ARCHIVED STORIES AND LINKS:

May 10, 2007:
>Still not enough weapons for T-Jack to succeed?
(SI.com)
>Vikings draft earns three-star rating
(USA Today)
>DT Guerrero has a positive outlook on football and life
(NFLEurope)
>Vikings strike gold by drafting Peterson
(the record)
>Frazier focused on improved team's pass rush
(TwinCities.com)
>Greenway ready to make an impact in second season
(HawkCentral.com)
>Free agent CB Gilliam released by Vikings
(StarTribune)
>John Clayton on the Vikings decision to pass on Brady Quinn
(goteamsgo.com)
>Foley rumored as possible candidate with Raiders?
(ProFootballTalk.com)(TheRaiderCast)
>Contract numbers for players signed/re-signed
(usatoday.com)
>League mandating increased media access to assistant coaches
(VikingUpdate)
>Bud Grant to be honored on anniversary
(Sid Hartman)(TwinCities.com)
>Mason makes leap to pros
(ThePostOnline)
>Terwilliger awed by camp with Vikings, will likely head to CFL
(PoconoRecord)
>Burleson content with Seahawks
(NewsTribune.com)
>Four Vikings continue NFL Europe campaigns (VikingUpdate)

May 9, 2007:
>Peterson could be next Moss for Vikings
(RedwoodFallsGazette.com)
>DE Khreem Smith keeps pursuing his dream with Vikings
(Vikings.com)
>Ahmad Rashad elected to college Hall-of-Fame
(StarTribune)(king5.com)(Vikings.com)
>Zygi willing to spend, Vikings have franchise-record 23 assistant coaches
(VikingUpdate)
>Thigpen to appear on ESPN2 this week
(MyrtleBeachOnline.com)
>Thigpen receives diploma (a few days late)
(MyrtleBeachOnline.com)
>Vikings in NFL Europe, season-to-date stats
(StarTribune)
>Vikings ranked 23rd in Prisco Power Rankings (CBS SportsLine.com)

May
8, 2007:
>DT Howard Green seen as possible backup to Pat Williams (StarTribune)(nfl.com)
>Vikings sign free agent DT Howard Green (Vikings.com)(StarTribune)(TwinCities.com)
>Vikings hire Derek Mason as assistant DB coach(Vikings.com)
 - Related links...(Bio)
(StarTribune)(NorthernArizona)(ThePostOnline)(HuskerPedia.com)
>Peterson's younger brother arrested for robbery (In-Forum)
>Cook chomping at the bit for '07 (TwinCities.com)
>Viking brass holds chalk talk session with media (TwinCities.com)
>Vikings.com mailbag
(Vikings.com)
>Intriguing thought:  Taylor and Peterson together (aolsportsblog)
>Randall McDaniel on college football Hall-of-Fame ballot (azcentral.com)
>Ahmad Rashad among 75 up for HOF consideration (ESPN)
>First-round receivers often a boom-or-bust proposition (nfl.com)
>Too early for a 2008 mock draft?  Probably. (fannation.com)

ONLINE ANALYSIS:  Sidney Rice or Dwayne Jarrett?
Some have suggested the Vikings should have drafted Dwayne Jarrett over Sidney Rice.  Scout them both for yourself and let us know what you think.  Who would you have picked and why?

(College Bio)(nfl.com)(nfldraftscout)                                     (College Bio)(nfl.com)(nfldraftscout)
(SI.com Video)(FOXSports Video)                                            (SI.com Video)(FOXSports Video)
(YouTube)(YouTube)(YouTube)(YouTube)               (YouTube)(YouTube)(YouTube)(YouTube)


May 7, 2007:
SCOUT'S HONOR:  Vikings' best-run draft in past 25 years? (VikingBuzz.com)
Time will tell on the actual picks, but after decades of dysfunction, the early returns suggest that VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman might be the catalyst for a football operation that could become the best the team has had in decades.
>NFL.com scouting report on Tyler Thigpen
(nfl.com)
>Jeremy Green on the Vikings draft and T-Jack
(KFAN)
>McCombs back doing what he does best...making money (MSN)
>Peterson, Alexander photos from rookie camp
(SoonerSports.com)
>Taylor and Peterson in same backfield?
(StarTribune)(RotoWorld.com)
>Next full-squad mini camp scheduled for June 1-3
(TwinCities.com)
>Childress on Rosen Sports Sunday
(WCCO Video)
>Minnesota Vikings '07 draft review
(Draft Countdown)
>Who's the next diamond in the rough?
(Vikings.com)
>Zygi will pay $250 million (VikingUpdate)

2007 Vikings' draft and undrafted free agents...
 
1 (7) #28, Adrian Peterson, RB (6014, 217, 4.39) Oklahoma
Bio | nfl.com | SI.com | FOX | nfldraftscout | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube | Photo | MySpace
Related articles...
(TwinCities.com)(OU Insider)
(PFW)(Post-Bulletin)(FOX23)(TulsaWorld)(AP)(PRNewswire)(AP)
(Seifert, StarTribune)
(Jensen, PioneerPress)(Craig, StarTribune)(Press Conference Video)
(Dallas Morning News)(Norman Transcript)(Craig, Strib)(AP)(StCloudTimes)(Seifert, Strib)

2 (44) #18, Sidney Rice, WR (6034, 202, 4.53) South Carolina
Bio | nfl.com | SI.com | FOX | nfldraftscout | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube | YouTube
Related articles...
(Kent Babb, TheState.com)
(Matt Cobbs, GoUpstate.com)(Dave Campbell, AP)
(Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress)


3 (72) #31, Marcus McCauley, CB (6006, 203, 4.39) Fresno State
Bio | nfl.com | SI.com | nfldraftscout

Related articles...
(FresnoBee)(sacbee.com)(FresnoBee)

4 (102) #96, Brian Robison, DE (6031, 259, 4.67) Texas
Bio | nfl.com | SI.com | nfldraftscout | YouTube

Related articles...
(chron.com)(Michael Murphy, chron.com)(Jon Krawczynski, AP)(kttc.com)(statesman.com)

5 (146) #14, Aundrae Allison, WR (6002, 198, 4.39) E. Carolina
Bio | nfl.com | SI.com | nfldraftscout | YouTube
 Related articles...
(wnct.com)(rotoworld.com)(reflector.com)(scout.com)

6 (176) #57, Rufus Alexander, LB (6007, 227, 4.69) Oklahoma
Bio | nfl.com | SI.com | FOX | nfldraftscout | YouTube | MySpace
Related articles...
(FOX23.com)(kotv.com)(soonersports.com)

7 (217) #16, Tyler Thigpen, QB (6017, 223, 4.77) Coastal Carolina
Bio | nfl.com | nfldraftscout | workout | ESPN.com | Yahoo! YouTube
Related articles...
(myrtlebeachonline.com)(StarTribune)(Post-Bulletin)
(scout.com)

7 (233) #89, Chandler Williams, WR (5106, 184, 4.42) Florida Int'l
Bio | nfl.com | nfldraftscout | ESPN.com | draftcountdown

Related articles...
(scout.com)(PioneerPress)

FA #67, Dan Mozes, C (6025, 293, 5.35) West Virginia
Bio |
nfl.com | SI.com | nfldraftscout | draftcountdown
Related articles...
(Register-Herald)(PioneerPress)(aolsportsblog)(PFW)(F. Dale Lolley, Observer-Reporter)

FA #65, Joe Anoai, DT (6025, 303, 4.93) Georgia Tech
Bio | nfl.com | SI.com | nfldraftscout | draftcountdown
Related articles...
(Ryan Bass, GoJackets.com)(ajc.com)(aolsportsblog)(pnj.com)

FA #68, Conrad Bolston, DT (6035, 300, 5.22) Maryland
Bio | nfldraftscout | draftcountdown | SI.com
Related articles...
(diamondbackonline)(Gazette.net)(umterps.com)(walterfootball.com)(washtimes.com)(nfldraftbible)

FA #75, Chase Johnson, OT (6084, 330, 5.40) Wyoming
Bio | nfl.com | SI.com |
nfldraftscout | draftcountdown
Related articles...
(BillingsGazette)(JacksonHoleStarTrib)(localnews8.com)(WyomingNews.com)(CasperStarTribune)

FA #61, Josh Day, OG (6047, 306, 5.21) Colorado State
Bio | nfldraftscout
Related articles...
(The Coloradoan)(kktv.com)(RockyMountainNews.com)


FA #60, Kyle Cook, OG-C (6037, 305, 5.26) Michigan State
Bio | nfl.com | nfldraftscout
Related articles...
(StarTribune)(MSUSpartans.com)

FA #63, Brian Daniels, OG (6040, 303, 5.08) Colorado
Bio | nfl.com | nfldraftscout
Related articles...
(PioneerPress)(daileycamera.com)

FA #87, Braden Jones, TE (6031, 260, 4.65) Southern Illinois
Bio | nfldraftscout | draftcountdown
Related articles...
(siuDE.com)(The Southern)(PioneerPress)(CarmiTimes)(ChicagoTribune)


FA #47, Arkee Whitlock, RB (5092, 203, 4.60) Southern Illinois
Bio | nfl.com | YouTube | ESPN.com | nfldraftscout
Related articles...
(SIU Daily Egyptian)(The Southern)(PioneerPress)


FA #58, George Hall, ILB (6001, 240, 4.69) Purdue
Bio | nfl.com | Post-Game Interview | Post-Game Interview | nfldraftscout

Related articles...
(jconline)

FA #3, Alex Reyes, P (6011, 230) Texas Tech
Bio | draftcountdown | Yahoo! | draftcountdown | nfldraftscout

Related articles...
(DailyToreador)(lubbockonline.com)(StarTribune)

FA #60, David Herron, LB (6010, 239, 4.72) Michigan State
Bio | nfl.com | nfldraftscout | FOXSports
Related articles...
(TribuneChronicle)(StarTribune)(MSUSpartans.com)

FA #33, Jeremy Burnett, S (6002, 200, 4.56) South Florida
Bio | TSN
Related articles...
(tampabay.com)

FA #75, Joe Bradley, DT (6030, 292) Louisiana-Lafayette
Rivals.com | Stats
Related articles...
(TheDailyAdvertiser)(StarTribune)

FA Chad Johnson, S (5102, 195, 4.53) Northwestern State (La.)
Bio
Related articles...
(ShreveportTimes.com)(NSUDemons.com)(EvangelAcademy)


FA Andy Olemgbe, OG (6030, 305) Texas Southern
(Yahoo! Sports)(Chron.com)
Related articles...
(TwinCities.com)

Reported Rookie Camp Tryout Prospects:
Cedric Gagne-Marcoux (6021, 297, 5.62) Central Florida
- College Bio | CFL | KFFL.com
Marcus Taylor, ILB (6011, 250, 4.87) Fordham
- Bio | FordhamSports.com | CSTV.com
Turner Booth, LS (6017, 260, 5.20) Michigan  - Bio | nfl.com | draftcountdown | mlive
Trumaine Banks, CB (5115, 193, 4.64) Minnesota - Bio | TSN | nfldraftscout
John Kunelius, LB-S (6021, 230, 4.69) SW State (Minn.) - MarshallIndependent | SMSU
Marcus Huntley, DT (6011, 307, 5.23) Catawba - Bio | nfldraftscout
Joe Ainslie, OT (6071, 310, 5.48) Minnesota - Bio
John Tackmann, S-LB (6011, 215, 4.79) Winona State - Bio | winona.edu
J.P. Bekasiak, DT-DE (6060, 296, 5.05) Toledo - Bio | TSN | nfldraftscout
Damion DeRosia, DT (6054, 324, 5.34) Saginaw Valley - Bio | condraft | nfldraftscout
Geoff Bean, S (5106, 210, 4.54) Colgate
- Bio | nfldraftscout
Jimmy Terwilliger, QB (5117, 176) East Strousburg
- Bio | AP | CSTV.com | USAToday
Brendan Osuocha, DE (6040, 282) SW State (Minn.) - SMSU
Chris Smilo, DE (6030, 242) Wayne State - Bio | Stats

>Vikings draft content
(vikings.com)

May 6, 2007:
>Spielman likes speed and athleticism of this year's rookies (Sid Hartman)
>Rice came out early to support his family
(TwinCities.com)
>Ex-Viking Culpepper's adoptive mother passes away
(SI.com)(Ocala.com)
>Vikings in NFL Europe - Week 4:
 - Jerron Wishom (Cologne), started at LCB, 2 tackles (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
 - Justin Surrency (Amsterdam), started at WR, 3-37 receiving (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
 -
Alex Guerrero (Rhein), started at LDT, 1 tackle (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
 - Jimmy Martin (Rhein), started at OLT (nfleurope.com)(Bio)
>Robison is a workout warrior (StarTribune)(Workout numbers)
>Mozes rated fourth-round value; Reyes top-rated undrafted punter?
(DallasNews.com)
>Should the Vikings have drafted Brady Quinn?
(aolsportsblog)
>Vikings seem uninterested in Keyshawn
(aolsportsblog)

May 5, 2007:
>Childress sees flashes from young WRs (Scout.com)
>Peterson can catch the ball just fine
(VikingUpdate)
>Day One rookie camp report
(KFAN thread)
>Brad Childress press conference
(KARE11 video)
>Adrian Peterson press conference (KARE11 video)
>Sidney Rice press conference (KARE11 video)
>All eyes on Peterson at first practice
(TwinCities.com)
>Peterson suits up in purple for the first time
(MankatoFreePress)
>Collarbone speculation won't die
(TwinCities.com)
>Wilf willing to put up $250 million (WCCO)(StarTribune)

May 4, 2007:
>Video report from rookie mini-camp
(WCCO video)
>Rookie mini camp observations and scuttlebut (KFAN)
>First day goes smoothly for Peterson
(StarTribune)
>Lowber begins pro football career
(StarTribune)
>McCauley ready to prove his worth
(KFAN)
>Martin Nance, Wendell Mathis, Khreem Smith practice with rookies (StarTribune)
>Vikings already aiming for 2008? (aolsportsblog)
>Commentary from rookie mini camp (Vikings.com)
>Three-day rookie mini camp opens (VikingUpdate)
>Vikings building from within, looking everywhere for promising young talent (wctrib.com)
>NFL draft to become a three-day affair? (StarTribune)
>Peterson has everything it takes to become a star in the NFL (Sid Hartman)
>Brian Robison diary
(nflplayers.com)
>T-Jack's college position coach gets Alabama State head coaching job
(Footballworld.com)
>Q&A with Childress, Peterson and Rice from rookie mini camp (Vikings.com)
>Contract numbers for No. 7 pick?  5 years, $26.5 million? (TwinCities.com)
>Thigpen gets some ink
(AP)
>Updated mini camp roster with jersey numbers
(Vikings.com)(Depth Chart)
>Gilliam and Reichow like Peterson pick
(Charley Walters)
>Wayne State DE Chris Smilo among tryout players
(freep.com)(College Bio)(Stats)(Pic)
>CFL center Cedric Gagne-Marcoux among players trying out
(HamiltonSpectator)
>Pics and links for EVERY undrafted free agent
(scroll down)
>Vikings will have $4,840,300 to sign draft picks
(StarTribune)
>Online poll: 68% "loved" the Adrian Peterson pick in the first round (StarTribune)
>SCOUT'S HONOR: Grading Spielman's draft-day trading (VikingBuzz.com)

May 3, 2007:
>Cook, Herron, Bradley round out list of 15 rookie free agents (Vikings.com)
>Meet Adrian Peterson video
(vikings.com)
>Never liked him anyway: DT Scott signs with Eagles
(Link)(VU)
>Saginaw Valley DT to tryout this weekend
(SVSU)
>Ex-Gopher CB Banks on list of players to tryout
(StarTribune)
>Alex Guerrero's NFL Europe journal
(vikings.com)
>Adrian Peterson: Boom or bust?
(PFW)
>Add SMSU DE Brendan Osuocha to list of tryouts
(SMSU)
>SCOUT'S HONOR: Spielman learned from Dolphins' experience
(VikingBuzz.com)

May 2, 2007:

>Adrian Peterson: Blue-collar worker, quality character, underrated receiver
(USAToday)
>Udeze goes to school to increase speed
(FOX12news.com)
>Vikings surrounding T-Jack with playmakers
(Sid Hartman)
>Wilf takes 'garden' plan to state rep
(StarTribune)
>Former Viking Taylor pleads guilty to disorderly conduct
(TwinCities.com)(StarTribune)
>Early CFL draft pick, Bekasiak, among tryouts with Vikings
(CBC Sports)
>Vikings draft review
(Kansas.com)
>Updated depth chart to include draft picks
(VikingBuzz.com)
>Everything looks good for Vikes (AlbertLeaTribune.com)
>Free agents, rookie tryout prospects
(scroll down)
>Recapping the Vikings draft
(Vikings.com)
>Stoops refutes media reports about Peterson and Alexander
(TulsaWorld)
>Q&A:  Aundrae Allison
(eastcarolina.scout.com)
>Peterson surgery questions persist
(VikingUpdate)
>Mar
yland DT Conrad Bolston like extra draft pick? (Gazette.Net)
>Longwell is a plus-1.8 handicap golfer, ties for 6th in athlete-golfer rankings (ESPN.com)
>Catawba DT Marcus Huntley to tryout
(SalisburyPost)(StarTribune)
>Fordham LB Marcus Taylor invited to rookie camp
(fordhamsports.com)
>Real work begins this weekend for Thigpen
(MyrtleBeachOnline)
>Vikings want to take a look at Terwilliger
(mcall.com)
>Robert Smith expects team rushing mark to be surpassed by Peterson
(Twin Cities.com)
>Dungy says Vikings got their guy in Robison; Peterson "can't miss" (Charley Walters)
>Free agent Jones said Vikings, Packers were at top of list
(siuDE.com)

May 1, 2007:

>Q&A with VP of player personnel Rick Spielman
(TwinCities.com)
>Erasmus James says he'll be ready for season opener
(kstp.com)
>Peterson was third-highest player on Vikings' draft board
(CBS SportsLine.com)
>What the Vikings can expect from Adrian Peterson
(aolsportsblog)
>Peterson the 6:1 favorite for offensive rookie of the year
(TwinCities.com)
>Free agent TE Braden Jones has had long and winding road
(CarmiTimes)
(ChicagoTribune)
>Peterson will NOT having surgery
(StarTribune.com)(TwinCities.com)
>Kiper gives Vikings' draft B+
(TwinCities.com)
>SW Minnesota State LB John Kunelius to tryout with Vikings
(SMSU Athletics)
>Michigan long-snapper Turner Booth gets tryout
(mlive.com)
>Add Joe Ainslie, John Tackmann and Marcus Taylor to tryout list
(StarTribune.com)
>Big winners in '06 draft:  Atlanta, Minnesota, Cleveland
(about.com)
>Adrian Peterson to lead Minnesota's rushing attack
(BleacherReport)
>Wilf on Vikings, stadium and more
(WCCO.com)
>Free agent running back Arkee Whitlock highlights
(YouTube)
>Vikings draft capsules
(Scout.com)
>Sienna basketball player will try out with Saints
(TimesUnion)
>Vikings among teams who tried to sign Finnerty
(Daily Press & Argus)
>Vikings tried to sign Thigpen's teammate, TE Rodney Burgess
(MyrtleBeachOnline)
>East Stroudsburg QB Jimmy Terwilliger will tryout this weekend
(PoconoRecord)
>Former Viking visitor, Aaron Moorehead, re-signs with Colts (Colts.com)

April 30, 2007:
SCOUT'S HONOR: How good is Adrian Peterson?

Just how good a prospect is Adrian Peterson?
  Well, here’s a comparison based on pre-draft grades of previous top running backs each year according to Pro Football Weekly’s annual draft preview:
Going back to 1983, only one running back has ever been rated higher than the 8.50
grade that Peterson carried – Bo Jackson (8.90) in 1986.  Reggie Bush (2006) also carried an 8.50 grade.  Barry Sanders (1989) was an 8.00; then Eric Dickerson (1983) at 7.90, Curt Warner (1983) at 7.80;
then Edge
rrin James (1999), Ricky Williams (1999) and Marshall Faulk (1994) at 7.50.
If Peterson can avoid injuries, you’re looking a Hall-of-Fame player.

 
>Picks give the fans a pick-me-up (Kevin Seifert, StarTribune)
>Character checks out on Alexander and Williams
(StarTribune)(PioneerPress)
>Praise for Spielman
(StarTribune)
>Vikings among big winners in draft
(lindyssports.com)
>Peterson will be a steal
(sportingnews.com)
>Breaking down the 2007 NFL draft
(Peter Schrager, FOXSports.com)
>Vikings give their draft an 'A' (Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress)
>Draft makes it clear that Tarvaris Jackson is starting QB
(Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress)
>Vikings draft grades
(Post-Bulletin)
>Vikings in NFL Europe - Week 3:
 - Jerron Wishom (Cologne), started at LCB, 3 tackles, 2 PBU (nfleurope.com)
 - Justin Surrency (Amsterdam), started at WR, 1-9 receiving (nfleurope.com)
 -
Alex Guerrero (Rhein), started at LDT, 1 tackle (nfleurope.com)
 - Jimmy Martin (Rhein), started at OLT (nfleurope.com)

April 29, 2007:

>Overloading on offense (Kevin Seifert, StarTribune)
>Character schmaracter, Sid says go for talent (Sid Hartman, StarTribune)
>Projected impact of the 2007 draft picks (StarTribune)
>Nkang was on phone with Vikings when Jags drafted him (Adam Smith, Times-News)
>NFL Fanhouse draft grade:  Minnesota Vikings (JJ Cooper, aolsportsblog)

April 28, 2007:
>Bienemy looks forward to working with Peterson
(Sid Hartman, StarTribune)
>Peterson 'was our guy' (Don Seeholzer & Sean Jensen, PioneerPress)
>How will Peterson and rest of picks affect team's future? (Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress)
>Pick feels good, might pan out (Tom Powers, PioneerPress)
>Vikings bolster offense
(Don Pierson, Chicago Tribune)

Character matters to Vikings
VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman acknowledged Thursday that the Vikings have ruled out up to 90 possible players based at least in part because of character concerns.  Head coach Brad Childress has said that the team is committed to finding good players who are good people.  And Director of College Scouting Scott Studwell says, "I think you're going to see that throughout the league.  With the new policy, you just can't take those chances.  You will probably see more talented players on the board this year than you've seen before."  The Vikings even spent additional money to conduct their own psychological testing and develop personality profiles.  Some might call it Pacman fever.
(Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress)(Red Flags)(VikingUpdate) 04.27.07

Spielman talks with other teams but remains guarded about trade possibilities

VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman acknowledges having had trade discussions with other teams but anything won't happen until the Vikings are on the clock.
(Sean Jensen, PioneerPress) 04.27.07

Reading between the lines
One has to take just about everything any coach or personnel person has to say this time of year with a grain of salt.  But one tidbit from Rick Spielman's press conference today was that the Vikings have dropped about 90 players from their draft board for character or medical reasons.
(
Kevin Seifert, StarTribune) 04.26.07

Pre-draft press conference

VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman, head coach Brad Childress and College Scouting Director Scott Studwell met with the media at Winter Park to discuss the draft today.
(
StarTribune)(PioneerPress)(vikings.com)(audio) 04.26.07

Spielman on KFAN

VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman was on KFAN yesterday morning, where he said the Vikings have identified eight blue-chippers in this draft, including cornerbacks Leon Hall (Michigan) and Darrelle Revis (Pittsburgh).
(
Audio) 04.26.07

Nolan Nawrocki updated player rankings
The draft guru from Pro Football Weekly has updated his player rankings.  The bigger mover-and-shaker on the chart is Pitt CB Darrelle Revis, who has moved up to No. 11 overall on his big board.  Interestingly, Revis has also been identified by Rick Spielman as being among their top 8.
(
PFW overall)(PFW by position) 04.26.07


Greg Blue interview
Vikings safety Greg Blue talked with Sludge & Lake on KFAN to discuss the draft.
(
KFAN) 04.25.07

Quarterback conundrum?
The Vikings have their quarterback of the futue in 2006 second-round pick Tarvaris Jackson...or do they?  Judd Zulgad and Kevin Seifert, of the StarTribune, discuss the quarterback position heading into the draft.
(
StarTribune)(Audio) 04.25.07

Henry wouldn't mind being drafted by Vikings
Arizona running back Chris Henry, who was among players in for a visit, lists the Vikings among the teams for whom he'd like to play.
(
sportingnews.com) 04.25.07

Today's topic:  Quarterbacks
Judd Zulgad and Kevin Seifert continue their position-by-position analysis.  Today's report is on the quarterbacks.
(
StarTribune)(Audio) 04.25.07

Spielman speaks
The staff at Viking Update picked up a few tidbits from VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman who talked to his old pals at ESPN recently.
(
VikingUpdate) 04.25.07

Playing catch-up
A deep pool at wide receiver should allow the Vikings to fill a glaring need
(
Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress) 04.25.07

Five things
Bob Sansevere's five things to watch for when the Vikings take part in the NFL draft.
(
PioneerPress) 04.24.07

Vikings can get a solid receiver in second round
Fear not if the Vikings don't land Calvin Johnson or reach for the next-best receiver at No. 7.
(
Mark Craig, StarTribune) 04.24.07
Updated draft value chart
PFW's Nolan Nawrocki has updated his draft value chart.
(
PFW) 04.24.07

Kiper speculates on how the first round will unfold
Draft guru Mel Kiper says the three names he keeps hearing with the Vikings are Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson and LSU safety LaRon Landry.
(
kfsn) 04.24.07

Do the Redskins hold key to Vikings direction in Round One?
The Redskins like safety LaRon Landry, but it might not be that cut-and-dried for them when their pick comes up at No. 6.
(
washingtonpost.com) 04.24.07

Redskins drumming up trade interest for No. 6 pick?
One tailback might not be enough.  The Redskins are now suggesting that teaming Adrian Peterson with Clinton Portis makes perfect sense.  We think it's all part of the pre-draft misinformation program to generate trade value.
(washintonpost.com) 04.24.07

Backfield depth
What would the Vikings do at tailback if something happened to Chester Taylor?  Who, if anyone, is capable of spelling Taylor on a regular, productive basis over the course of the season.  Brad Childress has said he wants to reduce Taylor's workload by working others into the rotation.  Kevin Seifert, of the StarTribune, analyzes.
(
StarTribune)(Audio) 04.24.07

Vikings Draft Preview:  Safeties
A positional analysis heading into the draft by Kevin Seifert and Judd Zulgad, of the StarTribune.
(
Audio) 04.24.07

Spielman will call the shots on draft day
This will be Rick Spielman's first draft with the Vikings.  He's done it before and the Vikings should have a lot more harmony in their war room this year than a year ago.
(
Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress) 04.24.07

Viking draft outlook
Five things to look for from the Vikings in the draft.
(
Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress) 04.23.07

This mock draft has Vikings trading down
It could happen, with the Vikings looking to add more picks.  The projection here is the deal down two spots (from No. 7 to No. 9) with Miami and also pick up an additional third-round pick.
(Matthew Connolly, pfcritics.com) 04.23.07

Safeties critical in Tampa-2 defense employed by Vikings
Excellent reporting here on the value of quality safeties in the Tampa-2 defense.
(Mark Craig, StarTribune) 04.23.07

Report of marijuana use by top prospects
Someone associated with the league is likely in big trouble for leaking the marijuana use admissions during combine interviews by three highly-rated prospects.
(Mark Craig, StarTribune) 04.23.07

How to improve the Vikings pass defense
LaRon Landry, Leon Hall, Gaines Adams...one of those three players would help greatly.
(Mark Craig, StarTribune) 04.23.07

First-round safeties
There could be as many as three safeties to go in the first round this year.  It would be only the fifth time since the 1936 that three safeties are taken in the first round.
(StarTribune) 04.23.07

Vikings need help at WR, DE, OL, TE and QB
Team-by-team needs heading into the draft, plus key additions and subtractions.
(Paul Tenorio, PFW) 04.23.07

Meachem confirms visit with Vikings
Tennessee wide receiver confirmed during an interview with KFFL.com that the Vikings were among nine NFL teams he visited.
04.23.07
Offensive line analysis
Kevin Seifert and Judd Zulgad, of the StarTribune, offer their positional analysis heading into this weekend's draft.
(
StarTribune)(Audio) 04.23.07

Character issue comes to forefront
Scouting has become more than just heights, weights, 40 times and film study.  The character issue has also become a critical factor in player evaluation.
(
Ed Bouchette, scrippsnews.com) 04.23.07

Pass rusher needed
The Vikings leaky pass defense can be traced to a lack of pass-rush pressure, especially off the edge.  But finding one isn't as easy as it sounds.
(Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress) 04.23.07

First-round defensive ends
Here's a look at the team's draft history when it comes to taking defensive ends in the first round.
(PioneerPress) 04.23.07

Rolling the dice
Sometimes the best picks you make are the ones you missed out on.  Case in point:  In 2002 the Vikings wanted North Carolina defensive tackle Ryan Sims, but they had telegraphed their intentions too much and Kansas City traded ahead of the Vikiings to grab him.  In the end, they "settled" for offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, who has clearly turned out to be the better NFL player thus far.
(VikingUpdate) 04.22.07

Picking the scabs on draft prospects
There's more to player evaluation than just what a guy can do on the field.  Especially when what they do off the field interferes with their ability to perform on the field.  Vikings coach Brad Childress calls it "picking the scabs."
(Mark Craig, StarTribune) 04.22.07

Vikings draft preview:  Wide Receivers
Kevin Siefert and Judd Zulgad, of the StarTribune, discuss the wide receiver position in preparation for this coming weekend's NFL draft.
(Audio)(StarTribune) 04.22.07

Vikes may take WR in second round
Speculation continues to mount that the Vikings will draft a wide receiver with their second-round pick.  USC's Steve Smith, his teammate Dwayne Jarrett, South Carolina's Sidney Rice and Ohio State's Anthony Gonzalez are the names most frequently being mentioned.
(Ryan Wilson, aolsportsblog) 04.22.07

Redskins could hold key to Vikings pick at No. 7
The Washington Redskins, picking at No. 6, just in front of the Vikings are perhaps the most likely team to trade down from the top ten.  The 'Skins don't have second-, third- or fourth-round picks so would very much like to add picks.  The most likely scenario is a trade partner (i.e. Buffalo at No. 12, who would trade picks and need to include at least their 2nd-round pick and probably another later pick) who wants to move up to draft Adrian Peterson.  If someone does jump ahead of the Vikings to take Peterson, the good news is LSU safety LaRon Landry is probably there for the taking.  In the second round, South Carolina's Sidney Rice, USC's Steve Smith and Ohio State's Anthony Gonzalez are names being suggested for the Vikings.
(Charley Walters, PioneerPress) 04.22.07

Draft day trades driven by "the chart"
Every slot in the draft has a point value assigned to it and is the foundation for any trade that occurs involving a draft pick.
(Don Seeholzer, PioneerPress) 04.22.07

Wilf's vision is for winning team and first-rate facility
Owner Zygi Wilf wants to build a championship-caliber team on the field and play in a championship-caliber stadium.
(Sid Hartman, StarTribune) 04.21.07

Spielman says team is following their plan
VP of Player Personnel Rick Spielman says the Vikings have signed the kind of players they want who are "up-and-comers" with upside potential opportunities.  VP of football operations Rob Brzezinski admits the team is some $25 million under the salary cap but has a beancounter's explanation for why.  Head coach Brad Childress comments on the recent player visits.
(Sid Hartman, StarTribune) 04.21.07

Childress high on Thomas
You have to like a lot of different players in the draft and count Wisconsin's Joe Thomas among those head coach Brad Childress also likes.  "I think of him as a dancing bear-type of guy," Childress said.  "He has the ability to move his feet and stay with you.  (But) he can change the line of scrimmage by coming off the ball if he doesn't want to dance with you.  He plays with a bright-eyed look. He knows what he wants to accomplish."
(stltoday.com) 04.20.07

Vikings like Peterson
While coach Brad Childress chooses his words carefully, there is no doubt that they have Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson ranked very high on their draft board.
(PioneerPress)(StarTribune) 04.20.07

Brad Childress interview
Head coach Brad Childress was live with P.A. & Dubay on KFAN-AM 1130 today.  Chili answers several Shakespearean-style questions.  Here's the link the audo file.
04.19.07

In depth on Adrian Peterson

USAToday.com
has an in-depth story about Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.  In it, Vikings vice president of player personnel, Rick Spielman, is quoted.  "The big knock on him is his durability issue," Spielman said.  "Because he's a taller back; because he has an upright running style; because he runs 1,000 miles an hour.  Is he going to hold up from a durability standpoint?"  There's also a lot of background info in the article that reveals some of what Peterson has endured off the field.

Will whomever the Browns DON'T take be the choice at No. 7?
Ryan O'Halloran
, of the Washington Times, suggests from talking to Mel Kiper that whomever the Cleveland Browns do NOT take at No. 3 -- Notre Dame's Brady Quinn or Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson -- will likely be on the board for Minnesota at No. 7.  Kiper is also very high on LSU's LaRon Landry, saying "He should be a Pro Bowl caliber player," Kiper says.  "He'll be better than Roy Williams [Cowboys], no question."

Small-college WR among players coming in for visit
Lane College’s Jacoby Jones is reportedly on the list of players in for a visit with the team this week. Jones is not exactly a sleeper anymore, after a strong combine workout and perhaps even better campus workout. Everybody is looking for the next Marques Colston.

Draft prospects drawing Viking interest?
From various sources, here are a few new names of players who are reportedly getting a closer look by Viking scouts: Ohio State DT Quinn Pitcock, East Central (Okla.) PCurtis Lilly and Ohio State WRRoy Hall.  Pitcock, who recorded 39 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and 8 sacks last year, is considered a tough, overachieving, self-made player.  Lilly averaged 45.2 punting last season. Hall caught a modest 13 passes for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns as a senior, but he’s a big target who ran 4.41 and 4.42 forty, posted a 37 ½-inch vertical-jump, 10’3” broad-jump, 4.13 short shuttle, 6.65 three-cone drill and did 19 reps at 225 pounds, during his campus workout on March 10.  He has the raw makings of a prototype WCO receiver.

Vikings would like to spell Taylor more
PFW
reports that the Vikings would like someone to rotate with RB Chester Taylor, who's productivity waned the second half of the season.

Landry high on team's draft board?
According toCharley Walters, of the Pioneer Press, LSU safety LaRon Landry is the team's pick if they hold tight at No. 7 in this year's draft.                                                      

Pre draft preparations
Vice president of player personnel, Rick Spielman, says the Vikings are beginning to slot their draft board and look at various mock draft scenarios.
(Don Seeholzer, Pioneer Press)

Vikings looking at small-college QB?
QB Tyler Thigpen of Coastal Carolina will reportedly visit the Vikings April 11 & 12. Thigpen was a productive small-college quarterback with NFL physical tools. He could be a late-round pick in the team’s plans. He completed 217-of-339 passes (64.0%) for 3,296 yards, 29 TDs and 11 interceptions in 2006.  Thigpen reportedly had a greatworkoutfor scouts, running a 4.73 forty and dazzling scouts with a 68-yard pass into the wind.
(nfldraftscout.com)
(college bio)

Followup on Lowber signing
(phillyburbs.com)(northjersey.com)(scout.com) 04.21.07

The role of character in slotting the draft board

(
PFW) 04.20.07

Vikings take a flyer on college basketball player/track star
The Vikings have signed Todd Lowber, a college basketball and trackstar from Ramapo College in New Jersey to a three-year contract.  The Vikings apparently landed the unknown prospect ahead of the San Francisco 49ers, the Carolina Panthers, the Dallas Cowboys, the St. Louis Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles.  Lowber has the measureables at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, and he reportedly ran under 4.4 and has a 43-inch vertical jump.  Lowber averaged 12.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for two Roadrunner teams that went a combined 42-16 during the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons.  In track, he high-jumped 7'-0 1/2" at the NCAA Division III Championships in 2006 to set a school record and post the #1 jump in Division III that year.  Here's a photo of Lowber with his track coaches from May 2006 after winning the high-jump crown.  He focused on track and played basketball in college, but he also ran a 10.6 100-meters and 21.9 200-meters in high school.  Lowber graduated with a law and society degree.
(StarTribune)(PioneerPress)(Sid Hartman)(ramapo.edu)

Vikings sign WR Cortez Hankton
Don Seeholzer, of the Pioneer Press, reports that the Vikings have signed four-year veteran wide receiver Cortez Hankton to a one-year contract.  Hankton, 26,  has caught 34 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars after making the team as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Southern.  Hankton is another high character person who will bring at least some experience to a largely unproven wide receiver corps.  He's not a blazing fast, home run threat, but he has nice size, contributes on special teams with above-average pass-route skills and run-after-the-catch ability.  Hankton comes across as very articulate, intelligent and mature in this video clip from a lockerroom interview last season by the Florida Times-Union.  According to Kevin Seifert, of the StarTribune, Hankton's deal is worth up to $1 million based on     incentives.  Cleveland, Miami and Jacksonville were also in the running.  There are reports suggesting that Hankton took less money to sign with Minnesota because the opportunity is more wide open for him to get significant playing time with the Vikings.
 
Wilf goes on the record
Owner Zygi Wilf sat down with Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, for a little Q&A on a wide range of topics.  Must read stuff.

Bud offers his opinion on the latest code of conduct in the league
Jim Klobuchar, a longtime columnist for the Minneapolis StarTribune, got a quote or two from legendary Vikings' coach Bud Grant on his take on the recent off-field issues in the league and how things like that might have been handled back in the day.

Q&A with Mike Doss
(Vikings.com)

Kleinsasser restructures contract

(StarTribune)

Pre draft preparations
(Don Seeholzer, Pioneer Press)

Richardson to work on commissioner’s committee
(Kevin Seifert, StarTribune)
(ESPN.com)

Mike Doss signs with Vikings
(Vikings.com)
(Scout.com)
(Access Vikings)
(Vikings Now)
(IndyStar.com)
(about.com)
(espn.com)
(SI.com)
 
Henderson will move to MLB
(Sean Jensen, Pioneer Press)
(Kevin Seifert, StarTribune)