The Gopher
08-22-2005, 12:59 PM
Training Camp and Preseason is heaven for a journeyman. Open competition at many different positions, and ample playing time to prove yourself. This is the time of year where you can take one team's cast aways, and turn them into superstars. The Minnesota Vikings have open competition at many different positions, and have very few solidified positions.
Runningback: Micheal Bennett Vs Mewelde Moore
Tice has all but guaranteed Bennett will be the starter, but that doesn't mean a strong showing by Mewelde Moore, the Vikings 4th round Choice in the 2004 NFL Draft, wouldn't cast doubt on Bennett's starting role. So far this preseason, the Minnesota Vikings running game has struggled to gain yards. Against the Jets, neither Moore nor Bennett could get anything going against the strong run defense of the Jets. Ciatrick Fason (2005 4th round Draft Choice) was the only back that showed a consistent ability to get out of the backfield, but that was against the 3rd string defense of the Jets.
Predicted Starter: Bennett. This guy is too damn fast to let rot on the bench, and is in better shape that he was before his injuries in terms of speed.
Wide Receiver: Marcus Robinson Vs Travis Taylor Vs Troy Williamson.
The Vikings have a clear Cut #1 Wide Receiver in Nate Burleson, but the #2 and #3 receivers are less clear. There are 3 Contenders to line up opposite Burleson in the starting line-up, and the pre-camp favorite was Marcus Robinson. But Robinson hasn't done well in the preseason, and Travis Taylor has impressed the coaches with the ability to make tough catches, and the knack for getting open. Troy Williamson impressed the coaches when He got a taste of the NFL against the Jets, and Tice has guaranteed Williamson will see an increased role next week. I am already stating on record that Williamson is a part of the greatest smokescreen in Vikings history. Every mention of Williamson, has been that he will be brought along slowly, and that he will likely be 4th on the depth chart once the season begins. But a player with the raw athletic talent of Williamson has an excellent chance of being an impact player early. Regardless of who wins these battles, all of the receivers will have an impact on the offense, because daunte has shown the ability to spread the ball around, using all of his options.
My Prediction: #2 WR, Travis Taylor #3 WR, Troy Williamson #4 WR, Marcus Robinson
Left Guard: Adam Golberg Vs Marcus Johnson
The Minnesota Vikings were disappointed when Mike Nugent went just before there pick, but as a result they may have found an impact player in Rookie Marcus Johnson. Johnson, the Vikings 2nd round pick, is entrenched in a battle to fill the void left by David Dixon in the Vikings Offensive line. Golberg looked to be a lock as a starter, and Johnson would be used as a back-up to Mike Rosenthal as Rosenthal returned from a serious injury last season, but Johnson's stellar play has led to open competition at LG. Both of these guards were in the starting line-up versus the Jets due to a slight injury to RG Chris Lewinski, and Tice was impressed by both of there play, especially in pass protection.
My Prediction: Marcus Johnson
Defensive End: Erasmus James Vs Lance Johnstone Vs Darrion Scott
The Minnesota Vikings used the 18th selection of the NFL draft to select Wisconsin defensive end Erasmus James. Guaranteed a starting job before camp, James held out for nearly two weeks, and thus his starting job was given to Darrion Scott. Tice stated that due to his hold-out, James would have to work his way into the lineup. Lance Johnstone is an excellent pass rusher, and while he was used exclusively as a 3rd down pass rusher, he managed to pile up double digit sacks the last two seasons. Darrion Scott was a 3rd Round selection last season, and worked his way into the starting line-up due to ex Viking Kenny Mixon's struggles. Scott has had an excellent pre-season, but it's likely This "tweener" defensive lineman will get more snaps spelling NT Pat Williams than he will at DE.
My Prediction: Erasmus James (Lance Johnstone will find his way into the Line-up on 3rd downs)
Weakside Linebacker: E.J. Henderson Vs Dontarrius Thomas
One position that looks to be strongly contested is the Weakside Linebacker. Henderson has switched positions due to the fact that he has had a strong camp, but fellow MLB Sam Cowart has been even better. Henderson will have to compete with the best athlete the Vikings have at the Linebacker position in Dontarrius Thomas. Both Linebackers were second round picks, and both had starting roles last season and showed there inexperience. Thomas got himself in trouble over pursuing runs, and allowing his athleticism to be exploited. Henderson led the Vikings in tackles last season, but was often found out of position, and lost on the field. But in there second season in Cottrell's system, both have looked much more comfortable on the field, and are looking to turn the Vikings greatest position of weakness, and turn it into a strength.
My Prediction: Henderson
Kicker: Paul Edinger Vs Aaron Elling
Minnesota Vikings signed Former bears Kicker Paul Edinger this off season to provide competition in camp for incumbent kicker Aaron Elling. Both kickers have had solid preseasons, and they are neck and neck heading into the 3rd week of preseason. Elling has the stronger leg, which gives him an advantage in longer kicks, and kickoffs. Edinger is known as a very accurate kicker, but had an off year last year, and a change of scenery could work wonders for him.
My Prediction: Elling
Punter: Darren Bennett Vs Travis Dorch
Darren Bennett came to the Vikings last season with quite the resume. a history of strong punting in San Diego, and a background in Aussie Rules football, giving him toughness. But his punts have been consistently inconsistent for the Vikings, following up a 30 yard punt with a 61 yard blast. New Comer Travis Dorch had a spectacular season in NFL Europe, and has quietly played himself into a heated battle with Darren Bennett.
My Prediction: Dorch
Runningback: Micheal Bennett Vs Mewelde Moore
Tice has all but guaranteed Bennett will be the starter, but that doesn't mean a strong showing by Mewelde Moore, the Vikings 4th round Choice in the 2004 NFL Draft, wouldn't cast doubt on Bennett's starting role. So far this preseason, the Minnesota Vikings running game has struggled to gain yards. Against the Jets, neither Moore nor Bennett could get anything going against the strong run defense of the Jets. Ciatrick Fason (2005 4th round Draft Choice) was the only back that showed a consistent ability to get out of the backfield, but that was against the 3rd string defense of the Jets.
Predicted Starter: Bennett. This guy is too damn fast to let rot on the bench, and is in better shape that he was before his injuries in terms of speed.
Wide Receiver: Marcus Robinson Vs Travis Taylor Vs Troy Williamson.
The Vikings have a clear Cut #1 Wide Receiver in Nate Burleson, but the #2 and #3 receivers are less clear. There are 3 Contenders to line up opposite Burleson in the starting line-up, and the pre-camp favorite was Marcus Robinson. But Robinson hasn't done well in the preseason, and Travis Taylor has impressed the coaches with the ability to make tough catches, and the knack for getting open. Troy Williamson impressed the coaches when He got a taste of the NFL against the Jets, and Tice has guaranteed Williamson will see an increased role next week. I am already stating on record that Williamson is a part of the greatest smokescreen in Vikings history. Every mention of Williamson, has been that he will be brought along slowly, and that he will likely be 4th on the depth chart once the season begins. But a player with the raw athletic talent of Williamson has an excellent chance of being an impact player early. Regardless of who wins these battles, all of the receivers will have an impact on the offense, because daunte has shown the ability to spread the ball around, using all of his options.
My Prediction: #2 WR, Travis Taylor #3 WR, Troy Williamson #4 WR, Marcus Robinson
Left Guard: Adam Golberg Vs Marcus Johnson
The Minnesota Vikings were disappointed when Mike Nugent went just before there pick, but as a result they may have found an impact player in Rookie Marcus Johnson. Johnson, the Vikings 2nd round pick, is entrenched in a battle to fill the void left by David Dixon in the Vikings Offensive line. Golberg looked to be a lock as a starter, and Johnson would be used as a back-up to Mike Rosenthal as Rosenthal returned from a serious injury last season, but Johnson's stellar play has led to open competition at LG. Both of these guards were in the starting line-up versus the Jets due to a slight injury to RG Chris Lewinski, and Tice was impressed by both of there play, especially in pass protection.
My Prediction: Marcus Johnson
Defensive End: Erasmus James Vs Lance Johnstone Vs Darrion Scott
The Minnesota Vikings used the 18th selection of the NFL draft to select Wisconsin defensive end Erasmus James. Guaranteed a starting job before camp, James held out for nearly two weeks, and thus his starting job was given to Darrion Scott. Tice stated that due to his hold-out, James would have to work his way into the lineup. Lance Johnstone is an excellent pass rusher, and while he was used exclusively as a 3rd down pass rusher, he managed to pile up double digit sacks the last two seasons. Darrion Scott was a 3rd Round selection last season, and worked his way into the starting line-up due to ex Viking Kenny Mixon's struggles. Scott has had an excellent pre-season, but it's likely This "tweener" defensive lineman will get more snaps spelling NT Pat Williams than he will at DE.
My Prediction: Erasmus James (Lance Johnstone will find his way into the Line-up on 3rd downs)
Weakside Linebacker: E.J. Henderson Vs Dontarrius Thomas
One position that looks to be strongly contested is the Weakside Linebacker. Henderson has switched positions due to the fact that he has had a strong camp, but fellow MLB Sam Cowart has been even better. Henderson will have to compete with the best athlete the Vikings have at the Linebacker position in Dontarrius Thomas. Both Linebackers were second round picks, and both had starting roles last season and showed there inexperience. Thomas got himself in trouble over pursuing runs, and allowing his athleticism to be exploited. Henderson led the Vikings in tackles last season, but was often found out of position, and lost on the field. But in there second season in Cottrell's system, both have looked much more comfortable on the field, and are looking to turn the Vikings greatest position of weakness, and turn it into a strength.
My Prediction: Henderson
Kicker: Paul Edinger Vs Aaron Elling
Minnesota Vikings signed Former bears Kicker Paul Edinger this off season to provide competition in camp for incumbent kicker Aaron Elling. Both kickers have had solid preseasons, and they are neck and neck heading into the 3rd week of preseason. Elling has the stronger leg, which gives him an advantage in longer kicks, and kickoffs. Edinger is known as a very accurate kicker, but had an off year last year, and a change of scenery could work wonders for him.
My Prediction: Elling
Punter: Darren Bennett Vs Travis Dorch
Darren Bennett came to the Vikings last season with quite the resume. a history of strong punting in San Diego, and a background in Aussie Rules football, giving him toughness. But his punts have been consistently inconsistent for the Vikings, following up a 30 yard punt with a 61 yard blast. New Comer Travis Dorch had a spectacular season in NFL Europe, and has quietly played himself into a heated battle with Darren Bennett.
My Prediction: Dorch