Some extra safety for depth (only better)?

[GridIron26]

Vikings release seven-year veteran safety Smith

[rypper11]

no thanks. I like Doughty. Inexpensive and plays well. Smith would want to start, not play backup and special teams.

[CPAlltheWay012]

Originally Posted by rypper11

no thanks. I like Doughty. Inexpensive and plays well. Smith would want to start, not play backup and special teams.

Doughty really isn't a starter.. I think safety should be a priority this offseason IMO. Sure, he played well in the weeks he did, but I believe only as a temporary fix (if you can call him that).

Too bad we didn't look at Donovin Darius last year though.. always liked that guy even though he's on the older side now.

[GridIron26]

Originally Posted by rypper11

no thanks. I like Doughty. Inexpensive and plays well. Smith would want to start, not play backup and special teams.

U made a good point - I forgot that he would want to be starter.. But if there ain't any team trying to sign him then it's possible?

[jamf]

He had some disagreements with the coaching staff, though. He was also in the news a couple of times for off-the-field incidents. Coach Brad Childress says the Vikings are "going in a different direction."

No Thanks! I will take Doughty.

[That Guy]

3rd round safety in the draft is a better option, if we don't go elsewhere with that pick.

[Skins4Life101]

Originally Posted by That Guy

3rd round safety in the draft is a better option, if we don't go elsewhere with that pick.

Somebody's been following my mock draft cards...

[Defensewins]

Even if he does not start, we do need a veteran/proven NFL safety on our roster. We can not put all of our hope in one guy (Doughty) that has not started in the NFL for a good amount of time. I think Doughty might work out, but we need a plan B.

[rypper11]

Fox and PP are quality vets. Stoutmire?

[SKINSnCANES]

If you read the article they are releasing three safeties, Dwight Smith, Mike Doss and Tank Williams. I think we should atleast consider looking at all of them. I dont think Reed is the answer for us, he filled in ok but hes not a starter in my eyes. I think all three of them are upgrades at strong safety for us.

[SmootSmack]

Doss is definitely someone to consider. We nearly drafted him a few years back if I recall correctly. And Tank Williams is someone I was really clamoring for last year (or was it the year before?)

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

I never really understood the great respect that people have for Reed as a starter. I dont think he can be a full time starter. He can be a solid backup safety like we had in 2005 with Priloeau, Stoudmire etc. But to project him as a complete 16 game starter is kind of putting the carriage before the horse. I think the secondary as a whole in particular should be a focus in this off-season mainly at the corner position but a safety is needed as well. Not a major priority but should defintely be addressed. That Guy mentioned going after a safety with the 3rd round pick, if we go that route we should look at Johnathan Heffney out of Tennessee.

[killromo]

Kenny phillips out of the U!! Reed filled in nicely and I am pulling for him to be a great starter, I think he will be working harder in the offseason than anyone on the team. He has got the motivation and the work ethic. But...I would like to be sure at that position and truth is we need to address it some way, veteran FA or quality draft pick. We have a couple needs in the secondary and it should be a point of emphasis for us. A good corner and solid safety would make me sleep well at night. Throw in a D-end, big receiver and a couple lineman and I'm sleeping like a baby

[GridIron26]

Don't get me wrong - I don't want Smith to replace RD.. I like RD and I hope that he will be starter, I believe he deserve the chance to be starter.. If it works out then great! If not, we go to our depth and use someone else.. I feel that it should be the plan..

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Doss is definitely someone to consider. We nearly drafted him a few years back if I recall correctly. And Tank Williams is someone I was really clamoring for last year (or was it the year before?)

I wouldn't mind taking a chance on Doss either. He was a monster at Ohio State and is only 26. He's been very injury prone, though, and has yet to play a full season, especially the past two years where he's barely seen the field. When healthy he's a big talent, and he'd probably be cheap. We should perhaps evaluate all three of these guys- Smith, Williams, Doss...