Edwards The Next D-Line Pro Bowler?
Ray Edwards is in the early stages of exploring the world of free agency. After his performance in the play-offs ( 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles ) the Vikings thought enough of what they saw to place a first round tender on him.
This means that it is quite unlikely that another NFL team (except possibly the Eagles or Saints) would choose to invest the first round pick they would have to surrender in order to sign him, and if they did, the Vike’s would have a week to match the offer or receive a first round pick in the upcoming draft.
Personally, I would rather have Edwards playing at the level I saw vs. both Dallas and New Orleans then another (albeit tempting) first rounder. I realize not everyone will agree with me on this, but my point is that the draft is not an exact science.
A. Picks are risky and don’t always go according to plan. (Remember Demetrius Underwood?)
B. The window of opportunity may be open for one more season for this version of the Purple and Gold and rookies often don’t make an impact during their first year.
Sure, the Vikings might be better off in the long run, but I just don’t see Brian Robison and co. making next year’s team a better bet for the Super Bowl.
Brian Robison has done a terrific job in reserve. He is a pass rushing terror when cut loose on third and longs.
However, he has not held up well at the point of attack vs. the run, and has shown a tendency to lose a step when he plays more than a situational role.
This post has 4 comments
March 15th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Edwards play in pivotal games was an eye opener. He played great in 2009. The added pressure helped Minnesota D to dominate.
The first round tender falls short of the ‘1st and 3rd’ high tender and invites trade speculation.
Few teams are willing to trade a 1st round choice for a Right Defensive End. The best offer may be a 2011 first rounder or conditional 1st (a la R Seymour). Teams aware of Vike depth on D-line and desire for a QB pick in 2011 would be more inclined to offer a 2nd rounder in 2011.
March 15th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Couldn’t agree more Dubs. The Saints and Eagles have too low of picks, so for them they’d get imediate impact instead of waiting a year or two for Dunlap of Fla to mature. I think the Wilfs would match
March 15th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Slinde, not my article, man.
I’d be happy to get a first rounder for Edwards… even if it is #32. Wouldn’t use it on Dunlap though
March 17th, 2010 at 3:32 am
I would rather have the first round draft pick. This is the first year Edwards really showed much of anything. He had the full benefit of most teams shifting to avoid J.Allen and K.Will. He should have had more sacks. I will agree he played well in the playoffs but I will also reiterate that all of those teams tried to avoid J.Allen and K.Will. You may be right about the window of opportunity for the Vikes and it being a safer bet to have a proven DE than take a risk on a rookie. I just have never liked Edwards play, excessive self concept, and preposterous statements.