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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins was exceptional in the 2022 preseason, and the vibes were universally optimistic. However, hindsight suggests that his stellar performance was largely a product of facing a weak team defense. Fast forward to this year's camp, and Cousins faced a different set of challenges. His practice struggles can be attributed in part to new defensive coordinator Brian Flores's high-pressure defensive scheme. As early as February, Cousins seemed to anticipate the uphill battle, saying, “Training camp is going to get tough,” following the news of Flores's hiring. He was right. As for the depth chart, Nick Mullens is set to be Cousins's backup. Rookie Jaren Hall had an inconsistent camp but showed enough promise to likely secure his spot as the emergency No. 3 quarterback for the season.
Running Backs
“O'Connell has not been shy about saying that Mattison will succeed as the team's featured back this year,” says Alec Lewis from The Athletic. Alexander Mattison didn't earn a ton of buzz throughout camp, but he remains entrenched as the bell cow. Mattison has a slightly different style than Dalvin Cook but has the size and physicality to withstand a heavy workload. Behind Mattison, Ty Chandler earned the No. 2 role. The Vikings brought in free agents a couple of weeks ago, but nothing came of it. Lewis projects the trio of Kene Nwangwu, DeWayne McBride, and Abram Smith will all miss the cut on the final 53-man roster.
Wide Receivers
There isn't much left to say about Justin Jefferson other than he looks as good as ever; he’s arguably the best receiver in the league. K.J. Osborn held off rookie Jordan Addison for the No. 2 role, constantly reinforcing Cousins' trust in him by hauling down challenging catches in critical situations. Osborn will stay on the field in 12-personnel (2 TEs, 1 RB, 2 WRs) but will assume the slot role in 11-personnel (1 TE, 1 RB, 3 WRs). Addison was in concussion protocol for part of training camp but flashed impressively when healthy. The receiver corps is in much better shape heading into 2023 than they were at this time last year. Behind the trio, Brandon Powell likely earned the No. 4 role with a consistently productive camp.
Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson struggled to get on the field during camp, but the team maintains that he's a focal point of the offense when healthy. He first dealt with an ear infection before a back injury and reported desire for a new contract held him out longer. Josh Oliver adds versatility, with more 12-personnel looks on the horizon thanks to his fantastic blocking ability. Oliver is the unquestioned No. 2 on the team, with multiple players vying for the last spot behind him and Hockenson. Nick Muse made a case in the Week 2 matchup against the Titans. Johnny Mundt has familiarity with the offense and could get the nod over him.
Defense
The defense looks improved by leaps and bounds from last season. Flores’ aggressive style, combined with the fundamental scheme change, injected energy into the group. The defensive front looks massively improved, with edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport wreaking havoc in the backfield. Undrafted free-agent linebacker Ivan Pace Jr Jr. was the standout in camp, and he could win the starting spot opposite Jordan Hicks in the middle of the defense. He and linebacker Brian Asamoah had moments of brilliance throughout camp. The secondary is the question mark, with only Byron Murphy Jr. and Harrison Smith looking like difference makers. There is hope for growth from Lewis Cine, but rookie Jay Ward had a phenomenal preseason and could get more looks as the season progresses.
Returners
Kene Nwangwu is one of the best kickoff returners in the NFL today. Jalen Reagor has been disappointing as a receiver but reliable as a punt returner.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins had an up-and-down week of joint practices with the Titans. Severe weather conditions affected the first practice, causing Cousins to struggle in situational periods. He threw an interception to Roger McCreary on the second play of the first drive, and coach Kevin O'Connell discussed how he must anticipate and get more air under the ball. On Thursday, he bounced back, hitting K.J. Osborn multiple times on a one-minute drive. Nick Mullens also struggled on day one versus the Titans, throwing an interception during the same situational period. He and the second-team offense bounced back on Day 2, hitting Trishton Jackson for a touchdown. No. 3 quarterback Jaren Hall had a quiet week of practice, with most reps going to first and second-team players. He also had a subdued performance in the week's culmination on Saturday, going just 4-of-7 for 49 yards and adding two rushes for 14 yards. Mullens finished 13-of-23 for 151 yards.
Running Backs
The Vikings running back room may not look the same soon, particularly if reports of free agent Kareem Hunt signing come to fruition. Alexander Mattison remains the starter, although he hasn’t made many headlines this summer. Ty Chandler is generally seen as a lock for the No. 2 spot, pending any free agent signings. Chandler played 36 snaps in the game and, interestingly, ran 15 routes. He finished with eleven carries for 24 yards. DeWayne McBride ran six times for 18 yards and a touchdown and caught a pass for eleven yards. The rookie has the talent to make the 53-man roster, but different beat writers see the situation differently. His fate may be tied to whether Kene Nwangwu makes the cut.
Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson puts on a show every time he's on the field. Jefferson went after former LSU teammate Kristian Fulton on Thursday, consistently winning, though Fulton made it difficult. It was good to see the All-Pro bounce back after an uncharacteristic first day of joint practices. Jordan Addison remains in the concussion protocol but should be back soon. After struggling on Wednesday, K.J. Osborn stood out on Thursday. He caught three balls from Cousins in the situational drills. The veteran remains the No. 2 wide receiver for now. Cousins trusts Osborn to make plays when defenses key on Jefferson. Backups Trishton Jackson, Brandon Powell, and Thayer Thomas all had shining moments this week. Thomas led the team with three receptions for 32 yards in the game. Jackson had a remarkable one-handed catch on Thursday and followed that up with two catches for ten yards during the game.
Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson still isn't practicing, and the team hopes to ramp up his workload this week. Hockenson is still battling an ear infection that affected his equilibrium, putting him out of commission for contact and team drills. After generating a ton of buzz while preparing for the team's first preseason game, Josh Oliver had a quieter week of practice. Oliver sat out the team's second preseason game and will still factor into the offense, primarily as a blocker. The team's No. 3 tight end battle may have crossed the finish line on Saturday, with Nick Muse hauling in three receptions for 46 yards.
Kickers
The team waived Jack Podlesny, officially awarding the job to Greg Joseph. Joseph responded by making all three field goal attempts and converting his sole extra point attempt in the loss to the Titans. Joseph is a draftable fantasy kicker, primarily because he plays his home games indoors, and the coaches trust him on 50-plus yard attempts; he had ten last year alone.
Defense
Rookie Ivan Pace Jr continues to impress, stepping in for an injured Brian Asamoah on the first-team defense. Pace got the best of Derrick Henry in team drills. "Gold stars all the way around for Ivan," Coach O'Connell said following his performance in the team's first joint practice. Pace is now competing for the starting inside linebacker. He had a mixed showing in Week 2; he pressured the quarterback but struggled in coverage. Star edge rusher Danielle Hunter turned in a good week of practice and is getting more comfortable in the new defensive scheme. Although the defense performed well overall against the Titans, they had difficulty stopping the run. The aggressive nature of the defense is something to monitor, as they could be an underrated fantasy asset.
Offensive Line
In joint practices with the Titans, left tackle Christian Darrisaw had a great showing. During 11-on-11 drills, Darrisaw dominated edge rusher Arden Key. This promising performance aligns with Darrisaw's potential for a breakout season. Center Garrett Bradbury had a much worse experience in joint practice, getting clubbed to the ground by defensive tackle Teair Tart and getting ejected for a practice scuffle. Although backups Austin Schlottmann and Alan Ali are options, the team seems committed to Bradbury. The Vikings' offensive line ranks 18th overall.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins had a productive week of practice before sitting out the preseason game. He executed multiple impressive team drills, settling in as the offensive line displayed improvement. Cousins established a stronger connection with all three starting receivers, threading balls into tight windows and gaining momentum against Brian Flores's defense. Cousins did not play in the preseason matchup against the Seahawks, giving Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall an opportunity to shine. Mullens clearly outperformed Hall, completing 14-of-20 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. Mullens remains firmly entrenched in the No. 2 role. Hall struggled to find an in-game rhythm, although he looked better in subsequent practices this week.
Running Backs
Alexander Matison is entrenched as the starter and will play a significant role this year with Dalvin Cook gone. But the rest of the running back rotation remains unclear. After stringing together several excellent practices, Ty Chandler received the most reps in the preseason game. He performed well with his opportunities, carrying the ball eleven times for only 41 yards but also contributing with four receptions for 29 yards. Many of his rushing attempts came against stacked defensive boxes, limiting his chances for a breakout run. Despite this, the team brought Kareem Hunt in for a visit the day after the game, indicating a desire to upgrade the position. Kene Nwangwu, who missed time with an injury, has the speed to carve out a complementary role. He had received the most second-team reps before the injury. Abram Smith received reps before DeWayne McBride, though neither inspires confidence.
Wide Receivers
Neither Justin Jefferson nor K.J. Osborn played against Seattle after an outstanding week of practice. Osborn's rapport with Cousins continues to grow, as they have consistently connected on deep touchdowns during practice over the last few weeks. Osborn is listed as the team's No. 2 receiver in the first unofficial depth chart. He shifts to the slot in three-receiver sets, where he has been most effective. Rookie Jordan Addison could end up with better stats even if his snap count is lower; his first preseason action generated excitement with an incredible toe-tap sideline catch. With Jalen Nailor still recovering, Jalen Reagor received extended playing time against Seattle. He had four catches for 41 yards, showcasing his ability to gain yards after the catch and recapturing some of the excitement that made him a first-round pick. Brandon Powell, a standout during camp, caught two passes for 22 yards.
Tight Ends
With T.J. Hockenson battling an illness, Josh Oliver is making a case to play more in 12-personnel sets. Oliver stands out as a blocker during practice, but the translation to game speed was seamless. He's a highlight-reel blocker, adding a forceful element to the offense. Although he did not make any catches in limited action, Nick Muse was the most involved, securing three catches. The competition for the No. 3 spot is between Muse, Johnny Mundt, and Ben Sims; Muse has garnered the most attention.
Kickers
Greg Joseph's strong performance in the first preseason game, making all three of his kicks, including a 54-yard field goal and an extra point attempt, positions him as a potential winner over undrafted rookie Jack Podlesny. Even though special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said it was legitimate competition, Joseph might have taken control with this performance.
Defense
The defense is arguably the most improved unit on the roster, as evident in the first half against Seattle. Rookie Ivan Pace Jr Jr. stood out with his excellent run fits, although Brian Asamoah's strong week of practice was enough to delay Pace Jr. from taking the starting spot. Asamoah's ability to rush the passer is noteworthy, as linebacker pressures are a trademark of Flores-led defenses. Former first-round cornerback Andrew Booth had a difficult play, getting beaten deep by rookie Jake Bobo. In his second year, Booth is struggling to regain his footing after a season plagued by injuries and increased competition. Fellow second-year defensive back Lewis Cine also had a challenging game. The defense's potential relies on one or both players taking a second-year leap.
Returners
Kene Nwangwu is one of the best kickoff returners in the NFL. Jalen Reagor has been disappointing as a receiver but reliable as a punt returner.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins is the undisputed leader of the offense. He recently addressed the team in a 30-minute presentation, emphasizing the importance of carrying oneself correctly. The team fully bought into his leadership, and reports of newfound respect for the quarterback are evident in camp. Despite facing challenges against new defensive coordinator Brian Flores's scheme, Cousins’ core connections with Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and K.J. Osborn remain evident. Additionally, his developing rapport with rookie Jordan Addison provides reason to believe that the passing attack could improve in 2023. Cousins' chemistry with Jefferson remains strong, much like last year. Some believe Flores' defense will benefit Cousins when the regular season begins. Nick Mullens is solidifying his position as the backup, but the team remains intrigued by Jaren Hall as the No. 3 quarterback. Hall struggled when Mullens missed practice early last week.
Running Backs
Alexander Mattison is the clear No. 1 running back when healthy, but he has already missed some practice time due to a minor injury. This allowed the Vikings to evaluate their depth, with Kene Nwangwu also facing durability concerns. Nwangwu's speed and potential for explosive runs have generated buzz, but he needs to stay healthy. Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride complete the running back stable, but neither has made a significant case for more playing time. Chandler shows promise with his all-around game, but fumbling issues could limit his opportunities. McBride demonstrates excellent contact balance but struggles in the passing game may keep him off the field.
Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson remains in top form, maintaining his strong connection with Cousins as the primary target. Rookie Jordan Addison makes at least one impressive catch every practice, and his route-running and change of direction have drawn abundant praise. He earned first-team reps almost immediately and looks like the team's No. 2 receiver ahead of K.J. Osborn. Nevertheless, Osborn excels in his slot-only role, consistently getting open in the seams. The trio of Osborn, Addison, and Jefferson presents an upgrade from the 2022 group that included Adam Thielen. Behind the core group, Jalen Nailor was turning heads before an injury sidelined him, creating an opportunity for Brandon Powell. He is making a strong case for the No. 4 receiver position, excelling in one-on-ones and team drills. Undrafted rookie Thayer Thomas impresses with crisp routes, although making the team remains a challenge for him.
Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson is currently missing practice due to an undisclosed injury, raising speculation about contract-related issues. However, fantasy managers need not be concerned, as an extended absence is not anticipated. When healthy, Hockenson remains a focal point of the offense, as he was in the latter part of 2022. Behind Hockenson, Josh Oliver stands out as the clear No. 2 tight end, primarily due to his blocking skills. With head coach Kevin O'Connell's preference for 12-personnel formations, Oliver should see significant playing time this season. Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse are also receiving ample reps in practice.
Kickers
Greg Joseph, the incumbent kicker, seemed secure at the start of the camp. Joseph had about twice as many attempts as rookie free agent Jack Podlesny from Georgia. However, during a recent evening practice, Joseph missed three of four kicks, while Podlesny made three out of his four tries. Despite Podlesny’s impressive 7-of-8 record compared to Joseph’s 12-of-15, Podlesny needs to outperform significantly to be the Week 1 choice, especially since Joseph was guaranteed $2 million this offseason. The team maintains that it’s an open competition, and the upcoming week might offer more insights.
Defense
Under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the defense has been dominant in quite a few practice sessions. Flores runs an aggressive defense, using simulated pressures and more blitzes than most NFL teams. Undrafted rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr Jr. has earned starter reps and appears to fit well into Flores's linebacker mold. He is likely to make the roster as the backup to Jordan Hicks and Brian Asamoah. Although the linebackers haven't shown a high upside in coverage, Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport have had impressive camps and will be vital to the defense's success this season. Second-year safety Lewis Cine has received positive reviews as well. Overall, this defense is expected to be more aggressive in generating sacks and turnovers, making it an intriguing late-round fantasy option.
