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Latest Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 11, 2012 5:54 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - Vikings promote Paton to assistant GM
Vikings director of player personnel George Paton has been promoted to assistant GM. He was a finalist for the GM job with the Rams. “George has been an integral part of our personnel department since he arrived in 2007,” GM Rick Spielman told Vikings.com. “His work ethic, leadership , professionalism and keen eye for identifying talented football players will continue to be a major asset for our organization." Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 6:25 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - Report: Vikings don't care for latest Ramsey County proposal
Ramsey County's revised stadium plan that includes using revenue from parking lot naming rights, parking fees, an admissions surcharge, stadium sales taxes and taxes collected on ancillary developments did not excite the Vikings -- who prefer the Arden Hills location. “Our view is the earlier (Ramsey County) proposals were more viable," Vikings VP Lester Bagley told the Star Tribune.  Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 6:03 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - Vikings inquired about CB Routt, says report
CB Stanford Routt, who was released by the Raiders this past week, has drawn some interest from several teams, including the Vikings, according ESPNDallas.com. Routt’s agent, Vann McElroy, said the Vikings, Chiefs and Cowboys have inquired since his release.   Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 1:50 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: PR -- Sherels
PR Marcus Sherels returned 33 punts versus 20 fair catches in 2011. He had a long return of 53 yards, but his average was 8.4 yards -- 23rd in the league. Sherels had some trouble fair-catching balls to close to the goal line, but got better as the year progressed. The Vikings will look for more production in 2012.  Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 1:49 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: KR -- Harvin
KR Percy Harvin got the 2011 season started with a bang when he returned the opening kickoff of the first game for a TD against the Chargers. His expanding offensive role limited his returns, but he averaged 32.5 yards per return and took another kickoff to the opponent's four -- setting an NFL record for the longest return without scoring (104 yards). Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 1:48 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: LS -- Loeffler
LS Cullen Loeffler's season featured highs and lows. He was named to the 3rd annual USA Football.com All-Fundamental team, and he broke a bone in his back when he was blindsided covering a punt -- landing him on the IR for the final five games. The one upside was the opportunity it granted fans to watch DE Jared Allen resurrect his dormant LS skills for one game. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 1:45 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: P/H -- Kluwe
P Chris Kluwe improved his gross punt average to 45.7 yards (14th in the NFL among players with at least 25 punts), was ranked 25th in net average (38.0 yards per punt) and had three touchbacks. As a holder, there were a couple drops that figured into game outcomes -- but he worked with three different long snappers in 2011. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 1:43 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: K -- Longwell
It's not hard to notice when the NFL's most accurate kicker since 2009 has a down season. Although K Ryan Longwell was 2 of 3 on kicks over 50 yards, he was 22 of 28 overall and finished 2011 with his lowest conversion rate (78.6 percent) since 2005. However, Longwell had a career-high 18 touchbacks as he took advantage of new kickoff rules. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 11:18 a.m. - by Joe Oberle - Duluth offers its own stadium plan
The long, strange Vikings stadium saga (with six plans already proposed) got a new player Thursday -- the city of Duluth, located more than two hours north of the Twin Cities. Sen. Roger Reinert  of Duluth wants to build a stadium there and allow Sunday liquor sales to fund it. In 1927, Duluth was home to the Eskimos of the NFL, but the Duluth Vikings idea appears pretty remote. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 10, 2012 11:15 a.m. - by Joe Oberle - Ramsey County offers a new stadium funding plan
Ramsey County offered a new financing plan for a Vikings stadium in Arden Hills, Minn., using revenue from parking lot naming rights, parking fees, an admissions surcharge, stadium sales taxes and taxes collected on ancillary developments. The proposal, projected to raise $20.6 million per year, does not rely on countywide sales, liquor or food tax increases -- which is what curtailed previous plans. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 09, 2012 3:35 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: CBs
CB Cedric Griffin -- The enigmatic  Griffin was coming off his second ACL surgery in two seasons and returned to the starting lineup, yet he appeared to not be totally back. His media silence made it hard to tell if it was due to injury or just not being with the program. An object of demotion, benching and discipline during the season, Griffin cleaned out his locker at season's end and his future is uncertain at best in Minnesota. CB Antoine Winfield -- Age and injury may finally be catching up with Winfield, as he played in four games, missed four with a neck strain, came back for one and then broke his clavicle--landing on IR for the final seven games. Still effective when he was on the field, the 34-year-old Winfield wants to play, but it may be in a reduced role going forward. CB Chris Cook -- In his second season,  Cook was starting to show the promise that was shrouded by an injury-plagued rookie campaign. Unfortunately, he only made it six games before being suspended for off-field issues. The Vikings retained him and are watching the situation closely -- but at this point his NFL future is precarious at best. CB Asher Allen -- Injuries affected Allen's season (missing three games), but when healthy he was assigned to cover the opposition's best WR (i.e., Steve Smith, Calvin Johnson) -- and played well with tough assignments. If Allen can stay healthy, he could figure into the plans for a secondary unit that should go through a major overhaul.  Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 09, 2012 3:26 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: S
SS Husain Abdullah -- Returned for his second season as a starter, and began the season well, until the entire secondary unit fell into disrepair. Abdullah's season was cut short by two concussions (four in two seasons), and they will factor into decisions regarding the future of this UFA. FS Jamarca Sanford -- In his first season as a starter, Sanford produced a mixed bag. He finished third in tackles (118) and led the team in picks (2) -- which wasn't hard to do in 2011 (DE Jared Allen was tied for 2nd with 1). But Sanford struggled in coverage and gave up some big plays that figured into close losses for the team. S Mistral Raymond -- Due to injuries in the secondary, rookie Raymond was forced into action after six games, starting the last five of the season. His big moment came when he ended the team's record-setting streak without an interception by grabbing a pick against Washington. Raymond will need to get stronger to battle for a spot in 2012.  FS Tyrell Johnson -- Started out splitting time with Sanford, but Sanford quickly took the lion's share of snaps. With 33 tackles in limited time, Johnson, an unrestricted free agent, had moments, but perhaps not enough to warrant a re-signing after tearing his right hamstring off the bone at the end of the season. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 09, 2012 3:18 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: LBs
LB Erin Henderson -- Finally broke into the starting lineup in 2011 and made the most of it. Playing the weak-side, Henderson garnered praise in run defense and dropping into coverage -- he also filled in at the MIKE when his brother E.J. went down. Erin Henderson is a UFA and could cost more than the Vikings are willing to spend. LB  E.J. Henderson -- Had another season slowed by injury. The broken femur from two seasons ago swelled at times, resulting in limited snaps. Still effective as a run defender (13.0 tackles for loss, 91 overall), Henderson struggled a bit in deeper coverages. His status as a UFA creates a tough decision for the team with the 31-year-old Viking great. LB Chad Greenway -- Criticized early for a lack of "splash plays," Greenway grabbed his lunch pail and went to work, finishing with the team lead in tackles (104) and making it to his first Pro Bowl (as an alternate), where led that team in tackles also. He signed a contract extension and might improve in 2012 with his former LB coach Fred Pagac back on the job. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 09, 2012 3:13 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: DTs
DT Remi Ayodele -- A free agent signee brought in to replace the run stopping of DT Pat Williams, Ayodele took a while to get untracked with his new team. Replaced often on passing downs, Ayodele had 22 tackles and really didn't impress until late in the season. He needs to increase his production in 2012. DT Kevin Williams -- Hobbled early in the season by plantar fasciitis and later by knee problems, Williams started slow without his regular "Williams Wall" cohort Pat Williams. He fought through adversity and double-teams to collect 57 tackles and five sacks in 14 games, which were close to his 2010 stats (65 tackles, 1.0 sacks in 16 games). DE/DT Everson Griffen -- Showing Joe Webb-like versatility on defense, Griffen played several line positions, LB and even gunner on ST -- and had bright moments at them all. Griffen had four sacks, several pass breakups and 18 ST tackles. A talented player who, if he sharpens his focus, will see his playing time increase in 2012. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 09, 2012 3:04 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: DEs
DE Jared Allen -- Allen had a career year, breaking a team sack record and nearly breaking the NFL single-season sack record. He also forced four fumbles, had an interception and led the league in fumble recoveries (4). He won several postseason awards but somehow finished second for defensive Player of the Year.  DE Brian Robison -- In his first season as a starter, Robison collected eight sacks (increasing on his previous average of 3.5) and had 54 tackles--up from 15 in 2010. With Allen, Robison led a defense that was tied for the league lead in sacks (50). He readily replaced former Vikings DE Ray Edwards. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:47 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: WR -- Aromashodu
Signed as a free agent to help stretch the field, WR Devin Aromashodu played sparingly early, finally getting to start in Week 7 when the Bernard Berrian issues came to a head. Aromashodu had one good game against Denver, but will have to step up his production to gain traction in a unit that clearly needs an upgrade.  Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:46 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: WR -- Jenkins
A key free agent pickup last season, WR Michael Jenkins is a No. 2 or 3 receiver who was thrust into the primary role until a knee injury landed him on IR after Week 11. A solid pass-catcher, Jenkins will figure into the Vikings plans in 2012, but the team will look to upgrade the unit with a consistent deep threat. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:45 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: WR -- Harvin
WR Percy Harvin played all 16 games for the first time in his career and his contributions were invaluable. He filled the void when RB Adrian Peterson went down, becoming the focal point of the offense. A consummate pro, the Vikings will need to sign him to an extension, as 2012 is the final year of his rookie contract. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:41 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: OL -- Loadholt
RT Phil Loadholt improved on last season but still needs to be consistent overall. A good run blocker, Loadholt had lapses in pass protection. Loadholt enters a contract year in 2012, so it is just as big a year for him as his performance will be to the Vikings. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:38 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: OL -- Herrera
RG Anthony Herrera came back from late 2010 injuries (including ACL surgery) to start on opening day -- and received the 2011 Ed Block Courage Award as a result. Unfortunately, injuries caused him to miss four more starts in 2011. A team leader, Herrera's experience and tenacity are valued, but at 32 when the season starts, his spot could be one position where the Vikings go younger. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:28 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: OL -- Sullivan
Considered one of the standouts on the line this season (and rewarded with a contract extension), C John Sullivan is emerging as the anchor of the line the Vikings needed him to be. He rebounded from an injury-plagued 2010 campaign to grade highly in 2011. He will need to lead a line that is certain to be younger in 2012. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:25 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: OL -- Hutchinson
LG Steve Hutchinson is on the tail end of a great career. While that could mean even a fading Hutchinson is better than some rookies learning the job, is it worth the $7 million he is due next season? When healthy, Hutchinson is still tough, but he has been slowed by injury the past three seasons. A tough decision ahead for the Vikings. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:23 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: OL -- Johnson
Playing out of his natural guard position, LT Charlie Johnson seemed to be playing catch-up as he was a sudden replacement for LT Bryant McKinnie in training camp. A decent run-blocker, Johnson could be moved to guard next season if the Vikings pick up a reliable LT. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:22 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: TEs -- Shiancoe
TE Visanthe Shiancoe had his poorest statistical season since he became a Viking in 2007 (36 catches for 409 yards and 3 TDs), and he is a free agent. His snaps seemed to diminish as TE Kyle Rudolph emerged late in the season. Never considered an elite blocker, his pass-catching and experience remain valuable with TE Jimmy Kleinsasser retiring. Vikings RapidReports
 Feb. 08, 2012 4:20 p.m. - by Joe Oberle - 2011 Vikings position review: TEs -- Rudolph
Rookie TE Kyle Rudolph showed brilliant flashes of his pass-catching potential, but was a bit under-utilized in 2011. In a league where dependence on big, athletic TEs is increasing, Rudolph should make a big leap in 2012. His blocking held him back early, but he improved and will be a big part of the offense next season. Vikings RapidReports
 
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