Minnesota Vikings News and Links, 5/1

Ladies and gentlemen, we are just ONE WEEK AWAY from the 2014 NFL Draft. Roughly translated, that means that this is probably going to be the longest week ever. But, we'll continue to survive, just as we have thus far.

Since the last time we brought you an Open Thread. . .

-Ted went on a bit of a tear yesterday, starting with a brilliant parody of SB Nation's "Bag Man" article from a few days back with a look at the "Rumor Man."

-Ted also had a look at the history of the #8 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

-To finish the trifecta, Ted also had some of the highlights from the press conference following the Minnesota Vikings' mini-camp practice. The team's official website has the entire transcript of the press conference right here for your reading pleasure.

-We completed our 2014 NFL Big Board a little earlier than originally planned. Now, we're back to arguing about ranking quarterback prospects.

-Receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is vowing to work harder in 2014. That should scare people.

From some other sources around the internet. . .

-Christian Ponder is hoping for a "clean slate" with the Vikings under new coach Mike Zimmer.

-OMG MATT KALIL IS HURT ALREADY wait never mind it's not a big deal.

-The new Vikings' stadium? There's an app for that! (Or there will be, anyway.)

The rules of the Open Thread are the same as they've always been, ladies and gentlemen. . .no politics, no religion, no feeding of the trolls, keep the language relatively clean (with spoiler tags, if necessary), and keep the GIFs relatively work-safe.

Today's musical selection goes out to the local hockey team following their thrilling 5-4 overtime victory over Colorado to advance to Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

With that, the beer light is on and the bar is open for Thursday, ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy the rest of your day!