Vikings News

Well it looks like Reggie Fowler is out as the majority partner of the new ownership group, and RB Onterrio Smith is out for the season cause of a no show for a NFL drug test. Good thing the Vikings drafted another RB Ciatric Fason. A lot was mentioned about the importance of replacing WR Randy Moss through the draft, and improving the defense by any means necessary.

New Jersey real estate developer Zygmunt "Zygi" Wilf is now the proud owner of the Vikings for a cool $600 million. His ownership group replaced the group fronted by Arizona businessman Reggie Fowler. The prevoius owner Red McCombs bought the Vikings in 1998 for $246 million. So Red doubled his money in only 7 years, and the Vikings don't own their own stadium. Not a bad investment if you can find it.

The main thing everyone overlooked before the draft was the Vikings need for another running back. Michael Bennett is great when he's healthy, Mewelde Moore performance last year was a surprise, Moe Williams will get you tough yards, but the Vikings have no real starting RB. The Vikings have suffered at the RB position since Robert Smith's retirement. Ciatric Fason did well under Ron Zook at the University of Florida. Behind the huge Vikings line he could be a great running back that could easily produce a 1,000 yard rookie season.

Broncos sign Rice and Sauerbrun. Why not trade for Williams?

In the last few weeks the Denver Broncos have made a few roster changes. The traded their P Jason Baker and a seventh round pick in 2006 to the Carolina Panthers for P Todd Sauerbrun. The also agreed with WR Jerry Rice on a one year deal. Why not take a gamble and trade a draft pick and a player to the Miami Dolphins for Ricky Williams. All three players could be an intergral part of the team, and help the Broncos make the playoffs from the toughest division in football.

Jerry Rice will be very helpful to the Broncos as the #3 receiver. Rice may not be as fast as he used to be, but he can still be a great possession receiver to continue drives. The Broncos had numerous problems on third down coversions. Rice could be very helpful in a three receiver sets on third down. Rice is durable, he played 17 games last season including a playoff game for Seattle. Rice had 30 catches last year, but he averaged 14.3 yards a catch and a his longest reception of 56 yards is more than any other #3receiver on the Broncos did last year. Rice wont be the focal point of the offense, but he will be productive from the #3 slot.

Todd Sauerbrun is a pro bowl punter. Eventhough he was recently chronicled on 60 Minutes II for his dealings with South Carolina Dr. James Shortt. The Broncos always lost the field position war with horrible punting for the last 3 years. The Broncos defense struggled last year because of having to defend the short field a lot. Todd will help reestablish field position for the Broncos defense.

Ricky Williams is a great running back. I know a lot of people may not think he's reliable, or won't kick his smoking habit. I think after a little soul searching, a $8.6 million judgement against him, and a court ordered $300,000 trust fund for his kid, Williams is ready to deal with anything, at least for the next 3 years. He wants to report to training camp, he has said he will re-enter the NFL substance abuse program, which can test him up to 10 times a month. He is also willing to sit out the 4 game suspension as well.

I know there is fodder that he used to play at 240 lbs., and he is only 195 lbs now, so he won't be the same. I think the year off from the bruising and the battering ram role he played for the terrible Dolphins offense has made him a lot more resilient. Ricky has never suffered any lower body injury. I know it sounds crazy, but Shanahan needs an established running back to be productive in this offense. Terrell Davis never played at more than 215 lbs in this offense and flourished. If Ricky Williams wants to go back to a great offense, Shanahan should be first in line to trade for Williams.

Many have said that Williams will struggle in the Dolphins locker room, because many Dolphins felt that he quit on them last season. He's offended no one in Denver. Ricky said he's good for another 4,000 yards. In the right setting, which Denver is, Williams can make it 3 1,00 yard seasons and make it to retire the right way. Regardless of where Rick Williams ends up, he will make a great addition to any backfield.