Sharrif Floyd and Kevin Williams

[King James]

After listening to the press conference today: http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/vide ... 52d98ecef9 , what was the whole point of us drafting Floyd? Apparently since Guion and Evans, two suspect NT's at best, are the only two competing for the nose tackle position. I understand that Kevin Williams may not be here next year but why not put two DTs side by side. What good is it to keep your 1st round draft pick on the bench, sharing reps with kevin williams when he could/should be on the field every down.

I know, Im not NFL coach, and Frazier may know what he's doing but sometimes I question is personnel decisions. So people, what are your takes on this situation of Floyd backing up to Kevin instead of playing next to him at the nose?

[dead_poet]

Floyd is a natural 3-technique, and I expect him to play in some nickel situations in addition to spelling Kevin. He's the eventual successor to Kevin. That's the primary reason. Like when the Pack drafted Rodgers. He's the future there, but you have a guy that's not quite done yet. You're being proactive. It's also nice to be able to spell Kevin and (hopefully) not see a dramatic decrease in production.

They might give him some UT work, but I'm guessing Guion/Evans may be better at that spot, at least initially. It'll be interesting how many snaps he gets/game and how he's utilized. But I expect a healthy dose (40-50%) by the end of the season, provided he's earned it and can handle it. Remember, just because he's a first-rounder doesn't mean he's going to automatically be better than anybody else up front.

[mansquatch]

They drafted Floyd to be the heir apparent to KWill. So part of the rotation may be his position as the heir apparent. They gave KWill $4.5MM guaranteed to play this year so it isn't they expect him to be on the bench. It is still very early so they are probably still getting comfortable with what Floyd can do. He might not be that great for them at NT vs. the other guys, they did draft him to play 3 technique, not NT. Who knows?

That being said, by all accounts he is an explosive player, so perhaps we'll see them side by side before long. Also, keep in mind it is OTAs and nobody is wearing pads. Once pads go on and contact starts happening things change a lot.

[Demi]

They like fat space eating nose tackles at that spot. Just like hard hitting tackling middle linebackers. Unlike the Tampa 2 teams that have actually made it to super bowls.

[dead_poet]

Sharrif Floyd/Kevin Williams "depth chart" storyline misses point. Floyd working with first nickel. #Vikings in nickel 50%+. Both will play. Plus, Kevin Williams played only 71.1% of snaps last season. Expect number to be even lower in 2013. Early bet is split ends up about even.

Interested to see how Floyd develops in pass rush. #Vikings say he can, but one NFL exec told me that was part of why he dropped in draft.

Tom Pelissero on Twitter

[Mothman]

They like fat space eating nose tackles at that spot. Just like hard hitting tackling middle linebackers. Unlike the Tampa 2 teams that have actually made it to super bowls.

They liked a big, space-eating nose tackle named Pat Williams because a.) he was already signed when they switched to the Tampa 2 and b.) he was a terrific inside player. Starting Pat Williams certain't didn't prevent the Vikings from reaching a Super Bowl.

Who is the "fat space eating nose tackle" on the defense now? Guion and Evans are both about 6' 4", 305 lbs (smaller than Kevin Williams, who is 6' 5", 311). Floyd is 6' 3' and weighs in the 297-303 range.

Jim

[losperros]

Tom Pelissero on Twitter

Oh, wow! I thought Floyd dropped because his arms were too short, or his shoes were too big, or his helmet was too tight, or his smile too bright.

I like Pelissero a lot but there sure are a lot of supposed reasons for Floyd dropping in the draft. Here's mine: I don't give a #### anymore!

All I care about right now is that Floyd tears up offensive backfields for the Vikings as a pro the same way he did for the Gators in college ball.

[King James]

If the Vikings didn't need wasn't gonna start him until Kevin Williams is gone, we could've just waited till next year and draft a DT and got a MLB at this year's draft.

[dead_poet]

If the Vikings didn't need wasn't gonna start him until Kevin Williams is gone, we could've just waited till next year and draft a DT and got a MLB at this year's draft.

I don't agree with that philosophy. I'm sure they graded Floyd higher than pretty much any MLB in this draft class. You don't pass up on blue-chip talent for lesser talent at a position of possibly slightly greater need.

[Texas Vike]

I don't agree with that philosophy. I'm sure they graded Floyd higher than pretty much any MLB in this draft class. You don't pass up on blue-chip talent for lesser talent at a position of possibly slightly greater need.

Agreed. Myopia is a ailment shared by casual fans and bottom of the barrel teams. A long range philosophy is the way to go. Sharif's presence does make me wonder about their intentions w/ Kevin moving forward, though.

[Texas Vike]

I don't agree with that philosophy. I'm sure they graded Floyd higher than pretty much any MLB in this draft class. You don't pass up on blue-chip talent for lesser talent at a position of possibly slightly greater need.

Agreed. Myopia is a ailment shared by casual fans and bottom of the barrel teams. A long range philosophy is the way to go. Sharif's presence does make me wonder about their intentions w/ Kevin moving forward, though.

[dead_poet]

Sharif's presence does make me wonder about their intentions w/ Kevin moving forward, though.

More than likely this is his last year as a Viking. Depending on his production, there might be an opportunity for a team-friendly one or two-year deal, but I'd guess if he puts up decent numbers he'll get more from another team. It's possible he'll take a team-friendly, short-term contract if he wants to retire a Viking. Unfortunately my guess is this is his last year in Purple.

[Mothman]

If the Vikings didn't need wasn't gonna start him until Kevin Williams is gone, we could've just waited till next year and draft a DT and got a MLB at this year's draft.

That would be drafting for need over talent and they wouldn't necessarily be able to count on a DT of Floyd's caliber being available to them next year. He fell to them and they wisely seized the opportunity to draft him. Ultimately, the draft is a tool for team-building so it makes sense to think beyond immediate need to long term goals and benefits. Plus, it's often beneficial to a player to get some time learning and playing without the pressure of being an immediate starter.

[King James]

Oh. I thought when they drafted Floyd they were looking for someone to play next to Williams, not take his spot. As for Kevin Williams, I dont understand why this has to be his last year. I think he still is a good asset to the team. The nose tackle position is the position that needs a tune up. I don't believe Letroy Guion or Fred Evans are long term solutions.

[Mothman]

Oh. I thought when they drafted Floyd they were looking for someone to play next to Williams, not take his spot. As for Kevin Williams, I dont understand why this has to be his last year.

It doesn't have to be his last year. It's just the last year of his contract so his continued presence on the roster beyond 2013 is in doubt.

I think he still is a good asset to the team. The nose tackle position is the position that needs a tune up. I don't believe Letroy Guion or Fred Evans are long term solutions.

Probably not but at this point, neither is Kevin Williams. He's getting near the end of his career. Hopefully, he and the Vikings will find a way for that to take place in Minnesota.