Report: Vikings to work out Colorado tackle Nate Solder on Friday

Last week, Minnesota Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said he expected to make "a few" late trips to work out prospects before the NFL Draft.

That apparently will include a stop to see Colorado tackle Nate Solder, who will work out privately for Vikings officials on Friday, the National Football Post reported.

Solder (6-foot-8, 307 pounds) is one of several tackles projected to be drafted in the first round. He visited Washington on Wednesday and previously visited Indianapolis, Dallas and New England, the Post reported.

The Vikings have a long-term need at the position, with left tackle Bryant McKinnie in decline at age 31. They reportedly had Southern California tackle Tyron Smith, another probable first round-pick, in for a visit last week.

Other players the Vikings reportedly have worked out privately include quarterbacks Jake Locker of Washington, Cam Newton of Auburn, Christian Ponder of Florida State and Ricky Stanzi of Iowa; linebacker Chris Carter of Fresno State; and cornerback Richard Sherman of Stanford.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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