The Backup Contingency Plan

With the Absence of Chester Taylor, we now find ourselves in a very uncomfortable predicament. We go from having the best-third back in the league to a no-name third stringer looking to prove himself. Not only has Taylor left us, but he left us for the Bears. While I myself am not a Buddhist, I do believe that karma is laughing at us for taking Brett Favre from the Packers. The infamous "Golden Rule" has struck again. 

Now that we have lost Taylor we have three options. Free-agency, Draft Picks, and or developing our Players. While all seem like viable options, a draft pick is the best option. First, I will show why the free-agency is not a very good option and why even though Albert Young/ Ian Johnson have potential we need a new person. And His name is Ben Tate.

In the free-agency, we have five guys that we could look at as the new Taylor. These men are Justin Fargas, Willlie Parker, L.T., Thomas Jones, and Brian Westbrook. While many devout Viking fans are screaming "Dakota, why not take one of these proven backs who have the talent to start". That's point four of these guys have been starters for over three years. These guys are used to having the ball in their hands. Heck last year, we were agruing wheter L.T. or Adrian was a better running back. I don't he would like to be backing up his former rival. Although, he could teach him alot. Thomas Jones is a powerful star back. He just came into his own probably about five years ago. He doesn't have alot of miles on him, and could still be a legitimate starter for a couple of years. I don't think he will sit quiet behind Peterson.

Willie Parker, is a fast scat back. Hmmm, seems like a good option. Oh yeah, he isn't good on third downs. He doesn't catch and is a very small guy who probably couldn't block Julius Peppers. Justin Fargas is a good back? Yeah, I don't know but i do remember looking somewhere were someone was listing him as a backup and I just thought I would include him. 

 Brian Westbrook. Many fans are clamoring for this man to come to Minnesota. He is a talented back who is an excellent catcher, and has for most of his career had a number of backs who he has split carries with. Many fans look this far and then quit. but I have to remind you of why he split alot of carries. He gets all the time. I don't want a backup who will get injured more often than the starter. 

Finally, a factor with all of these free-agents is the issue of the uncapped year rules. We cannot sign any free agent higher, than what one of our former players was signed for. Taylor was signed for 14 million over four years. I don't think Westbrook, Jones, or L.T. would sign for this. Maybe not even Parker.

Next issue, the development of our players. Albert Young or Ian Johnson could one day be a starter, but that doesn't mean they can step into the role we have open due to the exit of Taylor. Young has been good when called upon but if he couldn't soundly beat a undrafted rookie who didn't have previous experience with the playbook, then how is supposed to be a spell to Peterson. Ian Johnson is a fighter. He has an excellence attitude, and he is a winner. His problem may just be his lack of superior talent. I feel like, he is the modern day version of Rudy. If he ever starts a game, he will become my most favorite player in the league. He though is not an viable option, right now.

Finally we got Ben Tate. He might not be the best known back in the upcoming draft, but if you look at the combine results he should be. Thing is now though, I have to justify to you using a second round pick/ trading up in the third round to get him. First of all, his entire time in college he was never the sole running back for the team. He split carries with a multitude of backs. Even in his senior year, when he had over 1200 yards, he would come out on third downs and even sit out entire drives. Now some of you might be thinking, "he sat out on third downs, Dakota why do you want the Vikings to draft a back who doesn't catch". Well look at Adrian Peterson, he didn't catch well, but look at where he is now. Secondly, Tate comes from Running Back U. Auburn has produced many NFL bound backs. Bo Jackson, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, Stephen Davis, James Brooks, Rudi Johnson, Brent Fullwood, and Joe Cribbs. This school produces great backs. 

Now my theory is that we use him, more as a spell back than a third down back. He would more or less come in and do everything Peterson would do, and let Peterson relax. The reason this is possible is because of the awesome job Eric Bieniemy has done with Peterson. Tate could learn all off season to be a pass catcher, and then we could have a one-two punch.

Now I have to justify drafting him. Well here you go. 

1st. Kyle Wilson- tough little safety, good cover corner

2nd. Ben Tate- read above. 

3rd. Tim Tebow- great winner, lots of athletic ability

4th. Mitch Petrus-strong guard. Able to push folks around

5th. Myron Rolle- smartest player ever? maybe. lots of ability. could be the next Paul Krause

6th. Trindon Holliday- with Percy Harvin, our return game would be unstoppable. fast little sob

7th. Jay Ross- was once considered a first rounder

So, I have done it. I hope you enjoyed this article and hope you can learn to love Ben Tate as well. 

Ben Tate- 5'11 225 pounds, 4.43 40 yard dash, 26 reps at Bench Press, 40.5 inch vertical jump, 10'4" broad jump, 6.91 three cone drill, and a 4.12 20 yard shuttle. Yeah thats nice.