The Vikings start OTAs this week, giving Tarvaris Jackson his first chance to show growth from his rookie season. It's being billed as a competition between Jackson and Brooks Bollinger, but the local media knows it's Jackson's job to lose.
Minnesota has the shakiest-looking passing game in the league, and Brad Childress made a bold statement about Jackson's future by passing up Brady Quinn.
Key to helping Jackson will be integrating Adrian Peterson into Minnesota's new two-back system. The Pioneer Press looks at different ways the Vikings could split up the carries. So far the team and Chester Taylor have been silent. I would expect Taylor to play most passing downs this year, with Adrian Peterson slowly gaining the majority of work on the ground in the second half of the season. At worst, Taylor could fill an early-career Brian Westbrook role. Perhaps 125-150 carries, with 50 catches thrown in. Minnesota is going to want to rush the ball as much as possible to protect Jackson and take advantage of their offensive strength - the line.
Taylor - More Westbrook or Dominic Rhodes?
Here's the most in-depth story I've seen on the battle for the Colts backup running back job. DeDe Dorsey and Kenton Keith are unknowns, but one of them is going to be worth drafting in all fantasy leagues this year. The Colts say they want to keep a rotation in the backfield, but I have to think it will be a 3:1 split in favor of Joseph Addai. The slight uncertainty hurts Addai's stock slightly, but he's safely in our top eight picks.
Which reminds me: My first mock draft analysis of the year is up.
Don't expect Keyshawn to sign with the Titans anytime soon. Keyshawn will probably wait out the summer so he can skip as much practice as possible. Plus he'll hope for injuries elsewhere to create a demand. It looks like Tennessee is the only team interested in him, so I expect something to happen eventually.
Included in the same article is the news that LenDale White still isn't practicing. It's only May, but the Titans coaching staff has to be very frustrated.
Willis McGahee has talked about being motivated so much this offseason, I wonder if he's trying to convince himself. There are still doubts about the Baltimore offensive line, but McGahee is the rare back this season that is nearly guaranteed 350 touches. That should keep him as an early-second round pick at worst.
Not only is Junior Seau returning, but it looks like Vinny Testaverde is going to be a Patriot again. I wonder if Vinny or Matt Cassell would get the call if Tom Brady ever gets hurt.
