Newcomers who could make an impact

ADRIAN PETERSON, running back

The skinny: Peterson won't be atop the depth chart as training camp opens — that distinction goes to Chester Taylor — and must avoid the injury problems that plagued him at Oklahoma. But if Peterson can remain healthy, his breakaway speed (4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and explosiveness could make him the perfect complement to Taylor and part of one of the NFL's best 1-2 backfield combinations. The Vikings are confident the broken left collarbone Peterson suffered last season is healing fine. Now the key will be getting him signed.

Peterson's quote: "If the decision is to have a running back tandem [with Taylor], then I am all for that. ... Whatever it is, I am down for that."

BOBBY WADE, wide receiver

The skinny: One of the Vikings' few significant free-agent signings this offseason, Wade received a five-year, $15 million contract to serve primarily as a slot receiver. This came after the Vikings failed to land receiver Kevin Curtis, who ended up going to Philadelphia. The 5-10, 188-pound Wade has caught 101 passes in four seasons with Chicago and Tennessee; his best year came in 2004, when he caught 42 passes for 481 yards in 16 games with the Bears. Wade won't wow fans with his big-play ability, but the Vikings like that he runs precise routes and has the ability to return kicks and punts.

Wade's quote: "This is a big run-after-the-catch scheme. They really put a lot of emphasis on getting the ball in the playmakers' hands early and often and letting them do their work. I think that's something that I definitely excel in."

SIDNEY RICE, wide receiver

The skinny: Considering the Vikings' need at receiver, the second-round pick from South Carolina could get a chance to make an immediate impact. Rice, who won't turn 21 until Sept. 1, has the potential big-play ability the Vikings sorely lacked last season. Rice had 72 receptions for 1,090 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games last season and 142 catches for 2,233 yards with 23 touchdowns in 24 career games. Rice's opportunity to become a main target of quarterback Tarvaris Jackson could depend on how Troy Williamson rebounds from a subpar 2006 season.

Rice's quote: "I'm going to fight for a starting position. I'm not going to count myself out."

VISANTHE SHIANCOE, tight end

The skinny: Shiancoe spent the first four seasons of his career playing behind the New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey and caught only 35 passes. That number should substantially increase this season. The Vikings didn't give Shiancoe a five-year, $18.2 million contract, including $7 million in guaranteed money, so he can serve primarily in a blocking role. Vikings coach Brad Childress called the 6-4, 250-pound Shiancoe a "well-rounded" player when he signed in March. We're about to find out if he was right.

Shiancoe's quote: "They were looking for a versatile tight end, and I feel like that's what I can bring to the table. I can catch and I can block."

MARCUS McCAULEY, cornerback

The skinny: McCauley was considered one of the best cover corners in the country entering his senior year at Fresno State, but a poor 2006 dropped him from a potential first-round selection all the way to the third round. The Vikings, however, are confident that performance was an aberration. The 6-0, 203-pound McCauley has 4.4 speed and will compete for a job in the nickel defense. He figures to make a quick rise up the depth chart.

McCauley's quote: "[NFL] teams would ask me how will you recover when you get beat because you're going to get beat in this league. I said if you give me an opportunity I'm going to come back from it."

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com