2020 Questions: 10 Facing Vikings Offense at Training Camp
By: Craig Peters, Eric Smith & Lindsey Young
QUARTERBACKS
On the roster (NFL games/starts): Jake Browning (0), Kirk Cousins (93/88), Sean Mannion (13/2) and Nate Stanley (0)
Who will be No. 2?
Cousins is entering his third season in Minnesota with as many offensive coordinators and looking to build momentum after his most efficient season in the NFL (career-best 107.4 passer rating), but what happens after Cousins? The Vikings could keep Mannion in the backup slot, appreciating his experience in the NFL as a support for Cousins. Browning, who spent 2019 on the practice squad as a rookie, and Stanley, a seventh-round selection, will make their best pushes for the gig.
Will the Vikings keep two or three quarterbacks on the roster?
When teams reduce rosters to 53, it’s always a tough choice on whether to keep two or three. The QB position is so important, and teams wouldn’t want an investment who is cut to get poached from their practice squads. Most would rather allot the precious roster spot to a player more likely to play each week.
RUNNING BACKS
On the roster (NFL games/starts): Ameer Abdullah (58/22), Mike Boone (24/2), Dalvin Cook (29/28) and Alexander Mattison (13/0); FB C.J. Ham (47/10) and FB Jake Bargas (0)
What will the encore look like?
The Vikings boosted their rushing yardage from 1,493 in 2018 to 2,133 a season ago. Cook rushed 250 times (43 more attempts than his first two seasons combined) for 1,135 yards and 13 of his 17 career rushing touchdowns last season. He also caught a career-best 53 passes for 519 yards. Mattison toted the rock 100 times for 462 yards and a score and added 10 catches for 82 yards in his rookie campaign. Can they build on those strong efforts?
How much will Minnesota use a fullback?
Ham’s story is one of perseverance, determination and making the most of opportunity. Since joining Minnesota in 2016, the Duluth native not only converted from running back to fullback, but he appeared in his first Pro Bowl last January. Ham started a career-high seven games and lined up on 354 offensive snaps (35 percent), a major uptick from two starts and 139 snaps in 2018.
WIDE RECEIVERS
On the roster (NFL games/starts): Chad Beebe (6/0), Dan Chisena (0), Quartney Davis (0), Alexander Hollins (4/1), Justin Jefferson (0), Bisi Johnson (16/6), Dillon Mitchell (0), K.J. Osborn (0), Tajaé Sharpe (47/29) and Adam Thielen (90/56)
How fast can Sharpe and Jefferson impact the team?
Thielen started 2019 at a torrid pace before a hamstring hampered the second part of the season. The Vikings added to the group via free agency and the draft. Sharpe earned a first down on 75 percent (69 of 92) of his receptions in Tennessee. Will his prior experience in offenses used by the Titans help him make an immediate impact? Jefferson has been said to be “pro ready” because LSU’s pro-style offense in 2019 was so prolific.
Will receivers be able to separate for final roster spots?
It’s probably a little more open after the aforementioned four. A healthy Beebe has impressed coaches in his first couple of seasons that have been halted by injuries. Special teams are likely to play a part in the final roster spots at the position.
TIGHT ENDS
On the roster (NFL games/starts): Tyler Conklin (31/4), Brandon Dillon (1/0), Nakia Griffin-Stewart (0), Kyle Rudolph (128/120) and Irv Smith, Jr. (16/7)
Is there a Year 2 jump for Smith?
Rudolph is heading into his 10th season and leading a young group. Each offseason, there are players who are seemingly ready to take the next jump in their NFL careers. Smith hauled in 36 catches (a record for a Vikings rookie TE) for 311 yards and two scores, and he seemed to get better as the season went along. Kubiak said he saw plenty of flashes from Smith last season and is ready to tap into more of that talent in 2020.
Will the Vikings incorporate 2- or 3-tight ends often?
It wouldn’t be surprising. Back in December when Vikings fans painted Los Angeles Purple, Minnesota’s opening drive against the Chargers ended with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Smith. The Vikings used 23 (two running backs and three tight ends) personnel for the scoring play, as well as two other snaps. Minnesota also used 12 (running back and two tight ends) five times during the crisp, 75-yard drive.
OFFENSIVE LINE
On the roster (NFL games/starts): Garrett Bradbury (16/16), Blake Brandel (0), Ezra Cleveland (0), Aviante Collins (5/1), Dakota Dozier (54/11), Pat Elflein (43/42), Rashod Hill (43/16), Kyle Hinton (0), Brett Jones (46/17), Jake Lacina (0), Brian O’Neill (30/26), Riley Reiff (120/112), Dru Samia (2/0) and Olisaemeka Udoh (1/0)
Who will join the starters?
Kubiak said at the onset of camp that it was good to have four returning starters — LT Reiff, LG Elflein, C Bradbury and RT O’Neill — from 2019 (Elflein has moved to RG). Dozier and Collins have taken some reps with the first team at LG, and Cleveland has worked with the second team at the spot despite playing left tackle at Boise State.
How far ahead will the 2019 returning reserves be of the newcomers?
Dozier has the most time under Vikings Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator Rick Dennison on the team because they overlapped with the Jets in 2018. Hill and Jones have contributed in games. Collins has shown potential but been bitten by injuries. Samia and Udoh both essentially redshirted in 2019, with each getting extensive playing time in Week 17. All of the above know the offensive scheme, and that could give them a leg up ahead of fresh faces on the roster. Every on-field rep will be of utmost importance for the evaluation of these players.
