The Moment When the Vikings’ Head Coach Tipped his Hand on Roster Competition
Circle Monday, August 4th as the definitive date for when the Vikings’ head coach tipped his hand.
Kevin O’Connell was looking ahead to the night practice, a great tradition within Minnesota’s training camp. As the coach swerved through various topics, O’Connell eventually brought things around to TE3 Ben Yurosek. The answer he provided functioned as a major clue that the undrafted player was going to be on the final roster.
The Vikings’ Head Coach & Ben Yurosek at TE3
The takeaway for a young fella trying to get onto the final roster: do something so excellent that the team’s top coach feels compelled to show the entire team. That’s what Mr. Yurosek was able to accomplish.
O’Connell’s thoughts: “I showed the team the other day just to highlight Ben [Yurosek] going against Dallas [Turner], who’s having a really good camp on the edge.” The head coach thinks that Yurosek executed “the toughest block in football” within the wide zone run, praising the rookie for “a true pro NFL rep.”
When an undrafted player gets his highlight shown to the entire team — one that involves blocking a 1st-Round player who is stepping into a major role — then it’s a good thing for that player’s chances of making the final roster.
Indeed, Minnesota’s offense isn’t yearning for pass catchers (receiver injuries and Adam Thielen add aside). What is more appealing is someone who can do the dirty work. Get added onto the end of the line and handle a defensive end. Cut off a linebacker so that the runner can turn a 4-yard run into a 14-yard run. Demolish a defensive back who dares get in your way.
Ben Yurosek, 23, is going to be leaned on to offer hustle, compete, and physicality. No, he’s not being held to the same standard as Josh Oliver — or even Johnny Mundt, for that matter — but he appears to have a role to play.
The pass catcher stands at 6’4″ and 245 pounds. A rookie season where his receiving production is modest (maybe even non-existent) shouldn’t be considered a failure. Rather, look for someone who adds toughness and tenacity. So, too, will Mr. Yurosek have a role to play for Matt Daniels on special teams. His size/speed combo makes him an attractive option for kickoff coverage and punt team. He should have the strength to handle blocking/blockers before having the wheels necessary to get down the field for a tackle.
For whatever it’s worth, Ben Yurosek earned a strong RAS score, one coming in at 8.01 out of 10.00. The suggestion is that he’s a better athlete than the majority of tight ends. Partnering those abilities with being able pull off some excellent blocks will always catch a coach’s eye. That’s how a young guy gets the job done when fighting for one of the final spots on the team.
Yurosek is going to get the chance to prove Minnesota right for keeping him around on Monday Night Football. The Vikings are looking to steal a victory in The Windy City when the game gets going on Monday, September 8th.
The young tight end is carrying a $846,666 cap charge into the season.
Editor’s Note: Information from Over the Cap helped with this piece.
