On 2005 roster at present (Bold indicates projected starter)

20: Moe Williams; 10th season
23: Michael Bennett; 5th season
30: Mewelde Moore; 2nd season
32: Onterrio Smith; 3rd season
34: Butchie Wallace; 1st season
35: Ciatrick Fason; R

As with the linebackers, I really didn't get a chance to observe the running backs.

But unlike the linebackers, it was not because I was afraid of what I might see. Rather the opposite. What is there to worry about? Well, maybe one thing but we'll get to that later.

There was a new boy in town. His name is Ciatrick Fason. Fason has some upper body conditioning to be done....as you can see. But then, Robert Smith was much the same and within a year or two looked like he wanted to be considered for a cage match on W.W.E. wrestling.

S.O.D. walked right past me early on. And I can swear on the Bible the man had NO odor of any smoke on him. Medicinal or recreational. I'm a pharmacist...I know these things. And Smith looked good. Caught everything thrown his way.

But one wonders how he and Michael Bennett will share time this coming year. Will they play nice or will each sulk if they don't get enough carries each game to satisfy their individual drives?

And who can really blame them? Each could start for about half the teams in the NFL, right now. But with the Vikings, they will be expected to fill certain situational roles. Something I just can't bring myself to really accept. I'm old-school. I want a featured back.

And then there is the old man of the bunch, Moe Williams. As I stated way back with Mini Camp Report I, it was very cold at mini camp Friday. And there were a bunch of macho players in short-sleeves and shorts who probably have a little sniffle or tickle in the throat about now. Not Williams. He's been in Minnesota long enough to know about wearing layers. And let me tell you something else about the old man. No one ran harder on each and every drill than Moe did.

No one.

Oh, and did I mention Mewelde Moore? The fourth in the Barbershop Quartet that we call the RBs of the Vikings? Well, MeMo was there as well. And MeMo had the longest play from scrimmage the entire day. He broke over the middle, took in a pass from Daunte Culpepper, put a unknown DB on his butt with a juke that would have made Barry Sanders smile.....and went literally untouched for 20+ yards. That even shutup Fred Smoot.

So, what is there to worry about? Because, if one of the RBs goes down with an injury during the season, the Vikings won't have to worry about filling a big void. They just plug in the next guy and away they go.

Well, between you-me-and-a-fence-post....I really didn't see these guys yukking it up out there. Not a lot of smiles and such. Lot of standing off to themselves which I only noticed because it was so glaring that you couldn't help but to notice it.

After practice, each unit came off the field as a cohesive unit. The running backs came off solo. And only MeMo hung around for interviews and photos. All the other running backs bolted.

I could be completely off base on that. And I hope I am.

Other Photos

Michael Bennett ran hard all day.

MeMo takes in a catch.

Michael Bennett awaits the play call.

Moe Williams behind the line of scrimmage.

Ciatrick Fason heads to the locker room after practice.

MeMo hangs around for the media.

Up next: Kickers & Special Teams! (Projected to be up Saturday night)

Previous: Linebacker, Quarterback, Defensive Line, and Initial Report (just scroll down)

And be sure to leave a COMMENT below if you have a specific question you would like to ask me and I'll reply using the COMMENTS field.

And if you want to use a photo on your own personal site...I simply ask that you credit me and my Vikings Underground web blog.

On 2005 roster at present (Bold indicates projected starter)

38: Sarth Benoit; R
41: Ira Cooper; R
43: Heath Farwell; R
50: Rod Davis; 2nd season
52: Keith Newman; 7th season
54: Dontarrious Thomas; 2nd season
55: Sam Cowart; 8th season
56: E.J. Henderson; 3rd season
57: Raonall Smith; 4th season
58: Naploeon Harris; 4th season
59: Quincy Stewart; 4th season
91: Grant Wiley; 2nd season
92: David Barriro; R

I'll be completely honest here. I didn't spend that much time observing the linebacker corp. I think this is the weak link (kicking doesn't count!) on the Vikings team. And it didn't help early on when I saw newly aquired Napoleon Harris (yes, that guy we got in the Moss trade) get yanked aside for being out of position. But then, this was the first mini-camp practice. That is going to happen. A lot. Better now then when the season starts.

But Harris and the rest of the linebackers also have some tremendous potential for the coming year.

There is no doubt that Harris has speed as he showed during passing drills, often making up tremendous ground to reach the ball. And I mean the man can flat-out motor.

One linebacker that did catch my eye, and a pretty nice grab, was Raonall Smith. Smith seems to be back to full health and could prove valuable as backup to the starting LBs as well as special teams.

According to the depth chart handed out at this practice, Sam Cowart will be your opening game middle linebacker. Now that could change but I think Mike Tice would like to have someone who's head is not on a spindle this season playing MLB.

But if E.J. Henderson can learn from his mistakes last season, you could see him back in at MLB at some point.

But for now, it appears that Dontarrious Thomas, Sam Cowart, and Napoleon Harris will be your opening game starters.

And if that doesn't make you all warm and fuzzy inside, well, I don't blame you. But, they say speed kills. So here's hoping for some speedy linebackers making some kills behind the line of scrimmage this season.

Other Photos

E.J. Henderson during passing drills.

Napoleon Harris shows some quick feet.

Napoleon Harris looks for the ball.

Rod Davis during passing drills.

Sam Cowart

Napoleon Harris. And note the former Packer in the background!

Napoleon Harris and Sam Cowart

Nice shot of Napoleon Harris.

Up next: Runing Back! (Projected to be up Saturday night. Hey! I have to work part of Saturday and The Wife® has a healthy Honey-Do List for me as well. Be patient!)

Previous: Quarterback, Defensive Line, and Initial Report (just scroll down)

And be sure to leave a COMMENT below if you have a specific question you would like to ask me and I'll reply using the COMMENTS field.

And if you want to use a photo on your own personal site...I simply ask that you credit me and my Vikings Underground web blog.

On 2005 roster at present (Bold indicates projected starter)

04: Jonathan Bowenkamp; R
06: Jason Fife; 1 season
11: Daunte Culpepper; 7th season
13: Shaun Hill; 4th season
14: Brad Johnson; 14th season

Let me make this perfectly clear. This team belongs to Daunte Culpepper. From the moment he stepped onto the practice field he had control of the team. Both sides of the ball.

Culpepper lead the team in stretching. He lead them in drills. And he was still able to find his way to Matt Birk's rear-end.

Daunte was quite animated early on. Or maybe he was just trying to show he could be as loud as Mr. Fred Smoot. If so, he lost that battle. But then Daunte moved into teaching mode.

Culpepper spent the early part of practice working with rookie quarterback Jonathan Bowenkamp. Why, I don't know. We North Dakota State alum know that nothing good ever came out of the University of North Dakota. Oh, and please don't tell Mr. Kleinsasser I said that. OK?

Culpepper then went through a series of drills with backup QB, Shaun Hill who is in his 4th pro season. Will Hill be the 3rd string quarterback this season for the Vikes?

Culpepper then went solo, working on his own skill set. He first started with some running drills and handoffs with the bevy of running backs on the Vikings roster such as Mewelde Moore. We'll save the RB analysis for when I get to that report but it was Michael Bennett as the 1st team RB that Culpepper was handing off to.

At first I thought I was in some sort of time warp as there was Brad Johnson wearing the ol' #14 jersey. But then, Brad did look just a tad older than the last time I saw him in purple. Still plenty of pop in the passes though. In fact, he was much crisper than Culpepper in that department for this first practice of the mini-camp. Can't you just hear the Culpepper bashers screaming for Johnson already!?!?

But it was still Culpepper leading the first team offense in all the drills. So all you anti-Culpepper freaks can crawl back into your little holes.

The one thing Culpepper was doing well was reading the defense, often going to the second and third reads throughout the morning practice. A nice carry over from last season.

And it was Culpepper that the sun eventually shined on when it made a brief appearance during practice. A sign that it is he who is the chosen one to lead this team to the next level...that being a stop in Detroit very, very late into next season.

Other Photos

Daunte takes a little break.

Kenechi Udeze puts pressure on Culpepper.

Brad Johnson drops back to pass.

Culpepper speaks to the media.

Culpepper surrounded by the media.

Up next: Linebacker! (projected to be up Saturday)
Previous: Defensive Line, and Initial Report (just scroll down)

And be sure to leave a COMMENT below if you have a specific question you would like to ask me and I'll reply using the COMMENTS field.

And if you want to use a photo on your own personal site...I simply ask that you credit me and my Vikings Underground web blog.

On 2005 roster at present (Bold indicates projected starter)

09: Johnathanio Conley: DT; R
51: Lance Johnston; DE; 10th season
64: Eric Coleman; DT; R
69: David Harley; DT; R
90: Steve Martin; DT; 10th season
93: Kevin Williams; DT; 3rd season
94: Pat Williams; DT; 9th season
95: Kenechi Udeze; DE; 2nd season
96: C.J. Mosley; DT; R
97: Spencer Johnson; DT; 2nd season
98: Darrion Scott; DE; 2nd season
99: Erasmus James; DE; R

Now, I could have lead off the first mini-camp position report with quarterback to let you know how Daunte Culpepper faired without Randy Moss. Did he take over as leader or flounder under the weight of it?

Or I could have gone with wide receiver so you could get a look at #1 draft selection Troy Williamson. Was he speedy or just plain over-rated?

I could have gone with the defensive backfield to give you my first impressions of Antoine Winfield, Fred Smoot, and Darren Sharper. In fact, that's were I first headed when practice started. Over to where the DB's were set up and going through drills. But as I was standing there with my trusty camera, something moved in front of the sun making a cold day even colder.

I turned to see what planet had left its orbit to block out our wonderful Sol. I then just stood there, mouth agape, when I spied the source for the sudden darkening of the sky.

And I was left wondering, "Who in the name of Jerry Ball is this?"

His jersey number was 94 and I did not need a look at the roster listing to know that this was newly aquired Pat Williams. Our new nose planet, er, I mean tackle.

So, I beg of you this question: Would you rather have Chrissy Hovan or THIS!?!?

Hovan or THIS!?!?

Again, ol' Sulking-Hooded-Sweatshirt-Cry-Baby or Pat "The Planet" Williams?

At one point, I saw Williams take on three offensive linemen. I know, I know, you're saying, but COD, that's just not possible. Again, look at the girth of Pat Williams. Yes, three offensive linemen. Which, by the way, freed up Napoleon Harris to rush in untouched and wrap his arms around Daunte Culpepper.

This resulted in Fred Smoot taunting Culpepper from the sideline. "I bet y'all haven't seen a real defense here before, eh Pep!?!" It was a beautiful thing.

The study of the defensive line also allowed me to view the other first round selection, Erasmus James.

James reminds me of Lance Johnstone. (By the way, on that last image notice the man wearing a brown coat and white hat? Ol' Bob Benchwarmer Lurstema!). James is best described as cat-quick. He's a light 266 lbs (Johnstone is 250 lbs) but he seemed to always be in someone's face.

James ran the drills very well and often had his teammates stopping to just watch.

Kevin Williams was in attendance but not participating in practice. Kevin spent a lot of time in conversation with Pat Williams in between drills. The two Williams' seemed to be very much at ease with each other. I expect big, big, things from that duo this coming season.

Another defensive lineman that seems very much in the defensive plan for the coming season is Darrion Scott. At least, his number seemed to be called quite a bit to participate in drills. That could mean that he is already in the dog house or Mike Tice has bigger plans for him.

In all, I was really please with the look of this years front four. It won't evoke memories of the Purple People Eaters just yet, but by the time the Tampa game rolls around in September people will certainly notice a huge, and I do mean huge, improvement over last season.

Other Photos

Steve Martin lines up for a drill.

Steve Martin finishes the drill.

Kenechi Udeze runs a drill.

Spencer Johnson

C. J. Mosley from this year's draft.

Darrion Scott

More Darrion Scott

Working the blocking sled.

Even P.W. needs a breather.

P.W. and Steve Martin

Erasmus James shows some speed.

Erasmus James takes a breather.

Erasmus James and others.

Kenechi Udeze and others.

Erasmus James answers media questions after practice.

Up next: Quarterback!
Previous: Initial Report (just scroll down)

Well, it was cold. Very cold. Upper 40s and I swear it was going to start snowing at any time. But then, I had Fred Smoot's mouth to keep me warm. More on that later.

On Friday, I attended the very first session of the 2005 Vikings Mini Camp. And I'm here to tell you that the Top 5 defensive ranking that Darren Sharper spoke of today does not seem so far fetched. As I witnessed the 1st-base defense, as defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell calls his defensive starters, in action for much of the practice.

Since I took well over 300 photos, what I am going to do over the coming days is break down each unit for you and then post the best photos I have for each unit. The photos are uploaded at a 640x480 resolution which are good for a 4x6 print. If you really, really love one of the photos you can e-mail me directly and I will send you 1536x1024 resolution photo which are good for 8x10 prints.

And if you want to use a photo on your own personal site...I simply ask that you credit me and my Vikings Underground web blog.

Vikings coach Mike Tice underwent surgery this week on an ankle that has been giving him a lot of problems so he was riding around in a golf cart and sporting a purple cast.

He was driving the golf cart all over the various practice fields. He stopped frequently to make notes, bark at someone, or flash a friendly grin. Towards the end of practice, he walked on crutches to supervise the scrimmage.

Also watching intently was Scott Studwell, fresh off the 2005 NFL draft. No doubt he wanted to see how his draft picks were performing. He need not worry.

Tice was more comfortable leading the practice this year compared to years past. Whether that can be directly related to the depature of Randy Moss or not, only time will tell. Tice still was smiling and telling jokes...especially with Kevin Williams and Pat Williams...but he was also much more in control. He often stopped scrimmage to insert a rookie to see how the rook would fare. I actually thought that Tice has matured more as a coach than I have ever seen before.

Later this evening I will have my first position review and will follow that with another one Saturday morning. So bookmark the site and come back. And be sure to leave a COMMENT below if you have a specific question you would like to ask me and I'll reply using the COMMENTS field.

You're going to like what you will see and read in the next few days.

Official Roster for Mini Camp

Note: While Mr. Cheer Or Die takes a day off, his game-day buddy The Commish steps in for a overview of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Time to step up to the plate and help Mr. COD out with the draft. I, like many other diehards, spent all day watching the draft. In fact, I had a few guys over for a draft party in the basement on a six-foot projection screen. A good time was had by all. We played a mock draft game. I came in a distant last, although, I learned how to play the game for next year: put players where they'll generally go, not where you think they'll go. Anyways, I'll breakdown, in my opinion, the top picks in the draft as well as the Vikings picks, simply to inform Mr. COD before he heads off to Winter Park on Friday for the opening day of mini-camp.

Alex Smith (San Francisco) - What are the odds he fumbles the first snap in a live game? For those who don't know what I'm talking about, he worked strictly out of the shotgun at Utah. Niners need a QB, a great pick.

Ronnie Brown (Miami) - The guy goes from #2 on the depth chart at Auburn to #2 overall in the draft. After teams showing their hands following the draft, everyone was high on this guy. Another great pick for Miami.

Braylon Edwards (Cleveland) - So what happens when an elite receiver is on a bad team? See San Fran 2003. I can't see a WR helping Cleveland win. Edwards seems to have the tools to be a good player. Good selection player-wise, bad selection team-wise.

Cedric Benson (Chicago) - Bears need offense and they got it. Now Benson needs to grow his dreadlocks back and add Ricky's number back into his cell phone. Good pick Chicago. Now how are you going to ruin him?

Cadillac Williams (Tampa) - Gruden needed a running back and he got a good one. But is the Tampa ship sinking too fast for Williams to stop it? Super Bowl 2 years ago to 5th pick in the draft?!?

Pacman Jones (Tennessee) - They've lost so many player in the past 2 years that any player Tennessee takes here would help. So Jones is the perfect fit - he can play CB and be a returner. Good job, Fisher, 2 down, 20 to go!

Troy 'No-Moss' Williamson (Minnesota: jersey #19) - I have to be honest. I wanted Mike Williams. But then the true comparison came out. This is the kind of pick the Patriots would do. Sold! We needed a WR to stretch the field and not be a prima donna. Williamson runs a 4.35 and cried when he found out he was pick #7. Sounds like a perfect fit.

Antrel Rolle (Arizona) - Will he be another elite college player to get lost in the desert? Did Denny actually take a defensive player that might be good? I think so, on the latter one. Good pick, Denny. But wait, is Richard Solomon the Cardinals' DB coach?

Carlos Rogers (Washington) - They have a great defense and a horrible offense, so why take a CB? I guess they are looking for more years like last year. They accomplished it.

Mike Williams (Detroit) - Mariucci has already penciled in another top 10 overall pick (because they'll be in the top 10 again) on a WR. I'm wondering how much cash they have a the WR position now, and yet they don't have a QB that can get these guys the ball. Good player, horrible fit.

Remaining Vikings picks (with uniform number):

Erasmus James (#99) - Seems to be an elite passer. He looks and reminds me of Jevon Kearse. Only knock is can we afford another injury-prone defensive end?

Marcus Johnson - If Tice is high on this guy, I'm sold. Plus, another huge (6'6", 321 lbs) offensive lineman, and he'll line up next to Mt. McKinnie. I'm curious what the Vikings would have done if Nugent was still on the board when we took Johnson.

Dustin Fox (#37) - All the talk is that this guy will be a special teams ace. So Studwell won't draft a kicker, but he will use a 3rd- round pick for a special teams player?

Ciatrick Fason (#35) - I guess we can lock in our 4th-round next year to a good college running back, too. I don't have a problem drafting this guy; he looks like a great runner. I do have a problem trading our 5th-round pick for him, a pick we could have used on the kicker from Michigan St. who I hear the Vikings had targeted after Nugent. Makes no sense.

C.J. Mosley (#96) - I can honestly say I might be most excited about this guy. He was projected as a 2nd-round pick, and we get him in the 6th round. He's big and strong (6'2", 314 lbs, 27 reps of 225 lbs). He gives us awesome depth at DT now. When's the last time a late round pick was a staple to our team? Eddie Mac?

Adrian Ward (#47) - I think we drafted this guy to chase Troy around in practice. The 7th-round is becoming so worthless that teams are better off trading the pick to another team for an aging veteran. Would you rather have Ward or Sam Cowart?

Round Two: Best Ever Vikings Draft Choice

Voting is now open in the second week of the Best Vikings Draft Choice Ever Tournament. Last week you voted to take the field of sixty-four down to thirty-two. Who will make the Sweet Sixteen!?!?!

The second round ends 5/5 at 12:10:00 AM. And you can vote multiple times. And invite others to vote!

Some of you have told me of difficulty reaching the voting site and I assure you the link is working but I will agree that it is very slow at times. Be patient! You will get through!

On Tuesday, USA TODAY sports analyst Danny Sheridan's posted his post-draft odds against winning Super Bowl XL in Detroit. Here they are:

New England 6:1
Philadelphia 6:1
Indianapolis 7:1
Atlanta 12:1
Pittsburgh 12:1
Carolina 12:1
Kansas City 12:1
Jacksonville 15:1
Baltimore 18:1
N.Y. Jets 20:1
San Diego 22:1
Seattle 25:1
Green Bay 25:1
Buffalo 28:1
Minnesota 30:1
Denver 30:1
Oakland 40:1
St. Louis 50:1
Tampa Bay 60:1
Tennessee 70:1
Dallas 75:1
Washington 100:1
Cincinnati 150:1
N.Y. Giants 250:1
Detroit 500:1
New Orleans 1,000:1
Arizona 1,000:1
Miami 10,000:1
Chicago 25,000:1
Houston 50,000:1
Cleveland 500,000:1
San Francisco 1 million:1

Huh? How can anyone in their right mind but the Vikes behind Atlanta (whom the Vikes beat on a regular basis IN Atlanta); Carolina (which finished 7-9 last year); Kansas City (with the worst defense in the NFL); Jacksonville, Baltimore, the Jets, Seattle, and even friggin' Green Bay!

In my mind, the Vikes should be in the 12:1 pack at the very least. In fact, if this was my list, I've have it ranked as follows:

New England 6:1
Philadelphia 6:1
Indianapolis 9:1
Minnesota 10:1
Atlanta 12:1
Pittsburgh 12:1
Carolina 15:1
Jacksonville 15:1
San Diego 22:1
Seattle 25:1
Baltimore 25:1
Buffalo 28:1
Denver 30:1
Kansas City 30:1
N.Y. Jets 30:1
Oakland 40:1
St. Louis 50:1
Washington 50:1
Tampa Bay 60:1
Tennessee 70:1
Dallas 75:1
Detroit 100:1
Cincinnati 150:1
N.Y. Giants 250:1
New Orleans 1,000:1
Arizona 1,000:1
Houston 2,000:1
Miami 10,000:1
Green Bay 15,000:1
Chicago 25,000:1
Houston 50,000:1
Cleveland 500,000:1
San Francisco 1 million:1

How 'bout you?

Want to Waste Time at Work or Home?

I spent an hour on this last night. Very addicting. Name that Gizmo!!! I start you out on an easy one but some of these are rather tricky!

I need to be cloned already. Not that I think I'm anything special or can somehow save the human race (we have the friggin' liberals to tell us how to do that every day of the week!). No, I just need to be cloned so I can get LIFE done.

I figure I can send Clone A to work, Clone B can do household chores, Clone C can help The Wife® in the gardens, Clone D can play with The Boy®, Clone E can work with the whippets as they did this past Monday night. And Clone F, can be dedicated 24/7 to maintaining this blog.

It's now 48+ hours since the draft and I really don't know who the Vikes drafted other than Troy Williamson. I've yet to see tape on any other of the picks. I've barely had time to even peruse the local rags for information.

I also know that the Vikes have said "See Ya Later" to DE Kenny Mixon and LB Mike Nattiel, and signed a bunch of street free agents....none of whom I would know from any Joe Blow walking by me on the street.

Well, that should all change Friday. If I get my work at the office completed by Friday, I'll be at Winter Park for the first day of mini-camp. I'll be posting photos here by that evening. That is my goal. Now if they'll just leave me alone at work......

Twins Stadium

I have been following the Twins recent announcement in regards to getting yet another stadium plan before the legislature. Get this one done and the Vikes are next in line. We've known for years now that the Vikes stadium plans have taken a back-seat to the Twins needs. There was even a time that I hoped the Twins would just leave in order to clear the way for the Vikings stadium needs to come to the forefront.

But I'm glad that the Twins seem to have this latest plan catching some steam. The Gov even called the Hennepin County-Minnesota Twins ballpark proposal reasonable Monday, a crucial signal of support for a plan that would need to pass the Legislature.

Over at the Great Machine, a challenge was thrown down to apathetic Twins fans to get up off their lazy asses and actually show support for the new plan instead of ranting cynicism and apathy. This story was of great interest for me because I bet we'll see the same cynicism and apathy when the Vikes finally get their plan out before the legislature. As of now, only the Gophers and Twins have bills for new stadiums in the current legislative session.

So, if you are a Twins fan, be sure and make contact with your state rep. Let them know you are in favor. It will only help the Vikes in the long-run!

Remember to Vote!!!!

If you haven't already voted in the first week of the Best Vikings Draft Choice Ever tournament, what are you waiting for? The first round ends 4/28/2005 at 12:06:16 AM. And you can vote multiple times.

Some of you have told me of difficulty reaching the voting site and I assure you the link is working but I will agree that it is very slow at times. Be patient! You will get through!

Happy Birthday To Me

Yep, yours truly turns 44-years young on 4/26 (Tuesday). I'd like to have had the day off but there is that work thing again. So, we kind of started partying this past weekend. Saturday we ate at Market Bar-B-Que. Sunday we followed The Boy's® Irish dance practice with a long lunch at Keegan's Pub where I enjoyed a Poor Man's Black Velvet (if you know what that is you win my admoration!), Baked Irish Cheddar and Onion Soup, and Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (SOS). Then we hung around to watch Rince na Chroi Irish Dance team (The Boy's® dance school) with Tom Dahill and Jason Novak playing bagpipe and flute while we had some Irish coffee and ate Kelly's Bread Pudding & Bailey's Coffee Cheese Cake.

Tuesday we'll spend quietly at home eating pizza and chocolate cake. The Boy® has already informed how many presents I am getting (four), where they are presently located (his room), and the type of paper they are wrapped in. I think he's more excited for this coming birthday than I am.

And at 44, don't you know it!

Link of the Day

Reason 704,617 why I don't visit Wisconsin (pronounced WIZZ-consin) and specifically Milwaukee.

Here I was expecting intrigue with the first few picks of the NFL Draft. Instead, I could have had more fun watching paint dry. The first few selections of the draft, specifically the 1st through 6th selections did nothing for me other than to emit an occasional yawn.

Then came the Vikings selection with the 7th overall pick. On Friday I had informed you that my pipeline into Winter Park informed me receiver Troy Williamson had leap frogged ahead of Mike Williams. Many of you scoffed, and deservedly so.

So here was NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue walking ever so slowly across the stage. And I must stop here to say that Paul has become a caricature of himself.

As he saunters across the stage, he always has his right hand in his pocket. What's in there? A talisman? Is he looking for his car keys? Or is he getting his, as Daunte would say, 'roll on', ahem.

Then Tagliabue always steps up and says, "With the 1st, uh, selection..."

Always the "uh" precedes "selection". Always. Go back and review the tape if you don't believe me.

Anyway, I was sitting there thinking that they HAVE to pick Williams. My source could not be that good. No way in bloody hell that they actually select Williamson. But there was Pauly saying, "With the, uh, 7th selection in the 2005 NFL Draft the Minnesota Vikings select Troy Williamson."

Now, I have to say that took some balls. I could already imagine boos coming from the beer-laden crowd at Winter Park, which Jim Souhan then confirmed in his Star Tribune column on Sunday. Had I been in attendance I would have run towards the middle of the Vikings indoor training field, where the bash was taking place, and thrown a red flag high onto the stage. Just as Mike "Flaggy" Tice has done more than any other NFL coach since taking over as head-coach.

And then, just like Tice, I would have regretted tossing the red flag as video highlights showed that the play was correctly called.

As with most drafts, we won't be able to assess whether Williamson over Williams was the correct choice or not. I agree with most experts that it takes 3 to 4 years before that can be determined.

I probably won't have time to write more this weekend. But I hope to have comments next week along with insight from some other writers.

And I'd like to hear from those who were in attendance at Winter Park Saturday. How was it? Did the crowd react angrily to the Williamson selection as Souhan writes?

Twins Stadium!

It's a happy day for the Great Machine. Shane Nackerud has been maintaining that blog for over a year now to try and get a stadium bill passed for the Minnesota Twins. It has been a Don Quixotesque love affair for Shane.

The Star Tribune now reports that with a new promise of $125 million from Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad in hand, Hennepin County will seek state permission to increase the local sales tax for a Warehouse District ballpark in downtown Minneapolis.

I've written here that I just flat out refuse to attend a Twins game in the Metrodome. I just see it as a waste of time to head indoors on a beautiful summers day to look at a Teflon roof instead of blue sky.

If all goes well, by 2009 I'll be able to take The Boy® and take a 10-minute car ride to the 5th Avenue Parking ramp then walk a few blocks to the new ballpark and sit under bright blue skies and watch 5-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana pitch. Doesn't get any better than that.

So, get over to the Great Machine and pat Shane on the back. This proposal has a long ways to go but somehow, I feel very confident about it. I expect Shane to write about this subject over the next week. That is, as soon as his wife allows him back into the house.

You see, Shane wrote a very funny piece this week about how his wife and children are sapping him of his creativity. Which, of course is true....but he must have missed that course in the pre-marriage class that spoke to "things that are true but must never be spoken".

I invited The Wife® to read the piece and asked her to leave a comment on it. She read it, and hasn't stopped laughing since. Oh, it's not that sweet lilting laugh that lightens my heart. It's that maniacal, evil, heart-chilling laugh. Shane has been sleeping on the couch at the direction of his wife. I've been sleeping on the couch by choice.

According to an aquaintance of mine with inside access to Winter Park, the following three people sit atop the Vikings draft board. And it may surprise you. It did me.

At #1 sits Braylon Edwards. No surprise there. With the #7 overall selection it makes perfect sense for the team to replace some of Randy Moss' production here. Edwards, a playmaker with a solid frame and great hands, has All-Pro potential. He immediately would become Daunte Culpepper's go-to receiver.

And here comes the curve ball. At #2 is Troy Williamson, the speedy WR out of South Carolina. Williamson has good size and blazing speed. Paired with Nate Burleson, the Vikings would have two downfield threats to take pressure off QB Daunte Culpepper and the new focus on running

At #3 is Mike Williams, whom Williamson leapt over in recent weeks. It appears that the Vikes are more focused on speed in making this choice to move Williamson ahead of Williams.

As for the #18 overall selection in the first round, don't be shocked if the Vikes select a 2nd WR. That would be Mark Clayton. Clayton, drawing comparisons to Marvin Harrison, is a playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. He is a bit undersized but shows elite speed, hands and agility.

I'd love to write more and really analyze the draft but I'm involved in a huge installation at the Real Job. Vikes Geek has recently done a good job with draft scenario's and you should check that out if you have the chance.

Tournament Update

And if you haven't already voted in the first week of the Best Vikings Draft Choice Ever tournament, what are you waiting for? This first round ends 4/28/2005 at 12:06:16 AM. And you can vote multiple times.

Some upsets are already in the making.

Kirk Lowdermilk, the #9 seed in the 80's Bracket is leading #8 seed Darrin Nelson.

In the 70's Bracket, #9 seed Joe Senser currently holds a lead over # 8 seed Jeff Siemon. Also in the 70's Bracket, #12 seed Ed Marinaro holds a lead over # 5 seed Fred McNeill.

In the 90's Bracket, #9 seed Korey Stringer has the lead over #8 seed Ed McDaniel.

After a lot of work, and I do mean burning the midnight candle, I think I have the oft-mentioned and little-seen April Madness 64-field tournament bracket now up and running to select the Best Vikings Draft Choice Ever!

There are four brackets with each bracket containing 16 players representing a decade. One for the 60's, one for the 70's, one for the 80's, and one for the 90's-Today.

Starting today, you can now vote to take the field from 64 to 32. I decided that I would allow one week to collect votes for each round. This first round ends 4/28/2005 at 12:06:16 AM.

When you view the field for the first time you will see [] which indicate the seeding rank and () which indicates the votes for that person. For example:

[1] Fran Tarkenton (10) means that Tarkenton is seeded #1 in his bracket and has received 10 votes to date.

Next week we'll take the field from 32 to the Sweet 16 and so forth for the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy it.

Draft Update

As I said yesterday, my sources within Winter Park tell me the Vikings will not move up in the draft. In fact, it is now being discussed that the Vikings will possibly go with wide-receiver with BOTH the #7 and #18 picks should the WRs they covet be there when those picks come around.

Yeah, it probably will take two guys to fill Randy Moss' shoes!

Take it from this Bubba (I'm in a southern-fried chicken state of mind today). The Vikings will not be moving up in the draft.

The week leading up to the NFL draft is one upmanship. Smoke and mirrors. Cloak and daggers. Shadows and whispers. And its exciting as hell.

One of my contacts has given me a heads up that moving up in the draft is not something the Vikings will give up two #1's for.

To quote my source, the difference in Braylon Edwards and the rest of the WR's in the draft isn't great enough to justify two first round picks.

I still believe the Vikings want Edwards or Mike Williams with their first selection at #7. They just won't be moving up to do it.

Links and Tidbits

Some of the best links came from across the Big Pond. Such as this one, which is rather a big story don't you think? The shame, the shame!

This next story from the U.K. starts out with, "A roll of toilet paper the size of a car caught fire...". Need to read more?

Another reason not to drive in the U.K. I mean, they already drive on the wrong side of the road and now you have to deal with this?

Aaaannnnnnd I'm back. Doesn't even seem like I was gone.

Anywho, I had a much-much-much fab time in New Jersey receiving my Chairman's Award from the CEO of my company. This is me standing alongside the Vice President of my division. Man, those huge martini's were great! I remember two of them.

And I had every intention to write Monday, but I had too much to try and accomplish (not to mention those damn huge martini's!) and so I caught up on projects we're doing this spring.

Two years ago we had completed a major remodel of the house. One of the new shiny toys I talked The Wife® into allowing was the addition of a 42" plasma screen into the Great Room. I went with a simple Sony HD receiver at the time since no HD DVR was available at the time. Well, that has since changed. So we did a couple of upgrades Monday.

First up was setting up a new 26" high-definition flat screen in The Boy's® room.

Next was upgrading the aforementioned 42" plasma in the Great Room with a new Hughes TiVO DVR box. I can now record in high-definition as well as regular satellite TV. That will come in handy this coming weekend as I'll be working Saturday when the draft is going on.

After that was rewiring some more in preparation for the home theater room. I'll be running a InFocus high-def projector for a true cinematic experience. The screen will be a motorized 80" drop-down Firehawk. And we'll be viewing from the comfort of Berkline PowerRecline units. I may never leave the house again on game day.

I've been using a TiVO unit for a few years now and it has changed the way we watch TV. After using the new unit for the past 24-hours, I highly recommend the HD DCRs. There is no comparison between watching a program in high-definition and old analog.

I can't wait until DIRECTV teams up with TiVO to add a DVD burner.

After that, I was out in the yard meeting with the landscapers over the newest garden addition. And before I knew it, the day had gotten away.

This week we were to play April Madness to choose the best Vikings draft choice ever....tourney style. Last week, I had even tested the site I would be using to build the brackets and conduct the voting for us.

So late last night I went into build it and it seems that site is having issues at the moment. So, I'm afraid the April Madness game will be postponed for the time being. If/when the site gets its act together, I'll be bringing this back for us to play.

That's really all I have time to say today as I catch-up at the real job and get back into the swing of things.

Note: I'll be out this Thursday through Sunday, returning Monday. I was somehow selected as a Chairman's Award receipient with my company and will be in New Jersey eating shrimp and drinking cocktails with the CEO. There should be at least one guest column during this time. See you Monday for the start of April Madness!

For all yout tailgaters who drive the SUVs and big pickups as well as the out-of-towners worrying how they will be able to afford the gas prices to get to the Vikings games now that the 2005 schedule has been released....worry no more!

Mother Earth is replenishing her oil reserves. So gas up people and get ready for another great season of Vikings games.

So don't listen to the Lefties who would have you think that oil reserves will run out before the next Presidential election. Hell, I may have to trade in the BMW for a purple Hummer.

I'd like to stick around and talk about the schedule but I have a plane to catch and plenty of oil to burn to get to the airport on time. Let's just say I'm rather sick of playing the N.Y. Giants midway each season. How 'bout you?

Note: I'll be out this Thursday through Sunday, returning Monday. I was somehow selected as a Chairman's Award receipient with my company and will be in New Jersey eating shrimp and drinking cocktails with the CEO. There should be at least one guest column during this time. See you Monday!

Fresh off of March Madness NCAA basketball, and in time for NFL Draft Week I will bring you the Viking Underground April Madness Tourney beginning next Monday (4/18). This will be to determine the Vikings best draft selection ever...tourney style.

There will be four brackets initially with each bracket containing 16 players representing a decade. One for the 60's, one for the 70's, one for the 80's, and one for the 90's-Today.

Starting Monday, I'll present each of the 4-brackets with a voting link to each. Each bracket will be seeded as I've indicated a bit below.

Monday (4/18) voting will take each bracket from 16 to 8 and I'll advance the round. Tuesday (4/19) voting will take each bracket from 8 to 4 and I'll advance the round. Wednesday (4/20) will take each bracket from 4 to 2, and I'll advance the round. Thursday (4/21) will take it from 2 to 1.

At that point we'll have the Final Four with a player from each decade. I'll then build a new Final Four Bracket/Poll and on Friday (4/22) voting will take it from 4 to 2. Saturday (4/23) will be the final vote. Times out nicely since that Saturday is also the first NFL draft day.

Here are the seedings as they stand today. These are not set in stone so if you have an opinion on seedings...or even a player left out....you have until Sunday night to let me know. Leave a Comment at the end of this entry.

60s

1. Fran Trakenton
2. Alan Page
3. Ron Yary
4. Carl Eller
5. Gene Washington
6. Dave Osborn
7. Tommy Mason
8. Ed White
9. Clinton Jones
10. Roy Winston
11. Ed Sharockman
12. Bobby Bryant
13. Oscar Reed
14. Charlie West
15. Rip Hawkins
16. Bob Lee

70s

1. Chuck Foreman
2. Tommy Kramer
3. Matt Blair
4. Scott Studwell
5. Fred McNeill
6. Stu Voight
7. Sammy White
8. Jeff Siemon
9. Joe Senser
10. Mark Mullaney
11. Jeff Wright
12. Ed Marinaro
13. Ted Brown
14. Brent McClanahan
15. James White
16. Randy Holloway

80s

1. Randall McDaniel
2. Chris Doleman
3. Wade Wilson
4. Steve Jordan
5. Henry Thomas
6. Joey Browner
7. Keith Millard
8. Darrin Nelson
9. Kirk Lowdermilk
10. Carl Lee
11. Tim Irwin
12. Hassan Jones
13. Walker Lee Ashley
14. Doug Martin
15. Reggie Rutland
16. Jarvis Redwine

90s-Today

1. Randy Moss
2. Daunte Culpepper
3. Robert Smith
4. Terry Allen
5. Matt Birk
6. Kevin Williams
7. Brad Johnson
8. Ed McDaniel
9. Korey Stringer
10. Moe Williams
11. Todd Steussie
12. Jake Reed
13. Nate Burleson
14. Michael Bennett
15. Jim Kleinsasser
16. Bryant McKinnie

And be sure and let other Vikings fans know about this fun event. If you hang out at a message board, drop a new thread alerting people. I can't be everywhere at once and the more people that vote next week, the better representation we'll have to select the best Vikings draft pick ever.

Again, if you have a beef with the seedings, leave a Comment below and I will consider all suggestions through Sunday night.

Last weekend was The Boy's® fifth birthday. Time has, indeed, gone fast, almost too fast.

The house was crazy most of the weekend with family and friends attending his birthday party. The Boy® and I really didn't have any alone time until Sunday evening when we started practicing on his bike. I had him work on his emergency exit strategy for when he felt out of control and about to crash. This came in handy.

We live along a road with a slight incline to it. As the evening wore on, The Boy® started feeling more and more confident and kept going further and further up the little hill. On one descent he was really motoring along when he braked to slow down. He started to wobble and stuck out a leg to balance him. The bike went down but The Boy® simply steadied himself on one leg then deftly leapt over the now-crashing bike and walked away. He ran to me crowing that what he had been practicing had actually worked.

Then we got out the ol' plastic baseball bats and balls. These are the Big Bertha plastic bats and softball-sized plastic balls of our youth. And I'm here to tell you those plastic balls can pack a wallop.

All last summer The Boy® would stand about three-quarters of the way up the front yard, about even with the front of the garage. I'd pitch to him with my back facing the street and he would belt high fly balls about halfway into the street.

Last night, we did the same. I tossed the first ball and WHACK! The Boy® cleared the street with the ball landing in our neighbors’ yard.

Another toss and WHACK! The ball thudded against a different neighbor’s brand new minivan. I was like, "All right!"

Then came the third pitch, and The Boy® connected solidly. The ball came screaming back at dear old Dad standing only12 feet away. Being old, my cat-like reaction time simply was not there. The plastic ball that should not have inflected any damage landed squarely on my chin, traveling at light-speed.

The last thing I remember was Howard Cosell standing over me yelling, "Down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier!" Which turned out not to be Cosell but The Wife® holding her glass of wine, coming from her lawn chair where she had been admiring her men.

With a cut on the chin, but all teeth intact, I looked at The Boy® and realized he's growing up faster than I want him to. He's harder to catch now when we play tag. He doesn't necessarily need my help all the time with his projects. When something is broken, he offers his tools to me instead of me offering mine to him.

I got back up and we kept playing with me now standing another five feet back. A new scar was developing on my weathered face, but it also held a grin the size of Alaska as I pondered how far The Boy® has developed since I first held him five very long, and too short, years ago.

Have any moments with your children where you were almost decapitated? Recall that moment when you realized your 'baby' was now growing up? Share 'em with us by leaving a Comment below.

Coming Next Week: April Madness!

We need to keep Mike Tice out of the Vikings draft day War Room on April 23 and 24. It is vital. Maybe we can enlist the help of locals to make sure he never even leaves his house, has access to a computer, or even a phone line or cell.

It is that important.

I have studied Tice's BioRythm based on his birthday (2-2-59). And Tice is not going to be performing well. A BioRythym first needs to be explained to some of you.

It is said that we have natural cycles that ebb and fall throughout our lives. As these cycles cross over the "critical" line (horizontal line that stretches across the middle of the BioRythm chart), our activity in the appropriate area (Emotional, Physical or Intellectual) will be most at risk. Knowing that, here is Tice's BioRythm Chart for that period.

Emotional: This cycle tracks the stability and positive energy of your psyche and outlook on life, as well as your capacity to empathize with and build rapport with other people. You can see that Tice's emotional line is below normal for the date of April 23. When low, the effect is similar to when you are getting off the freeway and putting the breaks on so you can drive at a slower speed on a city street.

But then, with Tice, maybe having his emotions slowed up is a good thing! But wait!

Physical: This cycle tracks your strength, health, and raw physical vitality. Tice's is just starting to exceed normal. This means Tice's physical state is in a critical period. It is as though you are getting on the on ramp to the freeway and have to speed up. So now we have a depressed Tice who could also let his physical strength get the best of him. God, have mercy on anyone within pencils reach of him that day.

Let's bring in the thinking side. Yes, Tice is rumored to have one.

Intellectual: This cycle tracks your verbal, mathematical, symbolic, and creative abilities, as well as your capacity to apply reason and analysis to the world around you. And Tice, well that blue line is shooting down faster than Wall Street after a liberal President has been elected.

So now we have a head coach who is depressed, has a capacity to use physical harm, and is also not thinking very well.

Let's try and break this down a bit more.

There are three secondary cycles that derive from the primaries. These are:

Mastery: This is the composite of the Intellectual and Physical cycles. Mastery encompasses your ability to succeed at tasks and to obtain what you desire. This cycle also tracks athletic ability and the focus required to learn physical skills.

Passion: This is the composite of the Physical and Emotional cycles. Passion encompasses your motivation to act, and the drive that allows you to continue a difficult pursuit.

Wisdom: This is the composite of the Emotional and Intellectual cycles. Wisdom encompasses your understanding of the world, your role in it, and the things that are truly important to your life. This cycle also tracks the presence of mind that you need to make crucial decisions.

Here is how Tice stacks up in those areas:

(Pause for dramatic effect)

Um, see that Wisdom line? It is rock bottom fellow Vikings fans. Rock bottom. Let's see, Wisdom said, "This cycle also tracks the presence of mind that you need to make crucial decisions."

Excuse me. I have to place a call.

911: State your emergency

CoD: Yes, we have an emergency over at the Tice household. It is important that a Mr. Mike Tice be confined to his bedroom without computer, TV, or phone privileges until April 25.

Keep your fingers crossed boys and girls.

Link of the Year

While our esteemed Minnesota Legislature debates such topics as (and I'm not making this stuff up) State Fair camping area regulations, Charitable contribution income tax deductions relating to tsunami relief donations, Off-sale liquor license permitted within one-half mile of University of Minnesota College of Agriculture, and Pipestone County Legislative Route No. 268 turnback authorized, there is actually a state legislature that actual tackles issues that you and I care about.

Finally, somebody is doing something about drivers who drive in the left, or "passing," lane, despite the fact that they are not passing anybody, and, in some cases, have never passed anybody in their entire motoring lives.

Now THAT, is some fine legislating!

Note: I'll be out attending to family duties Thursday through Sunday, returning Monday. I hope to have some guest columnists fill in during that time. Today's guest column comes from The Commish, my game-day buddy of many years who sits next to me in the front row.

It seems like the draft can’t get here fast enough. For use football fanatics, it’s an off-season fix of the real deal. It seems that ever since 1998 when I was at the Mall of America Draft Party with Mr. COD & other buddies, that the draft is as exciting as a regular season game. The lead up to the draft is like the lead up to a game, other than it’s like 2 months of lead up time! With weeks upon weeks of reading draft prospects bios & many mock drafts, it helps build up the excitement. Every team and every fan thinks the guy they’ll take will the player to lead them to the promised land – what a feeling!

Anyways, upon reading all these mock drafts from all over the internet, one thing is clear, NO ONE can fully know what every team in the NFL needs. I think I (and many Vikings fans) can fairly say what the Vikings needs are, but I didn’t watch every game of another team in the NFL. So how can someone truly say this team needs that without watching every game & every play? So most of those mock drafts miss on that note. I’d take an avid fan from every team the create the perfect mock draft.

So, here’s my slanted take on the Drafts top 10 teams needs with who I think they should take:

San Francisco – Have to go QB, they having nothing on offense worth a dime, so why would they draft a WR that’d never get the ball? Granted a RB is a possibility, but with Barlow being serviceable the QB would help the most. Aaron Rodgers.

Miami – A QB & RB is what they need the most. And since last year they traded a 2nd round pick to get Freeley, drafting a QB would a waste, thus RB has got to be their pick. Carnell Williams (he was the starting back at Auburn over Ronnie Brown).

Cleveland – They don’t have a QB. Granted they don’t have a WR or an elite RB. So going with a WR wouldn’t be the smartest decision without a better QB, like San Fran. They’ve had decent production from the RB’s the past couple of years, but nothing great. I know they need D-line too since all their guys went to Denver. Alex Smith.

Chicago – They need help on offense and with Thomas Jones showing he can provide a running game & with the former 1st round pick of Grossman at QB, WR is in the cards. But will they want to throw more money at that position after signing Muhammad? I think this pick is really up in the air & a great possibility to be traded. Braylon Edwards.

Tampa Bay – With a strong defense & an offensive minded coach, offense it is. Is Simms the future? Is Pittman a reliable back? They just drafted WR Clayton last year in the 1st round. But I think Pittman is the biggest question mark. Ronnie Brown.

Tennessee – They lost so many players in the off-season, who knows what direction they might go. They still have some decent WR’s on their roster and their defense lost a lot of pieces, possibly both their top CB’s. Antrel Rolle.

The Purple – The only 2 positions that need improving after all the Free Agent signings is offensive line and wide receiver. With the biggest drop being WR. Mike Williams.

Arizona – What is Denny going to do? H needs to build his car to give someone the keys. The signal caller needs a protégé, but he doesn’t have his Robert Smith either. Cedric Benson.

Washington – Their offense needs help & they lost a starting linebacker & corner back. If either Smith or Rodgers fails here it’s a no brainer, but I think both will be taken. Alex Barron or Troy Williamson.

Detroit – They spent quite a few previous drafts on offense & it has to be time to think defense. Their D-line & D-backs seem to be set. Derrick Johnson.

As we all know drafts aren’t this clear & in my opinion you should always draft the best player available. But filling gapping wholes in a roster would make a team better overall. That is why I find it so troubling of the possibility of the Vikings drafting a Running Back. But that is another story…

The Commish