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I'm not sure what it means, if anything, but the Minnesota Vikings have produced a unique draft quirk as we approach the final few rounds of the NFC North draft.

To this point, they have drafted three sets of college teammates among their first seven picks. Here's the rundown:

• USC: Left tackle Matt Kalil (No. 4 overall) and tight end/fullback Rhett Ellison (No. 128). Ellison told Minnesota reporters that he was stunned to be drafted.
• Notre Dame: Safety Harrison Smith (No. 29 overall) and cornerback Robert Blanton (No. 139).
• Arkansas: Receivers Jarius Wright (No. 118 overall) and Greg Childs (No. 134). Wright, and Childs, in fact, were high school teammates and grew up together in Arkansas.

The Notre Dame connection is especially notable when you consider the Vikings already have three former Irish players on their roster: Tight ends Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson, along with center John Sullivan.

Tweeted quarterback Christian Ponder: "I'm going to have to figure out how to deal with all of these golden domers."

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- It's not often when an NFL coach introduces a draft pick "as our starter" for "many, many years to come." Usually you at least see a charade of making the rookie "win" the job.

But the Minnesota Vikings have too many immediate plans for Matt Kalil, and so that's how coach Leslie Frazier described Kalil on Friday, in the process giving us a clear picture of how the Vikings plan to stack their rebuilt offensive line in 2012.

As suspected, Frazier said Kalil's arrival will push 2011 left tackle Charlie Johnson to left guard. (In fact, offensive line coach Jeff Davidson told reporters he discussed that likelihood with Johnson early last season.) Frazier said there will be a "battle" between veteran newcomer Geoff Schwartz, 2011 draft pick Brandon Fusco at right guard and possibly others.

That leaves center John Sullivan and right tackle Phil Loadholt, who is entering the final year of his contract, as the only holdovers from the group expected to start for the Vikings when training camp opened in 2011.

The key, of course, was getting Kalil in place to begin the process.

"It gives us more flexibility on the offensive line now," Frazier said, "because once you solidify that spot, it's a little bit easier to try and move other people around."

We just completed an unprecedented week of NFL news, one that revealed details of a New Orleans Saints bounty program that targeted two NFC North quarterbacks over the past three seasons. But the occasion brought forth disparate views among NFL players, especially among those who play defense and those who play offense.

Specifically, who should be blamed for the beating Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre took in the 2009 NFC Championship Game? The Saints' (apparently incentivized) defenders? Or the Vikings' pass protection?

Consider these statements from two of our players this week. First, here is what Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said about bounties during an ESPN 1000 radio interview.

"If you don't want your quarterback to get hit, protect him," Urlacher said. "You don't want to get hit? Then don't play offense. They're going to hit you. It's the referee's job to mandate [legality]. If they think it's excessive, throw a penalty on it. That's all there is to it."

On the other hand, Vikings center John Sullivan objected to criticism his offensive line took after that game.

"A lot of the hits on Brett were illegal," Sullivan told KFAN-1130. "So what are you supposed to do to prevent that? That's not our job. That's the official's jobs."

In essence, Urlacher is saying it's up to the offense to protect its quarterback and for officials to punish defenders if they play beyond the rules. Sullivan, on the other hand, suggested it's up to officials to provide enough deterrent to eliminate illegal plays.

We could spend days in a college-style sociological debate on the effectiveness of deterrence as a form of discipline. But what do you think? How much do you blame the Saints for what happened to Favre? And how much should the Vikings themselves be blamed? Or did the officiating crew drop the ball? I'm all ears.

We noted Thursday that Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe wants the NFL to ban New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma for life after his reported role in the team's bounty program prior to the 2009 NFC Championship Game. Kluwe is no stranger to bold public statements, but he has now been joined by a far more conservative teammate.

Center John Sullivan, who was a first-year starter on that 2009 team, told KFAN-1130 that he agreed with Kluwe's assessment and also wants to see the NFL penalize two other former Saints: Safety Darren Sharper and defensive end Bobby McCray. In an impassioned but nuanced argument, Sullivan questioned the meat behind the in-season suspension of Saints general manager Mickey Loomis -- "seems like it would be more effective as a punishment during the draft," he said -- and broached the sensitive topic of how the NFL Players Association should proceed.

Most importantly, Sullivan made clear he thinks the Saints were playing to hurt quarterback Brett Favre in that game.

"If you want to offer money to knock somebody out of a game on a clean hit, fine," Sullivan said. "But the guys that went after it in the wrong way, that's the exact opposite of sportsmanship. It's just disgusting. To think that you're going to take money to hit someone illegally and hurt them out of the game, I can't even fathom that somebody would do that."

Sullivan cited a number of instances, starting with McCray's hit on Favre after a second-quarter handoff. McCray was penalized 15 yards and ultimately fined $25,000 by the NFL. He implied that at least one of Sharper's two hits on Favre were illegal and said that, although neither Sharper nor McCray are in the NFL anymore, they can still be disciplined in a meaningful way.

"I really think if you go back and look at that game, anybody who took a shot at Brett illegally and you can see with the intention of trying to injury him [should be banned]," Sullivan said. "And the big two that come to mind are Sharper and Bobby McCray. They've got to do something to those guys, too, whether it's no Hall of Fame [or] you're not allowed to be associated with the NFL anymore. I have a hard time talking about it. It just disgusts me that you would go out there and try to hurt somebody and take away their livelihood. It' s just gross."

The NFL's investigation has dredged up some obvious animosity from Vikings players who participated in the game. We know now that team officials complained to the league days after the game, and whether or not there was a bounty, there has obviously been a feeling for some time that the Saints crossed the line many times. McCray grabbed Favre's ankle during a high-low hit that caused both an interception and an injury, and defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove was also called for a 15-yard penalty following a hit on Favre.

(Hargrove has denied his hit was motivated by a bounty).

Clearly, those who remain from that game are repulsed by the backdrop of the Saints' bounty system. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is working with the NFL Players Association to determine a punishment for the players involved, and Sullivan threw down the gauntlet Friday should union officials be conflicted.

"As a union member, I'll be very upset if we come to the defense of these acts," he said. "They're indefensible. You can't defend them. It's despicable, has no place in the sport."

Will the strong sentiments of Sullivan and Kluwe sway Goodell one way or the other? It's doubtful. But this unprecedented story has brought us a rarely, if ever, seen development: Multiple NFL players calling for the ouster from their brethren. Strange days indeed.

Guard Geoff Schwartz visited half of the NFC North during his free agent world tour, and on Wednesday he announced he will sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Schwartz had also visited the Detroit Lions, but the Lions have brought back both starting guards and the Vikings released both of theirs earlier this month. Seems like a pretty easy decision to me.

Schwartz was a full-time starter for the Carolina Panthers in 2010, but a hip injury caused him to miss the 2011 season. The Panthers didn't offer him a restricted free-agent tenure, but a likely scenario has him competing for the Vikings' starting right guard job with veteran Joe Berger.

Most of us have presumed the Vikings will move left tackle Charlie Johnson to left guard if they draft USC left tackle Matt Kalil. If it all falls into place that way, the Vikings' 2012 offensive line would be:

• LT: Kalil
• LG: Johnson
• C: John Sullivan
• RG: Schwartz/Berger
• RT: Phil Loadholt

Alas, we're due for at least another month of suspense before we know if the Johnson-Kalil moves comes to fruition. Stay tuned -- if you dare.

THE NATION'S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM -- In the minutes before I board a flight to Kansas City, here are a few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' agreement on a five-year contract extension with center John Sullivan:

• 

  Sullivan
  I've been critical of the Vikings' offensive line as a whole this year, and I stand by it. But of the five starters, Sullivan is the best candidate at the moment to anchor a rebuilding process. You can't replace all five starters at once, and Sullivan makes the center position perhaps the least pressing long-term need. He has had a nice season after rebounding from a season-long calf injury in 2010.
• The deal, as reported by Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com, is for a total of $25 million, including $10 million guaranteed. That sounds like a lot of money, but it's nowhere close to top dollar for the center position. That title belongs to Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil, whose six-year contract is worth $49 million and includes $28 million guaranteed. Sullivan could end up playing with Kalil's brother, USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil, whom the Vikings could draft in April.
• I keep getting questions from Vikings fans about the financial plans of owner Zygi Wilf, who is enmeshed in a stadium battle and could sell the team if he is ultimately turned away. It wasn't long ago that former owner Red McCombs stripped down the team to its bare bones during a multiyear sale process. But Wilf has rarely restricted football spending during his tenure, and I'm aware of no plans to do so now.

A few notes from the two NFC North teams with games scheduled this weekend:

Detroit Lions: Quarterback Matthew Stafford (ankle) was officially listed as limited in practice. Rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley (foot), who hasn't made much impact in his three games this season, didn't practice. Running back Jahvid Best (concussion), offensive lineman Gosder Cherilus (knee), receiver Rashied Davis (foot), defensive lineman Sammie Hill (ankle) and cornerback Chris Houston (back) also didn't practice.

Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) is going to test himself in a padded practice Thursday and could be getting closer to a return. Receiver Percy Harvin (ribs), offensive lineman Anthony Herrera (knee), running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (foot) all sat out practice. Herrera is likely to miss a few games and be replaced by backup center Joe Berger, presuming starting center John Sullivan (concussion) plays Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Greetings from the Metrodome, where I've been keeping an eye on the two early games in the NFC North while also watching Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder start his pregame warm-ups about an hour ahead of most other players.

The Vikings have one surprise on their list of inactive players: Receiver Bernard Berrian won't play for the second time in three games. Berrian didn’t appear on the injury report this week; his previous deactivation was for disciplinary reasons, according to coach Leslie Frazier.

As expected the Vikings will be without four other key players: cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck), cornerback Chris Cook (arrest), center John Sullivan (concussion) and safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion). Asher Allen will start at cornerback alongside Cedric Griffin.

The Packers had no surprises among their list of inactives. It includes cornerback Sam Shields (concussion). Defensive end Ryan Pickett (concussion) is active, as expected. So is linebacker/fan favorite Vic So'oto.

Getting inside the NFC North Friday injury report:

Chicago Bears: All players are probable for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers except for offensive lineman Gabe Carimi (knee) and defensive lineman Matt Toeaina (knee). Still, receiver Earl Bennett (chest) seems unlikely to play. Safety Major Wright (hip) might give way to veteran Chris Harris in the starting lineup.

Detroit Lions: The Lions officially ruled out running back Jahvid Best (concussion) for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, to no one's surprise. The good news: Linebacker Justin Durant and tight end Tony Scheffler, both of who whom have been dealing with concussions, are listed as probable. Durant has missed the past three games.

Green Bay Packers: Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett was added to the injury list Friday because of a concussion and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Packers coach Mike McCarthy indicated that Pickett should be cleared for the game, which would be a quick recovery. Cornerback Sam Shields is doubtful because of a concussion and isn't expected to play.

Minnesota Vikings: It looks like the Vikings will be missing two of their four starting defensive backs for Sunday's game. Cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) and safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion) are both listed as doubtful. So is center John Sullivan (concussion). Chris Cook would continue starting for Winfield. Tyrell Johnson would start for Sanford and Joe Berger for Sullivan.

A few NFC North practice and injury notes:

Chicago Bears: Receiver Devin Hester (chest) fully participated in Thursday's practice. So did receiver Earl Bennett (chest), but unlike Hester, it appears Bennett might not play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Detroit Lions: The team has not commented on ESPN's report that running back Jerome Harrison was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this week. Harrison was listed on the injury report with an "illness." Harrison, running back Jahvid Best (concussion) and receiver Rashied Davis (foot) did not practice. Linebacker Justin Durant and tight end Tony Scheffler, both of whom have been dealing with concussions, practiced on a limited basis.

Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps) and right guard Josh Sitton (knee) were limited participants Thursday. Cornerback Sam Shields (concussion) did not practice.

Minnesota Vikings: Center John Sullivan (concussion ) and safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion) both sat out practice and are going to have a hard time playing Sunday against the Packers. Cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) had limited participation for the second consecutive day, but his status remains uncertain. Right tackle Phil Loadholt (knee) returned to practice.

Checking in on Wednesday's practice report:

Chicago Bears: Wide receiver Earl Bennett (chest) fully participated in practice and could return to the lineup Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Receiver/kick returner Devin Hester (chest) didn't practice Wednesday, but indications are that he will be available Sunday. Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi (knee) and tight end Kellen Davis (elbow) both sat out practice.

Detroit Lions: Running back Jahvid Best (concussion) didn't practice and might not be ready for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Two other players with concussions, linebacker Justin Durant and tight end Tony Scheffler, didn't practice. Safety Amari Spievey missed practice for a non-injury reason. Cornerback Chris Houston is dealing with a back injury of unknown severity.

Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Frank Zombo (knee) won't play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Sam Shields (concussion) and Josh Sitton (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, but Sitton is expected to be ready for Sunday's game. Linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps) didn't practice. Cornerback Charles Woodson (foot) was limited.

Minnesota Vikings: Two starting offensive linemen, center John Sullivan (concussion) and right tackle Phil Loadholt (knee) didn't practice Wednesday. Coach Leslie Frazier said Loadholt's status is questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers. He would be replaced by Pat Brown, while Sullivan might have to give way to backup Joe Berger. Receiver Percy Harvin (ribs) and safety Jamarca Sanford (concussion) also sat out practice. Cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) had limited participation in practice for the first time in three weeks.

After the Minnesota Vikings' 39-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, here are three issues that merit further examination:

1. Kevin SeifertFollowing their loss to the Bears, the Vikings take a seat in the examination room.
   It's easy to overanalyze a rookie quarterback's debut in the fourth quarter of a game the opponent has well in hand. So I'll just say that I thought Christian Ponder carried out the play calls he received with confidence. He caught the snap, stepped and threw with accuracy and decisiveness. The Vikings got in a rhythm, perhaps because the Bears weren't challenging them at the moment, but it was encouraging nonetheless. It's not yet clear who will start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. But I think we can agree on this: The Vikings are 1-5 and Ponder clearly was not overwhelmed Sunday night. That combination of factors will make it awfully difficult for coach Leslie Frazier to justify going back to veteran Donovan McNabb at this point.
2. The Bears couldn't have telegraphed their intentions on offense last week any clearer. Quarterback Jay Cutler publicly pleaded for quicker passes and more protection. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz agreed. That's exactly what the Bears did, and the Vikings seemed to have no answer. Cutler had all the time he needed to let Devin Hester get open for a 48-yard touchdown, even as the Vikings blitzed on the play. To me, the Bears' approach exposed the Vikings' weaknesses in the secondary. When they outnumbered the Vikings' active offensive line with extra blockers, Cutler diced them up.
3. Injuries left the Vikings' offensive line a mess and is at least a consideration when it comes to determining Ponder's short-term future. They ended the game with Patrick Brown playing for Phil Loadholt (knee) and Joe Berger playing center for John Sullivan (concussion). Loadholt isn't expected to miss any time, but it's reasonable to think that Sullivan might not return immediately.

And here is one issue I still don't get:

It's difficult to say where the Vikings are in terms of roster building. Are they at the tail-end of a closing window? Are they rebuilding? Or are they trying to maximize both opportunities at the same time? I kind of feel it's the latter. Even if Ponder takes over at quarterback, he'll be playing behind an offensive line that has perhaps two starters who would be considered long-term answers at their position. He'll be throwing to a mostly veteran group of receivers and matched up with a defense with too many primary players over 30. There won't be any quick fixes here.

Wednesday's practice update:

Chicago Bears: Did not have a formal practice and had no media access.

Detroit Lions: The Lions held a "bonus" workout Wednesday and will begin earnest preparations Thursday for Monday night's game against the Bears. Linebackers Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch didn't participate, according to Philip Zaroo of Mlive.com, but the Lions aren't required to distribute a formal injury report until Thursday. Defensive tackle Nick Fairley practiced for the second time since undergoing surgery on his foot in August. His status for Monday night's game against the Bears is unclear.

Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Frank Zombo (shoulder) practiced for the first time since fracturing his scapula in the preseason. It's not yet clear if he will be able to play Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons, but he is obviously making progress. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee), receiver Donald Driver (shin), linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps), tight end Andrew Quarless (knee) and cornerback Charles Woodson (foot/knee) missed practice. Of that group, Bulaga seems most unlikely to play against the Falcons.

Minnesota Vikings: Punter Chris Kluwe (hamstring), center John Sullivan (ankle) and cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck) didn't practice Wednesday. There is no indication that any of their injuries are serious enough to force them out of Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

As a team official noted "growing concern" from team ownership about the state's commitment to the franchise, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton suggested he would support a voter referendum on the Minnesota Vikings stadium proposal. If Dayton follows through with that plan, the project would at least be further delayed and possibly threatened altogether.

It's important to add our traditional caveat that all stadium deals are complicated, and many evoke increasingly heated rhetoric. It's part of the game. But here is where the Vikings are now: Dayton said at the Minnesota State Fair that there are many unanswered questions about the team's $1.057 billion proposal for suburban Arden Hills and that he would be "supportive" of a Ramsey County referendum. "In a case like this, people should have their own voice," Dayton said. (Courtesy Minnesota Public Radio.)

Stadium supporters have often sought to circumvent referendums, believing it unlikely that that citizens will vote to increase their taxes no matter what the purpose. Indeed, Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett said a referendum could be a deal-breaker for the project. It's worth noting that baseball's Target Field was approved without referendum in Hennepin County.

On the same day, Vikings vice president Lester Bagley had this to say about owner Zygi Wilf's attitude toward the stadium situation, via Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com: "I am concerned. There is growing concern within our ownership, there is no doubt, about where this is headed and the fact that every year, we get to the end of the [legislative] session and there's a different reason why [it didn't get done]."

Again, much of what you just read, if you made it that far, is part of the process. But you can add the referendum issue to a series of hurdles that already exist, from a staunch anti-tax state legislature to the proposals of environmental studies that could delay the project. The Vikings' Metrodome lease expires Feb. 1, 2012.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Vikings are giving defensive end Everson Griffen some practice time at weakside linebacker, notes Mark Craig of the Star Tribune. Injuries have left the Vikings with moderate depth at the position behind starter Erin Henderson.
• Vikings center John Sullivan has been healthy all summer after struggling through calf injuries last year, writes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• The Chester Taylor fiasco is another example of the Chicago Bears as a "dysfunctional embarrassment," writes Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com.
• Linebacker Lance Briggs' contract situation is representative of a larger issue in the Bears' locker room, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. Haugh: "Fair or not, Briggs believes he represented a growing number of teammates unhappy with the way the Bears organization deals with players. To hear some insiders other than Briggs describe morale at various times this preseason, the Bears could become the first NFL team to use the Disenfranchised Tag for players."
• Bears running back Marion Barber's calf injury isn't considered serious, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• There is no cause for concern on Bears place-kicker Robbie Gould's uneven preseason, writes Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald.
• Detroit Lions place-kicker Jason Hanson on the release of competitor Dave Rayner, via the Detroit Free Press: "I'm glad he's gone because he was good."
• Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh on his swipe at New England Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins last Saturday, via Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News: "Do I regret it? No. But the funny thing about the whole situation is, I wasn't the one who got the 15-yard penalty for grabbing a face mask. [Mankins was penalized.] And the other funny piece about it is, I didn't know you can't help protect one of your teammates. I had a great conversation with the ref who saw everything and he said, 'Next time make sure you let me handle it. But I understand what you were doing, helping your teammate out and removing him from the situation.'"
• The daily link from Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com would have gone here. May God rest his soul.
• Green Bay Packers receiver James Jones hasn't seen many passes thrown his way in the preseason, notes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette wonders if the Packers could keep five tight ends on their final roster.
• Packers receiver Greg Jennings (bruised knee) returned to practice Monday, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The pending prison release of former NFL receiver Plaxico Burress will no doubt generate substantial speculation about where he might seek to play in 2011. Already, players on several teams have made public pitches. And I'm sure that in an NFC North context, we'll hear plenty of Chicago Bears speculation.

Will it be merited?

Here's all we know so far: Bears coach Lovie Smith has said he wouldn't mind acquiring a bigger receiver to join the trio of Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett and Devin Hester. Burress is 6-foot-5.

But would the Bears want the baggage Burress brings, not to mention the rust from two years of inactivity? Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune doesn't think so.

Pompei: "Burress has three things working against him. The first is he will be 34 when the season starts. The second is he has not played football, or even trained with a football team, for two full years. The third is he has a history of getting in trouble. I don't think the Bears are that desperate."

I tend to agree. We've spent plenty of time discussing receivers and the Bears, but I'm not sure Burress and the Bears will be a fit.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Bears rookie Gabe Carimi is making an impact on Chicago's Jewish community, writes Donald Liebenson of the Tribune.
• The Detroit Lions' unwillingness to participate in "Hard Knocks" indicates they aren't sure how good they will be in 2011, writes Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press.
• Lions receiver Calvin Johnson hopes he will have fresher legs during games after the team drafted rookie receiver Titus Young. Dave Birkett of the Free Press has more.
• Check out this Twitpic of Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in London's Trafalgar Square. Suh is participating in the Gumball 3000 road race.
• The Green Bay Packers have scheduled their annual shareholders meeting for July 28, according to Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Packers linebacker Clay Matthews charmed the crowd at the Rochester Press-Radio Club's Day of Champions banquet. Kevin Oklobzija of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has more. Among Matthews' lines: "For all you guys out there, I'll be in each and every one of your showers," referring to his upcoming line of Suave shampoo.
• A group of Minnesota Vikings are working out in the Twin Cities at a local fitness club, writes Mark Craig of the Star Tribune. The group includes: linebacker Heath Farwell, offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson, linebackers Ben Leber and Chad Greenway, center John Sullivan and tight end Jim Kleinsasser.
• Receiver Hank Baskett and several Vikings teammates from 2010 participated in a charity event last weekend to benefit victims of child abuse, according to Lynn Hoppes of ESPN.com.