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National Football League
Draft King Mailbag
March 17, 2005
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com
Reader feedback is always welcomed here at DraftKing.com. Send your thoughts to me at LouPickney@gmail.com.
From: Gar Petersen
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 3:32 AM
To: LouPickney@hotmail.com
Subject: Vikings' Draft--no so long away now.
Lou,
With the 7th overall pick I could see the Minneosota Vikings taking Mike Williams, but, I think, and I emphasize that I'm certainly not an expert, but I think it would be better for them if they took LB Derrick Johnson OR DE/LB Shawne Merriman, OR DE Eramus James, (although I wonder if he is injury prone), or S-Thomas Davis if he is available and continued to upgrade their Defense. Not only would the Defense be even more improved, but the WR they could have taken at # 7 pick would not have the pressure to be another Randy Moss type receiver as far as results. I know Williams spoke to that agenda, and that no one can fill Moss' shoes but Randy. Still, there could be some pressure there.
Then at the # 18 pick in the 1st RD, if any of the above players are STILL available, they should take whoever is still available. That's the need I see on Defense even though they have made vast improvements through FA. IF none of those guys are still available, then how about DE David Pollack, who I think would make an excellent DE but, but has shorter arms than most DE; he is also a bit slower than Erasmus James and Shawne Merriman. If we guage the needs on offense WR Troy Williamson, or Guard David Gaas (sp), would be great picks IF they are still if available. I'm guessing at least one of these players will still be available. Hopefully, they could get one of these guys IF they are still available in the 2nd RD. Then in the 3rd, if he is still available take the Kicker Nugent from Ohio State.
But again, I'm no expert, far from it. I'm curious what you think here Lou.
Lou: While Randy Moss had an exceptional rookie season in 1998, that is a rarity for WRs. For every Anquan Boldin in 2003, there's 10 Michael Jenkins in 2004 stories to match. It's just the reality of the position.
The Vikings will need to use at least one of its first rounders on a WR, in all likelihood, and the #7 spot would be a great place to land either Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards. For a team that needs a WR to pass up on one of the two best in the draft... well that would be surprising to me.
I doubt that Derrick Johnson will fall past Cleveland at #3. But even if he does, Minnesota already picked up Napolean Harris from Oakland in the Raiders trade. They have Keith Newman at right OLB, but right behind him is Rod Davis, who is an underrated player (at Southern Miss he did some impressive things). It wouldn't hurt Minnesota to add depth at OLB, but this is not the spot for that, not in my estimation.
As for DE, the team landed DE Kenechi Udeze last year in a major steal, and while Kenny Mixon at left DE could use someone pushing him for the starting job, again you have to look at the big picture and what the biggest benefit for the team will be. The options you brought up are valid, but only if Edwards and Williams are off the board. And even then I think you have to consider someone like Troy Williamson, who continues to impress scouts and coaches.
It is possible that Williamson will be on the board at #18, but that is a major roll of the dice. If it pays off, then it could be great. Let's say Derrick Johnson slips to #7 and you KNOW that Williamson will be there at #18, then you might say okay, let's take DJ here and get Williamson on down. But because there's no such guarantee, and WR is such an important position for the Vikings to secure, I think they have to lock it in at #7.
Personally, if I'm looking to go DE at #18, I'd be more inclined to go Matt Roth than David Pollack. There's been strong support for Pollack in e-mails I've received, and I personally like the guy, but I think if Pollack is the man for Minnesota, they should be able to trade down and get him in the mid 20s. But again, there are no guarantees.
From: surveyor@cvnc.net
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 10:36 AM
To: LouPickney@hotmail.com
Subject: Why do you think the Boys will give up there 20th pick for Howard ?
From my understanding, the trade would take a 2nd round draft choice or possibly a pick in 2006. I really dont think they give up that pick for Howard . And yes this is all speculation ,but i have heard they would be more likely to make a move like last year with the 20th pick . just a thought from a cowboy fan.
Lou: The #20 pick was my speculation, fueled in no small part by the Cowboys' management having discussed in public that it expected to trade one of its two first round picks. But with that talk having cooled off, I intend to change that when I update my mock draft here in a few minutes. That's what I get for going against my own rules of not speculating on trades, I suppose.
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