The starting job is far from his alone, but first-round draft pick Michael Bennett continues to look quick to the hole and even quicker out of it in recent minicamps.

Starting for rookies has been a rarity in the NFL, much less replacing a local legend. But, with Robert Smith out of the picture, Michael Bennett has a chance to shine much like Randy Moss did his rookie year with the Vikes.

In the recently concluded minicamps, Bennett showed coaches that he is not only eager to grab a starting job, but has all the requirements to get the job done. Bennett has speed enough to break off the long runs that were Smith’s trademark and, in recent years, forced defenses to play "honest" and not sell out to the pass — allowing players like Moss and Cris Carter to be playmakers on the highest order.

While Bennett isn’t guaranteed anything — the Vikes still have to get him signed and in for training camp — he has set the table at this stage to be an impact player and make the first-round selection look like another offensive steal for the Vikings.

SATURDAY NOTES
* VU has been told that the league is still contemplating whether to reinstate CB Dale Carter, even though its own policy is quite clear that he should be reinstated by July. Considering that the Broncos signed Leon Lett, who is quickly becoming the Darryl Strawberry of the NFL, it seems a bit oxymoronic that the front office suits are debating Carter’s reinstatement at all. If Carter is reinstated and subsequently released by Denver, expect him to be wearing purple by August.
* Minnesota Vikings players will participate as guest instructors during the new summer school program created by ACE Institute of Learning, Vikings Player Development, and the Leo Lewis Sports Foundation. On Monday, June 18, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Lewis, Vikings director of player development, along with Michael Bennett, Billy Cockerham, Brad Badger, Lewis Kelly, Robert Tate, Troy Walters, as well as Vikings assistant coach Charlie Baggett will serve as instructors at Edison High School in Minneapolis. They will mentor students on various days throughout the summer and participate in the life skills and physical activity periods. The school is located at 700 22nd Avenue NE in Minneapolis.