Best Draft Choices And Free Agents

NFL Draft: Rounds #1 Percy Harvin, #2 Phil Loadholt, and #5 Jasper Brinkley is heads and tails above all others selected by the Vikings in the draft. These three will contribute largely and it seems right away.

Harvin was Tim Tebow’s number one weapon and for the most part Florida’s success depended largely upon his being in the game. The almost 6 8’ 332 pound Loadholt is probably Minnesota’s best pick – he is huge tough and will fill right tackle right away.

Oklahoma’s ability to pass so well this past season was largely due to Phil planting defenders on their butts. Brinkley is just a tough kid – at 6 2’ 260 he is not going to be a push over at linebacker. Look for this guy to become a crowd favorite.

Notes: QB problems with Tavaris Jackson (a 58% passer) are resolved with the signing of Sage Rosenfels (a 68% passer). Sage should enjoy fewer intercepts due to the Vikings receiving corp. – Jackson was not able too.

On the same note Rosenfels might be able to control his fumble problem with the help of a better O Line. We will see.

Still, barring a trade in the next few years John David Booty is the future QB for the Vikings - it appears they are grooming him very slowly – Rosenfels can give Minnesota 3 maybe 4 years and that should be sufficient timing for Booty to step in from an eventual number 2 spot. 

Notes: Special teams not to good in the past but much better with free agents from Boise State Ian Johnson and Vinny Perretta. These two plus Harvin will make special teams “special” in Minnesota once again.

Notes: RB’s Ian Johnson will be groomed over the next two/three years while Chester Taylor is getting set to retire. Chester Taylor and Ian Johnson are very much alike. Both run very well and are extremely talented receivers.

For Minnesota to get Johnson on a free agent contract seems unreal at the moment.

There were many who were sure that Ian would go no later than four rounds, and to not be drafted is extremely fortunate for the Vikings – and for the Vikings to offer Ian is extremely fortunate for IJ.

No doubt this was a win-win scenario if ever. Ian will be a third down back and #3 on the rotation. Ian will also work relentlessly on special teams – a place he is well familiar playing at Boise State. Special teams at BSU is tabbed the all-star team, and Johnson starred more than not. 

Notes: Wide receivers – Percy Harvin and newly signed free agent Vinny Perretta will shore up the receiving corps. Vinny’s sure hands and great vision will give Rosenfels many options.

Don’t look for Perretta to lose out his potential spot on the roster. Vinny catches everything in sight and he is quick can throw the ball extremely well on end around fakes and is a big contributor to the special teams.

Notes: Competition – Minnesota Vikings new QB Sage Rosenfels said, “I’m excited to compete for the starting job.” Sometimes competition means just that.

However, in the NFL competition or the ferocity of is dependant upon the contract signed. When NFL teams pay out millions to their quarterback it is most likely that he will not be competing for his position.

That was the way it was for Sage at Houston as Schaub was number one in every facet. Now Rosenfels knows what monetary security really means as his contract went from living high on the hog to millionaire status (roughly translated about 7 ½ million dollars more not including the starting bonus?).

Minnesota fans will see a lot better results from Sage than Houston or Miami ever did. We’ll be watching Rosenfels and that will be another story.