Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2011: Grading the Rookies so Far

The 2011 Minnesota Vikings training camp is under way, and I thought it was a perfect time to take an initial look at how the rookies are doing thus far.

Now, what I am going to do is look at the more important rookies that figure to be a part of the 2011 season, or at the very least, situational members if they make the cut with what little news is available.

Ergo, a handful of player will not be discussed for either that reason alone, or lack of player news.

Not covered: Chris Adingupu, David Akinniyi, Conan Amituanai, Larry Dean, Jonathan Gilmore, Marcell Gipson, Ryan Hill, Andre Holmes, Rod Huntley, Byron Isom, Dominique Johnson, Allen Reisner, Alexander Robinson, Marcus Sherels, Devon Torrence, Nate Whitaker and Colby Whitlock.

Conversely, there are still another crop of players who simply did not have enough news to be discussed in this slide, but are still noteworthy to list as "honorable mentions.

These players had very limited news to report, but factor into Minnesota’s depth equation and future only. Barring any unforeseen injuries or team changing situations, there players are not likely to hit the field in 2011

Honorable Mentions: Thomas Welch, Mark Washington, Brandon Fusco, Tristan Davis, Jon Cooper and D’Aundre Reed

Emmanuel Arceneaux

Arceneaux has had a pretty solid camp thus far from all the news reports I have read.

Arceneaux has been utilized as a deep ball threat being targeted multiple times over 40 yards, but will have to work on his short route game to become a complete package.

Camp Grade: A

Christian Ballard

The depth on the DL has been surprisingly good so far, which is good news for Vikings fans who are anticipating Ballard's career start this season.

Ballard should begin the season at defensive tackle—or so the Vikings hope—which is another reason why this news is encouraging.

Camp Grade: A

Brandon Burton

Burton is said to be coming along, but Coach Frazier said they need to keep his confidence at a high level in order for Burton to fully come into his own—a problem Burton faced in college.

Burton has the speed and size to be a huge playmaker, but he still needs to work on his breaks, and the expected follow-through when coming out of transition.

Camp Grade: B-

Stephen Burton

Burton is one of many receivers competing for the number four spot on the roster, which is usually the tightest of all camp competition.

He hasn't exactly separated himself from the pack, which includes veteran receiver Devin Aromashodu among others.

Burton has shown flashes, but nothing more up until this point.

Camp Grade: C

Ryan D’Imperio

Ryan D’Imperio has been impressing at camp after being called up form the practice squad, but his camp performances might not even be enough to earn a spot on the roster.

Why?

Well, Bill Musgrave's system doesn't need a FB by his own admission, and it may come down to whether or not the Vikings feel as if they need to deploy one.

Otherwise, a solid showing from Ryan D’Imperio thus far.

Camp Grade: A

Ross Homan

Homan has shown some defensive impact at LB and has shown some adaptation to the terminology of the D along with some nice execution.

Homan will need to get off the line a bit quicker on the blitz packages, and still needs to adjust to the pro level a bit more to make a stronger case for himself.

Camp Grade: B-

Juaquin Iglesias

As a rookie Viking, Iglesias still needs to show he is comfortable in the Vikings system.

He's had a handful of dropped passes—albeit the norm at this point in camp—and has been a little soft in his route running.

Camp Grade: C

Christian Ponder

Ponder has been working well with the team, and has been as solid as expected thus far.

Ponder has displayed solid command of the playbook and excellent execution, despite being the statistical victim of a handful of dropped passes.

In other words, he's coming along quite nicely.

Camp Grade: A

Mistral Raymond

Apparently Raymond is having a pretty solid camp in regard to the fundamentals, which is more than the Vikings could've hoped for out of a rookie without an offseason.

It is unclear what the Vikings truly have envisioned for Raymond at this point, but the news of a solid camp and good performance is encouraging nonetheless.

Camp Grade: B

Kyle Rudolph

Rudolph is expected to be the next generation TE for the Vikings, and he has had a small window to show off why this camp with a minor hamstring tweak to Shank earlier this week.

The issue, though, is that it is the same type of injury that caused Shank to drop in production last year.

Rudolph has been crisp in route running, solid with his hands, and not so solid in his blocking, which is to be expected from a pass-catching TE.

Camp Grade: B+