Call it the `tentative' final cuts

Vikings looking for linebackers, maybe a fullback and possibly more experienced offensive linemen

September 4, 2011 at 1:30AM

With 864 players having hit the street over the past two days, it's a misnomer to call this the "final cuts."

The Vikings, for instance, have five linebackers on their roster. Only two of them -- Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson -- have started an NFL game. And neither backup -- Kenny Onatolu and undrafted rookie Larry Dean -- is a middle linebacker.

Therefore, if you do the math it equals the Vikings combing the waiver wire for linebackers.

The team also could be looking for a fullback, experienced offensive linemen and cornerback depth, among other areas. The Vikings released both of their fullbacks, although the tight ends can handle the position as well as the fullbacks that were on the roster.

Offensive line is where the biggest surprise came. I thought Chris DeGeare was in trouble, but I didn't think both he and Ryan Cook would be released. Nor did I see both sixth-round draft picks -- tackle DeMarcus Love and center Brandon Fusco -- making the team.

With those two making the team, that means the five backup offensive linemen include two rookies, a one-year player (Pat Brown), a two-year player (Seth Olsen) and a third-year player (Jon Cooper). That's five backups ages ages 23 to 25 with one combined NFL start.

The Vikings do have some good young players and today was a youth movement toward those players. Making the roster were eight of 10 draft picks and two undrafted rookies.

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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