It is officially June, which means it's time for mandatory minicamps start ramping up around the NFL, and the Minnesota Vikings are one of several teams holding camp from June 4-6. 

We've already seen some of the *kind of* plans the coaching staff has for the roster, but they were incomplete due to the absence of certain guys like Justin Jefferson. His presence, this week, along with others, will definitely shake things up.

The Vikings have another round of OTAs scheduled for next week, but those could easily get canceled. Meaning, this could be our last week to glean viable information before the big break ahead of training camp.

So, let's not waste any more time and talk about some storylines to keep an eye on over the coming days.

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1. Where will J.J. McCarthy start out? Can he "move up" the pecking order?

During OTAs, reports stated McCarthy was working with the backups, alongside Jaren Hall, while Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens ran with the starters. That makes sense, as the rookie QB is ramping up before the vets show up this week.

Where will he start when things kick off on Tuesday? And, if he plays/practices well enough, is one, two, or three days enough of a sample size to warrant moving him up the ladder?

Logic says "yes", considering he's the future of the franchise, but at the same time, the Vikings haven't shied away from saying they are fine with building him up slowly in order to keep from stunting development. 

It won't be a surprise if McCarthy mixes in with the 1s at some point. In fact, I'd almost say it's a lock. Whatever happens after that, no one knows, but if that does happen – it'll be very interesting to see how he performs.

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2. Dallas Turner's opportunity that comes from Andrew Van Ginkel's recovery

The Vikings added, potentially, five defensive starters in free agency and then they traded up to take Turner in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. I think it's safe to say the team knew it needed to upgrade the defense. Especially after losing Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum. 

One of the free agent additions, former Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, is expected to make a difference in 2024, but right now, he's currently rehabbing his foot because of offseason surgery.

This opens the door for Turner to come in and make a big impression during minicamp. Coaches and teammates have spoken highly of him, so far, which gives him a shot to further the first impression, even more. 

Like Van Ginkel, Turner is a versatile guy that can rush the passer from both the inside and outside and he can play off-ball linebacker. Turner also has coverage skills, but it's safe to assume they aren't to the level of Van Ginkel's. Still, he can at least show he's capable of it, which would go a long way, obviously.

Turner is a first-round pick, so a bunch of eyes will be on him, regardless. But, with the current situation, he has a chance to really make some headway.

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3. Can Shaquill Griffin keep the momentum rolling?

Brian Flores is hoping Griffin can lock down the starting corner spot opposite Byron Murphy Jr., and so should Vikings fans. We all saw what happened last year, as injuries ravaged the secondary and the depth guys simply couldn't keep up. That's not a knock on them, by any means, but it did show Minnesota it needed to stock up on more potential starters. 

Kevin O'Connell and co. are hoping they found one in the former Pro Bowler, who is coming off a rough 2023 season. Granted, Griffin underwent back surgery and it affected his in-season play. Now, he's fully healthy and so far, he's been impressing during workouts and practices.

"I feel like the hardest part for me was probably last year, you know, bouncing off the back surgery," said Griffin. "Being out for 5-6 months and kind of jumping right into it. This year, I have a full offseason. So, it's been phenomenal. I feel like I've had no issues with the back, since then.

"… I get a chance to really work my craft, come in really in shape for the season… Everything about this environment is perfect for me to get back to playing how I used to play."

If Griffin can even get back to just starter form, it'll be a big boost for the Vikings secondary. 

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4. Dalton Risner vs. Blake Brandel

Two weeks ago, Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said Brandel had "earned the opportunity" to be the lead guy for the starting left guard job. Just a little over a week later, the team re-signed Dalton Risner, who started 11 games at left guard, last year.

All of a sudden, there's a big-time competition at left guard. 

This is easily one of the biggest position battles of the summer and it kicks off this week. Regardless of wins, it's shaping up to be a win-win for the Vikings: Unless something goes horribly wrong with both guys, Minnesota should have at least an average starter and solid depth behind him.

Granted, it's impossible to fully evaluate the trenches without pads, but still, this week will at least give us an idea of how the team views each guy. I'd expect an even rotation at the top, but we'll see.

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5. Who is the leading candidate for WR3?

The Vikings already have a very good receiver duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but it gets pretty damn shaky beyond those two.

There are plenty of bodies to battle it out for WR3: 11 to be exact. And, they all have a shot not just at the WR3 spot, but to fill out the room, altogether.

Two names to keep an eye on, not only this week, but throughout camp: Rookie undrafted free agents Devron Harper and Ty James. Each has their own unique skill set that could easily help them earn a roster spot when it's all said and done.

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6. Lewis Cine

It's as simple as this: The former 2022 first-rounder has to have a strong minicamp. If he doesn't, and the poor performances continue through training camp and into the preseason – it'll be a major surprise if he's still on the 53-man roster come Week 1.

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