Part of covering the Vikings in the summer is the playful bickering among reporters when it comes to selecting a rookie for the unofficial crowning of … (insert dramatic music here) … “Mr. Mankato!”

No one seems to agree on the basic eligibility rule, so that’s a spat in itself before the real arguments begin. I’ve heard the eligible participants are Day 3 draft picks and undrafted rookies. I can’t confirm that because, generally speaking, if you ask 10 reporters a question, it’s entirely possible to get 21 different answers.

The definition of AM-1500′s Mr. Mankato, as I understand it, is a guy who comes in under-the-radar with little to no outside expectations and turns our heads while we’re on the sidelines baking in the sun.

I’d have a hard time including all of the Day 3 picks in an under-the-radar club with no expectations. A fourth-round pick should have expectations. Both starting ends on the Vikings standout defensive line are fourth-rounders with a combined 15 years of NFL experience, and counting.

I’d also have a hard time including fifth-rounders. When the fifth round starts, there are still more than 100 selections left in the draft. Stefon Diggs, last year’s winner, I believe, wasn’t exactly a roster-bubble guy when he showed up. He was expected to contribute in some way.

Limiting eligibility to undrafted rookies would open the likelihood of years with no deserving winner. After all, there are only so many years when an Adam Thielen comes from Mankato as a D-II nobody and leaves Mankato as an NFL somebody.

So I would open it to sixth- and seventh-rounders. By the sixth round, you’re starting to see teams take fliers on athletes like a Moritz Bohringer.

This year’s Mr. Mankato debate has lasted longer than the actual stay in Mankato. I’m not sure when the polls close, but I’m ready to pull the lever. Here is my Mr. Mankato and views of all the draft picks heading into Thursday night’s preseason game at Seattle:

Mr. Mankato: David Morgan. Of all the rookies, including first-rounder Laquon Treadwell, Morgan is the one making the biggest impact with the starting units. He’s also a sixth-rounder selected 188th overall out of Texas-San Antonio. The tight end essentially is being counted on to be Rhett Ellison until Rhett Ellison can be Rhett Ellison again. Ellison is coming back from a torn patellar tendon suffered about ninth months ago. He may never return to normal. Morgan was billed by the Vikings as the best blocking tight end in the draft. He hasn’t disappointed there. He looks comfortable, sturdy, aggressive and confident blocking on the end of the line or from the backfield. He’s also shown better-than-expected hands and an Ellison-like work ethic. Winner.

Treadwell, WR, first round: He doesn’t look as big as I’d thought he would. But he’s got good size and a good sense for route running and finding soft spots in the defense. At this point, it doesn’t look like he’ll run by defenses, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be valuable. The bigger question is when will he make the inevitable move into the starting lineup and how will the guy ahead of him react?

Mackensie Alexander, CB, second round: He’s cocky, unafraid and already acts like a veteran. Those are good traits for a corner. He has the tools and doesn’t appear to be a guy who will let the inevitable failures of playing corner in the NFL deter or affect him. Could be many a pick in his future.

Willie Beavers, G, fourth round: He certainly has promise, but, like a lot of rookie offensive linemen, he looks like he needs a year to get NFL strong. With his frame, he could be special if he’s dedicated.

Kentrell Brothers, MLB, fifth round: He’s such a small linebacker, but we can’t rule him out as a future starter with Eric Kendricks moving outside. Not when Brothers fills a hole like he did on fourth-and-1 at the goal line on Friday night.

Bohringer, WR, sixth round: He doesn’t look out of place, which is saying something considering he’d never played anywhere but the German leagues. But the Vikings will keep six receivers, maybe five. I don’t see any scenario, barring injuries, where he fits the 53-man roster.

Stephen Weatherly, DE, seventh round: Another long-bodied athlete the Vikings have been targeting. He seems like he needs a year to get stronger and a little bigger without losing his quickness. Perhaps he can do that on the practice squad.

Jayron Kearse, S, seventh round: He is Morgan’s main competition for Mr. Mankato. His 6-4 height and body length looks so unusual in the secondary. But he’s fearless and hard-hitting. His coverage skills will be the big question. But he appears to be a seventh-round keeper. If veteran Michael Griffin can’t crack the starting lineup, he’ll lose his roster spot because young guys like Kearse are worth keeping.

The undrafted rookies: No one has really jumped out, honestly. But I was impressed by QB Joel Stave for the most part on Friday. After his struggles in camp, I wondered if he’d be able to do anything well in the first preseason game. But, as far as undrafted No. 3 QBs go, he did well against the Bengals.