The Minnesota Vikings took the field for their final public practice ahead of Saturday’s preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. They were in shells and not full pads but the energy was still there.
What were the biggest takeaways from Thursday’s practice? Lets break it down.
Minnesota Vikings training camp observations from Sam Darnold to Jalen Nailor
J.J. McCarthy continues to make strides
The young rookie has had an up-and-down training camp so far. There have been a lot of wow moments and some that will leave you pulling your hair out.
Thursday’s practice saw some really nice reps. He started 7-on-7 drills with a beautiful nine-route to Nailor and was more accurate throwing in the intermediate levels than usual. The mechanical changes are getting more natural and that’s a great sign.
Jalen Nailor is running away with WR3
The tough part about this battle is that Brandon Powell has been good so far during camp. He hasn’t been able to match Nailor’s outstanding camp.
You name it, he’s been great at it. Whether it be the deep ball, intermediate or catching in traffic, Nailor has thrived and should be the WR3 pending injuries.
Sam Darnold continues to grow
One of the biggest issues with the quarterback position has been chemistry. Darnold hasn’t played in this offense before or with this team. It’s taken time to develop that but it’s manifesting in camp.
Darnold has thrived with Jefferson over the last few practices and it’s spreading to other players as well. Keeping that momentum going is going to be key for the Vikings’ success in 2024.
Rough day for Jaren Hall
Hall is QB4 on the roster but there is still a chance for him to make the roster. I loved Hall coming out of the 2023 NFL Draft but it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows.
He got multiple chances in 11-on-11 drills and didn’t make the most of it. He threw a pick six to A.J. Green III and was inaccurate on most of his throws. He’s going to need to do more if he wants to keep a roster spot.
Andrew Booth Jr. spotting
It’s been a rough training camp for Booth. He’s been mostly relegated to the third and fourth teams due to his inconsistent play. He got a little bit of work today with the second team and made one of the better defensive plays.
Booth got a PBU in the early portions of 7-on-7s and it was an impressive one. The DBs were pretty good against the wide receivers overall and Booth making a nice play was great to see.
Defensive line continues to rotate
There isn’t anything set in stone with the defensive line other than Harrison Phillips is on the first team.
James Lynch, Levi Drake Rodriguez and Jaquelin Roy were rotating in and the group had a solid day. Preseason games and joint practices will tell us a lot about who will start and play significant snaps.
Brian Flores continues to be a madman
If yoy want to prepare your team for battle, start it during practice. Flores has put these quarterbacks through the wringer and it will make a difference.
With everyone in shells, Flores sent Akayleb Evans on a corner blitz and it flustered Darnold, causing a throw away. This defense is going to be fun all year.
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