thundercleetz

Another hypothetical situation: if for some reason Parker from Louisville is there at 15, would you trade up with our second rounder to nab him? How about trading up to 11 with our second and third for Parker?

Yes, I remembered being very concerned about his ability to get off the press after getting shutout in the 2005 Orange Bowl. Clayton's calling card was his YAC ability but a lot of us doubted how that would translate into the NFL. Clayton surprisingly ran a fast 4.41 40 with a 4.05 SS. However, he seemed to play slower than his times. If Clayton were an inch taller and a step faster I think he would have been a great player. It was always "so close" with Clayton. Real shame too because he had an excellent second season for us looking like he was going to explode (the 2006 Ravens, one of my favorite teams to watch). Never built upon that. Had a couple of solid games with the Rams before getting injured.

Speaking of that draft, could someone explain to me how Travis Taylor was the tenth pick overall? I was young that draft year, so I do not remember much pre-draft analysis. Looking at Taylor's stats he had a measly 34 receptions for 463 yards and 6 TDs. And that is in Spurrier's Fun and Gun offense! I know Taylor was MVP of the Orange Bowl with 7 receptions for 159 yards and 2 TDs. So Taylor parlayed one good game into being the tenth pick overall? How does that happen? He had 9 TD his second year, but only 676 yards on 37 receptions.

Good analysis Tim. I see Perriman as a prospect who could be a TO-like weapon, or could have limited development be a one dimensional player like Torrey. I think Perriman is stronger and more aggressive than Torrey. Perriman is like a runningback when he gets the ball, however, Perriman is very high risk as you mentioned. The more I look at it, the more I see value at other positions. At this point I think we will go Marcus Peters or a talented pass rusher. Seems like the value is shaking out at these positions in the late first round.

What do you guys think of Breshad Perriman as a first round target? He has his pro day coming up in a few days. He was on Purple Reign the other day and said if he had to compare his game to a current NFL player it would be Julio Jones. I can certainly see a poor man's version of Julio Jones or TO. The guy is a terror when he has the ball in his hands. Questionable hands at the moment.

Very interesting prospect. His 40 time plus his split numbers indicate he should have no problem running routes. Looks like a well rounded receiver. Looking at this draft class, I'd rather take my chances drafting a couple of guys high than signing a washed up vet from the remaining FA pool.

That's a big deal for a one year wonder in a contract year. Shows how weak quality pass coverage safety play is in the league nowadays. A weak draft class certainly helped Parker as well. The Steelers paid Mike Mitchell $25M for five years last offseason and he hasn't performed well for them.

Just re-signed with Chiefs for five years $30M.

They are starting to stray from their strategy of building through the draft. They wasted a first round pick for Harvin, and now traded a first rounder and a former second rounder in Unger for Graham. Their last two drafts have yielded much yet. Graham is obviously a much better player than Harvin was. They will be very good next season, however, as Tim mentioned, they realize they have to pay Wilson enormous money so their window to win another Super Bowl is strongest these next two years before they are up against the CAP every season.

Gore and Johnson... I think Chuck Pagano is a little partial to his former guys from The U.

Agreed. Turf toe turned Peter Boulware from an elite pass at 28 to having to retire at 31.

Funchess runs a 4.48 at his pro day, however look at his SS number: 4.57. Ouch! Given Funchess only performed the drills he did poorly in at the combine, he certainly practiced the SS, so he is simply not quick. I worry about his ability to cut in and out of his routes. http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031215aac.html

I think people are putting too much into this. Kubiak brought over a WCO. Trestman runs a WCO offense as well, maybe with a couple of different variations. Trestman is a smart guy who utilizes the talent he has. Blocking scheme is the same, Forsett will be just fine.

Remember, the Vikings already have another young WR in Charles Johnson who displaced Patterson in the starting lineup. They also have to make a decision with Greg Jennings. I guess the decision to keep or trade Patterson depends on how much Teddy Bridgewater is lobbying management to draft his former UofL favorite target Parker.

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/In-Ozzie-Baltimore-Should-Trust/9f95b5b6-5a84-4072-8936-0fca3f137095 Good article on what happens to players Ozzie lets go.

Bowe had the 15 TD season, he certainly has, or had, red-zone ability. However, his play declined when Andy Reid brought over his WCO that is different than Todd Haley's offense. Maybe Bowe wouldn't be a good fit given we also run a WCO... I wonder if the Vikings would move Cordarrelle Patterson after acquiring Mike Wallace? http://thevikingage.com/2015/03/13/vikings-rumors-cordarrelle-patterson-on-the-trade-block/ What do you guys think?

I think PFF had him graded high too. He would be my number choice as well.

$2.1M signing bonus very nice.

Same here. Thinking positively: - He didn't really take over the full workload until the third week or so, there might be some untapped production there (although added durability risks) - A full offseason with the Ravens to prepare (has been working out at the Ravens facility up until the March 10 start of free agency). - We saw Forsett start to be utilized in the passing game and he has the quickness and vision to cause mismatches. Trestman loves throwing the ball to his RB's. Obviously there are risks with Forsett that have already been mentioned in the deal. Pending the breakdown of the deal, I like it a lot.

I remember that offseason as well. A lot of us on the board were hoping for Brees. I forget what our cap situation was. I think it was tight, but not terrible. I'm sure we could have made a competitive offer. Maybe Billick was still holding on to hope that Boller could develop and an older QB like McNair as a short term option would be better. That 2006 Ravens team is to this day one of my all time favorites.

Damn Andre Johnson just got $7M a year from Indy!

Former Bengals DE Michael Johnson was released by the Bucs. Could be a buy-low, high reward target for us. Although I'm sure Mike Zimmer in Minny will be his first call.

Johnson was with the Niners last season after being with the Bills. What makes you have belief in Johnson? I don't have an opinion just curious. I think all the guys on my list offer potential being they played in bad offenses with subpar QB play.

Any of those guys at a bargain will be a better value than Torrey.

I don't think we will sign Crabtree. He is coming off of a rookie deal so we would lose a potential compensatory pick from Torrey and McPhee's big deals. I would love lesser receivers such as Cecil Shorts or D. Moore. However, same as above both guys are coming off of rookie deals so they are unlikely. Dwayne Bowe, Percy Harvin, Andre Johnson (if he hasn't signed with the Colts) or Stevie Johnson are more likely targets.