August 10, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison (40) runs his route against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE
A couple weeks of training camp and one preseason game are in the bag for the Vikings and their 2012 draft class. Now’s a good time for a little review of where the draft picks stand:
Matt Kalil
Gave up a pressure in the first preseason game but shored things up after that. Made Jared Allen swear earlier in camp. Looks like he’s holding his own so far. No reason to worry.
Harrison Smith
Got up in Percy Harvin’s face during practice. Made a nice disciplined defensive play Friday against San Francisco, turning in a ball-carrier on an end-around so the tackle could be made. Will probably make his debut in the starting line-up this coming Friday. Signs are positive.
Josh Robinson
Has been slowed by a hamstring but should get back on the practice field this week. Maybe we’ll see him out there on Friday. Really curious to see what this kid looks like on the field. Don’t see him challenging Chris Carr for a starting spot right away but maybe down the road (once Leslie Frazier warms up to him).
Jarius Wright
Has been quiet in camp. Nearly committed a major brain fart Friday by letting a San Francisco defender get up and run after an interception. Gotta touch him down in the pros Jarius. Still waiting to see how he fits in. Doesn’t seem that he’s going to get a serious look as a return man.
Rhett Ellison
Kleinsasser 2.0 seemed to fit the bill Friday night. Had a couple catches. His role on this team is pretty secure unless he totally stinks it up.
Greg Childs
Blown patella tendons. Vows he’ll return. He cleared waivers and went on IR.
Robert Blanton
Hasn’t done much. Has been buried with the third and fourth units in practice. Missed Friday’s game with a hamstring. Even with the Vikings’ terrible safety play, he’s a long way from being in the mix.
Blair Walsh
Split the uprights on a couple field goals Friday night and showed big leg on kick-offs. The swirling winds in San Francisco didn’t seem to bother him at all, so kicking inside the Dome should be a breeze. Everyone’s raving about his confidence. Ryan Longwell who?
Audie Cole
Participated in possibly the most boring mic’d up segment ever Friday night on the local Vikings broadcast. Things went better for him in between the white lines however. He had a sack and overall showed good energy. Looks like a player. Still figures as a special teamer mainly.
Trevor Guyton
Not much to report. It’s still a jumble in that defensive line competition. Lots of back-up roles up for grabs. He’s battling several UFAs for playing time.
Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.
Topics: Blair Walsh, Greg Childs, Harrison Smith, Jarius Wright, Josh Robinson, Matt Kalil, Minnesota Vikings, Rhett Ellison
