Just got done writing for Monday’s paper and wanted to share a few things before putting a wrap on the 2007 NFL draft. Vikings coach Brad Childress and vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman held a final news conference this evening after they had finished talking with undrafted players they wanted to sign.

– Spielman said the Vikings had agreed to terms with 16 players but didn’t want to name them until they have signed. That should happen later this week. That group, along with the eight players the Vikings drafted, will be at Winter Park next weekend for three days for a rookie minicamp. The Vikings also are going to have another 15 to 20 players in attendance for the purpose of giving them a tryout. Those players will simply sign waivers.

–UPDATE: Two of the college free agents the Vikings have signed are Texas Tech P Alex Reyes and Colorado offensive lineman Brian Daniels. Reyes is considered a pretty good prospect and will challenge Chris Kluwe in training camp.

– Childress had this reaction when asked about the fact receiver Randy Moss was traded to New England and that the long-rumored deal between Oakland and Green Bay never happened. “Well, you’re always happy [a player like that is] not in your division,” Childress said. “He’s a good football player. And I talked with Bill about that a little this afternoon. He’ll do a good job with him. I know Randy is happy to be there. It’s a match made in heaven.” Only time will tell if having Bill Belichick and Moss together is a match made in heaven or …

– The Vikings certainly seemed to get the best of the Denver Broncos in the trade between the teams today. For giving up the 121st pick overall in the fourth round, Minnesota got picks in round six (176 overall) and seven (233 overall) and also got the Broncos to throw in a third-rounder next year. Seems like a pretty big price to pay for the right to grab defensive tackle Marcus Thomas. The Vikings, by the way, turned the sixth-round selection into Oklahoma linebacker Rufus Alexander and the seventh-rounder into receiver Chandler Williams.

– If it seemed like the Vikings were far more active on Day 2 of the draft this year than last year you’re right. In 2006, the Vikings had two picks on the second day. This year that number grew to five.

– Maybe it’s because it’s the offseason or perhaps it’s a result of the fact he’s simply getting more comfortable. Whatever the case, Childress seems far more relaxed now than he was a year ago. The guy is never going to cut open a vein for the media, but he also no longer seems as if dealing with the public is a pain. It’s definitely a good step.

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