Thread: Projecting the Vikings' 53-Man Roster: Defensive Line

[size=13pt]Projecting the Vikings' 53-Man Roster: Defensive Line[/size]

by Gonzo on Jul 5, 2008 10:15 PM CDT
dailynorseman.com


Yes. . .finally, after many delays, we are back into the projection of the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster.
We've done the entirety of the offense and special teams, so let's review who we currently have on the team.....

Good article, thanks.
Only thing I question is 6 WR's and 3 RB's.
Not sure if I see that happening...maybe the thought is if one of the guys gets hurt, it's easier to find a serviceable RB than hide Johnson (or another) on the practice squad.
These are good problems to have
;D

Good points on Jared Allen. Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, Jayme Mitchell too.
The defensive line is the key to turnovers...keeping them fresh is important.
Underestimating the importance of D-Linemen depth is a mistake.
The backups need to give the starters each 5-15 plays off depending on the starter IMO.
Less for Allen, more for Pat...
I'm hoping some of these guys step up, we need them to.

Interesting read, I'm really hoping Evens, Guion, and/or Kenderick can hold tough in the DT rotation behind the Williams...might be a bit of a weakness in my mind.
Spencer Johnson gave some pretty solid effort in his backup/rotation role while he was here.

I like the 6 WRs idea a lot, I guess, just for another option in a weak area last season.
I just don't know what other position can take the hit...has anyone compared this to last year's numbers?
He's only got 14 positions open, and still needs LBs, CBs, and Ss.
I guess thats 6 + 4 + 4, which would leave us a CB short (maybe one of the S can play CB too?
Or, maybe Boulware can backup S and LB and play ST...I think we need versatility to pull it off.)

I think we're going to see some real close calls when it comes down to the last man, and then it will even be harder on Sundays, as we have to cut down again to 48?
Last season, Mewelde Moore was an inactive a lot, but if Hicks is our return option, we'll need to dress all three RBs.
Sticky situation in my mind...?

My prediction is Wyms will be the guy getting minutes as the 4th DT.

I think Wyms will stay because of the versatility. He can play DT or DE. Gunion stays also, because it would be hard to move him through Waivers. I still can't wait for the season. Jared Allen playing next to Kevin and Pat. Gives me goosebumps.

Can't wait to watch Ray Edwards. He looks to have improved a lot and I've got the feeling that this will be his breakout season. It's nice to read that he is working hard (and not wasting the time on arguing with the coach as he did in college

).

Hopefully he can stay out of trouble and get the sack record

Thanks for the read my friend.
To date I've agreed with everything hes said except that he is carrying one to many WR's.
;D

Starters:
Jared Allen, Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, Ray Edwards
Backups:
Ellis Wyms, Fred Evans, Brian Robison, Jayme Mitchell, Letroy Guion, Martail Burnett
Cut:
Kenderick Allen, Leger Douzable, Otis Grigsby

I could live with that even though I do like what Otis gave us last year.
Additionally, I am not so sure that Guion won't be sent to the practice squad, at least early on in the season.

(Key Note: Everyone seems to be pretty worried about guys and the practice squad.
Lets call it the Tyler Thygpen syndrome
;D)