TOM POWERS

Here's a name Vikings fans should commit to memory: Chase Johnson.

An offensive tackle, Johnson was signed out of Wyoming as an undrafted free agent last summer. He mostly just practiced with the Vikings in 2007, dressing for one game but not getting in.

That's not exactly a lengthy résumé. Nevertheless, he could become an important man this season. Johnson is listed as No. 2 on the depth chart behind Bryant McKinnie. And if Mr. McKinnie gets suspended or arrested or God knows what, Johnson likely will see at least some action at left tackle.

"Yeah, I really don't know," he said of the McKinnie situation the other day. "It's none of my business. Whatever happens, happens."

Well, it is his business. If the NFL winds up suspending McKinnie, or if the Vikings' vaunted culture of accountability suddenly reappears, there is going to be a job opening on the offensive line. Artis Hicks probably would be plugged into that gap. But Hicks hasn't dazzled anyone since coming to Minnesota. So Johnson should get an opportunity at some point.

Here's what you need to know about Johnson: He's enormous.

Talking to him the other day at Winter Park, I had to look straight up. Plus, I couldn't see around him. Listed at 6 feet 8 and 330 pounds, Johnson looks as if he might trip over the goalpost.

As for his ability, that's been tougher to get a handle on. In researching the scouting reports, I came across all sorts of contradictions. Some believe his

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forte is pass blocking. Others insist he's better at run blocking. All agree he is mammoth.

And after a year of practicing with the Vikings, he longs to be out on the field. He was durable at Wyoming and played both offense and defense in high school. Standing around on Sundays is not for him.

"It's depressing not playing in the games," he said quietly. "Nobody likes just practicing and lifting weights. You like playing football. It was a little different. I'm used to playing football. But on the other hand, I feel very fortunate to be here."

After going undrafted in 2007, Johnson is thrilled that the Vikings gave him a shot.

"I didn't really have any expectations," he said. "I knew some guys who thought they'd be drafted but weren't. And some guys who didn't think they'd be drafted but were."

Now it doesn't matter. He's a Viking, and during practice he lines up most often against Jared Allen.

"Jared lines up on my side," he said. "He's a speedy guy. Brian (Robison) is a speed guy, too. And I practice against Ray Edwards a lot. They're good pass rushers."

Talk about a tutorial for offensive linemen. Johnson can't help but get better going against Allen and the other guys in practice. It also seems clear that the coaching staff is looking at him as a player instead of a project this season. His name has been thrown out for public consumption several times, especially when the conversation rolls around to McKinnie's fate, which currently is in the hands of the commissioner as well as the courts.

Johnson said he put his year as a practice player to good use by watching how McKinnie does things.

"You learn from the guy ahead of you," he said. "That's the biggest thing. You watch the guy ahead of you and see what he does on and off the field."

Don't do what he does off the field.

"In the weight room, how he prepares ... "

Oh, OK.

The Vikings have a history of developing offensive linemen. Anthony Herrera, for example, was signed as an undrafted free agent but now is the starting right guard. Matt Birk was a low-round pick. Maybe Johnson will become the latest find to step up and make a contribution.

"Yeah, I hope," he said.

Vikings rooters had better hope so, too. Because the way things are going for the starting left tackle, I'm betting Johnson is going to get a chance.

Tom Powers can be reached at tpowers@pioneerpress.com.