Vikings Training Camp Preview: Multiple players can make a huge impression with pads coming on
After the four-day acclimation period, the Minnesota Vikings are finally putting the pads on for Monday’s practice.
The 2026 Minnesota Vikings are now fully entrenched in training camp and the quarterback competition is in full swing.
J.J. McCarthy had a couple of solid days to start camp, but things took a major turn on Saturday afternoon when Kyler Murray outshone him with ease. He put together one of the better quarterback practices you’ll ever see. It set the tone for the rest of the competition.
Where things get interesting for the Vikings starts on Monday, as they will come out in full pads for the first time. With practice now taking another step forward, the Vikings will start to see what’s going on with their team as a whole. Here’s what I will be watching now that the pads are coming on.
Kyler Murray using his legs
Murray right now has the lead in the quarterback competition. Over the first four days, I would consider Murray having taken a slightly bigger lead than he was thought to have going into the competition. Having such a great day in shells was huge for him, because Murray hasn’t had to unleash what makes him special: his legs.
With pads coming on, pressure is going to spike, and how he uses his legs could be a major determining factor in Murray winning the job. Other than experience, it’s the number one thing that separates him from McCarthy, and putting it on full display would be massive for his chances.
Rookies in the trenches
The Vikings drafted three players in the trenches in the top 97, four of them if you include linebacker Jake Golday. We’ve seen some flashes from the Vikings’ draft class, but the pads is where we really see them shine.
All eyes will be on first-round pick Caleb Banks, who the Vikings are easing into camp after healing from a broken foot. At 6-6 and 327 pounds, Banks is a different kind of defensive end. His explosiveness could be a huge difference maker.
The other major element of intrigue is Golday. He was lined up on the edge for the Vikings on Saturday, but was it to be a traditional edge rusher, or do the things that Eric Wilson did last year? Being versatile was a huge aspect of his game at Cincinnati, and a big reason why the Vikings took him.
Cornerback depth will be tested
Through four practices, James Pierre and Isaiah Rodgers have both missed time already. That prompted the Vikings to sign Jarod Washington to the 90-man roster. That will help them get through training camp practices.
Where things get interesting is with the depth cornerbacks against the elite Vikings wide receiver corps. Charles Demmings, a fifth-round pick this past April, got two plays with the first-team in 7-on-7 and held up well against Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson. Is that a flash in the pan or a trend beginning to develop? That answer will come with time.
Wide receiver depth is fascinating
Yes, the Vikings have Jefferson, Addison, and Jauan Jennings, but wide receivers 4-8 have a lot of potential.
- Tai Felton
- Myles Price
- Jeshaun Jones
- Dillon Bell
- Dontae Fleming
There isn’t a lot of separation between these players from my perspective, and that will create some really interesting battles. It’s a very similar group to past years, when the Vikings had the likes of Trishton Jackson, Lucky Jackson, and Thayer Thomas playing well. This could end up being decided on special teams. Keep an eye out for Felton, who was good on Saturday afternoon, including getting an impressive catch reaching out on a glance route from Murray.
