Around the Circuit

Vikings: Looks like the Vikings, as with most NFL teams, are hunkering down and are focusing in on the draft, now less than two weeks away. Although many fans might disagree, the Vikings feel that their quarterback situation was adequately addressed during free agency, and Sagevaris Jacksonfels is their guy. So, what direction do the Vikings go? I was pretty high on Percy Harvin until revelations hit the presses about a positive drug test (high, get it?) at the NFL combine. Oh, MERCY Percy! (If you’ve never heard U of F radio announcer Mick Hurbert call a game, it’s a treat. Oh, my!) Anyways, if recent track record is any indication, there’s a good chance Harvin has been crossed off the Vikings draft board, along with 77 other turds, malcontents, or injury risks. They’ve been red-dotted, much in the same way the Navy Seals red-dotted the Somali pirates, the AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

As much grief as Brad Childress received for his drafting of Tarvaris Jackson, the quality of Vikings drafts has been as good as anyone in the NFL since they bottomed out with Mike Tice’s last draft in 2005, with not one, but two first round busts in Troy Williamson and Erasmus James. 2006 brought Chad Greenway, Cedric Griffin, Ryan Cook, and Ray Edwards. Greenway and Griffin have become key components for a top notch defense, and Cook has become a false start machine at RT. Seriously, in fairness to Cook, the kid never played tackle before the NFL, and he managed to beat out two veteran NFL tackles to win the job. He’s no All-Pro, but he’s not terrible, either. Give him a little slack. 2007 brought us Purple Jesus, Marcus McCauley, Brian Robison, and Sidney Rice. Rice had a promising rookie season and emerged as a serious red zone threat. He was slowed by a knee injury last season and never looked comfortable, but I think he has the ability to be a solid NFL receiver. Robison and Edwards rotated in at both defensive end positions, and have provided quality depth in Kenechi Udeze’s absence, combining for 9.5 and 7.5 sacks in two seasons. 2008 was a draft that was highlighted by the Jared Allen trade. It was costly, yes, but it netted…Jared…Allen. With their remaining picks, the Vikings drafted Tyrell Johnson in the second round, who looks to take over in the secondary for the now departed Darren Sharper. They also snagged backup QB JD Booty and the heir apparent at center in John Sullivan, a 6th rounder who will try to fill some might big shoes of another 6th round center that anchored the Vikings line for 10 years or so.

So all in all, I have no worries in the Vikings ability to manage the draft. I expect a starter or two, and quality throughout. It has become the trademark for Childress, Spielman, and Studwell, and I tip my cap to them.

Cardinals: It’s only one week, 7 games, making it a small sampling size. But I like this team. With all of the injuries last season, the Cardinals won 86 games. They were in the thick of the pennant race until September, with a patchwork rotation, bad middle relief, and no closer. The bullpen is better, and if Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright can stay healthy, this team will win the division. If Adrian Peterson is the Purple Jesus, Albert Pujols is the Red Jesus, and that was apparent again on Saturday. He’s just Da Mang. With all the angst about Skip Schumaker transitioning from the outfield to second base, he seems to be doing pretty good. I think it’s early to proclaim him a gold glove winner, but he’s made some sparkling defensive plays, and has handled the double play pivot with no serious issues to this point. His hitting hasn’t suffered yet, either, as some thought would happen with such a fielding paradigm shift. The angst over the closer’s role is a valid one. I can’t remember the dreaded closer by committee ever working over the course of a season, but if anyone can put his players in a favorable match up, it’s LaRussa. If Jason Motte can’t handle the role, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chris Perez come back up to the big club to see what he can do. He showed promise last year, and has started off strong down in Memphis.

It’s gonna be a fun year in the ‘Lou.