**NFL.com previews Vikings training camp**
Around this time next week, Minnesota will be prepping to hit the grass for its second practice.
Frankly, we're not sure if the offseason dragged or flew by. Either way, we're glad it's about over!
On Thursday, NFL Media's Kevin Patra provided the lowdown on Vikings training camp, assessing key position battles, important players and subplots for Minnesota and the other NFC North organizations.
In a nutshell, Patra laid out three things to know: 1) McCarthy will be under the figurative microscope as he takes over an offense that experienced exceptional highs a year ago; 2) The secondary may be home to the club's most competitive camp battles. Beyond Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy, Jr., likely future Hall of Fame safety Harrison Smith and chesspiece Joshua Metellus, there's a mix of arrivals (Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah) and returners (Mekhi Blackmon, Theo Jackson) wanting to establish themselves; and 3) Offseason moves, hopefully, will plug leaky spots along the offensive line. Former Indianapolis teammates Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, and 2025 first-rounder Donovan Jackson, are _huge_ additions.
Patra laid out report dates for players, roster changes and schedule notes, including the exciting fact the Vikings will be the first team in NFL annals to play in multiple international countries in the same season.
Check out Patra's article to get up to speed quickly before camp starts [here](https://www.nfl.com/news/minnesota-vikings-training-camp-2025-preview-key-dates-notable-additions-biggest-storylines).