Vikings Minicamp Observations: Jauan Jennings a “Dirtbag,” DL Details, and 8 More Quick Notes
Vikings minicamp has begun.
Across the three days of minicamp, Vikings Territory has access, allowing for some first-hand insight to offer our readers. So, sit back, relax, and consider a broad smattering of ideas, insights, and observations based on the on-field work today. Will be offering plenty more in the coming days, so follow along (social media, too).
Vikings Minicamp Observations: 10 Quick Notes
1) Jauan Jennings is going to be a problem. He’s listed at 6’3″ and 215 pounds; Jennings looks large out there. After practice, Kyler Murray referred to Jennings as a “dirtbag,” a compliment for his on-field snarl. Think of him as being akin to a top-six winger in hockey who loves to drive the net (Brendan Shanahan comes to mind, but that’s from a Red Wings perspective; who fits for the Wild right now?). He’s made several catches today.
2) Jake Golday didn’t lack for work. The 2nd-Round linebacker has to learn a lot quickly, but he appears to be doing well. At minimum, Mr. Golday is going to earn snaps. Will he earn starts? Safe to say the coaches are enthusiastic about where his game is going.
3) New coach Ryan Nielsen is a teacher. He appears to be very specific in what he’s asking the defensive linemen to do. Won’t be at all surprising if he helps push a young lad (or two) higher in his game. Great energy.
4) On that point, I had the chance to ask Brian Flores about the growth from Jalen Redmond since the DT1 has been in town for two years, being added in the summer of 2024. Check out the DC’s response:
5) Hard to read too much into 7-on-7 and/or 11-on-11 drills, but J.J. McCarthy did toss a nice rainbow pass to Justin Jefferson deep down the sideline. When chatting with the media after practice, McCarthy described how much more comfortable he is in the offense, using the word “instinctual” when hearing the play now. Remember: thinking is the antithesis to fast football; the more a brain is working, the slower a player is playing. Football is a fast, explosive sport, so spending time decoding things on the fly is often the kiss of death.
6) Excellent to see Christian Darrisaw taking on a hearty workload. Again, not the normal strain of trenches physicality, but he appears to be in a good spot. Minnesota matches up way better when the fantastic LT1 is out there.
7) Max Bredeson is a sneaky player to monitor going into the 2026 season. He may have a large impact on the season without touching the ball much, if at all. Seeing him run in front of Jordan Mason as Josh Oliver and Jauan Jennings block is going to be a sight to see.
8) Tai Felton is a very fast person. He did, however, drop a pass that he should have secured at one point. Catching the ball with arms extended in the middle of the gridiron isn’t for the faint of heart, but a sophomore WR4 can’t afford too many mistakes. On a more positive note, he did make some plays out there. His speed should scare the deep defender(s).
9) Will Reichard still looks like an assassin.
10) Chuck Demmings had some nice moments. In all likelihood, he’s not going to overcome James Pierre in 2026. But, to be sure, that was never the point with the pick; a team who needs a small-school, 5th-Round corner to start immediately has roster issues. Still, there’s upside here. He looks long and scrappy.
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