Former Pillow Academy Product Signs With Vikings

The Vikings signed undrafted rookie placekicker Jonathan Nichols of Mississippi early Sunday evening, a move that should help address the team's most obvious remaining weakness.

Nichols, a four-year starter for the Rebels, converted 20 of 27 field-goal attempts (74.1%) and all 19 extra-point opportunities as a senior in 2004. His best season came as a junior, when he converted 25 of 29 field-goal attempts -- including a career long of 54 yards -- and won the Lou Groza Award as the nation's top kicker over future third-round draft pick Nate Kaeding.

The 5-foot-11, 182-pound kicker set 15 school records at Ole Miss, including becoming the school's all-time leading scorer with 344 career points.


**Even though Jonathan was not drafted, this looks like it might not be a bad move for Nichols. From my brief research it looks like the Vikings have struggled in the kicking game. Hopefully Nichols will get a fair shot and I feel confident he will capitalize on it. Congratulations J.R.