Frazier: Harvin extremely important, Vikings need help at WR
INDIANAPOLIS -- If the Minnesota Vikings are planning to trade wide receiver Percy Harvin, coach Leslie Frazier and general manager Rick Spielman are wearing their best poker face discussing the harmony between the two sides.
Frazier said he stressed to Harvin that he was critical to the team going forward, echoing what Spielman said at the same podium at the Scouting Combine 24 hours earlier.
"He's extremely important," Frazier said. "He's a focal point, was before he got hurt (last season)."
Frazier said the next step for the Vikings is to build the roster and fill specific needs. That includes the need for a secondary receiver to pair with Harvin, a role that he believes should be coveted because of the presence of 2,000-yard rusher Adrian Peterson.
They'll specifically seek an outside receiver -- not Harvin, who is suited for the slot -- but not necessarily a so-called "speed guy."
Frazier, who was an NFL cornerback, pointed out that he wasn't a burner coming out of Alcorn State. He said the team views the player's ability to adapt mentally as much and sometimes more than their physical testing numbers such as the 40-yard dash.
"You're always looking for speed at the wide receiver position," said Frazier. "We need an all-encompassing guy -- can run by some people, make a difficult catch, run with the ball after he catches it."
