The NFL draft occurs every year and 255 names are called out. This is exciting for these individuals but for many others there may be heart break. The hope for these young men is to still be called after the draft and they would be considered rookie free agents coming to try out. The fact that just because a player is drafted does not always mean this young man will make the NFL squad.
The draft is exciting to see how these players can transfer their college experience into the pros. When I attend Training Camp I really keep on eye on the undrafted players and see how they compete. This new crop and drafted and undrafted is so fun to watch.
The undrafted guys have an up hill battle to make the squad but it can be done. Vikings fans have watched success as John Randle came undrafted an now is in Canton,Ohio NFL's Hall of Fame.
It is each camp there seems to be at least one that makes it. I looked at the current roster coming to Mankato and found some names that have made it at least one season with the team and are back for more.
Matt Asiata,out of Utah University comes back for year 2. He was cut in 2011 training camp but the team thought enough of him to come back for another crack at the 53 man roster.
Patrick Brown is coming back for his 3rd season with the team. He came out of Central Florida University.
Larry Dean, Valdosta State made the 53 man roster last year and is back for a second camp.
Allen Reisner, Iowa University, also last year rookie free agent was cut last year and brought back in late season is coming for his 2nd camp.
Erin Henderson, Maryland University is entering his 5th season. He has done so well that 2011 he was starting outside linebacker.
Cullen Loeffler, Texas University, is entering his 9th camp all with the Vikings. He has been the long snapper since 2004.
Chris Kluwe, UCLA came to Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent and then to the Vikings in 2005. This will season 8 with the purple.
These are just a few names that made it the hard way, but they made it is the point.
Who will be this year's suprise?
The other avenue for players to come is the Canadien Football League. The Vikings have 2 on their roster. Emmanuel Arceneaux is coming back to his 2nd Vikings Training Camp. He played 2 seasons in the CFL as a wide receiver.
The other name who also spent 2 seasons in the CFL is Elimimian Solomon who will be entering his 1st Training Camp in Mankato. As a I wrote in an earlier blog this man had the reputation as the hardest hitter.
The team is made up of 53 players from the draft,free agency, undrafted rookie free agents,CFL to name some ways into the league.
My wish as a fan is safety to all trying out and that this camp will be one to remember.
Remember I will do a daily blog on camp if you want to follow. I also have a Twitter account- Purple_Stick
Thanks for reading
Go Vikes
Purplestick
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