Vikings Message Board.Com

The Vikings' roster now features seven top-45 picks, six of them first-rounders and all of them 25 or younger, from the last three drafts. There are big-money players on the team, but save for DE Jared Allen, all of them were drafted and developed in Minnesota -- a group that includes RB Adrian Peterson, LB Chad Greenway and DT Kevin Williams. Sixteen draftees from 2011 and '12 make up the guts of the club.

Even better: Now everyone is invested in the organization and its future. Spielman proudly says that six 2013 Viking free agents, including LB Erin Henderson, FB Jerome Felton and OT Phil Loadholt, cancelled visits with other clubs and re-signed because they couldn't imagine not seeing through what's being built.

"Those guys talk amongst themselves," Frazier said. "And in Jerome's case, he's been at other teams, so he knows what those environments are like. Our guys know that we have a unique situation here in Minnesota. And the ones who buy into our philosophy, they know that they're gonna benefit not only now, but long after their careers are over. Every guy that's a part of what we're doing, they're gonna be a better person when they leave our football team. And we're gonna win in doing it."

Mothman wrote:Thanks for the link. that was an good read. However, I couldn't help coming away from it wondering why Frazier didn't get the vote of confidence of a contract extension after last year. perhaps it was just a financial decision but it sure sounds like he's instrumental to what they're building.

dead_poet wrote: I was a bit surprised by that too. My gut is the Wilfs are/were still burned a bit by the Childress decision coupled (possibly by a lesser degree) by the fact that Spielman didn't select him (even if it appears to be joint effort).

dead_poet wrote: I was a bit surprised by that too. My gut is the Wilfs are/were still burned a bit by the Childress decision coupled (possibly by a lesser degree) by the fact that Spielman didn't select him (even if it appears to be joint effort).

Mothman wrote:Thanks for the link. That was a good read. However, I couldn't help coming away from it wondering why Frazier didn't get the vote of confidence of a contract extension after last year. Perhaps it was just a financial decision but it sure sounds like he's instrumental to what they're building.

I didn't realize he played such a crucial role in getting Jared Allen. That was interesting.

Spielman proudly says that six 2013 Viking free agents, including LB Erin Henderson, FB Jerome Felton and OT Phil Loadholt, cancelled visits with other clubs and re-signed because they couldn't imagine not seeing through what's being built.

Demi wrote: Or more likely because their agents let them know the offer was higher than market. Or that the interest really wasn't there. "Seeing through what's being built". Yeah ok Rick.

Can almost see him patting himself on the back. Two years ago how'd all this do? But nooow dang it we're doing it right and it's working! For one season...

Oh boy the NFL offseason. So zany.

JEC334 wrote:I'm proud of this team for finally building through the draft rather than rely on 40 year old free agents. *Yes that was a gab at Favre* But seriously, championship teams are built through the draft. I think it's easier because a team full of veterans is a team full of egos. At least with the draft the guys they are young, talented, and more willing to listen and learn from the coaches. I think veterans should only be signed to provide leadership and to mold the younger players once the vet steps down.

Mothman wrote:Thanks for the link. That was a good read. However, I couldn't help coming away from it wondering why Frazier didn't get the vote of confidence of a contract extension after last year. Perhaps it was just a financial decision but it sure sounds like he's instrumental to what they're building.

I didn't realize he played such a crucial role in getting Jared Allen. That was interesting.

MelanieMFunk wrote: Do you mean to be so entertaining?

If you think this is foolish, what do you feel about Rick saying Ponder was as big as Peterson was for us last year on our road to the playoffs?

mondry wrote: Considering we would have 0% chance to win any of the last 4 games that got us to the playoffs like the 0% chance Webb gave us IN the playoffs, I think Spielmans right on the money. Start Gerhart all 4 games we still have a chance, throw Webb in, 0-4 finish.