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Vikings’ seventh-round pick(s)

April 29th, 2007 – 3:33 PM by Judd Zulgad

The Vikings used their second selection of the seventh round — the 233rd pick overall — on receiver Chandler Williams from Florida International. It’s the third receiver the Vikings took in the draft.

Coastal Carolina quarterback Tyler Thigpen was taken by the Vikings with their first pick of the seventh round — the 217th selection of the draft.

Thigpen, who is 6-2, 221 pounds, did not go to the NFL Scouting Combine but the Vikings did bring him in for a pre-draft visit at Winter Park.

Williams, meanwhile, has the ability to return kicks and punts. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because he was involved in the brawl between Florida International and Miami last season. Williams was one of 31 players from the schools to be suspended. He finished last season with 67 catches for 664 yards and a touchdown.

Update on Thigpen: This guy has an interesting story, including the fact he didn’t play quarterback as a senior in high school. Asked where he sees himself fitting in with the Vikings, Thigpen said: “I’m just going to come in with the opportunity I’ve got. I’m going to learn the system. I’m a new guy. I’m coming up there Thursday and once I get up there I just have to start learning. I’ll have to be a fast learner. I look forward to the opportunity that I’ve been given.”

Thigpen said five teams showed up at his Pro Day, which was the first held at Coastal Carolina.

As for Williams, it sounds as if he expected to go as a college free agent. He said eight or nine teams had called today about signing him after the draft. “I’m so happy right now I don’t know what to say,” he said.

He also was asked about the fight with Miami. “I learned from the whole experience with the fight,” he said. “It was a blessing in disguise.” Williams was told by NFL personnel folks at the Combine that the fight had not impacted their view of him.

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