Vikings Training Camp: Most Impressive Players

Training camp is well underway in Mankato. The Minnesota Vikings now have the opportunity to mold themselves for the 2016 season. As camp takes its course, some players standout more than others. Ranging from offense to defense, a few players are catching more attention from the coaching staff.

The Vikings are looking to take a big step forward this fall. Minnesota will need players to start separating themselves in order to put the best group on the field. Below is a list of standout players this far into camp.

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Teddy Bridgewater

The young Vikings quarterback has come into Mankato looking confident and composed, taking control of the team. Bridgewater has been firing off deep balls consistently, and hitting his passes at every level of the field.

Sure, it is only practice but Bridgewater looks to be adding to his early success. Fans should expect number five to be a vital piece to the puzzle as the Vikings chase their first championship.

Charles Johnson

The Vikings feel confident in Stefon Diggs, their game changer on the outside. However, it remains to be seen who will start on the opposite side of him.

Charles Johnson has put in a few great days of work, making his case for the job. After a humbling, injuring riddled year, Johnson looks to bounce back to his 2014 form when he led all Vikings receiving corps.

So far into camp, he looks to be healthy and back to full form. He has been in sync with Bridgewater all over the field, making a number of plays. Should he continue, Johnson will secure himself significant playing time in 2016.

Laquon Treadwell

It’s been all business for rookie wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. He was the first to show up for camp and has been the last player off the field. Treadwell has proven he is on a mission.

Most of his reps have been with the second team but he has now begun to work his way into the first team offense. His talent is evident, it is all there. Catch radius, route running, everything. If he continues to show off and develop into the playmaker he can be, Treadwell’s future will be bright in Minnesota.

Jerick McKinnon

He is explosive, quick footed, everything you want in a running back. McKinnon has showcased those tools and more thus far into camp. Recent reports are saying McKinnon looks like he is on “another level”.

Adrian Peterson will be the lead back but McKinnon has proved his worth in terms of earning more reps. The Vikings can use him out of the backfield but McKinnon is valuable as a receiver as well. Put him in the slot, put him wherever and McKinnon can be a dynamic weapon. The Vikings must take advantage of his talents in 2016.

Eric Kendricks

Head coach Mike Zimmer has been full of praise for second year linebacker, Eric Kendricks. “It’s like he’s had less coffee,” Zimmer said when explaining Kendricks’ comfort level with the defense.

Kendricks is key for the Vikings as they look to continue last year’s defensive success. His athleticism creates versatility and makes him more vital in defending each area of the offensive attack. With a year under his belt, it is expect that Kendricks becomes an impact player alongside teammate Anthony Barr.

Jayron Kearse

The large number of Vikings fans know very little about rookie safety Jayron Kearse. However, he is starting to make a name for himself in Mankato. He has gotten off to an unexpected, yet fast start to his first training camp.

Making a number of plays during practice over the weekend, it seems the Vikings may have hit in the seventh round. Kearse’s long, lanky frame and superior athleticism give him an advantage in defending sizable wide receivers. He will be a project for Zimmer, but perhaps easier than advertised. Don’t be surprised to see Kearse push his way onto the field this fall.

Wrap up

Coach Zimmer said it best, “We figured out how to win last year.” The Vikings know what needs to be done in order to surpass their performance in 2015. Now is the time for Minnesota to put it all together as they embrace the training camp grind.

As seen above, a number of young players are starting to standout in training camp. Minnesota will need these players and more to make their greatest impact this season. 2016 is a pivotal year for the Vikings but the team is full of potential. It’s all about putting individual goals aside and focusing on the ultimate stage. Coach Zimmer has his team on the right track.

Austin Erwin writes for cover32 and covers the Minnesota Vikings. He can be followed on Twitter @austin_erwin. Like and follow vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.

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