6 Major Position Battles for the Vikings in Training Camp

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

The veteran Vikings officially report to training camp on Tuesday, meaning that camp is back in full-swing ahead of the 2023 season.

This offseason, Minnesota made a number of moves that caused big changes on their roster. As a result, there are a few starting spots as well as depth positions that could be up for grabs throughout training camp this summer. Here are six position battles to follow for the Vikings over the next few weeks.

QB2

position battles
Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) stands behind center during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Unless something disastrous happens, Kirk Cousins will be the Vikings starting quarterback when Week 1 rolls around. However, the battle for QB2 could be an important one, especially considering Cousins’ contract is set to expire at the end of the year.

Minnesota selected Jaren Hall in the fifth-round of the 2023 Draft in somewhat of a flyer move just to see what the QB can do at the NFL level. He will be competing with veteran Nick Mullens, who held the position last year after being acquired via trade during camp.

RB2

Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports.

With the Vikings parting ways with Dalvin Cook during the offseason while re-signing Alexander Mattison, it appears that Mattison is going to be the lead-man in the running back room heading into 2023.

However, it remains to be seen just how much Minnesota relies on Mattison to produce in the backfield. As a result, the RB2 battle, likely taking place mainly between Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride, could be an important one as the young players fight for their right to more touches this season.

WR2/WR4

Young Vikings Receiver
Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; USC wide receiver Jordan Addison on stage after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings twenty third overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings got themselves into a wide receiver battle when they opted to draft Jordan Addison in the first round this spring. He and veteran K.J. Osborn will be battling it out for the WR2 spot next to Justin Jefferson.

However, that is not the only spot in the WR room that could be up for grabs. The loser of the battle between Addison and Osborn will likely be WR3 this year, but WR4 may be a fight as well. Jalen Nailor has shown positive signs with limited chances, and considering Jalen Reagor didn’t necessarily thrive as a receiver or punt returner, perhaps the second-year player can overtake Reagor on the depth chart this year.

LB2

PFF Tabs Young Vikings Linebacker as a Breakout Candidate in 2023
Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II (33) in action against the Detroit Lions during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings released Eric Kendricks this spring, thus opening a spot up in their starting lineup at the linebacker position. Jordan Hicks stuck around on a restructured contract, so he will likely retain one of those spots. However, the battle is on between Brian Asamoah, Troy Reeder, and potentially even Ivan Pace or William Kwenkeu for that starting spot next to Hicks.

Brian Flores loves to utilize his linebackers in blitzing roles, and everyone in the current room could thrive in such a role. This should be a fun battle to watch.

CB2 and Beyond

Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Outside of Byron Murphy at CB1, there is really no clear-cut favorite in the cornerback room right now for the Vikings. The group is extremely young heading into training camp, with only Akayleb Evans getting multiple starts over his NFL career among the candidates for CB2 and beyond.

Minnesota is obviously hoping that their recent draft selections (Mekhi Blackmon, Evans, Andrew Booth) are capable of holding things down in the secondary this year, but this could be an area where more veteran talent is brought into the fold.

Safety

Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Lewis Cine is going to have about as many eyes on him as anyone when camp officially gets going. The 2022 first-round pick had a disappointing rookie season, having the campaign derailed by a season-ending leg fracture.

Now, heading into 2023, there has been many positives statements from Vikings coaches and players about the safety. However, considering Cam Bynum played every snap for the defense last year, and Josh Metellus won’t be a pushover either, Cine is going to have to earn a spot in the starting lineup this year.

Honorable Mention: Kicker

The Kicking Battle Appears to Be On in Minnesota
Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) celebrates the win after the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

This battle becomes a nothingburger if/when the Vikings decide to release rookie kicker Jack Podlesny. However, he remains on the roster, and after Greg Joseph’s struggles on extra points and beyond 50 yards last season, we at least have to pay attention to this battle for awhile.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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