This is the first edition of the weekly recap of all things Minnesota Vikings training camp. We will discuss the comings and goings, the highlights and lowlights, and everything in between. We’ll examine position battles, players on the roster bubble, and what the team might do to improve its fortunes.
The Total Apex staff will also be around to capture any new signings and significant cuts. We’ll cover the results of the three exhibition games and the team’s state after those contests. Hopefully, we can also share a bit of humor coming from camp to lighten the conversation.
The Vikings Have Issues at Cornerback
The Vikings and their fans had concerns about the cornerback position heading into training camp. With very little veteran leadership and some young pros who still have a lot to prove, the cornerback position was always going to be scrutinized very closely by all interested parties.
The situation then became disastrous. It started with the tragic death of rookie Khyree Jackson earlier this month. Jackson was thought to have great talent and potential and was expected to play significant minutes in his first year.
Next, second-year man Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL on the first day of camp. This injury will force him to miss the remainder of the season. And just last week, newly acquired veteran Shaq Griffin was sidelined with a hamstring injury. What else could go wrong?
Help is on the Way
And how have the Vikings responded to these challenges? First, they signed veteran defensive back Bobby McCain, who played with the New York Giants last season. While this is not a major signing, McCain has experience at safety, outside corner, and the slot corner positions. He played under defensive coordinator Brian Flores when both were with the Miami Dolphins. This move allows them to move second year veteran Jay Ward from safety to cornerback while McCain concentrates on his safety duties.
The team continued to bolster the position today by acquiring ex-Bronco cornerback Fabian Moreau through free agency. The eight-year veteran started 11 games last season with Denver and is familiar with Flores’ defensive formations. There will undoubtedly be additional changes to this position group as we get closer to the start of the regular season.
Heated Battle at Wide Receiver Three Position
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The competition for playing time opposite Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at the receiver position was always going to be one of the most closely watched stories coming out of the Vikings’ camp. Off-injured third-year veteran Jalen Nailor had a nice first week of camp. He had a leaping touchdown grab during Saturday’s practice, and the Vikings hope he has a healthy season so that he becomes a reliable third option for quarterback Sam Darnold.
But don’t count out former Los Angeles Ram Brandon Powell for the role. Head coach Kevin O’Connell loves Powell’s versatility and is familiar with his work when they both were employed by the Rams. Besides Powell’s value as a receiver, he is also the Vikings’ punt return specialist.
Other Camp News
There is still a buzz about left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s new four-year $113 million contract extension that he signed with the team last week. In addition to continuing his outstanding play on the Vikings’ offensive line, Darrisaw has also expressed his desire to take a greater leadership role with the team.
And in a move that surprised no one, the team cut free agent kicker John Parker Romo effectively handing place-kicking duties to sixth-round pick Will Reichard out of Alabama.
See everyone next week. Skol Vikings!
