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Brian Hall's May 6 Vikings mailbag

Published May. 6, 2015 7:25 p.m. ET

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The draft is over -- and running back Adrian Peterson is still on the team -- and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with undrafted free agents and veteran free agency has all but concluded.

Minnesota knows the roster it will be taking into training camp in late July. The Vikings will be a different team in 2015, assuredly, with Peterson back in the fold, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater heading into his second season and additions along the way such as receiver Mike Wallace and first-round draft pick Trae Waynes.

If our mailbag is any indication, there is a lot of interest in the 2015 season for Minnesota, and a lot of questions about how the final roster will be put together. We had an overwhelming number of submissions, so let's get to it:

Question: With the recent 1st round pick of Tre' Waynes teaming with Xavier Rhodes how good will this tandem eventually be? I see a Defensive Backfield rivaling The Seahawks! -- Doug Rice, Lynnwood WA

Answer: Let's not get carried away just yet. Adding Waynes probably gives the Vikings the deepest secondary they've had in a long time. Coach Mike Zimmer is also known for his work with defensive backs -- Waynes called him a "DB guru" -- which could be seen in the development of Xavier Rhodes and Josh Robinson last year. Putting Minnesota on par with Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Seattle is a comparison I can't make. At least not yet.

If Waynes plays to his potential and Rhodes continues his progress, the Vikings have a strong set of tall, physical cornerbacks for the foreseeable future. They have depth with Robinson and veterans Captain Munnerlyn and Terence Newman, along with Jabari Price from last year's draft. But we don't know about Waynes in the NFL yet, Munnerlyn had a tough season in 2014 and Newman is 36 years old. Not to mention, the safety spot next to Harrison Smith might be the biggest question of all on Minnesota's roster.

Q: I don't get the pick of Danielle Hunter when they have Scott Crichton; is there going to be more of a rotation with the DE's? Or do they not fully believe in Scott? Why wouldn't they go after tackle T.J. Clemmings? I know there are injury concerns with T.J. but he is a first round talent in the third round. It seems better value to go for T.J. -- Adam, Eden Prairie

A: I'm not sure how to answer the Clemmings part of your question, as the Vikings drafted him in the fourth round. So, they got Hunter and Clemmings. Anyway, as far as Hunter, he and Crichton are different types of players. I don't think drafting Hunter correlates much to Crichton.

Zimmer does prefer a rotation all along the defensive line, and if Hunter and Crichton develop, they will be a part of the rotation. But Crichton is a bigger player and general manager Rick Spielman said Crichton is envisioned more as a left defensive end. Spielman said Hunter, long and speedy, will be at right end. So, look at Crichton more as Brian Robison's backup, and playing in a similar role, and Hunter backing up Everson Griffen. I think looking at Griffen and Robison, and the way they're utilized provides some indication of how Minnesota sees Crichton and Hunter.

Q: It seems that NFL teams must not place much value on college individual player awards. For example, Gerod Holliman, winner of the Jim Thorpe award for "Nation's best DB", has yet to be drafted going into day 3. With the Vikings' Trae Waynes and many other DBs going before Holliman, it makes me wonder -- What do NFL teams understand about college player awards that makes them lightly esteemed? -- Shaun, Longmont, CO

A: Frankly, no, teams don't place much emphasis on collegiate awards. While awards might be a good sign of a player, it also has to do with the college schemes and other factors. The NFL has to project how those players will be at the next level and how they will fit the respective schemes.

The Vikings did take one college award winner, though. Second-round pick Eric Kendricks won the Butkus Award last season, which is given to the top linebacker in college football.

Q: Where would Babs have went in the draft based on the little bit that we know about him? -- Lonnie Callies, Seattle, WA

A: An interesting question. I can't say I know for sure. Obviously Babatunde Aiyegbusi's size would grab NFL teams' attention. But he hasn't played college football and is really raw as a prospect with only five years playing the sport in semi-pro European leagues. My guess, with the knowledge that Aiyegbusi hasn't played college football, would lead me to believe he wouldn't have been drafted.

Q: It seems that Stefon Diggs is a similar player to Percy Harvin. How good could Stefon be in the same role Percy played? -- Arjun, Eden Prairie

A: Much like the Seattle comparison above, I hesitate comparing Diggs to Harvin. Harvin was a first-round draft pick coming out of Florida. Diggs fell to the fifth round. Diggs is bigger than Harvin, but doesn't have Harvin's quickness, acceleration and change of direction. Plus, even at Harvin's size, he is a tough open-field runner.

Diggs is considered to be a good open-field runner after the catch. He has talent. Perhaps he is utilized in some of the same ways, but we're talking about two different players. Remember, Cordarrelle Patterson came in with much of the same hype. For part of his rookie season, he seemed like he was headed in the same direction as Harvin before falling off last season. My guess, at this time, is Diggs would be behind Patterson and likely Wallace or Jarius Wright in doing some of the similar things Harvin used to do with Minnesota.

Q: What do you think was the best pick in the 2015 NFL Draft for the Vikings? What kind of impact will he have for the team? Also, who was the biggest steal for the Vikings? -- Dylan, New Jersey

A: The questions everyone wants to hear after a draft. It's hard to say right now without knowing how the coaching staff plans on using, and developing, some players. But I'll take a stab. I think Kendricks was the best pick of the draft. Waynes could be the best player from the draft, but he was also taken 11th overall. Kendricks could prove to be the best pick.

Kendricks will have a chance to come in and start right away at middle linebacker. He is a tackling machine and can also drop in coverage. He should settle the position for several years, unless he's moved back outside once Chad Greenway is done in Minnesota.

I worry a little bit about Kendricks' size. At 6-foot, he weighs just 232 pounds. Perhaps he adds bulk and muscle as he develops. Kendricks' athleticism and ability to cover will be important in the Vikings' system but he'll have to be able to stand up in the running game, as well.

As for the biggest steal, time is needed. Pittsburgh tackle T.J. Clemmings would seem to be the most logical pick for the biggest steal. He was expected to be a late first- or early second-round pick and Minnesota nabbed him in the fourth. Maybe it was just because of the foot injury that scared teams off and perhaps he stays healthy and develops into a starting offensive tackle for the Vikings.

Q: How close is TJ Clemmings to being a solid starter and if Kalil and Loadholt win their starting jobs, is there a possibility of placing TJ as a guard? -- Carl A., Chanhassen

A: Piggy-backing on the last answer, I don't expect Clemmings to challenge for a starting role this season. Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt will be the starting tackles and Spielman said the team envisions Clemmings as a tackle. The other two offensive linemen selected, Tyrus Thompson and Austin Shepherd, could see some time at guard. But Clemmings is, at this point, seen strictly as a tackle.

Kalil and Loadholt are also tied to the Vikings beyond this season. So, it's unclear when Clemmings might be considered for a starting job. It will depend on his development as well as Kalil and Loadholt's success. Maybe Clemmings shows well and makes either Kalil or Loadholt expendable in a year or two.

Q: Being that the Vikings drafted their first pass catcher in the fifth round, is this an indication that Patterson has improved dramatically in the off-season? -- Greg, Chanhassen

A: Frankly Greg, I don't think the strategy has any correlation to Patterson. Certainly Minnesota will be hoping Patterson progresses and gets back to the talented playmaker he was as a rookie. All signs are positive so far as Patterson has worked in the offseason. But at this point, any production coming from Patterson would have to be a bonus.

Moreso, I think waiting until the fifth round to draft Diggs was more of an indication the Vikings feel better about their overall depth at the position after adding Wallace, having Charles Johnson for a full season, along with Wright, Patterson and perhaps Adam Thielen.

Q: Why did the Vikings forgo drafting a safety? Could we not have used one of the picks that went to offensive line on safety? -- Mark, Mankato

A: I think the guy you're looking for was added in college free agency. This wasn't considered a very good group of safeties in the draft and Spielman stuck with the team's draft board on the third day in taking three offensive linemen.

After the draft was over, Spielman seemed particularly excited about the undrafted free agents and the safety they added in Virginia's Anthony Harris. Spielman wouldn't get into much about the position or Harris -- because Harris hadn't officially agreed to terms yet -- but his excitement in getting Harris was evident.

Harris was a three-year starter at Virginia and is considered to be able to play the run or pass. He had 11 interceptions in college. Harris has a chance to stick and perhaps he outperforms some of the safeties who were drafted.

Q: Why not more emphasis on O.L. earlier - have to protect Teddy! -- Jason, N.C.

A: Spielman saw value in offensive linemen on the third day and waited to address the position. Not to mention, Minnesota likely only has one starting spot open at left guard after Charlie Johnson was released. The value didn't meet the Vikings' draft position. Iowa's Brandon Scherff was off the board before Minnesota had a chance and the other guards weren't considered elite prospects.

So, Spielman stuck with the team's board, addressed the defense and added linemen on the third day to increase depth and competition. The value on the offensive line really was on the third day, with the Vikings' selection of Clemmings really starting a run on linemen.

Q: Who will be our Guards next year, Fusco and who?? -- Mick, Grapevine, TX

A: Spielman spoke highly of David Yankey and Joe Berger after the draft. Yankey was facing an important offseason this year. He had to get stronger and had his first full offseason to train as he goes into his second year in the NFL.

I suspect Berger is the favorite right now to start at left guard. Berger has been a steady veteran for a long time and has played well when given the chance. Perhaps Yankey can come in and earn the job, but for now I believe Berger has the advantage.

Q: With a #1 pick as a DB and a FA signing and a WR drafted that is a Percy Harvin KR, I would be surprised if Sherels makes the final cut. Your thoughts? -- Norskie, Austin

A: I've learned not to count out Marcus Sherels. Seemingly every year Sherels is on the roster bubble and then he sticks and is a valuable member of the team. Perhaps this is the year Sherels is replaced as the punt returner. But I wouldn't take any bets on it, either. Sherels has been the ultimate NFL survivor.

Diggs has been a returner in college, but it was as a kickoff returner. Sherels is a punt returner. Not to mention, Sherels is a favorite of special teams coach Mike Priefer. Sherels will face competition, as he always does, but it's no sure thing that he will be replaced.

Q: Are there any positions left that we need to address that were not addressed in the draft ? I would think that we could sign players from other teams that are cut before the season starts if needed. -- Marv, Virginia

A: It's always impossible to fill every hole in the draft or free agency. There are still some areas of concern, certainly. But Minnesota seems to have added competition, at least, at many of the trouble spots.

Heading into the organized team activities, which begin later this month, I see one big question along the offense and three on defense. On offense, the biggest question is who will start at left guard. As mentioned above, I believe Berger is the favorite right now.

As for the defense, middle linebacker, safety and starting cornerback are probably the spots still to be decided. Kendricks should start in the middle but will have to earn it. Safety next to Harrison Smith will come down to a competition between Exum, Harris, Andrew Sendejo and Robert Blanton. I believe Exum has the edge right now after hearing Spielman talk about him following the draft.

Waynes will eventually be a starter, but he might not start the year as a starter. Zimmer has options with Munnerlyn (the starter in the base defense last year), Robinson (the third cornerback last season), Newman and Waynes.

Q: Given that the Vikings went defense in the first 3 rounds, do you think that means AP will be back for sure? -- Jeff, Nebraska

A: I think we can put this question to bed. Peterson will be on the Vikings next year. If Minnesota had interest, or offers, in trading Peterson, it would have come during the draft. Even Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, seemed resigned to the inevitable.

Dogra told the USA Today that he appreciates the Vikings' steadfast approach with Peterson. Now he just hopes to see more of a "commitment." Interpret that as Dogra will now try for more guaranteed money for Peterson, who is owed $13 million in base salary and bonuses next season, but doesn't have any guaranteed money left on his contract.

Spielman, Zimmer and the team said all along they didn't want to trade Peterson and he would be with the team and they stuck to it. Peterson will come back. He will be welcomed by the coaches and players. Perhaps he sits out part of the offseason to make a point. He will lose bonus money if he sits out the mandatory minicamp.

But at 30 years old and already missing all but one game last year, Peterson likely can't affort to sit out any more regular-season games. I also don't see Peterson coming in and sulking, or being the headache that other former players like Harvin or Randy Moss were.

Q: Why do you think GM Rick Speilman is so concerned with drafting 9 or 10 players each draft year? Doesn't quality trump quantity? -- Ken, Sioux City, IA

A: Quality does trump quantity, but you're also talking about an NFL roster which features more than 60 players on the active roster and practice squad. And injuries play a part, so quantity helps.

But it's not so much as quality over quantity when it comes to Spielman's preferred 10-player drafts -- which he's accomplished three of the last four seasons. Spielman has drafted plenty of quality with eight first-round picks the past four years.

Spielman's philosophy of accumulating picks really is about the third day of the draft. With few guarantees left in the draft in the final four rounds, Spielman tries to take as many swings as possible hoping to hit on a few players who could help in the long run. The more opportunities he's able to add players, the better the chance some of them become NFL players.

Q: Which Vikings receiver do you see leading the group in the upcoming season as a true #1? -- DJ Williams, California

A: I don't have much doubt that Wallace will be the team's No. 1 receiver next year. There is incentive for both Wallace and the Vikings to make this connection work. Wallace is paid handsomely and Minnesota made the move to acquire him believing he fits coordinator Norv Turner's offense. He is a better option than Greg Jennings, who was released after the trade.

Johnson should continue to have a role. Wright is a steady No. 3 and there is still hope for Patterson, along with Thielen and Diggs. But Wallace should be the top option for Bridgewater next season.

Q: A lot of annalists love the pick of TE Mycole Pruitt and think he can be a sudden impact. I am a big fan of Rhett; do you think they will use Rhett more in a FB roll and line Pruitt up on one end and Rudolph on the other side? -- Harrison, Bloomington

A: This is another instance of two players filling different roles. Rhett Ellison is still a vital piece as a blocker, either in-line or in the backfield. Pruitt's strength is as a receiver. Pruitt could influence Chase Ford's status, but Kyle Rudolph and Ellison are likely set in their roles.

Rudolph is the No. 1 tight end and the top receiving option. Ellison is a blocker, though he has shown the ability to catch passes. Pruitt could be a matchup problem for defense as Minnesota moves him around. If the Vikings had three tight ends on the field, perhaps Pruitt could be used as a H-back. If it's Rudolph and Pruitt together at the line of scrimmage, defenses will have to account for each of them.

Pruitt was highly productive as a receiver in college and is a good athlete. He simply adds another option to the ever-growing passing game under Turner and Bridgewater.

Thank you for your submissions. Unfortunately we couldn't get to all of your questions. We tried to answer a wide range of submissions. I hope we continue to hear from you in the future. Our Vikings' mailbag runs once a week on Thursday mornings during the regular season.

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