Minnesota Vikings Rookies' Preseason Performances So Far

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2011 season with some major questions regarding roster spots.  With a decent draft, they hoped that some of the rookies would come in and make an impact early. The 12th overall pick at quarterback, Christian Ponder, and second-round tight end Kyle Rudolph were expected to make the biggest splashes early.

Let's take a look at how the rookies have fared thus far.

Christian Ponder, Quarterback

The 12th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder was initially expected to start for Minnesota before the team signed veteran Donovan McNabb in free agency.

Ponder is the quarterback of the future, but for now he is adjusting to the NFL game and learning.  Thus far Ponder has been just okay.  He is still adjusting to the quicker pace and much harder to read defenses compared to college.  Ponder was sacked three times in the Tennessee game during Wee 1 of preseason.

So far in two preseason games ponder is 14-of-25 with no touchdowns, but also no turnovers.

Whether Ponder will be the No. 2 quarterback is still up for debate as he continues to battle second-year player, Joe Webb.

Kyle Rudolph, Tight End

Tight End Kyle Rudolph, a second-round draft pick for the Vikings, had high expectations early.  Known in college for his good speed, blocking ability and hands Rudolph was looked at to be an immediate contributor.  Struggling early on in camp things became a little more questionable for Rudolph.  Having not played football since October of 2010 because of an injury in college, Rudolph admitted he was a little rusty and since the beginning of camp has already seen improvement.

In Game 1 of the preseason Rudolph had one catch for 10 yards and in Game 2 had a few nice plays, catching three balls for 22 yards, one of which was a pretty catch on third down.

Christian Ballard, Defensive Lineman

Christian Ballard, a fourth-round draft pick out of Iowa, had a decent training camp landing him third on the depth chart at defensive tackle.

However, Ballard has been fairly impressive in the preseason games, notable in the second game against Seattle, where he was the only player on the team to record a sack.  Ballard has seen time with the second team and shown explosiveness.  

Ballard has a lot of potential to build on.

Brandon Burton, Cornerback

Fifth-round draft pick Brandon Burton is still adjusting to learning the Vikings defense and did not a make a ton of noise in training camp.  Burton is currently listed as third on depth chart at left cornerback.

In the first preseason game Burton made a few plays against the Titans, with two pass deflections but couldn't get his hands on the ball to bring in an interception.

Burton is a player that needs to develop but may be looked at to do more as the season progresses.

DeMarcus Love, Offensive Tackle

The Vikings offensive line is still a bit of a mess and where DeMarcus Love will end up may still be determined.  As of right now Love is listed third on the depth chart at offensive tackle.  Although early in camp, Love was receiving a lot of first team reps at left tackle. However, this position is still very much in the air to the point where, with a good start to the season, we could see Love jump up as far as starter.

Mistral Raymond, Defensive Back

Sixth-round draft pick Mistral Raymond has had an impressive 2011 training camp.  Originally buried on the depth chart, Raymond was is now list as the No. 2 free safety and as things pan out may even get some serious consideration for the top spot.  While Husain Abdullah was hurt, Raymond spent a few days getting first team reps and has made some plays in training camp.

As a former walk-on at South Florida, Raymond knows how to over-achieve.

Brandon Fusco, Center

Although Brandon Fusco has had a decent training camp, he is listed as No. 3 on the depth chart at center and may be facing a possible cut or demotion to practice squad come the regular season.  Fusco has received some reps with the second team but it doesn't look likely that he will make the 53-man roster right now.

Ross Homan, Linebacker

A sixth-round draft pick at linebacker, rookie Ross Homan has held his own thus far in preseason.  Homan is currently working with second team at outside linebacker and will probably see early playing time at a position that is lacking depth. 

Homan recorded a combined three tackles in the first two preseason games.

D'Aundre Reed, Defensive Lineman

Early on in camp, D'Aundre Reed was one of the more impressive rookies as a seventh-round pick fighting for a roster spot.  Reed is a little raw but shows a lot of potential displaying good speed for his size and solid in drill work.  

The unfortunate news is that as of late Reed has been sidelined with a calf injury and did not play in the second preseason game.

Stephen Burton, WR

Originally expected to be a surprise grab in the seventh round, wide receiver Stephen Burton had a very bad camp and saw no action in the first preseason game.  Things do not look good for Burton to make the team.

Emmanuel Arceneaux, Wide Receiver

A rookie to the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings signed Emmanuel Arceneaux from the CFL.  Arceneaux has has a decent training camp and is currently involved in a deeply rooted battle for a possible one or two open receiver spots with Devin Aromashodu, Jaymar Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias.

In two preseason games, Arceneaux had two catches for a total of 26 yards.

Allen Reisner, Tight End

The most notable undrafted free agent rookie in training camp seems to be Allen Reisner, a tight end out of Iowa.  Although the Vikings are fairly deep at tight end, thanks to his strong showing in training camp and a few notable plays, Reisner may have a shot at making the roster.  Star tight end Vinsanthe Shiancoe even gave the rookie a nod telling reporters that "he is going to be good" during an interview.