Position-By-Position Look At The Vikings Rookie Mini-Camp

[dead_poet]

A Position-By-Position Look At The Vikings Rookie Mini-Camp Roster

http://www.vikings.com/news/blog/articl ... ccf5df3083

[losperros]

I just noticed that the Vikings signed WR Rodney Smith. I've seen this guy play for the Seminoles and he's actually pretty good. It's a surprise that he wasn't drafted.

Smith just might surprise everyone and make the team, maybe over Burton.

[Mothman]

I hope some WR makes the team over Burton or else I hope Burton seriously raises his game. He hasn't shown much thus far. With quite a few receivers attending this mini-camp, it certainly looks as though the Vikes intend to give him some competition this summer. I'm very curious to see what Smith and Chris Summers can do and admittedly, I'm curious about CC's son as well. I'd love it if the Vikes could find a diamond in the rough out of these rookie camp players (other than Patterson, who hopefully fits that description already!).

I have to wonder if Robbie Rouse will at least make the training camp roster. His production at Fresno State is impressive.

Mark Jackson of Glenville State sounds like an intriguing player. This was written last May:

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/ds ... &genpos=OG

05/22/12 - 2013 DRAFT TOP SMALL SCHOOL PROSPECTS: OT Mark Jackson, Glenville State (6-5, 326): The Pioneers' left tackle, Mark Jackson has NFL size with surprising movement skills for a man of his stature. The Columbus, Ohio native became a starter in 2010 as a sophomore and has earned First Team All-Conference honors the past two seasons. Jackson is an aggressive, physical blocker who takes pride in eliminating defenders from the play and fighting through the echo of the whistle. He plays too high and still has room to improve his technique and awareness, but should warrant a draft pick with another strong season in 2012.

From NFL.com:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/ ... id=2540250

[HardcoreVikesFan]

I kinda wish this team would have tried to sign Xavier Nixon after the draft. He would have given use tremendous depth at the tackle position. Hopefully Jeff Baca has the ability to provide that depth for us.

[King James]

I just noticed that the Vikings signed WR Rodney Smith. I've seen this guy play for the Seminoles and he's actually pretty good. It's a surprise that he wasn't drafted.

Smith just might surprise everyone and make the team, maybe over Burton.

On his draft page, they compared him to Michael Jenkins.

[PurpleKoolaid]

On his draft page, they compared him to Michael Jenkins.

A young Jenkins wouldn't be bad. Jenkins had some clutch catches and was a good blocker. I liked Jenkins over Simpson. Simpson only claim to fame was a few PI calls and a flip.

[PurpleMustReign]

A young Jenkins wouldn't be bad. Jenkins had some clutch catches and was a good blocker. I liked Jenkins over Simpson. Simpson only claim to fame was a few PI calls and a flip.

I agree. Jenkins didn't dropmany balls, and he was a good route runner.

[S197]

Zach Line looks like an intriguing prospect. Tied Dickerson for TD's and passed him for all-purpose yards at SMU. Most likely he'll be a 3rd down back if he makes the team. Under June Jones' system, he basically ran the football almost solely from the shotgun formation so the transition to the WCO may be a challenge.

[Eli]

Zach Line looks like an intriguing prospect. Tied Dickerson for TD's and passed him for all-purpose yards at SMU. Most likely he'll be a 3rd down back if he makes the team. Under June Jones' system, he basically ran the football almost solely from the shotgun formation so the transition to the WCO may be a challenge.

Yes, he does. Toby Gerhart sized and similar one-cut downhill running style. He's not a fullback, as listed by the Vikings. Only problem, he's slow as molasses - 4.8 at the combine and 4.6-4.7 at his pro day.

[dead_poet]

Two players to sign after rookie minicamp?

The Minnesota Vikings tried out 34 players during their rookie minicamp this weekend. It appears at least one of those players earned a longer look. Former Minnesota State, Mankato receiver Adam Thielen said he's signing a contract with the Vikings on Monday, pending a physical.

An NFL source confirmed the Vikings plan to sign Thielen and likely another player if they pass their physicals. The identity of the other player wasn't immediately known.

Thielen, 22, appeared in 46 games at Mankato, leading the Mavericks last season in catches (74), yards (1,176) and receiving touchdowns (eight) and averaging 10 yards on 24 punt returns with another score.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Detroit Lakes product -- he was all-state as a senior in 2007 -- ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 and 4.49 seconds at a regional combine in March in Chicago. He'd join former teammate and fellow receiver LaMark Brown with the Vikings.

Signing two players would mean the Vikings would need to cut two as well, since they entered the weekend at the 90-man roster limit.

One roster decision that could come soon involves punter Chris Kluwe, who is expected to meet again with general manager Rick Spielman about his status on Monday.

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Form ... ings050513