Jun 11, 2019; Eagan, MN, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the field at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings will return to training camp, starting with the rookies. They are scheduled to arrive at TCO Performance Center in Eagan on Sunday, followed by the remaining players two days later. Players and coaches prepare for the 17-game NFL season, which, for the Vikings, kicks off on September 8 with a road game against the New York Giants.
The Top 10 Storylines for Vikings Training Camp
Every player on the roster has his own story and competes for something in training camp, but these are the main stories.
1. Who’s the Quarterback?
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates after the 34-13 win over Washington to win the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
J.J. McCarthy was drafted with the tenth overall pick. He is the franchise’s future and should be regarded as such. However, it can be questioned whether he can be the team’s present for various reasons. The Vikings rework elements of his throwing mechanics, which will invite some growing pains, just like adjusting to NFL speed. Learning the playbook is another big step. Even some veterans voiced their struggles with it when Kevin O’Connell arrived in 2022.
On the other hand, Sam Darnold was signed to a one-year contract worth $10 million. He learned a comparable system last year, which should help him adjust to his new team, but his track record shows an underwhelming career with three teams in six seasons and barely more touchdowns than interceptions in 56 starts.
For now, Darnold should be favored to take the first snap in Week 1 unless McCarthy can light up training camp. He’s here to play until McCarthy is ready for the spotlight, and that might take a few weeks or months. The Vikings will not put much pressure on the rookie early in his tenure.
2. What Does the TE Room Look Like in Week 1?
Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan (85) runs for a first down on a reception against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter of their game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports
Tight end T.J. Hockenson is one of the organization’s cornerstones, but his knee injury suffered last December could keep him out of the lineup for a while. Week 1 is only seven and a half months removed from his late-January surgery, which seems like a stretch.
Behind him, the Vikings employ last year’s role players, Johnny Mundt and blocker Josh Oliver. NFC North journeyman Robert Tonyan was signed, and there’s a good chance he’s the best receiving tight end.
N’Keal Harry, a recently converted former first-round receiver, 2022 seventh-rounder Nick Muse, undrafted rookie Trey Knox, and international pathway player Sammis Reyes are longshots but could also compete for a role with a good outing in camp.
At this point, Oliver, Mundt, and Tonyan are the frontrunners to make the 53-man roster and to see the field in Week 1, with Hockenson perhaps stashed on the PUP list.
3. Byron Murphy And?
Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (11) and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) talk during warmups prior to the game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The cornerback group is a big mystery. Byron Murphy has shown he is a capable starter in year one of his two-year deal with the Vikings, but who will play next to him? The options are last year’s rookie, Mekhi Blackmon, Shaquill Griffin, formerly a Pro Bowler who played for three different teams in the last two years, and 2022 draftees Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth.
Unlike the other positions, it is impossible to predict this group until we know how much the veteran has left in his tank and which one of the young players can make a step in the right direction. Undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern is a wildcard.
4. How Do the Injured Starters Progress?
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) takes on the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Hockenson is getting the main attention among injured starting players for good reason. He is the secondary option on offense and a quarterback’s best friend. Having a reliable tight end on the field is helpful regardless of who’s under center. He might work on the side by himself and enter some non-contact drills at some point.
Besides him, the team could also be without Andrew Van Ginkel early in camp. He suffered a Lisfranc injury late in the 2023 season. While no longer absence is expected, he might need a couple of weeks to participate fully.
5. Can the Rookies Shine?
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy makes a pass against Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner during the first half of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
McCarthy’s throws will be the main attraction in training camp. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job, folks want to see him do well and show flashes. Limiting mistakes while showcasing his arm talent and mobility would raise some hope.
Fellow first-rounder Dallas Turner has already drawn some praise, and he possesses the explosiveness to make an impact early in his career, especially with Van Ginkel possibly out. Pass rusher Gabriel Murphy and cornerback Dwight McGlothern are two highly-touted first-year players who want to follow last year’s undrafted rookie phenom Ivan Pace.
Kicker Will Reichard must win the competition over John Parker Romo, and the NCAA’s all-time leader in points scored is looking to break the curse of Vikings’ kickers.
6. Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor, or Someone from Outside?
Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell (left) and wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) before an NFL International Series game against the New Orleans Saints at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
K.J. Osborn left the organization in free agency, leaving the team without any established wideout behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Brandon Powell played well in an elevated role last season, but he might be better suited to be the fourth receiver option. Third-year player Jalen Nailor has shown flashes but can’t stay healthy.
Another option could be the acquisition of another WR via trade or free agency. Michael Thomas and Hunter Renfrow are free agents, while some other teams could be willing to part ways with a depth receiver for small draft compensation.
7. Dalton Risner’s Demotion?
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) celebrates after a touchdown with guard Dalton Risner (66) against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dalton Risner started last season as the left guard, but Blake Brandel has entered the competition. The longtime backup signed a more lucrative contract, which indicates that the coaching staff thinks highly of him. They have also praised Brandel all year.
Risner has been a solid pass-protector, but his blocking in the running game leaves much to be desired. Right guard Ed Ingram could also be in danger of losing his job, although he might currently be the top guard. Either way, watching the team’s rotation in team drills will be fascinating.
8. Emergence of the 2022 Busts?
Jul 27, 2022; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine (6) performs a drill at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have barely received any contributions from their top two picks in 2022. Lewis Cine couldn’t climb the depth chart in his rookie season and then suffered a gruesome injury. Once again, he faces an uphill battle, considering that all five safeties ahead of him have returned, and neither has given the coaching staff a reason for concern. It could be his last chance to show some flashes before the front office decides to part ways with the former 32nd overall pick.
Andrew Booth got more run in his first two seasons but was a backup last year. He showed some promise in his sophomore season but could be on the roster bubble if he can’t outplay Evans and Blackmon.
9. Where’s the DL Talent?
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle T.J. Smith (50) and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) tackle Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
The defensive line talent has been a point of criticism all offseason. Besides starter Harrison Phillips, the roster lacks starting-caliber play. Jonathan Bullard and free-agent additions Jerry Tillery and Jonah Williams are experienced veterans who haven’t consistently exceeded replacement-level play in their careers.
2023 rookie Jaquelin Roy and 2024 seventh-rounder Levi Drake Rodriguez have an easy path to the field if they perform well in training camp.
10. Who Claims Leadership Roles?
Aug 5, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) takes the field during training camp at Twin Cities Orthopedic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Departed star players Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter were leaders of the organization, and that void must be filled. McCarthy might need another year or two to grow into that role. Darnold brings experience but must do well in practice to lead the team.
It certainly is Justin Jefferson’s team, and he might be more vocal in the near future. Defender Josh Metellus has already been a team captain and has acted like one recently, trying to help 22-year-old Jordan Addison deal with his problems. Harrison Smith’s presence in what could be his last season will be crucial. Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee Phillips might also emerge as a captain.
Veteran additions Aaron Jones and Jonathan Greenard could play a role in the locker room.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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Publish date : 2024-07-19 19:00:00
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