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The Minnesota Vikings are as an interesting team as there is in the NFL before training camp opens across the league. What happens at quarterback? Will the Vikings be able to win double digit games? Is this Brian Flores' final season as a coordinator?
Nick Shook of NFL.com has his eyes on three storylines for Vikings training camp.
1) Kyler vs. J.J.: Competition or coronation?
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell continues to insist he's running a legitimate quarterback competition. He keeps having to say it, because, frankly, not many believe that J.J. McCarthy has a shot to keep Kyler Murray out of the starting lineup. Perhaps we'll be stunned, but every indicator suggests it's Murray's job to lose. The former No. 1 overall pick enters with proven ability, while McCarthy has struggled when on the field and had issues staying healthy. Murray could open up the offense, and his propensity to force-feed his top targets could be a harbinger of a Justin Jefferson bounce-back. This competition -- in whatever form that takes -- will be tracked daily come camp. Within that context, I'm interested in how Murray fits into KOC's system and whether his mobility adds an element we haven't seen much of in Minnesota over the past few years.
2) Next men up on the edge
The trade of Jonathan Greenard took a chunk out of the defense -- not only because Greenard was a proven disruptor, but also due to the fact that the Vikings now aren't very flush at the position. Dallas Turner, whom the club is counting on to have a full breakout in Year 3, and Andrew Van Ginkel sit atop the edge rusher corps, but Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty are the next three players up on the depth chart -- they've combined for one career sack (Chambliss). Defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins has also taken some reps on the edge. The Vikings could look to add another veteran rusher during camp or early in the season. We trust Brian Flores' defense, but a coach who generally relies on vets who understand his system will be asking a lot out of youngsters. How rookies Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas and Charles Demmings make the transition will have a significant say in the Vikings' outcome this season.
3) One last dance with Hitman?
We expected to have a resolution one way or the other on Harrison Smith's future. Surprisingly, the situation still lingers. Will he return for another go, or will he officially retire? The club has made it clear they'd welcome a return and didn't add a veteran to take Smith's place. Jakobe Thomas, a third-round pick, was the only significant addition the club made to the safety crew. Given how much Flores relies on the versatility of his safeties, a return by Smith would have a significant impact. If he decides to retire, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson and Thomas will battle for reps. Keep an eye on Thomas and Charles Demmings in camp and preseason. Each could play key roles in 2026.
The most underrated storyline is whether Smith returns for one last ride since the Vikings didn't address the position.
Continue reading...
Nick Shook of NFL.com has his eyes on three storylines for Vikings training camp.
1) Kyler vs. J.J.: Competition or coronation?
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell continues to insist he's running a legitimate quarterback competition. He keeps having to say it, because, frankly, not many believe that J.J. McCarthy has a shot to keep Kyler Murray out of the starting lineup. Perhaps we'll be stunned, but every indicator suggests it's Murray's job to lose. The former No. 1 overall pick enters with proven ability, while McCarthy has struggled when on the field and had issues staying healthy. Murray could open up the offense, and his propensity to force-feed his top targets could be a harbinger of a Justin Jefferson bounce-back. This competition -- in whatever form that takes -- will be tracked daily come camp. Within that context, I'm interested in how Murray fits into KOC's system and whether his mobility adds an element we haven't seen much of in Minnesota over the past few years.
2) Next men up on the edge
The trade of Jonathan Greenard took a chunk out of the defense -- not only because Greenard was a proven disruptor, but also due to the fact that the Vikings now aren't very flush at the position. Dallas Turner, whom the club is counting on to have a full breakout in Year 3, and Andrew Van Ginkel sit atop the edge rusher corps, but Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty are the next three players up on the depth chart -- they've combined for one career sack (Chambliss). Defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins has also taken some reps on the edge. The Vikings could look to add another veteran rusher during camp or early in the season. We trust Brian Flores' defense, but a coach who generally relies on vets who understand his system will be asking a lot out of youngsters. How rookies Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas and Charles Demmings make the transition will have a significant say in the Vikings' outcome this season.
3) One last dance with Hitman?
We expected to have a resolution one way or the other on Harrison Smith's future. Surprisingly, the situation still lingers. Will he return for another go, or will he officially retire? The club has made it clear they'd welcome a return and didn't add a veteran to take Smith's place. Jakobe Thomas, a third-round pick, was the only significant addition the club made to the safety crew. Given how much Flores relies on the versatility of his safeties, a return by Smith would have a significant impact. If he decides to retire, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson and Thomas will battle for reps. Keep an eye on Thomas and Charles Demmings in camp and preseason. Each could play key roles in 2026.
The most underrated storyline is whether Smith returns for one last ride since the Vikings didn't address the position.
Continue reading...
