Jackson is solution, not problem, for Vikings

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, March 20, 2007  |  Comments( 32 )

Minnesota Vikings
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The Minnesota Vikings have been scouting Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn in recent weeks, leading many to believe the team has a high interest in taking him with the seventh overall pick in April's draft. Of course, with the draft just over a month away, the Vikings have been scouring plenty of collegiate players and investigating their own needs and options heading into the two-day extravaganza.

Drafting a potential franchise quarterback should not be on the agenda, though. The 6-foot-4, 232-pound Quinn is an intriguing prospect, for sure, but does he fit into Minnesota's needs?

No.

Some will argue the offense is in dire need of an elite field general. And last year's stats would back it up. The offense finished 23rd in total yardage, 26th in scoring, 26th in first downs per game, 25th in average gain per play, and 28th in third-down efficiency.

Not exactly world-beaters.

Gone are quarterback Brad Johnson, wide receivers Travis Taylor, Marcus Robinson, Bethel Johnson, and tight end Jermaine Wiggins. Taylor led the team in receptions, and Robinson caught the most touchdowns. Wiggins led the team in receptions the previous two seasons, meanwhile.

The trio of quarterbacks currently on the roster accounts for just 12 NFL starts -- Brooks Bollinger (nine), Drew Henson (one) and Tarvaris Jackson (two).

However, head coach Brad Childress and his staff found their strong-armed, athletic, 232-pound franchise quarterback already last April in Tarvaris Jackson, a second-round pick. The 6-1 Jackson -- who starred at Alabama State -- is a few inches shorter than Quinn but he has just as good an arm, is more athletic, and has the propensity to make big plays.

The offense needs to focus on upgrading the right side of the line and adding a No. 1-caliber receiver. Bringing in the athletic Visanthe Shiancoe to replace Wiggins could prove itself as a solid move.

The signing of receiver and kick returner Bobby Wade was interesting, to say the least. Minnesota probably overpaid, but the 5-10 speedster fits perfectly into Childress' West Coast offense.

Wade is expected to play in the slot and could use his speed to be effective like former Viking little guy Kelly Campbell.

Whatever Minnesota does on draft day, it should look to build around Jackson, because the 23-year-old could be the solution to re-energizing a stagnant offense.

Eric Krupka is a senior writer for RealFootball365.com. He can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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CommentsComments: 32  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
GURU		12:29 AM
03/21/2007
the vikings have a very peculiar way of getting what they want if they want it bad enough. like the walker trade, a mess. anyway ...
No.2
Troy		01:28 AM
03/21/2007
I would want to trade and get the browns pick so we can get Calvin Johnson. If not we can trade down and get Ginn or Jarett. I ...
No.3
MadVike		03:51 AM
03/21/2007
It would be nice to see the vikings get C. Johnson in the draft. However, I think the cost would be far to great and longterm ...
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