Sporting Sota
Fansided

Minnesota Vikings: Observations from Team OTAs

By Paul Bellesen

Jul 27, 2015; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer speaks with general manager Rick Spielman at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2015; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer speaks with general manager Rick Spielman at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Jul 27, 2015; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer speaks with general manager Rick Spielman at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2015; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer speaks with general manager Rick Spielman at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Over the last two weeks, the Minnesota Vikings have had their first organized team activities and we have made some observations.

With the Minnesota Vikings experiencing heart-break last season on a last-second missed field goal, they will be eager to get the bad taste out of their mouths. After coming out of free agency with their biggest needs addressed in the offensive line and help at safety and linebacker, the Vikings moved on to the draft.

On draft night, their next big need was filled by drafting Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell in the first round. It seems as if this team has the fewest roster questions and more positional competition as they have had in years.

More from Sporting Sota

There is so much talent on this team that there will be multiple talented players cut loose by the end of the preseason. The key position groups to watch are the offensive line, in which new coach Tony Sparano will have to evaluate talent and put together the strongest combination of lineman to protect franchise quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who was pressured on almost half of his dropbacks last season.

The next position group to pay attention to is the safety position. The Vikings brought in a former pro bowler in Michael Griffin, as well as resigning Andrew Sendejo and drafting Jayron Kearse. The late season rise of Anthony Harris is also something to take into account.

Lastly, the wide receiver group will be a position group to watch. With the new addition of Treadwell, who will presumably take over ex-Vikings Mike Wallace’s spot, the other wideouts will be fighting for their spot. It is safe to say that second-year breakout Stefon Diggs spot is safe after a surprise season last year. Jarius Wright has been a reliable option in the slot for a few years, so his spot should be safe. Cordarrelle Patterson will be looking to prove his worth and show that he is more than a kick returner, even if he is the best kick returner in the league. Charles Johnson is also coming back from injury. Adam Thielen has been a reliable option for the team at special teams. International star Moritz Boehringer will be looking to break through and secure himself a spot on the final squad.

This training camp will be an interesting one, as well as the preseason. The Vikings have a lot of high expectations this season. They will fight to show that they belong at the top of the NFC North.

Here are some key observations we have made from the organized team activities so far.

Next: Patterson Looking Better than Ever?

Home/Minnesota Vikings