Veteran Contracts

Reconstruct contracts for John Carlson, Kevin Williams, & Jared Allen.

Viking FA’s-

In

FB Jerome Felton

WR Jerome Simpson

OT Phil Loadholt

OL Joe Berger

LB Erin Henderson

S Jamarca Sanford

CB AJ Jefferson

CB Marcus Sherels

Out

WR Devin Aromashodu

OG Geoff Schwartz

LB Marvin Mitchell

S Andrew Sendejo

LB Jasper Brinkley

Release-

Jenkins, Evans, Bethel-Thompson, Deen, S. Burton, Asiata, Winfield, Reed, B. Burton, Webb

Non Vikings FA’s-

Matt Cassel QB, Kansas City

Greg Jennings WR, Green Bay

Eben Britton G, Jacksonville

NFL Draft Day 1

1. Johnathan Hankins DT, Ohio State

Hankins had a very impressive year for Ohio State. Totaling 55 tackles, 4 for a loss, and a sack. Double teams won’t stop him. Hankins is able to stuff the run and dismantle the passing game. Being a disruptive pass rusher is important, but the Vikings surprisingly struggled against the run at times this season and by drafting Hankins, the Vikings will have yet another excellent run defender for years to come.

1. Kevin Minter ILB, LSU (via Seattle)

Kevin Minter had a terrific junior year and is a terrific prospect. Minter was a playmaker and consistent force for the LSU defense racking up 130 tackles, 15 for a loss, 4 sacks, a forced fumble, 5 passes broken up, and a pass intercepted. Kevin Minter is physical in addition to good speed. Not only is he quick, but he is explosive and an excellent tackler. Minter shines in both the run game and pass coverage and is a great blitzer. He will be a great fit for the Vikings’ 4-3 defense. Minter hovers around 6’2 and weighs in at 245 lb. Minter had a poor 40 time, but doesn’t concern me because he showed his speed and strength on the field this year.

Draft Day 2

2. Terrance Williams WR, Baylor

I love Justin Hunter, but Terrance Williams is the safest pick here. His play and his numbers were absolutely phenomenal. Williams also proved to be productive without a star quarterback passing to him. Williams also led the all of the receiver prospects in 2012 with 1832 yards, 97 receptions, and 12 touchdowns. Williams is fast and made some outstanding catches this year and has the ability to go deep, something the Vikings receiving corps lacked this past season. Williams also shattered records against West Virginia in a huge game recording 314 yards on 17 receptions.

3. Jamar Taylor CB, Boise State

You can never have too many good corners on your football team. The release of Winfield really has me concerned about our secondary this year. Winfield was a great leader, player, and was still performing at a high level for his age. I’m hoping Taylor can bring depth and even a future starter with his great speed and coverage skills. Taylor played very well this year with 51 tackles, 4 interceptions, 9 passes broken up, 3 forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks this season His numbers were great and he showed good ability in man coverage. Taylor also had a good combine and had a blazing forty time of 4.39.

Draft Day 3

4. Kyle Long OG, Oregon

4. Ryan Swope WR, Texas A&M

5. Robert Lester S, Alabama

6. Stefphon Jefferson RB, Nevada

7. Quanterus Smith DE, Western Kentucky

7. Jake Knott OLB, Iowa State

7. Brad Sorensen QB, Southern Utah

Final 53 Man Roster

Offense

Quarterbacks

Ponder, Cassell, Sorensen

Running Backs

Peterson, Gerhart, Jefferson

Wide Receivers

Jennings, Williams, Simpson, Wright, Swope, Childs

Full Back

Felton

Tight Ends

Rudolph, Carlson, Ellison

Offensive Line

RT: Loadholt

RG: Fusco, Britton

C: Sullivan, Berger

LG: Johnson, Long

LT: Kalil

Defense

Defensive Line

DE: Allen, Griffen

DE: Robison, Smith

DT: Williams, Ballard

DT: Hankins, Guion

Linebackers

OLB: Henderson, Knott

ILB: Minter, Mckenzie, Cole

OLB: Greenway, Mckenzie

Cornerbacks

Cook, Robinson, Taylor

Jefferson, Sherels, Williams

Safeties

FS: Smith, Blanton

SS: Sanford, Raymond, Lester

Special Teams

P: Kluwe

K: Walsh

LS: Loeffler

KR: Wright

PR: Sherels