Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Coller ranks Vikings position groups by ‘most intriguing’
As the Vikings prepare to kick off Verizon Vikings Training Camp (rookies report to Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on July 22), certain position groups have generated a little more outside buzz than others.
Matthew Coller of SKOR North weighed in on the topic, ranking Minnesota’s different positions based on the amount of “intrigue” at this point in the offseason. He topped the list with the Vikings wide receivers and listed the defensive line second. Coller wrote of the defensive line:
The front four is set with Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, Shamar Stephen and Linval Joseph, but beyond the starters there are all sorts of questions. Mike Zimmer said he plays to expand the role of Stephen Weatherly. Could we see him play in similar spots as Brian Robison did in 2017? Or will he be giving Everson Griffen more series off than he’s had in the past? Also, with the Vikings losing Sheldon Richardson to free agency, the Vikings will have to use a rotation at the three-technique position. Whether the players mixing in will be those with limited experience like Jaleel Johnson or Jalyn Holmes or 2018 UDFA Hercules Mata’afa or 2019 sixth-round pick Armon Watts isn’t easy to figure.
And where does Ifeadi Odenigbo fit in? He was cut after a strong camp last year, but the Vikings brought him back. Does 2018 draft pick Ade Aruna, who was injured last year, have a shot? Is this Tashawn Bower’s last chance?
Coming behind defensive linemen, Coller listed (in this order) running back, cornerback, offensive line, tight end, quarterback, special teams, linebacker and safety.
Coller said that Anthony Harris “was terrific” playing opposite Harrison Smith last season when Andrew Sendejo – who departed this spring in free agency – was injured.
The most noteworthy part of the safety position is Jayron Kearse’s role. Will he be a “big nickel,” or is there a bigger role in store?