Vikings: Winfield can ensure happy minicampers

The Vikings expect veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield to be at Winter Park today as they open their three-day minicamp. Winfield skipped last week's organized team activities (OTAs), but those were optional workouts; the minicamp is mandatory, and Winfield could be fined if he stays away.

Winfield's agent, Richard Katz, told the NFL's website last week that his client would attend this camp, which will consist of two practices today and Saturday and a final session Sunday morning. Katz did not return calls or e-mails Thursday.

New Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said that while he and Winfield talked over lunch shortly after Frazier was hired in February, the two have not spoken recently. Asked if Winfield would be present this weekend, Frazier said, "I hope so."

Winfield, who hasn't spoken publicly about his reasons for staying away much of this offseason from Winter Park, was the only player absent from last week's OTAs who did not have permission to skip. While the Vikings will have another round of OTAs next week, the minicamp is seen as the key dates in preparing for training camp. Coach Brad Childress said that in addition to on-field work, there would be installation done before both practices today and Saturday.

Defensive players also will get more time to work with Frazier, who is introducing a few tweaks to the system installed by former defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.

"[Minicamp] is extremely important, because you're really setting a foundation for what training camp is going to be like," said Frazier, who had been the defensive backs coach for the Indianapolis Colts. "For some of our players, it will be their first time to see me stand up before the entire group and talk to them about what our plan is, what our goals are."

For the defense, this camp largely will revolve around execution. "Just for us it's more about execution and being fundamentally where we want them to be," Frazier said. "Getting players to learn how we want them to practice. There are still a lot of rookies that will make this team. There will be some carryover from a year ago. But there are some guys who have never lined up in a Vikings uniform. We've got to get them introduced to the way we want them to do it."

Staying put

Frazier said one of his goals this season will be keeping Kenechi Udeze at left end. Udeze shifted to the right side after Erasmus James suffered a season-ending knee injury in last year's second game. Udeze didn't have a sack all season.

"That's where he feels most comfortable at," Frazier said of Udeze. "We need to let him be where he feels confident and give him the best chance to be successful. We're committed to doing that, and hopefully we'll get the results out of it that we're looking for."

James is expected back for training camp, but it's uncertain how much of a workload he will be able to handle early in the season.

Etc.

• Members of the Vikings organization, including players and coaches, will be among the volunteers who will spend part of next Friday building a playground at the American Indian Magnet School in St. Paul. Work will begin at 8:30 a.m.

• The inaugural "Vikings Gridiron Gallup" 5K run/walk at Lake Nokomis will be held June 17. The cost is $25, and funds will go toward the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board youth athletic programs. For more information, go to the Vikings website at www.vikings.com.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com