Author: David Shama

Rick Spielman, the Vikings vice president of player personnel, was asked last week what position is the most difficult to predict success for in the NFL draft.  He didn’t hesitate to reply “quarterback.”

“Just in general, you look at the history of number one quarterbacks from whenever, that’s the biggest bust area in the first round,” he said. “I can’t tell you what the percentage is, but do you think a guy is 50-50, maybe? …That’s the one position where not only skill is involved, but the mental part of the game is involved, the quick-reaction part of the game is involved, the character and leadership part of the game is involved. …There are so many things that go into that position besides just physical ability, that’s where a majority of the busts are going to come.”

Three quarterbacks were taken on the first round of Saturday’s NFL draft, including Matthew Stafford, first overall to Detroit.  The others were Mark Sanchez, No. 5 to the New York Jets, and Josh Freeman, No. 17 to Tampa Bay.

The Lions have drafted six quarterbacks in the first round since 1961: John Hadl, 1962; Pete Beathard, 1964; Greg Landry, 1968; Chuck Long, 1986; Andre Ware, 1990; and Joey Harrington, 2002.  Hadl and Beathard never played for the Lions, going to the AFL.  Landry was competent and even played in the Pro Bowl.  Long, Ware and Harrington were disappointments.

The Vikings, who began as an expansion franchise in 1961, have drafted two quarterbacks on the first round, Tommy Kramer in 1977 and Daunte Culpepper in 1999.  Both were major contributors here, although the franchise’s consensus all-time quarterback, Fran Tarkenton, was a third round choice.

Perhaps the pitiful Lions franchise, 0-16 in 2008 and last NFL title in 1957, will have success with Stafford, an intriguing prospect from Georgia.  If nothing else, luck should be on their side.

Spielman predicted the Vikings can have “one of the most explosive offenses” in the NFL with first round pick Percy Harvin, the fast wide receiver from Florida drafted 22^nd overall on Saturday.  Spielman is delighted with the choice, describing Harvin as a “top 10” pick who slipped lower despite his game breaking potential as a receiver, runner and punt-kickoff returner.

Spielman said the Vikings’ opportunity to take Harvin was “almost” like their luck in finding Adrian Peterson still available with the seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft.  Harvin is expected to provide a second deep receiving threat along with Bernard Berrian, improved punt or kickoff returns (perhaps both), and occasionally a touchdown making runner out of the backfield along with Peterson.

Character questions apparently discouraged teams from selecting Harvin earlier but coach Brad Childress sees someone who made mistakes but is a good person. Spielman suggested locker room leadership will set an example for Harvin, too.  Interestingly, though, the Vikings will be missing three of their better internal guys in 2009 that have left the team, quarterback Gus Frerotte, center Matt Birk and safety Darren Sharper.

The Harvin choice is popular with Vikings fans but it didn’t stop some from booing Childress when he came on stage at the Vikings draft party Saturday night to be interviewed by KFAN Radio.

Vikings director of college scouting Scott Studwell asked in fun if since his LASIK surgery he can identify prospects better:  “No.”

A weak pre-draft prediction on the Vikings’ choice at No. 22 on the first round was Peter King of Sports Illustrated projecting California center Alex Mack coming here.  The Vikings drafted Notre Dame’s John Sullivan last year as a possible replacement for  Birk, plus right tackle Ryan Cook can play center, too.  The Vikings went into the draft with bigger needs (right tackle, wide receiver and cornerback to name three).

The Twins have moved up from No. 25 to No. 22 in the 2009 Forbes.com valuations of major league baseball teams.  The Twins were valued at $328 million last year but now are at $356 million.  Their nine percent increase in value since last year is exceeded by only the New York Yankees, New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays.

The new Target Field ballpark, opening in 2010, is a major stimulus to the increase in value.  Forbes.com reported that the 30 major league teams are valued at $14.475 billion, an increase of 2.18 percent over last year, but the averages are skewed by the increases caused by new ballparks for the Yankees and Mets.  More at https://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3192:inside-the-2009-forbes-mlb-franchise-valuations&catid=26:editorials&Itemid=39

The Twins may face a dilemma with designated hitter Jason Kubel who leads the team in RBI with 15 and is hitting .328.  Kubel’s hitting might be even better if he played in left field, perhaps feeling more focused and into the game rather than sitting on the bench waiting to DH.  Problem is Delmon Young, hitting .255, can only play left field, too.

Because of the non-conference schedule that has the football Gophers playing better teams than during any time in recent memory, there’s opinion that even though Minnesota’s talent and experience will be better than last season the record won’t.  The Gophers were 7-6 last season.

Mitch Browning, the former Gophers offensive coordinator, is now a graduate assistant coach at Tennessee but is still being paid by Syracuse where he coached last year.

Former University of St. Thomas women’s hockey coach Kevin Gorg will again be a Canterbury Park and Star Tribune racing handicapper this year.

Tennis Festival of the North is being planned by the United States Tennis Association Northern Section for April 9-11, 2010.  The event will involve nine partners and showcase tennis in multiple locations including the Mall of America.  USTA Northern is planning the event to benefit people with various tennis interests and abilities.  Plans include bringing high profile tennis stars to town.

Mike Max, busy with weekly assignments on two TV stations and WCCO Radio, works seven days per week, often 12 hour days.

The Wild made the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2003, 2007 and 2008, the most years of any recent NHL expansion team.

Former Timberwolves head coach Randy Wittman has a good relationship with Flip Saunders and it wouldn’t be surprising if Wittman joined Saunders as an assistant in Washington next season.

Lynx player Renee Montgomery has been named a national spokesperson and “GUARDian of Dreams” for the Pajama Program.  She will work on national initiatives to help children in unsettled and vulnerable circumstances feel comforted and safe at bedtime. The Pajama Program provides new pajamas and books to children in need, many waiting and hoping to be adopted.