Rick Spielman has worked in the NFL for 22 years but the “best owners” who have employed him are the Wilf family.
The Vikings general manager told Sports Headliners that Mark and Zygi Wilf have impressed him with their commitment to the organization and willingness to learn. In a word, the Wilfs want to win.
“They’re willing to do whatever they have to do from their end to make that happen,” Spielman said. “They believe in the direction we’re going right now. How we’re building this roster. How we will continue to build this roster, and they’re just very, very supportive of what transpires as we go forward.
“Just being able to speak with them almost on a daily basis—or every other day basis—it’s not ownership that’s absentee. They want to know what’s going on. They want to know why we’re doing this or doing that, so they understand it as well.”
The Wilf’s involvement includes sitting with Spielman during the NFL Draft each year including the 2012 selections last week. Spielman said it’s “exciting” to have the NFL’s “best owners” in the room with him.
“They are front and center every year. They are very passionate owners but they also give you the sense that they don’t interfere. They put you in charge because they ultimately believe you are going to do the right things for the organization, but they are very, very supportive. They enjoy the draft very much.”
Part of Spielman’s philosophy in shaping the roster is to look for more than physical ability. He wants players with high football intelligence. That’s particularly an asset for what Spielman describes as the middle of a team.
Spielman believes he has the right football intelligence in new draft choice Harrison Smith at safety, along with inside linebacker Chad Greenway, center John Sullivan and quarterback Christian Ponder. “The middle of that football team from the safety to the linebacker to the center to the quarterback, those are the ones that are making all the calls and adjustments during the games,” Spielman said.
Ponder, a rookie last season, had his progress interrupted by the labor dispute that prevented players from working with coaches during the off-season. Spielman expects improvement from Ponder in 2012.
“We’re looking for strides every year,” Spielman said. “Different quarterbacks hit it at different times. I know Christian has been working extremely hard since we’ve been allowed back in the building (Winter Park). He came back in great shape. He’s out there throwing with our receivers.”
How good can Ponder become? “Time will tell,” Spielman said. “We have a lot of faith in Christian and his ability to be our franchise quarterback.”