It's often been said that it's impossible to judge an off-season until 3 seasons have passed. In 2004 things looked to be heading up for the Vikings, They found themselves a steal of a draft pick in Kenechi Udeze at 20th overall and were the favorites in the NFC North.

Draft Choices:

1. Kenechi Udeze -DE- (20th overall)
2. Dontarrius Thomas -MLB- (48th overall)
3. Darrion Scott -DE- (88th Overall)
4a. Nat Dorsey -T- (115th Overall)
4b. Mewelde Moore -RB- (119th Overall)
5. Rod Davis -MLB- (155th Overall)
6. Deandre' Eiland -FS- (184th Overall)
7. Jeff Dugan -TE- (220th Overall)

Free Agent Signings:

Jermaine Wiggins -TE-
Antoine Winfield -CB-
Marcus Robinson -WR-
Keith Newman -LB-
Steve Martin -NT-
Darren Bennett -P-
Tyrone Carter -S-

Free Agent Losses:

Greg Biekert -LB- (Retired)
Denard Walker -CB- (Oakland)
Henri Crockett -LB- (Unsigned)
Fred Robbins -NT- (New York Giants)
Charles Stackhouse -FB- (Unsigned)
Hunter Goodwin -TE- (Atlanta)


The 2004 NFL Draft was very good to the Minnesota Vikings, not only are 6 of the 8 players drafted still on the roster, each of those players have found themselves a role on the team. Kenechi Udeze (when healthy) has started for the Vikings at defensive End. He hasn't lived up to the first round expectations, but he has still managed to hold down a starting job. Dontarrius Thomas has been a back-up in his time with the Vikings, plagued by physical talent too disproportionate to his mental ability, he has bounced his way around on special teams, but looks to be ready to compete for the starting MLB spot left vacant by Napoleon Harris. Third Round pick Darrion Scott has become a solid back-up at Defensive end and has played well in relief of the injured Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze in the last few years. Nat Dorsey barely cracked the starting line-up and was cut before the 2006 Season. Mewelde Moore has become an excellent punt returner and third down back for the Vikings. He has shown versatility and an amazing knack for the big play in the new WCO. Fifth Round Pick Rod Davis has contributed strongly in special teams and has given the Vikings depth at Linebacker. Deandre Eiland never cracked the starting line-up and was cut soon after his drafting. Jeff Dugan has become a solid back-up TE and has recently received a contract extension.

The 2004 NFL draft was a solid draft for the Vikings, they provided themselves 1 Starter, depth at several positions, and have had 6/8 of their selections make the roster. I give this draft a C+/B-, with the potential to become an A if Udeze and Thomas live up to pre-draft expectations.


The Vikings also made several strong signings in free agency. Antoine Winfield has become a leader on the Vikings defense and has held down the #1 corner role since he became a Viking. His ability to support against the run and cover opposing receivers makes the Vikings defense much stronger. TE Jermaine Wiggins, although recently cut has given the Vikings some great production. He led the Vikings in receiving for 2 years, and strongly outperformed anyone's wildest expectations. He has yet to sign to a new team for the 2007 season. Marcus Robinson has been a solid contributor in the Red-zone for the Vikings offense. He never developed into the #2 receiver the Vikings hoped he would be, but has contributed to the offense. He was cut mid-season in a shocking move by Head Coach Brad Childress. Kieth Newman was a solid depth signing for the Vikings, he gave the Vikings defense production in spurts, but was cut before the 2006 season. Darren Bennett was brought in to give the Vikings stability at punter, but his performance resulted in the worst season of his career. Tyrone Carter was signed in 2004, but did not make the roster out of camp. Steve Martin provided the Vikings solid depth, but did not last long with the Vikings.

The offseason receives a grade of A because it found Starters Antoine Winfield and Jermaine Wiggins, and did not produce any busts who received large sums of money. This was a strong offseason by the Vikings.

The Free Agents who left the Vikings either retired, or were back-ups for the remainders of their careers with the exception of Fred Robbins. He has become a starter for the Giants, and has produced well on their defensive line.

Overall the 2004 offseason was a success in terms of personnel. They brought in several starters and gave themselves excellent depth Signings. Overall Grade B-/C+ (could become higher if Udeze and Thomas start to play better).