Jeff: Fitzgerald to the Vikes? We Wish!

Reports from the Pioneer Press, which have been picked up by SI.com, ponder whether the Vikes could or should package the #7 pick in the upcoming draft with other goodies to Arizona for Minnesota native Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The move would be to not only to upgrade the team, but to also appease season ticket holders and give them a reason to renew. Is there any substance to this move? I really doubt it. Tell me why Arizona's going to part with one of the league's best receivers who's just entering his prime, has a reasonable contract, and is a great kid off the field to do it. Arizona's not, I repeat, NOT that far away from contention. As they've needed for seemingly years, the team needs help on the O-line, and I don't see how getting the Vikes #7 pick would help that, unless they used it to take Penn State tackle Levi Brown. The best tackle in the draft, and the guy the Cards would really want, is Scony's Joe Thomas, but he should be gone in the first 3 picks. Already holding the 5th pick, perhaps they'd package both to move up to get Thomas, but I just can't see how parting with Fitzgerald helps them improve. Like the Vikings they need to encourage people to show up, and getting rid of its best player doesn't seem like a good way to do that.

The more I think about this I know this is just pure speculation, because what the Cards need- O-line help and anything on defense- the Vikes certainly don't have extra assets in those areas to deal. So there's no way this happens. However it brings up the larger issue of Minnesota not only being in desparate need of a playmaker, but an identity. Jer's brought this up before, and I totally agree that we need something as fans to get excited about and there's nothing there right now. Say what you want about Randy Moss or Daunte Culpepper while they were in purple, but at least they were exciting to watch and gave us a chance to win every Sunday.

I'll be the first to stand up and say it: I MISS RANDY MOSS!! He was crazy and could act like a jerk and although he "played when he wanted to play" I always felt like we had a chance with him out there. For all the headaches he caused, I'd take him back. I really would. I'm not sure what that says about me as a Vikings fan, but that's the way I feel. Look at the current team now. Is there ANYBODY on that roster that excites you? Anybody that makes you say "yes we've got a chance this year!!" The conference will be mediocre again, and it's really truly anyone's for the taking. But we need a playmaker, whether at quarterback or receiver, to make it happen. We've got like 3 solid months to discuss what the Vikes should or shouldn't do in the draft, but we need somebody to hang our collective hats on, and there's only one player I want: CALVIN JOHNSON! They'd have to go up to 3 to get him, which Chilly would never do because, well, that's another story entirely. But still, some draft folks call him a bigger, faster version of Fitzgerald, with a similar demeanor and work ethic. How can you not want that guy? Although it's fun I know better than to start taking these mock drafts too seriously right now, but just seeing the Vikings taking a Ted Ginn Jr scares me. CJ's the man to solve all of our problems. Do you think if we send an email barrage to Winter Park telling them to trade up for CJ that they'd do it? Didn't think so either, but just thought I'd throw it out there. Speaking of which, if you've got better ideas on how to improve this team and make them watchable next year, PLEASE, feel free to share. We'd love to hear from you.