Post by Funkytown on Jun 30, 2018 16:56:00 GMT -6
Zone Coverage: These Five Vikings Have the Most to Prove in 2018 by Sam Ekstrom
Waynes, Easton, and Hill at the link:
zonecoverage.com/2018/vikings/these-five-vikings-have-the-most-to-prove-in-2018/
LAQUON TREADWELL
There’s probably more pressure on Treadwell than any other Vikings player entering 2018. He is narrowly close to earning the ‘Bust’ label after being selected 23rd overall in 2016.
Nagging injuries, an inability to create separation and a lack of success in contested catch situations have all played into Treadwell’s disappointing first two seasons. Last season, Treadwell was 176th in quarterback rating when targeted, 141st on deep target catch rate and 173rd in yards per route run out of all receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.
It appears like he’ll be given a shot once again in 2018, but the margin for error is thinning. The Vikings will have to decide on Treadwell’s fifth-year option before the 2019 season. If he doesn’t get it, he’ll enter a contract season in an unfavorable position. Fortunately for Treadwell, the rest of his rookie contract is guaranteed, so the Vikings wouldn’t be able to shave costs by cutting ties.
MACKENSIE ALEXANDER
The man drafted one round after Treadwell is in a similar position entering his third season. As veteran Terence Newman continues to return on one-year deals, Alexander continues to possess merely a rotational role at corner.
While he was exploited at times last season, the bottom line for Alexander was better than most thought, per Pro Football Focus. Among corners who took 25 percent of snaps, he finished with the third-lowest quarterback rating against his coverage out of the slot. Additionally, he was one of just nine corners to not allow a touchdown out of the slot.
Alexander’s future got murkier, though, when the Vikings drafted Mike Hughes in the first round, who profiles as a potential slot corner. Plus, if Minnesota extends Anthony Barr and Stefon Diggs, they’ll have 10 players on long-term deals worth eight figures per year, meaning Alexander’s future may not be in Minnesota once his rookie deal expires due to cost concerns.
Hughes’ presence gives the Vikings a cheap backup plan once Newman, and eventually Alexander, move on. That being said, Alexander could position himself to be the top 2019 nickel if he outperforms Hughes this year, and that could set him up neatly for his potentially impending free agency.
There’s probably more pressure on Treadwell than any other Vikings player entering 2018. He is narrowly close to earning the ‘Bust’ label after being selected 23rd overall in 2016.
Nagging injuries, an inability to create separation and a lack of success in contested catch situations have all played into Treadwell’s disappointing first two seasons. Last season, Treadwell was 176th in quarterback rating when targeted, 141st on deep target catch rate and 173rd in yards per route run out of all receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.
It appears like he’ll be given a shot once again in 2018, but the margin for error is thinning. The Vikings will have to decide on Treadwell’s fifth-year option before the 2019 season. If he doesn’t get it, he’ll enter a contract season in an unfavorable position. Fortunately for Treadwell, the rest of his rookie contract is guaranteed, so the Vikings wouldn’t be able to shave costs by cutting ties.
MACKENSIE ALEXANDER
The man drafted one round after Treadwell is in a similar position entering his third season. As veteran Terence Newman continues to return on one-year deals, Alexander continues to possess merely a rotational role at corner.
While he was exploited at times last season, the bottom line for Alexander was better than most thought, per Pro Football Focus. Among corners who took 25 percent of snaps, he finished with the third-lowest quarterback rating against his coverage out of the slot. Additionally, he was one of just nine corners to not allow a touchdown out of the slot.
Alexander’s future got murkier, though, when the Vikings drafted Mike Hughes in the first round, who profiles as a potential slot corner. Plus, if Minnesota extends Anthony Barr and Stefon Diggs, they’ll have 10 players on long-term deals worth eight figures per year, meaning Alexander’s future may not be in Minnesota once his rookie deal expires due to cost concerns.
Hughes’ presence gives the Vikings a cheap backup plan once Newman, and eventually Alexander, move on. That being said, Alexander could position himself to be the top 2019 nickel if he outperforms Hughes this year, and that could set him up neatly for his potentially impending free agency.
Waynes, Easton, and Hill at the link:
zonecoverage.com/2018/vikings/these-five-vikings-have-the-most-to-prove-in-2018/
... and neither is this Chris guy.