The Vikings opened up their rookie minicamp on Friday, and it was the one day that will be open to the media, so we have some actual football tidbits to pass along. Second-year hopefuls, this offseason’s draft class, and undrafted free agent signings intermingle with players in on a tryout basis to try and shine in front of the coaching staff. Here is what we know from Day One:
ROOKIE CLASS: It is apparent, when watching these guys go up against each other, why the Vikings selected the guys they did at the top of the NFL Draft. All reports seem to indicate that Sharrif Floyd, Xavier Rhodes, and Cordarrelle Patterson are clearly superior to the rest of the talent that was taking part in the practices.
COLIN ANDERSON: Chris Kluwe might not be the only special teamer looking over his shoulder these days. Furman tight end Colin Anderson is an accomplished long snapper and could potentially end up being competition for the team’s longest tenured player, long snapper Cullen Loeffler. Loeffler is 32 years old and will carry a base salary of $915,00 this season and $1.135 million in 2014. Anderson claims, however, that he is at Winter Park trying to make the team as a tight end.
MICHAEL MAUTI: The Vikings didn’t make a huge investment when they selected Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti in the seventh round, but they are hoping to get huge returns. Mauti is still rehabbing his knee injury, though, and patience will be necessary for those eager to see what he brings to the table. Still, coach Leslie Frazier was unwilling to crown Erin Henderson the starter at middle linebacker, and says they will take a look at a number of options.
JEFF LOCKE: Snow forced the Vikings minicamp indoors and fifth round selection Jeff Locke headed to the Metrodome to punt in front of special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. He then returned to Winter Park to take some reps as a field goal holder. By all accounts, including Locke himself, the first day went well. We could see Kluwe released as soon as Monday if the Vikings decide they got what they bargained for when they drafted Locke last month.
XAVIER RHODES: He intercepted the first ball thrown in the first minicamp of his first year in the NFL. As omens go, that isn’t too shabby. Rhodes continued to impress throughout the practices and is an early favorite to win a starting job at cornerback, alongside Chris Cook.
DURON CARTER: The son of the Vikings all-time leading receiver Cris Carter has a rough start to the minicamp, dropping the first three footballs going his way. Carter improved throughout the day and is hoping to turn his tryout into a roster spot, but he will need to show more improvement if he wants to stick with the Vikings for the long haul.
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Another good rookie class!
I am reading that Mauti and Hodges have very good chemistry working together. They turned an ugly Penn State situation into a very positive and productive season. I am sorry Erin Henderson, but I am rooting for the rookies to make an impact.
COvikesfan, are you out there? You won a prize in our giveaway but haven't claimed it yet. Let me know if you didn't get an email.
Here I am Adam. I decided to let Fran the Man have my prize. I suspect you know how to get a hold of him, so please just send it to him. He's a great guy and most deserving of this.
forgot to change your avatar Fran? :D
Shoot! Think Adam will notice?
nah, I think you're good.. the comment above could easily be covikingsfan.. Easily ..
Fran that sure is nice of you to step up like that! Does Amazon allow free shipping by snowmobile?
Careful Fran is like our green and yellow neighbors to the east, he calls them snow machines.
Oh, there you are Co Vike! We've been trying to find you. Like really hard, trying to find you. . .
:)
Anderson may be telling the truth on the longsnapper stuff. Pelissero is listing another guy in camp, Scott Albritton, that is there for the long snapping.
After checking out some video of the first day of rookie camp... Patterson in number 84 looks pretty good.
He must be a clone of Moss and Harvin all "nut rolled" into one. Patterson's moves after the catch are nasty (that means good for some of you old folk).
Anyway, from some of the photos of day 2 practice.... Patterson was lined up against Xavier and Rhodes was all up in the face getting pretty physical with Patterson at the LOS.
I can't wait to read the notes on rookie camp day 2. Maybe I am a homer, but I am feeling a very positive and confident vibe coming out of Winter Park. The Vikings had a great turn out for the offseason conditioning program and the rookie mini camp has created a buzz. Even NFL Network's Albert Breer is on hand to check it out.
Hmmmm..... if "nasty" means good, why not just say good? "Patterson's moves after the catch are good" See? No confusion there.
Buds,
Just a subtle reminder for you. Don't you remember when you said way back when to the soon to be Mrs. Grant, "want to see my bitchin' woodie?" Same sort of thing, " bitchin'" meant good.
It seems woodie, has a changed meaning, but Mrs. Grant knew what you meant.
http://www.collectorcarmarket.com/content/profiles/station_wagons/50pacstaeig4sw1.jpg
Shame on you Feeds. I never talked to Mrs. Grant like that. It was embarrassing enough when a young Mr. Grant, while beginning to eat a sundae at a DQ during a date with the future Mrs. Grant, asked, before any thinking took place, if she wanted his nuts. We still laugh about that one 40 years later.
Would you describe the nuts in question as being nasty nuts?
(no further engagement in this conversation)
"bitchin" that is the word I was lookin for.
Cordarrelle Patterson is a boom/bust type player... so any word with a "double" meaning fit.
kluwe cut, to no one's surprise
I know one special teams coach that is happy.
Less Drama is good.
Undrafted rookie Adam Thielen was signed after Kluwe was cut. Adam must have had a good rookie camp and tryout.
You tube highlight: Adam Thielen WR Minnesota State #9
6'3 200 ran a 4.45 at a regional combine. Great career stats at Minnesota State. I think the Vikings found a gem.
From the video, it looks like Adam can adjust to the ball and go up and get it over defenders. Good hands catcher that can also return punts. It looks like Adam can work the side lines and also over the middle.
Stephen Burton and Jerome Simpson might have some competition with Rodney Smith and Adam Thielen.
The Wr position is getting more exciting day by day.
We have a lot to be stoked about this year. Defense will be fun to watch.
Can't wait till training camp!
Correction: He had a nasty mini camp and has nasty hands.