team needs

macksb13 · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 1814 Location: Jersey

Ok. I have thought DJ was the best defensive player in the nation for about 2 years and i would love to have him come to the vikings but we all know he's not fallen to number 7. So here's what we should do sign Hartwell who is still available and completes a good linbacking core, then trade up and get Mike Williams who will be better than Bolden this year next year and the year after ect.... One way or another we need a big time #1 reciever and a better than good linebacker. I think this is the best possible solution. What does everyone think?

Hornblende · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 431 Location: Madison, WI

I agree about the linebacker. If we can get a stud linebacker or maybe if Henderson breaks out then defense will be really tough to contend with.

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

I'm hearing that there isn't a lot of interest in Hartwell among the Vikings brass and around the league. Rumor is that he's average, but has looked better than average playing alongside Ray Lewis.

Sounds like the Vikes still like EJ as their middle linebacker and see Hartwell as a step down - and that they only project him as a middle linebacker on their team - hence the lack of interest.

Hornblende · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 431 Location: Madison, WI

I honestly think EJ can become a very solid LB in the years to come. A lot of the mistakes I noticed can be fixed with some experience.

ArcticNorseman · Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Posts: 1446 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

Hmmmmm, seems my school of thought kinda keeps shifting about our LBs. The past 2-3 yrs we've drafted a LB in Rds 1 or 2, plus added a former 1st rnder. One thing that held true over that course of time was that the D-Line wasn't really solid. Bromell, Tony Williams, Hovan, and Rogers didn't really consume the opposing OL coach or OC.

This year, so far, we have Harris (1st rd), EJ (2nd Rd), DT (2nd Rd), Smith(2nd Rd) and a couple others. Everyone of them is younger, and most have speed to burn. Then we have to factor in a more experienced and more talented front four.

Anyone else remember how Mike Merriweather, Scott Studwell, and Jesse Solomon looked behind the D-Line of Doleman, Thomas, Millard and Noga? Can the corps today approach that level?

Hartwell's a good LB, but we really don't need him, especially if we happen to land DJ or Merriman. Give this core smart, tough coaching, and no injuries, and by game 5 next year, we'll see how this offseason has panned out.

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

I think if the LB's we have study film enough and then apply what Contrell is trying to teach them we'll be fine ... if not we could be in alot of trouble

is Harris a good cover LB ?