SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
VikingBuzz moving to Viking Update (CLICK HERE)
The portal-for-information concept started on this site will simply be migrating to the top team site for the Vikings on the web. You'll still find links to key tidbits of information not easily found, but with even more commentary, opinion and original content being delivered through Viking Update and the Scout.com website network. So bookmark the new link if you haven't already and look for the VikingBuzz BLOG panel on the VU homepage.
Thanks for your support and feedback,
Kevin Brown
June 8, 2007:
>Gilliam departs just as he did his work: quietly (SI.com)
>Frank Gilliam's tenure with Vikings appears to be over (Charley Walters)
>Scouting department changes become official (VikingUpdate)
>Q&A on a few Viking topics (realfootball365.com)
June 7, 2007:
>Spielman announces changes in personnel department
(StarTribune)(TwinCities.com)
>Paton is Vikings' new director of player personnel (Post-Bulletin)
>Jackson soaking up lessons (TwinCities.com)
>Veterans get a day off from OTAs (StarTribune)(TwinCities.com)
>Vikings get some "exposure" during baseball game (boston.com)
>Ex-Viking Bethel Johnson released by Eagles after failing physical
(nj.com)(philly.com)
June 6, 2007:
>Vikings set to add Paton to personnel department George Paton
(StarTribune.com)(TwinCities.com)(MiamiDolphins.com)
>Greenway appears primed for breakout season
(StarTribune.com)
>Pat Williams committed to offseason program
(TwinCities.com)
>Rookie Rice shows maturity on the practice field
(StarTribune.com)
>WR Maurice Mann, unable to stay healthy, waived
(StarTribune)(azstarnet.com)
>OTA Notebook and Q&A with Heath Farwell (KFAN)
>Report from today's OTA (TwinCities.com)
>Brzezinski's name dropped for Packers top post Scott Kuhn
(FOXSports)
>Adrian Peterson Day in Palestine, Texas on June 23(PalestineHerald.com)
>Peterson more than just depth at running back (NFC-North.com)
>Pics from yesterday's OTA workouts (flickr.com)
>Vikings host PPK clinic (Vikings.com)
>McMahon having a hard time north of the border (cbcsports)
>McCauley gets reps as Winfield skips (TwinCities.com)
>O-line better by 'leaps and bounds' (TwinCities.com)
>Rookie Chad Johnson driven to make it (StarTribune)
>Special teams become added point of emphasis this offseason (StarTribune)
>One writer in Winfield's corner (Tom Powers)
>Culpepper "taking the high road" with Dolphins (PalmBeachPost.com)
June 5, 2007:
>Ex-Vike Culpepper likely leaving Miami soon? (FOXSports)
>Winfield's absence opens door for McCauley (KSTP)
>McCauley taking advantage of additional reps in Winfield's absence (StarTribune)
>Back to work, more OTAs (TwinCities.com)
>OTA notebook and one-on-one with Dovonte Edwards (KFAN)
>Vikings off-the-field schedule in upcoming weeks (Vikings.com)
June 4, 2007:
COMMENTARY: The good and bad of the Winfield situation (VikingBuzz.com)
>Offseason update: Minnesota Vikings (NFL.com)
>10 observations from mini-camp (Vikings.com)
>Teammates aren't worried about Winfield's absence (realfootball365.com)
>Griffin solidifying his status (Vikings.com)
>Vikings in NFL Europe - Week 8:
- Justin Surrency (Amsterdam), started at WR, 12-113-1 rec, 1-24 KR (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Jerron Wishom (Cologne), nickel-corner, 2 tackles, 3 PBU (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Jimmy Martin (Rhein), started at OLT (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Alex Guerrero (Rhein), did not play (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
June 3, 2007:
>Spielman impressed with draft choices (Sid Hartman)
>Robison determined to succeed (TwinCities.com)
>Jackson bounces back from tough day (TwinCities.com)
>Winfield to skip this week's workouts (TwinCities.com)
>Do Vikings still have a long way to go? (StarTribune)
>Jackson still green under pressure (StarTribune)
>Winfield won't be back until training camp (StarTribune)
>Tank Williams happy to be back (wctrib.com)
>Vikes wrap up minicamp; Winfield questions talent (WCCO)
>Mini-camp notebook: Day 3 (KFAN)
>Minicamp complete; Winfield plans to skip OTAs but will
report to training camp in Mankato (StarTribune)
>Winfield still not happy (TwinCities.com)
>Rookie Marcus McCauley looking good (TwinCities.com)
>Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor piece (ESPN Video) CB Marcus McCauley
>Contract isn't weighing on Birk (TwinCities.com)
>Edwards stepping up at right end (VikingUpdate)
>Leber seeks a more complete Vikings defense (TwinCities.com)
>Frazier calls Doss' recovery 'amazing' (RotoWorld.com)
>Kevin Seifert talks Vikings with Dan Barreiro (KFAN Audio)
>Ex-Viking Warwick's NFL memories are still vivid (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
June 2, 2007:
>Ray Edwards benefits from first-team reps at RDE (StarTribune)
>Confidence replaces confusion on right side of offensive line (StarTribune)
>Draft marked turning point in Wilf's eyes (Sid Hartman)
>Doss coming back strong (AP)
>Photo gallery from mini-camp (flickr.com)
>Mini-camp notebook: Day 2 (KFAN)
>Four down, one to go (StarTribune)
>Jackson struggles in Day 2 workouts (TwinCities.com)
>Mini-camp update (TwinCities.com)
>Minicamp practice III (StarTribune)
>Cook settling in (Vikings.com)
>Vikings' offense will have to learn on the job (AOLsports)
>Winfield 'excited' to be on board (TwinCities.com)
>Scott thinks starting job should be his (TwinCities.com)
June 1, 2007:
TOP STORY: Winfield in the fold, doesn't want distraction
(StarTribune)(TwinCities.com)(AP)(KSTP.com)
>Winfield clarifies some issues, questions remain (virginiamn.com)
>All's well with Vikings, Winfield for now (StarTribune)
>Quotes from mini camp (Vikings.com)
>The official line from mini camp (Vikings.com)
>Day one highlights (TwinCities.com)
>Winfield back, running with first team (VikingUpdate)
>Winfield putting voluntary in voluntary workouts (aol)
>Mini-Camp notebook (KFAN)
>Friday's second practice (StarTribune)
>Receiver depth (TwinCities.com)
>Udeze back with starters (rotoworld.com)
>Mini camp update (TwinCities.com)
>All eyes will be on Winfield during minicamp (VikingUpdate)
>Winfield integral to pass defense (TwinCities.com)
>Richardson supports new alcohol policy (StarTribune)
>Winfield can assure happy mini campers (StarTribune)
>Vikings could miss Vick on opening-day schedule (Sid Hartman)
>McKinnie and Henderson on opposite ends of the spectrum? (CBSSportsline)
>Contrary to Winfield's opinion, Vikings heading in right direction (realfootball365.com)
May 31, 2007:
>Childress comfortable with E.J. Henderson in the middle (Vikings.com)
>Adrian Peterson talks NCAA football and Madden (SportsGamer.com)
>Q&A with an expert? (DailyNorseman)
May 30, 2007:
>NFC North off-season review (FOXSports)
>Adrian Peterson rated No. 2 on rookie fantasy football list (PFW)
>Fantasy football question: Peterson or Taylor? (NFL.com)
>Anoai and Olemgbe released (VikingUpdate)(Vikings.com)
>Williams officially signs contract (Vikings.com)
>Frazier ready to put his stamp on defense (VikingUpdate)
>Inexperience at the skill positions (pro-football-reference.com)
>Never too early for a 2008 mock draft? (thefootballexpert.com)
>Brown among those at rookie mini camp, Vikings still interested? (cdispatch.com)
>Ex-Viking Carl Lee honored by alma mater (herald-dispatch)
>Training camp dates (Vikings.com)
May 29, 2007:
>Rapid fire with Rufus Alexander (Vikings.com)
>PFW predicting last-place finish for Vikings (dailynorseman)
>WR Wade makes positive impression in lockerroom (WCCO)
>No June 1 megacuts coming (VikingUpdate)
>Photo Gallery: Receivers in action (VikingUpdate)
>Best available free agents: Offense (Scout.com)
>Best available free agents: Defense (Scout.com)
May 28, 2007:
>Peterson destined for Canton? (FOXSports)
>Vikings have new faces, but the right ones? (USAToday)
>Q&A with Tarvaris Jackson (TwinCities.com)
>Too many running backs? (VikingUpdate)
>New eyeballs could be the difference for Williamson (aolsportsblog)
>Nealy signs with CFL's Calgary Stampeders (tsn.ca)
May 27, 2007:
>Peterson anxious to sign, wants to buy mom new house (Charley Walters)
>Vikings could be on upswing (Orlando Sentinel)
>Lack of stadium progress frustrates Wilf (Sid Hartman)
>Lowber getting a shot with Vikings (WCCO)(Video)
>Vikes most improved team in the league? (pacifistviking)
>Vikings in NFL Europe - Week 7:
- Jerron Wishom (Cologne), starting LCB, 2 tackles, 1 PBU, 1 ST tackle (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Justin Surrency (Amsterdam), started at WR, 4-30 rec, 5-110 KOR (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Alex Guerrero (Rhein), did not play (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Jimmy Martin (Rhein), started at OLT (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
May 26, 2007:
>Vikings sign rookie wide receiver Chandler Williams (VikingUpdate)
>What's bothering Winfield? (Scout.com)
>Vision exercises give Williamson renewed confidence (TwinCities.com)
>Greenway looks strong, Williamson improving (TwinCities.com)
>Stewart will get most out of WRs (Sid Hartman)
>Doss back faster than expected (StarTribune.com)
>Alan Page gives commencement speech(SignOnSanDiego.com)
>Dovonte Edwards official website (DovonteEdwards.com)
May 25, 2007:
>Ben Leber at OTAs (KFAN Audio)
>Childress at conclusion of OTAs (KFAN Audio)
>A week of OTAs in the book (StarTribune)
>Vision analysis helps Williamson (StarTribune)
>Teammates express confidence in Jackson (Vikings.com)
>Vikings hope Jackson has what it takes to be top QB (Jim Souhan)
>Rice competing for playing time as 20-year-old rookie (Vikings.com)
>Q&A with Darrell Bevell and Paul Ferraro (Vikings.com)
>Q&A with Leslie Frazier, link to video (Vikings.com)
>Vikings' receivers short on experience (TwinCities.com)
>Wilf prepares for stadium push (KSTP)
>Former Vikings TE Richard Angulo signs with Jaguars (AP)
May 24, 2007:
>Day Three from this week's OTAs
- Darrell Bevell at OTAs (KFAN Audio)
- Steve Hutchinson at OTAs (KFAN Audio)
- Pics from OTA the past two days (flickr.com)
- Griffin apologizes for off-season arrest; O-line vows to improve (KSTP.com)
- Greenway feels "absolutely great" (StarTribune)
- Viking receivers looking to avoid the dropsies (AP)
- Nance fights for an opportunity (KFAN)
- News and notes (StarTribune)
- Comings and goings (TwinCities.com)
- Scott, Sharper excused from workouts (USAToday)
>Wade could be go-to guy for Jackson (TwinCities.com)
>Udeze eager to erase sackless season (TwinCities.com)
>Doss proving to be a quick healer (TwinCities.com)
>Audible audio on Vikings (footballguys.com)
>Greenway looks 100 percent (VikingUpdate)
>Vikings stadium drive needs a three-step plan (StCloudTimes)
May 23, 2007:
>Greenway video after Wednesday's practice (KARE11)
>Henderson back in the middle (StarTribune)
>Winfield sends cautionary signals to team (StarTribune)
>Interview with rookie QB Tyler Thigpen (StarTribune)
>Greenway's knee is ready to go (FOXSports)
>Abilty to kick off might be edge for rookie punter Reyes (AllenAmerican.com)
>Vikings acquire land in downtown Minneapolis (Sid Hartman)
>Rich Gannon offering an extra pair of eyes on quarterbacks (Sid Hartman)
>Peterson tops list of rookies who've made strong first impression (TSN)
>Day Two from this week's OTAs
- Smith steadies young secondary, Wade looking good, Udeze to man LDE (Vikings.com)
- Winfield, Greenway, Udeze notes (KSTP.com)
- Frazier would prefer not to be blitz-happy (TwinCities.com)
- Drops, nice catches, more (StarTribune)
- Winfield saga continues (StarTribune)
>Vikes have promising foundation (FOXSports)
>Poll says Jackson will be just fine (FOXSports)
>50-plus catches for Shiancoe in 2007? (FOXSports)
>Tarvaris Jackson story with video (KSTP.com)
>Veterans confident in young QB Jackson (TwinCities.com)
>Williamson on vision quest to improve (StarTribune)
>Winfield absence probably contract-related? (StarTribune)
>Sharper likes Vikings' energy level (Charley Walters)
>Time to jump on Bollinger bandwagon? (Tom Powers)
>Taylor gets help in backfield (AP)
>Ray Edwards works with first-team at DE (VikingUpdate)
>Peterson, Rice, Thigpen looking good? (KSTP.com)
>Childress video from Day One of OTAs (MyFoxTwinCities)
>Mr. Bean signs with CFL's Alouettes (DailyStar)
May 22, 2007:
>Day One report from this week's OTAs
(KFAN)(StarTribune)(TwinCities.com)(SI.com)(Vikings.com)
>Childress audio from OTAs (KFAN)
>Jackson audio from OTAs (KFAN)
>Taylor welcomes arrival of Peterson (StarTribune)(WCCO.com)
>Winfield absent (TwinCities.com)(VikingUpdate)
>Jackson gets chance to show he's No. 1 (StarTribune)
>Ex-Viking Travis Taylor signs with Raiders (NFL.com)(AP)(StarTribune)
>NFL clubs to recognize team captains (NFL.com)
>Dynamic RB duos in the NFL last season (TwinCities.com)
>Finding a role for both Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson (TwinCities.com)
>Winfield to skip activities this week (TwinCities.com)
>Vikings retired numbers quiz (amiwrong.com)
>Terwilliger draws attention to stadium issue (EdenPrairieNews)
May 21, 2007:
>Pat Williams in line for contract extension (VikingUpdate)
The Vikings really need to get this one done. Williams is coming off a Pro Bowl season and says he wants to play four more years. He's a leader on defense, and with the team's healthy salary cap situation, there is no reason not to lock him up so he finishes his career with the team.
>Adrian Peterson credits family for success (WCCO.com)
>Video: RB coach Eric Bienemy on Rosen Sports Sunday (WCCO.com)
>Childress confident of Jackson's talent (Sid Hartman)
>Five Viking players continue their education in the offseason (Vikings.com)
>Hutchinson helps raise $200,000 for children's hospital (mlive.com)
>League considering less time to make draft picks (NFL.com)
>Greenway optimistic about James' return (Sid Hartman)
May 20, 2007:
Don't give up on Troy Williamson just yet?Check out this college highlight reel of third-year wide receiver Troy Williamson. None of the drops from last season are included, but you see his incredible speed and pure talent, with some tough catches in traffic, rare explosiveness running with the ball after the catch and gamebreaking ability. If T-Will can regain his confidence, he is simply too talented not to make plays for the Vikings in 2007.
>College Highlight Reel (YouTube 05:43)
>99-yard catch-and-run vs. Virginia (YouTube 00:31)
>Vikings in NFL Europe - Week 6:
- Jerron Wishom (Cologne), started at LCB, 4 tackles (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Justin Surrency (Amsterdam), started at WR, 6-65 receiving (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Alex Guerrero (Rhein), did not play (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Jimmy Martin (Rhein), started at OLT (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
>Adrian Peterson at Reebok photo shoot (Yahoo!)
>Peterson, Rice in L.A. and other notes (VikingUpdate)
>Competition increases veteran participation in offseason workouts (Charley Walters)
>James making progress; Greenway, Tank and Doss ready (Sid Hartman)
>Vikings and Chiefs will have home-and-home practices against each other (StarTribune)
>Ex-Viking Angulo cut by Bears after using top pick on TE (CourierNews)
May 19, 2007:
>Thigpen's first order of business: Take care of his offensive linemen
Tyler Thigpen is one smart rookie. To celebrate signing his first NFL contract, he took two undrafted free agents -- Dan Mozes and Kyle Cook -- out for dinner. (MyrtleBeachOnline)
>Ex-Viking Orlando Bobo passes away from heart and liver failure at 33
Our most sincere thoughts and prayers to his family. (canada.com)(obituary)
>Peterson, Rice in L.A. at four-day NFL Players Rookie Premier (StarTribune)
>Vikings stadium bill? Maybe next year (StarTribune)
May 18, 2007:
SCOUTING REPORT: Rookie free agent TE Braden Jones
The Vikings have made it a point not to pursue players with character issues during the Brad Childress regime. So when the team signed undrafted free agent tight end Braden Jones to a three-year contract after the draft, they did so with their eyes wide open, hoping his off-field troubles are in fact a thing of the past. If so, Jones is a player with a better-than-even chance of making the team this fall. Click here for a complete, in-depth bio and scouting report:
(VikingBuzz.com)
>Top Story: Tarvaris Jackson preparing to lead Vikings (ESPN.com)
>Thigpen signs (Vikings.com)(TwinCities.com)(StarTribune)(KARE11)
>Did Winfield ask to be traded? (KFAN)
>Jackson won't participate in competition because of passport issue (StarTribune)
>Offseason Q&A (Vikings.com)
>T-Jack ranked 31st among projected starting QBs (SI.com)
>Vikings QB situation the shakiest? (SI.com)
>Vikings-Chiefs joint practices set for training camp (VikingUpdate)(StarTribune)
>Vikings agree to television partnerships (VikingUpdate)(Vikings.com)(StarTribune)
>Vikings ranked near middle of the pack for offseason improvements (FOXSports.com)
>Vikings lucky to have missed out on Ryan Sims? (RealFootball365.com)
>Kevin Williams, Steve Hutchinson make PFW's top 50 list (PFW)
>Ex-Viking Jake Reed is proud new owner of IFL's Frisco Thunder (OSC.com)
>What if Denny Green did one of those Coors Light commercials? (YouTube)
>Legislature won't deal with Vikings stadium issue this session (HometownSource.com)
May 17, 2007:
>Vikings add two more rookie free agents
The Vikings continued to round out their roster as they head into training camp later this summer, signing former Texas Tech and Northwestern State (La.) DB Chad Johnson and Texas Southern OG Andy Olemgbe (pronounced 'O-lem-way'). Click here for more: VikingBuzz.com
>Former top picks will be key to improvement in 2007
The return from injuries by Erasmus James and Chad Greenway, plus an improved Troy Williamson provide reason for optimism. Also, it's Leslie (not Ron) Frazier. (Sid Hartman)
>Former Vikings' OG Orlando Bobo passes away at just 33
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his entire family. He is survived by a wife and four children. (cdispatch.com)
>Archive: Tragedy nothing new for Bobo and family.
After his rookie year on the Vikings' practice squad in 1996, Orlando Bobo was scheduled to marry during the July 4 holiday that summer. But tragically, his fiancee, Sheila Collins, was killed in a car accident, May 28, 1997. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 27, 1997)
>Kluwe signs tender (TwinCities.com)
>It's fourth down for stadium funding (StarTribune)
>Backup linebacker Glenn receives award (Vikings.com)
>Vikings situation among 12 QB quandaries to watch closely in 2007 (SI.com)
>NFL Power Rankings slot Vikings at 25th (TheFootballExpert.com)
>Ex-Viking Sam Cowart being sued over credit card (StarTribune)
>Hutchinson deal still impacts league (NFL.com)
May 16, 2007:
>No surgery required for Adrian Peterson (VikingUpdate)(StarTribune)(TwinCities.com)
>Erasmus James expected to be ready for training camp (TwinCities.com)
>Pat Williams fit and ready for four more years in purple (StarTribune)
>Two more rookie free agents signed (TwinCities.com)
>Vikings one of six teams to get "gold star" for draft (411mania.com)
>Ex-Viking Torrian Gray now coaching DBs at Virginia Tech (bdtonline.com)
>Ex-Viking Kailee Wong retires (KHOU.com)(insidebayarea.com)
>A clarification on the Fran Foley debacle (VikingBuzz.com)
May 15, 2007:
SCOUTING REPORT: Rookie free agent RB Arkee Whitlock
The odds are stacked against him in a crowded offensive backfield, but the undrafted rookie free agent will be one tough player for the Vikings to cut. Click the link for in-depth info, including a video clip, on rookie free agent running back Arkee Whitlock from Southern Illinois. (VikingBuzz.com)
>2007 Vikings preview video (YouTube)
>Hutchinson poison pill only applied to first year (StarTribune)
>Are Vikings first-round picks cursed? (VikingUpdate)
>Vikings leaning against surgery for top pick Peterson (PFW)
>Favre was JK-ing on trade request, wants to finish career with Packers (StarTribune)
>Tarvaris Jackson to compete in Quarterback Challenge (caycompass.com)(VikingUpdate)
>Vikings draw one Monday Night game, hosting Bears on Dec. 17 (goteamsgo.com)
May 14, 2007:
>Anoai, Cook, Johnson, Jones among most likely to make team (PFW)(scroll down)
>Broncos feel good about draft-day trade with Vikings (CBS4Denver)
May 13, 2007:
>Vikings in NFL Europe - Week 5:
- Jerron Wishom (Cologne), started at LCB, 6 tackles, 2 PBU (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Justin Surrency (Amsterdam), started at WR, KOR 3-58 yards (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Alex Guerrero (Rhein), started at LDT, no stats (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
- Jimmy Martin (Rhein), started at OLT (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
>Vikings currently at 50-1 odds to win Super Bowl XLII (nflgridgab.com)
>Trouble in Green Bay: Favre asked for trade after draft (FOXSports)
SCOUT'S HONOR: Should Vikings trade for Faneca?
Pittsburgh Steelers’ All-Pro offensive guard Alan Faneca has requested a trade and vowed that he will not return to the team after this season. What are the pros and cons to the Vikings entering the fray on this one? (VikingBuzz.com)
May 12, 2007:
>Ex-Viking Yary wants to move back to Minnesota (StarTribune)
>Peterson: Best ever? (VikingUpdate)
>Interest in ex-Eagle Rayburn would not be surprising (ESPN.com)(nfl.com)(nflplayers.com)
>James' rehab progressing nicely (Scout.com)
>How much will Doss help Vikings? (fortwayne.com)
>Rookie McCauley graduates early with 4.0 GPA (aolsportsblog)
>New Vikes defensive coordinator preaches optimism (aolsportsblog)
May 11, 2007:
SCOUTING REPORT: DT Howard Green (VikingBuzz.com)
>Erasmus James focusing on healthy future (StarTribune)
>Dungy believes Leslie Frazier will do an outstanding job (Sid Hartman)
>Alex Guerrero's NFL Europe journal (Vikings.com)
>Where are they now? Jeff Siemon (bakersfield.com)(searchmn.org)
>Ex-Vikings Howry and Ward sign with CFL's Calgary Stampeders (OSC)\\
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