The Official 2007 Vikings Thread.

[Durango53]

Known as a big-play receiver, Robinson was originally a 4th-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears and is now entering his eighth year in the National Football League. Robinson has played in 67 regular season games, including 33 starts, over the past seven seasons. In 1999, he ranked 2nd in the NFC and 4th in the NFL with 1,400 receiving yards on 84 receptions, setting a Bears’ franchise record. After signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2003, Robinson finished the season strongly, catching 22 passes for 375 yards and six touchdowns over the last five games.

Robinson will join a Vikings’ offense that ranked 1st in the NFL in 2003.

“We’re excited to add Marcus to last year’s number one NFL offense,” said Vikings Head Coach Mike Tice. “It gives us an opportunity to stretch the field more with a veteran receiver who has done it before in this league at a high level.”

[Durango53]

Little more than a spare part during his first two years in the league, Minnesota Vikings free safety Brian Russell intercepted nine passes in 2003, tying for the NFL lead. He also started all 16 contests and, more amazingly for a player who spent 2001 on the practice squad and 2002 on special teams, Russell was on the field for all 955 defensive snaps.


For the former deed, Russell commanded some notice, but he still wasn't selected to the NFC Pro Bowl squad. For the latter accomplishment, becoming one of only three non-offensive linemen among the 35 players who participated in every snap in '03, Russell will pocket an additional $114,258 and is the biggest beneficiary in the second year of the league's "performance-based pay" program.


Implemented as part of the 2002 extension to the collective bargaining agreement, the purpose of the PBP program was to establish a fund (with the money coming from league revenues) which primarily supplements salaries of players whose playing time is disproportionate to their compensation. And certainly Russell, who earned a minimum base salary of $300,000 in 2003, was a worthy poster child for precisely how the program is supposed to function.


Then again, Russell had a lot of company, as dozens of young players will soon find PBP checks of $40,000 or more in their mail boxes in the next few weeks.

[Durango53]

The $10.8 million signing bonus that free agent cornerback Antoine Winfield got from the Minnesota Vikings is actually a roster bonus. That means the $10.8 million all counts on this year's cap, and can't be prorated, as a signing bonus could have been. It also means Winfield will have a staggering 2004 salary cap charge of over $12 million.

[Durango53]

S Tyrone Carter agreed to a one-year contract with the Vikings on March 11. Carter, who spent the first three years of his career with the Vikings, was released last week by the Jets, where he played for new defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell.

[Durango53]

WR D'Wayne Bates was released after failing to negotiate a trade with another team. Bates, 28, was signed in 2002 as a restricted free agent to be a big-play threat opposite Randy Moss. He became expendable when the Vikings signed Marcus Robinson last week. In two seasons with the Vikings, Bates caught only 65 passes, dropping from 50 in 2002 to 15 last season. Bates only had eight starts last season. He had only 151 yards in receiving yards and one touchdown.

[Durango53]

MINNEAPOLIS -- A jury was selected for the drunken driving trial of Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenny Mixon after the judge rejected a defense request to throw the case out.

Hennepin County District Judge Regina Chu ruled Wednesday that police acted legally when they stopped Mixon in the early morning of Nov. 18, 2003, in Deephaven. Mixon's attorneys had argued that police had no reason to stop him.

[Durango53]

Some at Winter Park were happy to see Baltimore lose out on receiver Terrell Owens, who went to Philadelphia. The Ravens are hustling to find a receiver. They lost Marcus Robinson to the Vikings last week after they thought they had acquired Owens. The Ravens delayed a swap of picks in the draft last year, and the Vikings fell two spots as a result.

[Durango53]

They plan to bring in Carolina tight end Jermaine Wiggins tonight for a Thursday visit, and they are trying to put together a visit for New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short. Both free agents would be considered bargain signings.

"We're working on some things," Vikings coach Mike Tice said. "We see some things out there we like."

Wiggins appears more likely to end up with the Vikings than Short, because his visit has been arranged. Wiggins has good hands and would fit the role left by the release of Byron Chamberlain. If Wiggins, 29, is signed, he likely would join Jim Kleinsasser in a double tight end set, replacing Hunter Goodwin. Still, the Vikings believe they have a place for Goodwin and could choose to keep him. The Panthers are trying to retain Wiggins.

The Vikings want Short to start at strongside linebacker. Short also is being pursued by Arizona. Washington offered Short a contract, but he turned it down.

The Vikings also are looking for backup linebackers. Pittsburgh linebacker Jason Gildon is available through trade, but he is best suited for 3-4 defenses. Henri Crockett likely would be released if Short is signed.

[Durango53]

Minnesota Vikings: Still flush with more salary cap room than any other team in the NFL, even after an early free agency spending spree, the Vikings continue to put their money to work as they add a few more roster pieces.


The team has reached agreement with a pair of unrestricted free agents, two-time Pro Bowl punter Darren Bennett and tight end Jermaine Wiggins, to address areas of need. Bennett will sign a two-year contract worth $1.9 million. Wiggins will sign a one-year deal, the value of which was not yet known, after rejecting a multi-year offer to remain with the Carolina Panthers.


Acquiring Bennett, who was released by the San Diego Chargers earlier in the offseason, should shore up a punting game that was shaky at times with rookie Eddie Johnson in 2003. Johnson struggled with inconsistency and had two costly fumbles late in the year.


The venerable Bennett, 39, spent all nine previous seasons in the NFL with San Diego. He has lost some of the legendary leg strength he once possessed but is still a viable punter. The native of Sydney, Australia, signed by the Chargers as a free agent in 1995, averaged 41.9 yards gross and 36.2 yards net in 2003.


His career average is 43.8 yards gross and 36.7 yards net. He also has 243 punts inside the opponent 20-yard line and 59 touchbacks.


Wiggins, 29, has just 50 career receptions in four seasons and has never posted more than 16 catches in a year. But the journeyman is known as a winner, having made a big play in Super Bowl XXXVI for the New England Patriots, and made considerable contributions to the Panthers in last year's drive to the title game.


The former University of Georgia standout feels he will prosper in the Minnesota offense, much as former Vikings tight end Byron Chamberlain did three years ago.

[Durango53]

Last year, the Vikings didn't re-sign Tyrone Carter because they thought he didn't have a future as a cornerback. This year, the team brought back Carter because he flourished as a safety with the Jets in 2003 under new Vikings coordinator Ted Cottrell. Carter will be the top backup at both safety spots. He is a hard hitter and solid tackler and has decent quickness. He is also a fine special teams player and can return kicks in a pinch.

[Durango53]

Defensive adjustments

Cottrell is the team's fourth coordinator in four seasons, so there will be more change. But like predecessor George O'Leary, Cottrell believes in an aggressive style. Cottrell has been pigeonholed as a 3-4 coordinator because he ran that scheme with the Bills and had some 3-4 packages with the Jets, but the Vikings will use a 4-3 alignment almost exclusively. Cottrell's defense works best with a strong push from the tackles and ballhawking in the secondary, so the team's personnel fits his scheme. Still, Cottrell is known for building his scheme to fit his talent, and he will let change come naturally instead of forcing his philosophies as other Vikings coordinators have done.

[Durango53]

The team filled its need for a pass-catching tight end by signing free agent Jermaine Wiggins. The Vikings think Wiggins can split the middle of the field, a skill the offense missed after Byron Chamberlain was cut last season because of weight issues. Wiggins will fit nicely with TE Jim Kleinsasser, who is a devastating blocker.

[Durango53]

1. (19) DE Will Smith Ohio St. Very little question that the Vikings will use their top pick on a D-end, and Smith might be most pro-ready on the board. Think he won't fall to No. 19? Look at the teams drafting immediately before the Purple and think again.
2. (50) LB Teddy Lehman Oklahoma Fast (4.55-40) and plays with attitude. Could contribute, if not start, on the weak side this season.
3. (82) G Jeb Terry UNC Perhaps a reach in the third round, but he embodies a Vikings lineman: big (6-5, 313 lbs.) and fast (5.13-40). Could be groomed as David Dixon's successor.
4. (114) CB Jeremy Leseuer Michigan Can play corner or free safety, and also could develop into a solid return specialist.
5. (146) QB Cody Pickett Washington Shaun Hill needs real competition for the No. 3 quarterback job. Pickett is deceptively fast (4.81-40) for his size (6-3, 233), and would be a great pickup if he slips this far.
6. (178) C Scott Wells Tennessee The Vikings would like to replace Cory Withrow. Wells is undersized (6-1) but is a smart player and could quickly become a top-notch backup.
7. (210) RB Bruce Perry Maryland Mike Tice is a sucker for his Terps, but Perry also has tremendous upside if he can get over his injury problems. Will be on the board late, and Tice may throw him a bone.

[Durango53]

Week Date Opponent
Week 1 August 12-14 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 2 August 19-21 at Atlanta Falcons
Week 3 August 26-28 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 4 September 2-5 at Seattle Seahawks

[Durango53]

Mixon convicted of drunken driving
Defensive end Kenny Mixon faces up to a year in jail after being convicted March 22 of drunken driving. A jury also found Mixon, 28, guilty of possessing an open container of alcohol and driving with a revoked license. Hennepin County District Judge Regina Chu set a sentencing date for April 1. Police said Mixon had a blood-alcohol level of 0.19 percent when he was stopped early in the morning of Nov. 18 in Deephaven. Minnesota's legal limit is 0.10 percent. Mixon could be sentenced to serve as much as a year in jail on the drunken driving conviction. He also might have to serve additional 30-day sentences from a prior conviction and revocation of his driver's license. The arrest was his third in 16 months on drunken driving charges.

[Durango53]

Deemed expendable after the Vikings signed free agent Jermaine Wiggins last week, TE Hunter Goodwin, an eight-year veteran, has been released. Goodwin, 31, spent six of his eight seasons in the league with the Vikings, primarily as a blocker. In 119 games, including 54 starts, he totaled just 37 catches for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Goodwin never caught more than eight passes in a season.

[Durango53]

--RB Michael Bennett, a former Big Ten sprint champion at Wisconsin, was going to skip the Vikings' offseason conditioning program to run track. But when the Vikings hired his former personal trainer, Mark Ellis, as assistant strength and conditioning coach, Bennett changed his mind.

[Durango53]

--One of the hardest things coach Mike Tice has had to do this offseason is tell TE Hunter Goodwin he was going to be released. Tice, a former blocking tight end for 16 NFL seasons, had a soft spot for the blue-collar Goodwin. But Goodwin became expendable when the Vikings signed Jermaine Wiggins, who's more versatile than Goodwin. Tice was happy to see Atlanta sign Goodwin three days later.

[Durango53]

PLAYERS ACQUIRED
P Darren Bennett; S Tyrone Carter; DT Steve Martin; WR Marcus Robinson; TE Jermaine Wiggins; CB Antoine Winfield.

PLAYERS LOST
WR D'Wayne Bates; S Jack Brewer; TE Hunter Goodwin; DT Fred Robbins; DE Talance Sawyer.

MEDICAL WATCH
LB Henri Crockett probably won't participate at the beginning of the team's offseason conditioning program. He had shoulder surgery after the 2003 season.

[Durango53]

On Sunday, Sept. 12, the FOX national doubleheader game at 4:15 p.m. ET will feature the Dallas Cowboys at the Minnesota Vikings. Dallas reached the playoffs last season as a wild-card team, while Minnesota narrowly missed the playoffs when it was defeated on the final play of its season in Arizona.

[Durango53]

Minnesota Vikings Opening Game Notes:

Vikings are 16-6 in opening day games at home

1st home opener for coach Tice after opening at Lambeau in 2003, at Memorial Stadium (Champaign) IL in 2002

Last home opener was 2001 vs. Carolina

Played the Cowboys in the 1977 opener at Met Stadium (16-10 overtime loss)

1st time Dallas has been to the Dome since the 1999 Wild Card playoffs (27-10 Vikings win)

Dallas leads all-time series 13-11

Vikings have won the past 4 straight against Dallas (3 regular-season, 1 playoff)

Last meeting was 2000 Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas

This 3:15 game on FOX with former Dallas QB Troy Aikman providing analysis

[Durango53]

Let's say you're going to go out for a nice dinner. Which offensive lineman would you not invite in fear of him running up a huge tab?

Culpepper: I would invite any or all of them. I love those guys. I don't care -- I'll spend $2,000 on a meal if they want to go out.

[Durango53]

Walker gets requested release
Honoring the request of cornerback Denard Walker, the Vikings on March 30 released the seven-year veteran, making him a free agent and able to sign elsewhere. Walker, 30, had signed a four-year, $13.1 million contract with the Vikings only a year ago as a free agent, after he was released by the Broncos for salary cap reasons. His decision to seek a separation from the Vikings came shortly after the team signed unrestricted free agent Antoine Winfield three weeks ago. In the wake of Walker's request to be released, the two sides attempted to negotiate a contract restructuring that might have kept him in Minnesota, but could not come to an accord that adequately addressed each other's needs. Minnesota officials offered Walker in trade talks but several teams, knowing he would be released, opted to wait and try to acquire the cornerback as a free agent instead.

[Durango53]

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenny Mixon was sentenced to 30 days in the county workhouse and 60 days of home monitoring on Thursday after being convicted of drunken driving last month, the prosecutor said.

On March 22, a jury also found Mixon, 28, guilty of possessing an open container of alcohol and driving with a revoked license. The sentences for those offenses were concurrent with the drunken driving sentence.

[Durango53]

Ok who here thinks that Moss is going to have the best year ever for a WR with the new rules on CB? I think he is going to set records with the way the NFL is opening up the passing game. It is almost unfair now with Moss and you add in this new rule with CB's I think Moss is going to be very excited about the upcoming season.

[Durango53]

At the opening general session of the league meetings, a 15-minute highlight reel that ended with Arizona's Nathan Poole's catching a touchdown that knocked the Vikings out of the playoffs was shown. As commissioner Paul Tagliabue began walking to the podium for opening remarks, owner Red McCombs began to heckle the commissioner in a pretty loud voice. At first, some of McCombs' peers thought his badgering was intended as a joke. But as it wore on, with McCombs offering the same complaint he has often suggested, that Poole only had one foot inbounds and that the score should not have counted, it became apparent he was serious.

[Durango53]

BLAINE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs has agreed to share some of the costs incurred by Anoka County and Blaine as they pursue a new $600 million football stadium, County Board chairman Dan Erhart said.

The Vikings agreed to pay about a third of the cost of a $300,000 economic analysis and master plan development document, Erhart said Tuesday.

McCombs met with Erhart and others Friday in San Antonio.

The proposed stadium is part of a larger, $1.1 billion development along I-35, just south of 109th Avenue in Blaine. The Anoka County Board already has committed up to $240 million in countywide general sales taxes to help pay for the stadium.

"We are impressed not only by the depth and extent of their plans but their passion for completing the project," McCombs said in a statement issued by the team. "The Vikings have [been ] from the outset, and remain, uncommitted to a specific site for a new stadium. At the present time, the Anoka County-Blaine proposal is very impressive."

"The Vikings want to remain competitive and our community wants an economic return so we have a mutual interest," Erhart said.

Economic Research Associates, an international consulting firm with headquarters in Los Angeles, will be hired to study potential retail sales, sales taxes, job increases and other economic and fiscal effects of the stadium and mixed-use project.

A bill in the Legislature is seeking a new $500 million Twins stadium and the new Vikings stadium.

[Durango53]

Projections
1. (19) LB D.J. Williams Miami Will Smith's rising stock, combined with the swap made Thursday night by Cincinnati and Denver, mean the Vikings won't get their defensive end in round one. Even if Smith slides out of the top-15 - which looks less likely every day - Denver would scoop him up to replace Bert Berry at No. 17. The Vikings may be able to trade down several picks and still grab Williams. He could push Henri Crockett in training camp for the starting job alongside E.J. Henderson and Chris Claiborne.
2. (50) DE Travis LaBoy Hawaii Antwan Odom probably won't fall this far and Marquise Hill is too much of a gamble. LaBoy is a poor man's Will Smith - a natural pass-rusher who also can stand up as a fourth linebacker. He won't be an every-down player as a rookie - few players are - but he will contribute in Ted Cottrell's new scheme.
3. (82) CB Jeremy Lesueur Michigan The release of Denard Walker frees up a spot in the secondary for a middle-round draft pick who also has potential on special teams. Lesueur broke Desmond Howard's school record for kick-return yards as a junior, averaging 22.4 yards per return (21 yards per return as a senior). He could play cornerback or safety and likely would push for action in dime package as a rookie.
4. (115) G Jeb Terry UNC Terry embodies a Vikings lineman: big (6-5, 313 lbs.) and fast (5.13-40). The Vikings think they can squeeze another year out of David Dixon, but neither Lewis Kelly nor Adam Goldberg has asserted himself as the heir apparent at right guard. Terry has battled some injury problems and tends to wear down, but he's worth taking in the fourth.
5. (151) DE Antonio Smith Oklahoma St. The Purple looks for a diamond in the late-round rough, and Smith fits the bill. A hard-worker who still must improve his conditioning, but is a leader and could contribute against run.
6. (184) QB Jeff Smoker Michigan St. The Purple is willing to take some chances in the late rounds this year, and Smoker certainly is a gamble. He ecovered from a substance-abuse problem his junior year but still possesses great physical skills. Shaun Hill needs competition for the No. 3 quarterback job, and Smoker will mount a tough challenge.
7. (220) RB Ran Carthon Florida The club could grab another offensive lineman - namely a center to replace Cory Withrow - but probably will handle those needs with rookie free agents. The bulky (5'11", 224 lb.) Carthon could be a nice eventual replacement for the aging Moe Williams. Fearless, hard-nosed player who also could make the team on special teams, but stock is rising and could go as early as the fifth round.

[Durango53]

PRE-SEASON
Day/Date Opponent Time (CT)
Sat., Aug. 14 ARIZONA 7:00pm
Fri., Aug. 20 at Atlanta 6:30pm
Fri., Aug. 27 SAN FRANCISCO 7:00pm
Thur., Sept. 2 at Seattle 8:00pm

REGULAR-SEASON
Day/Date Opponent Time (CT)
Sun., Sept. 12 DALLAS 3:15pm
Mon., Sept. 19 at Philadelphia 8:00PM
Sun., Sept. 26 CHICAGO Noon
Sun., Oct. 3 BYE
Sun., Oct. 10 at Houston Noon
Sun., Oct. 17 at New Orleans 7:30pm
Sun., Oct. 24 TENNESSEE Noon
Sun., Oct. 31 NEW YORK Noon
Mon., Nov. 8 at Indianapolis 8:00pm
Sun., Nov. 14 at Green Bay 3:15pm
Sun., Nov. 21 DETROIT Noon
Sun., Nov. 28 JACKSONVILLE Noon
Sun., Dec. 5 at Chicago Noon
Sun., Dec. 12 SEATTLE Noon
Sun., Dec. 19 at Detroit Noon
Fri., Dec. 24 GREEN BAY 2:00pm
Sun., Jan. 2 at Washington Noon

[Durango53]

Date Opponent Notable
9/12 Cowboys Cowboys visit Metrodome for 1st time since 1999…Vikings opened season vs. Dallas one other time, a 16-10 loss in OT vs. Dallas on 9/18/77…Randy Moss has 8 TDs in 4 career games against Cowboys.
9/20 Eagles Vikings’ second trip to Philadelphia since 1992…First game for Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field…2nd MNF matchup for teams.
9/26 Bears 86 games vs. Chicago most of any Vikings opponent…Free agent WR Marcus Robinson faces former teammates.
10/10 Texans First ever game with the Texans…Team’s first trip to Houston since 1986 when they took on the Oilers.
10/17 Saints Vikings visit New Orleans for 3rd time in 4 seasons…TE coach John Tice played 10 seasons for the Saints…1st time on SNF.
10/24 Titans Vikings are 5-1 all-time at home vs. Titans/Oilers…First meeting of the teams since 2001 game at Metrodome…Michael Bennett notched 1st career 100-yard game against Titans in 2001
10/31 Giants Giants visit Metrodome for 4th straight year, marking most consecutive seasons playing between the franchises.
11/8 Colts Colts’ head coach Tony Dungy spent 4 seasons on the Vikings’ coaching staff (1992-95)…Only the Vikings’ second trip to Indianapolis in team history…2nd MNF matchup between teams.
11/14 Packers Vikings won first game at new Lambeau Field in 2003 opener.
11/21 Lions Minnesota has more wins against Detroit than any other opponent…Vikings have won 6 in a row at the Metrodome vs. Detroit…Mike Tice’s 1st win came vs. Detroit in 2002.
11/28 Jaguars Former Viking LB and Jaguars’ head coach Jack Del Rio returns to the Metrodome…Only 3rd game vs. Jaguars in team history.
12/5 Bears Randy Moss had career-high 204 yards at Soldier Field in 1999.
12/12 Seahawks Vikings take on Seahawks for 3rd straight season…Mike Tice played 10 years in Seattle and Rusty Tillman coached 16 seasons there…Teams will also meet in preseason finale.
12/19 Lions Vikings are 2-0 at Detroit’s Ford Field… Corey Chavous has an interception in 4 straight games against Detroit.
12/24 Packers All-time series deadlocked…Teams have split the season series the past 3 years.
1/2 Redskins Team’s first visit to Washington since 1993 and first game at FedEx Field.…Mike Tice faces former coach Joe Gibbs, who he played for with the Redskins in 1989…Rusty Tillman played 8 years in Washington and named to 70th anniversary team.

[Durango53]

So far my pick is 11-5

[Durango53]

Vikings Cheerleaders Tryouts
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/BrandiLaura.jpg


Laura at the 2004 MVC Tryouts
Monday, April 12, 2004


Hi Vikings fans! My name is Laura, and I am a 2 year veteran of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, auditioning for what could hopefully be my third year. Open auditions were held on Saturday, April 10, and this year the competition was very steep! There were many talented and beautiful women who arrived at Winter Park to audition. Tami, Head Coach of the MVCs, asked me to talk to some women about their thoughts on the auditioning process and why they wanted to be an MVC.
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/AmyKatie.jpg
Amy and Katie -Amy (in purple top) and Katie (In pink top)

(On why she wanted to audition for the team)
Amy: "At the audition workshop I watched the video of everyone running out of the tunnel and it would be such an amazing experience to cheer at Vikings games."

(On why she wanted to audition for the team)
Katie: "This is something that I love to do. I love performing and being in front of an audience, and this would be a great way to meet new friends."
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/JaimyAllisonNicole.jpg
Jaimy, Allison and Nicole
-Jaimy (in white top), Allison (in purple top and black shorts) and Nicole (in purple top and purple shorts)

(On why she wanted to audition for the team)
Allison: "I thought it would be a great experience. It would help me grow as a dancer, team member and leader."

At the end of the day, there were 53 women remaining who are heading to the two week long training camp. These next two weeks will be intense as we prepare for our final show at the Mall of America on April 27. Come out and see who the next 30 MVC will be!

http://www.vikings.com/media/images/2003MVCs.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/AmandaGirls.jpg

[Durango53]

http://www.vikings.com/media/images/EricaHair.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/JenaeGenaMarenHeather.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/JosanLaura.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/LauraBridgett.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/LauraErica.jpg

[Durango53]

http://www.vikings.com/media/images/LauraGenaAcacia.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/LauraHeidi.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/MarenLauraAcacia.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/RachelBridgett.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/media/images/RachelMelissaLindsey.jpg

[Durango53]

Sorry Nanner no dudes tryed out...

[Durango53]

Statement from Red McCombs
Tuesday, April 6, 2004


Red McCombs issued the following statement today: “We had a very productive two hour meeting on Friday, April 2nd, with Dan Erhart, Steve Novak, and Frank Dunbar all of whom represent Anoka County and the City of Blaine. We discussed their plans and proposals for a new Vikings stadium as the centerpiece for a major economic development in Anoka County. We are impressed not only by the depth and extent of their plans but their passion for completing the project.”

“The Vikings have from the outset, and remain, uncommitted to a specific site for a new stadium. At the present time, the Anoka County/Blaine proposal is very impressive. We shall continue to monitor the legislation and the plans in the coming weeks. Our primary objective is to occupy a stadium that will allow the Vikings to remain competitive.”

[Durango53]

While so many teams are looking to move up in this year's draft, the Vikings once again are talking about moving down so they can capture more picks in the top three or four rounds. "We like this draft," coach Mike Tice said. "It's talented and deep at a lot of positions."

OH NO THEY ARE SETTING THEM SELFS UP AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:no: :no: :no: They are going to mess up again and mess around by trying to trade this pick and other teams are going to screw them over and make a fool of the Vikings drafting again....... What not only do we have to deal with the Vikings being the biggest flop in the post season but now they will mess up every draft.........


JUST TAKE THE PICK AND RUN UP THERE THE SECOND THAT YOU ARE ON THE CLOCK AND DROP YOUR PICK!!!!!!!!!

[Obri]

Ah, cheerleader tryouts. My favourite part of the football season.:D

Go Vikes.:cool:

[Durango53]

Dan you need to see if you can be a judge for next season.... You could be the guy with the cool accent in the Vikings cheerleader camp that just has to sit there and watch them and then give your thoughts....

[Durango53]

The Vikings will be back on Monday night this season after a two-year absence, when they travel to NFC runner-up Philadelphia and AFC runner-up Indianapolis. The Vikings play at the Eagles on Sept. 20 and at the Colts on Nov. 8 in nationally televised games on ABC. They will also visit New Orleans for a Sunday night game on ESPN Oct. 17 for a total of three prime-time games on the 2004 NFL schedule, which was released on April 14. "This schedule was made in heaven," said owner Red McCombs. "Five nationally televised games is to die for. Our fans could not have a better slate of games to watch."

[Durango53]

The Oakland Raiders signed free agent cornerback Denard Walker on Thursday.

[Durango53]

Restricted free agent Eric Kelly, a three-year veteran who in 2003 failed to start a game for the first time in his career, has re-signed with the Vikings. Kelly signed a one-year contract worth $628,000, the value of the qualifying offer the Vikings made to him two months ago. A third-round pick in the 2001 draft Kelly has never missed a game, making 48 straight appearances. He started a combined 23 games his first two seasons, but played strictly as a reserve and on special teams in 2003.

[Durango53]

Vikings, Pierce can't agree
Talks broke off between Redskins linebacker Antonio Pierce and the Vikings on Friday evening, ending Minnesota's hope of landing a linebacker from the restricted free agent market. By mid afternoon, the two sides were close to an agreement on an offer sheet. Pierce didn't sign it. Instead, he debated whether it would be better to stay with the Redskins or sign with the Vikings. For now, he will stay with the Redskins with a salary of $628,000. The Vikings have only seven linebackers on the roster, including middle linebacker Greg Biekert, who is considering retirement.

[Durango53]

Minnesota Vikings -- Antwan Odom, DE, Alabama. This team needs pass-rush help, and Odom is the guy they think can give it to them.
I dont know I would still love for them to get Chris Gamble if he is still there. I just feel that they could have one of the best backfields if they get this young kid. And then try to get a DE in the second round. But there is also the need for LB's. It will be intresting to see who and what the Vikings do this year. Heck they might not even put there first round pick in until the second round this year... :)

[Durango53]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- A well-known local name was among the 15 college free agents the Minnesota Vikings signed after Sunday's draft: St. John's wide receiver Blake Elliott.

Elliott helped lead the Johnnies to the Division III national title last season and was part of head coach John Gagliardi's historic run to becoming college football's winningest coach. Elliott had another offer from Baltimore, but he said he'd probably have a better shot to make an NFL roster in Minnesota.

"It's nice to be close to home," said Elliott, the winner of the Gagliardi Trophy as the best player in Division III.

Elliott -- an effective rusher in college -- will try to impress the Vikings coaches as a returner.

"It would be tough for someone at my level to come in and expect to make an impact at the receiver route," he said. "Now it is just up to me to get into camp and force the team to cut me. I am going to make it hard for the Vikings to get rid of me."

The Vikings also signed another player of regional interest: Augustana (S.D.) safety Ben Nauman.

[Durango53]

BE LIKE BO? HOW ABOUT 'NO':@ Mewelde Moore, one of the Vikings' fourth-round draft picks, says he used to look up to NFL players like Walter Payton and Bo Jackson.

Moore is a little more like Bo.

Like Jackson, Moore is a two-sport athlete in football and baseball. Moore was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2000 Major League Baseball draft.

He was an outfielder for three seasons in the team's minor league system, although he said he didn't play much and was taken off the team's prospect list when he decided to stay in college.

So Moore has no problem with calling it quits for his baseball career.

"I'm a Viking," Moore said. "I'm in purple and gold and that is what I bleed now."

Moore's best chance to make the roster will likely be as a special teams player. The Vikings backfield is already crowded with the likes of Michael Bennett, Moe Williams and Onterrio Smith.

Even though Moore didn't return too many kicks in college, Tice said he would immediately plug him in as a kick returner.

"I might get a chance to do a little bit of everything," Moore said. "Whatever it is, I am going to do it wholeheartedly at full speed."

[Durango53]

INQUISITIVE UDEZE:@ First-round pick Kenechi Udeze quickly made himself at home at Winter Park.

Besides donning his new No. 95 jersey and meeting local media members, Udeze sat in on a conference call with Pete Carroll, his old coach at USC, and started firing questions. He asked two questions before Carroll figured out what was going on, drawing laughter from the room of reporters.

"He's been a great kid," Carroll said.

The coach had one last piece of advice for his former player, telling him to invest in a heavy coat for the harsh Minnesota winters.

[Durango53]

S.O.D. PART II?:@ Rod Davis stole a page from Onterrio Smith's book.

It was barely a year ago that the Vikings drafted Smith, a running back from Oregon who fell to the fourth round and later gave himself the nickname "S.O.D." or "Steal of the Draft."

Like Smith did last season, Davis will come to Minnesota with a chip on his shoulder.

"I believe they got the biggest steal in the draft and I'm going to go in and prove that," Davis said Sunday. "Then they'll really realize that they got a steal and I'm going to prove all those teams wrong that didn't take me."

[Durango53]

FAMILIAR FACES:@ Nat Dorsey and Jeff Dugan already have a couple of Vikings connections.

Dorsey, the team's fourth-round choice, was recruited to play at Georgia Tech by former Yellow Jackets coach George O'Leary. O'Leary was the Vikings' defensive coordinator and assistant head coach the last two seasons before taking the Central Florida head coaching job this past winter.

Dorsey also played with Vikings receiver Kelly Campbell and defensive end Nick Rogers at Georgia Tech.

"It helps to have some people that you know there," Dorsey said. "They weren't too far removed when I got there, so it is going to help me a little bit better with the transition."

Dugan, the Vikings' seventh-round pick, played with third-string quarterback Shaun Hill and linebacker E.J. Henderson at Maryland.

[Durango53]

Pick 20. Minnesota Vikings: Kenechi Udeze *| DE | USC
Udeze, who slipped because of rumors of a shoulder injury, was a top-10 pick on a lot of teams' boards, and the Vikings managed to get him while also squeezing a second-round pick out of the Dolphins by threatening to take Carey at 19.

[Durango53]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Dontarrious Thomas, the Minnesota Vikings' second-round pick out of Auburn, is expected to start at weak-side linebacker.

He will work with the first-team defense when minicamp begins in May.

Chris Claiborne is moving to the strong side, Henri Crockett is recovering from shoulder surgery and Nick Rogers is switching to defensive end.

"I hate to tell and just put guys right in because we kill the motivation of the guys already here," new defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell said. "We've made him a second-round pick for a reason."

Coach Mike Tice cautioned that Thomas will begin at the bottom of the depth chart and have to work his way up. The Southeastern Conference's Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2003, Thomas graduated with a degree in management information systems and is a hard-hitter who played middle linebacker as a senior.

"I know he's very sharp," Cottrell said.

Thomas was happy to hear the Vikings moved up two spots to get him, trading their fifth-round choice to New Orleans.

"I want to thank them for that," Thomas said. "That shows they have faith in me and my ability."

[Durango53]

BIEKERT'S STATUS:@ The Vikings are still waiting on Greg Biekert to make a decision on his future, but it appears likely that he will retire. His family lives in California, and the time spent away from them during the season has been tough.

E.J. Henderson, last year's second-round pick, is ready to take over as the starter at middle linebacker.

"He really held down the fort for us for two years," Tice said, "but it's very, very hard when you have three beautiful children and they're in one city and you're here in another city."

[Durango53]

GETTING DEFENSIVE:@ For the first time since 2000, the Vikings used their first three draft picks on defense -- and Cottrell was beaming about it.

After taking Udeze and Thomas, the Vikings selected Ohio State defensive end Darrion Scott. He's a versatile player with quick feet and experience at tackle who dropped -- like Udeze -- because of concerns about a shoulder injury.

Tice said Scott also had a reputation for treating work in the training room lightly, and he was confident the team's leaders on the defensive line could set him straight.

"I think they'll teach him what this league is all about," Tice said.

Kenny Mixon is the starter at left end, with Rogers and Lance Johnstone entering the spring as situational players. Mixon's status isn't certain, due to his latest drunken driving conviction that could bring a four-game suspension from the league.

If Mixon were to be unavailable, defensive line coach Brian Baker said Udeze has the size and strength to play left end just as effectively as the right side.

[Durango53]

ROGERS SWITCH PERMANENT?:@ With Udeze at end, Rogers -- who started four of the last five games in 2003 at strong-side linebacker -- could find himself squeezed for playing time.

But whether he remains at end or returns to linebacker, the Vikings will find room on the field for Rogers -- who ranked second on the team with 24 special-teams tackles and also had six quarterback hurries.

[Durango53]

SUNDAY'S SELECTIONS:@ After making three trades on Saturday, the Vikings netted an extra pick for Sunday. They now have the No. 115 and No. 119 picks in the fourth round; the No. 155 pick in the fifth round; the No. 184 pick in the sixth round; and the No. 220 pick in the seventh round.

[Durango53]

^HOW DO YOU SAY THAT AGAIN?:@ Udeze's name is pronounced kuh-NEH'-shee yoo-DEH'-zah. The name Kenechi means "God's love will always be with me."
:wave1:

[Durango53]

OVERHEARD:@ Tice, in his address at the draft party, sold Udeze to fans as a player who "brings us one step closer to what you all deserve."

And that would be?

"No, no, it's not another beer," Tice told the crowd of 3,800, which had no shortage of access to refreshments. "A Super Bowl ring."
:beer:

[Durango53]

2004 VIKINGS DRAFT PICKS
RD(PK) NAME POS SCHOOL
1(20) KENECHI UDEZE DE USC
2(16) DONTARRIOUS THOMAS ILB AUBURN
3(25) DARRION SCOTT DE OHIO STATE
4(19) NAT DORSEY OT GEORGIA TECH
4(23) MEWELDE MOORE RB TULANE
5(23) ROD DAVIS ILB SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
6(19) DEANDRE' EILAND S SOUTH CAROLINA
7(19) JEFF DUGAN TE MARYLAND

[Durango53]

Great draft day it looks like for the Vikings!!! Man I wish I could have watched this..... I was so pissed when I heard they drafted a hurt player but then I read into it and loved the pick and I have heard a few interviews with him and love his additude!!!! This kid sounds great and it is great to see them grab a solid D-lineman!!!

Also I would love the move with this line of Hovan, Williams, Udeze and mix in Mixion and I will love to see Rogers playing end also. With Rogers playing end on 3rd down I think the Vikings can get some hard and FAST pressure on the QB. Hovan alway gets double teamed and sometimes triple teamed but teams cant do that now. Williams will have to get some attation now. He will have a great year even better than last year if not and show that he should have been ROY last year. Add in Udeze with that line and you have a great D-Line that many people was saying could have been the best in the NFC North last year. Mix in Mixion and Rogers and I love what we are looking at.

CB has gotten better and we saw last year when the D-line got pressure on the QB the CBs we had last year did a great job add in we got a hard hitting guy that might not get the INT but shuts guys down with the Saftys we have now I love what the Vikings are doing.
How about LB's. I would love for the Vikings to use some of there money and get Ian Gold and have him with that LB core but the Linebackers are getting faster and will be able to do more this year than years past. But would still love to see Gold in there.

And the offense will be just as great if not better. Having 3 guys that can run deep two that can jump better than most in the NFL and one small guy that is just gas and run run run that no one can keep up with and then a add in Nate and Klen the offense should set some records for offense....

I CANT WAIT FOR FOOTBALL THIS YEAR!!!!!!! VIKING FOOTBALL THAT IS!!!!!!


It kind of makes me wonder how they are going to crush us this year????

[Durango53]

Winners from John Clayton

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings are loading up on the defensive line. Adding Kenechi Udeze to the defensive line gives the Vikings one of the better young front fours in the game. Isn't that what the Carolina Panthers did in building to a Super Bowl run? Linebacker Dontarrious Thomas helps a thin linebacking corps that was down to six players with the pending retirement of Greg Biekert.
Everyone is talking about the front four the Vikings are getting.... Love it!!!!

[>TC<]

Back in the old days, when Chris Doleman and Keith Millard put major heat on QB's, the CB's thrived. When you only have to cover a guy for 4 seconds vs. 10, it makes a heck of a difference. Build from the front back and you've got yourself a DEFENSE.

The Vikes are on their way to having a top 5 offense, combined with a top 10 Defense.


TC

[Durango53]

TC you make me dream of the good old days. Nova was a young punks fav player. Back when the Vikings had a great defense and a bad offense.... And then they did that trade where they traded away half the team and a hockey team for Walker!!!! But I love what the Vikes are doing and think good things are coming for them quick...

[Durango53]

Apr. 28
Signed the following free agents: linebackers Gino Capone, Jeff Mack, and Grant Wiley; wide receivers Lane Danielsen, Blake Elliott and Omar Jenkins; guard Anthony Herrera; defensive tackles Spencer Johnson and Jeff Womble; quarterback Matt Kegel; safety Ben Nauman; long snapper Cullen Loeffler; kicker Dan Orner; tight end Richard Owens; tackle Alan Reuber; and running back Butchie Wallace.

[Durango53]

Kenechi Udeze

Analysis

Positives: Has a compact, thick frame with good overall muscle tone, powerful-looking legs and thighs and well-developed arms ... Shows a sudden burst off the snap and has the strength to sit and anchor at the point of attack ... Simply defeats the larger blockers when coming off the edge (too fast to contain in isolated coverage) ... Quick to react and flow to the ball, staying low in his pads to better utilize his power when plugging the rush lanes ... Very aggressive with his hands, generally rocking blockers back with his rip and club moves ... Has above average lateral agility to pursue the plays coming from the back side ... Keeps his feet and displays excellent change of direction agility to move through traffic and make plays laterally ... Stays in control and is difficult to knock down due to his wide, strong leg base ... Solid tackler who will not hesitate to face up and wrap tackle, doing an excellent job of bringing his hips to drive through the ball carrier ... His exceptional closing burst will always find him around the ball and is evident in the way he constantly forces the quarterback out of the alignment ... Has a great short area burst, but is also equally effective accelerating in long pursuit ... Uses his arms effectively to keep separation and has the body control to plant and redirect on the move ... Quick to read blocking schemes, using a variety of moves (rip, swim, club, jerk) with his long arms to combat blocks en route to the quarterback ... Will usually be in great position to make the plays ... His strong arms and superb leg drive allows him to attack ball carriers with a vengeance ... Keeps his head on a swivel and is very alert when penetrating the backfield ... His bull rush is quite effective in attempts to collapse the pocket ... Despite a high motor, he is well-coached and knows to stay in control ... Has impeccable character and a strong desire to improve ... Will make the extra effort in practices, the weight room and film room to make sure that he succeeds.
High Motor?!?!??! Man oh man they got three guys on the line that are high motor I like what the Vikes are doing. They are going to have one fast car on defense I hope this year!!!

[Durango53]

While the Vikings beefed up their defensive line with fresh young talent on Day 1 of the draft, veteran tackle Chris Hovan continues an offseason routine he hopes will make him a better player, a team leader and avoid a recurrence of what even he now admits was a dismal 2003 season.

Hovan bought a condo in San Diego, started taking martial arts and has sought advice from perennial Pro Bowl players Junior Seau and John Lynch, who became his workout partners at a popular facility in Southern California.

Hovan also has dropped 13 pounds. He played most of the 2003 season at 308. His best years came when he was at his current 295.

"I got caught up in wanting to bulk up and get stronger," Hovan said. "I lost what made me one of the best players, and that's being the fastest defensive lineman off the ball in the league. I'm still plenty strong enough at 295."

Hovan also vows to tone down his trash talking. Although he has made a name for himself nationally because of a running two-year feud with Packers quarterback Brett Favre, Hovan now admits it was a distraction.

"The whole media thing with Brett (Favre) was a mistake," Hovan said. "I didn't need to do that. There were just a whole bunch of factors outside the game that I did last year that didn't help me become a better player.

"I'm still going to be Chris Hovan -- crazy and out there. But I realize more that I should just shut up and play football. Let my actions speak for themselves."

Hovan, the Vikings' first pick in 2000, is one of three first-rounders the Vikings will start on the defensive line this season. Tackle Kevin Williams (2003) and right end Kenechi Udeze (2004) are the others.

[Durango53]

DRAFT REVIEW -- The mood at Winter Park on draft day couldn't have been more different this year than it was a year ago.

In 2003, Vikings coach Mike Tice was booed heartily while addressing thousands of fans at a draft day party at team headquarters. The Vikings, in an attempt at a last-minute trade with Baltimore, had allowed their allotted time to run out. They dropped two spots, from No. 7 to No. 9, before finally selecting defensive tackles Kevin Williams.

It was the second year in a row the Vikings let the clock run out and were jumped in the first round.

So you can understand why Tice was given a standing ovation Saturday when he stepped to the podium to announce the team had filled its biggest need with (right defensive end Kenechi Udeze of Southern Cal) while trading down one spot (to No. 20) and picking up an extra fourth-round pick. And they made the pick with more than 10 minutes left on their clock.

"Well, that's a lot better than last year," Tice said over the roaring crowd. "What we didn't show you in the draft room is we had about 30 clocks in there."

Although drafts are hard to grade until years later, the Vikings appear to get a passing grade.

On Day 1, they added an immediate starter (Udeze) at a key need in the first round, a soon-to-be starter (Auburn weak-side linebacker Dontarrious Thomas) at their biggest position of need in the second round and versatile depth on the defensive line (Ohio State's Darrion Scott) in the third round.

"Build that defense," said smiling defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. "We don't need any more Randy Mosses."

The Vikings are pretty much set on offense. On Day 2, they addressed their lack of depth on the offensive line by adding 6-7, 323-pound Nat Dorsey, a junior from Georgia Tech.

Then, for the most part, it was back to building a defense that collapsed down the stretch after a 6-0 start in 2003. Southern Mississippi middle linebacker Rod Davis (fifth round) provides much-needed depth behind E.J. Henderson, while South Carolina's Deandre' Eiland (sixth round) can play nickel back, safety and help out on special teams.

The Vikings strayed from their plan not to take a running back. Using the fourth-round pick they acquired in the first-round trade with Miami, the Vikings selected Tulane's Mewelde Moore, the most productive pass-catching receiver available.

The Vikings stuck to their philosophy of taking only highly-productive college players. Udeze had 16.5 sacks for the co-national champions last season; Thomas ranks eighth in Auburn history with 350 tackles; Scott had 8.5 sacks during Ohio State's 2002 national championship season; Moore is one of only two players in NCAA Division I-A history with 4,000 yards rushing and 2,000 receiving; and Davis led the nation in total tackles and solo tackles last season.

The biggest concerns about the Vikings' draft are the shoulder injuries Udeze and Scott suffered last season. Udeze had a sprained rotator cuff and Scott a torn labrum.

Neither missed any playing time because of the injury. They insist they're 100 percent, and the Vikings' medical staff cleared them. But the injury concerns did drop Udeze from a projected top-10 selection to No. 20, while Scott fell from a second-round projection into the third round. If the Vikings are right and the injuries aren't serious, then maybe coach Mike Tice was right about the draft when he said, "I don't see how it could have gone any better for us."

[Durango53]

A closer look at the Vikings' first-day picks:

Round 1/20 -- Kenechi Udeze, DE, 6-3, 281, Southern California

The Vikings were able to fill a huge need -- an every-down right defensive end -- get the player they say was at the top of their board at the time and add a fourth-round pick in a trade that moved them down one spot in a trade with Miami. The plan worked because Rob Brzezinski, Vikings vice president of football operations, is a former Dolphins executive. He still has friends in Miami. When the Dolphins assured Brzezinski they would not select Udeze or trade the pick -- they ended up picking University of Miami guard Vernon Carey -- the Vikings moved. Miami made the deal because the Vikings were shopping it to other teams that coveted Carey. A fourth-round pick for the Vikings is huge. Under Tice, they've added a starting cornerback (Brian WilliamsBrian Williams) and a heavy contributor at running back (Onterrio Smith) in the fourth rounds. Udeze had 16.5 sacks for co-national champion USC last season. The only question mark is a lingering shoulder injury. The Vikings' medical staff said it isn't a concern.

Round 2/48 -- Dontarrious Thomas, OLB, 6-2, 241, Auburn

The Vikings were so excited when Thomas began falling to them in the second round, they traded up two spots with New Orleans to assure themselves of an eventual starter at weak-side linebacker. The Vikings gave the Saints their fifth-round pick. Thomas is a fast, physical player who had a productive career at Auburn. His 350 career tackles are eighth in school history. He also made the All-Southeastern Conference academic honor roll three times, so learning the defense quickly enough to start in 2004 shouldn't be a problem. In two picks, the Vikings, at least on paper, filled their two greatest needs. While Udeze was named the starter at right end immediately, coach Mike Tice said Thomas will start "at the back of the line" at weak-side linebacker and work his way up. The tentative starter there is second-year pro Mike Nattiel, a 6-foot, 227-pound sixth-round draft pick who was a nickel linebacker last season. Nick Rogers, the starter at the end of last season, was moved to defensive end, although he may move back since the Vikings selected two defensive ends on the first day of the draft.

Round 3/88 -- Darrion Scott, DE, 6-3, 285, Ohio State

To recoup the fifth-round pick they lost in the deal to get Thomas, the Vikings rolled the dice and moved down six spots in a trade with Baltimore in the third round. Like Udeze, Scott has a shoulder injury that scared some teams. The Vikings aren't concerned after examining the shoulder. The Vikings said they had Scott as the top-ranked player in the second round. When he fell into the third round, they decided the risk-reward was too great. Scott is a versatile lineman who played end during Ohio State's national championship season two years ago and tackle in 2003. He had 8.5 sacks and a key fumble recovery in the national title game two years ago. He hurt his shoulder against Penn State last season, but didn't miss any action. Scott will not be a starter, but will add depth to the defensive line rotation. He will compete with veterans Billy Lyon and Chuck Wiley for two likely spots in the backup rotation at left end and tackle. The Vikings need an upgrade over Lyon and Wiley.

[Durango53]

--First-round draft pick Kenechi Udeze pulled a trick on his college coach, USC's Pete Carroll, during Carroll's conference call with Twin Cities reporters. Disguising his voice slightly and identifying himself as a "Minneapolis Tribune" reporter, Udeze, who was at Vikings headquarters, started asking Carroll questions. After Carroll's glowing comment, Udeze asked, "Never a head case? No off-the-field problems?" Carroll said, "Oh, no" and went on to describe how great Udeze is off the field. Udeze then said, "Sounds like a good kid." The room finally erupted in laughter, causing Carroll to say, "Why, is he there?"
This is funny!!! This guy sounds great I cant wait to see him play!!!

[Durango53]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday their completed list of college free agents signed following the weekend's draft.

They are linebacker Gino Capone (Penn State), wide receiver Lane Danielsen (Iowa State), wide receiver Blake Elliott (St. John's), guard Anthony Herrera (Tennessee), wide reciever Omar Jenkins (Notre Dame), defensive tackle Spencer Johnson (Auburn), quarterback Matt Kegel (Washington State), tight end/long snapper Cullen Loeffler (Texas), linebacker Jeff Mack (Wisconsin), free safety Ben Nauman (Augustana, S.D.), kicker Dan Orner (North Carolina), tight end Richard Owens (Louisville), offensive tackle Alan Reuber (Texas A&M), running back Butchie Wallace (Marshall), linebacker Grant Wiley (West Virginia) and defensive tackle Jeff Womble (Florida State).

[Durango53]

http://www.vikings.com/Media/images/The2004MVCHeadShots.jpg
The 2004 MVCs Announced Today
Wednesday, April 28, 2004


Audition Number & Name

2 Beth
38 Melissa
44 Laura
46 Maren
10 Jenae
19 Erin
32 Erica
1 Stephanie
11 Lindsey
16 Gena
40 Brandi
39 Jody
3 Kim
4 Courtney
48 Acacia
35 Rachel
25 Heidi
23 Katie
5 Sigourney
20 Keri
34 Kelly
47 Theresa
18 Alli
51 Heather
33 Heather
31 Allison
36 Pam
45 Brianna
27 Kara

[Durango53]

Even before the draft officially concludes with the choice of "Mr. Irrelevant," most teams usually begin trolling for free-agent candidates. And given that Wiley had recorded 492 tackles as a four-year starter for the Mountaineers, including 300 combined tackles in his final two seasons, it is not surprising that the gritty middle 'backer had multiple suitors.


Yet as Wichard and Wiley quickly assessed the opportunities, thumbing through rosters and trying to determine which proposal offered the best fit, the Minnesota Vikings began to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.


Some of that advantage came from the fact that the Vikings' pitch included a signing bonus of $15,000, notably higher than those offered by other clubs interested in bringing Wiley to camp. It didn't hurt the Vikings' case, either, that incumbent middle linebacker Greg Biekert is set to retire, that heir apparent E.J. Henderson still faces some offseason legal difficulties, and that veteran Henri Crockett likely will be released before camp.


"But maybe the factor that most swayed (Wiley) to Minnesota is that the guy who called us was (vice president of football operations) Rob Brzezinski," recalled Wichard earlier this week. "A lot of teams might have some assistant in the personnel office hitting the phones. Most teams have their scouts calling around. Instead, here we were cutting right through all the red tape, talking with the guy who could make the decision. So, yeah, it meant something that Rob was the voice on the other end of the line."


It might not be that way, certainly, in all cases. But the feisty Wiley, whose lack of size and borderline speed probably kept him from being chosen, was considered a "priority free agent" on many draft boards. It was the Vikings, though, who went the extra mile. And when it comes to lining up free agents, a onetime afterthought that has evolved now into a frenetic scramble, Minnesota has become one of several clubs adroit in the recruiting process.
:thumbsup:

[Durango53]

Free safety Brian Russell, who tied for the NFL lead in interceptions in 2003, has re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings.


But his $380,000 salary for 2004 on a one-year deal, the league minimum for a player with two seasons of experience, is hardly commensurate with the contributions Russell made in his first season as a starter. The former undrafted free agent from San Diego State won the No. 1 job in camp, started all 16 games, and had nine interceptions, 10 passes defensed and 95 tackles.


Despite that performance, and plenty of salary cap room, the Vikings did not offer Russell a multi-year contract. Since he was an "exclusive rights" free agent, a player with fewer than three seasons accrued toward the pension, Russell could not negotiate with other clubs and had little choice but to sign the Minnesota proposal.

[Durango53]

After skipping the first month of the team's offseason conditioning program, because he got married and was taking classes toward a degree in kinesiology, Russell reported to the team's complex this week for workouts.

[Durango53]

CLAYTON: OFFSEASON IMPROVEMENTS
This was the offseason the Vikings needed to continue to close the gap with the Packers in the NFC North. Drafting Kenechi Udeze, a big pass-rushing defensive end, was a bonus. Now, instead of using undersized Nick Rogers on early downs, Udeze can join Kevin Williams, Chris Hovan and Kenny Mixon on one of the league's best young lines. Steve Martin was another tough tackle added to the defensive line rotation. Wide receiver Marcus Robinson is a big threat on the other side of Randy Moss. Antoine Winfield added a proven cornerback. Punter Darren Bennett will help with field position now that he's kicking indoors.

[Durango53]

Wily veteran Greg Biekert spent last season mentoring the Vikings' second-round draft pick, preparing Henderson to take over as the starting middle linebacker. With Biekert retiring last week after 11 seasons in the NFL, Henderson began adjusting to the defensive leadership role during the weekend minicamp.

The responsibilities are significant for a guy who played mostly in third-down situations and on special teams as a rookie, not only because Henderson is taking over for a reliable veteran but also because he will have to help mold an inexperienced linebacking corps. He has the added pressure of a pending drunken-driving case hovering like a dark cloud, not to mention the fact he is quiet, although first-year defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell says he noticed Henderson communicating well on the field in minicamp.

[Durango53]

Randy Moss chilled out on his sofa for most of the past three months. The Vikings' star wide receiver, however, doesn't think that did much to heal his sore left foot, so he has resigned himself to the fact that he might have to play in pain some, or all, of this season.
"He's got a real mild case of it right now," team trainer Chuck Barta said Friday evening after watching Moss perform in two practices during the first day of minicamp at Winter Park. "It's getting better. Normally, (these types of injuries) just go away. … But you don't want to push the envelope or else it becomes a problem."
Moss, who has never missed a regular-season or playoff game in his six-year NFL career, approached Tice as if this were the middle of October.

"I said, 'Am I playing the first game against Dallas?' " said Moss, who was asked not to participate in a developmental camp earlier in the week, but did anyway. "He said, 'You're ——— right you are.' I said, 'OK, then, we'll leave it at that.' "

Moss said he was eager to play after having "sat on my fat (butt)" for so long.

[Durango53]

Moss said the Vikings' trade discussions in March didn't faze him.

"I'm a football player," he said. "I love this game, and wherever I play at and whatever helmet I put on, I'm going to play. So it doesn't matter if I'm a Viking or a Cincinnati Bengal. It doesn't really matter to me. I love playing here, and I love coming to work each morning."

[Durango53]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Michael Bennett is healthy and in fine form. Now, the Minnesota Vikings are eager to get a full season out of their top runner. "Bennett looks fantastic," coach Mike Tice said.
Though Bennett's absence was a major worry last summer, it hardly caused a ripple. The Vikings finished with the top-ranked offense in the league, and veteran Moe Williams had a career season as the featured back.

[Obri]

So Durango, what's happening with my favourite, uh, NFL team? :hmm:

:D

[Durango53]

So Durango, what's happening with my favourite, uh, NFL team? :hmm:

:D
Well Dan just above here the cheerleaders (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showpost.php?p=265575&postcount=570) was posted on who made it. No bios yet that should come in the next month or two as the NFL teams start to gear up. As they say in the US now.

Baseball is Americas past time but Football is Americas passion!!!

[Obri]

Forgive that oversight on my part, Durango. You're doing a fine job. :cool:

Go Vikes. :thumbsup:

[Durango53]

Orbi I have never been to a Viking home football game. I have always saw them on the road. You and I have to get to one someday.

[Durango53]

WR Randy Moss will wear orthotic inserts in his shoes to ease the pain from plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

"The orthotics seem to be taking a lot of the edge off," coach Mike Tice said.

[Durango53]

Like a lot of teams, the Vikings have two lists of prospects when they dive into the rookie free-agent signing period immediately after the draft. There's a list of regular prospects and a list of premium prospects. West Virginia LB Grant Wiley was a definite premium prospect. A consensus All-American last season, Wiley wasn't drafted because of his lack of size and speed. But Wiley has a chance to make the team. The Vikings are thin at middle linebacker and Wiley is a polished tackler. The Vikings thought enough of him to give him a $15,000 signing bonus, high for a rookie free agent.

[Durango53]

:usa: :usa: :usa: :usa:
Coach Mike Tice donated $5,000 to the Guard Family Network. He has donated $80,000 from player fines to charity the past two years.
:usa: :usa: :usa:
Great move Tice.... I have questions some of your moves in the past but this was a great one!!!!

[Durango53]

QUOTE TO NOTE
"He was one of the smartest and toughest players I have ever been associated with." -- Coach Mike Tice, who said goodbye to middle linebacker Greg Biekert, who retired after 11 seasons, the past two with the Vikings.

[Durango53]

Moss
Randy Moss isn't going to let a lingering case of plantar fasciitis in his left foot slow down the pain the Vikings' offense hopes to inflict on opposing defensives. Mike Tice is stressing yards after the catch, in which the Vikings finished second to the Chiefs last season. Moss finished fifth among wide receivers with 439 yards after the catch, and he's added 15 pounds to better fight through tackles. Moss even paid $10,000 to buy a coaches' computer, which allows him to download breakdowns of every play. Six teammates followed Moss' lead and made similar purchases.

[Durango53]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings released linebacker Henri Crockett and fullback Charles Stackhouse, two players who saw significant time last season.

The moves were made Sunday after the team concluded its three-day minicamp, coach Mike Tice said Monday.

Crockett started 15 games last year, including the last three at weakside linebacker, and collected a team-high 8{ tackles for loss. He had offseason shoulder surgery and didn't participate in minicamp.

Crockett has spent seven years in the NFL, including his first five with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Vikings drafted Dontarrious Thomas out of Auburn in the second round, and he will compete with second-year player Mike Nattiel on the weak side.

Stackhouse played in 14 games, mostly as a blocker in two-back sets and on special teams after the New York Giants cut him. He drew the ire of then-coach Jim Fassel during a practice in August for throwing an errant punch at a teammate during a drill.

Also, tight end T.J. Cottrell, the son of defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, was signed after going through minicamp on a tryout basis. Cottrell played at Division III Buffalo (N.Y.) State.

[Durango53]

Hey TC could you do some digging for me?

Adam Goldberg a Wyoming Cowboy who signed with the Vikings last year as a undrafted free agent was on the practice team last year. OL was said that he wasnt mean enough to be in the NFL yet but had hopes of him replacing Dixion. Any word on him or anything you can dig up?

[Durango53]

RCB Brian Williams has become an effective starter. His coverage, tackling and blitzing are solid. He is a ballhawk and, playing opposite LCB Antoine Winfield, could become one of the better No. 2 corners in the league. . . .



Greg Biekert's retirement starts the E.J. Henderson era at middle linebacker. Henderson, a smart and fast playmaker, has the challenge of becoming the starter at a key position in his second year. He is expected to become a leader instantly and make defensive calls.

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DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: Rookie Kenechi Udeze (first round) completes a potentially elite line and fills the team's pass-rushing needs. In addition to being a strong pass rusher, Udeze is productive against the run. He uses his hands well and has great technique. He needs to work on playing lower and getting quicker. Udeze fell in the draft because of a rotator-cuff injury that may eventually need surgery, but he isn't expected to be slowed by it. Underrated LE Kenny Mixon is not a great pass rusher but is an excellent run stuffer and is consistent. He is a leader and a sound tackler. Third-round pick Darrion Scott has a mean streak. He is a physical player with good quickness. Nick Rogers was moved from outside linebacker to right end to help provide a pass-rushing spark. Lance Johnstone is nearing the end of his career but is still good for 15 to 20 downs a game and six to eight sacks a season.

[Durango53]

Much of the problem the Vikings had down the stretch last season was blamed on the defense, so it was natural that the Vikings would address that side of the ball more intently in the offseason.

But, while the defense looks to be much better, so does the offense -- at least in the view of QB Daunte Culpepper. With the addition of Marcus Robinson, the re-signing of Jim Kleinsasser and the healthy return of Michael Bennett, Culpepper is convinced the Vikings can be the most explosive and productive offense in the NFL this season

When asked about the status of Randy Moss -- the main concern among Vikings fans this offseason -- Culpepper said he's confident Moss will be back at full strength and ready to contribute as only Moss can.

"Even though he's a little injured, he's a good enough athlete to make it look like he's not hurt," Culpepper told VU. "He's still as smooth as ever. He might not have his fastest step right now because of his foot injury, but I'm pretty sure he'll be ready when we go to training camp."

As for the rest of the passing game, Culpepper is excited about the big-play potential of Robinson, who brings the best speed the Vikings have had in a No. 2 receiver since Moss was a rookie.

"He's going to take some of the attention off Randy," Culpepper told VU. "He catches the deep ball very well. He's very fast, very tall and jumps very well. I'm excited about throwing to him because he's definitely going to get some one-on-one coverage."

Finally, he praised the re-signing of Kleinsasser, who he feels makes the offense complete and gives him not only some extra protection, but the option to be run-first offense when the situation dictates.

"He's probably the most important to our running game aside from the offensive linemen," Culpepper told VU. "He's probably the best blocking tight end in the league."

[Durango53]

DEFENSIVE LINE -- Kevin Williams is only in his second season and, with Fred Robbins out of the picture, he will be starting his first full season as a defensive tackle. On the outside, rookie Kenechi Udeze is expected to provide the consistent bull rush the Vikings have been lacking in recent years. The two are both young, but each is an upgrade over what preceded them.

LINEBACKERS -- A year ago, Greg Biekert, Henri Crockett and Chris Claiborne were the starters. By the start of this season, both Biekert and Crockett are gone and some believe Claiborne is an injury waiting to happen. Two of the three starting spots are open and ostensibly being handed to E.J. Henderson and either Donatarrious Thomas or Mike Nattiel. By the end of the season, all three may be seeing considerable playing time, if not all three being starters.

SECONDARY -- In their biggest off-season move, the Vikings signed Antoine Winfield -- giving the team it's first true shutdown cornerback perhaps in team history. Instead of letting displaced starter Denard Walker (and several others) simply get released, the Vikings have a corner they can put on a team's best receiver and instruct him to take that player out of the game. The Vikings have never had that.

[Durango53]

9. What’s with the new-look bookends?
All five starters return on the offensive line, including two with made-over bodies. Left tackle Bryant McKinnie looked incredibly trim at 333 pounds (down from 343 last season), thanks to the Vikings’ new offseason conditioning program under Kurtis Shultz. Right tackle Mike Rosenthal headed the other direction, bulking up to 320 pounds (from 310 in 2003). Tice tabbed Rosenthal’s new physique “an experiment” that will be re-evaluated before training camp, but chances are good that he will stay heavy.

[Durango53]

10. Is depth a concern for the O-line?
Not according to Tice, who hopes Edina native Adam Goldberg will earn a reserve role after spending last season on the practice squad. The club re-signed backup Cory Withrow and plan to use Lewis Kelly as a five-position backup. That leaves just one spot for Goldberg, fellow practice-squad veteran Adam Haayer, or rookies Dorsey, Anthony Herrera (Tennessee) and Alan Reuber (Texas A&M).

[Durango53]

12. Who wins the “tough guy” award for minicamp?
Wide receiver Kenny Clark, who returned to practice after Rushen Jones raked Clark across the face on a fade route, breaking his nose.

[Durango53]

16. Will Aaron Elling be challenged for kicking duties?
Probably not by undrafted rookie Dan Orner (North Carolina), who the club lists generously as 5-foot-8 on the roster. Elling was dead-on at minicamp and booted two of three kickoffs through the end zone Sunday (albeit with the wind). The job is his to lose, according to Tice, but don’t be surprised if the Vikings sign a marginal veteran to give Elling a push in training camp.

[Durango53]

17. Which linebackers will step up this season?
Thomas likely will beat out Mike Nattiel for the starting job alongside Claiborne and first-year starter E.J. Henderson. But the bigger questions are in depth at the position. Fifth-round draft choice Rod Davis (Southern Miss) has an incredible nose for the ball, and his speed appears to be a smaller issue than many teams believed (again, based upon his performance in shorts). Former second-round pick Raonall Smith arguably pieced together the best three days of practice ever at minicamp, including solid stints with the first team when Claiborne removed himself. He still must prove his durability and intelligence over a full training camp, but the weekend was a good start. Undrafted rookie Grant Wiley (West Viriginia) also could become a factor, especially if he makes some plays on special teams.

[Durango53]

20. Is there lingering animosity between Tice and any players?
The most public spat of the offseason began after Tice told a reporter that Moss was “a tough nut to crack.” Local gossip columnists blew up the story, but no ill feelings were apparent at minicamp. Moss and Tice were seen joking around during practice, and neither mentioned the issue to the media. Tice also publicly criticized safety Brian Russell for not participating the team’s official offseason workout program. Russell, who was attending school, said the comments were “no big deal.” They did not appear overly-friendly during minicamp, but the issue is not expected to impact Russell’s status.

[>TC<]

Durango - I'll see what I can find out about Goldberg. I know that one thing Tice likes about him is his size. Mike loves big guys up front. The plan is for Dixon to be gone after 2004, so there is an opportunity there.

TC

[Durango53]

Ya I found that little blip on him that I posted above yesterday so it answered some of my questions. But would love to keep track of this guy. The only hit on him in college was he got hurt more than people wanted him to...

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Q: What have you learned about your defense this week?
Tice: Fast, we’re bigger, we’re more athletic, and we’re fast. We needed speed. It was evident to me yesterday when we went red zone how quickly the zones closed, how little time the receivers, the tight ends, the running back and the quarterback had to get throws in there, how quickly the run lanes closed up. When you get in that condensed area, that speed really shows up, and I think yesterday in that red zone that speed really showed up. That shows me we’re much faster than we were last year.

[Durango53]

Tice:
I might have to lobby the league to get an extra ball thrown in there during the games. We only have one ball to go around, and we have a lot of guys that want it. That’s a good thing. That’s a good problem to have. I think Kleinsasser looked very sharp this morning, as did all three of the first three quarterbacks I felt.

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Q: How’s Chris Claiborne moving around?
Tice: He moves all right; we’re trying to limit him. He’s in that mode of scar-tissue tearing and he really just now has soreness, no pain. He made some plays this morning. Obviously we know from last year when he was healthy that he’s a playmaker. He looks good. He’s a little heavier but he has some muscle up top. He’ll play a little lighter than he is right now, but he hasn’t been involved in a lot of running this spring…more rehab for the ankle, but a lot of upper-body lifting. You can see his upper body looks a lot better. But he’s certainly taken on a leadership role and he’s really happy to be here. We’re excited; we just want to get him to 100% because with the added strength in his upper body and the extra conditioning he’s been doing, I think he’ll have the best year of his career.

[Durango53]

Q: Are any of the young linebackers standing out?
Tice: (Dontarrious) Thomas is what we thought he is. He can run, he’s smart, he’s getting a lot of plays, going with the two’s and the three’s. I really like him. I’m impressed with the Wiley kid from West Virginia. He’s done some nice things while he’s been out there. I like him. Mike Nattiel has been steady and solid. E.J. (Henderson) has been steady and solid. We need to have E.J. understandthat because he’s the leader in the middle there he needs to continue to improve on being consistent with his intensity. That’s the best way to describe it. I spoke to him about that this morning, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s that young guys at times lose focus, and we need him to be consistent with intensity every single down.

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Q: How does Michael Bennett look to you?
Tice: Bennett looks fantastic. He looked good in the developmental camp Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and I almost caught myself just now saying he looks as good as Robert Smith in his prime, but I don’t want to go there yet because Robert was a hell of a player. But Michael, he’s one of those guys that has matured, wants to be a leader, wants to do great things. (He) doesn’t want to come out on passing downs. Michael is going to have a special year.

[Durango53]

Q: The offseason trade rumors – did they have an effect on you?
Moss: I’m a football player. I love to play football. I love this game. Wherever I play at and whatever helmet I put on I’m going to play. So it doesn’t matter if I’m a Viking or if I’m a Cincinnati Bengal, it doesn’t matter to me. I love playing here and I love coming to work each morning.

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Q: What are your early thoughts on Marcus Robinson?
Culpepper: Robinson is definitely a guy that I think is going to step up and make a lot of plays on the other side of the ball, away from Randy (Moss). He’s going to take some of the attention off of Randy and he catches the deep ball very well. He’s very fast, very tall and he jumps very well. I’m excited about throwing to him because he’s definitely going to get some one-on-one coverages back there and I think we’re going to have a little advantage this year with a taller guy over there that can jump real high and make plays.

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Q: Is the best core offense that you’ve been around?

Culpepper: It is. Definitely it is. We have to do a lot of hard work this offseason so to make sure that when we step on the field we’re going to make this thing work. You can have all the talent in world around you, but if you don’t work together and work to make it work it just won’t happen. I’m very excited about this season and the guys that I’ve got around me.

[Durango53]

Q: How will the secondary be this year?

Winfield: Just the system that Ted’s putting in I think will help the defensive backs out a lot. We’re going to play a lot of cover 2, mix in some man coverage. Then with the help up front, with (Kenechi) Udeze coming and those young guys. We have a lot more speed on defense so I think the whole transition will be a lot simpler.

[Durango53]

Q: You and Randy Moss seem to have a nice camaraderie already…
Winfield: I think so. We’ve all been up here for like two months already working out. It’s always fun when you get out there and get to compete against some of the best players in the league so you can only get better.

[Durango53]

Q: How will you handle the pressure of being the shut down cornerback?
Winfield: I really don’t see it as pressure. I’m just going to go out there and do the things I’ve done up to this point that brought success my way. I’m going to go out there and challenge receivers, come up make tackles. Just play well.

[Durango53]

Q: Have you embraced the defensive linemen?
Winfield: They’re going to be my best friends. Them getting pressure on the quarterback makes my job a lot easier. With the addition of Udeze, he looks like a good player. They have a lot of speed up there so it’s going to be really exciting.

Q: What’s your biggest strength?
Winfield: My biggest strength I would say my tackling.

Q: What do you weigh right now?
Winfield: 180

Q: What’s your real height?
Winfield: 5’9’’, I just got measured yesterday so I’m 5’9’’.

[Durango53]

Q: How is the rest of the secondary?
Winfield: We have some really good players back there. I played with Kenny Irvin for two years in Buffalo so I know what he can do. I’m very impressed with Brian Williams. He looks like a real good athlete and has good ball skills. With our safeties, just going over practice these last few days, watching film, they have great range. Brian Russell gets from sideline to sideline. Just coming in and knowing my position. I just have to go out there and do the best I can.

Q: Do you focus more on your tackling or interceptions?
Winfield: I don’t think so. You really can’t practice tackling in the offseason. You don’t want to get any injuries. I think I need to work more with my ball skills. I’ve had opportunities but just didn’t come up with them so if I can do that I think I’ll get us to that next level.

Q: Can you talk about Cottrell’s defense?
Winfield: Right now we’re keeping it simple. We’re going to play a lot of cover 2, a lot of 3 deep zones, pressure situations will probably play a man under try to get pressure on the quarterback. He’s just going to mix it up a lot.

[Durango53]

The Vikings had 87 players at minicamp over the weekend. A few highlights:
Randy Moss looked heavier and a step slower than normal, and actually spoke to the media about the plantar fasciitis in his left foot that has bothered him since the last month of the 2003 season. Moss said he'll play whether the foot is 100 percent or 20 percent.

Linebacker Chris Claiborne is still visibly slowed by heel surgery in January. He practiced only once each day.

Tight ends were everywhere. The Vikings had seven of them at the minicamp and cut one (Charles Stackhouse) right afterward. Jim Kleinsasser, who finally cut his shoulder-length hair, looks a little quicker, while recent free-agent pickup Jermaine Wiggins looks to be someone to keep an eye on in this offense.

Undrafted rookie free agents LB Grant Wiley of West Virginia, G Anthony Herrera of Tennessee and WR Lane Danielsen of Iowa State could make the team.

The top two minicamp performers both are named Bennett.

Punter Darren Bennett was crushing high, spirals that had coach Mike Tice whistling to sideline watchers and Moss, a backup punt returner, screaming oohs and ahhs as he tracked down the punts.

But the player who turned the most heads was running back Michael Bennett. Looking a sleek 205 and showing absolutely no signs of the broken foot that cost him the first seven games last season, Bennett was making cuts and kicking into faster gears as well as he ever has.

"I haven't lost a step," Bennett said. "In fact, I think I've gained two or three steps since last year."

After rushing for 447 yards on only 90 carries last season, Bennett thinks he has returned to his 2002 Pro Bowl form when he ran for 1,296 yards and a 5.1-yard average.

"Bennett looks fantastic," Tice said. "I almost caught myself just now saying he looks as good as Robert Smith in his prime. But I don't want to go there yet because Robert was a heck of a player. Michael is going to have a special year."

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WR Blake Elliott sat in front of his locker reading his playbook between practices last weekend. It seemed a bit strange for him.

"You walk through the door and they hand you a 4-inch binder to learn," Elliott said. "That's 4 inches thicker than we had in college."

Elliott, the Division III Player of the Year in 2003, played at St. John's in Collegeville, Minn. The Johnies' head coach is John Gagliardi, the NCAA career leader in victories and someone who doesn't believe in playbooks.

[Durango53]

Some scouts say Derrick Williams has more raw talent than his brother, Reggie, Jacksonville's first-round draft pick out of Washington. Well, the Vikings invited Derrick, an undrafted rookie, to try out during their three-day minicamp last week. Derrick lasted only one day before the Vikings decided they didn't want to sign him.

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"Have you ever seen the movie `The Matrix?' Kurt is my Morpheus." — Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis, referring to Kurtis Shultz, the Vikings' new head strength and conditioning coach, and Lewis' former personal trainer.

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The Vikings were impressed enough with their young tight ends and outside linebackers that they released veterans OLB Henri Crockett and TE Charles Stackhouse within an hour after the final minicamp practice last Sunday.

Crockett didn't participated in the minicamp because he is recovering from shoulder surgery. A former starter, he had failed to third team strong-side linebacker behind Chris Claiborne and Raonall Smith.

Stackhouse, who was signed as a free agent during Week 2 of the 2003 season, was switched from fullback at the start of the minicamp. He became expendable when the Vikings signed undrafted rookie T.J. Cottrell, the son of Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell.

T.J. Cottrell, who played at Division III Buffalo State, used the minicamp as a three-day tryout. He is one of six tight ends on the roster.

[Durango53]

Fourth-round draft pick Mewelde Moore, a former standout tailback at Tulane, has agreed to his rookie contract with the Vikings. Details of the contract, which is not yet officially signed, were not immediately available. One of the most prolific all-around performers in NCAA history, Moore, the 119th player selected last month, was just the second player in NCAA history to rush for over 4,000 yards and also post more than 2,000 receiving yards. He totaled 6,505 yards for his career. In a crowded Vikings backfield, Moore will have to challenge for playing time, but he could be used as a third-down back and kick returner in his rookie campaign. He ranks 11th in NCAA history in career all-purpose yards.

[Durango53]

Eight NFL players, including Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper, took off their shoulder pads and replaced them with life vests for a raft race May 22 for the filming of the NFL Cayman Challenge. The players divided into red and blue. The two teams competed in a build-a-raft race on the azure waters of Seven Mile Beach and then took part in a deep sea fishing competition on May 23. Other events included: a kayak relay race, a Jet Ski race, snorkeling scavenger hunt and a yacht race. The special will initially air July 14 on the NFL Network, said the Department of Tourism.

[Durango53]

2003 RECORD: 9-7
TEAM RANK (NFL): Defense (23rd); Offense (1st)
ADDITIONS:
Free agents -- CB Antoine Winfield (Bills), DT Steve Martin (Texans), WR Marcus Robinson (Ravens), DB Tyrone Carter (Jets), TE Jermaine Wiggins (Panthers), P Darren Bennett (Chargers).
Draft picks -- 1. DE Kenechi Udeze (USC), 2. ILB Dontarrious Thomas (Auburn), 3. DE Darrion Scott (Ohio St.), 4a. OT Nat Dorsey (Georgia Tech), 4b. RB Mewelde Moore (Tulane), 5. ILB Rod Davis (Southern Mississippi), 6. S Deandre' Eiland (South Carolina), 7. TE Jeff Dugan (Maryland).
SUBTRACTIONS:
DT Fred Robbins (Giants), WR D'Wayne Bates (released), S Jack Brewer (released), TE Hunter Goodwin (Falcons), CB Denard Walker (Raiders), LB Henri Crockett (released), FB Charles Stackhouse (released).

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What they've added?
Somewhere, some Vikings fan remains doubled over in disbelief about how the 2003 season ended for the Purple Pride. On the final play of the Vikings' regular season, the Arizona Cardinals knocked them out of playoff contention by converting a 28-yard, fourth-down touchdown pass for an 18-17 victory. The Vikings squandered an 11-point lead in the final seven minutes. The collapse put a fitting end to head coach Mike Tice's 9-7 season -- a campaign that began 6-0.

Six months later, the Vikings are again addressing their Achilles heel -- their routinely porous defense. Ted Cottrell becomes the fifth defensive coordinator since 1999, replacing George O'Leary. Cottrell, with the Jets last year, might install a 3-4 defense to plug holes in a unit that's ranked no higher than 23rd in the league overall since finishing 13th in 1998.

With the new coordinator comes new reinforcements expected to deliver big plays. First-round draft pick Kenechi Udeze and second-rounder Dontarrious Thomas could be rookie starters at defensive end and weak-side linebacker, respectively. That's either good or bad news. Udeze had 24 sacks and 11 forced fumbles in his last two seasons at USC, potentially giving the Vikings a playmaker on the front line to complement second-year performer Kevin Williams.

Left cornerback Antoine Winfield has only one interception in his last 37 games, but the former Bills' reputation for shutting down star receivers was enough for the Vikings to sign him to a $35-million deal. Safety Tyrone Carter, a former University of Minnesota star and Viking who started 10 games with the Jets last season, adds experience.

The NFL's top-rated offense last season adds former Bears and Ravens receiver Marcus Robinson as the latest No. 2 opposite Randy Moss. Robinson is the third receiver imported since 2002 vying to become a great second option for quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Robinson caught four touchdown passes in one game against the Seahawks last season.

Darren Bennett, a free agent signee from the Chargers, landed about 34 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line last season. He could push second-year punter Eddie Johnson (21 percent of punts rested inside the 20) out of a job.

[Durango53]

What they're missing?
With veteran Greg Biekert's retirement and the recent release of Henri Crockett, the linebacker corps is very thin. E.J. Henderson, a second-year player, figures to start at middle linebacker if he recovers quickly from a spring camp knee injury. If not, the Vikings might find themselves starting Max Yates -- a practice squad player last season -- in the middle. Couple the prospect of either young player starting behind a new defensive tackle -- 2003 starter Fred Robbins has bolted to the Giants -- and the Vikings seem green up the middle. Even if Cottrell does not resort to a 3-4, the Vikings' phalanxes behind the line still seem questionable.

Free safety Brian Russell tied for the league lead in interceptions, but apparently still has skeptics among coaches about his tackling ability and commitment. The Denard Walker experiment at corner ended after one season, as he and Russell were the closest defenders on the season-ending touchdown pass surrendered to the Cardinals

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What it all means?
This franchise has been through so much drama since the 2001 training camp death of offensive tackle Korey Stringer. Will any early success this fall be tainted by the memory of the 3-7 finish last year and the season-ending Debacle In The Desert? If healthy, offensive coordinator's Scott Linehan's unit seems set. Moss and tailback Michael Bennett are recovering from left foot injuries, but should be ready to burn rubber come September. If Culpepper continues to be savvier with the ball (he threw 12 fewer interceptions in 2003 than he did the previous season) and a young defense quickly learns to play together, the Vikings might have a playoff berth secured long before the regular season ends.

[Durango53]

Don't forget about Michael Bennett! After enjoying 1,296 yards and six total TDs in 2002, fantasy owners figured it would only get better. Of course, a pair of foot surgeries destroyed the first half of his 2003 season, and then Bennett was disappointing when he did return. Now, it's time to start over, and fantasy owners will be selecting the Bennett of 2002, not last year's. He's not a first-round pick, and our preliminary rankings have him 23rd at running back. But by the time September comes, a healthy Bennett will be a top 15 back.
-- Eric Karabell, ESPN.com senior editor

[Durango53]

Wednesday, June 2
Will the way last season ended have any lingering effects on the Vikings?
In what figures to be a defining season for Mike Tice, one way or another, the Vikings head coach has to hope that his impressionable, young team has a case of selective amnesia. What the club needs to remember is the 6-0 start to the '03 campaign and purge from the memory banks a choke-job that left ligature marks on the whole franchise, a 3-7 collapse. Certainly the ugly manner in which the year ended has to have left behind some wounds. The good news for Tice is that young players tend to be resilient, to bounce back relatively quickly from adversity, to relegate bad news to the rear-view mirror. Especially on the offensive side, even with Randy Moss apparently slowed by a foot injury, the Vikings possess explosive talent. And it certainly will help that tailback Michael Bennett is whole again after '03 foot surgery. The question marks, as usual, are on defense and there is a new coordinator, Ted Cottrell, to try to make things right. Minnesota finished 26th versus the pass in '03, played too soft in the closing minutes against the Cardinals, and has to be better in the secondary and with its pass rush. If those things don't occur, well, Tice might eventually recall the 2003 finale as the beginning of his end.

[>TC<]

Poor Blake Elliot underwent surgery this week to insert pins in his leg. He broke two bones during a workout, in a freak accident as another player fell on his leg. He also tore some ligaments. The trainers are saying a nine to twelve month recovery time, minimum. That sucks, this kid was something special.

TC

[Durango53]

Already thin at linebacker, and with two players at the position suddenly facing possible legal charges, the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday morning signed unrestricted free agent Keith Newman, who played with the Atlanta Falcons last season.


Contract details for the five-year veteran, who will be playing for his third team in three seasons, were not yet available. Newman participated in the Vikings' offseason workout on Tuesday.


Newman, 27, has played the strongside and weakside positions during his career and has been a starter at both spots. He may be asked by Vikings coaches to learn the middle spot as well, given the team's lack of depth

[Durango53]

Poor Blake Elliot underwent surgery this week to insert pins in his leg. He broke two bones during a workout, in a freak accident as another player fell on his leg.
TC
OH NO!!!! Damm this sucks big time!!!!! :eek:
Man you really pull for a kid like this and then something like this happens!!!

I hope he gets fixed up and can come back but I know that is tough to do...

Man this sucks!!!

[Durango53]

The Minnesota Vikings have signed free agent LB Keith Newman, a 6th-year player who spent 4 years with Buffalo and last season with Atlanta. Newman is reunited in Minnesota with fellow former Bills starters Antoine Winfield and Ken Irvin, along with Defensive Coordinator Ted Cottrell. During their tenure in Buffalo, the Bills led the NFL in defense in 1999 and ranked #3 in 2000.

[Durango53]

Q: Is David Dixon going to be a punt returner soon? :eek: :no:

Tice: Well when they’re working as hard as they’re working, they need to have a little fun because remember this is June 8, and we have to keep all of that in perspective. They’re out here in a voluntary camp. Our attendance is 100%; they need to be rewarded with a little jovialness. When we can do it, Dave likes to get back there and catch the ball from his rugby days in New Zealand. He was 0 for 2 today; he had two drops, so we’re not too pleased with that, but it was good.

[Durango53]

Q: What will Keith Newman bring to the linebacker position?

Tice: Well we’ll find out. We think he brings a guy that has started in this league. We think he’s an excellent pass rusher. I think his statistics show that. He’s a guy that Teddy (Cottrell) is familiar with, but the main thing is it gives us a little more experience. I think some people are going to read between the lines the wrong way. Is he brought in because of what went on this last weekend? Absolutely, without a doubt no; we were talking to him last week. We had initiated contact with him two months ago. This is something we’ve been looking at and wanted to make a decision after we got some time with our young players. We felt like we were in fact a little young there. Some people might say then why Henri Crockett? We feel like Henri is a guy that if he’s not going to start for us, then we didn’t have much of a role for him. He’s not a special teams player. And that’s why we made the decision to bring him in. Coincidence? Yeah, I think so. I think a lot of people are going to look at it the wrong way. Hopefully the three young players will look at it that way and we’ll see if we can use that. But that’s the reason why.

[Durango53]

Q: Is there any more discussion about this weekend or do you warn them and move on?

Tice: Well I think certainly there will be discussion. I think young athletes time and time again prove to us they are young athletes and not mature all the time. I think it’s our job as coaches to continue to teach them about how to be better men, first of all, and great football players second of all and the importance of family and the importance of making proper decisions, and we’ll continue that as a staff and as an organization. We’ll let the facts of what went on over the weekend sort themselves out. I think once they do then we’ll be better equipped to figure out where we can help, so we’ll just let it play out and see what happens.

[Durango53]

Q: Have you made a decision on discipline?

Tice: When I make a decision, you’ll hear it. Other than that I’m not going to discuss what my thoughts are. We don’t have all the facts, and I don’t think you do either, and I think when you get all the facts, you’ll be surprised. Maybe not surprised, but it’s not the picture that’s being painted right now I don’t believe.

[Durango53]

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Brock Lesnar is an imposing young man. He has a body you often see chiseled from marble, not flesh and bone. His arms are thicker than most people's thighs, his back so wide you could hang a Picasso from it. He is 6 feet 3, 286 pounds of thick, rippled muscle. Just standing there in a shirt and pants, he looks like a football player after all the pads have been put on.

The thing is, Lesnar, a Webster, S.D., native, doesn't just want to look like a football player. He wants to become one.

Lesnar had a tryout Friday with the Vikings to see if it's possible.

"He is a project with a capital P," said Scott Studwell, the Vikings' director of college scouting. "He's got physical tools, but he has a long way to go."

That's not news to Lesnar.

"I know I'm raw. I know I need work," he said. "I'm a project. I'm looking for someone to mold me."

He would like it to be the Vikings. He says he is ready shuck his image as a professional wrestler and play in the National Football League.

"This isn't a publicity stunt. This is the real deal," Lesnar said. "It's something I want to do. I don't want to wake up when I'm 50 years old and say I should have tried."

So he's trying now by trying out. The Vikings were the first of about a half-dozen teams interested in working him out.

Lesnar's tryout with the Vikings drew more than two dozen people, including coaches, scouts, players and even secretaries who were curious about a guy who wants to go from making what he described as "a couple million dollars a year" as champion of World Wrestling Entertainment to making the NFL minimum of $260,000.

"I think a road is involved here, but it's not as long as some people think," said Ed Hitchcock, Lesnar's St. Paul-based agent.

Actually, the road might be longer than Hitchcock and Lesnar would like to think. Lesnar is 26 years old and hasn't played football since high school. He toyed with the idea of playing for the Gophers as a senior, but that never happened. Instead, he concentrated on wrestling and won the NCAA heavyweight title.

"I wish I would have gone out for football," he said.

Lesnar ran 40 yards during Friday's tryout and his 4.75-second time was faster than most of the Vikings' defensive linemen can do. The defensive line, by the way, is where Lesnar would like to play.

"I like to attack the ball," he said.

The ability to get into that attack mode is what has the Vikings wondering. Lesnar struggled some with agility drills duri