The Vikings checked in at the team facility on July 25, with the official start of training camp coming on July 29. 

After a full week of practices, we've seen some impressing performances on both sides of the ball so far. The Vikings placed emphasis on getting younger, and that's exactly what the team has done. 

Fortunately, some of the young players have seen their stocks rise the most.

Khyiris Tonga, NT

Tonga has looked fantastic so far in camp. The massive lineman has no problem getting into the backfield and being a force at the line of scrimmage. 

Tonga displayed some pass-rush ability in 2022, getting 0.5 sacks and two tackles for loss in just two starts. It appears that Tonga's pass-rushing was not a fluke, as the former BYU Cougar has dominated the Viking offensive line this summer. 

Tonga was a seventh-round pick of the Bears in 2021 and was cut after one season. Tonga went from a practice squad player to a potential breakout candidate in just one season. I think it's safe to say that Tonga is in a position to secure the starting NT job and will see a ton of action in 2023. 

Brandon Powell, WR

Powell never showed much ability as a receiver, even in college at Florida. However, Powell has stuck around the league since 2018 thanks to his outstanding special teams’ play. 

Powell had a 61-yard punt return TD as a Los Angeles Ram in 2021. Powell ran back 24 punts for 177 yards and took 30 kicks for 605 yards in 2022. By all accounts, Powell has impressed both as a returner and receiver in camp with Minnesota. 

If Powell can continue to impress as a receiver, he could easily get the nod over Jalen Reagor. Powell went from a camp body to a potential weapon. 

Ivan Pace Jr., LB

There is perhaps no 2023 UDFA that has outperformed Pace this summer. Not only could Pace make the team, but he could challenge for many reps as a rookie. 

Pace has taken snaps with the first-team defense ahead of veterans Troy Dye and Troy Reeder. The former Cincinnati LB has looked explosive and dynamic in the Brian Flores defensive scheme. 

Pace went from being an undrafted player to being a potential key piece of the Viking defense in 2023. It's hard to have your stock rise any higher or faster than Pace this summer. 

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Featured image via © Brad Rempel | 2023 Aug 3