06-03-2024, 01:57 PM
(This post was last modified: 06-03-2024, 02:02 PM by purplefaithful.)
How does Sam Darnold look?
If the past few weeks of organized team activities are any indication, veteran quarterback San Darnold is undoubtedly the starter for the Vikings. He has consistently been working with the other starters on offense while also growing his relationship with head coach Kevin O’Connell. The arm strength has always been there for Darnold. He can zip it around with relative ease no matter where he’s throwing from on the field. The biggest issue for Darnold has always been his lack of consistency under center. It should help that Darnold now gets to throw passes to Jefferson as he attempts to revitalize his career.
Where does J.J. McCarthy slide in?
Unless he proves himself in a major way over the next couple of months, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will more than likely start this season watching from the sidelines. He has spent time working in behind both Darnold and veteran Nick Mullens throughout organized team activities. Now, that actually isn’t too surprising given Darnold was signed to be the starter, and Mullens has an institutional knowledge of the offense. That said, McCarthy will seemingly been given the chance to overtake Mullens at some point.
How are the new pieces fitting in on defense?
The overhaul on defense was palpable this offseason. Whether it was the addition of edger rusher Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Shaq Griffin, among others, in free agency, or the selection of rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner in the draft, the Vikings certainly will have a new look on that side of the ball this season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is still installing some of the basics of his scheme, so it will be interesting to see how everything starts to come together.
Who’s going to be WR3?
The departure of veteran receiver K.J. Osborn this offseason has created an opening alongside Jefferson and young receiver Jordan Addison. The leader in the clubhouse at the moment appears to be shifty receiver Brandon Powell, who earned the trust of the coaching staff last season, consistently making plays when called upon. There is also speedy receiver Jalen Nailor, who has continuously garnered lots of praise in practice, and likely would have carved out a role for himself last season if he stayed healthy. There are usually a number of receivers that become fan-base darlings during organized team activities, mandatory minicamp and training camp, so perhaps a relative unknown receiver will put himself in the conversation.
Is there an actual kicking competition?
The fact that the Vikings drafted rookie kicker Will Reichard came as a surprise to some. That speaks to how much they wanted him as they look to solidify the position that often plays a major role in wins and losses. The signing of veteran kicker John Parker Romo this offseason was the only reason this is worth anybody’s attention. It will at least be worth following how Reichard and Romo look in comparison to each other. That said, the Vikings used a draft pick on Reichard, and thus, he likely will be given the inside track on making the team.
https://www.twincities.com/2024/06/03/so...n-care-of/
Vikings minicamp: Five things to watch
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson, fresh off signing the richest non-QB contract in NFL history, will join his new quarterbacks Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy on the field for the first time Tuesday.
1. When will J.J. McCarthy throw to J.J.? Quarterback Sam Darnold has operated the first-team offense through two full-team spring practices open to reporters so far. And Darnold is expected to be the main guy throwing to Jefferson when the Vikings star returns to the lineup at TCO Performance Center. McCarthy, the 21-year-old national champion who was the youngest of the six first-round quarterbacks drafted this year, has been the No. 3 passer behind Darnold and Nick Mullens in the early going. While that could change, O'Connell has preached patience publicly and privately about their development plan with McCarthy. There's still a likelihood McCarthy throws to Jefferson on the side and during passing drills, starting what the Vikings hope is a years-long rapport.
2. What does defensive coordinator Brian Flores have in store for Year 2? "We're running a couple different things on defense, trying out some things," linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. said after a May practice. Change was inevitable from Flores, the former linebacker and 14th-year NFL defensive coach who wants versatile players to fit evolving game plans week to week. One of those changes is expected to be more man-to-man coverage after the Vikings ranked near the bottom of the league in man coverage last season. New cornerback Shaq Griffin and a healthy Byron Murphy Jr. as a slot cornerback are expected to spearhead that effort. The defensive front has seen the most personnel change with edge rushers Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel.
3. Who's relaying Flores' play calls on the field? It could be one or multiple players. Coaches trained multiple linebackers in wearing the "green-dot" helmet, which features the only speaker allowed among defenders on the field. Veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks, who signed a two-year deal with the Browns in free agency, held down the job last season. Pace, then a rookie, stepped in for a few games when Hicks was injured. He said he could handle that again if asked. New Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman, the Eden Prairie and Gophers product, may be the frontrunner as a sixth-year veteran who had the in-helmet speaker at times for the Houston Texans last season.
4. How will the roster competitions begin? There's a long way to go before the initial 53-man roster is picked, but there are a few crowded positions where competition is expected to heat up in training camp. This time of year, coaches set the initial depth chart and pecking order that is subject to change. We'll see the full lineup at receiver with Jefferson, Jordan Addison and an open No. 3 spot; will that be Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Trishton Jackson or some combination? The Vikings also retained all six safeties from last year; Harrison Smith could be transitioning to less playing time while third-year safety Lewis Cine still seeks a role on this team. The Vikings also have two punters and two kickers on the roster.
5. What role will left guard Dalton Risner have? Risner, who started 11 games last season, re-signed with the Vikings last week after prolonged negotiations. Before he signed, Risner wrote on social media in March: "I've never asked for a bag, simply just a starting guard contract." The terms of Risner's new one-year deal remain to be seen. Risner's role also remains to be seen. Blake Brandel, a backup guard last season, has been taking first-team reps at left guard this spring. Before Risner re-signed, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said Brandel had "earned the opportunity" to be a Week 1 starter for the first time in his NFL career. After Risner re-signed, center Garrett Bradbury said Brandel was expected to remain in the starting lineup in practice.
https://www.startribune.com/vikings-just...600370684/
If the past few weeks of organized team activities are any indication, veteran quarterback San Darnold is undoubtedly the starter for the Vikings. He has consistently been working with the other starters on offense while also growing his relationship with head coach Kevin O’Connell. The arm strength has always been there for Darnold. He can zip it around with relative ease no matter where he’s throwing from on the field. The biggest issue for Darnold has always been his lack of consistency under center. It should help that Darnold now gets to throw passes to Jefferson as he attempts to revitalize his career.
Where does J.J. McCarthy slide in?
Unless he proves himself in a major way over the next couple of months, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will more than likely start this season watching from the sidelines. He has spent time working in behind both Darnold and veteran Nick Mullens throughout organized team activities. Now, that actually isn’t too surprising given Darnold was signed to be the starter, and Mullens has an institutional knowledge of the offense. That said, McCarthy will seemingly been given the chance to overtake Mullens at some point.
How are the new pieces fitting in on defense?
The overhaul on defense was palpable this offseason. Whether it was the addition of edger rusher Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Shaq Griffin, among others, in free agency, or the selection of rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner in the draft, the Vikings certainly will have a new look on that side of the ball this season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is still installing some of the basics of his scheme, so it will be interesting to see how everything starts to come together.
Who’s going to be WR3?
The departure of veteran receiver K.J. Osborn this offseason has created an opening alongside Jefferson and young receiver Jordan Addison. The leader in the clubhouse at the moment appears to be shifty receiver Brandon Powell, who earned the trust of the coaching staff last season, consistently making plays when called upon. There is also speedy receiver Jalen Nailor, who has continuously garnered lots of praise in practice, and likely would have carved out a role for himself last season if he stayed healthy. There are usually a number of receivers that become fan-base darlings during organized team activities, mandatory minicamp and training camp, so perhaps a relative unknown receiver will put himself in the conversation.
Is there an actual kicking competition?
The fact that the Vikings drafted rookie kicker Will Reichard came as a surprise to some. That speaks to how much they wanted him as they look to solidify the position that often plays a major role in wins and losses. The signing of veteran kicker John Parker Romo this offseason was the only reason this is worth anybody’s attention. It will at least be worth following how Reichard and Romo look in comparison to each other. That said, the Vikings used a draft pick on Reichard, and thus, he likely will be given the inside track on making the team.
https://www.twincities.com/2024/06/03/so...n-care-of/
Vikings minicamp: Five things to watch
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson, fresh off signing the richest non-QB contract in NFL history, will join his new quarterbacks Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy on the field for the first time Tuesday.
1. When will J.J. McCarthy throw to J.J.? Quarterback Sam Darnold has operated the first-team offense through two full-team spring practices open to reporters so far. And Darnold is expected to be the main guy throwing to Jefferson when the Vikings star returns to the lineup at TCO Performance Center. McCarthy, the 21-year-old national champion who was the youngest of the six first-round quarterbacks drafted this year, has been the No. 3 passer behind Darnold and Nick Mullens in the early going. While that could change, O'Connell has preached patience publicly and privately about their development plan with McCarthy. There's still a likelihood McCarthy throws to Jefferson on the side and during passing drills, starting what the Vikings hope is a years-long rapport.
2. What does defensive coordinator Brian Flores have in store for Year 2? "We're running a couple different things on defense, trying out some things," linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. said after a May practice. Change was inevitable from Flores, the former linebacker and 14th-year NFL defensive coach who wants versatile players to fit evolving game plans week to week. One of those changes is expected to be more man-to-man coverage after the Vikings ranked near the bottom of the league in man coverage last season. New cornerback Shaq Griffin and a healthy Byron Murphy Jr. as a slot cornerback are expected to spearhead that effort. The defensive front has seen the most personnel change with edge rushers Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel.
3. Who's relaying Flores' play calls on the field? It could be one or multiple players. Coaches trained multiple linebackers in wearing the "green-dot" helmet, which features the only speaker allowed among defenders on the field. Veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks, who signed a two-year deal with the Browns in free agency, held down the job last season. Pace, then a rookie, stepped in for a few games when Hicks was injured. He said he could handle that again if asked. New Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman, the Eden Prairie and Gophers product, may be the frontrunner as a sixth-year veteran who had the in-helmet speaker at times for the Houston Texans last season.
4. How will the roster competitions begin? There's a long way to go before the initial 53-man roster is picked, but there are a few crowded positions where competition is expected to heat up in training camp. This time of year, coaches set the initial depth chart and pecking order that is subject to change. We'll see the full lineup at receiver with Jefferson, Jordan Addison and an open No. 3 spot; will that be Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Trishton Jackson or some combination? The Vikings also retained all six safeties from last year; Harrison Smith could be transitioning to less playing time while third-year safety Lewis Cine still seeks a role on this team. The Vikings also have two punters and two kickers on the roster.
5. What role will left guard Dalton Risner have? Risner, who started 11 games last season, re-signed with the Vikings last week after prolonged negotiations. Before he signed, Risner wrote on social media in March: "I've never asked for a bag, simply just a starting guard contract." The terms of Risner's new one-year deal remain to be seen. Risner's role also remains to be seen. Blake Brandel, a backup guard last season, has been taking first-team reps at left guard this spring. Before Risner re-signed, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said Brandel had "earned the opportunity" to be a Week 1 starter for the first time in his NFL career. After Risner re-signed, center Garrett Bradbury said Brandel was expected to remain in the starting lineup in practice.
https://www.startribune.com/vikings-just...600370684/
