Lemke's Lot

CB AJ Jefferson Re-Signs With Vikes

2013-04-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

According to St.Paul's Pioneer Press, cornerback AJ Jefferson has signed his restricted free agent tender, and remains a member of the Vikings. Jefferson was aquired via trade from the Arizona Cardinals in 2012, and played a bigger role in the secondary than many people anticipated over the course of the 2012 season. Most of that however, was due to Chris Cook's injury, bumping Jefferson up to a starting role for several games.

Lemke's Lot Vikings Draft Pick Predictions: Round 1

2013-04-09T02:17:00.001-05:00

The NFL Draft is only 16 days away, and I for one am stoked. This draft class, and the position the Vikings are in with two first round picks, combine to create hope for a good team for years to come. There are obvious positions of need the Vikings are going to address early, (wide receiver, cornerback, defensive tackle, inside linebacker) and this draft class just happens to be deep in all these categories. Here are the 2 players I think the Vikings will draft with the 23rd and 25th overal picks (excluding the possibility they trade up in the draft to get a guy like Cordarrelle Patterson).

Round 1/Pick 23 Overall: WR Keenan Allen- California

Allen is coming back from an injury, but that seems to be just about the only negative to him. He is a tall, lengthy receiver (6'2, 202lbs) who can stretch the field and has hands like glue. If the Rams and Bears address other needs early and pass on Allen, there's no way I see the Vikings drafting anyone else at 23. Allen would be a perfect compliment to newly aquired receiver Greg Jennings. In my opinion, Allen has similar traits to Michael Crabtree and maybe even AJ Green. Here's a clip of Keenan Allen's college highlights:

2. LB Arthur Brown- Kansas State

If Arthur Brown is available at 23 or 25, he could be an absolute steal. Brown mostly played outside linebacker at Kansas State, but in the Vikings search for a young middle linebacker, Arthur Brown was the first name Vikings linebacker coach Mike Singletary mentioned. One thing that stood out to me when I watched Arthur Brown in college was his angles of pursuit when chasing an offensive player, they were almost scary. He is a sure tackler and can immediately make an impact in the NFL, and hopefully could be a defensive leader early on in his career.

Who do you think the Vikings will draft with the 23rd and 25th overall picks?

Lemke's Lot Spotlight: An Interview With Chris Kluwe.

2013-04-07T00:51:00.001-05:00

Hey guys! Yesterday, Jake and I had the chance to interview Vikings punter Chris Kluwe on our podcast Vikings Cavalcade. We talked Vikings, music, and video games. Check it out!

----> Chris Kluwe Interview

Vikings 2013 Preseason Schedule Released

2013-04-04T15:27:00.003-05:00

The Vikings 2013 preseason schedule was released earlier this afternoon:

Week 1: Houston Texas
Week 2: @Buffallo Bills
Week 3: @San Francisco 49ers
Week 4: Tennessee Titans

Not much to get excited about, but at least the draft takes place in 3 weeks.

Update On Chris Kluwe Interview.

2013-04-04T12:35:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, Chris Kluwe had to postpone the interview due so a conflict in schedule, so I unfortunately will not have that uploaded tonight. We are in the rescheduling process at the moment, but should be able to find a time soon.

FYI: My third podcast episode with Jake Schroer will be uploaded around the same time, since the Chris Kluwe interview, since the audio of the Kluwe interview will be featured in the podacst.

EDITORS NOTE: The interview has been set for Saturday afternoon!!

Lemke's Lot Viewer Of The Week: Ryan Reece

2013-04-03T13:46:00.003-05:00

With the lack of major Vikings news over the past week, many still remained loyal to the site as traffic has been increasing daily. For that, I thank you! (and don't worry, there's still plenty of good stuff on the way as we experience this offseason drought)

This week's Lemke's Lot Viewer Of The Week award goes to Twitter follower Ryan Reece. He has been retweeting some of my biggest posts, and it's much appreciated! I'll be posting the viewer of the week every Wednesday.

FYI: My interview with Vikings punter Chris Kluwe will be uploaded sometime tomorrow night. It'll be recorded Live on my podcast Vikings Cavalcade. If you guys have any questions you'd like me to add to what I already have, send them to me in the comments section on the post below! I will get as many in as possible and credit you with a question during the interview.

Questions For Kluwe?

2013-04-02T13:19:00.001-05:00

Hey guys, Do any of you have a question you'd like me to ask Chris Kluwe? As you know, I will be interviewing him on Thursday, and I already have a list of questions for Kluwe, but I would like to get as many fan questions in as I can. Just leave a comment under this post if you have a question you'd like me to ask him! I will credit you with the question during the interview.

-Branden

Vikings Possible Draft Target; CB Desmond Trufant

2013-04-02T03:59:00.001-05:00

After the release of long time Viking and all pro cornerback Antoine Winfield, our secondary needs an upgrade.. Again. It's hard to imagine the Vikings not addressing the cornerback position early on in the draft, and Trufant just may be the guy the Vikings end up taking with Xavier Rhodes most likely off the board when the Vikings pick at 23/25.

Trufant played his college career at Washington, and is the younger brother of former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant. Trufant is an outside corner, which is exactly what the Vikings need while the team is likely to develop Josh Robinson in the nickel.

Here is a highlight video of Desmond Trufant's college highlights in 2012:

FYI: Lemke's Lot Domain Changed Back Temporarily

2013-04-02T03:33:00.001-05:00

I'm having some technical difficulties with this website at the moment, because whenever I searched my site under the new domain, it was claiming my site did not exist. So for now, I am going back to the original domain that made no sense http://wwwlemkeslotcom.blogspot.com/ I am working things out to get the problem fixed, and should have it under a normal domain in which my site is actually viewable.

On a side note, football related, I am interested to find out who you guys think we will end up drafting with the 23rd and 25th overall picks in this year's draft. Who do you think the Vikings should be looking at?

Several Player Interviews To Come!!

2013-04-01T00:19:00.003-05:00

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know to keep an eye out for some interviews I'll be conducting with a couple players this upcoming week. Vikings punter Chris Kluwe will take the time to talk to Jake Schroer (co-host of my podcast "Vikings Cavalcade") and I via phone, and I am also in discussions with former Vikings Safety Robert Griffith about a time to interview with him next week as well.

If you guys have any questions you'd like me to ask either Kluwe or Griffith, I will try to throw as many into the mix as I can!

Happy Easter From Lemke's Lot!!

2013-03-31T12:46:00.003-05:00

Hey guys, just wishing you all a Happy Easter! Hope everyone has a terrific day with their families!

What are you guys thinking of the new layout? Let me know!

Vikings Possible Draft Target: Tennessee Wide Receiver Cordarrelle Patterson

2013-03-31T03:10:00.001-05:00

Let me just start out by saying there is absolutely NO chance Cordarrelle Patterson will be available at pick #23 for the Vikings. The Vikings would most likely have to trade their 23rd or 25th pick along with their second round selection in order to move up in the top 15 to snag him. They may even have to trade BOTH first round picks, but Patterson is one of those guys where said situation may be tempting for Rick Speilman and the Vikings come draft day.

Division I statistics

Year	Team	GP	Rushing						Receiving						Punt Returns					Kick Returns
Year	Team	GP	Att	Yds	TD	Avg	Long	Avg/G	Rec	Yds	TD	Avg	Long	Avg/G	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long
2012	Tennessee^[7]	12	25	308	3	12.3	67	25.7	46	778	5	16.9	58	64.8	4	101	25.3	1	81	25	671	26.8	1	98
Total		12	25	308	3	12.3	67	25.7	46	778	5	16.9	58	64.8	4	101	25.3	1	81	25	671	26.8	1	98

The more film I watch on Patterson, the lower my jaw drops to the floor in amazement. Patterson is a one of a kind player who may be the next up and coming big time receiver in the NFL. He is fast, elusive, tough, physical, everything you want in a receiver. He also has kick return ability, which is a glaring need for the Vikings. I'm not exactly expecting the Vikings to make a blockbuster trade in the draft, but watch this clip of Patterson and tell me you don't want to see him in purple!

Adjustment To Domain Name

2013-03-30T23:04:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone, I finally changed the domain name of this site. I was inexperienced 4 years ago when I first started and made a funky address.

This site's domain name is now www.lemkeslot.blogspot.com

not www.wwwlemkeslotcom.blogspot.com, like It was before... Much needed change.

Jared Allen Is excited After Seeing New Vikings Helmet

2013-03-30T14:23:00.001-05:00

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen got the chance to take a sneak peak at the Vikings new helmets, and he likes what he sees. Here's what JARED ALLEN HAD TO SAY after seeing the new design.

Lemke's Lot Viewer Of The Week

2013-03-30T13:27:00.001-05:00

Hey guys, just wanted to fill you in on what "Lemke's Lot Viewer Of The Week" is. I did this when I previously ran this site, but for the new viewers, you can win viewer of the week for several different reasons. If you leave comments/opinions on my site that I find insightful, (by the way, feel free to leave comments, I always appreciate input!), I usually want to find a way to give you props, so this is my way of doing so. I'll be posting the Lemke's Lot Viewer Of The Week every Friday. Hope you guys have fun with this! SKOL!!!

Possible Vikings Draft Target: West Virginia Wide Receiver Stedman Bailey

2013-03-30T03:59:00.001-05:00

The draft is less than a month away, and I for one am excited. I am a flat out nerd when it comes to the NFL draft, I love it. I think this year's class has a lot of talent, especially in the Vikings' areas of need (wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, and defensive tackle). Despite the signing of All Pro WR Greg Jennings, many still think the Vikings will select a receiver with either the 23rd or 25th pick in the first round. A guy I think the Vikings will be looking at, although not a lot of people are talking about him going to the Vikings, is West Virginia WR Stedman Bailey.

He fits our system. That's the first thought that stood out to me when I saw film of this kid after he impressed me at the NFL Combine. He has incredible hands and is a scoring machine. He is a smaller receiver, (5'10, 193 lbs) but he is very physical for a receiver of his size. He isn't known for his speed, however. West Virginia held their pro day on March 24th, and Bailey only posted 40-yard dash times of 4.62 and 4.66. After watching a lot of film on Bailey, however, I think he is a much faster and elusive player with the football in his hand.

Here are Stedman Bailey's stats over his last three years at West Virginia

[hide]Stedman Bailey WVU Receiving Stats

Season	Games	Rec.	Yards	Avg.	TD
2010	13	24	317	13.2	4
2011	13	72	1279	17.8	12
2012	13	114	1622	14.2	25
Total	39	210	3218	15.3	41

Wow. If he can post stats anywhere near what he did in college, watch out NFL. I would love the Vikings to reach for Bailey at 25. In most mock drafts, Bailey is projected as a 2nd round pick, but I think he is worth a late first round pick. Watch this HIGHLIGHT FILM OF STEDMAN BAILEY if you need further proof.

Former Viking Michael Jenkins Signs with Patriots

2013-03-29T15:15:00.000-05:00

It looks like former Vikings wide receiver Michael Jenkins has found a new home. Pro Football Talk broke the news yesterday reporting that the New England Patriots are planning on signing the 9 year veteran. Jenkins has spent the past 2 seasons with the Vikings, only racking up 6 touchdowns (including playoffs). He has never been known for his speed, but has always had reliable hands. We'll see how Jenkins fits in Bill Belichick's system, but with Tom Brady throwing to him, I'm sure he'll be fine.

REPORT: The Vikings Have Been In Contact With Winfield

2013-03-29T14:11:00.000-05:00

KFFL is reporting that the Vikings have been in daily contact with free agent cornerback Antoine Winfield's representatives. The Vikings released Winfield last month in order to create cap space to re-sign impending free agent RT Phil Loadholt. Winfield was set to make $7.5 Million in 2013, and was not open to taking a paycut.

The fact that the Vikings appear to be trying to re-sign their star cornerback comes as no surprise to me. In fact, I think this may have been Rick Spielman's plan all along. The cornerback market has not seen a lot of action so far this offseason, and I think the Vikings have wanted to re-sign Winfield all along, and I'm hopeful Winfield wants to return.

Vikings Offered Mike Wallace More Money Than Dolphins

2013-03-29T12:39:00.002-05:00

Some interesting information leaked yesterday afternoon from the father of new Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace, who the Vikings were rumored to have interest in as well. It turns out the Vikings did indeed try to ink Mike Wallace to a multiple year contract, but the reason why Wallace declined is interesting to me.

Here is what Mike Wallace's father to say about the situation:

"The (Vikings) had come to the point where they were telling him, 'You don't have to live here, just be here during the season. He wanted to get out of that snow and cold weather."

Wallace also turned down offers from the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. Honestly, the whole situation boggles my mind, for several reasons. If you want to play in the sun, have at it. But is it worth turning down higher offers from arguably better teams like the Vikings and Seahawks, JUST to avoid playing in a cold weather area? (Sidenote: As of right now, both Minnesota and St.Louis play indoors)

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm glad the Vikings did not sign Mike Wallace. We scored a team player and an incredible athlete in Greg Jennings.

Lemke's Lot Is Back!!!

2013-03-28T23:40:00.002-05:00

Hello readers! After two long years, I have decided to re-open Lemke's Lot! I have been writing all over the web for different Vikings sites since 2011, but felt it was time to return to my roots and get Lemke's Lot going again! If you are a former reader of my articles on this website, welcome back! If you are visiting for the first time, and looking for a Vikings site with player interviews, breaking news, draft insight, and speculation/rumors, that is exactly the reason I am starting this site up again, to bring you just that!

Over the past couple years I have had the opportunities to be a columnist for Vikings Gab, an intern at KFAN radio in the Twin Cities, and a contributor to Vikings Territory. I'd really like to extend thanks to (among several others) Adam Warwas, Paul Lambert, Joe Nelson, Eric Frampton, Erin Henderson, Justin Gaard, Henry Lake, and Brian Robison. All of whom have made my opportunities possible and have inspired me to pursue my dream career of sports writing., and have really given me good advice that will help me down the road.

I googled "Lemke's Lot" just for old time's sake the other day and when I opened the web page, I instantly missed this website. With the anticipation of next season as exciting as it is, I couldn't resist. I plan on continuing my contribution to Vikings Territory, but ultimately for now, this is the site I will most actively be writing on. I'm already working on getting a few Vikings interviews set up, so keep an eye out for those!

Anyways, I look forward to hearing from all of you again, and any new viewers feel free to follow me on Twitter and hit me up! @BrandenLemkeMN

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Branden Lemke Interviews Vikings Free Safety Eric Frampton

ANNOUNCEMENT: I am shutiing down Lemke's Lot.

2011-05-24T00:58:00.002-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I have some news; I am shutting down Lemke's Lot.

I have accepted a permanent role at Vikings Gab (http://www.vikingsgab.com/) and feel that Lemke's Lot has run its course. It has been a wonderful year and a half running this site, and I am truely grateful for everyone who has participated in this site. I want to personally thank all of my Vikings interviewees, Jake Schroer, my interview film crew, and most importantly, the viewers. If it weren't for the viewers, there wouldn't have been a Lemke's Lot.

I will still continue to interview Vikings players, and you can check out those interviews at Vikings Gab, or my new blog, Vikings Spotlight (www.vikingsspotlight.blogspot.com) . I will not be posting any news on Vikings spotlight, mainly just my interviews and Vikings quotes. My main focus, however, will be at Vikings Gab.

Thank you all again, and while I am sad to be leaving this website, I am stoked to be a part of Vikings Gab. Be sure to check out my posts there! Take care, everyone. SKOL!!!!

Some good news on the Vikings stadium plan.

2011-05-18T12:47:00.002-05:00

There are only 5 days remaining in the Minnesota legislative session, which means we have 5 days to get a stadium bill passed, excluding an exemption (a seperate session that would not be a part of the legislative session). There is not much time left, but there have been pieces of good news over the last few days.

Yesterday NFL commishioner Roger Goodell said he would pledge an "unspecified ammount" of money towards a new Minnesota stadium. Goodell and Minnesota Governer Mark Dayton met yesterday morning and discussed this issue. Although no specific ammount of money from the commish has been confirmed, one would have to think it was nothing to turn away from, since the Commishioner himself came up here to tell the governer himself.

Today we received some more good news regarding the road cost estimates around the proposed Arden Hills site. Vikings VP Lester Bagley told KFAN AM 1130 radio (intern's gotta advertise) that the state will "significantly lower" estimates for road repairs. This helps the stadium bill a lot, because road repairs were the main issue causing Dayton to hesitate. It was originaly thought to be around $300 million to repair the roads in Arden Hills for transportation and areas around the stadium site, but the Vikings from the start have felt otherwise. Apparently now the state feels the same way.

Despite the good news, time is still a factor. Make sure you contact state representatives and let them know you support the Vikings stadium!!!

Vikings Links

2011-05-18T12:36:00.002-05:00

Here are a few links to check out, Vikings fans!

-Are the Vikings seriously interested in Kyle Orton?http://www.vikingsgab.com/2011/05/17/are-the-vikings-really-a-player-for-broncos-qb-orton/

-What is wrong with Minnesota? http://www.minnesotasports.net/2011/05/what-is-wrong-with-minnesota.html

-Some good news regarding road repairs around the Arden Hills stadium site: http://www.dailynorseman.com/2011/5/18/2177740/minnesota-vikings-stadium-state-to-significantly-lower-estimates-for

-Random highlights from a very good Vikings game against the Lions in 2007: http://www.thevikingship.net/

Why is the Stadium issue even a debate?

2011-05-15T11:07:00.002-05:00

I need to let off a little steam here. There are 8 days remaining in the Minnesota legislative session, and after a pre-celebrated stadium deal emerging in Arden Hills, there has been no positive news regarding a stadium since. Governer Mark Dayton is claiming that road construction in Arden Hills around the site will cost $300 million of the state's money, when the Vikings have looked at the same situation and see it being as low as $80 million. Either way, the stadium deal shouldn't be an issue.

We've already had two Minnesota franchises leave and become successful. The Minneapolis Lakers became the LA Lakers, and the Minnesota Northstars became the Dallas Stars. Each of those two franchises has won championships in their new city. Do we want this to happen with the Vikings? I know I for one would rather have them win championships where they belong; in Minnesota.

What many people don't realize is if the Vikings move, there may never be another football franchise in Minnesota. In fact, it would cost about $2 billion to build a new franchise in Minnesota, not to mention we'd still need to build a new stadium either way, right?

There are so many historical moments in Minnesota Vikings history that I wouldn't trade for the world. Minnesota is half the reason why I became a Vikings fan! It's our home team! It's time that state legislators realize this and step up and get a bill passed for a new stadium!

Interview with Jake "Mario" Schroer

2011-05-14T18:54:00.002-05:00

Hey folks, Mario took the time to answer a few questions this week about the Vikings draft, stadium, and more. Here's what he had to say:

Lemke: Are you happy with the Vikings 1st round draft selection of Christian Ponder?

Mario: Well, like any quarterback of the future, we just have to ride this wave for now. He wasn't the biggest name in the draft, but I think that puts less pressure on him. I'm excited to see where Ponder can take us. Now we just need this senseless lockout to end.

Lemke: What grade do you give the entire Vikings 2011 draft class?

Mario: I think I agree with what you said about the Vikings addressing a lot of needs. I remember hearing that one of the big talkers was that the Vikings passed up on Prince Amukumara (try saying that five times fast). But yeah, I agree with your take on it, so I probably give it the same grade you did. (I gave it a B+)

Lemke: When and if free agency starts, who are a few people you'd like the Vikings to go after?

Mario: I keep saying Matt Hasselback, but I doubt that will happen since we have our young quarterbacks to compete for the job. I think Matt still has life left in him. I don't know about other specific names though.

Lemke: The Vikings are trying very hard to get a stadium deal done in Arden Hills. Thoughts?

Mario: It would be like Christmas. Let's get this deal done and keep OUR team in OUR state. Sorry, LA, but you're probably not getting the Vikings.

Lemke: What do you think of Ray Edwards possibly leaving the NFL to start a boxing career?

Mario: At first, I was like, "what"? But then I thought... and it still makes no sense. I haven't seen a strange case like this since Brock Lesnar, who CAME to the Vikings from another occupation (pro wrestling). He's going to be sorry when the Vikes hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Indy.