Vikings Draft Report: With the First Pick, the Vikings Select Jared Allen...

The Vikings were the only team that could have their draft pick at their Draft Party. Using their #1 to trade for Jared Allen from Kansas City, the Vikings were able to unveil their 'draft pick' at the Draft Party and not only could you meet the man, but you could buy his jersey! Kinda funny.

Now the Chief defensive end Jared Allen wasn't cheap. In addition to their first rounder, the Vikings game up two third-round picks and traded sixth-round picks. Wow! In addition to that, the Vikings signed Allen to a superstar money: a 6-year, $74 million deal with $31 million in guaranteed money. WOW squared! That's a hefty deal!

Many questioned the deal. Me, I think it's an expensive move for Minnesota. But I gotta admit that with Williams and Williams, the line is looking fierce and threatening. The Vikes already had a good defense. Will Jared make it more menacing? Stay tuned.

Beyond Allen, the Vikings really have taken chances and this draft might be one we look back at in a couple of years and are amazed. Of course, the other option is complete disappointment. Until we have hindsight, here's the rest of the Vikings draft class of 2008 with my thoughts:

Round Player
2 12 (43) Tyrell Johnson, a safety who might help.
5 2(137) John David Booty, a quarterback with potential who came from an NFL-prep program at USC
5 17(152) Letroy Guion, a defensive tackle who will need to work hard to crack the club's opening day roster
6 21(187) John Sullivan, a center from Notre Dame, this pick is a perfect addition to help the line for the future
6 27(193) Jaymar Johnson, a wide receiver from a smaller school (Jackson State), the Vikings drafted some speed

Gus is Good...For the Moment

The Vikings are talking to quarterback Gus Frerotte to fill a quarterback opening. I think it's a good idea to finally bring in a solid veteran to back up Tavaris Jackson. Before I call this a good move (it's a good idea so far!), I would have to know where Gus is at and perhaps why Saint Louis let him go.

No matter what, we cannot say Brooks Bollinger is the answer. I think many of us thought that the day he was acquired. What do you think?

So Gus covers the moment. Now, we need a plan beyond today. I think the Vikings draft board has to include a quarterback and the Vikes cannot count on something opening up via training camp cuts. I'm not saying that Tavaris cannot recover. I think he could. But I do think that you need a plan in case he does not.

So for now, Gus is good.

Brink of Disaster? Pull Back from the Edge!

The Vikings are on the brink of disaster. With a Redskins win at home versus Dallas (or worse yet, a loss Sunday in Denver), the Vikings would be eliminated from playoff contention after being in the driving seat. It is a disaster for Viking fans to be so close, yet so far.

But we have know that all year, haven't we? The Vikings are so close but so far away. Since day 1, we have known the Vikings have potential but have a major gap: Quarterback. 15 games later, it's unchanged. The last-second gasp move to acquire Kelly Holcomb from the Philadelphia Eagles was too little too late. Do you really expect to trade a 6th round pick for your savior? Me neither.

That's the bad news. But if you read me, you know I love good news. And for the Vikings, it is GREAT news! Look around the league and there are many other teams with more problems than Minnesota. And the Vikings are 1 player away from being in contention. Now it's not easy to find a quarterback but it is possible. Look at Detroit! Huge problems on defense and offense. Can they fix it with one player? No. Chicago, also a QB away, has defensive problems, too. South of Minnesota, Saint Louis has a system problem and are not one player away. San Francisco has players but it won't come together. I look at those messes and think that just being a QB off, it's quite nice.

So Sunday, no matter what happens, yes, it's true. The Vikings are on the brink of disaster but there is hope. I contend the Vikings are one player away from going back to the brink of disaster.

So yes, it could be bad depending on how Sunday shakes out. But the real problem will be if Minnesota fails to act again. They messed up in 2006 with Brooks Bolinger. They messed up in 2007 with Kelly Holcomb. Don't strike out again in 2008. That would be moving from the brink into the mouth of disaster. Until that happens, it's safe: Pull back from the edge.

Don: Look For the Upset

This Sunday, the faltering Vikings face the undefeated Packers in Minnesota. Packer fans will be bringing the cheese expecting some purple w(h)ine. Well, people, this is my prediction: This is a Vikings win! Those divisional games are so unpredictable. This will be Brett's last loss in the 'dome and the NFL will wonder if the Vikings are that good or if the Packers simply are not.

The reason for my prediction? Easy, this is the hated Packers and this is "our house". I fully expect the Vikings to protect this house and elate in Purple Pride after two disappointing losses this year. Look for Adrian Peterson - AD (All Day) - to enjoy a great day.

Bleed on,
Don

Don: What the Vikings Preseason Taught Me

Yes, it was preseason. It's a time when talent is evaluated and for some reason they track the score. Before anyone gets excited about the Vikings 2-2 preseason, I want to point out that no one went undefeated and two teams (Kansas City and Arizona) were winless.

I don't look at the record, I look at production. On defense, I saw a great 2007 coming. The defense forced turnovers. If you want to be completely sceptical, you can say the other teams made mistakes. Fine. I'll grant you that but I will point out the Vikings took advantage of that. They recovered the ball. That's something because they are not missing the opportunties and players are in position.

The offense is another story. Quarterback is a problem even with the acquisition of Kelly Holcomb. Speaking of Holcomb, does anyone else think it is strange that for the 2nd year in a row, the Vikings have traded late in training camp for a questionable QB? Last year it was Brooks Bollinger which still isn't paying off. Tarvaris Jackson has to produce based on what I've seen as he has no support. There is plenty of hope at running back. It will be exciting to see what Adrian Peterson can do. I saw a lot of 28 jerseys this preseason and I think those fans are optimistic, too. The line could be good and the rest of the offense will need their help to shine. But there's hope.

If you're concerned about the Vikings offense, you should be. In the past, the Vikings defense has been the weakness and a good offense couldn't overcome it. Now the table is turned. Before you get too, concerned, look to the Windy City. Just look east to see the lowly Bear offense and realize that the Vikings D can make a major impact in 2007.

My preseason watching showed me a good D and bad O. Honestly, I see a chance and I see a team worth watching. If you don't have the opener tickets, get them now. You might regret missing out of day 1 of this year.

Bleed on,
Don