August 11, 2011, San Diego, CA: San Diego Chargers running back Jordan Todman (40) carries the ball in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jody Gomez-US PRESSWIRE

The first week of camp is all about picking bandwagons to jump on. Lots of people two years ago jumped on Jaymar Johnson but that didn’t work out so hot. What under-the-radar guy is getting the possibly silly early Jaymar Johnson buzz this year? Seems like Jordan Todman is the main guy so far. The second-year running back out of Connecticut by way of the San Diego Chargers, who picked him in the sixth round last year, has been singled out for mention by several camp observers including the ever-objective Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com. Wobby said of Todman:

RB Jordan Todman flashed his greatest asset – speed – during the second-to-last team period of practice. Todman took a handoff that appeared to be designed to go inside and bounced out wide left. Todman gained the edge on the defense and raced down the left sideline for what would’ve been a TD run of at least 65 yards.

Normally I would totally ignore such an early camp report but I think in Todman’s case a little attention is warranted. Three reasons: 1) Todman is small and fast, which makes him a good candidate as a change-of-pace back in the third spot behind Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart (just don’t compare him to Darren Sproles unless you want Charger fans to call you stupid). 2) There’s no clear-cut favorite for that #3 RB spot so Todman has a legit shot to make the team. 3) With Adrian possibly missing the first few games or at least having his carries limited, whoever wins the #3 RB spot is going to actually be called upon to contribute. So that person could have an actual impact on games. And that makes the competition between Todman, Lex Hilliard and whoever else is in the mix at RB more intriguing than it normally would be.

So we’ll keep our eye on speedy Mr. Todman. Hopefully he won’t go the way of Jaymar Johnson.

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December 19, 2010; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Jerome Felton (45) during the second half of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The day after the team signed former Dolphins fullback Lex Hilliard, Jason LaCanfora has reported that the Vikings are bringing in fullback Jerome Felton for a visit. This is the same Jerome Felton the Vikings tried to claim off waivers last season only to be stymied by the Colts. Like the aforementioned Mr. Hilliard, Felton is a guy who can block, catch and run. He is bigger than Hilliard and makes more sense as a blocking back in the Vikings’ system.

All this begs the question: Why are the Vikings loading up on fullbacks? Well I think I have an answer. In fact, they’re not loading up on fullbacks. Cause Lex Hilliard actually is a tailback/fullback. So really, if Felton is signed, he would be the primary blocking back (thanks for your help Ryan D’Imperio, now turn in your key card) and Hilliard would likely be the third running back. This means no more Lorenzo Booker but we already knew this. The advantage with Hilliard over Booker is, Hilliard gives value on special teams and he is a legit short yardage guy. Long story short, in the grand scheme of things, Hilliard and Felton combined give you more than Booker and D’Imperio. This is known as upgrading the roster. Thanks for playing.

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NOV 20, 2011; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lex Hilliard (26) after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but all the Vikings free agent action so far has been on the offensive side of the ball. First they signed John Carlson. Then we learned they would be bringing in offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz for a visit. On Sunday night they added depth to the backfield, signing former Dolphins running back Lex Hilliard.

What can we glean from these moves? Three things.

One: Bill Musgrave is bound and determined to feature two tight ends in his offense. That plan sounded good last year but didn’t exactly come to fruition. Maybe as Christian Ponder gains experience he’ll find those tight ends more consistently.

Two: The Vikings are not thrilled with their offensive line depth. Geoff Schwartz would give them at worst a versatile swing man, at best a starting right guard who is an upgrade over Joe Berger. There’s nothing wrong with bringing in multiple guys and letting them compete. Of course they haven’t signed Schwartz yet and may still lose him to the Lions, Chiefs or 49ers.

Three: Power football guys. Power football. Ryan D’Imperio was a decent blocker last season but gave you absolutely nothing as a short yardage option. Lex Hilliard can block and he can carry it. As we learned last year from the infamous 4th-and-1 play against Detroit, Toby Gerhart is a good runner but not necessarily a true bruising power back. Hilliard is a guy you can hand it to when you need half a yard. He simply brings more to the table as a fullback than D’Imperio.

As I mentioned, all these free agent moves/visits have been offense-related. On the defensive side, the Vikings have shown some interest in safeties O.J. Atogwe and Alan Ball but haven’t moved on either yet. I think LaRon Landry is a guy worth looking at too even with his issues. The Vikings like physical safeties who are good in run support and Landry fits that bill. Plus he’s younger than Atogwe and only a little older than Ball. And he isn’t looking for a big payday. LaRon Landry for a year on a show-me contract? Why not?

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