While the Vikings’ recent signing of DT Kendrick Allen, as a backup to the aging but effective Pat Williams, is a solid move, one might hope that their first defensive lineman of the 2008 free agent period might have beena potential starting end, not a backup tackle.
Of course, Allen’s not a condo hotel type of signing; he’s more of a Red Roof Inn sort of prospect. He’s a solid but not spectacular performer who will be good in relief of Williams and has the potential to develop further.
Starting only three of 31 career games, the big advantage Allen brings is that he’s not likely to be demanding a starting position that would break up the Willaims wall. That, in and of itself, makes him a decent fit for his role on next year’s Viking squad.



