(Associated Press: Ben Margot)
A+
I give the signing of Alex Boone an A+ not only because we fill a huge need on the line, but we can also move players around to positions that better suit them. You get arguably one of the best guards in free agency, as well as a top rated guard from 2011-2014. In 2015 he had a bit of a down year after moving to the left guard position, but the hope is that he will emerge again as his former self at right guard for the Vikings. This also allows Brendon Fusco to move back to his original position at left guard where he flourished as a starter and ranked high on the PFF scale at that position. This signing could be like a double signing letting both guards play their original spot. (Also, he wants to punch Clay Matthews in the face, which is fuggin awesome. That moved my A rating to the + area.)
Emmanuel Lamur: Outside Linebacker: formerly of Cincinnati.
A
That's right. I'm giving this signing an A. Want to know why? Because he's a former Zimmer project, had a stellar year in 2014 (92 tackles, 2 INT, 7 PDef), and has been said to make athletic, game-busting plays. I believe if healthy, Lamur will take over opposite Barr in Zimmer's defense. He's still young at 27 and it's a great move if he can return to his play from a year ago. I think this is a better option than starting aging Greenway, who still might be signed to one more year.
Audie Cole: Linebacker: Vikings.
B
This is a "oh okay, cool" type signing. Isn't anything to write home about, but is a great depth and special teams signing. I've always liked the guy, but he's never taken that next step to be a legit starter. Still, good move by the Purple. Can't give a bad grade for a good special team guy.
Mike Harris: Guard: formerly of ... oh the Vikings.
B-
This was a smart move considering he will be a solid back up and competition to the starters in Fusco and Boone. You can never be too deep at a position like offensive line and the Vikings found this out last year the hard way. A nice one year deal will keep our line in tact for a little longer.
Travis Lewis: Linebacker: formerly of Detroit.
B-
I always like signings for depth and special teams, and this was just that. Lewis was a core special teamer for the lions and will fit in nicely with the Vikings in this spot. Like Cole, I assume Zimmer will love him as a back up in his young linebacking core moving forward. In Zimmer We Trust!
Andrew Sendejo: Safety: Vikings.
C-
I'm torn on this. Not because he wasn't horrible. Not because he wasn't good. Because we gave him way too much money to be a mediocre guy. I understand Reggie Nelson might have been asking for too much money or an undesirable amount of years, but this...was just odd. $16 million over 4 years. Ouch. My head hurts on this one. In Zimmer We Trust?
Michael Griffin: Safety: formerly of Tennessee.
C-
A part of me loves the player he used to be. A part knows he's not that same player. A part of me doesn't care and thinks Zimmer can make him play like a top 15 safety again. A part of me knows that's wrong. Maybe he's just here as a camp body, because I honestly don't see him beating out Sendejo (I know, weak) but there is hope. We will see what he still has left in the tank, but I'm still sour the Vikings didn't get Reggie Nelson.
Overall I give the Vikings a solid B+. They didn't sit back and let other teams make all the moves, filled a lot of holes that they had needs at, and didn't reach and over pay for players that other teams have done (exception Sendejo). Good day to be a Vikings fan!
Skol!
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