After a quiet and low key start to free agency, Rick Spielman and the Minnesota Vikings stuck with their guns and have stayed true to their initial offseason plan by building through the draft, and saving their cap space for their core players down the road. Safety Harrison Smith should be first in at the front of the line for a contract extension. as the first-round pick from the 2012 draft has grown into one of the best safeties in the league. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and cornerback Xavier Rhodes are presumed to be not far behind next season flirting with the idea of getting locked up to long-term extensions as well.

The point and premise here being to not just draft great players that can contribute on multiple facets, but to also have the money and cap space to keep those key players on the roster for the long haul. How often do we see the bottom of the barrell teams in the NFL such as Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, and others finally hit on some solid draft choices and from there grow and progress them into a top-tier talent, only to have them walk in free agency the following year?  

While Spielman’s path and plan through free agency may not be sexy and is frankly quite boring, history shows us that the most consistently successful teams year in and year out have made it clear that building through the draft is the most intelligent avenue to go down. Meanwhile free agency should be viewed as a resource to be used when needing to improve a definitive weakness at just one or two positions a year.  

So far Spielman has signed a handful of players that all have common themes and prototypical Zimmer qualities amongst them. Many of them are young, bring a high motor, and football IQ to the field, on top of being familiar with Zimmer’s defensensive scheme from the past.

Taylor Mays, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals

Mays was a hot name coming out of the 2011 draft as the former high school track star played at the highly touted USC. Just a few years prior, that school had produced and developed NFL star safety Troy Polamalu gaining USC a grown reputation as a pitstop to NFL stardom.  Mays took that momentum to the combine where he shined on an already bright stage after measuring in at 6’3”, 225 pounds and posted a 4.43 40-time, 41” vertical jump, and 24 bench reps.  

With former USC coach Pete Carroll picking at number 12 many thought it was a foregone conclusion that Mays would be swooped up by his former coach and friend. However, Carroll passed on Mays for another safety from Texas by the name of Earl Thomas, and the rest is history. Mays fell to pick 49 and was drafted by the San Francisco Forty-Niners where he was abruptly traded to the Bengals after just one sub-par season. Mays took a backseat as a role player and special teams contributor, starting just a handful of games during his four years under MIke Zimmer.  

The big hitting safety is best when moving down-hill and into the box as he excels at filling the gap in the running game and being a physical presence laying down big hits and making his presence felt between his power and speed. Mays has struggled in coverage however, limiting him to a sub-package role player and special teams contributor. Under Zimmer, he saw the field in some sub-nickel packages that saw three safeties hit the field. Mays also saw snaps as a linebacker in certain situations taking advantage of his tackling ability while limiting his coverage responsibilities

While I expect Mays to make the 53-man roster and compete for the starting strong safety position with last year's starter Robert Blanton, ultimately Mays’ role will be as a sub-package player that will contribute as both a safety and a linebacker in Zimmer’s defense.  

Mays’ biggest asset and advantage heading into training camp is his four seasons under Zimmer, having a leg up on some of his competition from a schematic and fundamental standpoint. Understanding what the second-year coach is trying to install and implement in his exotic and complex defense will have a big impact on his future with the team.   

Casey Matthews, Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles

Matthews comes from a long line of football genes as his brother Clay, father Bruce, and grandpa all played in the NFL, making it a no brainer where he gets his football awareness, hustle, and high motor.  Matthews needs to continue to showcase this football IQ to thrive in the NFL because of his lack of explosiveness and athleticism.

In a crowded group of young linebackers such as Anthony Barr, Gerald Hodges, Audie Cole, Michael Mauti, and Brandon Watts, Matthews could have a hard time finding room on the 53-man roster. However, his football background and pedigree blended with his high-energy attitude are exactly the attributes of guys coach Zimmer wants around on the field and in the locker room, as he tries to establish a specific tone and identity as a tough football team.  Matthews’ football instincts could keep him around and find a spot on the team when things are all said and done, but from a business standpoint the signing was another low-risk, under the radar acquisition by the front office as they continue to bring in “Zimmer” types of players.  

Terence Newman, Cornerback, Cincinnati Bengals

It’s hard not to think of the former top-five draft pick player that went to multiple pro-bowls when you hear the cornerback Terence Newman’s name.  However, at the ripe old age of 36 Newman has struggled with numerous knee and ankle injuries and heavily contemplated retirement just a year ago. Newman posted a PFF grade of 5.5 in 2013, but then saw it dramatically drop last season to a -2.2 only proving further that his tank is riding on “E”.

It’s clear the gameplan with this signing was to bring in another veteran presence that understands Zimmer’s defensive scheme and philosophy to help groom and mentor the young players Spielman will continue to bring into the secondary, as a soon to be 37 year old doesn't fit much into the front offices plan of staying young while building through the draft.

The move reminded many of the Chris Crocker signing last year in which Zimmer brought in a safety familiar with his system to come in and stir up some competition between teammates, and was a guy who did not need much time if any to get acclimated.  While some may insist Newman will receive every opportunity to earn a starting job opposite of Xavier Rhodes it doesn't make much sense to invest valuable starting playing time into a player that isn't in the long term plans.  

This move if anything tells me the team is even more committed to drafting a young cornerback early in the draft that can be taken under Newman’s wing while being taught the Zimmer defense that helped improve the league's worst pass defense dramatically in just one season.  Drafting a true number two outside cornerback would allow Captain Munnerlyn to slide back inside to his natural position during nickel situations ultimately killing two birds with one stone.  

BABATUNDE AIYEGBUSEE, Offensive Tackle, Poland

I dare you to say that five times fast, the Poland native is going to give announcers fits if he can actually earn a spot in the starting lineup, but has all the raw talent in the world to do so after leading his team to a championship in the Polish American League this past year. Aiyegbusee measures in at an astounding 6’9” 351 pounds and from the little tape I saw can move very well for a man of his stature. Raw is the focal point after never playing a down of college football and being forced now to learn the nuances of the NFL game however, Aiyegbusee has a basketball background and the right frame to mold into a possible starting tackle. This could take years though and will need to get acclimated quickly because at 27 years old his clock has been ticking.  

If Aiyegbusee can show the potential to develop into an adequate NFL player down the road the Vikings will likely give him a three-year window to do so.  Likely being signed to the practice squad early on as he adjusts to the speed and works with a new strength coach to fill out and maximize his massive frame.  Coaches have already started working on his lower body strength anfd first and foremost with his calf, quadriceps, and hips as a huge priority.  

While the early money is on Aiyegbussee failing to make the initial roster and possibly even the practice squad a signing like this shows the due diligence Spielman and his team work at proving to all that being a scout is truly a “24/7 365” job.  However, if you can find a massive 6’9” diamond in the rough from Poland once in awhile it makes all the hard work worth it.