Maybe the Vikings’ New Punter Has a Chance to Pull it Off
The Vikings’ new punter — the undrafted Brett Thorson — needs to overcome veteran Johnny Hekker to secure the singular punting job. Can he actually do so?
In Hekker, the Vikings employ a veteran who has seen and done it all, including winning a Super Bowl with Kevin O’Connell in LA. Recently, Hekker has seen his game dip, creating concerns about an age-related decline in his abilities. Thorson has more upside but is coming out of a situation where he wasn’t tasked with holding, meaning he needs to prove capable of doing both — punt and hold — to land the P1 job.
The Vikings’ New Punter in a Roster Battle
Punting is important. Not so important, though, that the kicking operation can be undermined.
In Will Reichard, the Vikings boast perhaps the top field goal assassin in the NFL. He’s coming off a first-team All Pro season and is cleaning up his technique so he can continue improving. Coach Daniels has a ton of confidence in the young lad who became a Minnesota Viking courtesy of the 6th Round in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Whoever holds needs to ensure that Reichard can continue his dominance as MIN’s K1. Nobody wants to be the reason why points don’t get put on the board (that’s a good way to get an earful from a coach).
So, can Thorson hold?
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At Vikings mandatory minicamp, Daniels said he sees a lot of potential: “Obviously, coming out of Georgia, Kirby is really from a Parcells tree […] where the quarterbacks are the holders.” Not long afterwards, Coach Daniels noted Thorson’s “great hands” before describing that the focus is on placing the ball down cleanly and at the correct angle.
“I watched over 300 snaps of this guy at practice and there’s no issue with the holding,” Daniels went on to say of Thorson.
At the risk of oversimplifying an issue that’s a touch more complex, the point: Brett Thorson boasting good hands is a nice starting point.
What’s needed is an ability to master the finer details. Namely, placing the ball down efficiently and effectively every time. Moreover, Thorson needs to prove capable of doing so from inside a stadium of raucous fans while playing on national TV. Many massive human beings — otherwise known as the other side’s players — will be cascading down on the kicking operation. Can he still get the job done?
Much remains to be determined in the punting battle. A sneaky detail, though, rests in the ability to hold. Very likely, Hekker won’t struggle here; Thorson could given his lack of experience. Overcoming the perceived deficit will mean the kid has a chance.
The Vikings’ new punter can further prove himself once training camp gets rolling at the end of July.
