The Sports Xchange

With star running back Adrian Peterson’s career still up in the air, the Minnesota Vikings turn their attention to a heralded 2015 draft class during a rookie minicamp this weekend (May 8-10).

Peterson was allowed to return to active duty in April after commissioner Roger Goodell shelved him virtually all of 2014.

It was perhaps the loudest and most aggressive statement amplifying the NFL’s very public mission against unacceptable acts of civil conduct, as determined by the league.

Peterson, previously revered as one of the hardest working and prolific running backs in NFL history, is disinclined to rejoin the Vikings and the team does not intend to trade him, which became obvious when there was no mention of a deal during last week’s draft. Well, except by the ever-vigilant media trying to fit Peterson’s pay under the Dallas Cowboys’ recently found $13 million in salary cap space.

Peterson is under contract for three more years, for a total of $46 million. But none of it is guaranteed, which apparently is unacceptable to Peterson and his agent, Ben Dogra.

Said Dogra: “But actions speak louder than words. If … you want to keep him, then show him a commitment to make him retire as a Viking. And I haven’t had that solution.”

Peterson is under contract for three more years, for a total of $46 million. But none of it is guaranteed, which apparently is what Dogra is seeking.

Peterson remained away from optional, offseason workouts, and Dogra did not say whether the player will return to the team when organized team activities begin May 26.

“That’s Adrian’s decision,” Dogra said. “He’s a grown man. He’s got strong principles. He’s endured a lot. It’s when he feels that true commitment. Adrian’s a very passionate person, very transparent. It’s when he feels it’s right.”

Meanwhile, the Vikings apparently weren’t satisfied that their pass defense jumped from 31st to seventh in the league in 2014.

They targeted Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes with the 11th overall draft pick after fielding several offers to trade down. They stayed the course and got the guy they wanted to help them deal with the quarterbacks and the big receivers that rule the NFC North.

As if Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson and Alshon Jeffery weren’t enough proof that big corners are needed to deal with the NFC North’s big receivers, the Chicago Bears, despite obvious defensive needs, added to the threat by selecting big, fast West Virginia receiver Kevin White seventh overall.

Overall, the Vikings had ten draft picks and Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst, thinks the team did A-OK, as he reports below.

The Vikings get to see their haul during a rookie minicamp this weekend (May 8-10), but you get a preview of the 2015 Lions here:

2014 RECORD: 7-9, 3rd in NFC North

COACH: Mike Zimmer

2nd season as Vikings/NFL head coach

7-9 overall

2015 CAMP SCHEDULE

Rookie minicamp: May 8-10

OTA dates: May 26-28, June 2-4, June 8-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

VIKINGS PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

Offense:

WR: C. Johnson, J. Wright, K. Colter, S. DIGGS

LT: M. Kalil, T. THOMPSON, C. Bykowski, A. Richardson

LG: D. Yankey, A. SHEPHERD

C: J. Sullivan, J. Berger, Z. Kerin

RG: B. Fusco, A. Wentworth

RT: P. Loadholt, T. CLEMMINGS, M. Harris, B. Aiyegbusi

TE: K. Rudolph, R. Ellison, M. PRUITT, C. Ford, B. Bostick, R. Otten

WR: M. Wallace, C. Patterson, A. Thielen, D. Foster

QB: T. Bridgewater, S. Hill, M. Kafka

FB: Z. Line

RB: A. Peterson, M. Asiata, J. Mckinnon, D. Harris, J. Banyard, H. Josey, D. Williams

Defense:

LDE: B. Robison, B. DUBOSE, J. Trattou, L. Mackey

NT: L. Joseph, S. Stephen, C. Anunoby, I. Faciane

DT: S. Floyd, T. Johnson

RDE: E. Griffen, S. Crichton, D. HUNTER, C. Rayford

SLB: A. Barr, G. Hodges, E. ROBINSON, B. Peters

MLB: E. KENDRICKS, A. Cole, C. Matthews

WLB: C. Greenway, B. Watts, M. Mauti, J. Kaddu

LCB: T. Newman, T. WAYNES, C. Munnerlyn

SS: R. Blanton, A. Exum, T. Mays

FS: H. Smith, A. Sendejo, A. Dixon

RCB: X. Rhodes, J. Price, S. Prater, D. Van dyke

CB: J. Robinson, M. Sherels, J. Carter

Special Teams:

P: J. Locke

PK: B. Walsh

LS: C. Loeffler, K. Mcdermott

H: J. Locke

PR: M. Sherels, J. Wright

KR: C. Patterson, M. Sherels

GRADING THE DRAFT — A-

Per Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

Cornerback Trae Waynes was linked to the Vikings for weeks before the draft, but that is only a reflection of how well his agility, speed and ballskills translate into Mike Zimmer’s scheme. Playing opposite another long, physical corner in Xavier Rhodes, Waynes gives Minnesota the best 1-2 punch at cornerback in a division full of frightening passing attacks. Waynes, however, was just the start with Eric Kendricks — the most athletic inside linebacker of the draft (and a former UCLA teammate of 2014 star rookie Anthony Barr) – and “tool-sy” edge hunter Danielle Hunter coming off the board in the third round. Given Zimmer’s track record for developing defenders, this is a trio that could pay big dividends in Minnesota soon. The Vikings made similarly smart gambles on players on the other side of the ball throughout the middle and later rounds, stopping the slide of gifted tackle T.J. Clemmings with the 110th overall pick and nabbing playmakers in tight end MyCole Pruitt and wideout/returner Stefon Diggs.

SCOUTING ALL DRAFT PICKS

–Round 1/11 – Trae Waynes, CB, 6-0, 186, Michigan State

Has the size, arm length, speed (4.31) and cover ability to be the No. 2 corner the Vikings need to compete with the NFC North’s big receivers. Is expected to win a starting job opposite Xavier Rhodes and allow Captain Munnerlyn to move inside as the No. 3 slot corner exclusively.

–Round 2/45 – Eric Kendricks, MLB, 6-0, 230, UCLA

He’ll be reunited with former Bruins teammate, roommate and best friend Anthony Barr as two of the Vikings’ starting linemen. He’s expected to start at middle linebacker, replacing Jasper Brinkley in the base and Chad Greenway in the sub packages. Also has the skill set to be Greenway’s heir apparent on the outside, if necessary.

–Round 3/88 – Danielle Hunter, DE, 6-5, 232, LSU

Doesn’t fill an immediate need as a pass-rushing prospect whose strengths are more suited to the right side, where the Vikings are set with Everson Griffen. But despite notching just 1 1/2 sacks a year ago, Hunter is considered a rare physical specimen who can be taught to rush the passer more efficiently.

–Round 4/110 – T.J. Clemmings, OT, 6-5, 309, Pittsburgh

This could be the best value pick on the board for Clemmings. He was rated much higher by many scouts and draft experts, but concerns about a stress fracture in his foot caused him to drop. He projects as a backup right tackle with the potential to be the swing tackle.

–Round 5/143 – MyCole Pruitt, TE, 6-2, 251, Southern Illinois

A two-time small-school All-America selection whose strength is more as a blocker. Limited speed and athleticism probably means he won’t be used much in the passing game.

–Round 5/146 – Stefon Diggs, WR, 6-0, 195, Maryland

Not exactly the receiver many were hoping for when the draft began, but the Vikings finally started to fill the need with this versatile receiver/returner. He can line up in multiple spots, catch bubble screens and also will push punt returner Marcus Sherels for his roster spot.

–Round 6/185 – Tyrus Thompson, T, 6-5, 324, Oklahoma

Very athletic for his size. Started 29 of 44 college games, including 13 at left tackle last season.

–Round 6/193 – B.J. Dubose, DE, 6-4, 284, Louisville

Known as a scrappy overachiever and will need time and work with Mike Zimmer’s defensive staff to identify a specific role.

–Round 7/228 – Austin Shepherd, T, 6-4, 315, Alabama

Big, strong player who will be a project. Two-year starter at right tackle for Alabama. Clearly, the Vikings aren’t satisfied with their depth at tackle.

–Round 7/232 – Edmond Robinson, OLB, 6-3, 245, Newberry

A Division II long-term project with a freakishly long frame that can add considerable weight and muscle.

NOTABLE VETERANS ACQUIRED:

–TE Brandon Bostick (waivers Packers).

–RB DuJuan Harris: Not tendered as ERFA by Packers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–QB Shaun Hill: UFA Rams; $6.5M/2 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

–QB Mike Kafka: FA; $660,000/1 yr.

–LB Casey Matthews: UFA Eagles; $825,000/1 yr.

–S Taylor Mays: UFA Bengals; $795,000/1 yr.

–LS Kevin McDermott: Not tendered as ERFA by Ravens; $1.26M/2 yrs.

–CB Terence Newman: UFA Bengals; $2.25M/1 yr, $500,000 SB/$750,000 guaranteed.

–DE Caesar Rayford: FA; $510,000/1 yr.

–WR Mike Wallace (trade Dolphins).

NOTABLE PLAYERS LOST:

–LB Jasper Brinkley: UFA Cowboys; $6.5M/2 yrs, $1.25M SB/$2M guaranteed.

–QB Matt Cassel (traded Bills).

–G Vladimir Ducasse: UFA Bears; $825,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB/$40,000 WO.

–FB Jerome Felton: UFA Bills; $9.2M/4 yrs, $2.6M SB/$4M guaranteed.

–WR Greg Jennings (released/failed physical).

–G Charlie Johnson (released).

–QB Christian Ponder: UFA Raiders; $2.25M/1 yr, $1.5M SB.

PRESEASON PEEK — Mark that calendar

All times Central

Aug. 9: Pittsburgh, Canton (Sun.), 8:00

Aug. 15: TAMPA BAY (Sat.), 7:00

Aug. 22: OAKLAND (Sat.), 7:00

Aug. 29: at Dallas (Sat.), 6:00

Sept. 3: at Miami (Thu.), 7:00