The State of Vikings Training Camp

Training camps give NFL teams the opportunity to assess preparation, evaluate execution, and analyze skillsets as they gear up for a grueling season that will start for the Vikings on primetime when they face the Bears in Chicago on Monday Night Football on September 8^th.

As the Vikings approach a month into training camp, the dust is starting to settle about the outlook of the team to measure confidence levels with certain players and positional groups. The microscope on J.J. McCarthy is the headliner but there are several other themes of interest that will impact the trajectory of the team this season.

There is a lot to decipher and encapsulate. Here is the Vikings training camp breakdown to date:

• J.J. McCarthy has shown natural growing pains but overall has had a positive, progressive camp and had his best performance in the second of two join practices against the New England Patriots last Thursday. It was reported that he had 13 consecutive completions at one point including a 57-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Jones.

The temperature in the room about his play has been filled with confidence and command of the offense. The leadership traits have been impressive for a 22-year-old in his journey as a starting quarterback who has yet to throw an official NFL pass.

O’Connell touched on McCarthy’s command after Thursday’ joint practice. "It felt decisive," said head coach Kevin O'Connell. "An incredible amount of conviction to some of the throws that he made. Location of the football."

There have been overthrows but he is showing progression with layered throws. Competing against Brian Flores and the Vikings stout defense - who have not held back in regular practice - is only going to make him better and fans will be pleased with his ability to run, which is an underrated facet to his game.

It has not been flawless, but he is right where he needs to be at this juncture of training camp and is trending in a proficient direction as his confidence advances.

• The backup QB role is a concern. Sam Howell played well in the first preseason game against the Houston Texans, but his play throughout camp has been mostly underwhelming and thew an egregious interception in the Patriots game. Max Brosmer has looked good for an undrafted free agent (UDFA) but is mostly viewed as a developmental project that profiles more as a third string quarterback or practice squad in his rookie year. Brett Rypien would be an uninspiring option at backup so the Vikings will most likely need to look externally at some point.

• Justin Jefferson returned Monday despite missing most of camp - a cautious approach to a lingering hamstring issue as he missed 25 days. His lack of reps so far should not be a concern, and O’Connell stressed as much in his press conference yesterday.

• It is unfortunate that Jordan Addison is suspended the first three games of the season. McCarthy and Addison have connected on several big plays and are developing visible chemistry, which included Addison catching six passes for two touchdowns in last Thursday’s joint practice. Addison’s route running to gain separation has been elite and he is playing at a different gear this camp. He is priming for a big season after his suspension.  

• With Addison’s suspension, the wide receiver room is getting thin with Rondale Moore injuring his knee that ended his season and Jalen Nailor’s recent injury to his left hand. Lucky Jackson has been solid but has never played an NFL snap and lately has struggled with drops. The Vikings should strongly consider bringing in help (i.e., Amari Cooper or trading for Adam Thielen).

• The offensive line as a starting collective unit is still somewhat of an unknown with Christian Darrisaw, Ryan Kelly, and Will Fries missing portions of practice at times due to injury recovery. When fully healthy, the offensive line should be vastly improved with the interior additions of Donovan Jackson, Kelly, and Fries and reports are the line has played much better as of late. There is good depth to this unit relative to years’ past in case of injuries.

• The platoon of Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are going to be sizable factors to an improved running game. Zavier Scott has played well as RB3 meaning that Ty Chandler’s days in a Vikings uniform are most likely numbered. Chandler’s lack of agility and pass protection makes him expendable and would potentially be another casualty from the disastrous 2022 draft class.

• Besides for Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson would challenge as having the best camp as an offensive weapon. The chemistry being developed between him and McCarthy is encouraging, and it is reported with him having several tough catches in traffic as a red zone threat. It appears he has regained his form after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee on Christmas Eve in 2023 and finally looks fully healthy.

• Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is on a mission and has been outright unblockable at times. He is trending to be even better than his Pro Bowl season last year for a defense that is one of the league’s best. Dallas Turner is playing with more of a chip also and is primed to make a significant step in his second season. UDFAs Gabriel Murphy and Bo Richter should factor as depth with some rotation reps.

• The defensive line may have some tough decisions to make as there is a lot of talent if they elect to keep six. Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen have been disruptive but there is also Harrison Phillips and good depth with Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Taki Taimani. Elijah Williams has looked good during practice and preseason games.

• Cornerback Byron Murphy, Jr. has been as advertised and new addition, Isaiah Rodgers, stands out with his play. Former third overall pick, Jeff Okudah, has held the third cornerback role and UDFAs Zemaiah Vaughn and Dwight McGlothern have had their moments. Mekhi Blackmon has not progressed much for being a former third round pick but is adjusting to coming back from injury. He is playing between second and third string reps but has been good enough and should make the roster.

• Safety Theo Jackson has been notably good as he enters into a starter’s role and featured some of his play here.

• Kicker Will Reichard had a shaky start to camp but has been spot on lately to regain some of his 2024 form before his injury last season. UDFA and international punter, Oscar Chapman, is challenging Ryan Wright and showed he can be a place holder for Reichard in the last preseason game. Chapman has demonstrated a stronger leg with better net yards than Wright.

• With the Rondale Moore injury, the return game has been a complete mystery. Myles Price played well in that role in the preseason game against the Patriots but is unproven. Silas Bolden has gotten reps also but is undersized at 5-foot-8, 160 pounds. The answer may not be on the roster, and the Vikings may be active after initial cuts are made around the league to fill this role with a proven veteran.

• As I featured here, the Vikings continue to find players who are fighting for roster spots from the UDFA market. The five primary players I noted are trending to make the roster as depth options and other names that have a chance are punter Oscar Chapman, guard Joe Huber, tight end Ben Yurosek, and defensive lineman Elijah Williams. Jalen Redmond should carve out a core role in the defensive lineman rotation.

To summarize the state of Vikings training camp:

• J.J. McCarthy is progressing, has command of the huddle, and is making plays with his arm and legs. His leadership qualities stand out and has developed consistent chemistry with Addison and Hockenson throughout camp.
• The running game should be more involved in the game plan this season with Jones Sr. and Mason, and to take some pressure off McCarthy. The screen game should be more of a factor also.
• The offensive line should be much improved but haven’t had a ton of reps as a complete starting unit due to injury recoveries. First round pick, Donovan Jackson, has had ups-and-downs but the athleticism, especially out in space, is evident.
• The defense has been dominate at times, especially early in camp. Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner are primed to take their game to another level. The interior has generated more of a pass rush and been disruptive with a lot of depth. Theo Jackson continues to ball-hawk in the secondary. The defense will challenge to be the league’s best this season.
• Concerns at backup quarterback, wide receiver depth, the punt returner role, and some uncertainty in the secondary are all looming questions.

It’s going to be an exciting season to see how McCarthy does, to witness the level of talent on this roster, and to spectate what O’Connell and Flores can do with their respective units this year.

Buckle up!