Artis Hicks

Accolades: In 2010, he earned second-team All-ACC honors from The NFL Draft Report. In 2011, he was named a Butkus Award semi-finalist and All-ACC honorable mention. My Analysis: He is an effective blitzer from the linebacker position.  

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2012 offseason in self-proclaimed rebuild mode. The best way to improve the roster is through the draft. General Manager Rick Spielman entered the draft with 13 picks, but made a few trades and finished with 10 ...  

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2012 offseason in self-proclaimed rebuild mode. The best way to improve the roster is through the draft. General Manager Rick Spielman entered the draft with 13 picks, but made a few trades and finished with 10 selections.  

TSNRyan Longwell cut after Minnesota Vikings draft kickerNFL NewsBy NFL.com Ryan Longwell's days of kicking in Minnesota are over. The Vikings announced Monday they had cut him. "Ryan has meant a great deal to the Vikings organization both on and off the field over the past six seasons. We wish him all the best in ...Vikings release Ryan LongwellNBCSports.comall 157 news articles »  

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2012 offseason in self-proclaimed rebuild mode. The best way to improve the roster is through the draft. General Manager Rick Spielman entered the draft with 13 picks, but made a few trades and finished with 10 ...  

General Manager Rick Spielman entered the draft with 13 picks ... The Vikings finished the three-day event with 10 new players Here is first round pick, safety Harrison Smith. Accolades: In 2011, he earned second-team All-American and first ...  

He used one of those picks to acquire a second first round pick ... the All-American first-teams by the Associated Press, Walter Camp Football Foundation, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Weekly and Yahoo Sports/Rivals.com.  

The biggest question mark of the 2012 NFL Draft is who do the Minnesota ... could be a great help when the Vikings have to face the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford twice a year, as Sports Illustrated's Peter King noted in his most ...  

The Vikings made some moves and addressed two areas of need in the first round, but didn't stop there in the 2012 NFL Draft . As the rest of the draft went on, the Vikings attacked just about every area of need on the team. Will it change the face of the franchise this very year? No, of course not, though we should see some improvement. Down the road, this draft has the potential to change the ...  

Kalil solves two problems on the offensive line, as last year's LT Charlie Johnson can move inside to guard ... In the third round, they took CB Josh Robinson, a speedster that has starter-caliber talent. With three picks, GM Rick Spielman ...  

I liked most of the Minnesota Vikings' draft and feel the same way about their priority free-agent signings. Some are questionable, some are rock solid—some are a little of both.Let's take a closer look at the players who will be showing up to camp very soon.I've broken this down into positions rather than individuals so that you can flip right to the position you're interested in.Derrick Coleman RB UCLAColeman is a strong runner between the...  

He's the kind of lanky hybrid the Vikings covet for their Tampa 2 scheme. Blanton, a smart player with long arms and good cover skills, might be able to work his way into the team¹s sub packages. The team drafted a similar player in Mistral ...  

After passing on Morris Claiborne in favor of Matt Kalil in the first round, one of the first things that was discussed was when the Vikings truly planned on taking a cornerback. Despite moving back into the first round, Minnesota still declined to take a ...  

How he fits: He gives the team some much-needed young depth at the cornerback position. The Vikings have added Zack Bowman and Chris Carr in free agency. They also get Antoine Winfield (injury) and Chris Cook (legal issues) back this season.  

2. Wide receiver. The pressure to draft a receiver was relieved somewhat when the team signed former Bengals receiver Jerome Simpson on Tuesday. He's a potential No. 1 receiver, but the Vikings still need another quality receiver to add to Percy ...  

The 2012 NFL Draft continued on Friday night with the second and third rounds of the draft. The Minnesota Vikings selected cornerback Josh Robinson out of Central Florida with the 66th overall pick. Robinson was the only pick of the night for the Vikings, so Friday was much more calm than Thursday when the Vikings dealt their second round pick to move up to grab Harrison Smith . Minnesota will ...  

Unlike the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings' draft will be based on more of what they need than what they don't need.That isn't to say this strategy can't be effective.Here are the last five drafts (according to Wikipedia) where the Vikings had first-round picks (I replaced 2008 and 2010, since they had none and I wanted five seasons' worth). 2004 20 Kenechi Udeze DE USC   2005 7 Troy Williamson WR South Carolina   18 Erasmus...  

Worst case he becomes a decent No. 3 option for quarterback Christian Ponder and a solid ... Wright has been a consistent performer throughout his college career and left Arkansas as the schools all-time leading receiver in yards and receptions.  

The Minnesota Vikings struck gold in the 2012 NFL Draft, drafting the best player at the position in which they needed the most help while also receiving a couple of late draft picks from the Cleveland Browns. Left tackle Matt Kalil will provide second-year quarterback Christian Ponder with protection, while opening up holes for the running game led by Adrian Peterson. Everyone has been hearing how great Kalil is, but now that he is a member...  

Will Andrew Luck be the next Aaron Rodgers? Is Trent Richardson the next Adrian Peterson? In Bleacher Report's Prospect Comparison Series, we compare the 2012 NFL Draft's top 300 prospects to current and recently retired NFL players. Enjoy!  

It's likely he will need additional time for an injury that requires at least eight ... The team didn't add a running back in the 2012 draft; nor has it picked up a free agent expected to play a featured role in the offense if Peterson is unavailable.  

MINNEAPOLIS -- As the Minnesota Vikings continue to put their roster together, one area that was not addressed in the draft is where they may have their biggest question mark -- running back. When Adrian Peterson went down with a knee injury against the ...  

This "NFL Live" video is actually really cool. From a faux Minnesota Vikings draft room, we watch a former general manager (Bill Polian) and a former head coach (Herman Edwards) take us through last-minute efforts to trade out of the Vikings' No ...  

After tying a franchise record for losses in a season in 2011, the Vikings head into a very important draft with 10 total picks and several areas in need of an upgrade. Chief among them is the left side of the offensive line, where longtime anchor Steve Hutchinson's release creates a gaping hole at guard and tackle Charlie Johnson is coming off a rough year as young quarterback Christian Ponder's blind-side protector. With the third overall...  

The Minnesota Vikings' draft should be quite simple if Rick Spielman and his crew don't complicate things. They need to ignore all incoming calls the night of the draft and take Southern Cal's Matt Kalil with the third overall pick. And they would be set at left tackle for the next decade.  

3. Right tackle. The team has struggled for years since it had its last effective right tackle, Ryan Tucker. Veterans Kevin Shaffer, John St. Clair, Floyd Womack, Tony Pashos, Oniel Cousins and Artis Hicks all received trials in recent years, and all ...  

Kicker Ryan Longwell, 37, has been released by the Minnesota Vikings ... The Vikings had selected Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round of this year's draft. Teams do not spend a draft pick on a kicker if they don't expect on using them.  

The Minnesota Vikings have released 16-year veteran kicker Ryan Longwell. The surprising move was made Monday, a little more than a week after the team drafted Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round. Shortly after Longwell said goodbye to Vikings ...  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have released 16-year veteran kicker Ryan Longwell. The surprising move was made Monday, a little more than a week after the team drafted Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round. Shortly after Longwell said ...  

Adrian Peterson is progressing ahead of pace through his left knee rehabilitation. The Minnesota Vikings won't promise he'll play in their first game. EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Adrian Peterson is progressing ahead of pace through his left knee rehabilitation ...  

The Minnesota Vikings made the decision to cut veteran kicker Ryan Longwell after they drafted Georgia's Blair Walsh in the sixth round last month, according to general manager Rick Spielman. "Our emphasis is on getting better and getting ...  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have selected Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Walsh made 21 of 35 field goals for the Bulldogs last season. Veteran kicker Ryan Longwell signed a four-year deal before ...  

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings have released 16-year veteran kicker Ryan Longwell. The surprising move was made Monday, a little more than a week after the team drafted Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round. Shortly after ...  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings selected North Carolina State linebacker Audie Cole with their first pick of the seventh round. Cole had 107 tackles and two sacks last season for the Wolfpack. The Vikings entered the round with three picks.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - The Minnesota Vikings selected North Carolina State linebacker Audie Cole with their first pick of the seventh round. Cole had 107 tackles and two sacks last season for the Wolfpack. The Vikings entered the round with three picks.  

Former University of Notre Dame cornerback Robert Blanton was selected with the 139th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Blanton was taken with the fourth selection of the fifth round. Blanton was the second defensive back from ...  

On the same night the Minnesota Vikings created a market for the No. 3 overall draft pick -- which they eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns for fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round picks -- and drafted offensive tackle Matt Kalil and safety Harrison ...  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have selected Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Walsh made 21 of 35 field goals for the Bulldogs last season. Veteran kicker Ryan Longwell signed a four-year deal before last ...  

Behind them are a pair of newcomers, Zackary Bowmanand Chris Carr. They are going to be favorites to ... In addition to helping the defense, he will help on special teams. No. 2 – Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama. He is one of the taller corners and better ...  

The best asset for both players is making plays in kick and punt coverage. Mistral Raymond, selected in the sixth round of the 2011 draft, has the talent and potential to be a starter. He is going to be a favorite to earn one of the two starting spots.  

Unlike the Bucs, the Browns knew the Vikings wouldn't take Richardson; they have Adrian Peterson on the roster. Although the Vikings didn't get a second- or third-rounder, the acquisition of a fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round pick gave them ...  

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman executed a perfect first round by drafting both Matt Kalil and Harrison Smith in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. It's not just the players that make his picks so successful, either. It's how he arrived ...  

The Minnesota Vikings have holes to fill, but defensive line is not a major priority. The defensive ends, led by Jared Allen, are the strength of the Vikings defense. Along with Allen, Brian Robison is a good starter and Everson Griffen is turning into ...  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - In the consensus view of this year's NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings will select USC's Matt Kalil with the third pick to be their cornerstone left tackle for the next decade. They have a young quarterback in Christian Ponder they ...  

Without ado, here are my Official Minnesota Vikings 2012 Draft Grades First Impressions ... Much like Blanton, I think the best way for Cole to make the roster at first may be via special teams. Spielman stated that the potential for special ...  

He was highly productive in the SEC while being the only threat on the Commodore defense. Sleeper – Barquell Rivers, Virginia Tech. He was a starter on the Hokies defense and was among the team leaders in tackles as a sophomore. The following offseason a ...  

The Vikings' greatest offseason question has nothing to do with the draft. The franchise centerpiece, running back Adrian Peterson, is the main worry in Minnesota. He's diligently rehabbing from a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee and all hopes for a ...  

though general manager Rick Spielman has publicly acknowledged he's open to trading down if a team meets his asking price. Expect Spielman to also set his sights on a wide receiver early on to give Ponder another playmaker alongside top target Percy Harvin ...  

Offensive line: The Dolphins are fortified on the left side with Jake Long, Richie Incognito and center Mike Pouncey, but the right side is vacant of proven, polished starters. Lydon Murtha, Nate Garner, John Jerry and Artis Hicks, who was ...  

He is the best non-quarterback in the class ... He may have the best future of them. No. 3 – Jonathan Martin, Stanford. He is slightly dropping. He began in the middle of the first round and is now sliding back toward the end. No. 4 – Cordy Glenn ...  

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has pledged $1 million to the Oklahoma athletics department, his launching pad for a stellar NFL career. NORMAN, Okla. -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has pledged $1 million to the Oklahoma ...  

That has to be replaced. John Carlson and Kyle Rudolph are going to be weapons in the passing. They are athletic with good hands and receiving skills, but neither is known for their blocking. Behind them is a trio of relatively unknowns. The most ...  

It signed Jerome Felton to be the No. 1 fullback. However, he is going to challenged by Ryan D’Imperio and Matt Asiata. Here are the top five running backs No. 1 – Trent Richardson, Alabama. There is no doubt that Richardson is the best running back ...  

With the recent signing of Chris Carr and last week’s signing of Zack Bowman ... there are three other receivers who could match up as No. 1 feature receivers: Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech, Alshon Jeffrey from South Carolina (I have reservations about ...  

The Minnesota Vikingshave holes to fill, but quarterback does not look like one of them. The Vikings return second-year starter Christian Ponder, third-year backup Joe Webband 12th-year backup Sage Rosenfels. Also in the mix is first-year reserve McLeod ...  

The story of the 2011 NFL Draft was how many teams seemed to have reached for quarterbacks. Cam Newton was the No. 1 overall pick, as expected. But, when Jake Locker was selected No. 8 by the Tennessee Titans, panic appeared to have to set in on those ...  

It’s a game we play during draft season, when everyone in the NFL is trying to pump fake the other 31 teams ... is one of the reasons the Dolphins quickly signed Artis Hicks in free agency. Hicks, who has started 71 games in his 10-year career, has ...  

2. Wide receiver. The team has nothing close to resembling a No. 1 receiver. Percy Harvin is an electrifying playmaker, but he’s a shifty slot guy who can’t line up wide and overwhelm defenders with his size and long arms deep downfield.  

Taylor spent all of last season on the Vikings’ practice ... but he did play in a triple-option offensive scheme. No. 4 – Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina. He is big playmaker, but does not appear to have enough athleticism to be a No. 1 receiver.  

The 2012 National Football League draft is April 26-28 at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Minnesota Vikings currently own the third pick, but that could change. With the Washington Redskins-St. Louis Ramstrade, it appears unlikely the ...  

The Vikings selected former Irish captain and safety Harrison Smith with the 29th overall pick Thursday night. Smith now joins fellow Notre Dame alums Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson and John Sullivan in Minnesota. “Harrison Smith is one of the best leaders I ...  

Two by two the Vikings' 2012 draft picks came off the board, including three package deals that reunite six college teammates and some best friends as they embark on their professional lives in Minnesota. There were Matt Kalil and Rhett Ellison ...  

"Minnesota GM Rick Spielman just became the early candidate for Executive of the Year with a deal that netted the Vikings three draft picks for doing ... well, absolutely nothing. Apparently, Spielman's talk about potential trades put Cleveland ...  

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have been making plenty of roster moves this offseason. They’re just not the kind of transactions that get much attention. Frustrated fans have been pining for more action, still wishing Ryan Longwell ...  

With the NFL Draft in the books, it's time to dust off the Stock Market Report. Although I did an abbreviated first round SMR, (which I had to edit when the Vikes traded back into the bottom of round 1--crazy night that) we've had ...  

Claiborne also could be an a trade target of the Buccaneers. NFL Network's Charley Casserly reports Buffalo at No. 10 covets Kalil and could be searching for a willing trade partner. In theory, Minnesota could swap first-round picks with the ...  

EDEN PRAIRIE — The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their 2012 draft by selecting California defensive end Trevor Guyton in the seventh round. Guyton was taken with the 219th overall  

Slow Rebuild: Vikings' Draft Primary Focus. avatar. Posted on April 4, 2012 @ 5:12 AM by The Admiral. The Minnesota Vikings have been making plenty of roster moves this offseason. They're just not the kind of transactions that get much ...  

The Minnesota Vikings have cut kicker Ryan Longwell, according to Twitter posts from staff ... The Vikings drafted Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round of last month's NFL draft.  

The Cleveland Browns made a trade with the Minnesota Vikings to get to the third spot in the draft. Using that pick, they took Trent Richardson, the running back from Alabama. Here's what our scouting reports said about the newest Brown : Modern NFL wisdom states that teams should not draft running backs early. There are many serviceable running backs available in later rounds, and most teams use committee systems that can be filled with...  

After a trade with the Cleveland Browns, the Minnesota Vikings took Matt Kalil, an offensive tackle from USC. The team has been mired in discussions with state and city government on getting a new stadium, so good news in the draft is welcome. Our scouting reports had this to say about the newest man in purple : Right now, Matt Kalil is a just-short-from-finished prospect with a great deal of stuff on the ball and the potential to overcome...  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Metrodome always felt like a rental property for Zygi and Mark Wilf, two New Jersey real estate developers who purchased the Minnesota Vikings in 2005 with the hopes of moving out of the place as quickly as possible.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Adrian Peterson is progressing ahead of pace through his left knee rehabilitation. The Minnesota Vikings won't promise he'll play in their first game.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings moved down in the draft and still found their man, taking massive left tackle Matt Kalil from USC on Thursday night to give their young quarterback some protection.  

The Browns have acquired the No. 3 overall pick from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the No. 4 overall pick and three additional picks in this year's NFL Draft, according to FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer.  

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The Ravens traded the 29th overall pick in the NFL draft to the Minnesota Vikings, a move that leaves Baltimore without a first-round selection for the second time in three years.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their 2012 draft by selecting California defensive end Trevor Guyton in the seventh round.  

The Minnesota Vikings selected North Carolina State linebacker Audie Cole with their first pick of the seventh round.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) Rhett Ellison wasn't even watching the NFL draft on Saturday afternoon when the Minnesota Vikings came on the clock for the second time in the fourth round.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have made another draft-day trade, moving up for a second first-round selection to take Notre Dame free safety Harrison Smith.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have drafted Notre Dame cornerback Robert Blanton with the 139th overall selection in the fifth round.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have signed tight end Rhett Ellison and now have seven of their 10 draft picks under contract.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have selected Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round of the NFL draft.  

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have six of their 10 draft picks under contract.