Sep 7, 2008; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Lions full back Jerome Felton (45) prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE

The Vikings moved quickly on Jerome Felton, giving the fullback a contract on the same day of his visit. This should come as no surprise given the team’s effort to sign Felton off waivers last season after he was cut by the Lions. The Vikings have themselves a major Felton jones.

Opinion seems slightly divided on Felton’s value. Some rank him as a viable lead blocker who can contribute in the running game but others slot him in as mainly a special teams contributor. I can’t say for sure what role the Vikes envision for Felton, but I do know they obviously like him a lot, so they must have something in mind. Mostly I just think they’re not thrilled with Ryan D’Imperio and really want someone else to take his job. They also have Lex Hilliard in the mix. And Jeff Dugan’s floating around out there somewhere if they want to go retro.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.

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.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.

I hear crickets.

Okay so D’Imperio probably isn’t the magic elixir for the Vikings offense. There was a reason they didn’t keep him coming out of the preseason after all. It was because he wasn’t a very good blocker or receiver.

To make room for D’Imperio the Vikings waived Allen Reisner. Again.

It’s possible this move is just a precursor to another bigger and more impressive move. Or it’s possible the coaching staff has entered “throw crap against the wall and see what sticks” mode. D’Imperio lead blocking for Adrian Peterson? Somehow I doubt that’s going to help.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.