Viking Coach Brad Childress overhauled his WR core very soon into the NFL free agency period. His first move was to ship underachieving former first round pick Troy Williamson to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 6th round pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Williamson struggled with dropped balls and was never a serious threat. With the WR core 'under construction', it was a good move for Childress to get something for Williamson.
The biggest move was signing free agent Benard Berrian. Berrian was drafted out of Fresno State by the Chicago Bears in 2004. He enters his fifth year in the NFL. In 2008 Berrian had 71 receptions, 951 yards with 5 touchdowns. He has steadily improved his numbers in the NFL despite playing for the Bears and their revolving door of mediocre quarterbacks. Berrian provides a legitimate threat and a reliable receiver for Viking QB Tavaris Jackson. Many believed Berrian to be the best free agent WR available after former Viking Randy Moss. The addition of Berrian should allow sophomore wideout Sidney Rice more time and space to continue to develop. The 2007 second round pick showed good playmaking skills and potential at times last year despite a poor WR supporting cast.
To round out the WR core the Vikings have Bobby Wade who proved to be a scrappy and reliable short yardage receiver. Talks are ongoing with veteran WR Robert Ferguson but may cool off now that Berrian is in the mix.
Fans won't forget either what the bread and butter of the Vikings is - All Pro RB Adrian Peterson of course. An improved WR core will also help the running back sensation as teams will have to pay attention to the Viking receivers now.
Time will tell if the move was a good one. I'm betting it is. Berrian is familiar with the NFC North, has good numbers to back his talent and experience playing in a system with an average QB and run first approach.
Like all good building contractors attention has to be moved to other areas. For Childress and the Vikings that now becomes the defensive end position.
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1 comment:
Oh my - I think I'm going to have to get Dave in here to translate! I didn't know you were into American football too! At least I don't have that to content with.
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