NFL Draft 2013: Minnesota Vikings undrafted free-agent signings
By Nam Huynh
Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings helmet on the field before a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2013 NFL Draft complete, the Minnesota Vikings will be contacting the agents for undrafted players to add depth and competition for Training Camp—and possibly even find a diamond in the rough.
Current starting linebacker Erin Henderson was an undrafted free-agent signing in 2008, so it is possible the team could find a future starter.
This is a running list that will be updated as soon as we hear any news on signings and agreements.
4/27 6:54 PM – Nicholas Edwards – WR, Eastern Washington
Edwards was a walk-on when he first came to Eastern Washington after receiving no college scholarship offers. He quickly became a big-time receiver with six performances with at least 10 catches in his career, and seven with at least 100 yards. He lead the FCS in 2011 with 19 touchdowns and lead the team with 95 catches for 1,250 yards. Hindered by a left knee injury, his numbers dropped off significantly in 2012. School newspaper confirmed 7:30 PM.
4/27 7:18 PM – Brandan Bishop – S, North Carolina St.
Former teammate of Vikings middle linebacker Audie Cole. Bishop is officially listed as a free safety but has played at strong safety as well. Scouting reports say he plays well against the run and in pass defense.
4/27 7:18 PM – Camden Wentz – C, North Carolina St.
Like Bishop, another former teammate of Cole. In fact, Cole broke the news of the signings. Wentz was three-year starter at center. Scouting reports say he was the most consistent of an underwhelming offensive line.
4/27 7:22 PM – James Vandenberg – QB, Iowa
Vandenberg is Iowa native who didn’t start until his junior year, as he waited behind then-starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi. He had a breakout year in his first year as a starter with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but his numbers dropped his senior year with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions. He is projected to be just a camp body unless he outperforms quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson in camp.
4/27 7:13 PM – Darius Eubanks – FS, Georgia Southern
Like Bishop, Eubanks has position flexibility at safety. Eubanks was a special teams standout at Georgia Southern, so he could make the team if he transitions his special teams ability to the NFL.
4/27 7:28 PM – Erik Highsmith – WR, UNC
Highsmith was rated as a mid-round draft pick by some draft analysts. He finished last season with 51 receptions for 726 yards and five touchdowns. He has the height and length to line up outside. Some scouting reports suggests he could be a number two or three receiver in the NFL.
4/27 7:40 PM – Nathan Williams – OLB, Ohio St.
Williams is listed as an outside linebacker, but had also logged some time at defensive end for Ohio State. Williams will likely be played at linebacker for the Vikings as his size—6-3, 241 pounds—is a bit undersized for what they typically employ at defensive end. He will have to work on his all-around game to make the team. He mostly lined up in a two-point stance off the edge, so he’s considered a project and practice squad candidate.
4/27 8:13 PM – Zach Line – RB/FB, SMU
Line surpassed Eric Dickerson’s SMU record for total yardage, and tied him for the most rushing touchdowns—47 touchdowns He even threatened Dickerson’s school rushing record of 1,617 yards before missing the final three games of the 2011 season with a torn tendon in his toe.
4/27 8:03 PM – Rayon Simmons – RB, Winona St. – Camp Invite
Simmons has the potential and ability to emerge as the primary kick returner for the Vikings, assuming the team doesn’t hand that job to recently drafted receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
4/27 7:12 PM – Jerodis Williams – RB, Furman
Much like Simmons, the speedy Williams as the potential and ability to be a kick returner for the Vikings. There is a slight concern about his right shoulder surgery in 2012.
4/27 7:02 PM – Collins Ukwu – DE, Kentucky
Uwku has the frame and long arms that are ideal for the defensive end position. Scouting reports say, given time, he has the tools to become a very good defensive end. He is a high-ceiling project and practice squad candidate.
4/27 8:43 PM – Rodney Smith – WR, Florida St.
Smith hitting the undrafted free-agent market is a bit of a surprise. NFL.com compares him to, but of course, a younger version of former Vikings receiver Michael Jenkins. Scouting reports say he is a vertical threat who is smooth route runner. Of the undrafted receivers signed by Minnesota, Smith may have the greatest chance at making the 53-man roster.
4/27 8:37 PM – Colin Anderson – TE, Furman
Anderson came to Furman as a walk-on quarterback but converted to tight end. He has the tools to be a productive tight end, but is a little under the radar playing at a small school. Scouting reports say he is a solid catcher and good blocker.
Rouse did not get signed, according to official release.
Rouse is often compared to New England Patriots running back Danny Woodhead. At 5-6, 190 pounds, he’ll likely be no more than a change-of-pace back. Scouting reports say he has the potential to be a Darren Sproles-type of player and is compared to former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.
4/27 9:53 PM – Jamaal White – SS, Northwestern St.
White entered the 2012 season being regarded as a likely 2013 NFL Draft pick. He didn’t do enough to stand out from the safety crop, but he is noted for his hard hitting and ball-hawking ability.
4/27 10:08 PM – Marquis Jackson – DE, Portland St.
Jackson moved around a lot in his collegiate career, effecting his draft stock. Despite that, draft analysts projected him to be a mid-round pick because of his size—6-5, 260 pounds—and athleticism. He dominated FCS linemen, but will his game translate to NFL lineman? Potential is high.
4/28 7:24 AM – Duron Carter – WR, Alabama – Camp Invite
Son of former Vikings receiver Cris Carter, Duron hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps. The elder Carter insists his son has NFL talent, even though he has only played at the FBS level. Academic problems kepted Duron from playing for larger schools. Duron went to four different schools in his collegiate career, but only actually saw the field in his time at a community college.
4/27 8:21 PM – Joe Bonadies – OL, Penn – Camp Invite
Bonadies has position flexibility on the offensive line. He played right tackle the two previous seasons protecting the blind side of left-handed quarterback Billy Ragone. Scouting reports say he could flip to the other side of the line and even play guard in necessary.
4/28 10:54 AM – Amp McCloud – DT, Florida St.
The Vikings apparently like their Florida St. guys. After drafting two guys from that school, they sign two more as undrafted free-agents. McCloud is another guy that many thought would be drafted, at least in the late rounds. He’s was rated in the top 25 defensive tackles by many draft analysts. He has versatility, as he had played at the three technique and at nose tackle.