Vikings agree to terms with 10 rookie free agents

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Hours after the NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with 10 rookie free agents, including quarterback R.J. Archer of William & Mary.

The rest of the list includes: guard Thomas Austin of Clemson; tackles Matt Hanson of Midwestern State and Marlon Winn of Texas Tech; center Tommy Hernandez; strong safety Terrell Skinner of Maryland; cornerback Angelo Williams of Ferris State; and receivers Ray Small of Ohio State, Aaron Rhea of Stephen F. Austin and Kelton Tindal of Newberry.

The signing of Archer sticks out because he visited the Vikings and because the team didn't select a quarterback with its eight draft picks. But he faces a steep uphill battle as a small-school player joining a roster that already includes Brett Favre, Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels.

With the exception of those players whose schools still are in session, all the rookies should be in attendance for the rookie minicamp that starts Friday.

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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