Nobody Wants to Play at the Metrodome

During a discussion with Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com on Friday, Minnesota Vikings V.P. of public affairs and stadium development Lester Bagley said because of the Metrodome's current state, the Vikings had trouble finding a team to agree to play an exhibition game at the Dome.

“We couldn’t even get a preseason game scheduled this year,” Bagley said. “We could not get a partner and the league had to step in and help us get a preseason game scheduled because of that facility is no longer viable and we’ve got to resolve the issue.”

Bagley shared this information on the same day a Vikings stadium bill was submitted at the Minnesota legislature. The Vikings are looking for state and local governments to kick in $600 million of an estimated $900 million stadium project.

Repairs on the Dome, which collapsed during the 2010 season, should be ready before the Vikings first preseason game in August.

The Vikings' Metrodome lease expires at the end of the 2011 season.

Donovan McNabb's to the Minnesota Vikings (Maybe)

Without offering a shred of evidence, Pioneer Press sports writer Charley Walters essentially says Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb will be the Minnesota Vikings quarterback this season.

Walters' headline grabbing story reads: “It’s looking like Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback next season will be Donovan McNabb.” Unfortunately, beyond the headline there is no substance to the story.

This rumor is not new. For several months, I've believed McNabb would be Brett Favre's successor. After looking at this year's quarterback draft class and who the Vikings already have on their roster (Joe Webb), I'm convinced a "bridge" quarterback (aging veteran) is their only option if they want to be competitive.

I also believe McNabb is the Vikings' best option, simply because of McNabb's current situation. He is at odds with Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan and would be available at a cheap price in a trade (McNabb may get released too). Also, most draftniks agree (myself included) that every quarterback in this year's draft will need at least one as an NFL back-up.

So is Walters right about McNabb coming to the Vikings? Maybe. Probably. But let's dial back the headline until we get some substance.

2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Safety Prospects

The 2011 NFL Draft class of safeties isn't going to overwhelm anyone. There are several intriguing prospects in this year's draft, but overall the talent pool is pretty shallow. The consensus top safety in the draft is UCLA's Rahim Moore and he's projected to go in the second round.

While the top level talent is missing this year, there are a handful of players who may turn out to be solid NFL players.

2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Safety Prospects:

1) Rahim Moore, UCLA

2) Quinton Carter, Oklahoma

3) Robert Sands, West Virginia

4) DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson

5) Tyler Sash, Iowa

6) Jaiquawn Jarrett, Temple

7) Shiloh Keo, Idaho

8) Deunta Williams, North Carolina

9) Joe Lefeged, Rutgers

10) Jeron Johnson, Boise State

The Impact of the Past Five NFL Drafts

When NFL teams draft their future players on April 28-30 at the 2011 NFL Draft, they'll try and mimic the successes of the past two Super Bowl champions.

According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayarea.com, the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints have drafted the best in the last five years. Maiocco examined the drafts from 2006-2010 and ranked the teams based on their successes and failures.

Maiocco's study took into consideration: where teams selected, how many star players were acquired via free agency or trades, top of the draft hits and misses, late-round gems and how the players drafted contributed to wins and losses.

Click here for Maiocco's take on the last five years of the draft.

Birds Eye View of Metrodome Repair

The views from the high-rises in downtown Minneapolis offer a unique snapshot of a busy city. Whether it's a birds eye view of Target Field or a stunning look down the Mississippi River, Minneapolis is worth a look from up on high. But the view I'm most interested in is the one that overlooks the city's great eyesore, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrdome.

Jeron Udean, who works at Strother Communications Group in downtown Minneapolis, alerted me to a great view of the reconstruction project. The view is from Udean's office on top the Campbell Mithun Tower.

Repair work recently began on the Minnesota Vikings' home and is expected to continue through July. Udean plans on posting a progress photo each Monday.

Click here to follow the progress at Strother Communications Group's Metrodome Monday Blog.

Report: St. Louis Rams Interested in Sidney Rice

Once a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is reached and free agency begins, expect Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice to be one of the most sought after free agents.

According to Pro Football Talk, one team that is expected to enter the Rice sweepstakes is the St. Louis Rams. The Rams have several mediocre receivers, but no go-to guy.

With quarterback Sam Bradford entering his second season and the arrival of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator, Rice would be a good fit for the Rams.
The Vikings have placed a first-rounder tender on Rice, but there's no certainty that option will remain in a new CBA.

Rice, who underwent hip surgery before last season, has missed 16 games in his four season with the Vikings.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Steve Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

2010 Stats	48 rec. / 529 yds.	3 TDs
2011 Projected	31 rec. / 425 yds.	2 TDs

Smith underwent micro fracture surgery at the end of last season and doesn't look ready to start the season healthy. Smith is now with Philadelphia, where he will eventually settle in as the third receiver behind DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Smith has fallen a long ways since his breakout season in 2009. Consider Smith a reserve fantasy football wide receiver - at best.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Davone Bess, WR, Miami Dolphins

2010 Stats	79 rec. / 820 yds.	5 TDs
2011 Projected	77 rec. / 820 yds.	4 TDs

Bess isn't a flashy player, but he's a solid slot receiver who catches a lot of passes. In 2010, Bess hauled in 79 catches for 820 yards and five touchdowns. Bess saw 125 targets last season and has turned into one of the most reliable slot receivers in the league. Bess isn't a big playmaker, but he's a durable, steady wide receiver who should be looked at as a solid reserve or bye week fill-in wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Steve Breaston, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

2010 Stats	47 rec. / 718 yds.	1 TDs
2011 Projected	53 rec. / 795 yds.	3 TDs



Breaston struggled last year after taking over as the Cardinals starting wide receiver when Anquan Boldin left. He was hobbled by a knee injury, which forced him to miss three games. Breaston finished 2010 with 47 catches for 718 yards and one touchdown. Breaston signed an offseason deal with Kansas City and will likely start opposite Dwayne Bowe. Despite being a starter, Breaston is a reserve fantasy football wide receiver and bye week fill-in.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans Saints

2010 Stats	44 rec. / 638 yds.	5 TDs
2011 Projected	51 rec. / 735 yds.	5 TDs

Meachem will have value as a fantasy football wide receiver simply because he plays in the Saints' high-powered offense. He has shown flashes of big play potential, but hasn't been consistent enough to be considered an every week fantasy player. Meachem is entering a contract year which could be a motivator for the fourth-year receiver. Consider Meachem a solid reserve or bye week fill-in wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Jerome Simpson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

2010 Stats	20 rec. / 277 yds.	3 TDs
2011 Projected	59 rec. / 765 yds.	5 TDs

There is a lot of optimism in Cincinnati about Simpson and rightfully so after the way he closed out 2010. Simpson finished the season with two huge games against the Chargers and Ravens when caught 18 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Simpson could be the Bengals starting wide receiver opposite rookie A.J. Green, who will likely be the team's top receiver. Don't bank on Simpson being a starter on your fantasy football team starting in week one, but he's talented enough to be a reserve on your bench.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

2010 Stats	59 rec. / 755 yds.	5 TDs
2011 Projected	61 rec. / 775 yds.	5 TDs

Ward is starting to show his age (35) and last season his numbers proved it. His 59 catches for 755 yards and five touchdowns marked his worst statistical season in more than decade. Ward is no longer the go-to receiver in Pittsburgh, that title now goes to Mike Wallace. Still, Ward will find opportunities to get on the field because he's a crafty veteran. However, those opportunities could be limited because of his age, injuries to his knee and thumb (which he had surgery on in the offseason) and the emergence of Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders. Ward should be viewed as a reserve fantasy football wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: James Jones, WR, Green Bay Packer

2010 Stats	50 rec. / 679 yds.	5 TDs
2011 Projected	45 rec. / 625 yds.	4 TDs

Jones enters his fifth season in the NFL and he's coming off his best season as a pro with Green Bay. Jones finished the season with 50 catches for 679 yards and five touchdowns. Despite his strong season, Jones struggled at times catching the ball (which has plagued him throughout his career). Jones' inconsistent hands could be what keeps him from becoming a starting NFL wide receiver. Consider Jones a reserve or bye week fill-in wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis Rams

2010 Stats	85 rec. / 689 yds.	3 TDs
2011 Projected	89 rec. / 820 yds.	5 TDs

Amendola is a poor man's Wes Welker and he has the ability to catch close to 100 passes this season for the Rams. New Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels brings his pass-heavy offense to St. Louis and Amendola was the most consistent of the Rams wide receivers last season. In 2010, Amendola had 85 catches for 689 yards and three touchdowns, and he had a good rapport with quarterback Sma Bradford. Because Amendola is more of a possession receiver than a big play guy, consider him a reserve/bye week fill-in at wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Jacoby Ford, WR, Oakland Raiders

2010 Stats	25 rec. / 470 yds.	2 TDs
2011 Projected	52 rec. / 825 yds.	5 TDs

Ford's rookie season got off to a slow start in 2010, but he came on late in the season and got the attention of fantasy football owners. Ford showed he has the talent and versatility to be a solid NFL player, scoring a total of seven touchdowns (3 kick-off returns, 2 receiving, 2 rushing). Ford's big play potential will earn him a spot on the field for the Raiders. Consider Ford a reserve or bye week fill-in wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Mike Williams, WR, Seattle Seahawks

2010 Stats	65 rec. / 751 yds.	2 TDs
2011 Projected	59 rec. / 700 yds.	4 TDs

Big Mike made his return to the NFL in a big way in 2010. The former Detroit flame-out was resurrected in Seattle and finished the season with 65 catches for 751 yards and two touchdowns. Williams' size makes him a valuable end zone threat, but the arrival of Sidney Rice could hurt his production this season. Consider Williams a reserve fantasy football wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Santana Moss, WR, Washington Redskins

2010 Stats	93 rec. / 1,115 yds.	6 TDs
2011 Projected	81 rec. / 860 yds.	5 TDs

Moss proved last season that he still has the ability to be a solid NFL wide receiver, even in his tenth season. Moss finished 2010 with a career-high 93 catches for 1,115 yards and six touchdowns. At 31, Moss' physical skills are diminishing, but he's savvy enough to still be effective. While another 90-plus season would be nice, look for his numbers to go down slightly in 2011. Moss should be considered a number three fantasy football wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Deion Branch, WR, New England Patriots

2010 Stats	48 rec. / 706 yds.	5 TDs
2011 Projected	45 rec. / 645 yds.	5 TDs

Branch showed last year that he can still be a reliable fantasy football wide receiver, he just needs to be on the right team. Branch was traded to the Patriots in Week 5 and went on to have a very productive fantasy football season. Branch finished last year with 61 catches for 818 yards and six touchdowns, with a majority of those stats coming with New England. Branch's value takes a hit with the arrival of Chad Ochocinco, but because he plays on a great offensive team, Branch is still worth a reserve spot on your roster.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints

2010 Stats	66 rec. / 763 yds.	8 TDs
2011 Projected	62 rec. / 850 yds.	7 TDs

Moore stepped up last season for the Saints and turned in a very nice season. Moore ended 2010 with 66 catches for 763 yards and eight touchdowns. Moore turned into a clutch performer and a go-to guy for quarterback Drew Brees. Five of Moore's eight TDs were in the red zone and 40 of his 66 catches went for first downs. It's clear Brees trusts Moore enough to make plays in crucial situations. Consider Moore a solid number three fantasy football wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions

2010 Stats	55 rec. / 625 yds.	6 TDs
2011 Projected	61 rec. / 785 yds.	6 TDs

Burleson gave the Lions a solid number two receiving option behind Calvin Johnson last season. Burleson ended 2010 with 55 catches for 625 yards and six touchdowns (in 14 games played). Like Johnson, Burleson will benefit from a healthy Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Look for Burleson to be even more productive in 2011 as he settles in to the Lions offense. Consider Burleson a solid reserve or bye week fill-in wide receiver.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

2011 Projected

56 rec. / 775 yds.

6 TDs

Green looks like he's NFL-ready as a rookie and should be able to step in and start for the Bengals. Green is tall, fast and a can catch anything thrown his way. The rookie from Georgia, who was drafted with the #4 overall pick, will need to work on his route-running and getting off press coverage in the NFL. But he definitely has all the skills needed to be a great NFL wide receiver (eventually). Don't expect too much from Green in his rookie season and consider him a number three fantasy football wide receiver to start the season.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers

2010 Stats	46 rec. / 554 yds.	2 TDs
2011 Projected	65 rec. / 800 yds.	6 TDs

Smith was once a top five NFL wide receiver, but has fallen off recently largely due to inconsistent quarterbacking. Smith has also battled injuries and hasn't played a full season since 2005. At 32, Smith's best days are behind him. However, he has enough ability and grit to be a relevant fantasy football wide receiver again. Consider Smith a fringe number three fantasy football wide receiver, and a guy who might be worth drafting late just in case her returns to his 2005 form.