The Vikings have made a number of offseason moves to bolster their roster for the 2017 season, including signing new players in free agency and adding 11 rookies through the NFL Draft.
NFL Media's Adam Schein recently took a look at offseason moves across the league and opined nine transactions that he is predicting to have "the biggest impact on the 2017 season."
The Vikings **came in second on Schein’s list** by drafting running back Dalvin Cook, whom Schein referred to as "electric" and "one of the most talented, pure football players" in the 2017 draft class. Schein wrote:
Vikings [General Manager] Rick Spielman said on my SiriusXM Radio show, 'Schein on Sports,' that he is very comfortable with the running back as a person, lauding his football focus. Spielman said the Vikes talked to Cook many times, from the NFL Scouting Combine up to the Friday morning of the draft's second day, hours before the running back was selected. And Spielman claims Cook would've been in play had Minnesota possessed a first-round pick. In the second round, the Vikings tossed Cincinnati a fourth-rounder to move up seven slots and take Cook at No. 41 overall.
Wise move.... In three years at Florida State, Cook posted some staggering numbers: 4,464 rushing yards, 935 receiving yards and 48 total touchdowns. Given his all-around game – and penchant for playmaking – Cook easily could be right in the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Fourth on the list was Tampa Bay, whom the Vikings will host at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 3. Schein said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht "owned the offseason" by adding receiver DeSean Jackson through free agency and drafting tight end O.J. Howard, to provide more offensive weapons for quarterback Jameis Winston.
Other moves included the Patriots trading their No. 32 overall pick in exchange for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, the Seahawks retaining cornerback Richard Sherman, and Marshawn Lynch coming out of retirement to sign with the Raiders.
Former Vikings WR Nate Burleson joining 'The NFL Today' on CBS
Former wide receiver Nate Burleson has continued to have success in the NFL world after wrapping up his playing days.
Most recently, CBS Sports announced that Burleson – who is also part of the NFL Network crew on *Good Morning, Football *– will **contribute to *The NFL Today *show** along with James Brown, Bill Cowher, Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms. He will additionally work on *That Other Pregame Show. *
In an article about the move, Will Brinson quoted CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus:
"Nate is a rising star in this business with a dynamic personality and is the perfect complement to our veteran cast," McManus said. "He is knowledgeable, passionate, opinionated, and, having recently played, we look forward to his perspective during the discussions and spirited debates with JB, Coach, Boomer and Phil. The addition of Phil and Nate to the show gives us one of the strongest casts for The NFL Today in years."
Burleson was drafted 71st overall by the Vikings in 2003. Over three seasons in Minnesota, he recorded 127 catches for 1,789 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Burleson went on to play four years for the Seahawks before another four seasons in Detroit. Over an 11-season career, he played 135 games, starting 103 of them. He totaled 457 catches for 5,630 yards and 39 touchdowns.
"The NFL Today is one of the few trademark shows in all of professional sports, and I am truly honored to be joining the team," Burleson told CBS Sports. "I'm very excited for the opportunity to work alongside JB, Coach, Boomer and Phil, who are among the best in our business."
