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
Today, we'll look at players No. 40-36.
40. Antone Exum, S
The second-year safety mostly played on special teams as a rookie, but the Vikings sounded encouraged about his development when he returned for workouts in April, and he could be in the mix to win the starting safety job next to Harrison Smith. A converted cornerback, he would have to learn how to control the back end of the field, but his intelligence, coverage skills and frame made the Vikings think he could be a safety in the NFL.
39. Audie Cole, LB
Every time the Vikings have put Cole on the field -- whether it was as a middle linebacker at the end of 2013 or a weakside linebacker in the season finale -- he's made plays. So why hasn't he been on the field more? He's a big linebacker who might not have the speed to play in Mike Zimmer's defense on a full-time basis, and the Vikings probably have enough options at the moment that Cole will be a backup this season. But Cole plays with an edge, and if by some chance the Vikings aren't sold on Eric Kendricks as their Week 1 middle linebacker, Cole might be in the mix to claim the spot.
38. Jeff Locke, P
The Vikings didn't feel a need to bring in competition for Locke this spring after a pair of uneven seasons in Minnesota. He'll need to be better, particularly at pinning teams deep in their own territory, to avoid competition in 2016. Locke has the leg to be a good punter, and he's one of the smartest guys in the Vikings' locker room. But he had too many touchbacks on punts in opposing territory last year, and special teams coach Mike Priefer has called for more consistency from Locke in 2015. Locke did have to dig out several low snaps before getting off punts last year, however, and a smoother delivery could help him this season.
37. Josh Robinson, CB
There's little denying Robinson was better in 2014 after the Vikings' experiment with him at slot cornerback went haywire, but his future is still in doubt with the team. He ended the Vikings' minicamp rehabbing an injury, after saying how healthy he felt at the end of OTAs. The fact the Vikings added two cornerbacks in Terence Newman and first-round pick Trae Waynes would also suggest Robinson isn't guaranteed anything. Coach Mike Zimmer doesn't seem to have much patience for players who can't stay on the field, and Robinson is running the risk of being stuck with that label. He's got passable size to play cornerback and his speed is impressive, but he hasn't made enough plays on close balls and gave up big gains when he couldn't reroute wide receivers at times last season. In a contract year, he needs to produce.
36. Shaun Hill, QB
The Vikings hope they never have to use the 35-year-old after giving him a two-year, $6.5 million contract at the start of free agency. But Hill kept the St. Louis Rams afloat in half a season as a starter last year, and he played for offensive coordinator Norv Turner with San Francisco in 2006. He'd be able to keep the Vikings' offense afloat for a few weeks as a starter, but any more than that could be asking too much. Mainly, the Vikings hope Hill is a solid veteran sounding board for Teddy Bridgewater in his second season.