DAILY CLIPS

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020

LOCAL NEWS: Saturday, June 6, 2020

Pioneer Press

Minnesota athletes and coaches combine to help the community, and perhaps spark change By Jace Frederick https://www.twincities.com/2020/06/05/minnesota-athletes-and-coaches-combine-to-help-the-community-and- perhaps-spark-change/

Star Tribune

Minnesota athletes, coaches turn out to fill void in ravaged south Minneapolis neighborhood By Andrew Krammer https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-athletes-coaches-turn-out-to-fill-void-in-ravaged-neighborhood/571064312/

Vikings guaranteed $473K to players in undrafted free agency By Ben Goessling https://www.startribune.com/vikings-guaranteed-473k-to-players-in-undrafted-free-agency/571046652/

Purple Insider

Friday mailbag: Free agents, flag football and coach draft By Matthew Coller https://purpleinsider.substack.com/p/friday-mailbag-free-agents-flag-football

NATIONAL NEWS: Saturday, June 6, 2020

ESPN

Minnesota Vikings' Kyle Rudolph organizes essential-goods drive with Timberwolves, Gophers By Courtney Cronin https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29272849/minnesota-vikings-kyle-rudolph-organizes-essential-goods-drive- timberwolves-gophers

Maven Media

Daniel Jeremiah Says Will Be an MVP Contender in 2020 By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/daniel-jeremiah-dalvin-cook-mvp-contender-2020

Kyle Rudolph Organizes Community Event For Supply Distribution By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/kyle-rudolph-organizes-community-event-supply-distribution

MULTIMEDIA NEWS: Saturday, June 6, 2020

Jeremiah: Could Be An Upgrade Over For The Vikings By NFL Network https://www.vikings.com/video/jeremiah-justin-jefferson-could-be-an-upgrade-over-stefon-diggs-for-the-vikings

Minnesota Sports Teams Give Back By KARE http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=fe2970e7-ef56-40cf-81c5-d2f64e33e505

“Change Starts with Me” Drive By KSTP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=cd108fcb-575b-433f-b3dd-4ed58a706d13

Minnesota Sports Community Comes Together By KMSP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=f7bcc73d-093a-4489-8d6c-5150140a9afb

Unity in the Cities By WCCO http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=16ef0156-7c7b-4828-abde-24f141a7c8c3

VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK: Saturday, June 6, 2020

Kyle Rudolph, Vikings Players Hand Out Essential Goods to Those in Need By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/kyle-rudolph-players-hand-out-essential-goods-to-those-in-need

Lunchbreak: Reasons Why Brooks & Jeremiah Believe Vikings Will Improve on 2019 By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-reasons-why-brooks-jeremiah-believe-vikings-will-improve-on-2019

PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 6/6/20

Minnesota athletes and coaches combine to help the community, and perhaps spark change

By Jace Frederick

Kyle Rudolph was looking for something, anything, to do to help the community that has embraced him during his nine-year career with the Vikings.

The tight end wanted to clean up buildings, pick up pieces, spread positivity, whatever possible to provide support where needed.

“We weren’t fast enough,” he said. “Everything was already done, (already) in the process of being put back together.”

So he had to come up with something on his own. That’s how Friday’s athlete-driven charity event was born. Athletes from across the city — from the Vikings to the Timberwolves to the Gophers — flocked to south Minneapolis to distribute supplies at the #United4ChangeMN event in a Cub Foods parking lot.

“A lot of us are out here in the middle of the day, having fun and putting a smile on people’s faces,” Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley said. “That’s just important, that’s what it takes to make a change.”

The location was purposeful. The Cub Foods, along with the adjacent Target, were looted and destroyed last week in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis Police officers. Both businesses are currently closed. That takes away two primary resources for food and essentials for members of the community.

“Obviously they can’t go in there and get what they need,” Rudolph said.

So the grassroots effort, headed by Rudolph, Justin Hall and others, brought the supplies to the people. Donations for the drive poured in during the week. Cub was mentioned as a donor, as well. Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie had his chef grill out to supply lunch for volunteers and anyone picking up supplies. There were toys on hand for kids to take home.

“We came out here today to support the community,” Vikings defensive end said. “It’s a hard time right now, because of everything they need in this neighborhood … so we came together, donated some things and gave it to the people that needed it the most.”

Gophers football senior receiver Seth Green hands out diapers to a community member in need during a #United4ChangeMN distribution event in the Cub Foods parking lot in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5, 2020. (Jace Frederick / Pioneer Press) Hall said it took about 48 hours to aggregate supplies, but the rest of the event was put together in a day. No one needed to be asked twice to contribute. Okogie had been looking for ways to help to the community when Rudolph reached out.

“And I was like, ‘Man, I’m 10 toes down, thanks for incorporating me,’ ” Okogie said. “We were able to pull this off.”

Throughout the day, Rudolph said there was a steady line of 50 to 100 people in line to get supplies, and he still estimated there would be supplies left over. Athletes were running around to tend to different needs, or handing out goods to those in attendance. Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck never stopped for more than a few seconds at a time as he ran bags to and from people’s cars. A number of volunteers were sporting shirts that stated “Change starts with me.”

“This is a fair representation of what Minnesota is like — people helping out those in need,” Okogie said.

The entire event provided a ray of hope, as people were getting what they needed, and also enjoying themselves. Kids were dancing to the music playing through speakers and enjoying themselves. An area that was a source of devastation a week ago was now providing positivity. Hall was more than happy to have the event turn into a block party of sorts.

“This is like a great thing,” Okogie said. “If you look around it, it’s destruction. But if you start here, and we begin to grow out, hopefully everywhere outside (starts to) look like the love that’s going on right here.”

Hall made a point to note this would not be a one-and-done event. He has bigger outreach efforts in the works. Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders noted change in society not only needs to start but be sustained. Hunter said athletes need to play a big part in that, inspiring change through actions off the field or court, just as they do on them.

“The events that happened in the past week, it’s very unfortunate, and it’s unacceptable, but we have to start making a change one neighborhood at a time,” Okogie said. “We have to celebrate the life of George Floyd; we can’t let him die in vain. Stuff like this has to continue.”

Rudolph was one of many Vikings players to attend George Floyd’s Memorial on Thursday. He recalled something Rev. Al Sharpton said during the service — that Sharpton thinks this moment in history may be different.

“I think this event is a perfect example of how times are different,” Rudolph said. “You see people out here from all walks of life that want things to change.”

Rudolph stopped to look around at the kids dancing and playing.

“I hope these kids will live in a world where we’re not dealing with this,” he said, “and that starts with us changing things now.” PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 6/6/20

Minnesota athletes, coaches turn out to fill void in ravaged south Minneapolis neighborhood

By Andrew Krammer

The bells of Kyle Rudolph’s ice cream cart rang over a Lake Street parking lot, chimes summoning a south Minneapolis community stripped of many grocery stores and pharmacies following the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in police custody.

Hundreds were served food and essential goods from diapers to dish soap Friday afternoon next to a heavily damaged Target and Cub Foods, where prominent Twin Cities sports figures volunteered to resupply neighborhoods in need as part of a grassroots campaign.

A Vikings virtual meeting on Monday led to a conversation about how to help, according to defensive end Danielle Hunter, who joined five teammates, Wolves guard Josh Okogie and coach Ryan Saunders and Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck, among others, at the pop-up supply station not far from the epicenter of many protests.

“Everyone needs to do their part,” Hunter said. “We were just talking about how this is our community — our backyard. We needed to help.”

Music brought dancing in front of loudspeakers. Nearby residents had medical needs evaluated at a tent with licensed pharmacists and medical professionals. Hunter, Fleck and employees from the Vikings, Wolves and Gophers carried full bags to cars and unloaded donations from others. Vikings center and guard spent hours preparing food kits in paper bags.

About “50 to 100” volunteers were organized or simply showed up, according to Justin Castillo, who befriended Rudolph through the U’s Masonic Children’s Hospital. Justin and his sister, Kirsten, organized the event with Rudolph. The supply station became a priority after Rudolph and his teammates drove around south Minneapolis.

They first wanted to help shovel debris and clear sidewalks, but much of that work was underway.

“So, we were out asking what’s the biggest need? How can we help?” Rudolph said. “As we stand here in the Cub parking lot, where this community would come and get its essential goods, it’s under construction. They’re putting it back together. To have a place where they can come get all this stuff was the bigger need.”

Fleck said there was more to be gained for Gophers players and staffers.

“What we need to do right now is listen. Part of this is listening,” Fleck said. “You show up here and see these people, see our community come together from devastation and understand the issues going on with social justice. We all need to be a part of the solution.”

For Aviante Collins, a fourth-year Vikings offensive lineman, Floyd’s death resonated particularly because he, like Floyd, grew up in Houston.

“It hits hard, close to home, because that was his home,” Collins said. “A lot of diversity, especially in Houston. That’s the good thing about that. A lot of times, things you might face somewhere else, you might not face down there, because you might have a Hispanic cop or a black cop that says, ‘You know what, I understand. I grew up in the same neighborhood with him.’ ”

Between songs and ice cream, calls for sustained action and attention came from players and coaches. Wolves coach Ryan Saunders and his wife, Hayley, said they were particularly moved to restock the community’s baby supplies as their son, Lucas, turns 1 year old on Saturday.

“To see some smiling faces today, you feel good,” Saunders said. “But you know change needs to start and be sustained.”

Friday’s giveaway is not a “one-time deal,” Justin Castillo said he told volunteers. His friend, Rudolph, said he wants to help organize more efforts. Other philanthropic ideas to rebuild south Minneapolis include a possible grant program for minority-owned small businesses in the area.

“This can’t just be a one-time stop by and we’ll give you some free food and essential goods and you’re on your own,” Rudolph said. “If we’re going to change the community we live in, it can’t be a flash in the pan. It has to be something that’s sustainable and something we do for years to come.”

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 6/6/20

Vikings guaranteed $473K to players in undrafted free agency

By Ben Goessling

The fact the Vikings selected 15 players in the draft meant they could be more selective in undrafted free agency this year — and uncertainty about the start of the 2020 season meant teams would likely spend more on players they believed could contribute even with COVID-19 concerns wiping out spring practices.

In any case, as the Vikings worked to sign rookie free agents this year, they continued their trend of giving out larger sums of guaranteed money to lock up their undrafted rookies.

According to sources with access to NFLPA salary data, the Vikings guaranteed $473,300 to their 12 undrafted free agents, giving $103,300 in signing bonuses and $370,000 in 2020 base salary guarantees.

The $473,300 sum is the most money the Vikings have guaranteed to undrafted free agents in the Mike Zimmer era, surpassing the $347,500 they guaranteed in 2019 and $316,000 they guaranteed in 2018.

Central Florida cornerback Nevelle Clarke led the group with $115,000 in guaranteed money, receiving a $15,000 signing bonus and $100,000 base salary guarantee. Texas A&M receiver Quartney Davis ($10,000 signing bonus, $100,000 base guarantee) was the only other player to surpass six figures in guaranteed money.

Here is the Vikings’ full list of guaranteed money for undrafted free agents:

Nevelle Clarke, CB, Central Florida: $115,000 ($15,000 signing bonus, $100,000 base salary guarantee)

Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M: $110,000 ($10,000 signing bonus, $100,000 base guarantee)

Dan Chisena, WR, Penn State: $60,000 ($10,000 signing bonus, $50,000 base guarantee)

Brady Aiello, T, Oregon: $45,000 ($10,000 signing bonus, $35,000 base guarantee)

Blake Lynch, LB, Baylor: $40,000 ($10,000 signing bonus, $30,000 base guarantee)

Jake Bargas, TE, North Carolina: $30,000 ($10,000 signing bonus, $20,000 base guarantee)

Myles Dorn, S, North Carolina: $30,000 ($10,000 signing bonus, $20,000 base guarantee)

David Moa, DT, Boise State: $30,000 ($10,000 signing bonus, $20,000 base guarantee)

Jake Lacina, C, Augustana: $6,300 ($6,300 signing bonus)

Nakia Griffin-Stewart, TE, Pittsburgh: $5,000 ($5,000 signing bonus)

Tyler Higby, G, Michigan State: $2,000 ($2,000 signing bonus)

Jordan Fehr, LB, Applachian State: $0 PUBLICATION: Purple Insider DATE: 6/6/20

Friday mailbag: Free agents, flag football and coach draft

By Matthew Coller

Happy Friday everyone, let’s have a look what Vikings fans have on their minds this week…

Chuck Aoki @Aoki5Chuck @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Based on historical trends and their collegiate performances, which Vikings rookies are most likely to have a successful first year? Least likely? June 4th 2020

1 Like First, if you don’t know Chuck, he is a Paralympian and everyone should follow Chuck. Now to answer the question: The answer to this might be a little on the obvious side but the best projection is going to go to Justin Jefferson. There are certainly outliers but college production is the best way to figure out what someone will do in the NFL. Jefferson’s 110 receptions and circumstance, scheme, quarterback all give him a great chance to produce in the NFL this season.

Sure rookie receivers can struggle at times — and you don’t have to look far into recent history to see a first-round pick really struggle in his first season — but highly athletic receivers have a great chance to contribute significantly right away.

Here’s how rookies have contributed over the last three years:

2019 — Nine receivers with over 500 yards

2018 — Eight over 500 yards,

2017 — Four over 500 yards

The highest graded rookie tackle last year by PFF was only a 63.8 so it might be pretty tough for to be very good right away but in the previous two years players like Mike McGlinchey, Braden Smith, Dion Dawkins and Ryan Ramczyk were at least solid in Year 1. They seem like the exception not the rule though.

Of the cornerbacks to play at least 50% of snaps last year, nobody had a PFF grade over 70 and only one CB gave up a rating under 90. However, the 2017 class had Tre White, Marshon Lattimore, Desmond King and Adoree Jackson all grade over 75. Even though translating grades and QB rating against from college to the NFL is tougher than other positions, Gladney had a larger sample of success in college than many corners. So behind Jefferson, Gladney has the numbers and will have the opportunity to shine in 2020, especially with Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris helping him out in the secondary.

Cam Dantzler’s 41% completion percentage against is also really intriguing considering quality of competition.

Sack production (yes, Danielle Hunter is the outlier) tends to carry over too which certainly makes James Lynch (20 sacks in college) a later-round pick to watch.

Kai @gunnerviking @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler How much of the defensive success in the last few years is on Zimmers scheme and how much is the actual skill of the players?

Which starter roles are legitimately open for competition? June 4th 2020

1 Like Great question. I think what you see with Zimmer is that his ability to scheme, teach and select the right players to fit his defense raise both the floor and the ceiling. Think back in 2014 when the Vikings were severely lacking in talent and they still finished 11th in points against. They were 32nd the year before. And then he laid out the blueprint for the types of players who would improve those rankings and developed guys like Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter etc. and they end up with the No. 1 defense in the NFL. Since 2010 he hasn’t had a defense outside of the top half of the league in points.

So let’s say you had 11 average players you’d expect to be the 16th best defense in the league but Zimmer’s play calling, preparation, coaching, pressure packages etc. probably bring your defense into the top 10.

Starter roles up for grabs: Corner and three-technique defensive tackle. Situational spots at D-end too.

Sheev's Peeves @PalpatinesRobes @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Are the Vikings really going to roll with a rookie LT, and if not, who the heck are the guards in this scenario that are not Pat Elflein? June 4th 2020

1 Like My guess is that Riley Reiff still starts at left tackle. In that case it would be a wide open competition with Elflein in the mix along with Dakota Dozier, , Aviante Collins and possibly even Ezra Cleveland and seventh-rounder . A lot of people have asked whether could play guard but the guy is massive at 6-foot-6, 325- pounds and that doesn’t really fit. Plus he was a developmental tackle to begin with. Asking him to change positions would be much harder than a more polished tackle.

Samia gets first crack at one of the jobs. Dozier’s been with for awhile so I might put him in that mix. I think the reasonable long shot is Collins. They’ve kept him around for a reason.

Jon Darling @WarleyOwl @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Will Kaepernick be on a roster come the start of the season? June 4th 2020

1 Like I don’t think so. NFL players are doing everything possible to make it clear that his decision to kneel wasn’t about disrespecting the flag but these are teams who all had to contribute to a payout to Kaepernick for collusion against him. It’s hard to see them adding him to a roster after that. Would he still be one of the best 64 quarterbacks in the NFL? Based on the clips we saw of his workout, yes.

Matt Borst @mattverick @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler What positions do you think the Vikings are waiting ti fill with those last 3 roster openings? June 4th 2020

1 Like It would make the most sense to go after a guard, cornerback and situational pass rusher considering there are solid proven players at each spot on the free agent market. Now that team facilities are starting to open, players will be able to come in for workouts and the free agent market probably picks up some steam again.

The guys that are most interesting are Logan Ryan and Larry Warford because they instantly make your team more talented. Even a Terrell Suggs or Cameron Wake could still bring something to the table.

I also wonder if they’re waiting to get something done with Dalvin Cook so they know exactly how much cap space they’ll be able to use on another free agent or two.

Jon Kuehne @jondkuehne @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler You can choose any coach in the league but Belichick to coach your team. Who do you pick? June 4th 2020

1 Like Andy Reid, hands down. Even before he won the , I’ve always seen Reid as an incredible offensive mind who has somehow remained one step ahead of all the young Sean McVays of the world. From 2008-2019, Reid has had one offense rank outside the top 16 in points and nine times was in the top 10. That’s with a lot of different QBs not just Pat Mahomes. Give me an elite offense year after year and we’ll have a chance.

I’d also take John Harbaugh. Best in the biz at game management and clearly gave his OC Greg Roman the keys to maximize all of Lamar Jackson’s skills.

Paul Vonasek @paulvonasek @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Is there any history of Vikings activism? Thought the history of the Vikes I’m sure there are some players that spoke out over various causes June 4th 2020

1 Like I don’t know the answer to the history of the Vikings and activism but I would say that Alan Page is one of the great human beings in the history of our earth. He started the Page Education Foundation that has given grants to thousands.

It’s also worth noting that the Vikings are constantly doing things in the community. Dalvin Cook, , Kyle Rudolph and Anthony Barr have started their own foundations (and I’m probably missing some others).

Tom @tbice1012 @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Can you really see Jaleel and Jalyn making the team? Is there a put up or shut it group of players you’re ready to take the next step or get cut? June 5th 2020

1 Like is definitely in make-or-break mode. He hasn’t shown anything yet that would indicate he can play in the NFL and with and James Lynch, he could be the odd-man out. Jaleel Johnson could keep a spot. He was solid filling in at nose tackle for Linval Joseph last year. They’ll want to keep someone who can play nose and I think Watts is more of a pass rusher.

VikingsFan57028 @fan57028 @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Any chance Watts over takes Shamar Stephen and gets a full time role? It would be nice to have some consistent pass rush up the middle again! To many times last year Hunter and Griffen would get pressure and the quarterback would simply step up in the pocket and make the pass. June 5th 2020

Yes. Watts was really impressive at times and if he takes a step forward he has the capability to be a very good NFL player. Stephen is solid against the run so he could slide back into the same role he had in 2017 playing about 30% of snaps on first downs and second or third-and-short situations. The Zimmer defense is predicated on stopping the run with the D-line so they can play two deep safeties so there’s some hidden value there with Stephen but Watts can be much more dangerous at chasing quarterbacks.

Adam @DamnAgraham @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler 1-What does the starting D look like this season Between base and pass packages? 2- What defines success with our D line next season? really stoked for my dude D. Hunter to make himself KNOWN next season. Thanks! Love the content so far #SKOL June 4th 2020

1 Like Best guesses…

Base package: Odenigbo-Stephen-Pierce-Hunter.

Nickel: Odenigbo-Watts-Pierce-Hunter

Pass rush package: DJ Wonnum-Odenigbo-Lynch-Hunter

Plenty of options here. It will be very interesting to see whether the two veterans on the roster Eddie Yarbrough or Anthony Zettel or seventh-rounder can make some noise in the competition for rotational pass rusher.

Daniel Vroman @DanielVroman2 @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Do you expect any major roster moves now that we are post June 1st? June 4th 2020

1 Like Usually the Vikings haven’t done anything post-June 1. But if they really wanted to get nuts they could. Riley Reiff being traded or released would create $11 million in cap space. Jadeveon Clowney anyone? It’s probably more of a Madden move than reality but that’s a tool available to them if they wanted to use it.

VikingAfterDark @VikingAfterDark @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Office I am trying to have a stronger backup then Sean Mannion. I would be on the phone with Miami to see what It would take to get Josh Rosen. What are your thoughts? June 4th 2020

1 Like I’ve always liked the idea of getting Josh Rosen because he’s younger than Joe Burrow and he hasn’t had the type of offense that would help him out either with scheme or personnel. Worst case scenario they would waste a fifth or sixth-round pick and they did that with a kicker/punter and still ended up with 15 picks.

Aside from Rosen, signing Kaepernick or Cam Newton, there isn’t an upgrade available. I’d also defend Sean Mannion. He’s barely played but he knows the offense extremely well and has a strong arm. From seeing him practice against the Vikings defense in camp, I think he could come in and win a game or two if Cousins went down.

Ben Jackson @benjackson0812 @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler How does ownership truly feel about Zimmer?? Does he get an extension soon or are they in wait and see mode?? June 4th 2020

1 Like The Wilfs know Zimmer is one of the better coaches in the NFL. His record considering all the things the Vikings have gone through during his years is a strong indication that he’d be hard to replace. There was a feeling toward the end of last year that they had seen the peak of his time in Minnesota and maybe a new direction might be needed but the win over the New Orleans Saints was Zimmer throwing his hardest fastball and the 2020 draft brought them a lot of talent to work with over the next few years.

We’re either going to see Zimmer have several more runs at it if they show signs of good things to come in 2020 or we’ll see the Vikings decide after this year that they need someone else to take them over the top with a team that should be quite good in 2021. Wild card is whether Zimmer would go into 2020 without an extension and then just walk away to coach another team no matter how they perform. It’s pretty clear from his comments to Deion Sanders at the end of last season he feels that he’s deserving of more respect rather than reports of possibly being fired or traded.

Kristofer Mitchell` @KrisKUSTRADIO @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler You are playing 2 on 2 flag football. You have to choose between Harvin, Culpepper, Moss, Cris Carter or Tarkenton to be your teammate. Who do you choose and why? June 4th 2020

1 Like Moss. Moss. Moss. Moss. Moss.

If you asked me which player I’d take in the history of football to play flag football with it would be Moss. He’s the most unstoppable player in NFL history. Here’s a fun fact for you: Since 1998, Randy Moss leads all receivers with 77 plays over 40 yards. The next best receiver is DeSean Jackson with 65 and there are only four players over 43. Julio Jones has 37. Bananas.

Shawn M Hegarty @10kBeers @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler With rumors abound of Dre Kirkpatrick possibly being a Minnesota Viking. What do we know about him versus other FA veteran DBs? Is there someone we should prefer over Kirkpatrick and how expensive would a veteran DB against our remaining cap? June 4th 2020

1 Like I couldn’t find any legitimate rumors about Kirkpatrick and the Vikings but of course this week wouldn’t have been a good time to announce that kind of thing. I think he’s exactly what they should be looking for in a veteran DB. Last year was tough for him but Kirkpatrick has largely been average or above. They shouldn’t be looking to spend more than $3-$5 million on a veteran DB, which they can probably just barely fit after they sign draft picks.

I also like Darqueze Dennard and Ross Cockrell as quality players who are still out there and wouldn’t demand top dollar.

J. Miller @jrm531 @Purple_Insider @MatthewColler Ifeadi Odenigbo.. What are his limitations? Can he be the next Viking pass rushing star? June 5th 2020

1 Like He can be solid-to-good. Next star? That’s a little harder to see. Everson Griffen’s explosiveness off the line and his durability and motor were in the category of very few earthlings even before Andre Patterson helped him refine all the tools in the tool box. Odenigbo doesn’t have the raw physical gifts of Griffen. He probably isn’t going to blast past a tackle off the edge or have the quickness of an Everson spin move to the QB. If he’s solid and moves around the D- line, he can be pretty valuable though.

PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 6/6/20

Minnesota Vikings' Kyle Rudolph organizes essential-goods drive with Timberwolves, Gophers

By Courtney Cronin

MINNEAPOLIS -- Kyle Rudolph was 24 hours too late.

By the time the Minnesota Vikings tight end drove around Monday to look for places in need of organized clean-up efforts after looting and riots took place throughout the Twin Cities following George Floyd's death, the 30-year-old witnessed his favorite element of the community he's been a part of for the past nine years.

With broken glass and debris already cleaned up, the efforts to rebuild were underway. So when Rudolph pivoted to the idea of an essential-goods drive to benefit residents such as a woman named Stephanie, whose TV interview went viral after most of the stores near her home were destroyed, he chose to go to the area affected the most.

Amid burned buildings and shopping centers shut down because of excessive damage, Rudolph held a donation drive on Friday in the parking lot of a now-closed Cub Foods near East Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis where residents from the surrounding area could receive nonperishable food and other essential items.

"I think today is a perfect example of how times are different because you don't just have people here who have been directly affected by the problem," Rudolph told ESPN. "You have people that are here from all walks of life. You have people that have never dealt with racism a day in their life yet they know it's a problem, they want to be here to support and they want to be part of the change."

Friday's event, which saw a steady stream of hundreds come out as early as 9:30 a.m. CT, had a handful of Vikings players available to help distribute donations. Rudolph was joined by Danielle Hunter, Adam Thielen, Garrett Bradbury, Aviante Collins, , Cameron Smith and , all of whom were in attendance at Floyd's memorial service Thursday.

Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph helps out along with other local athletes at a food drive in Minneapolis on Friday. Courtesy of Vikings Rudolph also sought the help of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie, who was joined by coach Ryan Saunders and teammate Malik Beasley. Also on hand to lug cases of water and other goods from the donation stations to people's cars were several members of the Minnesota football team and Golden Gophers coach P.J. Fleck.

"What you're seeing right now is a fair representation of Minnesota and what Minnesota can be," Okogie said. "You see every different kind of race, ethnicity, religious [background] -- it doesn't really matter. We're coming together. What I think is so symbolic of this whole thing is what we have right now is a whole bunch of hope, love, fun and opportunity. You look around and everything's been destroyed. So if we can start right here and grow outwards, that's what we have to do."

Rudolph -- who has previously served on the Vikings' social justice committee which, among several of its initiatives, aims to foster relations between police departments and the communities they serve -- said he believes the Vikings can continue to play a role in the fight against systemic racism and police brutality.

"To fix this, it's going to take time," Rudolph said. "It's not something that when the protests stop, the change stops. It's got to be something that's sustainable. It's got to be something that we can continue to do for years because just under 20 years ago I was in Cincinnati, Ohio, when Timothy Thomas was killed. There were riots and protesting and I never would have thought that just under 20 years later I would be still living in a similar situation. My hope is that 20 years from now when my kids are in their 20s, this isn't a battle that they're on the forefront and fighting."

Josh Okogie ✔ @CallMe_NonStop This is what it’s all about! #RebuildMinnesota

Embedded video 1,061 12:25 PM - Jun 5, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 123 people are talking about this Across the Twin Cities, other teams are entrenched in efforts to give back. Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon made donations to six charitable organizations, including the Gianna Floyd Fund, Black Women Speak and We The Protesters, to benefit the Black Lives Matter movement and local rebuilding efforts.

Spurgeon, who is in his native Canada with his family, noted the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery will prompt him and his wife to have an open dialogue about race with their young children.

"I don't think there's any age that's too early to start teaching it," Spurgeon said. "Growing up I think my parents tried to do that with myself, but as you grow older with yourself you start realizing there are more things that you can do for your own children."

Spurgeon, 30, said he hopes to see the communitywide efforts continue long after the city is rebuilt.

"From here on out, it can't just be a one-week thing or a two-week thing where everybody's doing it," Spurgeon said. "It has to be a continued trend where we're all trying to be better and get everyone equal rights."

Elsewhere, the University of Minnesota is hosting a "United Are We" community drive Monday in the parking lot of the athletic department, where donations of essential supplies, toiletries, diapers and other nonperishables can be dropped off from 8 to 11 a.m. CT.

Earlier this week, the Gophers' athletic department launched an initiative called "Listen," a forum used to amplify the voices of student-athletes, coaches and others for an open conversation on race. The site has several aggregated posts from student-athletes' social media platforms in hopes of fostering an honest conversation throughout the athletic department.

"It's not just a time of talk," Gophers associate athletic director for external affairs Mike Wierzbicki said. "We need to create action. There's action to this, there's learning and then ultimately what are our steps to go forward from here."

PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 6/6/20

Daniel Jeremiah Says Dalvin Cook Will Be an MVP Contender in 2020

By Will Ragatz

With Stefon Diggs in Buffalo and Gary Kubiak taking the reigns as the Vikings' play-caller, the 2020 season could be a huge one for Dalvin Cook if he's able to finally stay healthy for all 16 games.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently said he expects Cook to be in the MVP race during the upcoming season.

"[Gary Kubiak] has long been one of the best play-callers in the NFL," Jeremiah said on his Move The Sticks show with Bucky Brooks. "I think you're going to see Dalvin Cook be in the running as the MVP of the league. This run game is outstanding, they've upgraded the offensive line at the tackle position [with Ezra Cleveland] – it's all set up for Dalvin Cook in this Gary Kubiak system to have a big year."

Both Jeremiah and Brooks said they expect the Vikings to improve on their 2019 season, in which they went 10-6 and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs.

If Cook stays healthy, I would absolutely expect him to have a huge year. He was averaging 141.5 yards from scrimmage per game through ten weeks last season, putting him on pace for 2,264. That would've been the 14th- best total of all time. Cook faded a bit down the stretch as he dealt with multiple upper-body injuries, but he showed that he's a top-five running back in the NFL at his peak.

Cook, who tore his ACL in 2017 and dealt with a hamstring injury in 2018, has the dual-threat ability to rack up yards and touchdowns against all types of defensive looks. He finished last season with 1,135 rushing yards, 519 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns in just 14 games.

To win MVP, Cook would probably need to play every game, have a huge statistical year, and also lead the Vikings to at least 11 or 12 wins. Christian McCaffrey posted the third-most yards from scrimmage ever last season, but the Panthers went 5-11 and he wasn't a factor in the MVP race, which is currently dominated by quarterbacks. Only one running back has won the award since 2007, and that was the Vikings' own Adrian Peterson in 2012.

Bovada currently gives Cook +8000 odds to win the 2020 MVP, tied for 26th-best among all players.

The big question with Cook is whether or not he'll have a new contract before the season kicks off.

Related reading:

How Many Rushing Yards Will Dalvin Cook Have in 2020? Vikings Have Had 'Productive Talks' About New Contract For Dalvin Cook What Does the Christian McCaffrey Extension Mean For Dalvin Cook and the Vikings? Vikings Running Backs Preview: Will Dalvin Cook Get Paid? PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 6/6/20

Kyle Rudolph Organizes Community Event For Supply Distribution

By Will Ragatz

Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph was one of the organizers of a major community event outside of Cub Foods in south Minneapolis on this sunny Friday afternoon. Joined by Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie, local coaches P.J. Fleck and Ryan Saunders, and many others, the event distributed crucial supplies to those in need after a tumultuous couple of weeks in the Twin Cities following George Floyd's death.

Several of Rudolph's Vikings teammates, including Adam Thielen and Danielle Hunter, also showed up to help pass out donated items or contribute in whatever way they could. All of the volunteers were wearing "Change Starts With Me" shirts, which you can buy here – all of the profits go to the Minneapolis Foundation.

Eric Smith ✔ @Eric_L_Smith .@KyleRudolph82 has helped organize community event here in Minneapolis today.

People donating food, medicine, diapers and basic essentials for people in the area.

Danielle Hunter, Chad Beebe, Cam Smith, Dakota Dozier, Aviante Collins among other #Vikings here helping.

Embedded video 995 11:26 AM - Jun 5, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 137 people are talking about this The event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but people were in line over an hour early, according to Vikings.com.

"This was supposed to start at 11 a.m., and we had over 100 people here at 9:30 a.m., so that just shows the need in this community and how badly people are suffering for essential goods and food," Rudolph said. "It really speaks to how important this stuff is, and it makes me feel extremely appreciative to have the opportunity to organize something like this. We tried to provide basic goods … things you would go to your local [store] and get, but you can't right now," Rudolph added. "We tried to come down here and provide families with things they need."

Hunter spoke to Vikings.com about the importance of this type of event.

"A lot of people watch us and are influenced by what we do, so it's just coming out and making a difference, being a difference and restoring the community," Hunter said. "That will influence the younger ones for when they grow up. They'll have the same change of heart, 'If something happens, I can be the one to change it. It can start with me.'

In addition to handing out food, water bottles, and baby and hygiene products, there was ice cream and music to entertain kids. The event also had plenty of dialogue about how every individual person, not just athletes or celebrities, can help bring change to this country.

Andrew Krammer @Andrew_Krammer Kyle Rudolph part of grassroots supply drop at S 26th Ave and E 29th St in south Minneapolis. Friend Justin Castillo and his Afton neighborhood started a chat Monday about making a change.

Now Rudolph is pushing an ice cream cart. Multiple #Vikings, #Gophers and #Wolves here.

Embedded video 284 11:29 AM - Jun 5, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 50 people are talking about this

Kyle Rudolph ✔ @KyleRudolph82 Lots of food/essential goods still left!#changestartswithme #united4changemn

Come on by!

2850 26th Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55406 United States

View image on Twitter 377 12:37 PM - Jun 5, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 46 people are talking about this This event came just one day after Rudolph, Thielen, and ten other Vikings attended George Floyd's memorial service downtown. PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 6/6/20

Kyle Rudolph, Vikings Players Hand Out Essential Goods to Those in Need

By Eric Smith

MINNEAPOLIS — Tymon Young lives at Snelling Avenue & East 36th Street, which sits roughly three miles from the intersection where George Floyd died on May 25.

Young is a 41-year-old with an infant son and a handful of nephews at home, and he hasn't been able to do much shopping in his neighborhood because buildings were damaged in the aftermath of Floyd's death.

But Young waited in line for an hour and walked away with two cases of water, plus multiple bags of food, medicine, cleaning supplies and baby products Friday morning as the Twin Cities community came together to help those in need.

"I've got a newborn, he's 3 months old, so I got diapers," Young said. "Just some food and stuff for my little nephews and my son while they're at home. Grocery stores are closed around here and there's no close grocery stores.

"Just to see everybody out here, it's a beautiful thing. Just giving something back, because all this got burned. My sister goes to school there, and my mom shops there," Young said while pointing around the shopping center. "It's messed up, and something has to be done about it, but I just love to see people of all colors out here."

Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph helped organize the event near East Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue, which was held in the parking lot of Cub Foods. The donation drive directly impacted those in the nearby area who are struggling to get essential goods right now.

And while the event was slated to go from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., those in need and those willing to help showed up early. The line that stretched through the parking lot never dimmed as helpers scurried around doing whatever they could.

Vikings Players Volunteer at Local Donation Drive Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph helped organize a donation drive that directly impacted those in the nearby area who are struggling to get essential goods. Vikings players and other Minnesota professional athletes volunteered at the donation drive.

Rudolph carried bags of food to waiting cars, Danielle Hunter hauled cases of water bottles around and Adam Thielen handed out popsicles, while other teammates helped pass out items or simply lended listening ears.

"This was supposed to start at 11 a.m., and we had over 100 people here at 9:30 a.m., so that just shows the need in this community and how badly people are suffering for essential goods and food," Rudolph said. "It really speaks to how important this stuff is, and it makes me feel extremely appreciative to have the opportunity to organize something like this.

"We tried to provide basic goods … things you would go to your local [store] and get, but you can't right now," Rudolph added. "We tried to come down here and provide families with things they need."

Rudolph, Hunter and Thielen were joined by other teammates including Garrett Bradbury, Aviante Collins, Dakota Dozier, Chad Beebe, Cameron Smith and Jake Browning. Vikings wide receivers coach Andrew Janocko also helped.

"A lot of people watch us and are influenced by what we do, so it's just coming out and making a difference, being a difference and restoring the community," Hunter said. "That will influence the younger ones for when they grow up. They'll have the same change of heart, 'If something happens, I can be the one to change it. It can start with me.'

"We're trying to do as much as we can. We came in, brought stuff for donations. Cub Foods issued a whole bunch of water bottles and all of that kind of stuff," Hunter added. "That just shows how long the line is and how much people in the community need our help. We're doing everything in the community that we can to help out and support these people."

Added Dozier: "You watch this happen in the city that you've fallen in love with, and all you want to do is give back and support. You see people coming together, but it takes each and every person."

Other prominent sports figures helped out, including Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie and Head Coach Ryan Saunders, plus University of Minnesota football Head Coach P.J. Fleck and a handful of his players.

Nearly everyone helping wore shirts that said, "Change Starts With Me."

"Me means every single one of us," Fleck said. "There's not a bigger humanitarian we have representing our city, I think, than Kyle Rudolph. We're here to support and do our part.

"We're either part of the problem or part of the solution, and we're doing everything we can to be part of the solution," Fleck said. "This is what our community is all about — togetherness."

Added Okogie: "This my duty. These are people that come to games and buy tickets and cheer for us. When they're down, I think we should in turn cheer for them. This community is in desperate need, and I vow to help them any way I can."

As he waited to load items into his car, Young chatted with Collins, who had helped him carry the essential items across the parking lot. Young said he and Collins bonded in just a few short minutes.

"Everybody feels the same … that this is bad. It's bad news," Young said. "[Collins is] from Houston, and George is from Houston, too … basically the same place.

"Everybody is hurt about it, and it's not just black people. It's every race out here, and that's what beautiful about this," Young said. "This affected everybody."

Rudolph, who was one of a dozen Vikings to attend Floyd's memorial on Thursday afternoon, said he took the words of Rev. Al Sharpton to heart.

"We can all learn that the color of your skin should not determine opportunities, success … we should all be treated the exact same," Rudolph said. "I'm fortunate I play for a team that has invested in this, and I've learned so much over the last few years from listening to my teammates who have grown up with these problems and been in these situations.

"Those stories from my teammates educated me," Rudolph continued. "Just listen and learn. It takes you from being sympathetic to being empathetic, and feeling what they feel."

"We need change, and I want to be a part of that," Rudolph added. "It starts with each and every one of us here."

PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 6/6/20

Lunchbreak: Reasons Why Brooks & Jeremiah Believe Vikings Will Improve on 2019

By Eric Smith

The Vikings have compiled 50 regular-season wins since the start of 2015.

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer's team is one of six teams to hit that benchmark over the past five years.

Minnesota, the only NFC North team to reach 50 wins in that timespan, is joined by New England, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Seattle and New Orleans.

That sustained consistency is a prideful point for Zimmer, who turned 64 today, but the head coach would be quick to point out that he wants to see his team have another strong season in 2020.

NFL.com analysts Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah believe that will be the case for this upcoming season. The duo went through the NFC North and opined whether or not each team will improve or get worse, and tabbed Minnesota to take a step forward in 2020.

Happy Birthday to Mike Zimmer! View photos of Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer who celebrates his birthday on June 5.

"This is a team that got a win in the postseason last year, but I actually think this team is going to be better," Jeremiah said. "You look at Justin Jefferson, is another first-round pick and them [third-rounder] has some ability.

"Some big names leaving … but I think Gary Kubiak replacing Kevin Stefanski as the offensive coordinator … this is Kubiak's offense," Jeremiah continued. "He's long been one of the best play-callers in the NFL, and I think you're going to see Dalvin Cook be in the running as the MVP of the league.

"I think the run game is outstanding; they've upgraded the offensive line at the tackle position," Jeremiah added. "It's all set up for Dalvin Cook in Gary Kubiak's system to have a big year. I'm in on the Vikings. They are going to be better."

Brooks added: "I think Dalvin Cook and will have big years. Gary Kubiak is one of the best in the business at calling plays. That stretch-bootleg system leads to a lot of explosive [plays]."

The Vikings went 10-6 and were a Wild Card team in 2019, get a road playoff win over the Saints before falling to the 49ers in the Divisional Round.

The Lions are the other NFC North team that the NFL.com pair expects to be better in 2020. Brooks and Jeremiah said that the Packers and Bears could take a step back this season.

DJ and Bucky Break Down Which Teams Got Better or Worse In The NFC North Allen recalls 22-sack season, dishes on curling career

Former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen recently chatted with Chad Graff of The Athletic to touch on a variety of topics on Graff's podcast.

They talked about Allen's path to the NFL and his 2008 trade to the Vikings, along with his historic 22-sack season in 2011 that set a franchise single-season record.

Allen told Graff that he believes he had a chance to set the NFL single-season record but simply stumbled a bit.

Graff wrote:

But as Week 17 approached, Allen was at 18.5 sacks. He needed 3.5 to set the Vikings franchise record and 4.5 to break Michael Strahan's all-time record. He joked that week that if Bears quarterback Josh McCown wanted to pull a Brett Favre — who famously seemed to go down pretty easily to give Strahan the record-breaking sack — he'd take it.

Allen had 1.5 sacks by halftime, then notched the 21st sack of his season on the first play of the second half. He broke Chris Doleman's franchise record with more than five minutes left in the third quarter.

Suddenly, he had a shot at the NFL record. In the fourth quarter, Allen was matched up against the tight end on a play. He knew he was going to go outside him, and with the right jump, Allen figured he'd get the record.

"I took off and I slipped," Allen said. "I was 1-on-1 with the tight end, I slipped and the ball got out."

The two also talked about how Allen's curling career got started, with Allen noting that he actually took an interest in badminton first.

Graff wrote:

It all started with a bet he made with a buddy that he could make a PGA Tour event. After a few cracks at that came well short, Allen changed the bet to say that he could make the Olympics.

Allen's journey started by looking up sports that the U.S. hadn't won a gold medal in. He figured it'd be easier to make the Olympic team in one of those competitions. Badminton stood out. He'd played by the lake growing up, he's tall, and he's athletic. It'd be easy, he figured.

Allen first thought he'd play singles but his wife encouraged him to at least have a buddy to play with if he was going to spend hours training for the Olympics in a sport he'd never played competitively. He recruited former quarterback Marc Bulger, one of his neighbors at the time in Nashville.

"So then we start watching all these doubles matches," Allen said. "I'm watching these dudes fly around the court. I'm like, I'm going to get hurt. I've already ruptured my L5 twice. I don't need this again. Oh my gosh, this is aggressive. Marc calls and he's like, 'I can't do that, my body can't handle that. This is way more movement than I thought it was going to take.'"

Allen then switched to curling and noted he is trying to earn a spot on the 2022 U.S. Olympic team.

The full interview with Graff and Allen can be found here.