DT Kevin Williams
They don't get much better than the Vikings tandem of defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.
>Williams and Williams among top 32 defensive players
The folks at realfootball365.com offered up their list of the top 32 defensive players in the NFL recently. Two Vikings – Kevin Williams and Pat Williams – made the list. Kevin checked in at No. 18 “For a D-tackle, Williams’ stats over the first four seasons of his career are about as impressive as possible: 199 tackles, 31 sacks,” the report said. “Thanks largely to the 6-5, 311-pounder, the Vikings' defense in ‘06 came close to being the best the league has ever seen against the run, surrendering fewer than 1,000 ground yards on a 2.83 per-carry average for enemy ball carriers.” Big Pat came in at No. 29. “In 10 mostly standout seasons, Williams, oddly enough, never made the Pro Bowl until last year. Along with Kevin Williams, though, who's ranked 18th on this list, Pat has guided the Vikings’ ground defense to incredible heights over the last two years.” The same duo is rated No. 1 and No. 3 at their position in this tsn.ca report.
>Five key questions for 2007
Sean Jensen of the Pioneer Press writes, “the Vikings appear to have upgraded their offense, but whether the team's biggest weakness last season can muster an effective attack is uncertain.” He poses five key questions for the offense this season.
>Adrian Peterson heads first-year class of RBs
This Pro Football Weekly piece on fantasy football lists none other than Vikings rookie Adrian Peterson numeral uno when evaluating the rookie running back class. “Adrian Peterson is faster, more explosive and more physical than Vikings leading rusher Chester Taylor, and Brad Childress is going to have a tough time keeping Adrian Peterson off the field. He’s a home-run threat any time he touches the football, and his size makes him a better candidate than Taylor to see the ball in the red zone. Both backs will be involved, but Adrian Peterson is simply more talented,” according to PFW.
>Adrian Peterson appears to have it all
In this piece by Pioneer Press columnist Bob Sansevere, he gives rookie running back Adrian Peterson the full body shot – his head, back, mouth, legs, hands and collarbone. AP checks out in all categories.
>Vikings “somewhere in the middle?”
In this NFL training camp guide by the statesman.com, the Vikings are ranked “somewhere in the middle” among the league’s 32 teams. “They will not catch the Bears in the NFC North, but it may be worth watching the offense, with second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and rookie sensation Adrian Peterson at running back.” Regarding division rivals, the Bears are “staying strong,” the Lions are “moving in the right direction” and the Packers are “moving backward.”
>Tomlin earning respect in Pittsburgh
Former Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin is beginning to grow on the good folks of Pittsburgh. According to ex-Viking great Chuck Foreman, “He’s got the gift.” Here’s the full story from the post-gazzette.com.
>Six possible landing spots for Culpepper
This blackathlete.net report offers up six potential landing spots for former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Tampa Bay, who has already visited, isn’t among them.
[More at http://hstexas.scout.com]
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