MINNESOTA VIKINGS Akron native Winfield's play stands tall

The Vikings' new cornerback is 5-9 and has a huge contract.
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -- Nearly every reference to Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield mentions his height, or lack thereof.
"It doesn't bother me," Winfield, an Akron native, said. "I've been dealing with it since high school. Everybody's always been bigger than me, and I've still excelled. So I just keep on keeping on."
Tuesday morning's practice was a solid example of Winfield's attitude. With the Vikings' top offense playing against the No. 1 defense, Nate Burleson caught a swing pass to the right. Receiver Marcus Robinson, who is 6-foot-3, tried to block the 5-foot-9 Winfield.
Winfield made a quick step inside, got underneath the block and tackled Burleson behind the line.
"Sometimes, my height works in my favor," Winfield said with a laugh.
Six-year contract
Winfield was the Vikings' big prize in free agency, getting a six-year contract worth $35 million. Last year's top signing, cornerback Denard Walker, couldn't stay healthy and was a big disappointment. He was released this spring.
Though depth is a concern, the team is excited to have an accomplished veteran such as Winfield line up opposite an emerging player, Brian Williams.
"Maybe he doesn't give us a great corner, but he gives us a very good corner on the other side of another very good corner," coach Mike Tice said. "We're going to be able to compete and do some things and get after the quarterback with some blitzes because we have Antoine and Brian over there."
Winfield, who spent five seasons with Buffalo after being drafted in the first round out of Ohio State, has just six interceptions in his career -- and is known more for his tackling prowess, despite his size.
"It's about technique," Winfield said. "You have to know who you're going against. If Daunte [Culpepper] throws one to Randy [Moss], they're going to throw it high, and I know I can't jump with him."
Covering Moss in practice will certainly help prepare Winfield for the regular season. The Vikings are counting on him to anchor the secondary, which improved last season with young players Williams and free safety Brian Russell. Minnesota led the NFC in interceptions with 28.
"We don't want to rely on the offense scoring 28 or 35 points a game," Winfield said.