Weekly Vikings Roundup
By Jordan Wright
Training camp is in full swing as the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the 2020 NFL season. Let’s catch up on some news from this past week.
The media was finally allowed in to view the team during training camp, and everyone has been raving about rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ first-round pick has been turning heads with his route running and already has a handful of impressive catches. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Jefferson, however, is his ability to quickly learn the playbook. When speaking about Jefferson, offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said, “It’s very encouraging”.
Last week we discussed why the Vikings had not signed Everson Griffen yet, and shortly after the article was written it was announced that Everson had signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Griffen’s leadership will be missed, but the Vikings feel confident in the defensive linemen that are already on the roster. He signed a one-year, $6 million deal, so there is always a chance the Vikings bring him back next offseason.
Dalvin Cook has reported to camp, and according to the electric running back, he was always planning on returning. When he was asked about the rumor he was going to hold out without a new contract, Cook responded by saying “That was never coming from me. I love football, I love being around the guys. It’s like a stress reliever for me, just being on the field, being around the guys, being in the locker room. That never was a thought that came towards me.” Head coach Mike Zimmer told the media Dalvin is going to be a team captain this season, so it’s clear the two sides have no hard feelings toward each other.
The Vikings are still experimenting with the offensive line and have now switched Pat Elflein to right guard. Elflein played RG in college before moving to center for his senior season. He started at center for the Vikings for two seasons before moving to left guard after the team drafted Garrett Bradbury. This is the last year on Elflein’s contract, so if he doesn’t show improvement, he’ll undoubtedly need to look for another team next offseason.
With nose tackle Michael Pierce opting out of the season, the Vikings have been scrambling to fill the void along the defensive line. They tried to trade for a defensive tackle from Oakland, but the player failed his physical, so the trade didn’t go through. Now, the team has decided to move Shamar Stephen from the started three-technique spot to nose tackle. Mike Zimmer believes Stephen will do well with the switch, and co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer took it a step further when he said Stephens will be “as good a nose as there is.’’ Jaleel Johnson is now penciled in as the starting three-tech DT.
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