Massive tackle makes mark

**Garland Greene** · 05-02-2009, 09:20 AM

[size=13pt]Massive tackle makes mark[/size]

By MARK CRAIG, Star Tribune
Last update: May 1, 2009 - 9:41 PM

The Vikings' first-round draft pick was nowhere to be seen, but their second-round pick might have been visible from outer space.
"You can't miss him," Vikings coach Brad Childress said when asked about offensive tackle Phil Loadholt after the team's first rookie minicamp workout Friday.
"I told these guys here, 'That's a big man.' Great reach. Athletic. Got good feet. With his reach and that length, it's hard [for defenders] to get away from that guy."
Loadholt, wearing No. 71, towered over nine other rookies on Friday and is officially the biggest guy on the roster. The Vikings list left tackle Bryant McKinnie at 6-8, 335, but Loadholt is a bigger load.
"I told [McKinnie] today that we got a guy that we measured at 6-8 and some change, and 340 pounds," Childress said.
While he was impressed by Loadholt's first workout, Childress stopped well short of handing the big fella the starting right tackle spot ahead of incumbent Ryan Cook. "I see it as a good competition out there," Childress said.

**VKG4LFE** · 05-02-2009, 09:24 AM

He already looks awesome in purple! Not to mention, like a clone of Mount McKinnie!

**cogitans** · 05-02-2009, 09:25 AM

"VKG4LFE" wrote:

He already looks awesome in purple! Not to mention, like a clone of Mount McKinnie!

I hope soon to see those two standing next to each other in a picture. That would be a massive wall to look at.

**marstc09** · 05-02-2009, 09:30 AM

but cornerback Allen Asher, the team's third-round draft pick, stayed behind to get some extra instruction from defensive backs coach Joe Woods.

Good to here. LOL he switched his name around.

**MetalMike-LoudVike** · 05-02-2009, 10:00 AM

They already wanted to give him the starting gig over Cook.What a steal in the 2nd round.

**VikingMike** · 05-02-2009, 10:10 AM

I wouldn't want this guy pushing me around.

[img width=450 height=235]http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/Vike6.jpg[/img]

**BleedinPandG** · 05-02-2009, 10:11 AM

"MetalMike-LoudVike" wrote:

They already wanted to give him the starting gig over Cook.What a steal in the 2nd round.

Where did you read that?
Chilly said he had a good workout but did not put him ahead of Cook on the depth chart.
In my mind, Hicks is ahead of Cook so that's who Load is competing with.

Honestly, I'd like to see Hicks and Load going after RT... Cook and Sulli going after C.
We have too much competition for RT with Hicks, Load, and Cook and we're just handing Sulli the starting C role?

**Mr-holland** · 05-02-2009, 10:13 AM

He could beat Cook out of the RT spot..

**PurpleTide** · 05-02-2009, 10:53 AM

It really looks like we've got a RT,
if he can beat out Hicks, and Cook. Phil has all the attributes to be either right or left tackle for a long time. If he takes some pro coaching, improve's his technique, and learns the zone blocking scheme we run, he will be the starter.