ffdh win championships

58. Brad Johnson

I have a tremendous respect Brad Johnson.

Johnson is a player, a champion, a fierce competitor, and, for a man his age to stand in there knowing he's going to be hit and be calm in the face of the storm.

He's a bit fragile, but, tough, and throws accurately. He's got a variety of good receivers, pass catching runningbacks and tight ends. A plethora of targets!

With a newly, pro-bowl cemented line, and, one of the greatest fullbacks currently in the game, as well as a new runningback who adds instant respectability, the Vikings have been reborn.

Add to that a new coach, a new attitude, and a soft schedule and you have a winner!

He does deserve a new contract and it's too bad that they haven't addressed it; even if it's just for the year. He should not be starting, and, being paid back-up money. The man has won a Superbowl!

He will play his heart out and selflessly, tutor Tavaris Jackson. He adds dignity and legitimacy to a team that desperately needs it.

I'm embarrassed as a fan, that he isn't being respected financially for what he is contributing to the team. Johnson is too much of a professional to do anything, but his job.

He will score prolific points. If the new line can keep the defenses off of him, and, he can get through the season healthy, then, he is a much greater value then this placement.   

27. Koren Robinson

I want him this year.

He's going to have a breakout year.

Everything is in place. A new discipline minded coach with a breath-of-fresh-air attitude. A decent O-line with a solidly rebuilt rushing attack and an experienced champion quarterback. Good fellow receivers, but a vacant #1 job that K-Rob is only too ready to take and own.

He never made it happen in Seattle, but, as a highly drafted talent he has never been abandoned by the league.

He seems to be following the recovery program to the letter. If his commitment is genuine then so is mine.

He's one of my six year receivers, and, with the soft schedule ahead for Minnesota, he will shine. Consider the away game to Chicago as a second bye, but all the rest will have to respect the other receivers and the running game. This will set the table for a K- Rob T.D. special.

Minnesota has a decent defense. The N.F.C. East teams will beat each other senseless and the Vikings could, easily, grab a playoff spot from them.

Thus, does everything fall into place for Robinson's success.

He will be available in the later rounds. There are many sexier picks and even Keyshawn Johnson will probably be drafted before him. Sixth, seventh, Eighth round; he'll be there and he will perform.

I'm thinking 10 touchdowns is the minimum of what he could do.

He was a lost soul for so long. Now, like a religious convert abandoning everything he has ever known to embrace an entirely new ideology to the point of extremism, Koren will be the dedicated, driven acolyte bringing the gospel of football excellence door to door to every stadium on the schedule.

19. Chester Taylor

Taylor is an enigma.

He smoldered behind Lewis in Baltimore.

Now, he's got a team searching for a new identity and he could be the catalyst for a rebirth, similar to a phoenix rising from the ashes in the pipe found between the party boat cushions and originally borrowed from the 'Whizzinator', bought from comp ticket sales.

Minnesota has some talent.

They have a good defense that is improving. The O-line is good. Brad Johnson is a Superbowl quarterback and should be well protected this year with an improved line. The receivers are more then competent. Koren Robinson is realizing the promise he squandered for so long. Williamson is a talent coming into his own, Taylor is a good receiver and Robinson brings size and hands for the occasional can't miss, forgot about, red-zone.

What gets me excited, though, is the addition of Richardson. Fullbacks are ignored by the fans and the media. I believe that they are a major component to offensive success.

Mewelde Moore is too small for the every down back, yet, he provides an excellent change of pace and a Warrick Dunn like competence between the numbers.

With Hutchinson improving the attitude and skill level of the players around him and Richardson lead blocking, Taylor will have every opportunity to exorcise the demons of the back-up bench.

Ciatrick Fason couldn't quite take control last year. Perhaps after being in the N.F.L. awhile. If Taylor fails, he'll get another chance this year.

This is an offense waiting to happen and the schedule favors them. There are some challenges early on but it gets easier as the season progresses.

Minnesota won't beat Chicago for the division title, but, they have a great chance at winning the wild card.

The turn-around has already begun, and Chester Taylor is an important part of it.

He may not succeed, but, he's trained and ready.

Many runningbacks will go down to injury, and, every year a few first round picks are lost to attrition.

Taylor is fresh and protected and will see few strong defenses.

He's a great risk for a breakthrough season, and a favorable choice for a second runningback.