The Wake

The Vikings 2005 season was filled with accusations and key injuries that led to some of the personnel moves made this spring. Mike Tice is gone and Brad Childress is in at Head Coach. Daunte cleared his name of any boat scandal charges and then was asked to clear his locker.

The Vikings had an enormous amount of cap room to spend on free agents and they seized the opportunity accordingly. The Wake will break down the implications of key player acquisitions and give a preview of what the Vikings will be looking for in the NFL draft to be held April 29 and 30.

Chester Taylor (Running Back): The former Raven was brought in to take over for Michael Bennett. Taylor, a four-year veteran out of Toledo, had success rushing last year when Jamal Lewis, a former 2,000-yard rusher, couldn’t. Taylor had an average of 4.2 yards per carry last season but failed to score a rushing touchdown. Taylor will handle first and second down, while Onterrio Smith, Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason will battle in training camp for third down duties.

Steve Hutchinson (Offensive Guard): Hutchinson is entering his sixth season and coming off his best year as a professional. Hutchinson opened holes for league MVP and rushing leader, Shaun Alexander. Hutchinson should be able to thrive this season and is the best player the Vikings brought in this off-season.

Ryan Longwell (Kicker): Longwell, entering his 10th year in the NFL, served as a dependable kicker for the Green Bay Packers since 1997. Longwell’s career field goal average is 81.6 percent. The one knock against Longwell is his leg strength, especially in terms of kickoffs. Longwell has struggled over the past two seasons to kick the ball inside the opponent’s ten-yard line. Playing eight games in a dome will help Longwell, but don’t be surprised if the Vikings consider adding a kickoff specialist.

Tony Richardson (Fullback): Richardson, entering his 12th season, brings Pro Bowl experience to a rather young Vikings offensive unit. Richardson blocked for Preist Holmes in 2003 when he scored 27 times. Richardson’s best asset apart from his blocking is his receiving ability. The acquisition of Richardson should help Chester Taylor’s transition to the Vikings as the Chiefs had one of the league’s best rushing units over the past few seasons.

Acquisitions: RB Chester Taylor, OG Steve Hutchinson, K Ryan Longwell, LB Ben Leber, FB Joey Goodspeed, OG Jason Whittle, QB Mike McMahon, S Tank Williams, FB Tony Richardson.

Losses: QB Daunte Culpepper, WR Nate Burleson, S Corey Chavous, RB Michael Bennett, LB Sam Cowart, CB Brian Williams, OG Toniu Fonoti, C Melvin Fowler, LB Raonall Smith.

The Draft

With Daunte Culpepper gone and Brad Johnson aging, the Vikings will likely draft a quarterback at some point during the draft. The Vikings will draft at least one linebacker and a cornerback to add depth at those positions after losing Sam Cowart and Brian Williams.