Dalvin Cook is looking as talented and smooth in OTAs as he was advertised at Florida State. His speed, quickness, and natural feel for running the ball has been showcased in the early practice sessions. He caught everyone’s eye throughout mini-camp with his day to day progress and his instinctive running. Veteran Viking speedster, Jerick McKinnon, is still in the mix as is free agent signee Latavius Murray, but Cook will be hard to keep off the field. Pat Elflein has a high ceiling as a run blocker and is the odds-on favorite to win the starting center job, but he is getting pushed by veteran Nick Easton. The Vikings traded up to get the versatile interior player and he has not disappointed in camp. Jaleel Johnson is battling free agent Datone Jones and recent addition Will Sutton for the three technique job. Johnson has all the tools to help the Vikings replace the injured Sharrif Floyd. The ex-Hawkeye just needs to elevate his consistency with his skill level. Can be a dominant presence inside if he wants to be. Ben Gedeon is a solid man defender and may be the backup swing linebacker behind Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. He is also in the mix behind veterans Edmond Robinson and Kentrell Brothers for the third linebacker spot. Rodney Adams is a talented and productive receiver who has been taking advantage of Adam Thielen’s injury and getting extra reps. Adams will have to beat out Jarius Wright for a roster spot. He is learning the Vikings’ route tree after coming from a less complicated spread system. Danny Isidora is battling for a backup guard roster position. The All- ACC athlete started at right guard for three straight years in Miami. Isidora has good knee bend, football smarts, and situational awareness. He has displayed his power and strength in OTAs. He’s a solid pass protector because of his balance. Matchup nightmare Bucky Hodges is a value pick at tight end if he can overcome his brain block of being a wide receiver. He is as talented an athlete at that position in the draft. Big target and big catching radius. The ex-Hokie will also need to learn how to get his nose bloodied as a blocker. Stacy Coley is an immensely talented receiver who will only be held back by what’s between his ears. He is an explosive and agile receiver and return specialist who can make an impact athletically several ways. Explodes out of his breaks. If he shows that he is dedicated and committed, the Vikings may have another Stefon Diggs. Ifeadi Odenigbo is a situation pass rusher who concluded his career at Northwestern with 23.5 sacks, second most in Wildcat history. He flashes an explosive first step. Moves quickly on ball movement upfield, gets off and explodes into the blocker. Elijah Lee will compete at the weakside linebacker spot, the same position he played for the Wildcats. He has quick reactions and is very instinctive. Good range and pursuit speed. Closes well on the ball in coverage. Needs technique work but has a lot of upside. Jack Tocho is a four-year starter and an experienced press corner who brings depth to the Vikings’ secondary. He demonstrates a technique and is a physical athlete with good cover skills. Demonstrates the ability to mirror cuts in man-to-man coverage and has the speed to cover outside vertical routes. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
FREE AGENCY: The Vikings hope they can give Sam Bradford more protection by adding tackles Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers. Reiff was guaranteed 26+ million over five years and Remmers 10+ million over five years. Latavius Murray will try to work in a rotation with second round pick Dalvin Cook at running back. Others signed were Datone Jones (DE), Case Keenum (QB), Michael Floyd (WR), and Will Sutton (DT). Cornerback Terence Newman was also re-signed.
NOTABLE UNDRAFTED COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: Aviante Collins (TCU) OT, Josiah Price (Michigan State) TE, and Wes Lunt (Illinois) QB.
Box 235 Hiawatha, IA 52233