Vikings cornering market on Hogs' receivers

Team grabs second Arkansas receiver in 16 picks.

April 28, 2012 at 6:03PM

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.

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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