August 13, 2008 Rookie Tyrell Johnson could be an option to replace Madieu Williams at safety if the Vikings don't go outside the organization for help, according to the Star Tribune. As for potential free agents, Greg Wesley was released by Oakland this week. Johnson said he feels "well prepared" to assume a starting role. He added, "All I have to do is just learn a few things about the free safety and I'll jump right in there if they need me to."
Our View:Johnson is a very physical player and performed well in run and pass support on the collegiate level at Arkansas State. The team views him as a future starter, and may ultimately decide to throw him in there right away. Madieu Williams isn't expected back before Week 4 of the regular season, potentially giving Johnson solid fantasy value for the first three weeks.
July 23, 2008 Second-round pick Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State) has signed a four-year deal with the Vikings, according to the Star Tribune. His base salaries are $295,000 this year, $385,000 in 2009, $470,000 in 2010 and $555,000 in 2011. He also gets a one-time incentive bonus of $600,000 if is he on the field for 35 percent of the defensive snaps this season or 45 percent of the defensive snaps in 2009.
Our View:Johnson is a hard-hitter and should prove to be an asset in run support, as well as pass support, when he develops. He is expected to serve as a backup as a rookie behind starters Darren Sharper and Madieu Williams, and also has the skills to be an option as a punt returner if needed.
July 4, 2008 Tyrell Johnson is confident he will be in training camp and will not be a hold-out, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Johnson, a safety, was the team's second-round pick, but their first selection in the draft.
Our View:Johnson is one of the pieces the Vikings need to step up in order to improve their secondary, and make their defense even better. As of now, they are a solid option in fantasy football drafts, especially with the addition of defensive end Jared Allen.
April 26, 2008 The Vikings selected Tyrell Johnson with the 43rd pick of the draft. The free safety was the Sun Belt conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.
Our View:Johnson is NFL-ready and will help a Vikings secondary that gave up 4,500 yards by air in 2007-08. The Vikings continue to make the right moves, both in the draft and free agency.
