Vikings Training Camp Diary: July 29

Drew Mahowald |

Jul 29, 2018

image courtesy of Vikings.com

Welcome to the Vikings Training Camp Diary! Here, you’ll find a list most important bits of news and key takeaways from the day’s practice.

Undrafted rookie cornerback Holton Hill has gained plenty of attention through the first couple days of training camp. The former Texas Longhorn recorded a couple of flashy pass breakups on Sunday, including a perfectly timed leap to deflect a pass deep down the middle intended for Brandon Zylstra. Stefon Diggs didn’t hesitate to praise Hill when speaking with the media after practice. “As a cornerback you can see that he has confidence. I love him because I like what he brings to the table. [He has] body control. And he’s not a small guy. He can run. He’s a special talent and you can see flashes of it.” Of course, Diggs finished by saying he’ll keep “barbecuing” Hill when they match up in camp.
Offensive tackle Aviante Collins and linebacker Devante Downs got into a skirmish that escalated a little more than a normal kerfuffle that can be attributed to high intensity. Collins was seen throwing multiple punches toward Downs and was temporarily removed from practice.
As players rushed to break up the skirmish, David Morgan ran over to and grabbed Danielle Hunter while yelling, “I got 99!” You love to see that kind of confidence.
Marcus Sherels’s roster spot has been questioned by many once again this summer for what seems like the 27th consecutive year. Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer did note that while Sherels is the primary punt return man to begin camp, first-round rookie Mike Hughes is the favorite to earn the kick return job. Sherels strengthed his case for a roster spot when he jumped in front of a slant pattern and picked off a Kyle Sloter pass during 11-on-11 drills.
Rashod Hill had to walk off the field for a second straight day due to what appeared to be some sort of an illness. Second-round rookie Brian O’Neill stepped in and gained those first-team reps.
If I didn’t know better, there’s no way I would be able to tell Dalvin Cook tore his ACL 10 months ago. He looks exactly like he did prior to his injury. He’s quick, fluid and fast.
Linval Joseph spent nearly 20 minutes before the start of practice doing some 1-on-1 coaching with Jaleel Johnson. They appeared to be working on technique and shedding blocks. Joseph also looked like the player you created on Madden NFL 2007 that wore every accessory option possible.

Linval Joseph has been coaching up Jaleel Johnson for about 10 minutes now before practice.

Side note: Linval looks like the Madden player you created as a kid when you put every accessory on. pic.twitter.com/9yizMHmlkW

— Drew Mahowald (@DrewMahowald) July 29, 2018

Anthony Barr spent a lot of time rotating in with the defensive line group, whether it be in 11-on-11 or in positional drills. It suggests the coaching staff has thought extensively about letting him rush the passer from a three-point stance this season.
Diggs looks like a superstar. He opened the Rhodes with a crisp double move that created roughly four yards of separation deep downfield. Unfortunately, Kirk Cousins overthrew him.
That throw was pretty much the only throw Cousins missed. He’s been money so far.
Mike Zimmer spent a lot of time watching offensive line drills closely early on in practice. Unsurprisingly, the unit appears to be a place of emphasis for Zimmer.
The TCO Facilities in Eagan are incredible. They really are perfect for hosting training camp and, while Mankato will always be missed for nostalgic reasons, it’s impossible to blame the Vikings for making the move to Eagan.