BillsFever
09-01-2003, 03:13 PM
Vikings coach Mike Tice knew his team would be young, and the numbers didn't lie when he examined the final 53-man roster Sunday.
As Tice joked during training camp, there's not much shaving cream needed in the Vikings' locker room.
Of the 53 players who made the team, 24 are in their third NFL season or less. There are 11 rookies on the roster. For the first time in team history, every draft pick made the team. In addition to the seven picks — Kevin Williams, E.J. Henderson, Nate Burleson, Onterrio Smith, Eddie Johnson, Mike Nattiel and Keenan Howry — four undrafted rookies made the team — Sean Berton, Colin Cole, Rushen Jones and James Lynch.
"We are young, and I like that,'' Tice said. "It was a competitive camp, and these young men all emerged. There is not one young player on this roster who doesn't belong.''
While the team is young, Tice said most of the key players are experienced. Williams, the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, will be the only rookie starter, at left defensive end.
There were no surprises when the Vikings turned in their final roster Sunday.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/6665883.htm
As Tice joked during training camp, there's not much shaving cream needed in the Vikings' locker room.
Of the 53 players who made the team, 24 are in their third NFL season or less. There are 11 rookies on the roster. For the first time in team history, every draft pick made the team. In addition to the seven picks — Kevin Williams, E.J. Henderson, Nate Burleson, Onterrio Smith, Eddie Johnson, Mike Nattiel and Keenan Howry — four undrafted rookies made the team — Sean Berton, Colin Cole, Rushen Jones and James Lynch.
"We are young, and I like that,'' Tice said. "It was a competitive camp, and these young men all emerged. There is not one young player on this roster who doesn't belong.''
While the team is young, Tice said most of the key players are experienced. Williams, the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, will be the only rookie starter, at left defensive end.
There were no surprises when the Vikings turned in their final roster Sunday.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/6665883.htm