Vikings Training Camp Live 2016: Day 7 Walk-Thru
Hello again live-blogging community! I’m jumping back into the mix or the first time since free agency, and I’m looking forward to another exciting day of Minnesota Vikings football.
Adam Patrick’s been rocking these posts for the past week, but he’s getting much-deserved rest today. Follow along as we bring you all of the latest updates from Mankato, including reports from our very own Brent LaBathe and Andy Carlson.
10:30 am: It’s a beautiful day in Mankato this morning, with partly sunny skies and a cool breeze blowing through the stadium. Quite the change from yesterday’s thunder and lighting.
View for walkthroughs pic.twitter.com/NUsDO94JW1
— The Purple Report (@Purple_ReportJM) August 5, 2016
10:32 am: T.J. Clemmings and Andre Smith continue to flip-flop at right tackle. The team hasn’t determined a starter, hence the back-and-forth competition at the start of each practice. Brian Murphy called it a knife-fight yesterday.
T.J. Clemmings back with the first team after Andre Smith took those snaps the past two practices. #Vikings
— Eric Oslund (@EDOslund) August 5, 2016
10:34 am: No changes to the first-team defense, but Trae Waynes enjoyed a strong practice yesterday and could ascend into a starting spot soon.
https://twitter.com/AndyCarlsonShow/status/761586047486525440
10:36 am: Laquon Treadwell continues to see work in the red zone. He’s a big-bodied receiver and fits the mold of “red zone target.” Charles Johnson is currently leading the battle to start, meaning Treadwell could start his career as a specialist.
10:39 am: We saw this at times in 2015 — most notably against the Oakland Raiders — a nickel defensive line with Brian Robison and Tom Johnson on the inside. While this doesn’t appear to be a full-time personnel grouping, I can see it being used in third down and passing situations. All four players specialize as pass rushers, and it seems Danielle Hunter is going to garner more snaps this season.
https://twitter.com/AndyCarlsonShow/status/761586827035709440
10:43 am: Joining Clemmings on the first-team line is John Sullivan, who continues to flip-flop with Joe Berger inside.
TJ Clemmings is back with the first team today. 75-76-65-63-68.
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) August 5, 2016
10:44 am: Speaking of centers, Sam Neumann wants to know who the Vikings should start in the middle of the offensive line. Read his latest post HERE.
10:46 am: McKinnon and Patterson didn’t practice yesterday, but are participating in walkthroughs this morning.
10:47 am: Give Andy Benoit a follow on Twitter if you aren’t already. He’s sharing his Vikings film notes this morning and had some interesting thoughts on McKinnon.
https://twitter.com/Andy_Benoit/status/761580029583069184
10:49 am: Look, it’s our very own Brent, reporting live from Mankato! Follow him on Twitter for more updates.
Live from Mankato….walk-thru is underway. Tons of fans here today on a gorgeous day.
— brent (@vsky85) August 5, 2016
10:52 am: Stefon Diggs is seeing more and more time in the slot. It seems like a natural fit for the sudden, explosive receiver. If Johnson and Treadwell continue to improve, he could see exceptional production inside.
Feel like a broken record saying this but Diggs in the slot is going to be lethal
— The Purple Report (@Purple_ReportJM) August 5, 2016
10:58 am: Zimmer is emphasizing Nickel defense this morning. The Vikings ran such personnel ~60 percent of the time last season and look to continue the trend, especially with the development of young players like Hunter, Kendricks, and Barr.
11:01 am: Another name to watch on offense is MyCole Pruitt. The second-year tight end is seeing increased snaps this training camp. He’d be a nice complement to Kyle Rudolph in the passing game.
Team portion of practice. Diggs and CJ together right away. #FreePruitt movement underway
— The Purple Report (@Purple_ReportJM) August 5, 2016
11:03 am: Half-jokingly, I ask that the Teddy Bridgewater Fan Club Unite in support of No. 5. Check out Benoit’s latest tweet:
https://twitter.com/Andy_Benoit/status/761593010211610625
11:05 am: Before the draft, analysts praised Treadwell’s run-blocking ability. The Vikings seem to agree, as they’ve made him a focal point of the running attack. Joining Treadwell is David Morgan, another rookie with a knack for blocking in the trenches.
https://twitter.com/Luke_Spinman/status/761593815429898241
11:07 am: Okay, TBFC, we can relax. Benoit is finally heaping some praise on Bridgewater.
11:11 am: It’s a slow, slow day in Mankato…
https://twitter.com/AndyCarlsonShow/status/761595380219772928
11:15 am: Special teams updates, with a thinning group of players back to return punts.
Stoudemire and Sherels returning, Rhodes/Exum and Waynes/Sendejo the pairings on the outside
— The Purple Report (@Purple_ReportJM) August 5, 2016
11:17 am: A common theme this offseason is mentorship; veterans continue to guide and teach the younger players.
Brian Robison sharing tricks of the trade with Sharrif Floyd after walk-thru #Skol all the time pic.twitter.com/EwzwxJYnfL
— Craig Peters (@pcraigers) August 5, 2016
11:18 am: Michael Griffin, who has a chance to start opposite Harrison Smith, is live on KFAN this morning.
11:20 am: But if you’d rather listen to the ‘Hitman,’ he’s at the podium as we speak.
LIVE on #Periscope: Harrison Smith is at the podium at #VikingsCamp. https://t.co/tZJXwZNwNp
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 5, 2016
11:22 am: Where can I get this shirt?!
Harrison Smith taking the podium in a Captain Munnerlyn "In Captain We Trust" t-shirt. ? pic.twitter.com/814Cf7VZxI
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) August 5, 2016
11:24 am: Walkthroughs are over, but we’ll chat soon! Come back at 2:45 for even more training camp coverage!