Is Datone Jones on the bubble?

[purplefaithful]

With Sharrif Floyd out indefinitely, the Minnesota Vikings hoped to see one of their new three-technique defensive tackles rise to the top during training camp.That wish has been granted, but the player isn’t who the Vikings originally thought would step up.

When camp opened, Jaleel Johnson was competing at backup nose tackle. Since moving to three-technique, however, he’s taken off.
Now the question is: Where does that leave free agent signing Datone Jones?
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2017/0...es-bubble/

[Guest]

You really have to wonder how much they think they have in him that he hasn't shown.   Has he made a play of notice in either of the first 2 games?

[Guest]

@JimmyinSD said:
You really have to wonder how much they think they have in him that he hasn't shown.   Has he made a play of notice in either of the first 2 games?

I suspect these guys make or break themselves in practice as much as any pre-season scrimmage? But tomorrow night is probably important for him none-the-less...

[Guest]

I think he might be, because the Vikings are going to be making some HARD decisions on the D Line.

[Guest]

He's firmly on the bubble and SHOULD be in my opinion.  He's been an invisible man all off-season.  I haven't heard ANY chatter about him making plays in practice from the local media and he hasn't made a noteworthy play in preseason.  The only comment we have is that Zimmer said he's been up and down so far...

Meanwhile, Jaleel Johnson has dominated against 2nd and 3rd stringers in both games...  which is what you'd expect Datone Jones to be doing as well.  I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson is our starting 3T and the other Johnson (Tom) gets locked in as a pass rushing specialist again.

Will Sutton hasn't done much and I fully expect Shamar Stephen to be locked in as a backup NT.  The only way Jones makes the team is if they keep 5 DTs...  and given how impressive our DE depth appears to be, I'd rather keep 5 of those guys than Jones.

[Guest]

I don't think Jones is favored to make the team.  He has not shown he can handle the job on the inside.

[Guest]

Yes, but...isn't Tom Johnson's reputation and roster security a bit exaggerated?? I know, he has had some key moments and had the "big" 6.5 sack season - three years ago when he was 29. But he did nothing last season with a great opportunity (Floyd out), then got hurt, he'll turn 33 on Wednesday, and all I have heard about Tom J. this year is a couple of reports that he was blown out on running plays practicing against our dominant offensive line.

Jones should be on the bubble, but Tom Johnson as well. I see only 3 worthwhile DTs on our roster now (Linvalle, Shamar, Jaleel) and Brian Robison can do the pass-rush specialist DT job much of the time.

If Jones shows any of the promise Zimmer and Patterson saw, they should keep him instead of Johnson, and hope that he unlocks it with a little more time. Besides, Johnson will still be waiting by his phone in a month if injuries strike.

[Guest]

Tom Johnson is at his best as a situational, pass rusher. I've really appreciated him here and called him an unsung hero not too long ago. Problem is he's been getting to many snaps, wearing down because of what happened to Floyd. 

Now, does he have enough in the tank for another season? Here with all this depth at DT? That might not be a luxury we have, especially at the expense of another position.

[Guest]

@Wetlander said:
He's firmly on the bubble and SHOULD be in my opinion.  He's been an invisible man all off-season.  I haven't heard ANY chatter about him making plays in practice from the local media and he hasn't made a noteworthy play in preseason.  The only comment we have is that Zimmer said he's been up and down so far...

Meanwhile, Jaleel Johnson has dominated against 2nd and 3rd stringers in both games...  which is what you'd expect Datone Jones to be doing as well.  I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson is our starting 3T and the other Johnson (Tom) gets locked in as a pass rushing specialist again.

Will Sutton hasn't done much and I fully expect Shamar Stephen to be locked in as a backup NT.  The only way Jones makes the team is if they keep 5 DTs...  and given how impressive our DE depth appears to be, I'd rather keep 5 of those guys than Jones.

Agree on all points including more DE's over DT's.  I think Tom J will remain over D. Jones mostly because of experience.  Cutting D. Jones would save about 2.1 million while cutting Tom J. would save 2.35 so basically a wash financially.  But you have a veteran in a mix with Joseph, Stephen, and rookie Jaleel in the middle..plus BRob can swing inside on occasion.  So I think both D. Jones and Sutton are cut unless they show up big time the next 2 games.

At LB, I think Lamur is/should be on the bubble and that would save 2.75 million.

 5 DE's - Griffin, BRob, Hunter, Bower, Weatherly and Odenigbo(PS???)