vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
Vikings cornering market on Hogs' receivers
Posted by: Mark Craig under Vikings, NFL draft Updated: April 28, 2012 - 1:03 PM
If you like Arkansas receivers, you're starting to love the Vikings.
Sixteen picks after selecting Hogs receiver Jarius Wright 118th overall, the team chose another one in Greg Childs, a 6-3, 219-pounder that caught 21 passes for 240 yards a year ago.
Here's the analysis of him on NFL.com:
Childs was inconsistent at Arkansas but showed enough that he should be a late-round pick. He was obviously uncomfortable when running routes in 2011 after suffering a torn patella tendon the previous season.
Strengths
Childs understands how to use his body in the short game to create the space needed to be effective. He builds up his speed throughout the route and can battle with corners underneath when trying to gain position on slant and drive routes. He isn't a physical player, but he will use his big frame to shield when necessary. When running the fade route, he understands how to use the sideline to his advantage. He can make any catch and can torque his body when running in-phase.
Weaknesses
Childs' lack of speed is obvious on routes deeper than five to 10 yards. He is not explosive and struggles to separate from receivers, though the ability to separate is becoming increasingly important in the NFL. He is not a deep threat and makes all downfield plays solely because of his size. Childs is just an average athlete who will struggle to make an immediate impact at the next level.
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