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The rookies are the main attraction in Vikings training camp. People are primarily interested in watching their two costly first-rounders, Dallas Turner and J.J. McCarthy. The tenth overall pick is trying to enter the starting lineup by beating out Sam Darnold, who was signed to be the bridge quarterback, although the first-year player still hopes that no bridge is necessary, and his strong Saturday practice should give him some hope.
A Vikings Rookie Was Perfect on Saturday
While it might take some time for fans to see the passer in action, Turner will have a role in Week 1 of the regular season, perhaps rotating with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.
Mar 20, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama kicker Will Reichard kicks at the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility during the University of Alabama’s Pro Day.
Another rookie who will be in the spotlight in the upcoming weeks is kicker Will Reichard. The sixth-rounder was a rarely drafted kicker ‒ the Vikings had not drafted one since the fifth round of 2018 when the infamous Daniel Carlson story began.
The words wide and left combined trigger some PTSD symptoms in the Twin Cities area, and the names of Gary Anderson and Blair Walsh should also be used with extreme caution. After three years with Greg Joseph as the team’s underwhelming placekicker, the team finally moved on.
Reichard’s competition for the one kicking spot on the roster is John Parker Romo, who was starring in the XFL during the 2023 season. The investment of a draft pick puts Reichard automatically in the pole position to be this year’s kicker. However, he still must show that he’s the superior player, as the Vikings wouldn’t keep someone unreliable, regardless of the cost.
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Will Reichard (16) reacts after a field goal against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The good news is that the former Crimson Tide kicker is doing just that. After earning a ton of praise for his consistent and strong leg in the spring, he continues that kind of performance in training camp and hit all five of his attempts on Saturday. The official Vikings’ website detailed the kicking day.
Minnesota included a field goal kicking period to end Saturday’s practice.
Reichard went first with Wright serving as the holder. He was good on all five kicks he attempted, aiming true from the 33-yard distance of an extra point before also splitting the uprights from 40, 43, 45 and 48 yards.
Romo went 3-for-4 on his kicks with Vernon holding, making one from the extra point distance, from 40 and from 48. He missed wide left from 43.
Of course, one day doesn’t decide the competition, as Reichard must string together multiple efficient weeks throughout the summer. A fascinating element is the fact that incumbent punter Ryan Wright was holding for Reichard while his competitor Seth Vernon was doing the same for Romo, which might have been a factor. They are also competing with each other for one roster spot, and their holding capabilities could play a role.
Neither kicker attempted a kick from over 50 yards, but notably, Reichard can hit the must-hit attempts at a reliable rate. According to Dane Mizutani from the Pioneer Press, he “made it look effortless.”
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Fans hold a sign indicating Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Will ReichardÕs (16) record-setting point total at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 27-24 to claim the SEC Championship. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
In his five seasons at Alabama, Reichard broke the NCAA record for the most points scored in a collegiate career with 547. He scored on 295 of 297 extra points and split the uprights on 84 of 100 field goal attempts.
Reichard’s first opportunity to see real game action will come on August 10 in a preseason matchup facing the Las Vegas Raiders. The Vikings will kick off their regular season with a road game on September 8 against the New York Giants. There is hope that he can be the one to break the organization’s curse.
Editor’s Note: Information from Sports Reference and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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 : 2024-07-28 14:19:50
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