1 00:00:06,559 --> 00:00:09,320 Speaker 1: I coach everybody. You know, we still coach the whole 2 00:00:09,360 --> 00:00:11,960 Speaker 1: room because you never know, you know when the guy's 3 00:00:12,080 --> 00:00:14,360 Speaker 1: number is gonna be called. Well, this year was different 4 00:00:14,560 --> 00:00:17,240 Speaker 1: and that a lot of different guys got an opportunity 5 00:00:17,280 --> 00:00:22,200 Speaker 1: to black as good as we thought Justin Jefferson was. 6 00:00:22,480 --> 00:00:33,159 Speaker 1: You know, he even exceeded our expectations. I think what 7 00:00:33,479 --> 00:00:36,680 Speaker 1: is going on Vikings fans. This is Chris Corso and 8 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:41,560 Speaker 1: welcome to episode number eighty one of the Minnesota Vikings podcast. 9 00:00:41,640 --> 00:00:46,280 Speaker 1: Today is February twenty five, and right now we would 10 00:00:46,320 --> 00:00:50,760 Speaker 1: be at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, And as producer 11 00:00:50,840 --> 00:00:55,680 Speaker 1: Jay Nelson says on the script, here no combine, no problem. 12 00:00:55,720 --> 00:00:59,400 Speaker 1: The Vikings Entertainment Network has continued to put out great 13 00:00:59,440 --> 00:01:02,440 Speaker 1: content on the website, on all of our digital platforms. 14 00:01:02,720 --> 00:01:05,840 Speaker 1: Our own Gabe Henderson has had all the interviews with 15 00:01:05,880 --> 00:01:09,559 Speaker 1: the Vikings assistant coaches, all the coaching changes that we've 16 00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:12,360 Speaker 1: covered over the past couple of weeks. Well you can 17 00:01:12,400 --> 00:01:15,720 Speaker 1: find some interviews with them on Vikings dot com. And 18 00:01:15,800 --> 00:01:18,600 Speaker 1: that's going to be one of the topics of today's episode. 19 00:01:18,640 --> 00:01:21,240 Speaker 1: Like I said, it's number eighty one, which I believe 20 00:01:21,480 --> 00:01:23,560 Speaker 1: Jay as I bring you in. That's the number of 21 00:01:23,720 --> 00:01:26,680 Speaker 1: Anthony Carter, Am I correct there, Yeah, that's the old 22 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:30,280 Speaker 1: guy in me. I remember cec was Chris Carter was 23 00:01:30,319 --> 00:01:32,280 Speaker 1: eighty and Anthony Carter was eighty one. So it was 24 00:01:32,280 --> 00:01:34,360 Speaker 1: always fun to have an eighty or eighty one jersey 25 00:01:34,680 --> 00:01:37,160 Speaker 1: when I was a kid and just kind of made 26 00:01:37,200 --> 00:01:38,960 Speaker 1: me smile and smart a little bit and just think 27 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:42,040 Speaker 1: back how good Anthony Carter was. We have a loaded 28 00:01:42,080 --> 00:01:44,960 Speaker 1: episode today Before I get to that, though, speaking of 29 00:01:44,959 --> 00:01:48,160 Speaker 1: old vikings wide receivers, you bring out Chris Carter and 30 00:01:48,360 --> 00:01:51,600 Speaker 1: Anthony Carter. I saw a highlight that SportsCenter put out 31 00:01:51,640 --> 00:01:54,520 Speaker 1: and it showed what Percy Harvin could do on the 32 00:01:54,560 --> 00:01:58,040 Speaker 1: field returning punts. And I know it's a quiet time 33 00:01:58,160 --> 00:01:59,880 Speaker 1: right now, so that could be a little quick talker 34 00:02:00,120 --> 00:02:03,360 Speaker 1: to start out this episode. I tweeted it out. I 35 00:02:03,400 --> 00:02:06,040 Speaker 1: think he was one of the most athletic players to 36 00:02:06,280 --> 00:02:10,120 Speaker 1: grace a football field. I'm talking all positions, all history. 37 00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:15,000 Speaker 1: What he did, Jay, I mean, it was unbelievable. He 38 00:02:15,120 --> 00:02:18,320 Speaker 1: was electric. I remember, you know, there was the character 39 00:02:18,400 --> 00:02:21,280 Speaker 1: issue type stuff that had happened when he was down 40 00:02:21,280 --> 00:02:23,040 Speaker 1: at Florida, and there's a lot of questions, and Brad 41 00:02:23,080 --> 00:02:25,400 Speaker 1: Schilders had flown down to meet with him personally before 42 00:02:25,400 --> 00:02:27,720 Speaker 1: we actually went to draft him. The fact that he 43 00:02:27,720 --> 00:02:30,000 Speaker 1: had fell to us at that point. I mean, he 44 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:33,680 Speaker 1: was one of the most dynamic college players period in 45 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:36,399 Speaker 1: that year when he came out, and and at oh nine, 46 00:02:36,440 --> 00:02:39,440 Speaker 1: when he came in as a rookie, when that guy 47 00:02:39,639 --> 00:02:42,799 Speaker 1: was completely motivated, you were not stopping him. He was 48 00:02:42,840 --> 00:02:45,960 Speaker 1: as dynamic as Tyreek Hill and just he could turn 49 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:48,520 Speaker 1: on this other extra jet and good luck trying to 50 00:02:48,600 --> 00:02:52,480 Speaker 1: get ahold of that guy. And even after things were 51 00:02:52,520 --> 00:02:55,480 Speaker 1: done here with the Vikings, he went on to Seattle. 52 00:02:55,520 --> 00:02:57,480 Speaker 1: You know, they brought him in and he was he 53 00:02:57,520 --> 00:02:59,920 Speaker 1: had his health issues and that kind of stuff. But man, 54 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:03,640 Speaker 1: and he housed that kick in the Super Bowl and 55 00:03:03,880 --> 00:03:07,799 Speaker 1: that essentially won him the game. So as much as 56 00:03:08,120 --> 00:03:09,679 Speaker 1: we you know, we got a first round pick for 57 00:03:09,760 --> 00:03:11,399 Speaker 1: him and all that kind of stuff, Seattle, I'm sure 58 00:03:11,440 --> 00:03:12,960 Speaker 1: was ecstatic with the fact they got to ring out 59 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:15,840 Speaker 1: of the situation. So Percy Harvin was one of the 60 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:19,120 Speaker 1: most exciting players that I remember bursting onto the scene 61 00:03:19,120 --> 00:03:21,400 Speaker 1: and joining this roster in a long time. So I 62 00:03:21,440 --> 00:03:23,000 Speaker 1: did see that too. I saw it the other day 63 00:03:23,280 --> 00:03:24,840 Speaker 1: pop up and it just kind of made me smirk 64 00:03:24,840 --> 00:03:27,280 Speaker 1: watching that guy, because man, that guy was really really 65 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:30,160 Speaker 1: fun to watch. One of the fan favorites to say 66 00:03:30,160 --> 00:03:33,280 Speaker 1: the least. But enough about the Vikings old school wide 67 00:03:33,320 --> 00:03:36,040 Speaker 1: receivers here, let's get to the episode. And today we 68 00:03:36,120 --> 00:03:39,160 Speaker 1: have a jam packed episode for a quiet week in 69 00:03:39,200 --> 00:03:43,400 Speaker 1: the NFL. We have Code defensive coordinator Andre Patterson, the 70 00:03:43,480 --> 00:03:47,880 Speaker 1: defensive line specialist, sits down with Gabe Henderson. That full 71 00:03:47,960 --> 00:03:50,440 Speaker 1: video is on all the Vikings platforms. We're gonna cover 72 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:53,280 Speaker 1: a little bit of that as the Vikings young pass 73 00:03:53,360 --> 00:03:56,920 Speaker 1: rush is a big topic in the offseason, especially heading 74 00:03:56,920 --> 00:04:00,360 Speaker 1: in to the draft and into free agency. Coming up here, 75 00:04:00,960 --> 00:04:05,800 Speaker 1: we also have on Combine Week the director of college 76 00:04:05,840 --> 00:04:09,160 Speaker 1: scouting for the Minnesota Vikings. His name is Jamal Stevenson. 77 00:04:09,600 --> 00:04:12,160 Speaker 1: We usually catch up with him at the Combine or 78 00:04:12,280 --> 00:04:14,560 Speaker 1: at the Senior Bowl, which would have happened a few 79 00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:18,720 Speaker 1: weeks ago. So a lot to learn from Jamal Stevenson 80 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:22,839 Speaker 1: in the combine process this year, which is certainly a 81 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:25,800 Speaker 1: unique one and one that is not the same as 82 00:04:25,800 --> 00:04:27,880 Speaker 1: of any year. So thank you to Vikings dot COM's 83 00:04:27,880 --> 00:04:30,960 Speaker 1: Gabe Henderson. That content is coming up in the show, 84 00:04:31,279 --> 00:04:35,280 Speaker 1: and to round out the show, it's franchise tag season, 85 00:04:36,040 --> 00:04:39,440 Speaker 1: as Jay puts it, that's coming up throughout the NFL. 86 00:04:39,720 --> 00:04:43,240 Speaker 1: And obviously you remember the Anthony Harris situation last year 87 00:04:43,279 --> 00:04:46,440 Speaker 1: for the Vikings, he received the franchise tag. Jay has 88 00:04:46,480 --> 00:04:50,440 Speaker 1: compiled a list of some of the top franchise tag 89 00:04:50,520 --> 00:04:53,719 Speaker 1: ease is how I'll put it. There's a lot of 90 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:57,640 Speaker 1: good players that will fall into that category, especially in 91 00:04:57,680 --> 00:05:00,479 Speaker 1: the NFC North, which will certainly effect the Vikings. So 92 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:03,480 Speaker 1: that's what's going to round out the show. And we're 93 00:05:03,480 --> 00:05:06,040 Speaker 1: gonna get this thing started with a clip from Gabe 94 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:10,479 Speaker 1: Henderson's interview with Vikings co defensive coordinator Andre Patterson. I 95 00:05:10,520 --> 00:05:13,160 Speaker 1: was looking at a stat earlier today and they said 96 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:16,200 Speaker 1: at least seven defensive limen on this Vikings roster played 97 00:05:16,200 --> 00:05:19,719 Speaker 1: at least two hundred and ninety snaps. Having to coach 98 00:05:19,800 --> 00:05:22,880 Speaker 1: that and still, you know, keep the guys saying during 99 00:05:22,880 --> 00:05:26,840 Speaker 1: a pandemic, what was that like for you? Well? I 100 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:30,400 Speaker 1: think for me, it wasn't It wasn't different, because you know, 101 00:05:30,680 --> 00:05:34,559 Speaker 1: I coach everybody, even the guys on the practice squad. 102 00:05:34,640 --> 00:05:37,320 Speaker 1: You know, once you make the roster, you know, and 103 00:05:37,440 --> 00:05:39,520 Speaker 1: you have the guys that are on the active roster. 104 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:41,440 Speaker 1: You have the guys that are on the practice squad. 105 00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:44,160 Speaker 1: You know, you may only suit up seven, you know 106 00:05:44,440 --> 00:05:47,800 Speaker 1: guys maybe eight max on game day. You know, we 107 00:05:47,839 --> 00:05:50,760 Speaker 1: still coach the whole room because you never know, you 108 00:05:50,800 --> 00:05:54,520 Speaker 1: know when the guy's numbers going to become. So for me, 109 00:05:54,640 --> 00:05:57,760 Speaker 1: that wasn't a change. The biggest change was the volume 110 00:05:57,800 --> 00:06:01,160 Speaker 1: of guys that actually got to playing the games doing 111 00:06:01,200 --> 00:06:04,240 Speaker 1: the course of the seasons here, So that was that 112 00:06:04,320 --> 00:06:06,719 Speaker 1: was a big difference. And so um, it wasn't a 113 00:06:06,720 --> 00:06:09,159 Speaker 1: difference as far as me trying to prepare those guys 114 00:06:09,200 --> 00:06:11,240 Speaker 1: to play. If there's a difference that, you know, you 115 00:06:11,279 --> 00:06:13,960 Speaker 1: get used to. You know, I've been spoiled around here. 116 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:17,440 Speaker 1: You know, you our top guys rolled out every week. 117 00:06:17,520 --> 00:06:20,080 Speaker 1: You know you're gonna have Levo, you're gonna have Chamar, 118 00:06:20,279 --> 00:06:23,000 Speaker 1: you're gonna have Rif, you're gonna have d you know, 119 00:06:23,080 --> 00:06:25,640 Speaker 1: and those guys rolled out every Sunday. So this year 120 00:06:25,720 --> 00:06:28,440 Speaker 1: was different and that a lot of different guys got 121 00:06:28,440 --> 00:06:30,720 Speaker 1: an opportunity to black all right. So I listened to 122 00:06:30,760 --> 00:06:33,640 Speaker 1: that interview that Gabe did with Andre Patterson, and first 123 00:06:33,640 --> 00:06:36,640 Speaker 1: of all, Gabe's doing a great job really getting to 124 00:06:36,680 --> 00:06:39,040 Speaker 1: know these coaches. He hasn't really been able to meet 125 00:06:39,080 --> 00:06:42,520 Speaker 1: them in person. So the conversations that that he had 126 00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:45,960 Speaker 1: m with Andre Patterson here, um, I really enjoyed it. 127 00:06:45,960 --> 00:06:48,080 Speaker 1: I would encourage all Vikings fans to check out the 128 00:06:48,279 --> 00:06:52,279 Speaker 1: full video on Vikings dot com. Um. But Andre Patterson, Man, 129 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:56,680 Speaker 1: I couldn't respect more the things that he's done with 130 00:06:56,720 --> 00:06:59,479 Speaker 1: this Vikings young defensive line. Jay and I bring that 131 00:06:59,560 --> 00:07:02,360 Speaker 1: up because, as he said in that interview, this was 132 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:05,640 Speaker 1: the first season where he hasn't been spoiled, to say 133 00:07:05,680 --> 00:07:09,240 Speaker 1: the least, with the Linvall Josephs, the Everson Griffins, the 134 00:07:09,320 --> 00:07:12,120 Speaker 1: Daniel Hunters who was injured, even Anthony Barr. I know 135 00:07:12,160 --> 00:07:14,560 Speaker 1: he's not a defensive lineman, but being a part of 136 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:18,080 Speaker 1: that unit, and of course being a pass rusher that 137 00:07:18,120 --> 00:07:21,040 Speaker 1: he can use, all those guys are unavailable to him 138 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:23,440 Speaker 1: this season, and as he put it, this might have 139 00:07:23,520 --> 00:07:26,560 Speaker 1: been the most enjoyable season for him as a teacher 140 00:07:26,600 --> 00:07:29,000 Speaker 1: and a coach. I really enjoyed the way he spoke 141 00:07:29,600 --> 00:07:32,720 Speaker 1: so humbly about about how he was able to mentor 142 00:07:32,840 --> 00:07:35,320 Speaker 1: and teach some of these young rookies on the Vikings 143 00:07:35,360 --> 00:07:38,120 Speaker 1: defensive line this past season. Yeah, there's a reason why 144 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:40,160 Speaker 1: all of these guys, no matter who they are, that 145 00:07:40,240 --> 00:07:44,240 Speaker 1: come through this system in the program, absolutely just glow 146 00:07:44,320 --> 00:07:47,880 Speaker 1: about their time working with Andre Patterson. They understand he's 147 00:07:47,960 --> 00:07:50,280 Speaker 1: got Pro Football Hall of famers that I've worked with 148 00:07:50,320 --> 00:07:52,120 Speaker 1: them that I always talk about how great he is. 149 00:07:52,520 --> 00:07:55,720 Speaker 1: Even the guys that come in that feel like, you know, 150 00:07:55,760 --> 00:07:59,320 Speaker 1: they're not necessarily on starter caliber to start, but the 151 00:07:59,360 --> 00:08:02,000 Speaker 1: growth us that they go through not only from here 152 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:04,679 Speaker 1: but when potentially at times they move on to other clubs, 153 00:08:05,040 --> 00:08:07,760 Speaker 1: they always talk about their time working with Andrey Patterson. 154 00:08:07,880 --> 00:08:10,480 Speaker 1: And like you said that, the I guess the humble 155 00:08:10,560 --> 00:08:13,560 Speaker 1: nature of it. Gave asked him a question about, you know, 156 00:08:13,720 --> 00:08:16,160 Speaker 1: what keeps you motivated for for the last thirty nine 157 00:08:16,240 --> 00:08:18,760 Speaker 1: years of doing this kind of stuff and and he 158 00:08:19,200 --> 00:08:22,720 Speaker 1: said he just still loves teaching and kind of cracks 159 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:24,240 Speaker 1: a joke that his wife kind of asked him the 160 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:25,680 Speaker 1: same thing, you know, why do you keep doing it 161 00:08:25,720 --> 00:08:28,680 Speaker 1: this this long? I think for a guy like Andre, 162 00:08:28,840 --> 00:08:31,120 Speaker 1: the fact that he's as tight as he is with 163 00:08:31,120 --> 00:08:33,320 Speaker 1: with coach Zimmer, he's as tight as he is with 164 00:08:33,360 --> 00:08:35,720 Speaker 1: the guys in his classroom, and he just talked about 165 00:08:36,120 --> 00:08:40,280 Speaker 1: how many people saw serious reps where normally, if you 166 00:08:40,280 --> 00:08:42,560 Speaker 1: think about it, these kind of guys are used to 167 00:08:42,920 --> 00:08:45,679 Speaker 1: having your bread and butter guys that are there week 168 00:08:45,760 --> 00:08:48,440 Speaker 1: in and week out. And given the fact that a 169 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:51,840 Speaker 1: couple of your big puzzle pieces that you had expected 170 00:08:51,840 --> 00:08:54,560 Speaker 1: to be a part of this defense were out for 171 00:08:54,720 --> 00:08:57,680 Speaker 1: the majority of the season, that is a huge hole 172 00:08:57,760 --> 00:08:59,760 Speaker 1: to deal with and he just had to figure out. 173 00:08:59,800 --> 00:09:02,679 Speaker 1: Like listen, it's kind of the things Zim always kind 174 00:09:02,679 --> 00:09:05,200 Speaker 1: of cracks a joke about. He's like, nobody's gonna feel 175 00:09:05,200 --> 00:09:08,040 Speaker 1: sorry for us, and the cavalry is not coming. We 176 00:09:08,120 --> 00:09:10,480 Speaker 1: are who we got. And he was able to go 177 00:09:10,559 --> 00:09:12,720 Speaker 1: through it and really coach along some of these guys 178 00:09:12,720 --> 00:09:16,559 Speaker 1: and help him grow. So I think it's a there's 179 00:09:16,559 --> 00:09:18,920 Speaker 1: a reason why he is as loved as he is, 180 00:09:18,960 --> 00:09:21,320 Speaker 1: and it's because all of these guys respect what he 181 00:09:21,360 --> 00:09:23,760 Speaker 1: has to say because he treats him as adults. But 182 00:09:23,800 --> 00:09:25,880 Speaker 1: he helps them grow and that's what they need and 183 00:09:25,880 --> 00:09:28,560 Speaker 1: that's what they want. And he's just an awesome, awesome 184 00:09:28,600 --> 00:09:30,719 Speaker 1: coach and it's great to have him here. Yeah, And 185 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:34,199 Speaker 1: it's it's really crazy to think that if you look 186 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:36,640 Speaker 1: at a pro football focused article here that we have 187 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:39,720 Speaker 1: in the outline. The Vikings were thirty second in the 188 00:09:39,800 --> 00:09:43,319 Speaker 1: league in the final evaluations. And Coach Patterson, if you 189 00:09:43,440 --> 00:09:46,760 Speaker 1: heard in that interview, he really holds himself accountable to 190 00:09:46,800 --> 00:09:50,440 Speaker 1: that stat like it eats at him. He said it 191 00:09:50,480 --> 00:09:53,079 Speaker 1: in the interview, he said, this was the worst pass 192 00:09:53,200 --> 00:09:56,320 Speaker 1: rush unit I had stat wise in my thirty nine 193 00:09:56,400 --> 00:09:59,079 Speaker 1: whatever year career that he's been in the league. I mean, 194 00:09:59,120 --> 00:10:02,000 Speaker 1: obviously he's been spoiled with all those players. And when 195 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:05,600 Speaker 1: you have an affadio Dnibo playing the most snaps at 196 00:10:05,600 --> 00:10:08,080 Speaker 1: the defensive end position out of a crew, when a 197 00:10:08,160 --> 00:10:11,719 Speaker 1: year ago before that he was pretty much a rotational, 198 00:10:12,400 --> 00:10:15,200 Speaker 1: laid down kind of pass rusher who really thrived in 199 00:10:15,240 --> 00:10:18,520 Speaker 1: that role with six sacks in that role the season before. 200 00:10:18,679 --> 00:10:22,240 Speaker 1: So it's gonna be really interesting to see how this 201 00:10:22,720 --> 00:10:28,040 Speaker 1: Vikings defensive end unit, how the interior defensive lineman unit 202 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:31,040 Speaker 1: really develops and comes together with a guy like Daniel 203 00:10:31,160 --> 00:10:33,600 Speaker 1: Hunter coming back. I mean, when you when you bring 204 00:10:33,640 --> 00:10:36,920 Speaker 1: back a guy who had sixteen starts, three forced fumbles, 205 00:10:36,920 --> 00:10:40,240 Speaker 1: a fumble recovery, and fourteen and a half sacks in 206 00:10:40,240 --> 00:10:44,560 Speaker 1: twenty nineteen, that obviously impacts not only the team, but 207 00:10:44,679 --> 00:10:48,000 Speaker 1: obviously the entire defense and the pass rush. I think 208 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:50,840 Speaker 1: that's really gonna help the young cornerbacks as they continue 209 00:10:50,880 --> 00:10:55,000 Speaker 1: to develop at their position. So that's why I'm always 210 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:57,400 Speaker 1: amazed with how the cornerbacks played this year, because we 211 00:10:57,520 --> 00:11:00,880 Speaker 1: literally had a really tough time rushing the passer um 212 00:11:00,960 --> 00:11:03,480 Speaker 1: this past season, and these cornerbacks are really put in 213 00:11:03,559 --> 00:11:07,720 Speaker 1: some tough situations in a Mike Zimmer defense. So as 214 00:11:07,760 --> 00:11:10,200 Speaker 1: we go forward, let's look at kind of the situation here. 215 00:11:10,720 --> 00:11:13,120 Speaker 1: Coming off of that interview, m Jay, you really have 216 00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:15,720 Speaker 1: it laid out of what we were missing and what 217 00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:18,640 Speaker 1: we might be missing um going into the new season. 218 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:21,680 Speaker 1: The Neil Hunter. We were missing him um due to 219 00:11:21,679 --> 00:11:25,200 Speaker 1: that neck injury. Obviously that was something that came during 220 00:11:25,200 --> 00:11:28,360 Speaker 1: the first week of practice and into that first game 221 00:11:28,400 --> 00:11:31,000 Speaker 1: against the Green Bay Packers. He was not able to play, 222 00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:34,120 Speaker 1: ends up missing the entire season, has a season ending 223 00:11:34,280 --> 00:11:37,840 Speaker 1: ending surgery, and lands on the irum that probably was 224 00:11:37,880 --> 00:11:41,760 Speaker 1: the first domino to fall last season. And when you 225 00:11:41,800 --> 00:11:44,720 Speaker 1: have him returning, I think that just sets up the 226 00:11:44,880 --> 00:11:47,640 Speaker 1: entire unit, that sets up a DJ want um um 227 00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:50,640 Speaker 1: to really get excited to work under a guy that 228 00:11:50,720 --> 00:11:53,600 Speaker 1: literally looks exactly like him and what it was in 229 00:11:53,679 --> 00:11:56,480 Speaker 1: his same exact role just a few years ago in 230 00:11:56,559 --> 00:12:00,320 Speaker 1: this Vikings defense. How about on Michael Pierce, Jay, I mean, 231 00:12:00,520 --> 00:12:04,600 Speaker 1: he was the big Vikings defensive tackle acquisition in the 232 00:12:04,640 --> 00:12:07,800 Speaker 1: off season. He decides not to play due to a pandemic. 233 00:12:07,880 --> 00:12:10,880 Speaker 1: That's going on, a rightful reason to not be a 234 00:12:10,920 --> 00:12:13,040 Speaker 1: part of this team. But you bring in a player 235 00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:17,360 Speaker 1: who with the Baltimore Ravens, that team was outstanding in 236 00:12:17,400 --> 00:12:21,079 Speaker 1: the run and in the pass rush game fourteen starts, 237 00:12:21,120 --> 00:12:24,880 Speaker 1: a fumble recovery, a half, a sack, thirty five total tackles, 238 00:12:24,920 --> 00:12:27,520 Speaker 1: and three QB hits. I think the main thing was 239 00:12:27,559 --> 00:12:29,640 Speaker 1: he really was a part of one of the top 240 00:12:29,720 --> 00:12:34,320 Speaker 1: rush defenses in the NFL two seasons ago for the Ravens. So, Jay, 241 00:12:34,360 --> 00:12:37,000 Speaker 1: when you have those two guys coming back, I think 242 00:12:37,040 --> 00:12:40,079 Speaker 1: Andre Patterson has to be pretty excited for the improvements 243 00:12:40,120 --> 00:12:43,120 Speaker 1: that will come this season. Yeah. I mean that was essentially, 244 00:12:43,320 --> 00:12:46,280 Speaker 1: at least going into the season, that was half of 245 00:12:46,320 --> 00:12:49,440 Speaker 1: what you're starting anchors were supposed to be for your defense, 246 00:12:49,520 --> 00:12:52,720 Speaker 1: especially on the front line there. And I think having 247 00:12:53,240 --> 00:12:56,679 Speaker 1: Danielle think about how much he changes just game planning 248 00:12:56,679 --> 00:13:00,400 Speaker 1: for an offense as as big of a disrupt as 249 00:13:00,440 --> 00:13:02,960 Speaker 1: he was. A guy like Daniel if you get him 250 00:13:03,000 --> 00:13:06,600 Speaker 1: back and he even gets half of that's he's I 251 00:13:06,640 --> 00:13:09,320 Speaker 1: think of half the sacks he's essentially leading our team 252 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:12,760 Speaker 1: in SAX this past season. So that is also a 253 00:13:12,800 --> 00:13:14,880 Speaker 1: thing where he would turn into he's going to get 254 00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:17,120 Speaker 1: the double teams, and that frees up other guys on 255 00:13:17,160 --> 00:13:19,800 Speaker 1: the defensive line, including a DJ want him on the 256 00:13:19,800 --> 00:13:22,560 Speaker 1: other side, where they can't necessarily say double team left, 257 00:13:22,559 --> 00:13:24,920 Speaker 1: double team right, just because it's it's kind of mix 258 00:13:24,960 --> 00:13:27,880 Speaker 1: and match for who's on that defensive line. You have 259 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:30,680 Speaker 1: to account for a guy like Daniel Hunter because he's 260 00:13:30,679 --> 00:13:32,480 Speaker 1: one of the top five pass rushers in the league. 261 00:13:32,520 --> 00:13:35,600 Speaker 1: So same thing with Michael Pierce. Michael Pierce was supposed 262 00:13:35,640 --> 00:13:38,040 Speaker 1: to come in and help replace that that Lindvall Joseph 263 00:13:38,080 --> 00:13:41,960 Speaker 1: Peace that we had moved on from Lindvall last season, Briggan. 264 00:13:42,040 --> 00:13:43,840 Speaker 1: Michael Pierce. He's supposed to be kind of that guy 265 00:13:43,880 --> 00:13:46,679 Speaker 1: helping control the line of scrimmage and kind of stuff 266 00:13:46,679 --> 00:13:49,800 Speaker 1: in the run. That's what they had at least planned 267 00:13:49,840 --> 00:13:52,400 Speaker 1: for him, and now you were kind of saying, well, 268 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:54,160 Speaker 1: who's going to be our three technique who's going to 269 00:13:54,200 --> 00:13:56,079 Speaker 1: be you know, that other d tackle that's going to 270 00:13:56,160 --> 00:13:59,000 Speaker 1: be rushing off the line. And when you lose both 271 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:01,720 Speaker 1: of those guys, now you're having to say, we need 272 00:14:01,760 --> 00:14:03,880 Speaker 1: to coach people up in order to put them in 273 00:14:03,920 --> 00:14:06,720 Speaker 1: positions that they don't normally play because they tend to 274 00:14:06,720 --> 00:14:09,920 Speaker 1: play in more of a rotation. So I don't fault 275 00:14:09,960 --> 00:14:12,320 Speaker 1: the fact that they struggled as much as they did 276 00:14:12,400 --> 00:14:14,840 Speaker 1: given what they thought they were going to have, But 277 00:14:15,040 --> 00:14:17,000 Speaker 1: I think what that also shows is that if you 278 00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:19,840 Speaker 1: can get these two pieces back, and you can possibly 279 00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:22,080 Speaker 1: you know, supplement in the draft again or get a 280 00:14:22,160 --> 00:14:24,280 Speaker 1: DJ want them to step up again in year two, 281 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:27,800 Speaker 1: that will be absolutely monstrous for that defensive line. And 282 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:31,160 Speaker 1: like you said, if the corners were on an island 283 00:14:31,160 --> 00:14:33,960 Speaker 1: as much as they were last year, that was hopefully 284 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:35,920 Speaker 1: as big a trial by fire as they were going 285 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:38,880 Speaker 1: to see. Because if you get that pass rush back on, 286 00:14:39,040 --> 00:14:42,040 Speaker 1: then hopefully that will help them not necessarily feel like 287 00:14:42,080 --> 00:14:43,880 Speaker 1: they have to be in an island, you know, for 288 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:47,400 Speaker 1: the rest of the time during a game. So I'm 289 00:14:47,400 --> 00:14:50,600 Speaker 1: hoping that these two guys can come back in twenty 290 00:14:50,680 --> 00:14:53,800 Speaker 1: twenty one and really solidify at least half the defensive line, 291 00:14:53,800 --> 00:14:56,280 Speaker 1: and we can supplement, whether it's free agency or the draft, 292 00:14:56,800 --> 00:14:59,760 Speaker 1: some more pieces and components to help revitalize this defensive 293 00:14:59,800 --> 00:15:02,120 Speaker 1: line and for the next four or five six years 294 00:15:02,120 --> 00:15:04,920 Speaker 1: plus to come, just given the way that things have 295 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:07,800 Speaker 1: gone over the last couple of seasons. So yeah, I'm 296 00:15:07,800 --> 00:15:09,520 Speaker 1: gonna be super excited if we can get both the 297 00:15:09,600 --> 00:15:13,040 Speaker 1: Neil and Michael pierceback and have them be the playmakers 298 00:15:13,040 --> 00:15:15,080 Speaker 1: that we assume that they would be. Those are two 299 00:15:15,120 --> 00:15:18,040 Speaker 1: guys coming back, and don't forget you return a Shamar 300 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:21,880 Speaker 1: Stephen in the middle of this defense as well. He's 301 00:15:21,880 --> 00:15:24,000 Speaker 1: a veteran that was a part of all those big 302 00:15:24,040 --> 00:15:26,840 Speaker 1: time defenses the past couple of years. In this Mike 303 00:15:26,920 --> 00:15:30,240 Speaker 1: Zimmers scheme. He's a big part of what Andre Patterson 304 00:15:30,240 --> 00:15:32,880 Speaker 1: preaches and he's a big part of what makes Eric 305 00:15:32,960 --> 00:15:36,880 Speaker 1: Kendricks the player that he is. I know, Andrea always 306 00:15:36,920 --> 00:15:39,600 Speaker 1: mentions that that's why I threw that in there after 307 00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:43,440 Speaker 1: that interview. So and like I said, you get an 308 00:15:43,560 --> 00:15:47,000 Speaker 1: Eric Kendricks back as well. He's another player who I 309 00:15:47,080 --> 00:15:50,160 Speaker 1: mean absolutely thrived in this defense, was the leader of 310 00:15:50,200 --> 00:15:53,320 Speaker 1: this defense and goes down with an injury towards the 311 00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:56,120 Speaker 1: end of the season. So it's pretty amazing at this 312 00:15:56,280 --> 00:16:00,440 Speaker 1: Vikings team this past year with all of the guys injured, 313 00:16:00,880 --> 00:16:03,520 Speaker 1: with all the guys missing, with all the players that 314 00:16:03,640 --> 00:16:07,120 Speaker 1: left in free agency during a pandemic, really had a 315 00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:09,480 Speaker 1: chance to make the playoffs there and probably should have 316 00:16:09,520 --> 00:16:13,360 Speaker 1: made the playoffs last season. Looking at the twenty twenty 317 00:16:13,360 --> 00:16:17,240 Speaker 1: one free agent listing at the defensive line position for 318 00:16:17,280 --> 00:16:20,640 Speaker 1: the Vikings, it's a few players. One that we mentioned 319 00:16:20,680 --> 00:16:24,880 Speaker 1: earlier a Fadio Dentibo. He's a restricted free agent. Hopefully 320 00:16:24,880 --> 00:16:27,840 Speaker 1: you can bring him back at a low price. Just 321 00:16:28,240 --> 00:16:31,560 Speaker 1: with how he played last year, he underperformed with his 322 00:16:31,640 --> 00:16:34,000 Speaker 1: career arc and what he's done here with the Vikings. 323 00:16:34,240 --> 00:16:36,320 Speaker 1: Um I mentioned the six sacks the year before. He 324 00:16:36,360 --> 00:16:38,800 Speaker 1: did not perform up to that in a full time 325 00:16:38,840 --> 00:16:42,520 Speaker 1: pass rush role this past season with the Vikings. So 326 00:16:42,760 --> 00:16:45,120 Speaker 1: you look at the other guy on this list, it's 327 00:16:45,160 --> 00:16:48,720 Speaker 1: an unrestricted free agent and that's Jalil Johnson. It will 328 00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:51,760 Speaker 1: be really interesting to see what the Vikings front office 329 00:16:51,800 --> 00:16:54,360 Speaker 1: and Mike Zimmer decides to do there. I know a 330 00:16:54,360 --> 00:16:56,720 Speaker 1: lot of the older players in the room really respect 331 00:16:56,800 --> 00:17:00,720 Speaker 1: Jalil and the potential that he had at the position. 332 00:17:00,800 --> 00:17:05,040 Speaker 1: But um, definitely two players that underperformed last season might 333 00:17:05,080 --> 00:17:07,960 Speaker 1: be a product of all those guys missing. So we'll 334 00:17:07,960 --> 00:17:11,320 Speaker 1: see what the Vikings do that with those free agents, 335 00:17:11,359 --> 00:17:14,479 Speaker 1: the restricted free agent in a Fadio Denibo and the 336 00:17:14,560 --> 00:17:18,040 Speaker 1: unrestricted free agent and Julil Johnson. I mean, I'm really 337 00:17:18,080 --> 00:17:20,280 Speaker 1: excited to see some of these rookies returned. Jay. I 338 00:17:20,320 --> 00:17:22,879 Speaker 1: want to see what Dj Wantam can do at his 339 00:17:23,000 --> 00:17:26,119 Speaker 1: young agent and what he's gonna be like on this 340 00:17:26,320 --> 00:17:28,840 Speaker 1: Vikings pass rushing next to a Daniel Hunter on the 341 00:17:28,880 --> 00:17:32,760 Speaker 1: other side. Yeah, one hundred percent. And like we said, 342 00:17:32,840 --> 00:17:34,439 Speaker 1: you know, I think there were a lot of a 343 00:17:34,440 --> 00:17:37,760 Speaker 1: lot of praise was heaped on this Vikings draft last 344 00:17:37,760 --> 00:17:40,680 Speaker 1: season by a lot of experts. And you know, if 345 00:17:40,680 --> 00:17:44,040 Speaker 1: you really look at some of the positions that they picked, Yeah, 346 00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:45,879 Speaker 1: we were a little thin at a corner and we 347 00:17:45,880 --> 00:17:48,000 Speaker 1: were focusing on a lot of that. But think about 348 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:51,240 Speaker 1: the fact you drafted Dj Wantam, you drafted James Lunch 349 00:17:51,280 --> 00:17:53,439 Speaker 1: at d tackle. You also brought in, you know, if 350 00:17:53,440 --> 00:17:56,399 Speaker 1: we're talking about linebackers a little bit, Troy Dye and 351 00:17:56,440 --> 00:17:58,880 Speaker 1: you're looking to have him potentially be one of those 352 00:17:58,880 --> 00:18:02,120 Speaker 1: guys that can definitely put some pressure on a quarterback 353 00:18:02,160 --> 00:18:04,760 Speaker 1: if we can turn them loose. You look at what 354 00:18:04,880 --> 00:18:06,720 Speaker 1: happened last season, to be honest with you, if the 355 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:08,919 Speaker 1: stats weren't that great and you weren't getting that much pressure, 356 00:18:09,400 --> 00:18:11,320 Speaker 1: I mean, sky's a limit. And if you can bring 357 00:18:11,359 --> 00:18:13,720 Speaker 1: those other two guys back and then find one or 358 00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:17,040 Speaker 1: two of those guys not only to be a rotational piece, 359 00:18:17,119 --> 00:18:21,120 Speaker 1: but even potentially a starter and somebody you can rely on, 360 00:18:21,560 --> 00:18:23,520 Speaker 1: then you're looking at the fact that you would have 361 00:18:23,960 --> 00:18:27,040 Speaker 1: at least three or four players that you can rely 362 00:18:27,160 --> 00:18:28,679 Speaker 1: on on a weekly basis. And that's kind of what 363 00:18:28,720 --> 00:18:31,520 Speaker 1: Andrea Patterson was talking about and that interview of if 364 00:18:31,520 --> 00:18:33,679 Speaker 1: you have your base level guys and then you're coaching 365 00:18:33,720 --> 00:18:36,119 Speaker 1: up these other guys behind him to fill in either 366 00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:38,919 Speaker 1: you know, on a couple plays a game or period, 367 00:18:38,960 --> 00:18:42,399 Speaker 1: if somebody gets hurt, that completely changes the mentality in 368 00:18:42,440 --> 00:18:44,920 Speaker 1: the mindset of how you coach and how you work 369 00:18:44,960 --> 00:18:48,080 Speaker 1: with this unit. So if some of these guys pan out, 370 00:18:48,119 --> 00:18:50,040 Speaker 1: and I'm sure there's I saw there's a ton of 371 00:18:50,119 --> 00:18:52,840 Speaker 1: really good defensive line talent as well coming out this year, 372 00:18:53,440 --> 00:18:54,800 Speaker 1: just at least a lot of names that are being 373 00:18:54,800 --> 00:18:57,280 Speaker 1: thrown out in the first couple of rounds. I think 374 00:18:57,280 --> 00:18:59,560 Speaker 1: it's gonna be really exciting if you can definitely land 375 00:18:59,560 --> 00:19:01,800 Speaker 1: one or two with these guys in supplement, whether it's 376 00:19:01,800 --> 00:19:04,400 Speaker 1: free agency or the twenty twenty one draft coming up. 377 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:06,399 Speaker 1: So keep an eye on that when you're watching to 378 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:08,120 Speaker 1: see how these Vikings are going to get better and 379 00:19:08,359 --> 00:19:11,800 Speaker 1: hopefully there won't be as much despair with the way 380 00:19:11,800 --> 00:19:13,560 Speaker 1: that some of that stuff had happened and the way 381 00:19:13,560 --> 00:19:15,520 Speaker 1: the d line had played. I think you should definitely 382 00:19:15,520 --> 00:19:19,560 Speaker 1: see a significant jump if these guys can definitely hit, 383 00:19:19,680 --> 00:19:22,920 Speaker 1: you know, professionally here in the next couple months. Yeah, 384 00:19:22,960 --> 00:19:25,760 Speaker 1: that's for sure. Jay, And a few guys I want 385 00:19:25,800 --> 00:19:29,479 Speaker 1: to touch on here that you brought up in that comment. 386 00:19:29,560 --> 00:19:32,320 Speaker 1: And Kenny Wilkiss, I know we drafted him at a 387 00:19:32,359 --> 00:19:36,080 Speaker 1: Michigan State late in last year's draft. He was injured 388 00:19:36,119 --> 00:19:38,000 Speaker 1: early in the season never even got to suit up 389 00:19:38,040 --> 00:19:41,320 Speaker 1: for the Vikings in a regular season game. I think 390 00:19:41,359 --> 00:19:43,600 Speaker 1: he has the potential to be I know that Brian 391 00:19:43,680 --> 00:19:47,640 Speaker 1: Robinson comparisons were coming up pretty early in training camp, 392 00:19:47,640 --> 00:19:49,800 Speaker 1: and he was shown that he could really rush the passers, 393 00:19:49,840 --> 00:19:52,120 Speaker 1: So look out for him and then also a Hercules 394 00:19:52,160 --> 00:19:56,879 Speaker 1: Mataafa who really played all around the Vikings defense. After 395 00:19:57,359 --> 00:20:01,040 Speaker 1: being a cut early during the season and being waived, 396 00:20:01,119 --> 00:20:03,720 Speaker 1: he came back and really was a key contributor to 397 00:20:03,760 --> 00:20:06,400 Speaker 1: this team. I know Mike Zimmers a fan of what 398 00:20:06,480 --> 00:20:08,879 Speaker 1: he can do, and I know a Fadio Danibo was 399 00:20:08,880 --> 00:20:12,760 Speaker 1: a guy who was waived years ago and ended up 400 00:20:12,800 --> 00:20:14,560 Speaker 1: carving out a niche in this team. So look for 401 00:20:14,600 --> 00:20:18,000 Speaker 1: Hercules Matafa. I mean, I like what he could do. 402 00:20:18,040 --> 00:20:20,639 Speaker 1: I like held that he could play multiple positions. I 403 00:20:20,680 --> 00:20:23,320 Speaker 1: know he's a depth guy and was kind of thrust 404 00:20:23,320 --> 00:20:26,080 Speaker 1: into the role of being a star starter type player 405 00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:29,080 Speaker 1: this past season, but look forward to what he can do. 406 00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:30,680 Speaker 1: And the last guy I want to bring up is 407 00:20:30,760 --> 00:20:33,600 Speaker 1: James Lynch. He was a fourth round draft pick last 408 00:20:33,680 --> 00:20:36,840 Speaker 1: year at the University of Baylor. Never really got too 409 00:20:36,920 --> 00:20:40,359 Speaker 1: much of a rep count this past season, but I 410 00:20:40,440 --> 00:20:42,840 Speaker 1: really like what he brought in practice every day and 411 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:46,240 Speaker 1: he's definitely another depth guy to round out the list. 412 00:20:46,520 --> 00:20:48,320 Speaker 1: And the thing about James Lynch is he was a 413 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:51,200 Speaker 1: junior when he got drafted too, right, so like he's 414 00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:53,119 Speaker 1: still young enough where he's still going to be a 415 00:20:53,119 --> 00:20:56,199 Speaker 1: little raw and the thing that always stood out to 416 00:20:56,200 --> 00:20:59,159 Speaker 1: me about James Lynch. He's the guy that John Randall 417 00:20:59,200 --> 00:21:01,880 Speaker 1: pointed at and said, that's my guy. That's who I'm 418 00:21:01,880 --> 00:21:04,640 Speaker 1: paying attention to, and that's the guy that I think 419 00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:07,600 Speaker 1: has potential in this league. If Hall of Famer, top 420 00:21:07,640 --> 00:21:11,280 Speaker 1: one hundred player in NFL history, John Randall is talking 421 00:21:11,320 --> 00:21:13,919 Speaker 1: you up, I know that's that's a lot of a 422 00:21:13,920 --> 00:21:16,280 Speaker 1: lot of praise and also a lot of pressure. But 423 00:21:16,840 --> 00:21:20,200 Speaker 1: if honestly, John's got to see something in his game 424 00:21:20,280 --> 00:21:24,080 Speaker 1: playing at Baylor that he thinks would translate. And I 425 00:21:24,119 --> 00:21:26,280 Speaker 1: think if if you can get a fourth round pick 426 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:29,600 Speaker 1: twenty four guy like James Lynch to pan out at 427 00:21:29,600 --> 00:21:32,000 Speaker 1: that D tackle position, that's going to be just gravy 428 00:21:32,000 --> 00:21:35,240 Speaker 1: and awesome for this Vikings defense. Whenever John Randall speaks, 429 00:21:35,240 --> 00:21:39,400 Speaker 1: I think everybody listens, especially Vikings fans. So definitely look 430 00:21:39,440 --> 00:21:42,520 Speaker 1: out for what James Lynch can do going forward. But 431 00:21:42,880 --> 00:21:45,800 Speaker 1: as we're on this topic of young defensive lineman, the 432 00:21:45,800 --> 00:21:49,600 Speaker 1: guy who pretty much spends his entire year looking at 433 00:21:49,640 --> 00:21:53,560 Speaker 1: these young defensive lineman it's Vikings head of college scouting. 434 00:21:53,560 --> 00:21:57,040 Speaker 1: It's Jamal Stevenson. And on the Vikings at Home show, 435 00:21:57,359 --> 00:22:00,000 Speaker 1: you can listen to the full version of this interview 436 00:22:00,080 --> 00:22:02,879 Speaker 1: with vikings dot COM's Gabe Henderson, but let's take a 437 00:22:02,920 --> 00:22:06,080 Speaker 1: listen to that interview here. No combine, there were pro days. 438 00:22:06,160 --> 00:22:09,080 Speaker 1: Now that process of you know, trying to you know, 439 00:22:09,119 --> 00:22:11,520 Speaker 1: put a player with a face with a name, what 440 00:22:11,560 --> 00:22:14,119 Speaker 1: he does on the field. How do you guys figure 441 00:22:14,160 --> 00:22:16,560 Speaker 1: all that out right now? You know, like I said, 442 00:22:16,560 --> 00:22:19,320 Speaker 1: we have to go about our business a little different 443 00:22:19,359 --> 00:22:23,040 Speaker 1: this year, but we still got all the work done 444 00:22:23,040 --> 00:22:25,439 Speaker 1: that we needed to get done. As far as you know, 445 00:22:25,440 --> 00:22:28,360 Speaker 1: the college tape is going to tell you a ton 446 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:31,000 Speaker 1: about the player anyway. And that's why having a veteran 447 00:22:31,080 --> 00:22:34,800 Speaker 1: scouting staff I think has been so beneficial to us 448 00:22:34,840 --> 00:22:38,119 Speaker 1: in terms of our guys reaching out to their sources 449 00:22:38,280 --> 00:22:41,200 Speaker 1: and getting all this background information. And now the scouting 450 00:22:41,240 --> 00:22:46,919 Speaker 1: Combine basically being a medical event is you know, it 451 00:22:47,040 --> 00:22:51,080 Speaker 1: is what it is. You know, our medical staff, our 452 00:22:51,119 --> 00:22:54,040 Speaker 1: trainers or they're going to get the information the information 453 00:22:54,080 --> 00:22:56,920 Speaker 1: they need to get as far as you know, these 454 00:22:57,240 --> 00:23:02,359 Speaker 1: a comprehensive medical background check on every you know, Combine 455 00:23:02,440 --> 00:23:08,800 Speaker 1: eligible player. But for us, you know, we're gonna we're 456 00:23:08,800 --> 00:23:10,640 Speaker 1: not gonna be able to see the players work out 457 00:23:10,680 --> 00:23:14,480 Speaker 1: at the combine, but we'll have pro days, which is 458 00:23:14,640 --> 00:23:17,840 Speaker 1: just as beneficial. You'll get to see guys work out. 459 00:23:18,160 --> 00:23:22,359 Speaker 1: Um uh you know. So yeah, it's different, but I 460 00:23:22,400 --> 00:23:24,360 Speaker 1: think we're gonna come to the same result in the end. 461 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,760 Speaker 1: I love when we get to hear Jamal Stevenson's insight 462 00:23:27,880 --> 00:23:30,560 Speaker 1: at this point in the season. Uh. He is definitely 463 00:23:30,600 --> 00:23:32,520 Speaker 1: always a good talker. He gives you a little insight 464 00:23:32,560 --> 00:23:35,280 Speaker 1: into what kind of players at the Vikings front office 465 00:23:35,359 --> 00:23:38,120 Speaker 1: is looking for in the draft, and I think he's 466 00:23:38,160 --> 00:23:40,760 Speaker 1: just done an incredible job. I know Rick Spielman always 467 00:23:40,800 --> 00:23:42,560 Speaker 1: gets a lot of the credit for some of the 468 00:23:42,640 --> 00:23:44,879 Speaker 1: draft picks that the Vikings make, but this is the 469 00:23:44,920 --> 00:23:47,480 Speaker 1: guy that's that's out there, um, looking at these guys 470 00:23:47,480 --> 00:23:50,160 Speaker 1: in persons, seeing what they can do at the college level, 471 00:23:50,320 --> 00:23:52,960 Speaker 1: and being able to make these decisions. So I think 472 00:23:52,960 --> 00:23:54,880 Speaker 1: it's safe to say with the theme of this episode 473 00:23:54,880 --> 00:23:58,160 Speaker 1: that Jamal Stevenson's looking at some defensive line and Jay 474 00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:00,879 Speaker 1: and then this year's draft. I would have zom You know, 475 00:24:01,119 --> 00:24:03,400 Speaker 1: Jamal is one of those guys that he's not necessarily 476 00:24:03,880 --> 00:24:06,560 Speaker 1: out front and front facing as far as the public 477 00:24:06,680 --> 00:24:09,560 Speaker 1: knows him. They hear the name periodically this time of year. 478 00:24:09,960 --> 00:24:12,480 Speaker 1: But Jamal is a guy who has done it the 479 00:24:12,560 --> 00:24:14,960 Speaker 1: right way, come up through the system. They've trusted him. 480 00:24:15,240 --> 00:24:17,960 Speaker 1: When Scott Studwell went to take kind of less of 481 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:21,080 Speaker 1: an active role and essentially retire, Jamal was the guy 482 00:24:21,119 --> 00:24:23,240 Speaker 1: that was hand picked to be a successor on this stuff. 483 00:24:23,280 --> 00:24:25,399 Speaker 1: And I know that Scott's still involved in different ways, 484 00:24:25,480 --> 00:24:30,240 Speaker 1: but Jamal is the focal point. He is the director 485 00:24:30,280 --> 00:24:34,639 Speaker 1: of pro scouting for this Vikings club, and everybody trusts 486 00:24:34,680 --> 00:24:39,200 Speaker 1: him implicitly, and I think you know when he does 487 00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:42,360 Speaker 1: speak and as much as he can. You know, all 488 00:24:42,359 --> 00:24:44,800 Speaker 1: these guys are guarded with not wanting to tip their 489 00:24:44,800 --> 00:24:47,040 Speaker 1: hand or kind of push to what we're doing. But 490 00:24:47,680 --> 00:24:49,639 Speaker 1: when Jamal and Rick and all of these guys have 491 00:24:49,720 --> 00:24:51,960 Speaker 1: all of these hours and hours and hours of meetings 492 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:56,520 Speaker 1: that go on, he essentially has to be at times 493 00:24:56,520 --> 00:24:59,439 Speaker 1: help be the tiebreaker when Rick and other people are 494 00:24:59,480 --> 00:25:02,520 Speaker 1: trying to actually make their decisions. So it's always great 495 00:25:02,520 --> 00:25:04,520 Speaker 1: to hear from Jamal as much as he's willing to talk. 496 00:25:04,640 --> 00:25:07,840 Speaker 1: And I know that given our situation and the fact 497 00:25:07,840 --> 00:25:09,840 Speaker 1: that we're about a month month and a half away 498 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:14,320 Speaker 1: from the actual draft happening itself, I'm sure Jamal is 499 00:25:14,320 --> 00:25:16,680 Speaker 1: also going to be speaking as we get closer to 500 00:25:16,760 --> 00:25:19,159 Speaker 1: the draft, so pay attention whenever you hear the name 501 00:25:19,240 --> 00:25:22,400 Speaker 1: Jamal Stevenson and here that he's going to speak. Definitely 502 00:25:22,480 --> 00:25:24,520 Speaker 1: listen to what he has to say, because he is 503 00:25:24,560 --> 00:25:28,040 Speaker 1: as plugged in period as anybody in this entire organization. Yeah, 504 00:25:28,080 --> 00:25:30,119 Speaker 1: he doesn't speak too often, but when he does speak, 505 00:25:30,160 --> 00:25:33,439 Speaker 1: I think you're kind of taken and listen to everything 506 00:25:33,480 --> 00:25:35,920 Speaker 1: he's saying because he's clearly one of the main voices 507 00:25:35,920 --> 00:25:38,560 Speaker 1: in the room. When the Vikings make their draft picks, 508 00:25:38,800 --> 00:25:42,199 Speaker 1: I think ten or eleven weeks from now, at the 509 00:25:42,240 --> 00:25:44,840 Speaker 1: fourteenth overall pick, he will have a big say in that, 510 00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:48,320 Speaker 1: So listen to what Jamal Stevenson has to say. One 511 00:25:48,320 --> 00:25:51,760 Speaker 1: more thing before we get into the franchise tag season, 512 00:25:51,800 --> 00:25:53,960 Speaker 1: which is coming up here in a week or so, 513 00:25:54,520 --> 00:25:57,120 Speaker 1: I want to talk about what Vikings dot COM's Lindsay 514 00:25:57,160 --> 00:26:00,120 Speaker 1: Young is doing for Vikings dot Com and the content 515 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:03,560 Speaker 1: that she's been working on. It's a very important topic. 516 00:26:04,080 --> 00:26:07,679 Speaker 1: She's working with our players in telling their stories of 517 00:26:07,800 --> 00:26:11,000 Speaker 1: dealing with their mental health illnesses and what they go 518 00:26:11,080 --> 00:26:14,440 Speaker 1: through on an everyday basis. The first installment of this 519 00:26:14,480 --> 00:26:17,680 Speaker 1: series was with Vikings defensive end Jalen Holmes. The really 520 00:26:17,680 --> 00:26:22,000 Speaker 1: important discussion and conversation that was had between Lindsay and 521 00:26:22,119 --> 00:26:25,800 Speaker 1: Jalen Holmes about the anxiety that he deals with on 522 00:26:25,840 --> 00:26:27,639 Speaker 1: and off the field. I know it's something that a 523 00:26:27,680 --> 00:26:31,040 Speaker 1: lot of people go through in life, more people than 524 00:26:31,480 --> 00:26:33,600 Speaker 1: we know of because it's so hard to talk about. 525 00:26:33,680 --> 00:26:36,520 Speaker 1: So Jay, I thought that was a really cool piece 526 00:26:36,560 --> 00:26:39,200 Speaker 1: and there is more coming from your favorite Vikings. So 527 00:26:39,720 --> 00:26:42,840 Speaker 1: I really appreciate Jalen being the first one to be 528 00:26:42,920 --> 00:26:44,640 Speaker 1: a part of this series. I know we had had 529 00:26:44,640 --> 00:26:47,440 Speaker 1: a discussion a while ago when Si was on the 530 00:26:47,480 --> 00:26:50,399 Speaker 1: show and had talked about the fact that Wheneverson had 531 00:26:50,440 --> 00:26:53,040 Speaker 1: gone through his stuff and the organization was as positive 532 00:26:53,080 --> 00:26:55,320 Speaker 1: and as supportive as they were, and so I kind 533 00:26:55,359 --> 00:26:58,359 Speaker 1: of talked about his own dealings with some of that stuff. 534 00:26:58,400 --> 00:27:02,480 Speaker 1: And the thing about this is, I think everybody, especially 535 00:27:02,480 --> 00:27:06,880 Speaker 1: now going through the pandemic, everybody understands that at some 536 00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:10,359 Speaker 1: point with everything that's been going on, that life can 537 00:27:10,400 --> 00:27:12,520 Speaker 1: catch up with you a little bit, and it doesn't 538 00:27:12,560 --> 00:27:15,560 Speaker 1: have to be something where it's even a chronic thing. 539 00:27:15,560 --> 00:27:19,120 Speaker 1: It just it can happen to everybody. And like you said, 540 00:27:19,680 --> 00:27:22,400 Speaker 1: it's not necessarily something that everyone's willing to talk about. 541 00:27:22,440 --> 00:27:28,000 Speaker 1: It's a vulnerable things. It's definitely something that can force 542 00:27:28,080 --> 00:27:30,080 Speaker 1: people to feel like they have to suffer in silence. 543 00:27:30,560 --> 00:27:33,560 Speaker 1: And lindsay, I know this is a passion project of 544 00:27:33,560 --> 00:27:36,280 Speaker 1: hers because of some of the stuff that she's had 545 00:27:36,320 --> 00:27:38,800 Speaker 1: throughout her lifetime in dealing with friends and people that 546 00:27:38,840 --> 00:27:42,080 Speaker 1: she knows that she truly cares about and situations that 547 00:27:42,119 --> 00:27:45,359 Speaker 1: have come up. And that's part of why she's thought 548 00:27:45,359 --> 00:27:47,640 Speaker 1: about and talked about doing this for a while now. 549 00:27:48,119 --> 00:27:50,160 Speaker 1: And there's a lot of people that are very supportive 550 00:27:50,160 --> 00:27:53,080 Speaker 1: of her doing this. I think it's an awesome piece 551 00:27:53,200 --> 00:27:56,159 Speaker 1: and it just goes to show you as big and 552 00:27:56,240 --> 00:27:59,400 Speaker 1: tough and burly and strong and everything that these guys are. 553 00:28:00,040 --> 00:28:02,480 Speaker 1: Everybody also goes through some of this stuff, and it's 554 00:28:02,520 --> 00:28:05,159 Speaker 1: not necessarily just a muscle that you can flex or 555 00:28:05,240 --> 00:28:07,520 Speaker 1: try to a cramp that you can kind of work out. 556 00:28:08,400 --> 00:28:12,920 Speaker 1: This is pieces of trying to break the stigma of 557 00:28:12,960 --> 00:28:14,920 Speaker 1: these guys being able to function on a day to 558 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:18,119 Speaker 1: day basis, and hopefully if people are willing to listen 559 00:28:18,160 --> 00:28:21,840 Speaker 1: and to truly just understand what they're saying, maybe there's 560 00:28:21,880 --> 00:28:24,159 Speaker 1: some solace that can be taken in there and feeling like, 561 00:28:24,240 --> 00:28:26,320 Speaker 1: you know, I feel this way too, And I think 562 00:28:26,320 --> 00:28:28,879 Speaker 1: more than anything, it's breaking the stigma of being willing 563 00:28:29,359 --> 00:28:33,440 Speaker 1: to admit at some times you need help, whether it's friends, family, professionally, 564 00:28:33,480 --> 00:28:36,160 Speaker 1: whatever it is. I think this is a really, really 565 00:28:36,160 --> 00:28:39,720 Speaker 1: great piece, and I know that it's kind of a 566 00:28:39,800 --> 00:28:41,880 Speaker 1: mini series piece that she's going to work on here 567 00:28:41,920 --> 00:28:45,440 Speaker 1: with interviews coming up, and hopefully that's something as well 568 00:28:45,440 --> 00:28:47,200 Speaker 1: that we can reach out to Lindsay and have around 569 00:28:47,240 --> 00:28:49,280 Speaker 1: the show coming up here in the next couple of 570 00:28:49,280 --> 00:28:51,400 Speaker 1: weeks as she does this piece, So be on the 571 00:28:51,400 --> 00:28:54,160 Speaker 1: lookout for that. Definitely go check it out and just 572 00:28:54,240 --> 00:28:56,800 Speaker 1: stay tuned because there's going to be more than just 573 00:28:56,920 --> 00:28:58,920 Speaker 1: Jaalen Holmes here this week. It's going to be a 574 00:28:59,040 --> 00:29:02,000 Speaker 1: series of interviews going on about this. So it's a 575 00:29:02,040 --> 00:29:04,800 Speaker 1: great piece and definitely check it out. Yeah, it's called 576 00:29:04,880 --> 00:29:07,800 Speaker 1: Getting open Um. It will be on all the Vikings platforms, 577 00:29:07,800 --> 00:29:10,360 Speaker 1: the Vikings social media. I saw a clip on the 578 00:29:10,480 --> 00:29:13,880 Speaker 1: Vikings Instagram the other day with Jalen Holmes, but yeah, 579 00:29:13,960 --> 00:29:16,560 Speaker 1: go check that out. There's long form articles on Vikings 580 00:29:16,600 --> 00:29:20,440 Speaker 1: dot com, so a variety of content these guys are 581 00:29:20,560 --> 00:29:24,040 Speaker 1: are models to the Twin Cities and and I mean 582 00:29:24,120 --> 00:29:28,640 Speaker 1: the whole country. What better examples than football players when 583 00:29:28,680 --> 00:29:31,440 Speaker 1: it comes to something that's that's not easy to talk about. 584 00:29:31,440 --> 00:29:33,320 Speaker 1: So yeah, look for that. And I can't wait to 585 00:29:33,360 --> 00:29:36,080 Speaker 1: have Lindsay on the show to talk about something that 586 00:29:36,120 --> 00:29:40,719 Speaker 1: affects pretty much every family, um this especially with the 587 00:29:40,720 --> 00:29:43,960 Speaker 1: pandemic going on. So that's for sure. Um all right, 588 00:29:44,000 --> 00:29:46,840 Speaker 1: from that topic, back to football for the last topic 589 00:29:46,880 --> 00:29:50,560 Speaker 1: of the show. The franchise tag season is beginning uh 590 00:29:50,800 --> 00:29:55,600 Speaker 1: pretty soon here March ninth, three pm Central time, and 591 00:29:55,760 --> 00:29:59,120 Speaker 1: there are a lot of big time players. ESPN dot 592 00:29:59,200 --> 00:30:04,320 Speaker 1: com actually listed their top twenty two franchise tag candidates 593 00:30:04,320 --> 00:30:08,200 Speaker 1: that that will be probably put into that situation determining 594 00:30:09,040 --> 00:30:12,640 Speaker 1: if they will be given that designation, maybe because of 595 00:30:12,680 --> 00:30:16,920 Speaker 1: a big contractor or whatever it might be that that 596 00:30:17,000 --> 00:30:20,320 Speaker 1: teams would want a franchise tag them. Here are a 597 00:30:20,440 --> 00:30:24,640 Speaker 1: couple of the top twenty two franchise tag candidates. We're 598 00:30:24,680 --> 00:30:28,719 Speaker 1: looking specifically in the NFC North because obviously these players 599 00:30:28,720 --> 00:30:32,200 Speaker 1: will affect the Vikings at least multiple times a year 600 00:30:32,400 --> 00:30:35,640 Speaker 1: and obviously in the quest to win the division. So 601 00:30:35,840 --> 00:30:39,400 Speaker 1: Number one a couple of wide outs running back, but 602 00:30:39,480 --> 00:30:42,200 Speaker 1: the wide out that really stands out is Kenny Galladay, 603 00:30:42,880 --> 00:30:46,080 Speaker 1: twenty seven years old, the number one wide receiver for 604 00:30:46,240 --> 00:30:49,120 Speaker 1: the rival Detroit Lions. I know that there's a new 605 00:30:49,200 --> 00:30:52,160 Speaker 1: front office and a new head coach and Dan Campbell, 606 00:30:53,200 --> 00:30:56,040 Speaker 1: Kenny Golladay's twenty seven years old, and the tag would 607 00:30:56,080 --> 00:31:00,000 Speaker 1: cost about sixteen point four million for the twenty twenty 608 00:31:00,200 --> 00:31:03,960 Speaker 1: one season. I think it's a tough decision, especially for 609 00:31:03,960 --> 00:31:06,720 Speaker 1: a guy you might want to lock up long term. 610 00:31:06,760 --> 00:31:08,880 Speaker 1: But when you look at the roster and kind of 611 00:31:08,880 --> 00:31:11,120 Speaker 1: what they've been through the past couple of years with 612 00:31:11,160 --> 00:31:15,920 Speaker 1: Matt Patricia and the Patriots scheme from the front office down, 613 00:31:16,640 --> 00:31:19,240 Speaker 1: it didn't work out there in Detroit. But like I said, 614 00:31:19,280 --> 00:31:22,720 Speaker 1: you have Dan Campbell's stepping in. You also have Vikings 615 00:31:22,720 --> 00:31:28,200 Speaker 1: general manager Rick Spielman's brother, Chris Spielman, who spent most 616 00:31:28,200 --> 00:31:31,360 Speaker 1: of his time as a broadcaster for CBS. He's stepping 617 00:31:31,400 --> 00:31:34,480 Speaker 1: in into a special role in the front office where 618 00:31:34,520 --> 00:31:37,000 Speaker 1: he'll be making a lot of the decisions here. Jay, 619 00:31:37,280 --> 00:31:40,120 Speaker 1: It's funny how that works when you have brothers in 620 00:31:40,160 --> 00:31:43,080 Speaker 1: the same division as rivals against each other. But what 621 00:31:43,160 --> 00:31:46,080 Speaker 1: do you think about the speculation that was made here 622 00:31:46,120 --> 00:31:50,640 Speaker 1: by ESPN's Michael Ralstein on Kenny Galladay. I think there's 623 00:31:50,680 --> 00:31:53,320 Speaker 1: a lot of players that looks like that Detroit's gonna 624 00:31:53,360 --> 00:31:55,840 Speaker 1: have to make some decisions on and you know, they're 625 00:31:55,840 --> 00:31:57,440 Speaker 1: going to be in kind of fruit basket upset a 626 00:31:57,480 --> 00:31:59,160 Speaker 1: little bit, and that they have the new GM, the 627 00:31:59,160 --> 00:32:01,120 Speaker 1: new head coach. I think a lot of people are 628 00:32:01,120 --> 00:32:03,160 Speaker 1: going to be kind of trying to figure out, you know, 629 00:32:03,240 --> 00:32:05,240 Speaker 1: what route are they going to go. They just got 630 00:32:05,320 --> 00:32:08,160 Speaker 1: rid of Matt Stafford, brought in Jared Goff. You would 631 00:32:08,160 --> 00:32:12,040 Speaker 1: assume a top tier playmaker like a Kenny Galladay who's still, 632 00:32:12,080 --> 00:32:15,120 Speaker 1: like you said, twenty seven years old, and that entire 633 00:32:15,400 --> 00:32:19,920 Speaker 1: wide receiver group, it looks like, is pretty much potentially gone. 634 00:32:20,200 --> 00:32:23,160 Speaker 1: Like they have the ability as free agents to potentially 635 00:32:23,440 --> 00:32:27,080 Speaker 1: completely revamped this wide receiver group. At the same point, 636 00:32:27,440 --> 00:32:29,200 Speaker 1: you know, what do they want to do? What is 637 00:32:29,200 --> 00:32:30,720 Speaker 1: their focus going to be. Are they going to try 638 00:32:30,760 --> 00:32:33,960 Speaker 1: to build around um DeAndre Swift and try to become 639 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:37,640 Speaker 1: more of a running running football team and have Jared 640 00:32:37,680 --> 00:32:39,640 Speaker 1: Goff be back they're slinging it, or are they going 641 00:32:39,680 --> 00:32:41,680 Speaker 1: to still try and bring back some of these other 642 00:32:42,080 --> 00:32:44,520 Speaker 1: whiteouts that are on their roster that are also free agents, 643 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:48,120 Speaker 1: and I think a guy like Kenny Golladay. You saw 644 00:32:48,360 --> 00:32:51,520 Speaker 1: that Lyon's offense was like when he was gone, they 645 00:32:51,520 --> 00:32:54,840 Speaker 1: were able to definitely put some bracket coverage and double 646 00:32:54,880 --> 00:32:57,160 Speaker 1: coverage on some of these other players. But when Kenny 647 00:32:57,200 --> 00:33:00,440 Speaker 1: Gollady has the ability to take the top off, He's 648 00:33:00,480 --> 00:33:03,640 Speaker 1: not at the Megatron level, but he is clearly their 649 00:33:03,720 --> 00:33:06,520 Speaker 1: number one wide out, and so it wouldn't surprise me 650 00:33:06,600 --> 00:33:09,400 Speaker 1: to see a guy like Kenny Golladay definitely get that 651 00:33:09,680 --> 00:33:14,040 Speaker 1: franchise tag. Look, so, yeah, I'm really curious to see 652 00:33:14,040 --> 00:33:16,640 Speaker 1: what Detroit does because if they let him walk as well, 653 00:33:16,760 --> 00:33:19,240 Speaker 1: then that means they have a completely different idea or 654 00:33:19,320 --> 00:33:21,920 Speaker 1: style of that they want to go into. But if 655 00:33:22,000 --> 00:33:24,440 Speaker 1: Kenny Golladay hits the open mark, right, he's definitely going 656 00:33:24,480 --> 00:33:26,760 Speaker 1: to be one of the top tier acquisitions at the 657 00:33:26,760 --> 00:33:29,520 Speaker 1: wide receiver position. He's going to get paid big time. 658 00:33:29,840 --> 00:33:34,320 Speaker 1: That was Michael Rothstein, the Detroit Lions reporter for ESPN 659 00:33:34,360 --> 00:33:37,960 Speaker 1: dot com. That's who he speculated as the franchise tag 660 00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:42,640 Speaker 1: in the NFC North. But what about Vikings reporter Courtney Cronin, 661 00:33:43,280 --> 00:33:46,200 Speaker 1: She speculated as well in the division, and she went 662 00:33:46,240 --> 00:33:48,840 Speaker 1: with another wide receiver in the division, not a Viking, 663 00:33:49,120 --> 00:33:52,560 Speaker 1: a Chicago Bear, another twenty seven year old wide receiver. 664 00:33:52,840 --> 00:33:56,400 Speaker 1: It's Alan Robinson. Definitely another player who has a big 665 00:33:56,440 --> 00:33:59,040 Speaker 1: impact on what the Vikings do when they faced the 666 00:33:59,080 --> 00:34:01,280 Speaker 1: Bears twice a year. I mean, he's had one hundred 667 00:34:01,280 --> 00:34:04,840 Speaker 1: and twenty receptions, twelve hundred and fifty receiving yards, and 668 00:34:04,880 --> 00:34:08,240 Speaker 1: six touchdowns last season. Clearly a number one wide receiver 669 00:34:08,320 --> 00:34:11,600 Speaker 1: no matter who's at quarterback. The tag cost would be 670 00:34:11,960 --> 00:34:15,640 Speaker 1: sixteen point four million as well for the twenty twenty 671 00:34:15,640 --> 00:34:18,640 Speaker 1: one season. It is the average of the top five 672 00:34:19,280 --> 00:34:23,160 Speaker 1: salaries at the position. So obviously Kenny Galladay and Allen 673 00:34:23,239 --> 00:34:27,239 Speaker 1: Robinson would have the same cost with the franchise tax. So, Jay, 674 00:34:27,280 --> 00:34:29,880 Speaker 1: this is pretty much a similar situation. You have an 675 00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:34,319 Speaker 1: organization that really has not gotten over the hump in 676 00:34:34,360 --> 00:34:37,000 Speaker 1: our division, in the NFC North, and they're looking at 677 00:34:37,080 --> 00:34:40,640 Speaker 1: probably wanting to keep their number one target in town. 678 00:34:40,800 --> 00:34:44,640 Speaker 1: One hundred percent. I just look at that Bears depth 679 00:34:44,760 --> 00:34:47,520 Speaker 1: chart and you see Alan Robinson is that name that 680 00:34:47,600 --> 00:34:50,880 Speaker 1: stands out on whiteout. Yeah, they had a dynamic rookie 681 00:34:50,880 --> 00:34:54,000 Speaker 1: and Darnell Mooney last season step up and make some plays. 682 00:34:54,080 --> 00:34:57,360 Speaker 1: But Alan Robinson was the go to guy. He was 683 00:34:57,440 --> 00:35:01,480 Speaker 1: basically the fly trap that anytime ball came flying at him, 684 00:35:01,520 --> 00:35:03,520 Speaker 1: he was catching that thing. And like you said, the 685 00:35:03,760 --> 00:35:05,440 Speaker 1: bigger question mark they have to figure out is just 686 00:35:05,440 --> 00:35:09,800 Speaker 1: the QB situation, and a guy like Alan Robinson is 687 00:35:09,880 --> 00:35:12,879 Speaker 1: kind of that that Nuki blankie that everyone always likes 688 00:35:12,880 --> 00:35:16,000 Speaker 1: to joke about. If they lose Alan Robinson again, then 689 00:35:16,040 --> 00:35:17,640 Speaker 1: they would have to turn around and try to go 690 00:35:17,680 --> 00:35:20,560 Speaker 1: after a guy like a Kenny Golladay or somebody else. 691 00:35:20,560 --> 00:35:22,600 Speaker 1: There's there's another name on this list that I've got 692 00:35:22,920 --> 00:35:25,080 Speaker 1: that would kind of fit that bell a little bit too. 693 00:35:25,080 --> 00:35:28,040 Speaker 1: But to me, Alan Robinson he is as sure fire 694 00:35:28,080 --> 00:35:30,160 Speaker 1: as you're going to find a wide receiver. And I 695 00:35:30,200 --> 00:35:32,640 Speaker 1: have a hard time believing that Chicago would really want 696 00:35:32,640 --> 00:35:34,440 Speaker 1: to let him go. So if they can't get a 697 00:35:34,440 --> 00:35:37,319 Speaker 1: long term deal done, it wouldn't surprise me that they 698 00:35:37,320 --> 00:35:39,400 Speaker 1: would throw that franchise tag on him. Here in about 699 00:35:39,400 --> 00:35:41,480 Speaker 1: a week and a half, that was the Vikings reporter, 700 00:35:41,600 --> 00:35:44,400 Speaker 1: Courtney Cronin for ESPN dot com. So let's go to 701 00:35:44,440 --> 00:35:48,759 Speaker 1: the Green Bay reporter. His name's Rob Dmowski. He's the 702 00:35:49,000 --> 00:35:52,480 Speaker 1: Green Bay Packers reporter for ESPN dot com. He says 703 00:35:53,120 --> 00:35:57,719 Speaker 1: Aaron Jones will not be franchise tagged by Green Bay. 704 00:35:57,760 --> 00:36:01,040 Speaker 1: That's how he spun his ta here for this article. 705 00:36:01,080 --> 00:36:04,720 Speaker 1: He speculates that running back Aaron Jones will not receive 706 00:36:05,080 --> 00:36:08,160 Speaker 1: the franchise tag. He is just twenty six years old, 707 00:36:08,200 --> 00:36:11,399 Speaker 1: and that tag would cost eleven million. Obviously, the running 708 00:36:11,440 --> 00:36:14,440 Speaker 1: backs are not paid as well as the wide receivers 709 00:36:14,440 --> 00:36:18,279 Speaker 1: in the NFL. He had eleven hundred yards nine touchdowns 710 00:36:18,600 --> 00:36:22,120 Speaker 1: and the Packers are currently eleven point four million dollars 711 00:36:22,120 --> 00:36:25,239 Speaker 1: over the cap. Obviously, there's a lot of things with 712 00:36:25,280 --> 00:36:28,520 Speaker 1: the salary cap changing due to the COVID season that 713 00:36:28,600 --> 00:36:31,799 Speaker 1: just happened. So Jay, I don't know. This one's a 714 00:36:31,800 --> 00:36:33,839 Speaker 1: little different. How do you spend this one? There were 715 00:36:33,920 --> 00:36:36,799 Speaker 1: rumblings during the season. I think Aaron Jones was really 716 00:36:36,920 --> 00:36:41,480 Speaker 1: upset last offseason when guys like Delvin got their longer contracts. 717 00:36:41,560 --> 00:36:44,040 Speaker 1: He was looking for similar money that he wanted kind 718 00:36:44,040 --> 00:36:48,279 Speaker 1: of a long term, seventy ish million dollar contract, and 719 00:36:48,640 --> 00:36:51,719 Speaker 1: the Packers weren't willing to play ball, and there was 720 00:36:51,760 --> 00:36:54,160 Speaker 1: a lot of speculation as to why. I also know 721 00:36:54,280 --> 00:36:56,320 Speaker 1: that you know they've got Dylan sitting in the wings 722 00:36:56,360 --> 00:36:59,200 Speaker 1: that they brought in from from Boston College before. But 723 00:36:59,400 --> 00:37:02,520 Speaker 1: Aaron Jones, he is a difference maker, especially for a 724 00:37:02,560 --> 00:37:06,279 Speaker 1: guy like like Aaron Rodgers. I just I feel like 725 00:37:06,400 --> 00:37:09,400 Speaker 1: letting him go. They the article kind of speculated a 726 00:37:09,400 --> 00:37:11,600 Speaker 1: little bit too, saying, yeah, it's a luxury to have 727 00:37:11,640 --> 00:37:14,279 Speaker 1: a guy like him and not quite sure if he's 728 00:37:14,280 --> 00:37:17,399 Speaker 1: worth that money. But I think the bigger reason why 729 00:37:17,680 --> 00:37:20,360 Speaker 1: Rob said he didn't think he'd be back is because 730 00:37:20,640 --> 00:37:22,760 Speaker 1: he kind of felt like, yeah, the salary cap situation 731 00:37:22,880 --> 00:37:26,759 Speaker 1: was a problem, but there's a chance that Aaron, being 732 00:37:26,800 --> 00:37:29,080 Speaker 1: as upset as he was last offseason with just not 733 00:37:29,160 --> 00:37:31,319 Speaker 1: being able to work something out, he felt a little 734 00:37:31,320 --> 00:37:34,040 Speaker 1: disrespected and felt like he just might even resist playing. 735 00:37:34,080 --> 00:37:36,160 Speaker 1: Even if they said we're going to tag you, he 736 00:37:36,239 --> 00:37:38,520 Speaker 1: might be like, that's cool, but I ain't playing because 737 00:37:38,640 --> 00:37:41,200 Speaker 1: I want a long term contract. So if that's the 738 00:37:41,239 --> 00:37:45,359 Speaker 1: case and they lose out Aaron Jones, he'll definitely find 739 00:37:45,680 --> 00:37:48,680 Speaker 1: a team that's willing to pay him. And I just 740 00:37:48,719 --> 00:37:50,880 Speaker 1: think for him, the biggest pieces he knows as a 741 00:37:50,920 --> 00:37:53,680 Speaker 1: running back, if you gotta get when you can, and 742 00:37:53,800 --> 00:37:57,319 Speaker 1: if he can try and pull at fifteen million year 743 00:37:57,800 --> 00:38:01,080 Speaker 1: or somewhere between ten and fifteen a year, long term contract. 744 00:38:01,400 --> 00:38:03,600 Speaker 1: That's what he's looking for, and I'll be curious to 745 00:38:03,640 --> 00:38:06,759 Speaker 1: see if they let him walk where he decides to go, 746 00:38:06,840 --> 00:38:09,120 Speaker 1: because there's a lot of teams that are probably a 747 00:38:09,120 --> 00:38:12,399 Speaker 1: good running back away from really making their offenses click. 748 00:38:12,520 --> 00:38:15,600 Speaker 1: So Aaron Jones will definitely have some suitors if he 749 00:38:15,600 --> 00:38:19,359 Speaker 1: doesn't get franchise tag. Probably three of the biggest playmakers 750 00:38:19,360 --> 00:38:21,960 Speaker 1: in the division. There so definitely names to watch when 751 00:38:22,000 --> 00:38:24,560 Speaker 1: it comes to the franchise tag coming up here on 752 00:38:24,719 --> 00:38:29,239 Speaker 1: March ninth. That'll round out the NFC North picks. Looking 753 00:38:29,280 --> 00:38:31,120 Speaker 1: at some of the big names around the league and 754 00:38:31,239 --> 00:38:34,080 Speaker 1: especially in the NFC. I think I think NFC is 755 00:38:34,080 --> 00:38:36,920 Speaker 1: what you have highlighted here. The biggest name on the 756 00:38:36,920 --> 00:38:39,960 Speaker 1: list is Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. 757 00:38:40,480 --> 00:38:43,040 Speaker 1: Unless a deal is put in place by March ninth, 758 00:38:43,280 --> 00:38:46,080 Speaker 1: they will most likely have to franchise tag Dak for 759 00:38:46,120 --> 00:38:48,320 Speaker 1: the second straight year. I know it's been a topic 760 00:38:48,360 --> 00:38:51,600 Speaker 1: for Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys owner, for years now. 761 00:38:51,880 --> 00:38:55,560 Speaker 1: When will he pay Dak Prescott for the long term. Well, 762 00:38:55,600 --> 00:38:57,359 Speaker 1: this tag cost is going to be a little bit 763 00:38:57,440 --> 00:39:00,640 Speaker 1: higher than a couple of the other positions thirty seven 764 00:39:00,680 --> 00:39:03,960 Speaker 1: point seven million for the twenty twenty one season. So 765 00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:07,440 Speaker 1: do you want to give Daku a top five average 766 00:39:07,960 --> 00:39:10,719 Speaker 1: at the quarterback position for one year or do you 767 00:39:10,760 --> 00:39:13,759 Speaker 1: want to possibly pay him a little bit less to 768 00:39:13,800 --> 00:39:16,399 Speaker 1: lock him up for the long term. The Cowboys went 769 00:39:16,480 --> 00:39:20,080 Speaker 1: four and seven without Dak after his injury. That was 770 00:39:20,120 --> 00:39:23,960 Speaker 1: Andy Dalton, then a couple other quarterbacks Bend Nucci, who 771 00:39:24,040 --> 00:39:27,160 Speaker 1: started at that position, definitely struggled, So we'll see what 772 00:39:27,200 --> 00:39:30,960 Speaker 1: the Cowboys decide to do there. It was Todd Archer 773 00:39:31,000 --> 00:39:34,080 Speaker 1: from ESPN dot Com who covers the Cowboys. He says 774 00:39:34,120 --> 00:39:39,320 Speaker 1: that Dallas will definitely use that franchise tag on Dak Prescott, 775 00:39:39,400 --> 00:39:42,640 Speaker 1: so that will be interesting to watch. Another wide receiver 776 00:39:43,440 --> 00:39:46,560 Speaker 1: Chris Godwin, who had a really good season for the 777 00:39:46,560 --> 00:39:50,200 Speaker 1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Super Bowl champion team in the NFL. 778 00:39:50,800 --> 00:39:53,480 Speaker 1: Definitely interesting to see what they do. They have it 779 00:39:53,640 --> 00:39:57,680 Speaker 1: built a dynamic offense around Tom Brady and this is 780 00:39:57,680 --> 00:40:00,720 Speaker 1: a guy who was there for years before and obviously 781 00:40:00,760 --> 00:40:04,080 Speaker 1: teams up with Mike Evans. So Tampa currently has around 782 00:40:04,080 --> 00:40:06,400 Speaker 1: thirty million dollars in cap space this would be the 783 00:40:06,480 --> 00:40:10,040 Speaker 1: sixteen point four million. If they would choose to tag 784 00:40:10,120 --> 00:40:14,040 Speaker 1: Shaquille Barrett, it would cost him nineteen million instead, So 785 00:40:14,360 --> 00:40:16,520 Speaker 1: kind of picking between those two players might have to 786 00:40:16,560 --> 00:40:21,280 Speaker 1: happen for that to get done for Chris Godwin. Jenna 787 00:40:21,400 --> 00:40:24,960 Speaker 1: Lane the Buccaneers team reporter for ESPN dot com. She 788 00:40:25,040 --> 00:40:27,600 Speaker 1: says Tampa Bay will definitely use the franchise tag on 789 00:40:27,680 --> 00:40:31,200 Speaker 1: Godwin with the intent of getting a long term deal done. 790 00:40:32,280 --> 00:40:34,400 Speaker 1: Last got on the list, and this is probably a 791 00:40:34,520 --> 00:40:37,279 Speaker 1: name that Vikings fans have heard when it comes to 792 00:40:37,360 --> 00:40:41,280 Speaker 1: an interior offensive lineman that there has been some interest 793 00:40:41,320 --> 00:40:44,040 Speaker 1: in over the years. It's Brandon Schurf, one of the 794 00:40:44,080 --> 00:40:47,600 Speaker 1: best interior linement in the NFL first team All Pro 795 00:40:47,719 --> 00:40:52,040 Speaker 1: in twenty twenty, first Washington Football Team player since nineteen 796 00:40:52,200 --> 00:40:56,960 Speaker 1: ninety six to earn that honor. I know he's probably 797 00:40:56,960 --> 00:40:59,840 Speaker 1: one of the best and most consistent players at that position. 798 00:41:00,120 --> 00:41:03,160 Speaker 1: He hasn't played a full season though due to injuries 799 00:41:03,160 --> 00:41:08,120 Speaker 1: since twenty seventeen and only played thirteen games in twenty twenty. Jay, 800 00:41:08,160 --> 00:41:11,480 Speaker 1: that tag would cost eighteen million. That would be a 801 00:41:11,480 --> 00:41:14,359 Speaker 1: big one at the offensive line position. Yeah, he would 802 00:41:14,360 --> 00:41:19,000 Speaker 1: definitely be getting a boatload of phone calls. If Washington 803 00:41:19,040 --> 00:41:21,239 Speaker 1: more to let him walk, especially being a first team 804 00:41:21,239 --> 00:41:25,239 Speaker 1: All Pro, I just I can't see it happening. Ron 805 00:41:25,320 --> 00:41:28,080 Speaker 1: Rivera being there is kind of a stabilizing force. You're 806 00:41:28,080 --> 00:41:30,440 Speaker 1: seeing all this weird stuff now where they're coming out 807 00:41:30,520 --> 00:41:33,480 Speaker 1: saying Jeff Bezos might want to buy the Washington football team. 808 00:41:33,480 --> 00:41:37,800 Speaker 1: Like Washington and Gabs talked about in the past, Washington 809 00:41:37,880 --> 00:41:41,279 Speaker 1: tends to always have kind of this weird swirl going on, 810 00:41:41,360 --> 00:41:45,520 Speaker 1: of some inconsistency and some chasks going on. But if 811 00:41:45,560 --> 00:41:49,080 Speaker 1: they are remotely bright on this one, I think they're 812 00:41:49,120 --> 00:41:52,080 Speaker 1: probably going to try and lock him up as long 813 00:41:52,120 --> 00:41:54,960 Speaker 1: as possible. If you can find a good guard like this, 814 00:41:55,080 --> 00:41:57,200 Speaker 1: especially a first team All Pro, you definitely try and 815 00:41:57,239 --> 00:41:59,960 Speaker 1: lock him up long term. So I would definitely think 816 00:42:00,080 --> 00:42:03,120 Speaker 1: that Washington would make an effort to do so well. 817 00:42:03,120 --> 00:42:06,920 Speaker 1: Washington Football team reporter for ESPN dot Com John Klein 818 00:42:07,160 --> 00:42:11,400 Speaker 1: speculates the same Washington will use the franchise tag on 819 00:42:11,480 --> 00:42:15,320 Speaker 1: Schurf with the intent of getting a long term deal done, 820 00:42:15,440 --> 00:42:18,239 Speaker 1: but it may take a while. He says, I think 821 00:42:18,280 --> 00:42:20,560 Speaker 1: it might take a while when the price is what 822 00:42:20,680 --> 00:42:24,360 Speaker 1: it is for an interior offensive Lineman of his standard. 823 00:42:25,000 --> 00:42:27,560 Speaker 1: Looking forward, we have the twenty twenty one free agency 824 00:42:27,600 --> 00:42:30,080 Speaker 1: coming up. It's probably the most exciting time of the 825 00:42:30,160 --> 00:42:33,880 Speaker 1: year in the offseason, especially last offseason, and I think 826 00:42:34,480 --> 00:42:36,160 Speaker 1: I would have to say it's probably going to be 827 00:42:36,160 --> 00:42:39,560 Speaker 1: pretty exciting this offseason with all the quarterback drama that 828 00:42:39,719 --> 00:42:42,880 Speaker 1: is going on in the league right now. The negotiating 829 00:42:42,920 --> 00:42:47,080 Speaker 1: window starts March fifteenth through the seventeenth, and players can 830 00:42:47,120 --> 00:42:51,959 Speaker 1: officially start on March seventeenth negotiating with teams. I'm really 831 00:42:51,960 --> 00:42:54,799 Speaker 1: excited for that DJ that's the big time one and 832 00:42:54,920 --> 00:42:58,440 Speaker 1: obviously the NFL Draft is set. It's going to be 833 00:42:58,480 --> 00:43:03,040 Speaker 1: in Cleveland, Ohio. We're hoping that it will happen on time. 834 00:43:03,160 --> 00:43:06,600 Speaker 1: April twenty nine is the date. Vikings dot Com will 835 00:43:06,680 --> 00:43:11,680 Speaker 1: have a ton of content, kind of predicting, evaluating college 836 00:43:11,760 --> 00:43:14,760 Speaker 1: because some of the college players. I have a feeling 837 00:43:14,760 --> 00:43:17,440 Speaker 1: that Ben Lieber might be involved in that because of 838 00:43:17,440 --> 00:43:20,400 Speaker 1: the work that he does with Fox throughout the NFL 839 00:43:20,480 --> 00:43:24,319 Speaker 1: season on the College Football Slate. So stay tuned for 840 00:43:24,840 --> 00:43:27,440 Speaker 1: the coverage of what the Vikings will do in this 841 00:43:27,520 --> 00:43:30,439 Speaker 1: year's draft and what they will do when they take 842 00:43:30,520 --> 00:43:35,080 Speaker 1: to the clock at the number fourteen overall. Pick Jay. 843 00:43:35,120 --> 00:43:37,120 Speaker 1: I think that's about it. I think we covered a 844 00:43:37,120 --> 00:43:40,680 Speaker 1: lot for a pretty quiet week in the NFL. Do 845 00:43:40,719 --> 00:43:43,040 Speaker 1: you have any final thoughts before we get out of here. 846 00:43:43,600 --> 00:43:46,960 Speaker 1: It just proves the NFL never stops where there is 847 00:43:47,000 --> 00:43:49,279 Speaker 1: three sixty five twenty four seven. Yeah, we're only a 848 00:43:49,280 --> 00:43:52,080 Speaker 1: couple weeks away from from the Super Bowl happening, and 849 00:43:52,120 --> 00:43:54,920 Speaker 1: I know it. Like we've been asking internally for some 850 00:43:55,000 --> 00:43:57,840 Speaker 1: different conversations to happen with the NFL, and they're just like, 851 00:43:58,120 --> 00:44:00,279 Speaker 1: give us a second. We just finished the Super Bowl 852 00:44:00,320 --> 00:44:04,799 Speaker 1: from a pandemic season. So just constantly, as we always say, 853 00:44:04,880 --> 00:44:07,960 Speaker 1: pay attention to what's going on. Check out all of 854 00:44:07,960 --> 00:44:10,959 Speaker 1: our Instagram and all of our social media feeds. Here 855 00:44:11,160 --> 00:44:13,400 Speaker 1: with the Vikings, we've always got a ton of stuff 856 00:44:13,400 --> 00:44:16,400 Speaker 1: to cover. And again, like you said, this is the 857 00:44:16,440 --> 00:44:18,560 Speaker 1: fun season because in the next couple of weeks, you'll 858 00:44:18,600 --> 00:44:22,360 Speaker 1: start to see how teams really shape and develop, potentially 859 00:44:22,360 --> 00:44:25,359 Speaker 1: what their off season plans supposed to be, and all 860 00:44:25,360 --> 00:44:27,799 Speaker 1: that stuff's going to run through all the way to 861 00:44:27,840 --> 00:44:30,680 Speaker 1: the draft. And once that's done, then we're already in 862 00:44:30,680 --> 00:44:33,600 Speaker 1: the off season program and summer is going to be 863 00:44:33,640 --> 00:44:35,279 Speaker 1: here and the season's going to be here before you 864 00:44:35,360 --> 00:44:38,319 Speaker 1: know it. So yeah, stay tuned to Vikings dot com 865 00:44:38,360 --> 00:44:41,120 Speaker 1: and definitely check out everything that we're covering because we'll 866 00:44:41,120 --> 00:44:42,600 Speaker 1: get you as much as we can as fast as 867 00:44:42,600 --> 00:44:44,719 Speaker 1: we can. Well, thank you again, Jay for putting this 868 00:44:44,800 --> 00:44:48,520 Speaker 1: all together, does a great job producing the show, coming 869 00:44:48,600 --> 00:44:51,279 Speaker 1: up with the content for the show. And then yeah, 870 00:44:51,480 --> 00:44:54,520 Speaker 1: really excited for what's in store for the Vikings off 871 00:44:54,560 --> 00:44:57,759 Speaker 1: season from free agency to the draft. I think that 872 00:44:57,800 --> 00:45:00,160 Speaker 1: there's gonna be a lot of roster improvement. I think 873 00:45:00,200 --> 00:45:02,360 Speaker 1: there's gonna be some tough decisions that are gonna have 874 00:45:02,400 --> 00:45:05,839 Speaker 1: to be made, especially with some of the contracts. We'll 875 00:45:05,880 --> 00:45:09,720 Speaker 1: get to those at a later date when the time comes, 876 00:45:09,800 --> 00:45:12,960 Speaker 1: but for now, that'll do it for the Minnesota Vikings podcast. 877 00:45:13,080 --> 00:45:16,680 Speaker 1: Make sure to check out Lindsay Young's series Getting Open, 878 00:45:17,239 --> 00:45:20,279 Speaker 1: where she talked with Jalen Holmes to lead off the 879 00:45:20,320 --> 00:45:23,560 Speaker 1: conversation about mental health, and make sure to check out 880 00:45:23,600 --> 00:45:26,759 Speaker 1: the Vikings at Home show tonight where you can hear 881 00:45:26,800 --> 00:45:29,680 Speaker 1: the rest of the Jamal Stevenson interview the director of 882 00:45:29,680 --> 00:45:33,120 Speaker 1: college scouting for the Minnesota Vikings. Really good content in 883 00:45:33,239 --> 00:45:35,920 Speaker 1: that show coming up, and you can find that on 884 00:45:35,960 --> 00:45:39,480 Speaker 1: all of our digital platforms and streaming on the Vikings 885 00:45:39,520 --> 00:45:43,160 Speaker 1: YouTube channel. Thank you again, Jay, thank you to all 886 00:45:43,239 --> 00:45:46,040 Speaker 1: you guys for listening to the show, and we will 887 00:45:46,080 --> 00:45:47,120 Speaker 1: see you next week