Vikings make a move.

**Wolf on the Prowl** · #1 03-09-2010, 01:07 PM

Rhys Lloyd the former Golden Gopher kicker has been signed to be the kickoff specialist for the Vikings next season. He has a good leg and would be better than Ryan Longwell kicking off.

Rumors are out there according to both papers the Vikings might be interested in LT. I think this makes sense because not only do the Vikings needs a backup RB they need a 3rd down back and LT could fit that roll when many can't. He isn't a big time speedster but he is a good blocker and a great pass catcher out of the backfield. He can also still run the ball better than Chester Taylor could. If they can get him signed for the right money I would love the move far more than bringing in Westbrook.

Ray Edwards might get contract offers from the Saints or the Eagles. He has a first round tendor meaning if he signs with either team the Vikings would get a 1st round draft pick from the team that signs him plus the ability to sign more free agents.

I would struggle not to let Edwards walk if I got the 24th pick in the draft. This years draft is loaded at DE and DT two positions that could use some youth. If Edwards would be allowed to move on we would also be in a better trade position if we wanted to move up or move back to get more picks.

Grover M · #2 03-09-2010, 01:45 PM

I'm not excited about LT. From what I have seen, the guy is done. Whatever, if they don't spend too much on the guy, I guess.

I wouldn't think letting Ray Edwards go would be a good idea. You get an good DE, you keep'em. You do not let them walk. I guess if he gets an outrageous deal, then yeah. I do not think he is going to get one of those, but I could be wrong.

As for Rhys? Does this mean that we will actually have a kicker that can kickoff into the endzone? That would be spectacular.

LEvine · #3 03-09-2010, 02:07 PM

Yup. He led the league in TB% a couple years ago and finished 4th last year (behind 2 dome kickers and a guy kicking in the thin air of Denver), with a 30% TB%. I'd bet playing 10 games in a dome pushes that to around 35% this year.

For comparison, Longwell had a 5% rate.

Grover M · #4 03-09-2010, 04:00 PM

Whew! Benny Sapp has re-signed.

Benny did a good job in relief of Antoine last year. I am sincerely happy he is coming back.

**Wolf on the Prowl** · #5 03-09-2010, 10:00 PM

LT is going to visit tomarrow and the Vikings may just sign him. I think this is a great addition for the Vikings if they do sign him. LT is not the player he was 4 years ago but for what the Vikings are going to need he is going to be as good or better than Chester Taylor if he stays healthy. The key thing with Taylor was he always seemed to be healthy and was consistant. I do think that LT in a backup role with the Vikings getting 10-15 carries a game tops and 3-6 catches per game he can be very good.

I would like to see the Vikings to add a speedster in the backfield in the draft but an LT addition would help this team if he can stay healthy.

StretchArmstrong · #6 03-10-2010, 08:47 AM

Yes, it would be a good addition. Better option than the other RB who are out there right now.

The only other thing on the wish list is improving at Safety and CB.

Rob

**Wolf on the Prowl** · #7 03-10-2010, 11:51 AM

Safety is a need especially with M. Williams a free agent. Johnson is young and got better towards the end of last season but we need to find a better play maker and or hitter at the safety position this offseason to team with Johnson. This draft seems to have some good depth at safety. CB is a position where I am always concerned because having 5 just isnt enough. Winfield is getting older and Griffin is injured. Allen showed and few flashes and Sapp wasnt terrible last year but having another talented CB would be nice.

I really like the kid out of Boise State he can make plays and has good size. The ideal draft for the Vikings might be the CB from Boise State and the Safety from Southern Florida in round 2.

LEvine · #8 03-10-2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolf on the Prowl

Safety is a need especially with M. Williams a free agent. Johnson is young and got better towards the end of last season but we need to find a better play maker and or hitter at the safety position this offseason to team with Johnson. This draft seems to have some good depth at safety. CB is a position where I am always concerned because having 5 just isnt enough. Winfield is getting older and Griffin is injured. Allen showed and few flashes and Sapp wasnt terrible last year but having another talented CB would be nice.

I really like the kid out of Boise State he can make plays and has good size. The ideal draft for the Vikings might be the CB from Boise State and the Safety from Southern Florida in round 2.

I agree safety is a concern, but Madieu signed a 6 year contract in 2008. He's a long ways from free agency.

**Wolf on the Prowl** · #9 03-10-2010, 12:55 PM

It was in an article I read last weekend I thought it was in the Startribune or the Pioneer Press but I could be wrong. Its to bad he isnt he has been pretty bad so far.

LEvine · #10 03-10-2010, 01:22 PM

He was solid 2 years ago playing next to Sharper, he's been bad playing next to Johnson.

My guess is he's OK if he's your second best safety (provided your other safety can cover), but you're in trouble if he's your #1.

TheLoneWolf · #11 03-11-2010, 06:35 PM

Apprently he is off to New York now.Usually the Vikes do a great job of signing guys before they leave but i guess LT wanted to look some more