Are Vikes draftees ready to play? Um, not just yet

Lisa Blumenfeld, Getty Images

USC quarterback John David Booty isn’t likely to get on the field in a meaningful game for the Vikings very soon.

By KEVIN SEIFERT, Star Tribune

Last update: April 29, 2008 - 2:19 AM

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After trading away almost as many draft choices as they used, the Vikings settled in for a relatively quiet weekend at Winter Park. None of their five new rookies projects as a starter in 2008, and it's not clear how many of them will even make the team.

So in honor of a low-impact draft, we shed our usual grading process and judge the draftees by providing a target date -- and explanation -- for their first significant contribution on the field.

ROUND 2 (NO. 43 OVERALL)

S TYRELL JOHNSON, ARKANSAS STATE

The date: September 2009

The reason: After Johnson totals 29 special-teams tackles as a rookie, the Vikings allow S Darren Sharper to return to the Green Bay Packers. Johnson is promoted and starts on Opening Day. On his first play, he blitzes and sacks Packers QB Brian Brohm for a 7-yard loss.

ROUND 5(A) (NO. 143)

QB JOHN DAVID BOOTY, SOUTHERN CAL

The date: December 2010

The reason: Following the retirement of Gus Frerotte, Booty advances to second-string. On a freezing day at Soldier Field, starter Tarvaris Jackson strains a muscle in his left middle toe. While a team of physicians work on Jackson, Booty throws a perfect 2-yard pass to tight end Garrett Mills.

ROUND 5(B) (NO. 152)

DT LETROY GUION, FLORIDA STATE

The date: December 2008

The reason: After starting the season 15-0, coach Brad Childress rests starting defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for the regular-season finale against the New York Giants. Midway through the third quarter, Guion intercepts Giants QB Eli Manning and returns it 63 yards for a touchdown.

ROUND 6(A)

C JOHN SULLIVAN, NOTRE DAME

The date: September 2009

The reason: Upset that the Vikings won't extend his contract, C Matt Birk retires after the 2008 season to be a full-time restaurateur. Sullivan replaces him and immediately opens a bar he calls Johnny S's.

ROUND 6(B)

WR JAYMAR JOHNSON, JACKSON STATE

The date: September 2010

The reason: After spending a league-maximum two years on the practice squad, Johnson finally joins the active roster. In his first game, he returns 14 punts for 100 yards thanks to the Vikings' record-setting defense.