A Discussion on the Vikings Latest Moves, Part 1

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver

Mike Wallace

(11) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

More from Minnesota Vikings

In the span of less than 24 hours, the Minnesota Vikings receiving corps has experienced some major upheaval. In is Mike Wallace, acquired along with a 7th round pick in this year’s NFL Draft for a 2015 5th round pick going to the Miami Dolphins. Wallace is known as one of the best deep threats in the game, although his numbers have lagged in is time in Miami. Ryan Tannehill does not get the ball deep down field much in general, so fit in their offense was a contributing factor in his decline in production. Out is Greg Jennings, the reliable up the middle of the field receiver. He always seems to get open and served as a safety outlet for Teddy Bridgewater. However, the Vikings offense lacked explosion last season so he may not have fit perfectly with the team anymore.

Drew has already written about the moves in this post. However, this is a lot to take in, so myself, Drew Mahowald, Jordyn Kleinwolterink and Nick Fritz will be exchanging e-mails to try to process everything that has happened in the past day and what it all means for the Vikings going forward.

Jordyn, how do you expect Wallace to fit into the Vikings offense?

Jordyn Kleinwolterink: I expect Wallace to come in right away and have a connection with Teddy Bridgewater. While Wallace may not have had a great connection with Ryan Tannehill in Miami, I also think he wasn’t used right in Miami’s offense. Even so, Wallace managed to get just under 1,000 yards last year. With Norv Turner as his Offensive Coordinator, I think he’s going to be used correctly and is really going to take off especially if Teddy can continue to improve throwing the deep ball.

Live Feed

Lions WR coach Antwaan Randle El compares Jameson Williams to a former teammate /

SideLion Report

5 Vikings players you forgot about from the Mike Zimmer eraThe Viking Age

10 worst decisions by Rick Spielman during his Vikings tenureThe Viking Age

6 most disappointing trades in Minnesota Vikings historyThe Viking Age

NASCAR: Two drivers suspended for social media posts reinstatedBeyond the Flag

5 forgotten former members of the Minnesota Vikings - Part 2The Viking Age

While Wallace comes with some controversy, a 5th round pick is a small price to pay for a guy who could be a #1 wide receiver for a team that desperately needs one. It’s a low risk-high reward type trade, and if he finds that connection with Bridgewater right from the get-go, it could pay huge dividends for us. Pairing Wallace with Patterson on the outside and putting Wright in the slot is going to generate a lot of speed and versatility in our offense, and it’s just what Bridgewater needs in order to develop more. Color me excited with this, and don’t be surprised if the Vikings, now that they released Jennings, would target a Wideout in the draft in order to get more weapons. Be excited!

Drew, What do you think of the Vikings releasing Jennings, and what should their approach be going into the draft now that Wallace is in the fold?

Drew Mahowald I can’t say I’m surprised by the release of Jennings. Cutting him frees up $5 million in cap space, which can be very useful for the rest of the free agency period. For the most part, GM Rick Spielman has sat back and observed the market. This extra cap space could allow him to pounce on an intriguing player.

More from Sporting Sota

As far as the draft is concerned, I expect the Vikings to look at offensive linemen or defense. This move makes it a little more unlikely that receiver will be a first round option. In my opinion, the Vikings should look at linebacker Shaq Thompson, offensive lineman Brandon Scherff, or cornerback Trae Waynes. Each of these three guys would be able to come in and fill a weakness that needs to be addressed. In my opinion, Shaq Thompson is the best option for the Vikings if he’s available at the 11th pick. Thompson paired with Anthony Barr would be a lethal combination of freakishly athletic linebackers that Mike Zimmer could have a lot of fun with.

So, Nick, do you expect the Vikings to make any other moves in free agency this offseason?

Click here for the rest of our thoughts on the Vikings’ latest moves.

Next: Discussing the Vikings' Latest Moves Part 2

Home/Minnesota Vikings