In the pissing match that is the feud between the Seahawks and Vikings.  Burleson allowed himself to be played like a punk, and I hope the Vikings challenge the provisions in his contract.  But even if they succeed, don't re-sign that punk.  With the stipulations like less than 5 games in the contract, it's obvious Burleson wants out of Minnesota, so let him go.  But make sure the NFL fixes these "poison pills."

When the Vikings were taken to arbitration over Hutchinson's contract, I was hoping that the arbitrator would deem those clauses non-necessary.  For as much as I would like to get the NFL's best offensive guard, I realized that the Vikings could be opening a Pandora's box of restricted/transition free agents.  Soon it could be next to impossible for a team to retain it's restricted free agents, or transition tagged players.  Rival teams interested in taking their players, could add a stipulation that if the jersey you wear is green, all of your money is guaranteed.  These poison pills have the potential to get ridiculous, and the NFL needs to do something about it.  The NFL needs to either outlaw poison pills completely, or make a list of reasonable, acceptable "poison pills." 

But back to Burleson, it became very clear that the Vikings had no intention of bringing Burleson back when they put the 3rd round tender on him.  With Koren Robinson re-signed, and Troy Williamson burning for playing time, it seems like the right thing to do would be to let Burleson at least test the market.  His 2005 campaign was far below his previous standards,  and after spending 5 games injured, he never could gain a rhythm and was largely invisible in the offense (minus the one highlight that ESPN plays every time they talk about him...or the Vikings).  I used to like Nate Burleson, but the loyalty he showed by signing that tender, makes me believe that he has no intention of staying and Minnesota, and so I wish him all the best in Seattle, except when he plays the VIkings. 

Now that Free Agency has begun and many of the teams have fixed gaping holes on their rosters.  I feel that it is time to release Mocking The Draft:  Version 1.  I will post an updated Mock draft periodically during the next month, as teams sign free agents, and draft picks slide up and down the board.  I will not predict trades.  So without further adue, I bring to you Mocking The Draft:  Version 1.

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With the First Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Houston Texans Select:  RB Reggie Bush.

Many people believe that the Texans just don't have the offensive line to take Reggie Bush.  Many people believe that Dominick Davis is a solid back, and the Texans are better suited to fix other needs, rather than pick the electric Reggie Bush.  And to those idiots, I have one thing to say:  Heisman!  Bush has been phenominal in his career as a Trojan.  Racking up big yards game in and game out.  This back has the potential to be the next 2000 yard rusher.  Remember this, Barry Sanders never had an offensive line, and he still got the job done.  A playmaker as good as Bush only comes around once every 10 years, and the Texans would be fools to pass on a player with as much potential as Reggie Bush.
Other possiblities include:  Vince Young, Trade Down

With the second pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the New Orleans Saints select:  Defensive End Mario Williams.

 

After signing Drew Brees, 99% of all mock drafts were in need of serious revision.  The buzz on Mario Williams has been Julius Peppers II.  THe Saints are in serious need of defensive line help, their leading sackmaster had only 8.5 sacks (Will Smith), and second place was a pathetic 3.5.  Williams would bring a lot of talent into a unit that struggled last season. 
Other Possiblities include:  Trade Down, D'Brickshaw Ferguson

With the 3rd pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Tennessee Titans Select QB Vince Young.

After the Saints took Drew Brees, Matt Lienart took another hit in the Draft Position, and the Titans will likely take potential over proven talent.  Wonderlic shmunderlic, Vince Young is the most intriguing player in the draft.  With Steve McNair likely on his last legs, Vince Young looks like the obvious choice to be McNair's Prodigy.  Young will likely spend 2006 riding the pine, but for good reason.  His mechanics need a little tweaking (although due to his height, his side arm release isn't as big of a deal as some people believe).  Vince will spend the year learning from one of the NFL's best QB's, and absorbing the offense. 
Other possibliities include:  Matt Lienart, LB AJ Hawk, D' Brickshaw Ferguson

With the 4th pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The New York Jets Select QB Matt Lienart. 

Anyone else think Matt is begginning to regret coming back to finish his senior year?  Last year he would have been the undisputed #1 pick, (forget Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers).  But in 2006, he slides 3 spots down, and loses a considerable chunk of change.  Maybe it isn't all about the money for this kid, but nobody would be happy with 4th pick money, when 1st pick money was available.  The Jets need a new QB, Chad Pennington can officially be put into the bust category.  The Jets looked to be on the outside looking in (4th pick, 3 franchise players) but due to the Saints filling their need at QB, the Jets will get the impact draft pick they were hoping for. 
Other possiblities include D'brickshaw Ferguson, AJ Hawk

With the 5th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Green Bay Packers select QB Jay Cutler

The third QB in a row, Jay Cutler looks to have the inside track to replace a legend in GB, Brett Favre.  Personally I hope this pick does not happen, becuase the Favre - Cutler comparrisons are already sickening.  With Aaron Rodgers still on the roster, GB will look to make a move to trade Rodgers for a late first round pick, or an early 2nd round pick.  Cutler is a phenominal talent, and he shined, even while surrounded by the black hole of talent that is Vandy. 
Other possiblities include:  Trading Down, LB AJ Hawk, TE Vernon Davis

With the 6th PIck in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the San Fransisco 49'ers select T D'Brickshaw Ferguson

Finally a home for the draft's most dominant offensive lineman.  The Niners need help everywhere, but protecting their franchise QB would be a great start.  Ferguson is a beast, 6' 6", 312 lbs and quick.  NFL Draft Countdown puts it like this:  "Feet are second to none and he is like a big dancing bear."  The Niners will get themselves a franchise tackle, and the beginning of a dominant offensive line. 
Other possiblities include:  LB A.J. Hawk, CB/S MIchael Huff, TE Vernon Davis

With the 7th pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Oakland Raiders select TE Vernon Davis

Jeremy Shockey, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Alge Crumpler, Vernon Davis.  Vernon Davis is quite possibily the most amazing athelete at the tight end position to come out of the NFL Draft.  Running a 4.38 40, Davis has the potential to dominate opposing linebackers (just keep away from motorcycles eh?... no need for Kellen Winslow III)  The Raiders are amassing quite an offense, with weapons like Moss, Porter, and Davis, just about any QB could succeed in Oakland (except Kerry Collins' sorry ass). 
other possiblities include:  LB AJ Hawk, Trade Down

With the 8th pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Buffalo Bills select NT Haloti Ngata

Remember Pat Williams Bills fans?  Well Ngata may not be that big, but he is big enough.  Ngata will be a force in the middle for the Bills and will help a defensive unit regain it's luster that it sorely lacked.  Teams victimized the Bills up the middle all year long, and selecting Ngata would change that. 
Other possiblities include:  Winston Justice, AJ Hawk

With the 9th pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Detroit Lions select WR Santonio Holmes

Just kidding Lions fans, (i had to take the shot) I believe the Lions will actually select Safety/corner Micheal Huff.  Drafting in the top 10 yet again, (2006 = Breakout year, Right Lions Fans/media?) I'm not sure where the Lions will line this kid up.  My best guess would be at FS because he would be a major upgarde there. 
Other Possiblities include Trade Down, AJ Hawk

With the 10th pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Arizona Cardinals select T Winston Justice

Many Mock Drafts had either Deangelo Williams or Lendale White going to Arizona before James made a stunning decision to head to the desert.  Now the Cardinals are in an interesting predicament:  No QB's available (Young, Lienart, Cutler all taken), No worthy TE's (Davis taken).  So the Cardinals decide to improve their pitiful Offensive Line.  Justice is a bit raw, and may be a reach here at #10 overall, but I believe his ability is enough to entice the Cardinals to select him in hopes of giving Edge something to run behind. 
Other possiblities include LB AJ Hawk, Trade Down

With the 11th pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The St. Louis Rams select LB AJ Hawk

About damn time somebody picked him.  You may be looking at me now and saying, this kid is crazy.  Over the years, Linebackers have a tendancy to slide a bit (See Vilma, D.J. Williams, and Derrick Johnson).  Even after signing Will Witherspoon, the Rams are still desperate to upgrade a unit that has been pitiful at best for them over the last 5-6 years.  The Rams would have loved Vernon Davis to fall to them at 11, but sadly that did not happen and the rams are forced to "settle" on the draft's best LB prospect.  With the versatility to play any of the linebacker positions, Hawk should fit right in on the Rams unit. 
Other possiblities include:  Trade Down

With the 12th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Cleveland Browns select LB Bobby Carpenter

a bit high for a player who spent the majority of the 2005 college season on the bench with an injury.  That considered, Bobby Carpenter is the Best 3-4 LB prospect in the NFL draft.  While the Browns can likely trade down to get him, (I'm not gonna make trades in this mock) the Browns reach a little and fix one of their few remaining needs now that they have signed the likes of Joe Jurvicious, and LeCharles Bentley. 
Other Possiblitiies include Chad Greenway, Santonio Holmes, Trade Down

With the 13th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select WR Santonio Holmes

Derrick Mason cannot do it alone folks.  While they grabbed Mark Clayton last year, the Ravens are still in desperate need of help in the recieving department.  Holmes is a far cry from previous top ranked WRs, but do not be discouraged Ravens fans, He is still a great prospect and a phenominal deep threat. 
other possiblities include LB Chad Greenway, Trade Down

With the 14th pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Philidelphia Eagles select RB Lendale White. 

The Eagles are disapointed when Holmes does not fall to them at 14, now desperate for a WR are forced to select a great power runner in Lendale White.  The back-up to the phenominal Reggie Bush, Lendale White will be the perfect compliment to Brian Westbrook.  Even with a great running game, the Eagles may be in for a rough season if they don't find a WR soon. 
Other possiblities include:  LB Chad Greenway, Trade Up

With the 15th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select S Donte Whitner

The Falcons are a team with few needs that can be solved by the NFL draft.  Santonio Holmes their #1 target is already off the board, and the team is forced to upgrade their safety.  Donte Whitner is a phenominal talent and has the versatility to play both safety positions and corner.  This advantage may also prove to be a disadvantage becuase he may not have the ideal size to play any of those positions.  But nevertheless i beileve the Falcons will get themesleves some quality talent at the safety position here. 
Other possiblities include:  Jimmy Williams, Ko Simpson

With the 16th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Miami Dolphins select CB Jimmy Williams

Jimmy Williams at Virginia Tech was a phenominal player.  With the departure of corner back Sam Madison the Dolphins find themselves lacking in that department.  Williams is the perfect player to mold into a future stud at the corner position.  The Dolphins are slowly looking like contenders with an offense that features Daunte, Ronnie Brown, and Chambers coupled with the great defense, the Dolphins are quickly becoming a force in the 2006 season. 
Other possiblities include:  LB Chad Greenway

With the 17th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select LB Chad Greenway

While many teams thought the Vikings would look to the draft to fill their void at RB, the Vikings changed that by signing talented RB Chester Taylor from the Ravens.  The Vikings are estatic that Greenway has fallen to them at 17 and quickly select the Iowa linebacker.  At this point, this selection is about as much of a no-brainer as they come.  With no other viable options for the Vikings, Greenway is definately a best-case scenario for the Vikings.
Other possiblities include:  Trading Up, Trading down

With the 18th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select T Eric Winston

The Cowboys look to upgrade their weak offensive line, and will likely use Winston at the RT spot.  He has the versatility to play both sides, and will be an immidiate upgrade at the right side.  With Terrell Owens landing in Dallas, the QB will need some time to throw the ball and Winston will be able to give them just that. 
Other Possiblities include RB Deangelo Williams, Marcus McNeil

With the 19th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The San Diego Chargers Select S Ko Simpson

The Chargers would have loved for Holmes to slide down to them at 19, they decide to upgrade themselves at safety.  Thus Simpson is the obvious choice.  Simpson is a big hitter, and has great instincts, although he is a 23 year old sophmore, he is still a great young talent.
Other possiblities include:  Brodrick Bunkley, Trade Up

With the 20th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Kansas City Cheifs Select WR Chad Jackson

Trent Green is an excellent QB, but he has never had a great #1 WR.  Chad Jackson has the potential to be that legit #1 target at WR.  Jackson was a standout at the combine and has been crawling up the draft boards, don't be suprised if you see this kid go as early as 14 (to the Eagles). 
Other possiblities include:  Brodrick BUnkley, Tamba Hali

With the 21st pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the New England Patriots select DE Kamerion Wimbly

The Patriots will need to replace Willie McGinnist, and Wimbly is the best choice to do so.  Wimbly is fits the prototype for a Tweener OLB/DE and should fit in well in the Patriots scheme.  Tamba Hali may be the better talent at this point, but he just doesn't fit in well for the 3-4. 
Other possiblites include Tamba Hali

With the 22nd Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Denver Broncos Select RB Deangelo Williams

The Rich get richer in this crazy mock draft.  Many people may think I should be locked up for allowing Williams to slide all the way to 22, but I believe it's possible due to many teams locking up their needs at RB.  The Broncos are quick to snatch a RB that coudl be the next clinton portis, undersized and fast, Williams should be able to run circles around the NFL behind the NFL's best offensive line.  (Hell, if guys like Mike Anderson can run behind that line... just think what somebody with talent could do)
Other possiblities include:  Trading Up

With the 23rd pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select T Marcus McNeil

The Bucs need help at Offensive line in the worst way, and Mount McNeil is just the canidate to bring them that help.  Kenyatta walker?  Pleeeeaaaaseee.  The Bucs would be foolish to pass on an offensive lineman with as much potential as McNiel
Other Possiblities include: 

With the 24th PIck in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Cincinatti Bengals select DE Tamba Hali
The Bengals have enough offensive firepower to score with just about anybody.  But the defense has left much to be desired.  Grabbing Pollock and Thurman last year was a great start, and the Bengals will look to continue that success by drafting another great defensive end.
Other Possiblities include:  Brodrick Bunkley

With the 25th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the New York Giants Select Lawrence Maroney
This pick is not based on need, as they already have Tiki Barber.  a Cornerback might be a tempting reach at 25, but the Giants would be foolish not to grab a RB who should be shooting up the draft boards after his excellent workout at Minnesota's pro-day.  Tiki Barber cannot run forever, and is nearing the age of no-return for RB's.  Barber would be an excellent back-up for his rookie year, and would be ready to take the reigns in 2-3  years while Barber's role slowly diminishes. 
Other Possiblities include Ashton Youboty

With the 26th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Chicago Bears select TE Leonard Pope
The Bears offense was downright ugly last year.  Blame it on an injury to Rex Grossman if you want to, but the fact of the matter is the Bears just lack talent on the offensive side of the ball.  While it didn't hold them back too terribly, managing to take the NFC North, the Bears will look to add a recieving threat to give Grossman/Orton other options.  (I put a slash there, because Grossman is good for about an injury a year...)  Leonard Pope would be a great pick here, but the Bears might also favor Mercedes Lewis, another TE in the draft. 
Other POssiblities include Mercedes Lewis

With the 27th PIck in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Carolina Panthers select DT Brodrick Bunkley

With the 28th PIck in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars Select LB Demeco Ryans

With the 29th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Denver Broncos select DE Mathias Kiwanika

With the 30th Pick in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, The Indianapolis Colts select CB Ashton Youboty

With the 31st PIck in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select OG Max-Gean Giles

With the 32nd PIck in the 2006 NFL Entry Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select  C Greg Eslinger

Free Agency has finally began, and for the Vikings it began with a bang.  Moving quickly the Vikings grabbed themselves an outside linebacker (Ben Leber), a kicker (Ryan Longwell), a running back (Chester Taylor), and Signed an Offer-sheet for a guard (Steve Hutchinson)

How in the hell do the Vikings always have 500 million in cap space laying around? 
Reach-around for Tagliabue?  Actually, the Vikings have the space because of one thing, Red McCombs.  While Red was a cheap used-car salesman who wouldn't spend money on the Vikings even though it was obvious they were in a position to win a fucking superbowl (...remember to breathe), he did do one good thing for the Vikings.  That good thing was setting the franchise for long-term financial stability.  His cap strategy of front loading contracts so he only had to sign 1 or 2 guys to fill the cap requirements, and putting "dead money" (unreachable performance bonuses that count towards the cap #) into contracts, have set the Vikings up for several years of 20+ million dollars in cap room. 

Who is Ben Leber?
If the you love the term "garden variety," you will love this signing.  This 6-3 244 pound 28 year old outside linebacker is everything you would expect from the term average.  An injury shortened 2005 campaign leads me to question the signing of this guy.  Yes, he fits the prototype of the cover 2 linebacker (Athletic, fast, good in coverage), There is a whole lot of talent available at the position this year, including players like Will Witherspoon, Brandon Short, and Julian Peterson.  I'm a bit disappointed in this signing even though he is an obvious upgrade over the crap the Vikings have lined up at the position last year (Napoleon Harris for Moss?  Glad the Vikings got rid of that cancerous WR).  I would like to make myself clear because my tone has been a bit harsh on this guy.  I believe that Leber will be an upgrade over the players the Vikings are currently featuring, but am disappointed the Vikings didn't make a bigger splash to upgrade the achilles heel of the Vikings. 

Are all Packers closet Viking fans?
Of course.  Minnesota is just a much more appealing place than Green Bay.  Let's face it, do you want to play in a city, while historic, features absolutely nothing in entertainment besides football, or do you want to go to the Twin Cities where you can catch a baseball, basketball, hockey or even a soccer game.  Most people respect lambeau field and such, but unless you are a football purist, the place holds no more "mystique" than my left nut.  (And mystique is about the only thing that place has going for it...take it from someone living north of Green Bay, It's fucking cold in Wisconsin).  Kicker Ryan Longwell will join his ex-teammate Darren Sharper on the Vikings Roster.  After what appears to be his worst season in the NFL, Longwell signed a 5 year contract cementing his future for a considerable amount of time.  His averages should benefit from playing in the dome 8 weeks out of the year, look for Longwell to regain his luster after an ugly season.  Javon Walker, you're next.

Is Chester Taylor for real?
Chester Taylor is the running back the Vikings have been looking to have since Robert Smith walked away after a career year.  These tires may have four years of experience, but there still is plenty of tread left.  with only 363 attempts, Taylor has averaged 4.3 YPC.  Even if he doesn't have the stamina to take on 25+ carries, the Vikings have plenty of guys who will be willing to take 5-10 carries off his plate.  I hope the Vikings will feature Taylor as a true #1 back, and will only use Mewelde Moore sparingly when Taylor needs a rest, or as a change of pace.  I'm looking forward to seeing what this guy can do when he is given the opportunity to be "the" guy. 

49 Million Dollars for a Guard?
Yes that is a huge number.  But remember, the Vikings have a lot of cap-room this year, and have set up the contract so it pays out 13 million dollars this year (rumored).  meaning the rest of the years would be roughly 6 million dollars (again, rumored).  The Vikings have the money, and they should spend it.  They went this high on the guaranteed money so the Seahawks would have a tough time matching it.  The Seahawks do have the room to match it, but may not considering the fact that he is a guard and it's not impossible to replace him.  After committing so much money to Shaun Alexander I find it hard to believe they would want to spend another 13 million dollars of their cap room to keep their best Guard.  Hutchinson would be an anchor on the Vikings Offensive line and would join the ranks of Bryant McKinnie and Matt Birk as elite lineman for the Minnesota Vikings.  The VIkings still have holes to fill on the line, with Rosenthal, Marcus Johnson and Tonui Fonoti the only realistic options for next season currently on the roster. 

 

Attempting to Make Sense of the Chaos

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Daunte to be CUT!  Daunte to be TRADED!  Brad Johnson wants to START! Daunte Demands Raise! Daunte FIRES Agent!  Vikings Interested in BREES!

The Vikings have been bombarded by a ridiculous amount of publicity in the ever continuing saga that is Daunte Culpepper.  A fan could be quite overwhelmed by the overload of information, speculation and fabrication coming out of the talking heads we call the media. 

With all the headlines in such a short period of time, I think it's time somebody tries to break down the quotes, read between the lines, and offer some (relatively) informed speculation.  

"You don't ever say never at this time of year," Childress said. "Never and always are two long periods of time." -- Star Tribune

This comment is typical coach-speak.  Childress tries to deny rumors without saying anything he can be specifically held to if by chance he does trade Daunte.  The basic thing he is saying here, is that if the phone rings, he is going to answer.  This is neither a confirmation or a denial that the Vikings wish to trade Daunte. 

 "the Vikings have not yet spoken to other teams about trading me." -- Star Tribune

The origin of the quote is a bit murky.  According to the Strib, This is a quote from an E-mail written by Daunte, stating that Zygi told him the Vikings haven't shopped him.  Simple eh?  This is something closer to a denial, but until Wilf himself makes this comment, it's quite useless.  Considering the information, this could be an outright lie, a misinterpretation, or an out of context comment.  Without the full e-mail, it's quite useless. 

and finally, some more coach speak:

"You don't not talk to people when they call. We've had inquiries. That's what happens this time of year. You listen to everything that's going on and find out what's subterfuge and kind of go from there." -- Star Tribune

Basically, Childress confirms that a telephone is a two-way devices.  Again, neither a confirmation or a denial. 

One article down, and the waters seem just as murky as ever.  Ahh the frustrations of being a blogger. 

Quotes Above come from this article:  http://www.startribune.com/510/story/269966.html

 

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"I shared my disappointment with the lack of communication and the false reports about me demanding more money coming out of Minnesota. I have requested further talks so that we can explore options for the future."  -- Star Tribune

Well, This is something we can actually sink or teeth into.  Daunte calls the demands for a new contract false, hmm... the Media wouldn't lie, would they?  (Of course not )  The Article also continues to tell us that Daunte has offered to move his 6 million dollar roster bonus if the team needs to for cap purposes.  Thanks Daunte, but with 23 Million dollars available already, It's best to just get that 6 million off the books now. 

And now, the Greatest quote from a professional athlete in quite a long time:

"Each year they pay you to play is a gift," he said. "I expect that if there are no changes to my present contract then I should prepare for a year-by-year commitment. When I am ready to hit the field this year, wherever it may be, I plan on being better than ever and enjoying the ride."

While this quote adds to the uncertainty of his future with the Vikings, it at the very least shows a humble attitude (if you believe what he is saying is true). 

So, will he stay or will he go?  The waters seem to be clearing a bit, but there is still nothing solid to stand upon. 

Quotes in this section from:  http://www.startribune.com/510/story/267294.html

 

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To finish off this voyage into the murky waters that surround Daunte's future, I leave you with one final quote: 

"Because I am getting so many requests to comment about reported trade talks, I thought it best to make a clear statement that hopefully won't be misinterpreted. I have found over the years that 'people with knowledge of the situation' are usually the most ignorant, and 'anonymous sources' are usually synonymous with cowards who don't want to go on the record," Culpepper wrote.

Well, if anything could be considered a complete denial, this would be it.  Daunte takes this opportunity to bash the media, (whom might I add has very little credibility left on the Vikings after their dumpster diving actions)  And also takes an opportunity to take a shot at "people with knowledge of the situation."  This quote right here is what leads me to believe that Daunte will be back.  I'm not saying the Vikings won't look in to trading Daunte, but I believe he truly wants to stay in Minnesota, and I'm all for anyone who will help the Vikings get back to the playoffs.