Most teams go into training camp with at least a general idea of how their final 53-man roster is going to look. There are generally a few minor position battles but mostly its guys fighting for the last few spots on the roster and a job on special teams. The Vikings went into this year's camp expecting much the same. They had an idea of what their final 53-man roster would look like minus a few back of the roster spots being up for grabs. Oh, how things changed
OFFENSE
The Vikes suffered injuries to prized rookies Royce Freeman and Ryan Switzer in the first preseason game. The team and the fans didn't get to see the new weapons on offense but it did create openings for other guys. Sixth-round pick Josh Reynolds was perhaps the biggest surprise in the league as he led the Vikings in receptions, yards and touchdowns in the preseason. Reynolds repeatedly made big plays and broke out with an eight catch, 208 yard, two touchdown performance against the Colts. Reynolds went from an afterthought on the roster to being considered for Laquon Treadwell's starting spot. The Vikings will now have a tough decision to make when Switzer returns as both appear to be dangerous weapons the team needs to feature.
Dwayne Washington was another player who benefited due to an injury. With Switzer out, the second-year halfback out of Washington had a chance to show off his skills. While he wasn't overly impressive as a running back, he excelled as a punt returner wowing coaches and fans multiple times which he agility and elusiveness. Last year's practice squad participant earned the starting job on both kick and punt returns, the latter being a spot Switzer was thought to fill.
Tom Savage, beat out last preseason by Joel Stave for the backup quarterback job, outplayed both Stave (who was cut) and Geno Smith for the right to backup Teddy Bridgewater this season. Savage still has room to grow as a passer but had an explosive game against the Colts throwing for 368 yards andthree touchdowns while leading all Minnesota QBs in quarterback rating during the preseason.
DEFENSE
Justin Evans, Reynolds teammate at Texas A&M, also made an impact in the preseason. Evans consistently graded as on of the top defensive backs in games and pushed the coaching staff to consider starting him at strong safety over returning starter Antone Exum. While third round picks are generally thought to be starter level in quality, nobody expected Evans to be ready to start in year one but it appears he could.
Typically an afterthought as a cornerback, Marcus Sherels was the top graded cornerback in the preseason. Although he lost his starting job as a punt returner, Sherels is expected to be worked into the cornerback rotation and showed solid playmaking ability when on the field. Seventh round pick Charles Henderson earned a spot as the backup left end with a 1.5 sack performance in the final preseason game and T.J. Barnes and Hassan Ridgeway showed they are capable defensive tackles should either Linval Joseph or Sharrif Floyd go down to injury.
RECAP
While the 2-2 record was not what most fans or even the coaching staff would have hoped for, the work put in is all that really matters in the preseason. The Vikings found a new backup quarterback and considerable depth at running back while also finding a future potential starter at wide receiver. They also found a potential star in the defensive secondary (Evans) while also solidifying depth at all positions on defense. They did show some holes along the offensive line which is a concern, but overall the Vikings have to feel good about the preseason and the state of their team heading into this season and the years to come.
OFFENSE
The Vikes suffered injuries to prized rookies Royce Freeman and Ryan Switzer in the first preseason game. The team and the fans didn't get to see the new weapons on offense but it did create openings for other guys. Sixth-round pick Josh Reynolds was perhaps the biggest surprise in the league as he led the Vikings in receptions, yards and touchdowns in the preseason. Reynolds repeatedly made big plays and broke out with an eight catch, 208 yard, two touchdown performance against the Colts. Reynolds went from an afterthought on the roster to being considered for Laquon Treadwell's starting spot. The Vikings will now have a tough decision to make when Switzer returns as both appear to be dangerous weapons the team needs to feature.
Dwayne Washington was another player who benefited due to an injury. With Switzer out, the second-year halfback out of Washington had a chance to show off his skills. While he wasn't overly impressive as a running back, he excelled as a punt returner wowing coaches and fans multiple times which he agility and elusiveness. Last year's practice squad participant earned the starting job on both kick and punt returns, the latter being a spot Switzer was thought to fill.
Tom Savage, beat out last preseason by Joel Stave for the backup quarterback job, outplayed both Stave (who was cut) and Geno Smith for the right to backup Teddy Bridgewater this season. Savage still has room to grow as a passer but had an explosive game against the Colts throwing for 368 yards andthree touchdowns while leading all Minnesota QBs in quarterback rating during the preseason.
DEFENSE
Justin Evans, Reynolds teammate at Texas A&M, also made an impact in the preseason. Evans consistently graded as on of the top defensive backs in games and pushed the coaching staff to consider starting him at strong safety over returning starter Antone Exum. While third round picks are generally thought to be starter level in quality, nobody expected Evans to be ready to start in year one but it appears he could.
Typically an afterthought as a cornerback, Marcus Sherels was the top graded cornerback in the preseason. Although he lost his starting job as a punt returner, Sherels is expected to be worked into the cornerback rotation and showed solid playmaking ability when on the field. Seventh round pick Charles Henderson earned a spot as the backup left end with a 1.5 sack performance in the final preseason game and T.J. Barnes and Hassan Ridgeway showed they are capable defensive tackles should either Linval Joseph or Sharrif Floyd go down to injury.
RECAP
While the 2-2 record was not what most fans or even the coaching staff would have hoped for, the work put in is all that really matters in the preseason. The Vikings found a new backup quarterback and considerable depth at running back while also finding a future potential starter at wide receiver. They also found a potential star in the defensive secondary (Evans) while also solidifying depth at all positions on defense. They did show some holes along the offensive line which is a concern, but overall the Vikings have to feel good about the preseason and the state of their team heading into this season and the years to come.