4 Predictions for Vikings Training Camp
Training camp officially gets underway for the Vikings on Sunday as rookies are set to report, and then veterans will follow on Tuesday.
It’s another milestone in the offseason towards beginning a much-anticipated season for the Vikings. New starting QB J.J. McCarthy takes the helm, a massive cornerback battle is about to get underway, and stars like Justin Jefferson will be back on the field.
With the excitement kicking off this week, here are four predictions for what will happen by the time Vikings training camp wraps up.
The Vikings Acquire Another Defensive Back
Cornerback is going to be the most scrutinized position on the Vikings roster throughout training camp for the next month-plus. Simply put, the Vikings have too many projects in their secondary right now for one of them not to go wrong.
Byron Murphy is the clear CB1 right now, but who will emerge behind him? Isaiah Rodgers has shown promise in his career but has never been a consistent starter. Jeff Okudah was a third overall pick in 2021, but he has never lived up to that hype. Mekhi Blackmon is coming off a torn ACL that ended his 2024 season before it really even began. Then there’s a whole bunch of UDFAs looking to make a name for themselves.
Secondarily, Minnesota could have a few questions at the safety position. Harrison Smith is 36 years old, so how much gas is left in the tank that seemingly has been endless throughout his career? Theo Jackson is the assumed replacement for Camryn Bynum, but will he be able to live up to that billing?
Overall, the Vikings have always seemed to make at least one move during training camp to bring in an additional body or two for position battles. A defensive back seems like the most likely option if Minnesota were to continue that trend in 2025.
Tai Felton Emerges as WR3
One of the biggest surprises of the offseason for the Vikings came when they selected WR Tai Felton out of Maryland in the third round of the draft. It seemed like Minnesota had a pretty solid trio in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor, but who knows if Minnesota will be able to pay either of the final two. Nailor’s contract expires after this season, and Addison’s fifth-year option will be in 2027.
The selection of Felton provides long-term security at the position, but let’s not think that he is unable to contribute immediately for this Vikings team. Felton was one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the Big Ten during 2024 due to his combination of speed and savvy route running skills.
There is a very good chance Felton secures the WR3 role, especially with Addison likely facing a suspension to start the year.
Silas Bolden Makes the 53-Man Roster
After Brandon Powell’s departure, the Vikings’ punt returner job is wide open. That is at least partly why the Vikings brought in Silas Bolden, who was one of the best punt returners in college football last season.
While he is only 5’8″ and about 160 pounds, Bolden’s speed is electrifying. The receiver ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day.
In 2024, the Vikings ranked 32nd out of 32 NFL teams in yards per punt return (6.8), and they were 31st in yards per kick return (24.4). There were a couple years where Kene Nwangwu held down the kick return duties well, but punt returning has continuously seen the Vikings rank among the bottom-10 in the league. As a result, Bolden very well could be kept around.
Jordan Mason Becomes RB1
It may not reflect it on the depth chart, but Jordan Mason seems likely to be the RB1 for the Vikings this upcoming season, at least for the first few months.
While Aaron Jones played all 17 games last year and recorded career-highs in carries and rushing yards, it came at the most inefficient yards per carry rate of his career. For much of the season, it seemed like he was playing through one nagging injury or another.
That’s why the Vikings brought in Mason from San Francisco this offseason: to take some of the load off of Jones. Mason is a downhill runner who totaled 789 yards at 5.2 yards per carry for the 49ers last season. Jones may go back to the front of the RB room when the playoffs and crunch time arrive, but Mason’s arrival will ensure Jones can keep some tread on his tires heading into December and January.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference and Pro Football Focus.
You must be logged in to post a comment.