Hodges traded for 6th-rounder & center Nick Easton

[dead_poet]

I think this was done to replace Berger. I think we will see Easton starting soon. I think that Sully is prolly gonna be gone longer then they are letting on. Berger was doing a crappy job and will likely get Teddy killed. Hopefully, Spielman is just trying to improve the starting line and save Teddy.

Why do you think a rookie UDFA would be an upgrade? Berger hasn't been great but I can't imagine Easton would be any better (this year). If you want to get Teddy killed, put an UDFA rookie at center and see what happens.

[Mothman]

You're forgetting Peters was signed off the practice squad by Houston.

Thanks. I knew I was forgetting something.

It's tough to say but I wouldn't be surprised if they're hunting for another LB and a starting safety during the offseason.

[mansquatch]

I'm curious about how the draft will play out next year in relation to OL. I'm wondering if the "saftey" of those picks is not what it once was? I heard an interesting radio interview a week or so ago that talked about how the College Linemen are not taught to move forward anymore, they move laterally or backwards, while in the NFL the style is to create push or move forward. If that is indeed the case, then the draft may shape up differently in relation to that position.

I think we need interior OL depth even after this trade. If there is a guy who can play safety opposite Harrison then we should strive to get him. WR might make the list also, but Wallace is looking like a solid trade right now.

Back on topic: I agree with Poet, this guy was likely traded for to add depth, not to start. Also, if Hodges was going to get a contract next year, then this was an even better deal since we got "something" for him where we might otherwise have gotten nothing had he left.

[fiestavike]

It's tough to say but I wouldn't be surprised if they're hunting for another LB and a starting safety during the offseason.

Along those lines, do you an opinion on Vereen? I've heard a couple people say that he is the best safety on our roster. I believe he played for Chicago, what did you think of him?

[Mothman]

Along those lines, do you an opinion on Vereen? I've heard a couple people say that he is the best safety on our roster. I believe he played for Chicago, what did you think of him?

I didn't see too much of him but nothing I saw would lead me to believe he's the best safety on our roster (I'm assuming that doesn't include Smith). He seemed a lot like what the Vikes already have at safety...

[fiestavike]

I didn't see too much of him but nothing I saw would lead me to believe he's the best safety on our roster (I'm assuming that doesn't include Smith). He seemed a lot like what the Vikes already have at safety...

Ok thanks...Yes, I meant not including Smith, just of the candidates to play opposite him. Faint praise even if it were true, unfortunately.

*edit. Found a bears forum thread about his release. By the time of his release it seems he was universally regarded as a terrible liability by their fans. Still, you never know. Madieu Williams was dreadful here, and played much better in Cincy.

[chicagopurple]

Vereen was aweful here in Chicago.

[dead_poet]

*edit. Found a bears forum thread about his release. By the time of his release it seems he was universally regarded as a terrible liability by their fans. Still, you never know. Madieu Williams was dreadful here, and played much better in Cincy.

Williams was never the same after his injury.

[mondry]

Don't forget that Hodges' contract was up at the end of the year. This very well could be a situation where they didn't think he would stay with the team and he wasn't necessary this year, so you might as well try and get something.

I'd say so, only I don't think they wanted Hodges. Team first guys are the absolute top priority. This move doesn't happen if Zimmer doesn't agree with it.

[dead_poet]

5 Reasons Why I Like The Gerald Hodges Trade

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2015/10/8/ ... dges-trade

I don't agree with #1 or #3. When Sullivan comes back someone will have to get cut. Why does the author (and people) believe this person won't be Easton?

[Mothman]

5 Reasons Why I Like The Gerald Hodges Trade

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2015/10/8/ ... dges-trade

I don't agree with #1 or #3. When Sullivan comes back someone will have to get cut. Why does the author (and people) believe this person won't be Easton?

Because Berger has position flexibility and is 33 (strictly speaking, they wouldn't be carrying 3 centers), Sullivan is 30 and this has the feel of a trade to get a player they can develop behind him. If Sullivan returns this season, I doubt Easton would be the player cut unless he's really disappointed the team between now and then. My guess is this trade puts Berger's future with the team after this season in question. If they like what they see from Easton, he'll probably be here this season and next year.

[losperros]

This article is actually about Patterson but Hodges is mentioned in the same sentence. I think it's an interesting perspective...

It’s clear that Turner prefers players like Johnson and Diggs – guys he helped bring in – over Patterson, who, like Hodges, was a product of a previous regime.

http://www.scout.com/nfl/vikings/story/ ... on-s-value

Can't say that I'm surprised by this if it's true.

[dead_poet]

Because Berger has position flexibility and is 33 (strictly speaking, they wouldn't be carrying 3 centers), Sullivan is 30 and this has the feel of a trade to get a player they can develop behind him. If Sullivan returns this season, I doubt Easton would be the player cut unless he's really disappointed the team between now and then. My guess is this trade puts Berger's future with the team after this season in question. If they like what they see from Easton, he'll probably be here this season and next year.

I dunno...I think Berger is probably safe this season and next largely because of his position flexibility, experience, lack of any better options and modest salary ($1 million). If Easton isn't the one cut if/when Sullivan is back, who is? Line? Price? Shepherd? Remember that Josh Robinson is eligible to return in week 7 as well so someone else will need to go. Glancing through the roster the only other name that comes to me is Edmund Robinson, but I'm not sure with the trade of Hodges that the Vikings want to get rid of another linebacker. Maybe they put Trattou on IR.

[Mothman]

I dunno...I think Berger is probably safe this season and next largely because of his position flexibility, experience, lack of any better options and modest salary ($1 million). If Easton isn't the one cut if/when Sullivan is back, who is? Line? Price? Shepherd?

We'll find out but if they like what they see, I doubt they'll cut him. I don't think this trade is just about getting a 6th round pick and having a center to back up Berger until Sullivan is healthy.

Remember that Josh Robinson is eligible to return in week 7 as well so someone else will need to go. Glancing through the roster the only other name that comes to me is Edmund Robinson, but I'm not sure with the trade of Hodges that the Vikings want to get rid of another linebacker. Maybe they put Trattou on IR.

... or maybe someone else will have to go on IR by then, though I hope not. Maybe Sullivan won't be back this season. It's not guaranteed to happen.

They'll have options: Line, Price, Shepherd, Heinicke, Exum, a TE...

[MikethePurple]

Its also possible that once Robinson is available he isn't back at all. Zimmer has been critical of him in the past and he didn't seem to necessarily be a lock to make the roster before his injury. I guess time will tell....