Lemke's Lot

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.

Bill for Vikings stadium site in Arden Hills "imminent"

2011-05-10T12:11:00.002-05:00

KSTP political reporter Tom Hauser reports the Vikings stadium site in Arden hills is "imminent". Yes, it is just a bill for a stadium, but this one is looking like it should get passed. The greatest thing? The Vikings approve.

In fact, Hauser also reports the Vikings met with Ramsey County officials all of this morning finalizing details. There will be a press conference this afternoon, although as of now, it is unclear what time it will take place.

This looks like it's the real deal, people. Let's build this thing!

Minneapolis announces proposal for a new Vikings stadium.

2011-05-09T14:19:00.002-05:00

The city of Minneapolis has announced it's proposal for a new Vikings stadium. The plan has the Vikings paying up to $400 million (45%), the state paying $300 million, the city paying $195 million, and no property taxes. The plan also allows the state to upgrade Target Center at the same time, so we are really helping two Minnesota stadiums for the price of one. Minneapolis mayor R.T Rybak says the Vikings are not yet fully commited to the plan, but said they had a good meeting with the Vikings and they think it can get done. There are only 14 days left in the legislative session, so now is the time to take action!

Vikings Stadium Deal "Very, very close" to being settled

2011-05-06T15:09:00.002-05:00

According to profootballtalk.com, a deal for a new Vikings stadium in Arden Hills is "very, very close" to being settled, according to a Ramsey County commishioner. This commishioner's exact quote was "We are very, very close to coming to a full proposal with the Vikings. We have a few i's to dot and t's to cross. The big nut to crack, so to speak, is the transportation issue."

I don't know about you guys, but I for one am glad that transportation is the biggest issue, and not where to put the stadium, if anywhere in Minnesota at all. As we all know, the Metrodome is outdated, and obviously not a safe place for players or fans to watch/ play football. I'm glad to see our Minnesota representatives and legislatures stepping up and making it a priority to keep the Vikings in Minnesota, because in the end, this will definately benefit the economy in Minnesota.

I wouldn't care if the new Vikings stadium was placed in Minneapolis, Arden Hills, or way up north in International falls (although that is not actually a location being considered for a new stadium). My point is, as long as it's in Minnesota, and not in a place like LA, I have no complaints.

Vikings rookies get jersey numbers.

2011-05-03T11:44:00.002-05:00

Here is a list of each player the Vikings selected and their new jersey numbers.

QB Christian Ponder- 7 (Will be his new number once Tarvaris Jackson is officially off the roster)

TE Kyle Rudolph- 82

DT Christian Ballard- 99

CB Brandon Burton- 36

OL DeMarcus Love- 75

DB Mistral Raymond- 30

C Brandon Fusco- 63

OLB Ross Homan- 57

DE DeAundre Reed- 92

WR Stephen Burton- 86

Lemke's Lot 2011 Vikings Draft Grade: B+

2011-04-30T21:19:00.002-05:00

After months of anticipation, here is your Minnesota Vikings 2011 draft class:

Round 1 (12): QB Christian Ponder; FSU

Round 2 (43): TE Kyle Rudolph; Notre Dame

Round 4 (106): DT/DE Christian Ballard; Iowas

Round 5 (139): CB Brandon Burton; Utah

Round 6 (168): OL DeMarcus Love; Arkansas

Round 6 (170): S Mistral Raymond; South Florida

Round 6 (172): C Brandon Fusco; Slippery Rock

Round 6 (200): OLB Ross Homan; Ohio State

Round 7 (215): DE De'Aundre Reed; Arizona

Round 7 (236): WR Stephen Burton; West Texas A&M

The Vikings addressed a lot of needs in this draft, and dispite the suprise pick of TE Kyle Rudolph in round 2, they were able to find value at positions of need in the later rounds, making the Rudolph pick look even better. The Vikings may have found steals in DT Christian Ballard, CB Brandon Burton, and OL DeMarcus Love, who were all projected to be drafted higher than they were. Ballard may have even been a first or second round pick had he not tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine. I think he might be able to come in and contribute right away.

Another guy who may have a bigger role than some may think is 5th round selection Brandon Burton, the cornerback out of Utah. Burton is a 6'0 corner who I could see playing the nickel role in the near future. With the possible departures of cornerbacks Frank Walker and Lito Sheppard, guys like Chris Cook and Asher Allen need to step up, because the nickel spot may be an open competition at training camp.

Guys like OL DeMarcus Love and WR Stephen Burton will take time to develop, but both may be able to contribute a little bit this year. I think OLB Ross Homan and S Mistral Raymond were drafted mainly as special teamers.

Overall, I give this draft class a B+, because the Vikings were able to fill both value and needs in these 10 picks.

Kyle Rudolph: Taking talent over need

2011-04-29T23:48:00.003-05:00

To be honest, I was extremely suprised when the Vikings drafted Notre Dame TE Kyle Rudolph today in the 2nd round. I thought for sure they'd go after an offensive lineman like Orlando Franklin, or a cornerback like Brandon Harris. The Vikings definately drafted talent over need by selecting Rudolph.

I can see why the Vikings would want a tight end going into this draft. All three tight ends on our roster, including Visanthe Shiancoe, are entering the final year of their contract. I still feel like round 2 was way too high for us to select a TE.

What bothered me even more is that the Vikings failed to aquire a 3rd round pick today, leaving both our offensive line and secondary unaddressed in this draft thus far. I really hope the Vikings know what they're doing, and hopefully they can find a few steals in the 4th-7th rounds. They have 7 picks total tomorrow, so it should be an interesting day.

A few things to Ponder

2011-04-29T10:35:00.002-05:00

I've been saying for quite some time that the Vikings would not leave the 1st round without selecting a quarterback. I just wasn't sure who. or when we would draft him. It looks like we know now, Christian Ponder is the next Minnesota Vikings quarterback.

The Vikings did not trade down, like many had hoped, to select their quarterback. They stayed put at #12 and plucked him off the board. Was it a reach? Absolutely it was. Was it a risk worth taking? Absolutely it was.

If the Vikings would have waited until round 2 for a QB, they would have been sorry. Here we are on day two, and the only QBs worth taking are Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, Ryan Mallett, and Ricky Stanzi. I'm not saying any of these guys are bad quarterbacks, but I bet two-three of these guys will be gone today by the time we pick at #11.

A lot of negativity floated around Winter Park yesterday when Ponder was selected, mainly because CB Prince Amukumara was still on the board, but we as Vikings fans need to get behind our guy under center, and that guy is Christian Ponder. Ponder is an accurate quarterback who sees the entire field, and his offensive coordinater is the same guy that helped coach Matt Ryan in Atlanta (Bill Musgrave). So before you slam the Vikings for making this pick, let's see what he can do in the 2011 season.

Answering your questions.

2011-04-27T14:46:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed me with questions for this Q&A post. I am here to answer them!

Don, Farmington MN: Just want to say I am a huge fan of the site! I'm interested to hear who your favorite quarterback in this draft is?

Lemke: Thanks Don! Honestly, I am not a fan of a lot of the top-rated quarterbacks. My favorite QB in this draft class is probably Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi. I think he's an extremely accurate passer with absolutely no character concerns. Two great things to have in a QB.

Jared, Washington: Who do you want the Vikings to draft at #12?

Lemke: Well, in my mock draft, I have the Vikings taking Jake Locker, a guy I'm sure you're familiar with, being from Washington. I don't know if this is who I'd WANT the Vikings to take, per'se. I'd really like to see CB Prince Amukumara fall to us at #12, and get a guy like Ricky Stanzi later on.

Kim, Edina MN: What's it like to intern at KFAN?

Lemke: I love it! It's a great place to work, and everyone there is awesome! I'm hoping it can turn into a full-time thing down the road!

Mark, Lakeville MN: WHo are you interviewing next?

Lemke: It looks like Vikings WR Sidney Rice right now. We're aiming for next month. Other Vikings who are willing to do interviews with me this summer are Jaymar Johnson, Jasper Brinkley, Eric Frampton (would be 2nd time with him), Frank Walker, and Visanthe Shiancoe. I'll keep you updated!

Lockout Lifted, but rules still apply.

2011-04-26T00:04:00.002-05:00

The NFL lockout has been lifted by US District Court Judge Susan Nelson, but many of the rules still apply for now. It is a complicating situation, but the only thing that changes through this action for now is that players are allowed to enter practice facilities (mini camp, training camp, etc). There still, however, is no free agency or trades allowed. The reason for this is because the NFL will immediately appeal to keep the ruling in effect until a new CBA is reached. Like I said, it is a complicating situation, and I will keep you updated as I find out more.

Personal Opinion: DL would be a bad move in round 1

2011-04-18T14:16:00.002-05:00

There has been a lot of buzz about the Vikings taking a defensive lineman with the 12th pick in the 1st round. Names being mentioned are DE's D'Quan Bowers, Cameron Jordan, Robert Quinn, and even DT Muhammed Wilkerson. I am not saying DL depth is not a need for the Vikings, but I do feel like there are much greater needs we can address in the 1st round. For those of you who follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or this site, you know my feelings on drafting a QB in the first round. I feel despite the depth at QB in this draft, a quality QB may not be there for us in round 2, simply because the need at QB around the league is so great. The most logical thing, in my opinion, would be to trade down to the early 20's, and gain a 3rd round pick in the process. As long as we have a pick before Seattle, who picks 25th overall, I feel we could get a guy like Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett in the first round. I wouldn't even be opposed to drafting either of these guys with the 12th pick. If the Vikings feel like either of these guys can be a franchise quarterback, why not go ahead and draft him at 12? Another guy I wouldn't mind drafting is CB Prince Amukumara. If he were to slip to the 12th pick, he would definately be a steal. The reason I wouldn't like drafting a DL in round 1 is simply because it is not our weakest area. Yes, Ray Edwards and Pat Williams may not be on the team next year, but I feel Brian Robison could easily take Edward's place at DE, and maybe even out-perform him. We recently resigned Robison to a 3-year, $14million dollar deal, which sounds like a starter's contract to me. I think the Vikings have already made that the plan. As for Pat Williams, I personaly have always felt he has been a little overrated. He is a great run-stopper, but he wouldn't be extremely difficult to replace. His performance has dropped over the past few seasons, and I feel like Jimmy Kennedy can step up and be the guy. If not, defensive line depth in this draft is also impressive, and I feel we have a better shot of getting a quality D-lineman in round 2 than a quality QB. (By quality QB, I mean a guy who cans tart for us 10-12 years). That is my two cents about this situation. What do you guys think? Share your opinions!

Lemke's Lot Q&A

2011-04-14T13:55:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've done a Q&A on this site, but with the draft coming up, a Vikings stadium bill being introduced, and hype on who the Vikings could end up going after in free agency when the CBA is settled, I am in a question-answering mood. I would love to hear your questions, all will be answered!

Site Shoutout: Vikings Gab

2011-04-14T13:49:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, I want you all to check out one of my favorite Vikings sites, Vikings Gab! http://www.vikingsgab.com/ It's run by a guy named Adam Warwas. Adam and I have worked together a little bit in the past, and I think he does an excellent job on his site. Check it out!

Vikings Preseason Schedule Set

2011-04-13T11:41:00.002-05:00

The Vikings preseason games have been set. Keep in mind, this only stands if there IS a 2011 season, of course. Week 1: @ Tennessee Titans Week 2: @ Seattle Seahawks Week 3: Vs. Dallas Cowboys (Seems like we always play them in the preseason) Week 4: Vs. Houston Texans

Adam Sheftler "One team on Donovan McNabb's wishlist is the Vikings"

2011-04-11T15:41:00.002-05:00

Per ESPN's Adam Sheftler, one team Redskins QB Donovan McNabb is interested in joining is the Vikings. There has been ongoing speculation of McNabb coming to Minnesota for a few years now, so this is certainly not anything we haven't heard. Many people seem to have very different opinions when it comes to the idea of McNabb playing in purple. How do you guys feel? Are you for it? Against it? Let me know!

D'Quan Bowers will visit Vikings today.

2011-04-11T10:49:00.002-05:00

There has been a lot of speculation about prospect DE D'Quan Bowers being drafted by the Vikings at the #12 pick. I don't see it happening, simply because we have much greater needs than DE (plus I think Brian Robison will be the starter after being signed to a $14million dollar contract), but Bowers is visiting the Vikings today. Vikings Update reports the visit is mainly to talk to Bowers about his knee injury. There is still a chance we draft Bowers, but only time will tell. The draft starts in 17 days!

Why I feel Jake Locker will be our pick at #12

2011-04-10T12:25:00.003-05:00

For all of you who listened to Saturdays With Sauce yesterday on KFAN, you may have noticed that in our on-air mock draft, I have the Vikings selecting Washington QB Jake Locker with their first round pick. In the last 24 hours, I have been ripped by quite a few people because of this pick. It's all in good fun, but I'd like a chance to explain why Locker makes the most sense at #12 (assuming we don't trade down). 1. There are 6-8 teams that draft before the Vikings select at #12 that could use a quarterback. Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert will for sure be gone by the time we're on the clock. Some of the top QBs that will still be available are Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett, Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernik, and Ricky Stanzi. If we waited until the 2nd round to draft a QB, these same 6-8 teams will be drafting before us in the 2nd round, not to mention that Seattle picks at #25 in the first round, and I have a strong feeling they will take a QB. There may not be a lot of great QBs to chose from by the time we select in the 2nd round. 2. There's no doubt that we need to draft an offensive lineman, but this draft is very deep at that position. We have a better chance to draft a quality offensive lineman in the 2nd round than a QB that can start for our team for the next 10-12 years. 3. We can still get Locker if we trade down, and maybe even get a 3rd rounder in that trade. As long as we trade down to the mid-teens, early 20's, we can probably snag Locker. Like I said, Seattle picks at #25, so any pick between 12-24 may be a good place for us to get a QB. I personally am not opposed to drafting Ryan Mallett if we trade down. So after reading this post, I hope you can see where I am coming from. Of course, the actual pick is what matters in the end. Draft day is fastly approaching!

With their first pick, I think the Vikings will take....

2011-04-10T00:14:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, with very little going on in the NFL right now, it's been hard to update the site as frequently. That will soon change as the offseason kicks in, even if we are locked out, because we'll have the NFL draft, stadium talks, more of my interviews with Vikings players, and maybe even a new CBA (we can only hope). In the meantime, I plan on posting my final 2011 Vikings mock draft in the very near future. For those of you who don't know, I am a KFAN intern (a Minnesota sports station) and earlier today I was on with Meatsauce as we revailed our mock draft of picks 1-12 (He had the odds, I had the evens). If you would like to know who I think the Vikings will take with the first overall pick, you can listen here! http://www.kfan.com/cc-common/podcast/single_page.html?podcast=KFAN_PowerTrip&selected_podcast (the mock draft segment is within the last 15 minutes of this podcast, after Meatsauce interviews Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson).

Stadium Bill Not Off To Good Start

2011-04-02T08:52:00.002-05:00

A new bill for a Vikings stadium plan has officially been introduced, but it is off to a rocky start. People viewing this bill are already saying they "don't even want to see it until the Vikings are ready to put $500million down towards the new stadium". The Vikings currently plan to pay roughly 1/3 of the cost of the stadium, but apparently that isn't enough to some people. I'm at the point where I really don't care what needs to be done, I just want the Vikings to remain in Minnesota!!

Vikings working out QB Christian Ponder today

2011-03-29T10:49:00.002-05:00

The Vikings will work out NFL draft prospect Christian Ponder today. This should come as no surprise, because the vikes are basically working out every top QB in this year's draft. I am by no means a Christian Ponder expert, because the only time I've ever seen him play live was in the Senior Bowl, and he didn't impress me too much. According to my most recent poll, many of you aren't too impressed with him either, because only 4% of you said you want the Vikings to take Ponder as their future QB in this year's draft. He is ranked a 2nd-3rd round prospect in most most drafts, and some even have him ranked as high as a 1st round pick. Do any of you have an opinion on Christian Ponder?

Vikings receive two compensatory picks in 2011 NFL draft

2011-03-25T16:49:00.002-05:00

Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune reports the Vikings will receive an additional 6th and 7th round pick in next month's draft (200 overall, and 235 overall). These picks were probably given for the losses of RB Chester Taylor and OL Artis Hicks last year due to free agency. The Vikings now have nine total draft picks, including two in each the 5th, 6th, and 7th rounds.