Minnesota Vikings Training Camp is less than a week away. Here’s another look at some of the team’s interesting position competitions.
Interesting Minnesota Vikings Position Competitions
Defensive Line
Harrison Phillips and newcomers Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are penciled in as the Vikings starting defensive line. After two years of scheming an interior pass rush with maniacal blitzing, defensive coordinator Brian Flores finally has player talent that can form an impactful front. With the respective ages of Phillips, Allen, and Hargrave (29,30,32), the Vikings need a solid defensive line rotation to keep those three stalwarts at their best throughout games and the season. The contenders to be part of that rotation:
Jalen Redmond
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Taki Taimani
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Alexander Williams
Elijah Williams
Travis Bell
Jonathan Harris
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the group is their late-round or no-round status. 2025 fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is the highest drafted of the bunch. He’s raw but immensely talented. It’s been suggested that he would’ve been a first- or second-round pick in next year’s draft if he’d stayed at Georgia for another year. Instead, he’s getting a jump on his NFL career with the Vikings. Ingram-Dawkins and Jalen Redmond are the easiest to see as part of the Vikings defensive line rotation. I expect the Vikings to roster at least six defensive linemen. I believe that the talent competing for that final spot might force the team’s decision-makers to keep seven. Perhaps that’s simply because I can’t cut one of Levi Drake Rodriguez and Taki Taimani or undrafted free agents Alexander Williams and Elijah Williams. I’m glad these roster decisions aren’t mine.
Cornerback
Most of the nation’s football pundits question the Vikings corners. I’m excited about the potential of the unheralded bunch. I believe that Byron Murphy Jr. and underrated free agent signing Isaiah Rodgers will emerge as one of the league’s top corner duos. Rodgers is probably the player that I’m most excited to monitor in training camp and see in preseason games. If he plays in the preseason games at all. If it wasn’t for Rodgers, another cornerback would be the player I’m most excited to see. Jeff Okudah. The third pick of the 2020 NFL Draft hasn’t played to that elite draft status. His talent is obvious. Perhaps injuries, coaching, system have kept him from becoming the player that he was drafted to be. He has an opportunity in Minnesota and I believe that Flores and the defensive coaches will come up with a role that works with his particular talents. Until Okudah’s role is revealed or established, I believe that third-year Mekhi Blackmon is likely CB3. He was in line for a starting job last year. Unfortunately, he was lost for the season with an ACL injury on the first day of training camp. He’s back and healthy and ready to compete for a prominent role in the secondary. As for the final spot or two, I like the potential of second-year undrafted Dwight McGlothern and first-year undrafted Zemaiah Vaughn. Despite the opinions of those national talking heads, I’m excited about a cornerback room that potentially includes Murphy, Rodgers, Blackmon, Okudah, McGlothern, and Vaughn. Ambry Thomas and Reddy Steward might have something to say about that group.
Offensive Line
Offensive line makes this list more for the potential of the group than the competition within it. For the first time in more than a decade, the Vikings offensive line looks like a team strength. Until they step on the field, it’s all on paper. The complete group has yet to even take a practice snap together.
Christian Darrisaw
Donovan Jackson
Ryan Kelly
Will Fries
Brian O’Neill
That’s a group that has the potential to rank among the best in the league. The Vikings attacked the improvement of the offensive line this offseason. Blessed with an elite tackle duo, the entire interior has been rebuilt. Ryan Kelly and Will Fries were priority free agent signings. Donovan Jackson was selected in the first round. After years of flailing about in their attempts to improve the offensive line, this offseason the team’s decision-makers were focused and committed. We won’t know if it worked until they step on the field but it sure looks promising on paper.
With the improved starters, the backups have also improved.
Outside Linebacker
The Vikings outside linebacker group is intriguing due to the talent at the top and the competition for depth. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel were outstanding throughout their first year in Minnesota. They were so outstanding that first-round pick Dallas Turner couldn’t get on the field. Brian Flores and the Vikings defensive coaches will find a way to get all three on the field this season. It’s going to be beautiful to watch. The competition to round out the group will be between Gabriel Murphy, Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Chaz Chambliss. All are undrafted players.
The Vikings have a lot of undrafted players competing for significant roles on defense.
Receiver
The beauty of the Vikings receiver group is at the top of the depth chart with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. They are the best, most skilled receiving duo in the league. The interesting part of the Vikings receiver group is the competition for roster spots after the top two.
Jalen Nailor
Tai Felton
Rondale Moore
Tim Jones
Jeshaun Jones
Thayer Thomas
Lucky Jackson
Silas Bolden
Myles Price
Dontae Fleming
Robert Lewis
Jalen Nailor is primed for a strong offensive role. He just has to stay on the field. Tai Felton was drafted in the third round to be a playmaker now and moving forward. It would be no surprise if they are #3 and #4. After that, it’s all up in the air. Rondale Moore is the wildcard. If he’s healthy, his quickness and versatility could give the Vikings a unique offensive weapon. Return jobs will likely determine #5 and perhaps force a #6.
Returner
Special Teams Coordinator Matt Daniels is already lobbying for Isaiah Rodgers as the team’s kick returner. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores might not like one of his top corners taking kick return shots. Rondale Moore is another potential returner that wouldn’t be on the roster solely for a special teams role. The same goes for rookie receiver Tai Felton. When it comes to trimming the roster those are things to consider.
The Vikings must improve their return game. It feels like forever since Cordarrelle Patterson and Marcus Sherels made it a strength. The cast of returner contenders probably include the following.
Isaiah Rodgers
Rondale Moore
Tai Felton
Silas Bolden
Myles Price
Dontae Fleming
This might be one of the most fun competitions of training camp.
Training camp is days away.
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