The NFL's scouting combine wraps up today with defensive backs working out at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. But for the most part, the circus has already packed up and let town. The media got the boot Sunday and many execs and coaches have already boarded planes back home.
So what did we learn about the Vikings during the league's annual meat market? Here are 10 takeaways from my five days and nights in Indy:
1. The Vikings still find value in the combine testing and drills, even as the NFL is considering making changes to the annual event. National Football Scouting Inc., which runs the combine, and the league are reportedly receptive to eliminating any drills they deem irrelevant. But general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer are among those who still think the so-called "Underwear Olympics" have value. "The measurements kind of clarify in your mind what you've seen on tape, so if you watch a guy on tape and you see him and you say, 'I'm not sure how fast he is,' and he runs a 40, you've got a pretty good idea," Zimmer said. "Or if you have a guy that doesn't change directions as well and then he does a good short shuttle or the three-cone or something like that. I've always liked the vertical jump because it shows explosion. Things like that." Those measurements now have even more value for the Vikings, who punch them into algorithms as part of their increased analytics usage.
2. It sounds like both Chad Greenway and Brian Robison will remain with the Vikings in 2016. Zimmer said he still thinks Greenway can play and that the Vikings want the linebacker back for 2016. And Spielman talked about determining Robison's role in offseason workouts and training camp, so one would assume the defensive end won't be a cap casualty.
3. Neither Andrew Sendejo nor Robert Blanton will be back as a starter in 2016. While Zimmer didn't mention either of those two free agents by name, he made it clear that the Vikings this offseason are looking for the "right" safety to pair with Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith.
4. The Vikings say size isn't everything when it comes to wide receivers. Both Spielman and Zimmer downplayed the need for a bigger one even though the tallest on their roster are 6-foot-2. That being said, you should still keep an eye on Mississippi's Laquan Treadwell, TCU's Josh Doctson and Ohio State's Michael Thomas as potential early-round picks.
5. The Vikings aren't the only team trying to figure out what to make of all these offensive linemen who come from spread passing attacks. The sorry state of offensive line play around the NFL was a hot topic at the combine, with general managers and coaches in Indy weighing in with their thoughts. "The fundamentals are worse than they've ever been," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said, referring to offensive line prospects in recent years. The Vikings were eyeing up linemen at the combine and are relying on new offensive line coach Tony Sparano to help identify which prospects can play in the pros and how long it might take to groom them.
6. This probably won't be the offseason when the Vikings make major plans for life after Adrian Peterson. Of course, they realize that things can quickly change with one injury, especially when that running back is 31, but they don't envision a major decline in his performance in 2016. "Adrian is still a very productive running back in this league," Spielman said. "I mean, he won the rushing title again this year and it's amazing the stamina and the physical specimen that he still is. But at some point, everybody has to retire and I don't know when that point is [for him]. Adrian may defy the odds and play until he is 50." Third-year back Jerick McKinnon, who played well down the stretch, should have a bigger role in 2016. And the Vikings seem open to bringing back free agent Matt Asiata.
