EDIT:  Moved to the front page because I was going to write about the o-line next, and didn't see the need to be redundant.  Nice writeup LLV.  More training camp updates coming later today/tonight!!--Ted

Ted Glover did a great job on the upcomming training camp battle for the third RB position.

What else should we be watching? Lets take a look.

Offensive Line:  Many were surprised that an offensive lineman was not selected in the draft prior to 5th rounder Chris DeGeare.  But is Chris a lock to make the cut?

The Viking offensive line was ranked 11th in the NFL last year, the best in the NFC North.  The line consists of starters

Loadholt, Herrarah, Sullivan, Hutchison, and McKinney. 

Playing for a back-up role are the following:

Venerable back-up linemen   Jon Cooper (C) and Ryan Cook (OT)

Last years practice squad trainees: OTs Drew Radovich, Patrick Brown, and Chris Clark

This years 5th round draft pick: Chris DeGeare ( versatile OT & G)

Undrafted Free agents :

guards Adrien Battles and Thomas Austin and Bill Noethlich

14 players working on 8 positions. Assume the 5 starters are back. It would be hard to imagine Jon Cooper not maintaining his back-up center spot. That leaves two positions open. Versatility and experience will be a plus. Is it really surprising to see former 2nd round pick Ryan Cook with a leg up on the competition? 

Both Chris Clark and Drew Radovich are on their last stint as practice squad members.  NFL rules only allow two years of practice squad membership.  So either these guys are ready or they are not ready for Prime Time.  I can see three rookies making the PS this year.The problem with that is that any PS member can be taken by any team at any time. It is hard to park great talent on the PS.

My guess is that Chris DeGeare makes the squad as a rookie and takes the last spot. His college resume was a lot better than most  5th round selections.

  But strong competition will come from the UFA list and three former PS members. That is what we want to find in this training camp.  Who has the right stuff to be a valuable member of the Offensive Line for years to come.