MInnesota Vikings 2003 Draft

Minnesota Vikings 2003 Draft

Minnesota Vikings 2003 Draft coverage and picks. A round by round list of the teams 2003 draft picks and a profile of each player.

The Vikings draft position for the 2003 draft.

Round 1-Position 7-Vikings pass and pick at #9
Round 2-Position 40
Round 3-Position 71
Round 4-Position 105
Round 5-No Pick. Traded to Cleveland for Stalin Colinet
Round 6-Position 180-190(from Saints for Todd Bouman)
Round 7-Position 221

This does not include any compensatory picks. The NFL deemed that the Vikings adequately replaced lost free agents last season with free agent replacements. As a result, the Vikings will receive no compensatory picks in this year's draft. Below is a list of the Vikings picks and a bio on each player.

Round 1, Pick 9
Kevin Williams, DT Oklahoma State

Positives: Has natural muscle tone and a frame that can still add more bulk with no drop-off in quickness … Better athlete than player, showing above-average balance and initial quickness … Has the natural strength needed to defeat combo blocks … Flows off the ball with effective lateral agility … Hit-and-wrap tackler who stays on his feet and shows good movement knifing down the line … Shows good pursuit agility and has greatly improved his ability to flatten and fold down the line of scrimmage … Best asset is his pursuit-and-chase skills, as he has a quick closing burst and has developed good counter and secondary moves to defeat blocks … Power pass rusher with the acceleration needed to flush out the quarterback and track down ball carriers in backside pursuit … Has the long arms and speed to play effectively on the edge.

Negatives: Too undersized to play consistently at tackle, as the larger blockers get into his chest too quick, causing him big problems in attempts to shed … Plays too upright and does not use his hands properly to keep blockers from getting underneath him … Shows good explosion off the snap, but labors to locate the ball (lacks instincts) … Has marginal ability to read and react to the action … Lacks good hand movement and despite his long arms, does not possess effective swim moves … Struggles to separate at the point of attack, appearing a little lost when having to redirect inside … Does not always show up on every play … Has good take-off agility, but has a tendency to glide off the ball … His lack of ideal power limits his inside moves (fails to get his arms crossed over the blocker's face) … Not a punishing tackler you'd expect from a player his size, preferring to grab and drag down rather than explode behind his hits (lacks a killer instinct) … Power pass rusher who lacks an array of moves and gets frustrated when blockers sustain his counter moves … More effective coming off the edge, but he does not lean into blockers or fight pressure well when playing vs. the run … Fails to redirect quickly, as he is slow to escape when working inline.

CAREER NOTES

2002 SEASON
All-Big Twelve Conference first-team pick by the Associated Press and the league’s coaches…Started all year at right defensive tackle…Recorded 61 tackles (49 solos) as he tied for the team lead with seven sacks for minus 49 yards and led the Cowboys with 14 stops for losses of 66 yards…Deflected two passes and had two quarterback pressures.

Louisiana Tech, Northern Iowa and Oklahoma…Made 2 tackles in each game.
Texas Tech and Southern Methodist…Added 3 hits in each contest.
UCLA…Credited with a 7-tackle (4 solos) performance.
Texas…Registered 10 tackles (9 solos), including third-down stops of tailbacks Cedric Benson and Selvin Young.
Baylor and Kansas…Posted 3 tackles and a stop behind the line of scrimmage in each game.
Nebraska…Earned Big Twelve Player of the Week honors as he totaled 10 tackles (9 solos), sacked QB Junior Lord for an 8-yard loss and brought down tailback Dahrran Diedrick for minus 5 yards.
Kansas…Had 3 solo tackles and sacked QB Zach Dyer for an 8-yard loss.
Southern Mississippi (Houston Bowl)…Earned Defensive MVP honors as he registered 7 tackles (6 solos) with 3 sacks for minus 15 yards, 4 stops for losses of 18 yards and a pass deflection.

2001 SEASON
Started nine games at right defensive tackle, at left end vs. Colorado and came off the bench vs. Baylor…Recorded 36 tackles (17 solos) with two sacks and seven stops for losses of 20 yards…Deflected a pass and had two quarterback pressures.

Southern Mississippi…Sacked QB Jeff Kelly for a 6-yard loss and made 5 tackles (4 solos).
Louisiana Tech…Followed with 2 solo tackles and a 15-yard sack.
Texas A&M…Added 3 tackles as he sacked QB Mark Farris for a 3-yard loss.
Missouri…Assisted on a 4-yard sack.
Iowa State…Totaled 8 tackles with 3 stops behind the line of scrimmage.
Colorado…Delivered 4 tackles and stop tailback Chris Brown for a 5-yard loss.
Baylor…Came back to register 6 tackles (4 solos) with a 2-yard sack in reserve action.
Oklahoma…Recorded 5 tackles (3 solos) as he sacked QB Nate Hybl for a 14-yard loss and stopped tailback Quentin Griffin behind the line of scrimmage on the Sooners’ final possession, preserving a 16-13 victory.

2000 SEASON
Played in every game, starting four of the first five games at right defensive tackle and then shifted to right end for the Colorado, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Baylor contests… Recorded 35 tackles (30 solos) with four sacks for minus 31 yards and seven stops for losses of 35 yards…Deflected six passes and recovered a fumble…Credited with three quarterback pressures.
Southwest Texas…Made 5 tackles and 2 stops for minus 9 yards.
Southern Mississippi…Sacked QB Jeff Kelly for a 7-yard loss.
Missouri…Added 4 hits and a 9-yard sack.
Colorado…Had a season-high 6 tackles, a 9-yard sack and 3 stops for losses of 16 yards.

1999 SEASON
Freshman All-American third-team selection by The Sporting News…All-Big Twelve Conference third-team pick by the league’s coaches…Started every game at right defensive end, recording 28 tackles (14 solos) with two sacks for minus 16 yards and six stops for losses of 29 yards…Deflected two passes and recovered a pair of fumbles.

1998 SEASON
Redshirted.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.84 in the 40-yard dash…335-pound bench press…34 1/2-inch arm length…8 1/2-inch hands…Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Fordyce (Ark.) High…One of the top prospects in the state of Arkansas, playing on both sides of the ball for a 10-2 squad his senior season…On offense, he had nine receptions, including two for touchdowns…On the defensive side, he had 60 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, five sacks, one fumble recovery for a touchdown and one interception returned for a touchdown…All-State choice who averaged more than 18 points per game in basketball…Coached by Steve Baxley.

PERSONAL
General Studies major…Son of Exie Bea and Roy Williams…Born 8/16/80 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas…Resides in Fordyce, Arkansas.

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Round 2, Pick 40
E.J. Henderson, LB Maryland

Positives: Strong athlete with good quickness, balance, agility and body control … Learns schemes easily and calls defensive assignments … Plays tough and comes back quicker than expected from injuries … Very strong and physical with his hands, using them with force to shed as he does not allow blockers to get into his body … Has superb field vision and anticipation skills, showing a smooth change of direction as he flows to the play … Has excellent sideline range, using his instinctive nature to get an explosive jump on the ball … Shows above-average hand reflexes to deflect the pass or intercept the ball … Has the speed to cover tight ends and slot receivers, showing determination and awareness in zone coverage … Very disruptive on the blitz, powering through blocks while generating a quick closing burst on the quarterback … Above-average inline tackler who follows through his hits with power … Contributes on special teams, serving as the right guard on the punt unit … Has the quickness to play outside in the over scheme … Attacks the line well, staying on his feet when jumping over trash … Stout and leveraged at the point of attack, showing the strength needed to stack and control blocks.

Negatives: Has good power, but needs to dedicate more hours in the weight room … Even though he has suddenness and awareness in his play, he does run around at times rather than stepping up to initiate contact … Makes up for a lack of blazing speed with quickness … Shows good purpose in zone coverage taking on the tight ends, but does not have the deep speed needed for long pursuit … Needs to work on his footwork, as he will step underneath at times and that slows him down a bit … Gets over-aggressive at times, taking a wrong angle in pursuit … Sometimes overruns and misses the play working in space.

CAREER NOTES
The most decorated defensive player in school history, Henderson boasts a mantelpiece filled with trophies from his Terps career … The Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker) and Bednarik Trophy (top defensive player in college) winner is a strong, agile defender with an uncanny knack for getting to the ball … The post-graduate finished his career with 473 tackles (329 solos), 17½ sacks for minus-107 yards and 62½ stops for losses of 207 yards while starting 36 of 46 games … His 473 tackles are topped only by Eric Wilson's 481 (1981-84) on the school's career list … His 62½ stops behind the line of scrimmage broke the old school record of 45 by Aaron Thompson (1998-2001), while his 207 yards in losses surpassed the previous Maryland career mark of 206 yards by Mike Corvino (1979-82) … His 17½ sacks rank eighth in Terps annals.

2002 SEASON
Consensus All-American and unanimous All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team choice … Named National Defensive Player of the Year by The NFL Draft Report … Winner of the Butkus Award and Bednarik Trophy … Named ACC Defensive Player of the Year … Team's Most Valuable Player … Joined Ratcliff Thomas (1993-95) as the only Terps to lead the team in tackles in three straight seasons as he posted 175 tackles (135 solos) with 8½ sacks for minus-49 yards, 19½ stops for losses of 86 yards and 8 quarterback pressures … His 175 hits rank fourth on the school's single-season list while his 19½ stops behind the line of scrimmage rank third … Intercepted 2 passes and deflected 4 others … Also caused 3 fumbles.
Preseason - Missed spring drills after undergoing back surgery to remove bone spurs.
Notre Dame - Posted 16 tackles with a stop behind the line of scrimmage and caused a fumble.
Akron - Had a 12-yard interception return and a 2-yard sack.
Florida State - Tackled tailback Greg Jones, causing a fumble on the play, and was in on 11 hits (9 solos).
Eastern Michigan - Registered 11 tackles (8 solos) with a stop behind the line of scrimmage.
Wofford - Collected 15 tackles (11 solos) with a 7-yard sack and 2 stops for minus-14 yards.
West Virginia - Had another 15 tackles (14 solos) with 1½ sacks for minus-9 yards and 3 stops for losses of 10 yards.
Georgia Tech - Made a pair of stops behind the line of scrimmage and 10 tackles.
Duke - Added a 7-yard sack and 9 tackles (7 solos).
North Carolina State - Posted 16 tackles (9 solos) and 2 stops for minus-5 yards.
Clemson - Sacked QB Willie Simmons for a 6-yard loss, deflected a pass and made 12 tackles (10 solos).
Virginia - Credited with a 19-tackle (15 solos) performance.
Wake Forest - Delivered another 19 tackles (16 solos), including a 9-yard sack of QB Cory Randolph (caused a fumble on the play, resulting in a safety), had 2 stops for losses of 12 yards and an 8-yard interception return.
Tennessee (Peach Bowl) - Closed out his career by sacking QB Casey Clausen twice for minus-9 yards, adding 4 stops for losses of 23 yards, a pass deflection, a forced fumble and 12 solo tackles.

2001 SEASON
Became Maryland's first consensus All-America first-team choice since J.D. Maarleveld in 1985 … All-ACC first-team pick who became only the fourth Terp to earn ACC Player of the Year honors (also named Defensive Player of the Year), joining Bernie Faloney (1953), Bob Pellegrini (1955) and Randy White (1974) … One of three finalists for the Dick Butkus Award … Led the ACC in tackles (150) and stops for loss (28) … Ranked seventh nationally with 13.64 tackles per game and second in the NCAA with 9.45 solo stops per outing … His 28 stops behind the line of scrimmage were the most for a single season in school history, breaking the old mark of 24 set by White in 1974 (second most in the nation) … Named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week six times, the most of any ACC defender … The team's leading tackler in every game except Virginia … Finished with 150 tackles (103 solos), 6 sacks for minus-40 yards, 28 stops for losses of 76 yards and 7 quarterback pressures … Recovered a fumble and caused 2 others … Blocked 2 kicks … Deflected 4 passes and intercepted another.

2000 SEASON
Started 10 games at strongside inside linebacker … Led the team and ranked seventh in the ACC with 109 tackles (70 solos), including 2 sacks for minus-14 yards, 6 quarterback pressures and 13 stops for losses of 40 yards … Deflected 4 passes and recovered a fumble.

1999 SEASON
Played in 11 games, starting against Florida State and Virginia … Recorded 39 tackles (21 solos) with a sack and 2 stops behind the line of scrimmage.

1998 SEASON
Red shirted as a freshman.

INJURY REPORT
Sat out the 2000 Clemson game with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee … Missed 2002 spring drills after undergoing back surgery to remove bone spurs.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
Timed at 4.83 in the 40-yard dash … 375-pound bench press … 545-pound squat … 330-pound power clean … 33-inch vertical jump … 32¾-inch arm length … 10-inch hands … Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Aberdeen (Md.) High … Four-year starter and 1998 graduate … Played on four league championship teams … Started at middle linebacker/running back his last three years after starting at outside linebacker as a freshman … Senior honors included All-America recognition from PrepStar and honorable mention All-America from USA Today … First-team all-county (Aegis, Sporting Times), and first-team all-metro (Baltimore Sun) accolades … Named Harford County Male Athlete of the Year by the Aegis newspaper and played on teams that compiled a four-year record of 36-7, winning or sharing county championships all four seasons and capturing a regional title in 1996 … As a senior, he made 148 tackles, 6 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries in addition to rushing for 1,127 yards and 15 touchdowns from the running back position … Nominated to play in the Chesapeake Classic All-Star Game and was selected to the Mason-Dixon Shrine Classic … All-county (Aegis, Sporting Times) selection in basketball … Coached by Kevin Reilly.

PERSONAL
Graduated in May 2002 with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice … Son of Quinette and Eric Henderson … Born Eric N. Henderson on Aug. 3, 1980 … Resides in Abderdeen, Md.

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Round 3, Pick 71
Nate Burleson, WR Nevada-Reno

ANALYSIS

Positives: Explosive breakaway threat with impressive leaping ability … Shows a sudden burst coming off the line and uses his hands well to escape press coverage … Has an array of moves to elude defenders and shows proper crack-block techniques upfield … Sharp route-runner who is especially effective on underneath passes and crossing patterns … Has good field awareness and is very conscious of the sideline markers … Separates quickly from the defender in the open, showing that second gear needed to gain yardage after the catch … Natural hand extender going up for the ball and shows fluid body adjustments coming back for the off-target tosses … Very tough and physical going for the ball in a crowd … His upfield acceleration consistently allows him to break tackles … Always gets in the defender's way when trying to block for the ground game.

Negatives: Still learning how to vary his speed so he doesn't overrun on his routes … Erratic blocker who needs to show better hand punch off the snap … While explosive off the snap, he will gather himself before generating his separation burst after the catch … Has a tendency to skip into his cuts.

CAREER NOTES
Emerging star with excellent body control and agility … Comes from a family deep in sports tradition, as his father, Alvin, was a standout safety at the University of Washington before plying his wares in the USFL and CFL … His brother, Alvin Jr., followed his father's footsteps to Washington in 1997 and another brother, Kevin, was a guard on Minnesota's basketball team … Was a partial qualifier in 1999 and could have petitioned for another year of eligibility, but opted to test his skills in the pros by applying for the 2002 NFL Draft … Finished his career with 248 receptions for 3,293 yards (13.6 avg.) and 22 touchdowns … Only Geoff Noisy (295, 1995-98) and Trevor Insley (298, 1996-99) had more catches in a career at Nevada … His 3,293 yards rank fourth in school annals behind Bryan Reeves (3,408, 1991-93), Noisy (4,249) and Insley (5,005) in school annals … His career average of 7.52 receptions per game established a Western Athletic Conference all-time record.

2002 SEASON
All-America first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report and the American Football Coaches Association, earning second-team honors from The Sporting News and CNN/SI … All-WAC first-team choice … Finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the top receiver in the nation … Led the nation in receptions per game (11.5) and receiving yards (135.8) … Caught a school and conference season-record 138 passes (four shy of the NCAA record) for 1,629 yards (11.8 avg.) and 12 touchdowns … Only Insley (2,060 in 1999) and Alex Van Dyke (1,854 in 1995) gained more yards receiving in a season at Nevada … Added 115 yards and a score on 22 carries (5.2 avg.) … Returned 3 kickoffs for 67 yards (22.3 avg.) and 4 punts for 24 yards (6.0 avg.) … Added 3 tackles on special teams … Averaged 152.9 all-purpose yards per game.
Washington State - Snared 7 passes for 72 yards and gained 12 yards on 3 rushes.
Brigham Young - Hauled in 12 passes for 213 yards and a 95-yard touchdown (third-longest catch in school history) and carried 3 times for 19 yards.
Rice - Followed with 14 grabs for 128 yards and scores of 4 and 19 yards.
Colorado State - Gained 173 yards on 12 catches with a 21-yard touchdown.
Nevada-Las Vegas - Made 8 catches for 94 yards and a 25-yard touchdown.
Hawaii - Followed with 11 receptions for 143 yards and picked up 17 yards on a reverse.
San Jose State - Scored on a 27-yard grab, adding 111 yards on 8 catches and 20 yards on a reverse.
Louisiana Tech - Caught 13 passes for 107 yards and a 14-yard score.
Southern Methodist - Added 129 yards and a 4-yard touchdown on 13 catches and also had an 8-yard gain on a reverse.
Texas-El Paso - Named WAC Player of the Week as he set school and conference single-game records with 19 receptions, good for 179 yards and an 11-yard touchdown … Also carried 3 times for 14 yards.
Fresno State - Grabbed 14 passes for 207 yards, including 45- and 18-yard touchdowns, adding another score on a 4-yard reverse.
Boise State - Closed out his career with 7 receptions for 71 yards and a 17-yard score.

2001 SEASON
All-WAC second-team choice by The NFL Draft Report … Started nine games, leading the team with 53 receptions for 737 yards (13.9 avg.) and a pair of touchdowns … Carried 3 times for 44 yards (14.7 avg.) … Added 90 yards on 3 kickoff returns (30.0 avg.) … Also saw action on defense, intercepting a pass and making a solo tackle.

2000 SEASON
Started every game in his first season of collegiate action, leading the team with 57 catches for 921 yards (16.2 avg.) and 8 touchdowns … Carried twice for 31 yards (15.5 avg.) and returned 14 punts for 55 yards (3.9 avg.) … Added 177 yards on 11 kickoff returns (16.1 avg.).

1999 SEASON
Sat out the season under NCAA Proposition 48 rules.

INJURY REPORT
Dislocated his shoulder in the 2001 Louisiana Tech game, sitting out the Boise State and Rice contests.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.59 in the 40-yard dash … 235-pound bench press … 385-pound squat … 295-pound hang clean … 37½-inch vertical jump.

COMBINE AGILITY TESTS
ARM HAND TEST 40 20 10 VJ BJ SHUTTLE CONE
31 1/8 9 19 4.51 2.65 1.58 42½ 10-6 4.16 6.96

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended O'Dea (Seattle, Wash.) High … Earned a total of eight letters playing football, track and basketball … Second-team all-state pick in basketball and Athlete of the Year.

PERSONAL
General Studies major … Son of Valerie and Alvin Burleson Sr. … Father was a standout safety at the University of Washington (1973-75) before plying his wares in the USFL (Los Angeles) and CFL (Calgary) … His brother, Alvin Jr., followed his father's footsteps to Washington in 1997 and another brother, Kevin, was a guard on Minnesota's basketball team (1998-2002) … Grandfather was a professional boxer … Has been playing organized football, basketball and track since age nine … Born Aug. 19, 1981 … Resides in Seattle, Wash.

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Round 4, Pick 105
Onterrio Smith, RB Oregon

ANALYSIS

Positives: Compactly built runner with a solid upper-body frame … Very quick coming out of his stance, getting into top speed immediately … Quite sudden in his movements, gaining an advantage over the defender with his juking moves … Has great field vision, easily spotting blockers downfield and seeing the rush lanes, running through the holes with awareness … Picks and slides through the inside holes at a low pad level … Changes his angles properly to reach the outside corner when the inside rush lanes are clogged … Displays fluid lateral agility and the balance to spin, plant and drive with no hesitation in order to gain additional yardage upfield … Explosive runner with the wiggle and hip swerve to break tackles and make defenders miss … Very quick to get on the edge to outrun the pack … Sees threats well and reacts instantly when the initial rush lane is clogged … Shows surprising power in his leg drive and is capable of moving the pile.

Negatives: Appears more comfortable running on the edge than up the middle … Must secure the ball better to prevent costly fumbles … Needs to polish his route-running, as he tends to round his cuts and looks hesitant coming back for the underneath passes … Blocking is marginal and he lacks the strength to face up and sustain (shows willingness, but no technique).

CAREER NOTES
An outstanding big-play runner who originally began his career at the University of Tennessee … Transferred to Oregon in 2000, sharing running duties with Maurice Morris as a sophomore before becoming the Ducks' featured back in 2002 … Gained 2,199 yards with 19 touchdowns on 419 carries (5.2 avg.), ranking seventh on the school's all-time rushing list … Joined Morris (2000-2001) as the only players in Oregon annals to rush for over 1,000 yards twice in a career … Added 149 yards and a pair of scores on 24 catches (6.2 avg.) and 534 yards with a touchdown on 20 kickoff returns (26.7 avg.) … Averaged 131.0 all-purpose yards per game as a Duck … Gained 2,388 yards on 450 attempts, including 23 touchdowns during his entire collegiate career.

2002 SEASON
All-Pac-10 first-team selection and selected the team's Most Valuable Player … Ranked second in the conference and 14th in the nation in rushing, averaging 133.7 yards per game … Became only the fourth running back in school history to earn first-team All-Pac-10 honors … Played in 10 games, leading the team with 244 carries for 1,141 yards (4.7 avg.) and 12 touchdowns … His 1,141 yards rank sixth on the school's single-season record list … Made 13 catches for 78 yards (6.0 avg.) and returned 7 kickoffs for 175 yards (25.0 avg.) … Averaged 139.4 all-purpose yards per game … Ran for over 100 yards in each of his first seven games.
Mississippi State - Gained 124 yards on 28 carries, turning the ball over once on a fumble, and had a 20-yard reception.
Fresno State - Rushed 35 times for 124 yards with a pair of 2-yard touchdowns and totaled 17 yards on 2 catches.
Idaho - Followed with 18 attempts for 104 yards and scores of 3, 3 and 6 yards.
Portland State - Amassed 115 yards on 21 tries, including 25- and 3-yard touchdowns.
UCLA - Ran 25 times for 152 yards, fumbling the ball once … Also made 2 catches for 21 yards.
Arizona State - Totaled a season-high 172 yards on 27 chances with 57-, 1- and 5-yard scores … Returned 2 kickoffs for 31 yards, but turned the ball over on a fumble.
Southern California - Carried 19 times for 79 yards and returned 5 kickoffs for 144 yards, including a 55-yarder before leaving the game with a left knee sprain.
Stanford - Did not play (knee).
Washington State - Collected 64 yards on 25 tries before re-injuring his knee.
Washington and Oregon State - Missed the final two games of the regular season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair a partial cartilage tear on Nov. 18.
Wake Forest (Seattle Bowl) - Returned to action, and gained 62 yards on 18 carries.

2001 SEASON
All-Pac-10 second-team selection as both a running back and kickoff returner … Recipient of the Len Casanova Award, given to the team's top newcomer … Named Pac-10 Player of the Week vs. Washington State … Played in every game, starting the Washington State contest as he shared playing time with Maurice Morris … The duo became the first tandem in school history to each gain over 1,000 yards rushing in the same season, as Smith led the team with 175 carries for 1,058 yards (6.0 avg.) and 7 touchdowns … Added 71 yards and a pair of scores on 11 catches (6.5 avg.) and had 13 kickoff returns for 359 yards (27.6 avg.) and a touchdown.

2000 SEASON
Sat out the year under NCAA transfer rules, competing on Oregon's scout team.

1999 SEASON
Saw action in eight games as a reserve halfback at the University of Tennessee … Carried 31 times for 189 yards (6.1 avg.) and 4 touchdowns … Caught 2 passes for 25 yards (12.5 avg.) and a score.

INJURY REPORT
Suffered a left knee sprain vs. Southern California in 2002, sitting out the ensuing game against Stanford … Re-injured the knee vs. Washington State in 2002, missing the Washington and Oregon State games after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair partially torn cartilage on Nov. 18.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.49 in the 40-yard dash … 2.61 in the 20-yard dash … 11.13 in the 60-yard shuttle … 35½-inch vertical jump … 10-foot broad jump … Bench presses 225 pounds 18 times.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Grant (Sacramento, Calif.) High … SuperPrep All-America and two-time All-State pick … Set single-season school records with 3,154 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns (53 rushing) as a senior and led the team to a 10-1-1 record … Also established career marks with 6,123 yards rushing and 99 scores … Posted a single-game rushing best of 373 yards against Yuma City, and scored 6 touchdowns in three different games … Named the 1998 All-City Offensive Player of the Year and league MVP … Also started two years at defensive back, recording 74 tackles and 4 fumbles during his last season.

PERSONAL
General Studies major … Has a daughter, Onterria … Son of Terri Johnson and Raymond Smith … Born Onterrio Raymond Lloyd Smith on Dec. 8, 1980 in Sacramento, Calif.

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Round 5, Pick 180
Eddie Johnson Jr. P Idaho State

ANALYSIS

Positives: Despite being a three-step punter, his touch-to-toe mechanics are fairly quick … Uses a two-step approach when backed up against the goal line, showing that he can handle pressure well … Gets excellent hang time and distance on his attempts … Will sacrifice distance for placement inside the 20-yard line … Former quarterback with a strong arm for the option pass … Has good leg strength, but tends to outkick his coverage … Can get the ball up, showing effective pooch-punting skills, as the ball explodes off his foot.

Negatives: Needs to reduce his three-step approach to prevent his kicks from being blocked … Had the advantage of kicking in high altitudes and mostly indoor facilities during his time with Idaho State (average increased more than 6 yards per punt compared with kicking outdoors) … On occasion, he will kick across his body, which causes his ball position to be off a little bit … While he has learned to hit the ball squarely, he will every so often hit it flat … Struggles some refocusing after a a poor punt … While he will give up distance to directional kick, too many of his attempts sail into the end zone, resulting in a high amount of touchbacks.

CAREER NOTES
Two-year standout for the Bengals, who helped the team lead the nation in net punting for the last three seasons (two with Johnson kicking) … Increased his punting average by more than 7 yards since coming to Idaho State … Began his collegiate career at Orange Coast (Calif.) Community College … Punted 100 times for 4,627 yards, setting a school record with a 46.27-yard average … 25 of his attempts were downed inside the 20-yard line and 19 more resulted in touchbacks.

2002 SEASON
All-America second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report … All-Big Sky Conference first-team choice … Punted 51 times for 2,357 yards (46.22 avg.), with 15 kicks downed inside the 20-yard line, 8 that resulted in touchbacks and 7 more that were fair catches … The opposition returned only 19 kicks for 156 yards, as the Bengals led the NCAA Division 1-AA ranks with a net-yard average of 43.16 yards.
Western Montana - Averaged 52.3 yards on 3 punts, as only one was returned for 4 yards.
Utah State - Kicked 4 times for 194 yards (48.5 avg.).
Montana - Had 4 attempts for a 51-yard average.
Sacramento State - Gained 326 yards on 7 tries (46.6 avg.).
Montana State - Added a pair of punts for a 50.1-yard average.
Weber State - Totaled 181 yards on 4 tries (45.3 avg.).
Eastern Washington - Followed with a 36.9-yard average on 8 chances … 3 of his kicks were downed inside the 20-yard line.
Portland State - Had the first punt of his Idaho State career blocked, finishing with 129 yards on 4 tries (32.3 avg.).
Northern Arizona - Gained 203 yards on 5 punts (40.6 avg.) as only a single kick was returned for 5 yards.
Cal-Poly, SLO - Established an NCAA record as he averaged 61.5 yards on 6 punts (369 yards) with a career-long 80-yarder … Only one of his attempts was returned for a 1-yard gain.
Southern Utah - Closed out his career with 4 punts for 197 yards (49.3 avg.).

2001 SEASON
Associated Press and Walter Camp first-team All-America choice … First-team All-Big Sky pick … Led the nation with a 46.33-yard average, gaining 2,270 yards on 49 attempts … 10 of his kicks were downed inside the 20-yard line … 22 were returned for 98 yards … Helped ISU lead the nation with a net punting average of 44.3 yards Montana Tech … Had 66- and 38-yard punts in the season opener.

JUNIOR COLLEGE
Two-year standout as Orange Coast (Calif.) Was the junior college's punter (1999-2000) and also saw action as a reserve quarterback … As a sophomore, he averaged over 40 yards per boot in earning First-team All-Mission Conference and honorable mention All-America recognition … Named Orange Coast's Special Teams Player of the Year and was an all-state selection as well in 2000 … As a freshman, he averaged 38 yards per punt and won Special Teams Player of the Year honors.

INJURY REPORT
No injuries reported.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
5.17 in the 40-yard dash … 31-inch arm length … 9½-inch hands … Right-footed.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Newport (Calif.) Harbor High … Three-year letter-winner, averaging 42.3 yards per kick as a senior, earning all-state, all-county, and All-Sea View honors … Averaged 41 yards per kick as a junior, earning First-team All-Sea View honors … Punted in the CIF semifinals … As a sophomore, he averaged 39.0 yards per punt, earning second-team all-county and All-Sea View honors … His team qualified for the southern section finals.

PERSONAL
Sports Medicine major … Son of Ed Johnson, Sr., and Charmaine Clarke … Born March 2, 1981 … Resides in Costa Mesa, Calif.

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Round 6, Pick 190
Michael Nattiel, OLB Florida

ANALYSIS

Positives: Shows good strength to hold ground at the point of attack … Stays on his feet and uses his hands properly to fight off the low blocks and step through traffic … Extends his arms to keep blockers from getting into his body … Has very good run-stuffing instincts, stepping up with no hesitation to fill the holes … Has soft and natural hands for the interception … Very effective blitzing inline, showing explosion and power through his rip moves … Hard wrapup tackler with the range to makes plays at the opposite end of the field … Shows good lateral agility and does a nice job of staying square on the ball carrier.

Negatives: Looks more comfortable on the outside (played middle earlier in his career), as it allows him more freedom … Needs to play in control, as he tends to overpursue the play … Looks uncomfortable in pass coverage, staying too high in his backpedal to show smoothness in transition … Lacks top-end speed to settle back in the deep zone … Lacks ideal height to play on the outside.

CAREER NOTES
Big-play artist with experience at middle and outside linebacker … The nephew of former Florida standout, receiver Ricky Nattiel, he started 29 of 48 games for the Gators … Recorded 310 tackles (181 solo) with 3 sacks, 9 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 15 quarterback pressures and 9 pass deflections.

2002 SEASON
The squad's most experienced player, he started every game at strongside outside linebacker … Recorded a career-high 148 tackles (88 solo) with a pair of sacks for minus-14 yards and 6 stops for a combined loss of 28 yards … Credited with 12 quarterback pressures and 6 pass deflections.
Alabama-Birmingham - Made 6 tackles with a 9-yard sack.
Miami and Tennessee - Followed with 12 tackles in each game.
Ohio University and Mississippi - Credited with 11 hits in each contest.
Kentucky - Sacked QB Jared Lorenzen for a 5-yard loss, stopped tailback Artrose Pinner for minus-12 yards, causing a fumble on the play and posted 14 tackles (9 solo).
Auburn - Deflected 2 passes and delivered 8 tackles.
Georgia - Had 11 tackles (6 solo) with a stop behind the line of scrimmage and a pass breakup.
South Carolina - Registered a season-high 18 tackles (12 solo) and deflected a pass.
Florida State - Finished the regular season with a 13-tackle (7 solo) performance.
Michigan (Outback Bowl) - Closed out his career with 12 tackles (5 solo).

2001 SEASON
Played in all 11 regular-season games, with eight starts (all but Marshall, LSU and Tennessee) for 465 plays at weakside linebacker … Recorded 66 tackles (37 solo) with a stop for a 3-yard loss, a quarterback pressure and a fumble recovery … Deflected a pair of passes and intercepted another.

2000 SEASON
Emerged as the starter at weakside linebacker … Played in all 12 regular-season games with seven starts (LSU, Auburn, Georgia, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Florida State and the SEC Championship against Auburn) … Saw action on 467 total plays … Recorded 61 tackles (34 solo) with a pair of stops behind the line of scrimmage … Intercepted 2 passes and recovered a pair of fumbles.

1999 SEASON
Played in all 12 games with one start (SEC Championship Game vs. Alabama) for 171 plays … Was a top backup at weakside linebacker and also played on special teams … Recorded 35 tackles (22 solo) with a pair of stops for minus-6 yards, 2 quarterback pressures, a pass deflection and 5 tackles on special teams.

INJURY REPORT
Missed 2000 spring drills after undergoing shoulder surgery (1/00).

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.65 in the 40-yard dash.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Newberry (Archer, Fla.) High … One of the state's elite linebackers in 1998 who garnered All-America recognition … A rare three-time first-team all-state (3A) pick who was also named to SuperPrep's All-America team and that publication ranked him among the nation's top seven linebackers … Named to National Bluechips All-America team and that publication ranked him among the nation's top dozen prospects at weakside linebacker … Named to PrepStar's All-America team and that publication ranked him among the top eight linebackers in the SEC region … Honorable mention honors from USA Today in 1998 … Had 132 tackles in '98 and made nearly 400 tackles (394) during his sparkling prep career (150 as a junior and 112 as sophomore) … Coach was Scott Pritchett.

PERSONAL
Sociology major … Uncle, Ricky Nattiel, was an outstanding wide receiver at the University of Florida in the 1980s, and was a first-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 1986 … Son of Sandra and Michael Nattiel … Born Michael Dondrill Nattiel on Nov. 8, 1980 in Gainesville, Fla. … Resides in Archer, Fla.

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Round 7, Pick 221
Keenan Howry, WR Oregon

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a lean, athletic frame with some muscle definition … Shows the proper ball concentration and mental toughness needed to make the tough catches in a crowd … Has the foot quickness and lateral agility to escape the jam … Shows the long speed and deep acceleration to defeat defenders on routes … Very good route-runner with that extra gear and change-of-pace agility to sell his routes … Makes proper adjustment going up for the high pass and can easily separate with his burst … Has above-average hands, plucking and reaching for the ball away from the body's framework … Has the body control to settle into his patterns quickly, showing that extra gear to turn defenders around by stemming or using double moves … Has the awareness to settle or find the holes … Does a nice job of working with the quarterback when the passer is flushed out of the pocket … Has a smooth short-to-medium stride and sharp change-of-direction agility, with a fluid release off the line.

Negatives: Despite showing good arm extension, he still tends to body catch the ball … His lack of size and bulk is a problem, as he struggles to get off the line when defenders place a hand on him … Shows inconsistencies as a blocker, as he does not have the leg drive to sustain … Not really a burner, relying more on his moves to compensate for a lack of vertical speed.

CAREER NOTES
The four-year starter certainly proved he was just as capable of maintaining the same level of excellence in the spotlight as he did the previous two years in a supporting role … Took the next step as one of the Pac-10 Conference's elite after accumulating more catches in his first two seasons than any other player in school history … Consistency remained a key to his success, catching at least 1 pass in his last 47 games as a collegian … Relies on his ability to break off the line of scrimmage quickly and then completes the process by utilizing deceptive speed … Completes the package with superb concentration to make the difficult catch look easy … Finished his career with 173 receptions for 2,698 yards (15.6 avg.) and 24 touchdowns, breaking the old school career record of 162 catches by Cristen McLemore (1992-95) as his scores tied McLemore's all-time Oregon mark … Only Tony Hartley (2,744, 1996-99) gained more yards receiving in school history … Set another school career record with 4 punt returns for touchdowns, as his 1,221 yards on 104 punt returns broke the previous Oregon career record of 1,182 yards by Terry Obee (1986-89) … Added 150 yards and a score on 13 carries (11.5 avg.) and 45 yards on a pair of kickoff returns (22.5 avg.) … His 4,114 all-purpose yards rank fourth in school annals.

2002 SEASON
All-Pac-10 first-team selection, becoming the Ducks' first two-time All-Pac-10 pick since Ricky Whittle (1994-95) … Ranked second in the conference and 21st in the nation with 32 punt returns for 458 yards (14.3 avg.) and a pair of touchdowns … Only Leroy Phelps (17.0 avg., 1956) and Jim Shanley (17.6 avg., 1956) averaged more yards on punt returns in a season for the Ducks … Third on the team with 40 receptions for 784 yards (19.6 avg.) and 5 scores … Carried 8 times for 79 yards (9.9 avg.) … Averaged 101.6 all-purpose yards per game.
Idaho - Made 3 catches for 62 yards.
Arizona - Had a 33-yard scoring grab and 5 punt returns for 48 yards.
UCLA - Snared 3 passes for 87 yards and a 74-yard touchdown, adding a 79-yard score on a punt return.
Southern California - Hauled in 7 passes for 147 yards, including touchdowns of 54 and 31 yards.
Stanford - Followed with 3 catches for 87 yards and 3 punt returns for 31 yards.
Washington - Turned over the ball on a fumble after a 19-yard grab, making a solo tackle on the play.
Portland State - Gained 45 yards on 4 catches and 16 yards on 3 punt returns.
Washington State - Collected 49 yards on 3 catches.
Oregon State - Grabbed 4 passes for 142 yards, including an 84-yard touchdown, and returned 5 punts for 81 yards with a 63-yard score.
Wake Forest (Seattle Bowl) - Closed out his career with 5 catches for 50 yards and 2 punt returns for 57 yards.

2001 SEASON
Associated Press All-America third-team choice … All-Pac-10 first-team selection as a receiver and punt returner … Named Pac-10 Player of the Week vs. Stanford … Started every game, leading the team with 52 receptions for 682 yards (13.1 avg.) and 9 touchdowns … Gained 51 yards with a score on 4 carries (12.8 avg.) … Returned 35 punts for 469 yards (13.4 avg.) and a pair of touchdowns.

2000 SEASON
All-Pac-10 honorable mention … Started every game, except vs. Arizona State … Led the team with 52 catches for 780 yards (15.0 avg.) and 5 touchdowns … Completed 2 of 3 passes for 71 yards and a score … Returned 2 kickoffs for 45 yards (22.5 avg.) and 36 punts for 282 yards (7.8 avg.).

1999 SEASON
Recipient of the Len Casanova Award, given to the team's top newcomer … Played in every game as a true freshman, starting eight contests at split end … Made 29 catches for 452 yards (15.6 avg.) and tied for the squad lead with 5 touchdowns … Also had a 12-yard punt return.

INJURY REPORT
Underwent left shoulder surgery after the 2001 season (1/17).

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.41 in the 40-yard dash.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Los Alamitos (Calif.) High … Awarded seven of 10 votes on the Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best of the West list as well as included on the Tacoma News Tribune's Western 100 … USA Today honorable mention All-American accumulated 73 receptions for 1,320 yards and 17 touchdowns to earn Sunset League MVP acclaim his senior year … Two-time all-state, All-CIF and All-Orange County honoree … Also posted 46 tackles and 3 interceptions in his final campaign.

PERSONAL
General Studies major … Son of Glenda and Daniel Howry … Born Keenan Rashaun Howry on June 17, 1981 in Los Angeles, Calif. … Resides in Los Alamitos, Calif.

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Undrafted Free Agents

The Vikings signed 12 free agents. They included a few players with local ties: Minnesota wide receiver/special teams player Jermaine Mays, St. Cloud State receiver Ben Nelson and Wyoming offensive lineman Adam Goldberg, who is from Edina.

Also signed were: tight ends Sean Berton (North Carolina State) and Steve Farmer (Tennessee State); nose tackles LaWaylon Brown (Oklahoma State) and Colin Cole (Iowa); defensive backs Rushen Jones (Vanderbilt), Willie Miles (Tennessee) and Horace Willis (Auburn); fullback James Lynch (Maryland) and quarterback Juston Wood (Portland State).

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