While the archaic rule that keeps draft picks from schools on the quarter system from joining their teams until classes finish impacts most teams, the Vikings are further behind than most because of it.
Three Vikings picks — first-rounder Anthony Barr, third-rounder Scott Crichton and fifth-rounder David Yankey — will finally get to work during this week’s minicamp, after being forced to miss time.
“We’re going to try to kind of ease those guys into it a little bit, so we don’t confuse them,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said, via Ben Goessling of ESPN.com.
Those three have missed three weeks of OTAs because class was still in session at UCLA, Oregon State and Stanford.
They talked on the phone with coaches, and were allowed a few on-campus visits which didn’t involve any on-field work. But it’s still going to be hard for them to catch up, particular Barr, who is being expected to start immediately at linebacker, after beginning his college career at running back.
“I know that’s a big thing with everybody -- he’s only played two years [at linebacker],” Zimmer said. “The things he’s done defensively, he’s done pretty well.”
Now, he’s going to have to cram for more tests, after finishing up finals.