Thread: Spielman likes Claborne over Kalil?

Bob Sansevere: Vikings GM Rick Spielman appears to like Mo Claborne over Matt Kalil

Bob Sansevere: Vikings GM Rick Spielman appears to like Mo Claborne over Matt Kalil - TwinCities.com

Here's the flaw in his [Spielman's] thinking: The quarterbacks for the Packers and Giants are either all-pro (Aaron Rodgers) or all-pro caliber (Eli Manning). Teams with elite quarterbacks don't need an all-pro at left tackle. Teams with an inexperienced quarterback, like the Vikings, have a much better chance of success when surrounded by all-pro level players, particularly at left tackle.

Either Spielman just doesn't get it or he believes Ponder is an elite, all-pro caliber QB, which explains the reach for him in the 1st a year ago.

Originally Posted by singersp

Either Spielman just doesn't get it or he believes Ponder is an elite, all-pro caliber QB, which explains the reach for him in the 1st a year ago.

Or he is trying to drum up interest in the third pick to see what kind of trade can be made. Or maybe not.

My initial thought when I heard this was "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!" But thinking about this more, I can't see how this would be anything but smoke and mirrors.

We have needs at LT and CB, no question. Even though our CB position gets a little better on paper if Cook returns, he hasn't played football for most of last year. So I get the need.

However, IMHO there is a better chance of a good CB like Kirkpatrick slipping in to the late first round where we could potentially trade up to get him than there is a good LT. Then again, I make my living writing software, not managing football teams, so what do I know.

Claiborne or Kahlil would be great additions to this team. Really can't go wrong with either.

I was somewhat happy to read this today but then I realized it was Spielman, who is a total moron. Doubt we get either player.

Rick SpielMillen may not be too sharp.

Originally Posted by C Mac D

Claiborne or Kahlil would be great additions to this team. Really can't go wrong with either.

I was somewhat happy to read this today but then I realized it was Spielman, who is a total moron. Doubt we get either player.

lol.

I think I would be happy with either... but I think that Kalil addresses a bigger need. Now if Spielman could somehow pull off a trade for the #3 pick and still get Claborne as a result... I would be pretty impressed.

He wanted to make the point that a left tackle doesn't have to be an all-pro or even well known for a team to be successful.

Looks like Spielman and PF are seeing eye to eye again

I would prefer Kalil if we stay at #3, but wouldn't be disappointed with Claiborne. Blackmon I would put behind both of them, although he could end up being the most productive of the lot. Hard to say.

If this was true we would have been in for one of the LT's in free agency and we have not showed any interest, even though the market is pretty good for LT' right now.

Im sure we draft Kalil, but im not to down on the option of drafting Claiborne and signing an FA LT.

Claiborne can't hold a candle to last years top corner, Patrick Peterson(bigger, stronger, faster).
Blackmon can't hold a candle to last years top WR, AJ Green(bigger stronger faster).
Kalil is a true blue chip prospect, and the BPA at number 3.

Originally Posted by jmcdon00

Claiborne can't hold a candle to last years top corner, Patrick Peterson(bigger, stronger, faster).
Blackmon can't hold a candle to last years top WR, AJ Green(bigger stronger faster).
Kalil is a true blue chip prospect, and the BPA at number 3.

While I agree with the overall sentiment of your post, I can't help but disagree with the finer points.

Claiborne is a better cover guy than Peterson is. He's not the same type of athlete or playmaker, but to say he doesn't hold a candle to him really isn't fair. There's a reason the guy is going to go top 5 in the draft. And AJ Green stronger than Blackmon? Have you seen AJ Green? The guy is one of the skinnier players in the league.