Vikings Cut Classy Kicker Ryan Longwell

Ryan Longwell Released By Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell was released by the team on Monday afternoon. Is this the end of his time in the NFC North?

Blair Walsh Selection By Minnesota Vikings Brings Competition For Ryan Longwell

The Minnesota Vikings went a bit off of the beaten path with their sixth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, using the 175th overall selection to take kicker Blair Walsh out of the University of Georgia.

Walsh struggled as a senior after having two very good seasons with the Bulldogs. He converted 40-of-45 field goals in his sophomore and junior years, but went just 21-of-35 as a senior. Of the 14 field goals he missed, 10 of them were from 40 yards or more.

Walsh's biggest issue, from the looks of things, is that he has to develop a shorter memory. At the National Football League level, you don't get an opportunity to dwell on missed kicks before the next pressure opportunity comes along.

On the upside, he does have a very strong leg, and if he does end up replacing incumbent Ryan Longwell, would definitely help on kickoffs.

Outside of that, there's not a lot to say about this selection. It might have been a little early for the Vikings to tab a kicker, but they obviously thought it was a need that had to be filled.