John Holler with Viking Update took a look at free agent players scheduled to participate in the first NFL Veteran Combine later this month with previous ties to the Vikings.
The Veteran Combine will be a one-day affair at the Arizona Cardinals practice facility on March 22. More than 100 players are scheduled to attend, including five with connections to the Vikings.
Holler writes:
Arguably the most familiar name on the list is cornerback Brandon Burton, who was a fifth-round draft pick of the Vikings in 2011 and was with the team for two seasons before being released. Also in the mix is cornerback Kip Edwards. An undrafted free agent in 2013, he spent the last five weeks of the 2013 season on the Vikings practice squad. A trio of players who were on the Vikings roster for a time in 2014 will also be taking part. Wide receiver Lestar Jean was signed as an undrafted free agent following last year's draft, but was released in June with an injury designation. Cornerback Julian Posey was claimed off waivers by the Vikings from Cleveland in June, but was among the Vikings final roster cuts at the end of August. Finally, defensive end Rakim Cox was one of 16 undrafted free agents signed May 13, but he was cut Aug. 4 when the Vikings signed former Bengals cornerback Chris Crocker. The Veteran Combine will feature some players who fans may have some familiarity with, including Felix Jones, Michael Bush, Adam Carriker, Jamaal Anderson, Mikel Leshoure and Michael Sam.
Former Vikings Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, now the NFL Director of Football Development, is in charge of the program.
Holler quoted Birk: *"Combines have long provided draft-eligible players with the forum needed to showcase their skills to NFL teams. The NFL Veteran Combine will give veteran free agents a similar opportunity to work out in front of club personnel in a streamlined process." *
A one-hour show that recaps the Veteran Combine is set to air on NFL Network at 7 p.m. (CT) on March 22.
Thursday's Pro Days: Buffalo, Delaware, Fresno State, Idaho, Kentucky, Miami (Ohio), Michigan, Oklahoma State, Oregon, UNLV, Washington State and Wyoming
