Vikings draft

nickelpete · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:27 pm Post subject: Vikings draft

I have been watching this forum and notice the current consensus seems to be that everyone hopes that either Mike Williams, Braylon Edwards or Derrick Johnson will fall to the Vikings at #7.
What about Shawne Merriman?
I have been watching the reports on this guy. He is currently projected as a classic "tweener." Possibly an end in a 4-3 or an OLB in a 3-4 but I've also read reports that he has the speed and intelligence to play either a strong or weakside backer role in a 4-3 like the Vikings play. He had a great combine, is big and fast, and currently moving rapidly up draft boards (with some outside predictions feeling he could go as high as #3 to Cleveland).
I'm thinking Shawne Merriman could be a great pick for the Vikes at #7. Everyone obviously thinks he would be a DE if the Vikes draft he, but I think, while perhaps more "raw" than a Derrick Johnson, Merriman could potentially be a better OLB for us (particularly as the reports are that some people are leary of Derrick Johnson's ability to shed blockers and conform to a defensive system that doesn't allow him to freelance.)

So here's my question. What do y'all think of a Vikes LB core of weakside LB Merriman, MLB Henderson, strongside LB Harris...
(I guess if someone knows for certain whether Nap Harris is slated to play outside or middle, I'd appreciate it...)

Helter · Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 8550 Location: Delaware

I've not done much homework on him I only know what you and others here have posted ...

tongtonk · Joined: 13 Mar 2005 Posts: 89 Location: Fargo, NoDak

I think Merriman would be a great pickup.

I still think he is #4 on my list of picks at #7.

1. DJ
2. Williams
3. Edwards
4. Merriman

TONGTONK

tdub · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Posts: 14802 Location: Buckhead, GA

merriman shouldnt go any earlier than 11, so we could theoritcally trade down
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golf333333 · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 10001 Location: Mpls

Theroetically, but the Draft is not predictable, otherwise we wouldn't be here...Digest that...

VIKINGS+DJ=SUPER BOWL TITLE
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common cents · Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 1862 Location: Minneapolis, MN

with the seven pick this my my personal value board seeing what the vikings have...

1. derrick johnson
2. mike williams
3. ronnie brown
4. shawn merriman
5. braylon edwards

Helter · Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 8550 Location: Delaware

other than RB any of those would work
thomas davis maybe at 18

SKOL_VIKES · Joined: 27 Feb 2005 Posts: 391

Don't need T. Davis anymore with darren Sharper coming in.

Dynamite will play the Sam.

Merriman would be a real good pickup, but take a look at Channing Crowder. He is the Mike from Florida and I just don't trust EJ in the middle.

DJ would still be gold at the seven.
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Props to VIKES 4 LIFE on the sig

common cents · Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 1862 Location: Minneapolis, MN

mark my words surrond EJ with decent actual nfl quality players...give him some more coaching...and he will be a beast...

ArcticNorseman · Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Posts: 1429 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

I have to agree with cents here. EJ needed last year to learn, but with the Williams' and Udeze at full strength, EJ should be able to roam like Urlacher did with Washington in front of him.

As for Merriman, I think the guy's an animal -- a playmaker. He'll make rookie mistakes wherevere a team puts him, but by mid season, he'll figure it out. The guy could be as successful as Terrell Suggs, Freeney, or Chris Doleman their rookie years.

Right about now I'm thinking how well Millard, Doleman, Thomas and Noga did as a D-line - - - - what do ya think Studwell's making his draft decisions on?

Oh, one last thought, we still need a stud safety - Davis would be a major improvement for depth.

nickelpete · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:52 am Post subject:

common cents · Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 1862 Location: Minneapolis, MN

i want davis bad with the 18th pick...almost as bad as i want derrick johnson with the 7th...

Serick · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 175 Location: Minnesota

I also want Davis. I agree that both Chavous and Sharper are best at FS. Davis can give us that intimidation factor that is needed to keep WR's from running those crossing patterns. For me, I'd rather see my defense clean another team's clock than watch a Randy Moss bomb. I miss the good old days - the days when I waited for our offense to be on the field to get a beer or run to the bathroom, cuz I didn't want to miss a play with the defense. Thomas Davis is a guy that can bring that back to me.

He'd fit well in a backup role for a year or two, then can come in and deliver serious defense.

Helter · Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 8550 Location: Delaware