Burton-watch 2013

[PurpleKoolaid]

The Webb as emergency QB argument assumes he can contribute in some other way... either as a receiver or as a returner. I don't see him doing either, which just makes him the third QB and we're back where we started.

MBT is actually beginning to look like a real NFL backup QB. I'd honestly rather they keep him than Joe Webb. But to tell the truth, I'm hoping they keep just two QBs and then use that extra roster spot for another defensive lineman, a linebacker or possibly one of the young receivers.

Yeah it was kinda funny. Ive been waiting a few years to see what the Vikes saw in him, and this year I had hoped they would pick up a young 3rd string to develop, and then MBT starts to show he might know what hes doing. I like his size, and the little review I saw on him as being a pocket passer. But as bad as our line has been playing, Brady couldnt even be a pocket passer with that mess.

[Demi]

Kyle Rudolph is the Vikings possession tight end. I've never seen him line up wide (although it's possible he has), but he's not a WR.

He just did this preseason game. He's not athletic enough to fill the role. And it shows. He's a TE, no where near a WR hybrid. Quit pretending just because he's better as a receiver than blocker he can fill that role.

Yeah it was kinda funny. Ive been waiting a few years to see what the Vikes saw in him, and this year I had hoped they would pick up a young 3rd string to develop, and then MBT starts to show he might know what hes doing. I like his size, and the little review I saw on him as being a pocket passer. But as bad as our line has been playing, Brady couldnt even be a pocket passer with that mess.

We could sign a CFL prospect or free agent right now and it'd be a lateral move.

They should have made a move on anyone to see if they could upgrade. At least Webb brings some versatility across the board. But you could cut him and it wouldn't make much difference overall.

What a mess.

[Eli]

They lined up Rudolph quite often last year at wideout after Percy went down. And he had a few receptions from the position.

[PacificNorseWest]

Burton needs to make this team. I don't care if it's at Simpson's expense. The kid can play.

[Eli]

Didn't know where else to put this and since this thread can/has included Brandon Burton at times, I'll put it here:

Vikings cut Jacob Lacey. Which is good news for B.Burton, Sherels and Felder.

Yesterday I began putting together my 53-man roster projection for this season. I think the secondary personnel will be exactly the same as last year, substitute Rhodes for Winfield. Apart from drafting Rhodes, the Vikings did very little this offseason to address the secondary.

[Mothman]

Yesterday I began putting together my 53-man roster projection for this season. I think the secondary personnel will be exactly the same as last year, substitute Rhodes for Winfield. Apart from drafting Rhodes, the Vikings did very little this offseason to address the secondary.

I assume that's because it's already full of young players they want to play and develop. Adding a first round pick to the mix is usually considered a pretty strong move toward future improvement.

I think you're probably right about the secondary personnel being the same as last year, although I wouldn't assume Sherels' roster spot is nailed down just yet.

[mondry]

Yeah I am not a fan of Sherels because I just haven't seen anything from him. He had what, ONE punt return TD against the lions (aka worst special teams coverage in the NFL) as his main highlight. In coverage he hasn't seemed to improve at all and is routinely beat by just about anyone.

[dead_poet]

Yeah I am not a fan of Sherels because I just haven't seen anything from him. He had what, ONE punt return TD against the lions (aka worst special teams coverage in the NFL) as his main highlight. In coverage he hasn't seemed to improve at all and is routinely beat by just about anyone.

That's been my view as well. I'd rather sacrifice a mediocre punt returner/below average corner and keep a guy like Felder (with Wright, Patterson, Robinson or even Webb vying for PR duties). That said, the organization has always valued sure-handed returners over potential explosive threats (See: Wade, Camarillo).

[Mothman]

That's been my view as well. I'd rather sacrifice a mediocre punt returner/below average corner and keep a guy like Felder (with Wright, Patterson, Robinson or even Webb vying for PR duties). That said, the organization has always valued sure-handed returners over potential explosive threats (See: Wade, Camarillo).

If they can find an explosive threat with sure hands, that would be ideal but otherwise, when you consider the impact turnovers often have on the outcome of NFL games, it's easy to understand why coaches place a premium on sure-handedness.

[S197]

The Webb as emergency QB argument assumes he can contribute in some other way... either as a receiver or as a returner. I don't see him doing either, which just makes him the third QB and we're back where we started.

MBT is actually beginning to look like a real NFL backup QB. I'd honestly rather they keep him than Joe Webb. But to tell the truth, I'm hoping they keep just two QBs and then use that extra roster spot for another defensive lineman, a linebacker or possibly one of the young receivers.

There is no emergency QB anymore, the rule was changed a few years ago so Webb can play and take over at QB should Ponder & Cassel go down (maybe that's what you meant, if so my bad). The way I see it, Webb can contribute a lot more to this team that MBT or Vandenberg ever will. If both Ponder & Cassel go down, it's likely going to be a season ending injury. It's not like they can't pick up another MBT caliber QB at that point.

[NextQuestion]

haha omg way too much hype for Joe Webb at WR and we've seen like what...5 preseason catches by him?

[Eli]

There is no emergency QB anymore, the rule was changed a few years ago so Webb can play and take over at QB should Ponder & Cassel go down (maybe that's what you meant, if so my bad). The way I see it, Webb can contribute a lot more to this team that MBT or Vandenberg ever will. If both Ponder & Cassel go down, it's likely going to be a season ending injury. It's not like they can't pick up another MBT caliber QB at that point.

I realize that the emergency QB rule was done away with. But if people are talking about keeping Webb because he can also be the Vikings a 3rd QB in an emergency, then that's likely the only reason to keep him. If he's a 5th or 6th receiver, he's not likely to contribute much to the passing game. And I don't see him being used as a returner, except again in an emergency after Patterson, Burton and Sherels are all hurt.

It's not an either/or situation. The Vikings could easily carry two QBs and cut Joe Webb.

[S197]

It's not an either/or situation. The Vikings could easily carry two QBs and cut Joe Webb.

That's true although I can't recall the last time the Vikings only kept two QBs on their roster. Maybe they feel Cassel is strong enough that they have the luxury to do so this year, we'll see. The only other position I can see them giving up a QB roster spot for is at LB since it's such an unknown. Maybe CB as some have stated but I haven't seen anything all that great from the guys on the bubble at that position.

[dead_poet]

I've been hearing good things about Felder, despite his giving up a TD to should've-been-Viking DeAndre Hopkins.

[Eli]

The only other position I can see them giving up a QB roster spot for is at LB since it's such an unknown.

Yes, linebacker is one. I was thinking also defensive line, since the Vikings face the prospect of losing Kevin Williams and one or possibly even both starting DEs next year. They have depth on the DL and cutting quality guys this year, only to have to find replacements next year would really suck.