Image courtesy of Chris Price
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.
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.
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.
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.
10:43 am: Joining Clemmings on the first-team line is John Sullivan, who continues to flip-flop with Joe Berger inside.
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.
10:49 am: Look, it’s our very own Brent, reporting live from Mankato! Follow him on Twitter for more updates.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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…
11:15 am: Special teams updates, with a thinning group of players back to return punts.
11:17 am: A common theme this offseason is mentorship; veterans continue to guide and teach the younger players.
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.
11:22 am: Where can I get this shirt?!
11:24 am: Walkthroughs are over, but we’ll chat soon! Come back at 2:45 for even more training camp coverage!
View Comments
Thanks Austin. I am really enjoying reading these day by day training camp pieces. Good to hear that they are experimenting with Diggs in the slot. I had posted this as a what if scenario back in April after they had drafted Treadwell. I was thinking that this would be a good only IF Charles would return to form, and all reports indicate he has, and then some. Why rotate your 3 best when you can have them all on the field at the same time?! Also worried about what this might result in regarding Thielen and/or Jarius, always liked them both and the addition of either would be a very dangerous four receiver set. I am sensing an odd man out situation brewing at WR. There will likely be 7 that they would like to keep, if MoBo keeps improving they are going to have a very difficult decision to make... How long has it been since the Vikes have had that "problem"? SKOL!!!