The Minnesota Vikings cut ties with 2005 first round pick Erasmus James on Friday after he failed to pass a physical. This only adds insult to an extremely disappointing 2005 draft. Minnesota chose James with the 18th overall pick.

James attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played on the defensive line alongside teammate Anntaj Hawthorne. He finished his dazzling career with 124 tackles, 18 sacks, 28 quarterback hurries, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 6 pass deflections. He was given the nickname, "The Eraser," due to his ability to sack the quarterback. The Vikings originally envisioned him as the pass-rushing defensive end they have lacked since the days of Chris Doleman.

However, after notching four sacks in 15 games during his rookie season, he has had a series of serious knee injuries. James tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 2 of the 2006 season. After a long and grueling rehab, he returned to the Vikings and played sparingly in six games last year. Then he suffered a similar injury to the same knee during a Week 13 game and was once again placed on injured reserve.

James attended four days of “organized team activities” last week and participated on a limited basis. "We decided to waive Erasmus and we wish the best for him in the future," Coach Brad Childress, who was not with the team for the 2005 draft, said in a statement issued by the team.

During the last two seasons, James was sorely missed on the defensive line. His injury coupled with Kenechi Udeze contracting leukemia, makes defensive end a priority for the Vikings in free agency. They made a big splash in April when they traded with Kansas City for All-Pro Jared Allen, who led the NFL with 15½ sacks last season. With Allen, Ray Edwards and Brian Robinson, the Vikings are on much more stable ground at the position.

The 25-year-old James leaves the Vikings with just five career sacks and 38 tackles in three seasons. Making the move this long before the start of training camp affords James the chance to catch on with another team, as long as he is healthy enough to play.