Fellow Viking Fans-
Odds are if you are on this website, you are pretty much a die hard fan and have already checked the upcoming schedule out. However, if you haven't seen the schedule, here it is:
Minnesota Vikings' 2007 Schedule
Regular Season
Sep 9-Atlanta
Sep 16-at Detroit
Sep 23-at Kansas City
Sep 30-Green Bay
Week 5-Bye
Oct 14-at Chicago
Oct 21-at Dallas
Oct 28-Philadelphia
Nov 4-San Diego
Nov 11-at Green Bay
Nov 18-Oakland
Nov 25-at N.Y. Giants
Dec 2-Detroit
Dec 9-at San Francisco
Dec 17-Chicago
Dec 23-Washington
Dec 30-at Denver
By the looks of it, the Vikings will have their hands full this year. However, we still have June 1 cuts, injuries, and several other factors that can lead to the success or defeat of a team throughout the year. Also, with the high level of parity in the league today, you never know who will be good the next year. Some teams will always be near the top of the league for the next few years due to their personel (Colts, Patriots, Chargers), and you could argue a few others but I will stick with those three for now.
I would bet the Vikings would finish around 6-10 or 7-9 for the year. Improvement will be made over last year....maybe not by the record but in all facets of the game. The defense will improve and the offense should see a vast improvement over last year's team that was led by a QB that is now in a nursing home somewhere.
Go Vikes. Looking forward to the 2007 season.
God Bless!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Positional Analysis: Defensive End, Part 5/7
After a long weekend of inactivity I'm ready to pick up where I left off with the defensive end positional analysis. If you haven't read them already I encourage you to at least check out the first four installments of this piece.
Part 1: Overview and analysis of Kenechi Udeze
Part 2: Analysis of Erasmus James
Part 3: Analysis of Darrion Scott
Part 4: Analysis of Ray Edwards
Today however we move on to the much anticipated first look at Brian Robison, a player many Vikings fans are, for better or worse, overwhelmingly excited about.
Brian Robison: #96/6'3"/259/Texas/#102 overall pick of 2007 Draft
College: Robison was brought to the University of Texas in 2002 and was redshirted his first year. In his second season (redshirt freshman year) he played in 13 games and started 3 at inside linebacker, registering 38 tackles and blocking four kicks. The next season he made the switch to the right defensive end position and showed that he could be used effectively there, though he was still obviously more of a run stopper, recording 48 tackles (14 for a loss) but only 1.5 sacks in 12 games.
His junior campaign of 2005 was clearly Robison's best year as he started all 12 games he played in, registering an impressive 58 tackles (15 for a loss) and seven sacks. His numbers regressed a bit during his senior season as he battled right knee and leg problems. He recorded 37 tackles (9 for loss) and 5.5 sacks in 12 games.
Combine: Robison was a combine warrior this past winter as he recorded event highs for the defensive end position in seven of the eight measured events. Placing second only once to top defensive end prospect Gaines Adams in the 40 yard dash, though he was quick to point out that his 10 yard dash was better than Adams'. He has a point as the 10 yard dash is clearly more relevant to the defensive end position than the 40.
The problem of course is that Robison has always been a bit of an athletic freak, yet never registered the mind blowing numbers you'd have expected from a player of his calibre. He's always been fast, always strong, and always a great leaper. The question of course is whether he can translate those numbers in the workouts into numbers of sacks and quarterback hurries consistently at the top level of professional football.
Forecast: As I stated just a couple sentences ago, there is absolutely no doubt in anyones mind as to the physical prowess of Brian Robison, he is an athletically gifted human being who has the potential to excel. Regretfully to say for Vikings fans I think their enthusiasm ought to be tempered with the reality that very few people around the NFL are predicting great things for Robison. This fact is obviously highlighted by his being taken in the fourth round, and he seems to lack the knowledge of how to compete against more talented offensive tackles or even the ability to translate his talents into turning the corner on what should be easy prey at the college level.
I'd predict that he plays in maybe a handful of games this season at defensive end this season, while he learns the nuances of how to play the position in the NFL from the vets. I doubt he'll record a sack and will probably see fewer than 50 snaps. Where he could make a mark is in a 3-4 scheme as a blitz linebacker, or on special teams where his enormous physical talents wont be impeded by 320 offensive linemen to whom he gives up around 50 pounds.
Given a couple of years of solid coaching (not that he didn't get that at college powerhouse Texas) and a staff that knows how to utilize him, he could become a very good player, I just don't think it'll ever be at defensive end. However, if he is used right he could become an explosive player in the mold of Adalius Thomas. And while some might consider that a stretch, lets remember that it took four years of development in Baltimore before Adalius really figured it out and became a dominant play-maker. Sure thats a stretch but he does have phenomenal talent and a creative coaching staff may just figure out his Rubik's Cube.
More Brian Robison Stuff
- Watch Video of Robison at Rivals.com. Click the link at the bottom right of his profile.
- NFL Draft Countdown
- NFL.com prospect profile
- SI.com profile
Part 1: Overview and analysis of Kenechi Udeze
Part 2: Analysis of Erasmus James
Part 3: Analysis of Darrion Scott
Part 4: Analysis of Ray Edwards
Today however we move on to the much anticipated first look at Brian Robison, a player many Vikings fans are, for better or worse, overwhelmingly excited about.
Brian Robison: #96/6'3"/259/Texas/#102 overall pick of 2007 Draft
College: Robison was brought to the University of Texas in 2002 and was redshirted his first year. In his second season (redshirt freshman year) he played in 13 games and started 3 at inside linebacker, registering 38 tackles and blocking four kicks. The next season he made the switch to the right defensive end position and showed that he could be used effectively there, though he was still obviously more of a run stopper, recording 48 tackles (14 for a loss) but only 1.5 sacks in 12 games.
His junior campaign of 2005 was clearly Robison's best year as he started all 12 games he played in, registering an impressive 58 tackles (15 for a loss) and seven sacks. His numbers regressed a bit during his senior season as he battled right knee and leg problems. He recorded 37 tackles (9 for loss) and 5.5 sacks in 12 games.
Combine: Robison was a combine warrior this past winter as he recorded event highs for the defensive end position in seven of the eight measured events. Placing second only once to top defensive end prospect Gaines Adams in the 40 yard dash, though he was quick to point out that his 10 yard dash was better than Adams'. He has a point as the 10 yard dash is clearly more relevant to the defensive end position than the 40.
The problem of course is that Robison has always been a bit of an athletic freak, yet never registered the mind blowing numbers you'd have expected from a player of his calibre. He's always been fast, always strong, and always a great leaper. The question of course is whether he can translate those numbers in the workouts into numbers of sacks and quarterback hurries consistently at the top level of professional football.
Forecast: As I stated just a couple sentences ago, there is absolutely no doubt in anyones mind as to the physical prowess of Brian Robison, he is an athletically gifted human being who has the potential to excel. Regretfully to say for Vikings fans I think their enthusiasm ought to be tempered with the reality that very few people around the NFL are predicting great things for Robison. This fact is obviously highlighted by his being taken in the fourth round, and he seems to lack the knowledge of how to compete against more talented offensive tackles or even the ability to translate his talents into turning the corner on what should be easy prey at the college level.
I'd predict that he plays in maybe a handful of games this season at defensive end this season, while he learns the nuances of how to play the position in the NFL from the vets. I doubt he'll record a sack and will probably see fewer than 50 snaps. Where he could make a mark is in a 3-4 scheme as a blitz linebacker, or on special teams where his enormous physical talents wont be impeded by 320 offensive linemen to whom he gives up around 50 pounds.
Given a couple of years of solid coaching (not that he didn't get that at college powerhouse Texas) and a staff that knows how to utilize him, he could become a very good player, I just don't think it'll ever be at defensive end. However, if he is used right he could become an explosive player in the mold of Adalius Thomas. And while some might consider that a stretch, lets remember that it took four years of development in Baltimore before Adalius really figured it out and became a dominant play-maker. Sure thats a stretch but he does have phenomenal talent and a creative coaching staff may just figure out his Rubik's Cube.
More Brian Robison Stuff
- Watch Video of Robison at Rivals.com. Click the link at the bottom right of his profile.
- NFL Draft Countdown
- NFL.com prospect profile
- SI.com profile
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The Running Game of the Purple and Gold
The Minnesota Vikings may not have the best situation when it comes to wide receivers but they sure do make up for it with the running game. With the newly drafted running back, Adrian Peterson, the Vikings are up to five backs. All of which bring something to the table but what are we going to do with five running backs?
We will in all probability use split running backs in AP and Chester Taylor. That alone will concern the coaches of opposing teams. C. Taylor took the load on himself last year and in 304 attempts, rushed for 1,214 and tallied 6 touchdowns. That's a great show of a hard work ethic and talented running back, who did not receive any help from his wide receivers last year. Now add the young and promising work horse in AP(Or as others call him AD for "All Day"), C. Taylor will be handed less carries but he will not wear down in the end as he did by the end of last year. C. Taylor having support in the backfield will do wonders for him. With having fresh legs, expect Chester to have a hundred or more rushing yards and hopefully, a couple more touchdowns.
Now Taylor and AP/AD leave us with first and second down covered, now what should we do the remaining three running backs? To start off, i highly think we should keep Mewelde Moore. He's a great third down back with very good speed. Last year Moore had 131 yards on only 24 attempts. As you can see Childress was a one running back man last year but Moore also produced as a wide receiver too. For he had 468 yards on 46 receptions. Not bad in my book. That's an average of 10.2 yards per catch. So I think we should keep him for third down situations. That right now gives us a total of three good running options.
With the remaining two, i think it is a toss up for each, Artose Pinner and Ciatrick Fason both did not see a lot of playing time. But to keep our wide receivers healthy, i think we should use Artose Pinner on the kick return for he did well last season for not touching the ball that much. He had 142 yards, 3 touchdowns, and only 42 touches. Fason did not even see the ball last season that much. Fason only touched the ball 18 times for 99 yards and one touchdown. Not that impressive. I think they should put Fason on kick return with Pinner and also the punt return. If not, then they should just cut him. In my opinion, it would not be a big lose.
Lets recap; the Vikings could have a duel running back system with AP and Taylor which could be very deadly and productive and leave third down to Moore. Lastly, using Pinner and using his speed on kick and punt returns,can turn him into a special teams specialist. Then cutting Fason or have him help Pinner. Well, it seems that the Vikings could use their running game in many different ways to help win a game and maybe open up some room for our young wide receivers. Lets see what happens.
We will in all probability use split running backs in AP and Chester Taylor. That alone will concern the coaches of opposing teams. C. Taylor took the load on himself last year and in 304 attempts, rushed for 1,214 and tallied 6 touchdowns. That's a great show of a hard work ethic and talented running back, who did not receive any help from his wide receivers last year. Now add the young and promising work horse in AP(Or as others call him AD for "All Day"), C. Taylor will be handed less carries but he will not wear down in the end as he did by the end of last year. C. Taylor having support in the backfield will do wonders for him. With having fresh legs, expect Chester to have a hundred or more rushing yards and hopefully, a couple more touchdowns.
Now Taylor and AP/AD leave us with first and second down covered, now what should we do the remaining three running backs? To start off, i highly think we should keep Mewelde Moore. He's a great third down back with very good speed. Last year Moore had 131 yards on only 24 attempts. As you can see Childress was a one running back man last year but Moore also produced as a wide receiver too. For he had 468 yards on 46 receptions. Not bad in my book. That's an average of 10.2 yards per catch. So I think we should keep him for third down situations. That right now gives us a total of three good running options.
With the remaining two, i think it is a toss up for each, Artose Pinner and Ciatrick Fason both did not see a lot of playing time. But to keep our wide receivers healthy, i think we should use Artose Pinner on the kick return for he did well last season for not touching the ball that much. He had 142 yards, 3 touchdowns, and only 42 touches. Fason did not even see the ball last season that much. Fason only touched the ball 18 times for 99 yards and one touchdown. Not that impressive. I think they should put Fason on kick return with Pinner and also the punt return. If not, then they should just cut him. In my opinion, it would not be a big lose.
Lets recap; the Vikings could have a duel running back system with AP and Taylor which could be very deadly and productive and leave third down to Moore. Lastly, using Pinner and using his speed on kick and punt returns,can turn him into a special teams specialist. Then cutting Fason or have him help Pinner. Well, it seems that the Vikings could use their running game in many different ways to help win a game and maybe open up some room for our young wide receivers. Lets see what happens.
Friday, May 11, 2007
ADED
All Day Every Day.
Adrian Peterson (aka AD) will prove to be a force and a major threat in the offense this year. I am looking forward to watching him torch defenses. I wonder if Childress will split him out as a slot guy in some sets? After watching his Pro Day at Oklahoma, he was impressive catching the ball. Peterson is an all-around athlete who can make plays.
The free agent signing period was disappointing. However, the draft by Spielman, Studwell, and Childress was fantastic. Tip your hat to this trio right now. I love Allison and Alexander in the late rounds. We got our guys and picked up an additional 3rd rounder next year. From the outside, this draft looks like a winner. However, we will not know the true rating of this draft for a couple of years. All in all, a great 2007 draft that addressed major needs. This draft should be held in high esteem after what happened the last couple of years.
I think Childress was super conservative in his play calling duties last year. However, he had an old immobile quarterback who has watched the game pass him by. BJ needs to hang up the cleats. The play calling will improve this year. Namely because we added some offensive weapons. However, I think Tavaris will struggle this year. The schedule is incredibly difficult. I believe the Vikings will take major strides forward this season. We will probably be competitive in many games, but I can see us losing 4-6 games by 7 points or less. I wouldn't expect more than 6-8 wins. We will probably be drafting in the top 15 again next year. As much as I don't want to admit, I am OK with that. We are only 2-3 years from being at the top of NFC.
God Bless. Make your day great!
Adrian Peterson (aka AD) will prove to be a force and a major threat in the offense this year. I am looking forward to watching him torch defenses. I wonder if Childress will split him out as a slot guy in some sets? After watching his Pro Day at Oklahoma, he was impressive catching the ball. Peterson is an all-around athlete who can make plays.
The free agent signing period was disappointing. However, the draft by Spielman, Studwell, and Childress was fantastic. Tip your hat to this trio right now. I love Allison and Alexander in the late rounds. We got our guys and picked up an additional 3rd rounder next year. From the outside, this draft looks like a winner. However, we will not know the true rating of this draft for a couple of years. All in all, a great 2007 draft that addressed major needs. This draft should be held in high esteem after what happened the last couple of years.
I think Childress was super conservative in his play calling duties last year. However, he had an old immobile quarterback who has watched the game pass him by. BJ needs to hang up the cleats. The play calling will improve this year. Namely because we added some offensive weapons. However, I think Tavaris will struggle this year. The schedule is incredibly difficult. I believe the Vikings will take major strides forward this season. We will probably be competitive in many games, but I can see us losing 4-6 games by 7 points or less. I wouldn't expect more than 6-8 wins. We will probably be drafting in the top 15 again next year. As much as I don't want to admit, I am OK with that. We are only 2-3 years from being at the top of NFC.
God Bless. Make your day great!
Positional Analysis: Defensive End, Part 4/7
Continuing our seven part look at the Minnesota Vikings preparedness at the defensive end position we focus in on Ray Edwards. For the first three articles in this series, follow the links below.
Part 1/7: Overview and Kenechi Udeze
Part 2/7: Erasmus James
Part 3/7: Darrion Scott
Ray Edwards: #91/6'4"/270/Perdue/127 overall pick of 2006 Draft
College: Considered to have been somewhat of a disappointment while attending Perdue as he never developed as well as people thought and never made the most of his physical talents. His 16 sacks were tied for the 7th most in Perdue history and he was a semi-finalist for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of The Year Award as a sophomore. Had a disappointing junior season which saw him record only 5.5 sacks. Some thought his draft stock had slid so far that he'd go undrafted. Naturally the Vikings not only took him, but took him way too early.
Last Year: As a rookie last season the player who, "may not be drafted," according to his NFL.com prospect profile, had perhaps the best per-snap production of any player on the Vikings. With the injury to Erasmus James last season leaving a glaring hole in the defense Edwards was able to step in and start two games for the Vikings but mostly played in the defensive end rotation. In doing so he registered 3 sacks, 10 tackles, and two passes defended.
Forecast: His production last season in a limited role clearly leaves hope that perhaps the Vikings coaching finally helped Edwards begin to utilize his natural physical gifts which are extensive (see scouting report). While it will be difficult for him to win a starting job or even significant playing time this season, if he continues to develop he could certainly be a player who sees playing time alongside Erasmus James in passing downs, however much of that may depend on the development of fifth round draft pick Brian Robision, though I think Edwards should be able to hold him off for the fourth spot in the rotation with ease, provided he continues to play at a high level. If so his talent will enable him to play as a rush line-backer in a 3-4 scheme or to get regular playing time on passing downs right now. Edwards is an interesting case as he'll more than likely not register many sacks and will probably have another statistically unimpressive season, but if he continues to develop his talent he could become a real contributor. However for my predictions I'll be sticking with the player he is now and the situation as is. In that case he's just a #4 guy who will register maybe 10-15 tackles with 3-4 sacks again. His upside is high though as his numbers last year reasonably project to around 35 tackles and 9-10 sacks over a full season.
ESPN Scouting:
"Possesses a very good frame and long arms. Shows room left on his frame to increase his bulk. Naturally athletic DE prospect who shows enough fluidity to possibly fit as a 3-4 OLB. Shows explosive pass rush potential and should only improve with more experience and coaching. He is smooth for his size. Shows very good COD skills. Possesses adequate initial quickness and good top end speed, especially for his size. He shows the ability to turn the corner with good balance as a pass rusher and he possesses above average closing burst to the QB. He is a fluid athlete for the position and has proven capable of dropping in coverage in certain situations. He is at his best in space versus the run. Is a decent open-field tackler. Shows the ability to chase down the run from behind when he's giving good effort. Possesses adequate-to-good upper body power, which gives him the potential to improve his array of pass rush moves and also to become more effective taking on blocks versus the run if he can improve his technique. ,Possesses a very good frame and long arms. Shows room left on his frame to increase his bulk. Naturally athletic DE prospect who shows enough fluidity to possibly fit as a 3-4 OLB. Shows explosive pass rush potential and should only improve with more experience and coaching. He is smooth for his size. Shows very good COD skills. Possesses adequate initial quickness and good top end speed, especially for his size. He shows the ability to turn the corner with good balance as a pass rusher and he possesses above average closing burst to the QB. He is a fluid athlete for the position and has proven capable of dropping in coverage in certain situations. He is at his best in space versus the run. Is a decent open-field tackler. Shows the ability to chase down the run from behind when he's giving good effort. Possesses adequate-to-good upper body power, which gives him the potential to improve his array of pass rush moves and also to become more effective taking on blocks versus the run if he can improve his technique."
Part 1/7: Overview and Kenechi Udeze
Part 2/7: Erasmus James
Part 3/7: Darrion Scott
Ray Edwards: #91/6'4"/270/Perdue/127 overall pick of 2006 Draft
College: Considered to have been somewhat of a disappointment while attending Perdue as he never developed as well as people thought and never made the most of his physical talents. His 16 sacks were tied for the 7th most in Perdue history and he was a semi-finalist for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of The Year Award as a sophomore. Had a disappointing junior season which saw him record only 5.5 sacks. Some thought his draft stock had slid so far that he'd go undrafted. Naturally the Vikings not only took him, but took him way too early.
Last Year: As a rookie last season the player who, "may not be drafted," according to his NFL.com prospect profile, had perhaps the best per-snap production of any player on the Vikings. With the injury to Erasmus James last season leaving a glaring hole in the defense Edwards was able to step in and start two games for the Vikings but mostly played in the defensive end rotation. In doing so he registered 3 sacks, 10 tackles, and two passes defended.
Forecast: His production last season in a limited role clearly leaves hope that perhaps the Vikings coaching finally helped Edwards begin to utilize his natural physical gifts which are extensive (see scouting report). While it will be difficult for him to win a starting job or even significant playing time this season, if he continues to develop he could certainly be a player who sees playing time alongside Erasmus James in passing downs, however much of that may depend on the development of fifth round draft pick Brian Robision, though I think Edwards should be able to hold him off for the fourth spot in the rotation with ease, provided he continues to play at a high level. If so his talent will enable him to play as a rush line-backer in a 3-4 scheme or to get regular playing time on passing downs right now. Edwards is an interesting case as he'll more than likely not register many sacks and will probably have another statistically unimpressive season, but if he continues to develop his talent he could become a real contributor. However for my predictions I'll be sticking with the player he is now and the situation as is. In that case he's just a #4 guy who will register maybe 10-15 tackles with 3-4 sacks again. His upside is high though as his numbers last year reasonably project to around 35 tackles and 9-10 sacks over a full season.
ESPN Scouting:
"Possesses a very good frame and long arms. Shows room left on his frame to increase his bulk. Naturally athletic DE prospect who shows enough fluidity to possibly fit as a 3-4 OLB. Shows explosive pass rush potential and should only improve with more experience and coaching. He is smooth for his size. Shows very good COD skills. Possesses adequate initial quickness and good top end speed, especially for his size. He shows the ability to turn the corner with good balance as a pass rusher and he possesses above average closing burst to the QB. He is a fluid athlete for the position and has proven capable of dropping in coverage in certain situations. He is at his best in space versus the run. Is a decent open-field tackler. Shows the ability to chase down the run from behind when he's giving good effort. Possesses adequate-to-good upper body power, which gives him the potential to improve his array of pass rush moves and also to become more effective taking on blocks versus the run if he can improve his technique. ,Possesses a very good frame and long arms. Shows room left on his frame to increase his bulk. Naturally athletic DE prospect who shows enough fluidity to possibly fit as a 3-4 OLB. Shows explosive pass rush potential and should only improve with more experience and coaching. He is smooth for his size. Shows very good COD skills. Possesses adequate initial quickness and good top end speed, especially for his size. He shows the ability to turn the corner with good balance as a pass rusher and he possesses above average closing burst to the QB. He is a fluid athlete for the position and has proven capable of dropping in coverage in certain situations. He is at his best in space versus the run. Is a decent open-field tackler. Shows the ability to chase down the run from behind when he's giving good effort. Possesses adequate-to-good upper body power, which gives him the potential to improve his array of pass rush moves and also to become more effective taking on blocks versus the run if he can improve his technique."
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Positional Analysis: Defensive End, Part 3/7
Today we continue our look at the Vikings defensive ends. Day one gave us an overview of the position and a look at Kenechi Udeze, day two we looked at the promising but oft injured Erasmus James. Today we'll be looking at Darrion Scott who may have been the best of the Vikings defensive ends last season.
Darrion Scott: #98/6'3"/289/Ohio State/88th overall pick of 2004 Draft
Pro Career: In 2004 he was the third pick of the Vikings draft behind Udeze and Dontarrios Thomas. He sat his first season but in 2005, with an injury to first round pick Kenechi Udeze, seized the opportunity and started fifteen games combined at both end positions. Known as a tackling machine and a run stopping clog on the line Darrion consistently racks up tackles, and for the most part far exceeds his defensive end teammates in that number. Over the last two seasons 104 tackles to only 9.5 sacks.
Last Year: After having his first season as a full-time starter in 2005, Darrion Scott had another opportunity to excel last year. However one would assume that Scott's opportunity arose less because of his talent and more because of the pressing need created by the injuries of Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James in consecutive years. Last year in replacement of James he registered 5.5 sacks which pitifully led the team. A large defensive end he was one of the many reasons the Vikings were stout against the run last season and registered 46 tackles.
Forecast: It'll be interesting to see how the Vikings utilize Scott this season. Clearly the team has already invested two first round picks into defensive ends and Udeze and James will be given every opportunity (and then some) to secure their positions as starters. However their inability to stay on the field due to injuries, and Scott's relative predictability may give them team a reason to make him a starter, using someone like James solely in passing downs. If not, Darrion is still likely to see the field almost every time the Vikings need a stop in a clear rushing situation. It's also possible, and maybe even likely that either Kenechi or Erasmus will perform so badly in camp that they could lose their positions outright to Scott.
Scouts Inc.'s take:
"Scott is strong, fairly quick and disciplined. He plays with good knee-bend and leverage. He can stack at the point of attack and uses his hands well to separate. He can be very successful against double teams. He stays home and won't run around blocks and open up holes in the defense. He plays with a good motor and is excellent in pursuit over short areas. He seems to have a very good feel for blocking angles and offensive concepts. He works hard to push offensive tackles into the pocket to slide off and try to make a play. He played some tackle in college. But Scott lacks great edge explosiveness and isn't big or powerful enough to move inside. He lacks perimeter speed and burst. He isn't very effective in space. He won't run down a lot of backside plays. He isn't big or physical enough to hold up against powerful guards working inside."
Darrion Scott: #98/6'3"/289/Ohio State/88th overall pick of 2004 Draft
Pro Career: In 2004 he was the third pick of the Vikings draft behind Udeze and Dontarrios Thomas. He sat his first season but in 2005, with an injury to first round pick Kenechi Udeze, seized the opportunity and started fifteen games combined at both end positions. Known as a tackling machine and a run stopping clog on the line Darrion consistently racks up tackles, and for the most part far exceeds his defensive end teammates in that number. Over the last two seasons 104 tackles to only 9.5 sacks.
Last Year: After having his first season as a full-time starter in 2005, Darrion Scott had another opportunity to excel last year. However one would assume that Scott's opportunity arose less because of his talent and more because of the pressing need created by the injuries of Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James in consecutive years. Last year in replacement of James he registered 5.5 sacks which pitifully led the team. A large defensive end he was one of the many reasons the Vikings were stout against the run last season and registered 46 tackles.
Forecast: It'll be interesting to see how the Vikings utilize Scott this season. Clearly the team has already invested two first round picks into defensive ends and Udeze and James will be given every opportunity (and then some) to secure their positions as starters. However their inability to stay on the field due to injuries, and Scott's relative predictability may give them team a reason to make him a starter, using someone like James solely in passing downs. If not, Darrion is still likely to see the field almost every time the Vikings need a stop in a clear rushing situation. It's also possible, and maybe even likely that either Kenechi or Erasmus will perform so badly in camp that they could lose their positions outright to Scott.
Scouts Inc.'s take:
"Scott is strong, fairly quick and disciplined. He plays with good knee-bend and leverage. He can stack at the point of attack and uses his hands well to separate. He can be very successful against double teams. He stays home and won't run around blocks and open up holes in the defense. He plays with a good motor and is excellent in pursuit over short areas. He seems to have a very good feel for blocking angles and offensive concepts. He works hard to push offensive tackles into the pocket to slide off and try to make a play. He played some tackle in college. But Scott lacks great edge explosiveness and isn't big or powerful enough to move inside. He lacks perimeter speed and burst. He isn't very effective in space. He won't run down a lot of backside plays. He isn't big or physical enough to hold up against powerful guards working inside."
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
New assistant hired
The Vikings hired Derek Mason as assistant defensive backs coach Tuesday raising their total of assistants coaches to 23. Mason most recently served as the receivers coach at Ohio University. He played defensive back for Northern Arizona when Vikings coach Brad Childress was an assistant there in 1989. Mason will assist defensive backs coach Joe Woods.
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