The Vikings kept eight of their 10 draft picks and two undrafted rookies in a serious youth movement that left the team particularly green behind the starters at offensive line and linebacker.

To meet Saturday's deadline, the Vikings released 25 players, placed linebacker Jasper Brinkley (hip) on injured reserve and got a two-week roster exemption for suspended defensive tackle Kevin Williams.

Calling it the team's "final 53," however, would be a misnomer. With only five linebackers -- two of whom have started NFL games -- the Vikings were combing the waiver wire at that position and possibly others such as fullback, where the team kept neither of the two it had.

"We had a number of young players that made strong impressions throughout training camp and the preseason in practices and games," Rick Spielman, Vikings vice president of player personnel, said in a release. "They earned a spot on our roster and we will count on them to contribute this season."

Surprise casualties of the youth movement included versatile offensive lineman and 2006 second-round draft pick Ryan Cook and longtime veteran special teams staples Jeff Dugan, 30, and Heath Farwell, 29.

"Eventually, they get all of us at some point in the NFL," said Dugan, a seventh-round draft pick of the Vikings in 2004. "It's disappointing, but it's part of the business and something you sign up for. Every year, the team is going to go out and bring in young guys to take your job."

Releasing Dugan, a tight end, and Farwell, a linebacker due to make $1.75 million this year, opened the door for a pair of undrafted free agents: tight end Allen Reisner and linebacker Larry Dean, a Division II long shot from Valdosta State. Reisner is one of two rookies among the team's four tight ends. Dean is for now one of only two backups at linebacker along with Kenny Onatolu, a special teamer who has been injured most of the preseason.

"It hurts, I can't deny that," said Farwell, who made the team as an undrafted rookie in 2005 and the Pro Bowl as a special teams selection two years ago.

"It was a surprise, but I've been around long enough to know the business. But there's no question in my mind that I will be picked up by someone. My career is not over."

The Vikings kept 10 offensive linemen, but still surprised by releasing Cook and second-year pro Chris DeGeare, who went into training camp with a chance to win the starting right guard job. The five current backups on the line include two sixth-round draft picks -- center Brandon Fusco and tackle DeMarcus Love -- and a one-year player in tackle Pat Brown and a two-year player in guard Seth Olsen.

The Vikings kept three linemen whose primary position is center: starter John Sullivan, backup Jon Cooper and Fusco. Cooper and Fusco did, however, see time at guard in the preseason.

Some players who were released -- running back Caleb King, linebacker Ross Homan, cornerback Devon Torrence -- are candidates for the Vikings practice squad once they clear waivers.