With OTAs and minicamp done, there were a bunch of players who stepped up their performance. In the WR room they have the first three spots already worked out, but there's the WR 4 spot, and they have several who are contending for that spot. The three who stand out to me are Myles Price, Tai Felton and undrafted free agent Dillon Bell, with Bell standing out in both OTAs and minicamp. Felton was used as a gunner on special teams and a tiny bit at the end of the season last year, and Price was the punt and kick returner. Are they going to be back at the same spots as last year, or will one of them get the WR 4 spot?
Another position is at RB. They already have Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason locked in for 1 and 2, but who will have the third spot? They have Zavier Scott from last year that was a WR before changing to RB, then there's Demond Claiborne, whom they drafted. Claiborne brings speed to the room. Max Bredeson was drafted for the FB position to replace retired C.J. Ham, and he looked impressive.
With minicamp being over with, both Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are still going to be working out away from the Vikings facility with Justin Jefferson. Which QB will have the upper hand entering training camp? Both have made mistakes, but they also have made some impressive throws.
I can't wait to see who gets the spots for QB1, RB3 and WR4.
SKOL VIKINGS,
— Matt from Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Quite a few items to get us started.
Beginning with receiver, we have seen Price and Felton participate in an expanded role that included some work with the first-team offense, making connections with McCarthy and Murray (QBs listed alphabetically). Despite only being a rookie, Bell also worked with that group, as well, and looked quite comfortable, despite limited time in the system.
It's worth noting there were a few more reps available during the offseason program than will likely be planned during the regular season because Minnesota didn't want to overuse established players Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Jauan Jennings did some really great things with his reps, previewing a readiness to immediately contribute during his first season in Minnesota.
Price's debut season showcased his ability as a kickoff and punt returner, and Felton grew into the gunner role on special teams. That third phase is so critical to determining the game-day roster, which gets reduced from 53 players.
Price (5-foot-9 and 183 pounds), Felton (6-1 and 186) and Bell (6-0 and 209) offer different flavors of football and could carve out specific roles within certain offensive packages. This position group is always one of the most fun for people to watch when they come to training camp and during the preseason games, and I expect nothing less than that this year.
Was glad Matt brought up the running back position. VEN's Rob Kleifield featured Claiborne last week. Among diving into the rookie’s background, it also covered how beneficial it has been for Jones to take the young man under his wings. Claiborne's speed is something that the Vikings are interested in capitalizing on this season and beyond. We also had a Lunchbreak post last week that noted Mason's potential impact in fantasy (and real) football. Scott's can-do attitude and spirit are infectious, and he showed his receiving background multiple times. Bredeson has appeared ready to receive the baton from Ham based on practices and what teammates and coaches have said.
The QB competition is heading toward training camp. Murray is growing in the system, and McCarthy showed multiple signs of progress. Facing the Vikings defense will be challenging, and the goal for Head Coach Kevin O'Connell is to boost the entire QBs room, which he envisions positively affecting the rest of the offense.