Ben Goessling, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Ranking the Vikings' roster: Nos. 35-31

MINNEAPOLIS -- We're continuing with our ranking of the Minnesota Vikings' roster, counting down from No. 53 to No. 1 before the start of training camp. Here are the previous installments:

June 30: Nos. 53-46

July 1: Nos. 45-41

July 2: Nos. 40-36

Today, we'll look at players No. 35-31

35. Tyrus Thompson, OL

The former tackle will be competing with fellow rookie T.J. Clemmings, among others, for the starting right guard spot in training camp. He's got good mobility for a guard, but concerns about his technique are likely what caused him to drop to the third day of the draft. If he makes enough progress on that front, he could be starting between John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt in September. If not...

34. T.J. Clemmings, OL

The Vikings could wind up using Clemmings as their starter at right guard this fall. He got some work there at the beginning of OTAs, and was thought to be a player that might wind up at guard in the NFL. Clemmings has impressive size and length, but he's only been on the offensive side of the ball for two years and will have to refine his blocking technique in the NFL.

33. Trae Waynes, CB

The Vikings took a methodical approach with their first-round pick in OTAs and minicamp, working him at both an inside and outside cornerback spot with the second-team defense. Coach Mike Zimmer sounded pleased with the progress Waynes had made getting in and out of his breaks, and while the rookie has some things to learn, he's got the size and length to start -- or be involved in the defense early -- if he shows he can handle what's asked of him. The things to watch in training camp will be how Waynes changes directions, and whether he makes the common rookie mistake of getting too grabby when he's asked to reroute receivers.

32. Blair Walsh, K

Walsh struggled late last season, missing five of his six attempts against Detroit and Miami in Weeks 15 and 16. He's also only hit seven of his 14 attempts from 50+ yards after drilling all 10 of them as a rookie. But the Vikings still like the fourth-year kicker, and will likely explore a contract extension with him this year. He remains a major weapon on kickoffs; according to ESPN Stats & Information, Walsh had the sixth-highest touchback rate in the league among full-time kickers last year.

31. Joe Berger, OL

It remains to be seen whether Berger will start this season -- the Vikings spent most of their spring with Clemmings and Thompson at right guard -- but the Vikings made it a priority to re-sign the 33-year-old in March largely because of his versatility. Berger is the Vikings' primary backup for John Sullivan at center, and he started the next nine games at right guard, where he filled in more capably for the injured Brandon Fusco than Vlad Ducasse did. Most NFL teams only carry three or four backup linemen, so it makes sense to keep a big, powerful reserve who can handle the three interior positions as well as Berger can.

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