MANKATO -- The Vikings have their first practice at 9 a.m. If you haven't seen Mark Craig's profile on John Randle today, it's worth a read. Here is the link.

We also wrote about former Gophers wide receiver Logan Payne today. Payne, who spent parts of three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, is making a strong push to win the No. 5 receivers job. That's a pretty good competition between Payne, Jaymar Johnson, Taye Biddle, Ray Small and Marko Mitchell.

On the defensive side, there have been a few surprises worth noting the first week of camp. Defensive tackle Letroy Guion has made big strides and defensive end Jayme Mitchell is having a solid camp.

Guion in particular has created some buzz. The third-year player came to camp a little heavier (he said he reported at 315 pounds) but in better shape and has made a positive impression.

"Coach told him, 'We're going to expect this, this and this of you to be a part of the team this year,'" All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams said. "We need someone to help spell me a little bit. I think that registered with him before camp started. He's been doing wonderful all camp. I've been amazed at how well he's played as well as Jayme."

In the secondary, backup safety Husain Abdullah has made a number of plays that stick out. Abdullah has three interceptions and a tackle for loss in a goal-line period.

"He has had a good camp," Coach Brad Childress said. "He's a smart guy, can play both the safety spots. He understands our goal line package. In a pinch he has nickel capability because he understands it. He may not have the exact profile you're looking for, height, weight, speed, quickness. But he's going to know how to fit and he's going to know how to play that position."

Finally, a reader pointed this out to us, but isthat a Jets hat Favre is wearing?