The Top 4 Unanswered Questions for Vikings Entering Training Camp
Minnesota Vikings training camp kicks off today, as rookies report to Eagan. Fans can join the fun next Saturday, July 27th.
The Top 4 Unanswered Questions for Vikings Entering Training Camp
And while most fans are excited about the team’s trajectory in 2024 and beyond, the club still has some unanswered questions with the regular season seven weeks away.
These are the unanswered questions, ranked in ascending order of importance (No. 1 = most important).
4. Who Starts at DT Next to Harrison Phillips?
Why It Matters?
Minnesota hasn’t had a stud defensive tackle at this spot since Kevin Williams left — 11 years ago.
Next to Phillips, one of these men will receive the bulk of defensive snaps:
- Jerry Tillery
- Jonathan Bullard
- Jonah Williams
- James Lynch
- Jaquelin Roy
- Jalen Redmond
- Levi Drake Rodriguez
- Tyler Manoa
- Taki Taimani
Tillery is probably the frontrunner, but he’s also not a perennial Pro Bowler with a stranglehold on the job. This position is wide open for one of 8-9 men to seize the day. If it’s not Tillery, then a total mystery is afoot.
3. Jordan Addison’s Comeuppance
Why It Matters?
If Jordan Addison is suspended for his California arrest last week, Minnesota’s offensive weapon stable to start the season will have changed from Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson — to Justin Jefferson, Brandon Powell, and Robert Tonyan. Woof.
Addison might skate a suspension altogether, but just days before the start of training camp, his antics are a storyline, and his 2024 status, at least to start the season, is up in the air.
2. Who Is the WR3?
Why It Matters?
T.J. Hockenson likely won’t play at the start of the season, so the WR3 will have enhanced importance. More targets.
Unless an undrafted commodity like Malik Knowles, Thayer Thomas, Jeshaun Jones, or Trishton Jackson, for example, have a heatseeking plan to win the third wide receiver spot, this battle is between Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor, and Trent Sherfield.
Someone has to be ready at WR3 for a larger-than-usual workload, especially if Jordan Addison is suspended. Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy will need all the help they can get.
1. J.J. McCarthy’s Spot on the Depth Chart
Why It Matters?
Fans, put bluntly, want to know how the fancy quarterback looks during his first summer.
Some believe Sam Darnold will for sure win the QB1 assignment. Some believe McCarthy maintains a puncher’s chance to take Darnold down. Some believe McCarthy will be the QB3 in 2024 behind Nick Mullens.
It’s all over the place.
Training camp will be the first forum to determine where McCarthy lands on the 2024 depth chart.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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