Three Minnesota Vikings players on the bubble heading into mandatory minicamp
Mandatory minicamp is here, which means the position battles are officially in full swing.It's still early, but this is a big week for a few Minnesota Vikings players on the bubble. 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 […]
Mandatory minicamp is here, which means the position battles are officially in full swing.
It's still early, but this is a big week for a few Minnesota Vikings players on the bubble. 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. 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.
