Vikings Minicamp: Former first round draft pick headlines list of 5 players that must start fast
Mandatory minicamp is an important part of the offseason, as it represents the first official team gathering involving all players and coaches.It's an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the upcoming season and for those who have been around for the last couple of weeks of OTAs to not only further their growing bond with […]
Mandatory minicamp is an important part of the offseason, as it represents the first official team gathering involving all players and coaches.
It's an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the upcoming season and for those who have been around for the last couple of weeks of OTAs to not only further their growing bond with teammates, but to show the staff, and even some veterans, that they're learning and understanding what's going on.
It's still early, but this is a big week for a few Minnesota Vikings players. Let's dive in and discuss why the following five guys need to get off to a fast start, this week.
1. S Lewis Cine
The 2022 first-rounder continues to fall down the depth chart and it's not due to injuries or anything. It's due to his ineffective play, along with the rising play of those around him.
Cine didn't have the best OTAs experience the last couple of weeks, based off reports. It's simple at this point: If he can't get on track, there's a very good chance he is not on the 53-man roster come Week 1. The Vikings would have to eat nearly $3.7 million if they do release him, but that's not an issue, since the team has almost $26.3 million in cap room.
2. G Blake Brandel/Dalton Risner
A couple of weeks ago, it sounded like the staring left guard job was Brandel's to lose.
"I'm really excited about Blake," Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters Tuesday. "I feel like he gets bigger every time I see him. He's just a massive man on the inside, in there. But he's in great shape. He's always been very coachable. You talk about technique fundamentals, footwork, hand placement – all the things that are critical for the o-line. You know, one false step for an o-lineman could be a catastrophe. So it's been very encouraging so far with him stepping into that starting spot on the left, there.
"And I think it'll only grow from there, [with] the more experience [and] the more reps he gets. He's been a guy that, anytime he's been put in a game at several positions, has come through for us. And we haven't forgotten that and I think he's earned this opportunity."
Fast forward to the next week, and Dalton Risner, who started 11 games in 2023, is back in the fold.
It will be tough to get a bead on this until the pads come on in training camp, but regardless, it's imperative to note the importance of a fast start for both guys. Any advantage, especially an early one, will go a long way toward helping both of them be the guy on opening day.
3. Any wideout not named Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison
JJ and Addison combine for a helluva 1-2 punch, but the Vikings desperately need someone behind them to step up over the remainder of the offseason.
There are 11 guys vying for jobs, so it's not like the Vikings don't have options. And they range anywhere from former first-round pick, N'Keal Harry to a couple of exciting rookie UDFAs in Devron Harper and Ty James.
There's also the matter of how Minnesota's offense uses 11 personnel. They were one of the teams that used it in the most in 2023, since K.J. Osborn was still in the mix. If they can't find a viable third option, along with T.J. Hockenson likely starting the season on PUP, it could easily lead to a slow start for a promising unit. And, who knows what happens if JJ or Addison go down for an extended period of time.
4. CB Andrew Booth Jr.
Another 2022 early pick on the bubble, Booth Jr. just hasn't lived up to expectations and like Cine, he finds himself toward the bottom of a crowded position group.
The additions of Shaquill Griffin and Khyree Jackson (through the draft) are enough writing on the wall to where Booth Jr. has to get off to a good start during minicamp. His contract isn't fully guaranteed like Cine's either, since he was a second-rounder, therefore, the Vikings would save a little more than $500k with his release, per Over the Cap.
Right now, it's safe to say Byron Murphy Jr., Shaquill Griffin, Mekhi Blackmon, Khyree Jackson, and Josh Metellus are all ahead of Booth. With a crowded safety room alongside a crowded cornerback room, there may not be enough space left for six CBs, ultimately.
In other words: Booth Jr. has some work to do.
5. K John Parker Romo
Unfortunately, Romo's path is basically carved out, even if minicamp has yet to start.
Look, teams simply don't cut kickers drafted as high as Will Reichard, unless the bottom just completely falls out. Even the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave the disaster that was Roberto Aguayo a full season -and part of a preseason- before they let him go. Anders Carlson, the Green Bay Packers' current kicker, was also given a chance after a shaky offseason, last year.
The only way for Romo to make the roster is to be 100% perfect and have Reichard tank. Either way, his next destination is all about his performance. If he's 100%, or even 90%, and Reichard wins the job, well, at least Romo then becomes a viable trade candidate or a likely pick up once he's cut from the Vikings.
The chance to make that happen starts this week.
