By: Aj Mansour | KFAN.com
@AjMansourKFAN

Minneapolis, MN - Kicking off the final round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have added linebacker depth in the form of Audie Cole from NC State.

Cole was a semifinalist for the 2011 Butkis award for the best linebacker in the nation. He started in all 13 games for NC State an lead the team with 132 tackles. A multitalented player, Cole played linebacker, quarterback and safety in high school so understanding the game should come as no problem.

With the status of free agent LB E.J. Henderson still up in the air and questions surrounding the return of Jasper Brinkley (who missed all of 2011 with injuries), Cole could find himself in the hunt for playing time during his rookie season.

Audie turned heads at the combine with the classes top time on the 3-cone drill (6.96 seconds.) Cole also posted a 4.81 40-yard dash time and a 35" vertical leap.

*The Vikings then traded out of the 211th selection with Tennessee.

Aj Mansour covers Minnesota Sports for KFAN.com. Feel free to leave comments and questions regarding this post in the space provided below. For Vikings' updates and breaking Vikings' news, follow Aj on Twitter. @AjMansourKFAN