Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings selected what appeared to be the best player available when they took the first tight end in this year's draft, Kyle Rudolph from Notre Dame with the 43rd overall pick in the 2nd round. Rudolph is a 6'6 259 pound tight end that is considered a very good pass catcher but has the size to become a good blocker.

The Vikings drafted quarterback Christian Ponder of Florida State in the first round with the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night. Minnesota tried to trade down from the 12th pick but could not so they picked Ponder at that spot. Ponder was a 3-year starting quarterback at Florida State and threw for a career high 20 touchdowns with 8 interceptions in 2010.

The NFL draft will take place this week Thursday-Saturday. The first round will be Thursday night starting at 7pm with Carolina holding the first pick. The Vikings have the 12th overall pick in the first round. Minnesota has 1 2nd round pick, 1 4th round selection and 2 picks in the 5th, 6th and 7th rounds.

The NFL and the Vikings released their 2011 schedule Tuesday night. Minnesota will open the season at San Diego on September 11 before hosting Tampa Bay on September 18 in their home opener. The Vikes will have just 2 prime time games.

Viking owner Zigi Wilf visited the State Capitol Thursday to thank sponsors of the stadium bill filed earlier this week. He remains confident a stadium bill will pass the legislature this legislative session despite concerns that many lawmakers have over the state budget problems. Wilf is confident the Vikings have a local partner and is keeping his options open.

The NFL released their preseason schedule and the Vikings will play their first 2 preseason games on the road at Tennessee on August 12 or 13 at Seattle August 19 or 20. The Vikings will host Dallas August 26 or 27 and will play at home against Houston August 31 or September 1.

The Vikings placed the franchise tag on linebacker Chad Greenway Monday meaning he's in line to receive a 1-year contract offer that is worth the average of the top 5 salaries at linebacker last season or about $10 Million. The Vikings also expect to dicuss a long term contract.

Snowmobile enthusiasts can ride with the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. The 16th annual Arctic Blast Snowmobile Rally is tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday at Mille Lacs Lake. It's co-sponsored by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and the Vikings.

The Vikings want the state lottery to help fund a new stadium. The Vikings would like to see a scratch off ticket to be used as one of the state's funding mechanisms to help fund a new stadium. The Vikings partnered with the state to produce a popular lottery ticket last year.

Minnesota Viking defensive end Everson Griffen was arrested Monday in Los Angeles after allegedly assaulting and fleeing a police officer. He was pulled over for a routine traffic stop and a struggle ensued.