The Top 10 Storylines for Vikings Training Camp
Training camp is officially underway as the Minnesota Vikings have already started with their first practice session. After a surprising 14-3 season and following roster reinforcements this offseason, the squad is ready to take the next steps if some of the units live up to their potential.
The Top 10 Storylines for Vikings Training Camp
Every player on the roster has his own story and competes for something in training camp, but these are the main stories.
1. How’s J.J. Doin’?
Despite some big-time newcomers, the Vikings are still not considered among the top Super Bowl threats for one sole reason: Nobody knows how good first-time starter J.J. McCarthy will be from the get-go.
He was selected with the tenth overall pick 15 months ago, but hasn’t taken a single NFL rep, excluding the preseason. Still, he has the potential of a first-rounder, and he undoubtedly showed some talent in college and the limited preseason reps.
His development is key for the 2025 Vikings and for iterations the franchise will field in the future.
2. Offensive Line Combination
We all expect to know the offensive line, as head coach Kevin O’Connell detailed the unit right after the draft: “Envisioning [Jackson] being on a front with potentially Ryan Kelly and Christian Darrisaw, Will Fries and Brian O’Neill. That’s a pretty formidable group on paper. We’ve got to make it come to life on the grass.”
It might take some time to come to life. Will Fries is coming off a broken tibia, and Christian Darrisaw is still recovering from a torn ACL + MCL. They avoided the PUP list, but it remains to be seen if they are back by the time Week 1 rolls around, especially Darrisaw’s timeline is a major item to watch.
Justin Skule would be the top replacement at left tackle, and Blake Brandel could sneak into the lineup if Fries isn’t healthy or Donovan Jackson needs some more time to acclimate to the pro level.
3. Running Backs
At running back, the Vikings will once again feature Aaron Jones in the backfield, but his running mate has changed: The club went from Cam Akers to Jordan Mason. That should be an upgrade and could significantly lower Jones’ touches. Even plays with both on the field are imaginable.
The depth is also fascinating. Ty Chandler is still in the mix, but Tre Stewart (and undrafted rookies) and Zavier Scott (a third-year player with practice squad experience) could challenge him. Adding a new runner is also possible.
4. Rondale Moore or Tai Felton?
The top three of Minnesota’s receiver rotation are pretty much set. It’ll be Justin Jefferson demanding most targets, followed by dynamic WR2 Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor, who’s about to enter his contract year.
However, behind them, the Vikings have made changes to their roster. Rondale Moore is a quick after-the-catch threat and seems to be back after a stint on the sidelines due to a severe knee injury suffered about a year ago. Rookie Tai Felton is a wildcard. The third-rounder brings some physical talent but is a raw player. Of course, a practice squad veteran like Lucky Jackson or Jeshaun Jones could enter the race as well.
5. Tight End 3
Johnny Mundt is gone, so who’s the new TE3 behind T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver?
Candidates include three rookies, including sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholomew. The Pittsburgh alumnus was stashed on the PUP list and can’t practice. That opens the door for a pair of undrafted rookies.
Ben Yurosek has some talent as a blocker and was a featured player at Stanford and on last year’s Georgia squad. Many draft experts predicted the undrafted rookie to be drafted. Bryson Nesbit was used as a big slot receiver at North Carolina, and his receiving prowess could be intriguing for Kevin O’Connell.
Seeing Hockenson back at full health is an added tight end storyline.
6. Disruptive Interior
It’s been years since the Vikings have had a disruptive interior defender who could do more than defend the run. Finally, the front office acquired a pair of defensive tackles with the ability to get after opposing passers.
Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are aging, but they should still provide a significant boost in that regard. Seeing them in action will be a fun change.
Harrison Phillips is still the top guy in the running game. Behind the trio, a multitude of young defenders will compete for roster spots and rotational roles. Those primarily include Jalen Redmond, Taki Taimani, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
7. Dallas Turner
His season wasn’t completely lost to the extent of McCarthy’s, but the other 2024 first-rounder didn’t play as big a role as most expected. Dallas Turner, instead, was stuck behind the two Pro Bowlers, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. His role will presumably grow with some experience under his belt, and with Patrick Jones II heading to Carolina in free agency, he’ll easily move up one slot on the depth chart.
The new OLB3 on the team brings exciting physical tools, and he showed some promise in his debut season, albeit in a minor role. His evolution to a ferocious defender could make Brian Flores’ front unstoppable.
8. Cornerback Rotation
Byron Murphy Jr. returns as the top corner on the roster, but the guys behind him are new.
Super Bowl champion Isaiah Rodgers is the first candidate for the vacant CB2 job. He is an undersized speedster. Because he has never been a full-time starter, former high draft pick Jeff Okudah, third-year defender Mekhi Blackmon, and various depth players vie for his job and other roles.
Dwight McGlothern and Ambry Thomas shouldn’t be ruled out.
9. Is Theo Jackson Ready?
At safety, the Vikings also made some changes. Cam Bynum is gone, but at least Harrison Smith and Joshua Metellus (his contract situation is something to monitor as well) stuck around.
Instead of drafting a new safety or adding a free agent, the Vikings handed the crown to the backup of the last three seasons. Theo Jackson was promoted. In limited playing time, he was a solid playmaker, but can he sustain that performance for an entire season, or does his presence in the secondary hinder the defense?
10. Special Teams
Will Reichard as kicker and long snapper Andrew DePaola will retain their jobs, but the others are up for grabs.
Ryan Wright is the frontrunner for the punting gig, but undrafted rookie Oscar Chapman attempts to unseat him. Punt returner Brandon Powell left, and kick returner Ty Chandler didn’t do much damage in that role last season.
Rookies Felton and Silas Bolden are strong candidates to bring some juice to that return game.