Draft Day Pessimism

I look forward to the NFL draft every year. I have an interest in where former Hawkeye players will wind up as well as the hope of the Vikings building their franchise.
As the years have gone by, I have become more pessimistic about what the Vikings will do. A lot can be attributed to the coaches they have had through the years. However, I believe a majority of the blame rests upon Scott Studwell's shoulders.

Now, I don't want to take the time to thoroughly document Studwell's ineptitude but I do want to provide a small foundation for my dissatisfaction. As a Viking fan, I am sure you will understand where I am coming from.

After establishing himself as one of the top players in team history during his 14 seasons (1977-90) at linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, Scott Studwell enters his 17th year in the team’s Player Personnel department. He retired from his playing career after the 1990 season and spent a year as the Vikings Assistant to the President/Player Relations before being named the Player Personnel Coordinator from 1992-2001. Studwell was named to his current post as Director of College Scouting in April 2002. His new responsibilities include overseeing all college scouting efforts and preparation for the annual NFL Draft.

Studwell has been a part of successful drafts that have included Pro Bowlers or Pro Bowl alternates Robert Smith (1st round, ’93), Todd Steussie (1st, ’94), Randy Moss (1st, ’98), Matt Birk (6th, ’98), Daunte Culpepper (1st, ’99), Michael Bennett (1st, ’01), Bryant McKinnie (1st, ’02), Kevin Williams (1st, ’03) and Adrian Peterson (1st, ‘07). In 2004 Kevin Williams, in just his second season, was selected to the Pro Bowl and named 1st-Team All-Pro. The Vikings 2007 draft class was highlighted by RB Adrian Peterson being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year along with a starters spot in the Pro Bowl and MVP honors in the game.
( http://www.vikings.com/TeamFrontOfficeProfile_scott_studwell.aspx )

Compare that information to the actual draft results from the Scott Studwell era.

( http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?teamId=3000&type=team )

Grabbing a first round pick that turns out to be a Pro Bowl player is not the definition of a successful draft. Let alone when compared to such organizations as the Colts (Tony Dungy era), Patriots( Bill Billicek era), Steelers (great drafts since their existence), 49ers (Bill Walsh era), Cowbys (Jimmy Johnson era) and Giants (Bill Parcells era)

The drafts between 2003-2005 since Studwell has been Director of College Scouting in April 2002 have been particularly horrible. Since 1992 when Studwell became involved with the Vikings scouting the drafts have produced very little success.
For the very rare wisdom of drafting Brad Johnson (9th Rd, 1992), and Matt Birk (6th Rd,1998). The Studwell era has drafted John Gerak (3rd Rd, 1993), Dwayne Rudd (1st Rd, 1997) Dimitrius Underwood (1st Rd,1999), Marcus Johnson (2nd Rd, 2005)

And how about all those number one picks who attained Pro Bowl status that the Vikings did not or could not(Robert Smith) keep on their roster. [Todd Steussie (1st, ’94), Randy Moss (1st, ’98), Matt Birk (6th, ’98), Daunte Culpepper (1st, ’99)]

I honestly believe the only reason the Vikings are not in the same chaotic state such as the Lions, Raiders, Browns, Texans, Bengals and Redskins(?) is because of the brilliance of Rob Brzezinski. If it were not for the additions of great free agents because of the skills of Brzezinski has in working the salary cap, the Vikings would be competing with the teams listed above for a top 5 draft pick every year. After all the coaching hasn't been much better than the scouting at times during this period, but that is another rant for another day.

As Rob Brzezinski enters his 17th season in the NFL and 11th with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009, the team is positioned for long-term success with a favorable salary cap situation and several core players recently signed to long-term contracts. Brzezinski joined the Vikings in 1999 as Director of Football Administration and was promoted to Vice President of Football Administration in 2001. He was elevated to his current position as Vice President of Football Operations in 2002.

In 2008, the Vikings capitalized on the strategic salary cap management from the past several years. Armed with the highest net salary cap in the NFL, and core potential free agents already re-signed, the team filled key needs by trading for 2007 NFL sack leader DE Jared Allen and signed proven unrestricted free agent playmakers WR Bernard Berrian and S Madieu Williams.

The Vikings have had success in recent free agency, adding future Pro Bowlers in consecutive off seasons with CB Antoine Winfield (2004), DT Pat Williams (2005), G Steve Hutchinson (2006) and Allen in 2008. The Vikings also acquired key players on the 2008 NFC North title team through free agency with LB Ben Leber, RB Chester Taylor and K Ryan Longwell all joining Hutchinson in the 2006 free agent class and TE Visanthe Shiancoe joined the club in 2007. ( http://www.vikings.com/TeamFrontOfficeProfile_rob_brzezinski.aspx )

Anyways, I have spent too much time on this 'rant' and this note will not change Studwell's skills at grading talent or the Vikings ability to draft. Unfortunately, this 'rant' won't even affect Studwell's employment. Perhaps this is just a note that will remind the fans of other organizations to be thankful for the success their team has had in years past. Or this note will draw a 'sympathy' from fans of some of the dysfunctional organizations listed previously in this note. Ultimately, all this note will do is save my wife and kids from having to listen to me verbalize these opinions and perhaps get a few nods of agreement from other Viking fans.