3 Pleasant Surprises of Vikings Training Camp
Training camp kicked off for the Minnesota Vikings last week. In only seven practices, we’ve already learned some things about this year’s Vikings.
3 Pleasant Surprises of Vikings Training Camp
Not everything is going smoothly in camp, but there are various positive developments. The following three were certainly unexpected, at least to some extent.
1. Jeff Okudah Is…Good?
Jeff Okudah was once a highly-touted draft prospect, ending up with the Detroit Lions, who picked Ohio State’s corner third overall. Possessing the requisite size and athleticism to become one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, Okudah has yet to have his breakthrough in the NFL.
Multiple injuries, including a torn Achilles, have hurt his trajectory, and his level of play has mostly been disappointing. Yet, the Vikings identified him in free agency as a potential starter for only $2.35 million.
It was a big risk to take as Okudah has never been a starting-caliber player through five seasons, but in training camp, he looks pretty good. Fans and media in attendance alike are surprised by the newcomer, and he has fairly easily been the CB3 for the Vikings behind only Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers.
Similar to Sam Darnold last year, Minnesota’s coaching staff might be able to unlock his true potential in perhaps his final chance.
2. Christian Darrisaw Is Back
Unlike Okudah, Christian Darrisaw doesn’t need to be unlocked; he just needs to get back on the grass. This week, he made his first appearance of the season with the first-team offense in team drills after missing the second half of last season, as well as the offseason program and the start of camp, due to his severe knee injury.
That was a sneaky surprise, as the expectation was a short stint on the PUP list followed by some time working individually. Instead, he avoided the list and began working on the sidelines immediately. In some position drills, he participated, and then he had the big breakthrough with the top offense.
His availability in Week 1 with over five weeks to go is suddenly a real possibility, which would be a massive advantage for J.J. McCarthy’s development. Darrisaw is one of the league’s top protectors, and his presence could give McCarthy some extra time and confidence in his first career start against the Chicago Bears.
3. Dallas Turner Explosion
Dallas Turner, who might meet Darrisaw in practice, has been another positive surprise. Nobody is really shocked that last year’s first-rounder is flashing, but the consistency is impressive. Pretty much every practice produces headlines about how well the sophomore is performing.
Dane Mizutani of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press fired off a tweet earlier this week, saying that, “Dallas Turner was an absolute monster.” He added in his practice article: “Nobody had a better practice than edge rusher Dallas Turner.”
Early on, some added strength created some buzz, and then it translated to the field, and he just kept making plays. There’s little room in the starting lineup with Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard occupying the spots at outside linebacker, but Turner is an easy breakout player as a rotational player with a much bigger role than last year.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.