The Minnesota Vikings last draft picks finally signed their contracts and reported to training camp last night. Third round cornerback Josh Robinson signed Wednesday. The big one, first round tackle Matt Kalil signed yesterday. Quarterback Christian Ponder was smiling the most as he drove his new left tackle to Mankato State University. Everybody is ready to kick off the first practices today.
It was very important to have everyone in camp and ready to go right from the start. That's true for every team. As a team undergoing a youth movement it's especially true for the Vikings. If the team is to have any success in the next few years, the last two draft classes have to excel. The quarterback of the future and the present arrived last year in Ponder. The team's future is obviously tied to his development. Tight end Kyle Rudolph, defensive lineman Christian Ballard, guard Brandon Fusco, safety Mistral Raymond and receiver Stephen Burton must all make significant strides in their second season. All but Ballard could be starters. The heir apparent to All-Pro tackle Kevin Williams, Ballard will play an important role in the defensive line rotation. Rookies Matt Kalil and safety Harrison Smith were both drafted in the first round to start immediately. The Vikings released long time kicker Ryan Longwell to make room for rookie Blair Walsh. Fellow rookies Josh Robinson, receivers Jarius Wright and Greg Childs, tight end Rhett Ellison and safety Robert Blanton will either contend for starting jobs or significant playing time. If all goes as expected nearly half of the Vikings starting lineup will made up of players taken in the last two drafts. Incredible.
That kind of youth makes it extremely important for every player to be ready to go immediately. There was no time to waste time monkeying over contract details. Matt Kalil and the rest of the youngsters are not only the future of the team they are the team now. They had to be in camp on time. Thankfully they were.
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