Minicamp News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/minicamp/ Minnesota sports, but different Thu, 12 Jun 2025 22:00:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-cropped-MSF-favicon-1.jpg Minicamp News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/minicamp/ 32 32 Recently Cleared JJ McCarthy Claps Back at Arm Strength Criticism https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minicamp-news-jj-mccarthy-medically-cleared-responds-criticism/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 22:00:54 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=63839 The Minnesota Vikings are working through their last day of 2025 mandatory minicamp on Thursday. Next week, from June 16-18, they’ll hold one more voluntary OTA session, then take a month or so off before reconvening in Eagan for training camp in late July.

So this afternoon, after hearing from some of the assistant coaches and secondary star players on Wednesday, all of the most popular interview requests showed up to the podium, including Kevin O’Connell, Justin Jefferson and JJ McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy fully cleared by Minnesota Vikings medical staff

McCarthy started off his presser by confirming that, on day one of minicamp Tuesday, Minnesota Vikings doctors and trainers declared him 100% healthy and fully-cleared him for any and all football activities, going forward.

That’s huge news for a team and fanbase that, not so long ago, was concerned about whether or not he would be ready for training camp.

For the most part this spring, the chatter surrounding McCarthy’s recovery and restarted development has been positive. Just 4-5 months ago, after JJ showed up on the Minnesota Vikings sideline late in the 2024 season looking skinnier than Kyle (DJ Qualls) from Road Trip, that was definitely not the case.

But a couple months after Vikings Twitter went into a panic over how JJ McCarthy would put weight back on in time for the start of offseason programs, he showed up at an NFL golf event and put those worries to bed.

Ever since then, anyone who have been around McCarthy or have watched him participate in-person this offseason have not relayed a single negative thing about the 22-year-old redshirt rookie that local reporters like Darren Wolfson (SKOR North) have been able to write/talk about and receive all sorts of engagement from. It just doesn’t exist.

“I’ve not heard one bad thing about J.J McCarthy. You think about him leading IMG Academy to a national championship in high school, helping Michigan win a national championship in college. The two, like it’s not a coincidence, put it that way. There is something about JJ McCarthy, however you want to define ‘It Factor’, JJ has it.”

Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

Of course, the same cannot be said for McCarthy, when it comes to some of the national talking heads watching the MN Vikings offseason from afar. Like Colin Cowherd (FOX Sorts), who apparently have different sources telling them a much more clouded story on McCarthy.

On his show “The Herd” Wednesday, Cowherd took aim at the Minnesota Vikings franchise quarterback (yet again), telling his viewers that “scouts he trusts” have relayed to him that JJ has ZERO special QB traits and on “moderate arm talent”. You can read more about Colin’s latest McCarthy rant HERE.

MN Vikings QB responds to criticism regarding his arm strength

Naturally, when he talked to reporters today, JJ McCarthy was asked about his arm strength and why there is a misconception out there that he only has a “moderate” arm, a supposed weakness that the man asking him the question (Judd Zulgad – SKOR North) admitted he has not during the five McCarthy practices he has watched this offseason.

McCarthy laughed and told those gathered that he thinks the “stigma” comes from the fact that he played at Michigan, where they didn’t throw the ball as much. JJ then went on to mention his smaller frame.

Judd: “When you go back and look at your scouting reports from credible sources that you didn’t have arm strength or that it was only ‘ok’, where do you think that started or how surprised were you? After watching you for five practices there might be some [weaknesses] I see, but it ain’t arm strength.”

McCarthy: “I would say a lot of it comes with the stigma of playing at Michigan and not throwing the ball a lot. At the same time, it could be my frame. They don’t see the 6’5″, 240 lb guy so how can he throw [the football] 60 MPH at the combine but at the end of the day, it’s going to show up and the people that know, know. But yeah, I think the situations that I’ve been in and I don’t pass the eye test for some people.”

JJ McCarthy press conference – Day 3 of Mandatory Minicamp (2025)

But really — and you can be the judge for yourself after watching the video above — I’m convinced that the 6’1, 220 pound “undersized” McCarthy only used his supposed lack of size so that he could casually remind us that he threw 61 MPH at the 2024 combine.

How fast is that? Well, it was good enough for second-hardest at the 2024 combine, behind only Joe Milton III’s 62 MPH football fastball, a rocket that tied Josh Allen for the hardest throw an any combine, ever. The best part about JJ’s sick brag was that he weaved it in so casually that it actually undersold the significance.

Like a lawyer tossing out his case-breaking evidence so nonchalantly that the courtroom is left wondering if they actually heard correctly. McCarthy then closed his answer to Judd’s question perfectly by reminding him, “the people that know, know”.

Those who have followed Minnesota Sports Fan for years (I appreciate you), you know in my deep belief in a superstar needing some sort of “it” factor. They don’t have to be Tom Brady, Brett Favre or Kobe Bryant, but your best player can’t be Karl-Anthony Towns or Russell Wilson either.

Confirmed: JJ McCarthy is a real one

Most humans can smell someone who is faking it or pretending to be something they are not from a million miles away. To this day, we still aren’t sure who KAT is or how how he really talks, naturally. In fact, I’m not really sure he does.

Then, to stick with the local basketball analogies, someone like Anthony Edwards walks through the door, who is so real and so much himself that it actually costs him hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines every season because he just can’t turn off his “real” switch, even with a microphone in his face.

Without a doubt, I have already been convinced that — no matter what kind of quarterback JJ McCarthy becomes — he absolutely has the “it” factor necessary to lead an NFL football team. And believe it or not, that is a big test for young QBs expected to come into the league and make a difference for their new team.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Officially Promote Two Top Executives

Yes, JJ is a nice, polite kid. That will earn him some brownie points with media and fans. But in the locker room, none of that matters. What matters is that you are respectful to your teammates and that you are 100% authentically yourself, something that does not come naturally for everyone, but does for JJ McCarthy.

Because anyone who has ever been a part of a team — whether it be on the football field, basketball court, theater show, school classroom or business office — knows the difference between a leader who is faking it and one who you would run through a brick wall for. And no doubt, JJ McCarthy is the latter, something his teammates long ago picked up on.

]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:00:58 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings Swap Out Defender for More Minicamp Depth on Offense https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/news-signing-giovanni-ricci-release-matt-harmon/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:19:55 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=63779 It’s day one of Minnesota Vikings mandatory minicamp, which started off with a couple of moves this morning that sent some waves through the local internet world. The announcement everyone is talking about is a contract extension for tight end Josh Oliver.

Minnesota Vikings sign another tight end, release Matt Harmon

That’s because it came just days after an earlier report dropped that the 28-year-old Oliver was not interested in signing a new deal anytime soon. In other news, though, the Vikings also swapped out one of their 2025 undrafted free agent signings, OLB Matt Harmon, for 2020 UDFA, TE Giovanni Ricci.

The 28-year-old Ricci played three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, but he hasn’t recorded an NFL appearance since 2023. The former Western Michigan standout takes the place of an outside linebacker in Matt Harmon, an undrafted rookie the Minnesota Vikings signed prior to rookie training camp.

Who is new Viking, Giovanni Ricci?

Giovanni Ricci was forced to sit out the entire 2024 season — following three seasons in Carolina where he caught 9 passes on 12 targets for 102 yards and 0 touchdowns (36 starts) — thanks to a knee injury he suffered at Cleveland Browns training camp last August.

Most of Ricci’s playing time with the Panthers came on special teams, where he totalled 644 snaps (PFF) over three seasons. After being released by the Browns last summer, no other team was willing to give him a shot during the regular season.

Finally, just a week before the Super Bowl (on February 3, 2025), Ricci signed a futures contract with the New England Patriots. Two and a half months later (April 29), they released him. Now, he’ll get his latest shot in the league this week at minicamp. It’s his first opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings.

Related: Former Minnesota Vikings Running Back Lands Tryout in New Orleans

In all likelihood, the main reason for this signing is the ongoing recovery of newly drafted Gavin Bartholomew (Pitt), who’s been out with an undisclosed injury.

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:19:58 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings Sign Two More Rookies https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/news-rookie-camp-signings-matt-harmon-elijah-williams/ Mon, 12 May 2025 23:34:58 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=63116 The NFL offseason never quits, something that has helped make the Minnesota Vikings the straw that stirs the local sports drink. In the same month as the Super Bowl (February), the league holds the next year’s NFL Draft combine.

One month later, we get the fastest moving, most exciting free agency two weeks in all of professional sports. Then April rolls around and we get the draft. Now, here we are on May 12, what could the MN Vikings possibly have in the news in the middle of May?

Minnesota Vikings round out roster with two more rookie signings

Well, rookie minicamp was held over the weekend at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. There, the Vikings hosted all 25+ of their drafted rookies and signed undrafted free agents, along with 20+ other more desperate football players –including Randy Moss’ son Montigo Moss (Maine) — who were neither drafted or signed.

On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings signed two of those tryout players — (OLB) Matt Harmon out of Kent State and (DL) Elijah Williams out of Morgan State — putting their official offseason roster at its max capacity of 91 players (+1 international exemption – Oscar Chapman), per Ben Goessling (Star Tribune).

Get to know new Minnesota Vikings undrafted rookie, Matt Harmon

Hopefully Matt Harmon has a doctorate degree from Kent State because he was there long enough to get one. From 2018 to 2024 (7 seasons), Harmon played 49 games for the Golden Eagles, totalling 105 tackles, 13 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 interception and 2 forced fumbles.

His most prolific season was his seventh and final year, where he posted 56 tackles, 7 TFLs and 2 sacks in 12 games. His second best season came in 2021, when he played 14 games, stacking 29 tackles, 3 TFLs and 1 sack. Outside of those two seasons, Harmon never played more than 7 games in a season due to injuries.

Related: How Many 2025 MN Vikings Draft Picks Will Make the Final 53-Man Roster?

After a full season back on the field, the now 25-year-old must be healthy and feeling good. Because out of the 20+ tryout players the Minnesota Vikings brought in over the weekend, only he and Elijah Williams landed spots on the 91-man roster.

Get to know new undrafted rookie, Elijah Williams

Unlike Harmon, Elijah Williams was not at Morgan State long enough to get his doctorate degree. Nonetheless, he did play in 42 games for the Bears in four seasons from 2021-24. While there, the outside linebacker racked up 216 tackles, 52 TFLs, 31 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

As a senior, Williams put up career highs in games (12) and sacks (11). His 15 tackles for loss were the second most in his career. The 6’3″, 270 lb pass rusher out of New Jersey was a regular in the Bears defense every season he was on campus, playing nine or more games in all four years.

He also posted seven or more sacks in each of his final three seasons. sacks in each of his final three seasons. Now, he’ll go through more rookie workouts over the next couple weeks, before Minnesota Vikings OTAs kickoff at the end of May.

Both guys signed today are obviously still longshots to make the final 53-man roster. But for now, their NFL dreams are still alive.

]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 18:35:19 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Every Player at 2025 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp, Including Top Ranked UDFA Class https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/2025-rookie-minicamp-roster-udfa-rankings/ Sat, 10 May 2025 01:34:30 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=63041 Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has struggled to find lasting value in the NFL Draft, since taking over in 2022. While the the 2025 draft class wasn’t very big, Kwesi hopes to change his rookie fortunes in 2025, and that starts with Vikings rookie minicamp.

On the other side of the player acquisition coin, Kwesi hasn’t had any issues identifying free agents, and that includes a high success rate in undrafted free agency. But this weekend, with all the early offseason moving and grooving complete, it’s time to start getting players on the field.

Friday, all of the youngsters signed since the “2025 NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting” (plus 1st rd pick Donovan Jones, who has not yet signed) arrived in Eagan at TCO Performance Center to get work in with their new MN Vikings teammates and coaches.

All 51 participants at 2025 Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp

In total, there are 51 players working out at Vikings facilities this weekend. All of them are listed below. Minnesota has 31 rookie minicamp participants already under contract. They brought in 20 more unsigned youngsters, including Randy Moss’ son Montigo Moss, to try and earn their spot.

Underneath the list of Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp participants, is some analysis on the team’s 2025 Undrafted Rookie Free Agency class via Thor Nystrom (FantasyLife.com), who ranked it No. 1 in the entire NFL.

Quarterbacks (2)

Max Brosmer — Minnesota (undrafted free agent)

Zach Zebrowski — Central Missouri (invited as tryout)

Related: MN Vikings Minicamp: KOC Reveals First Impressions of QB Max Brosmer

Running backs (4)

Tre Stewart — Jacksonville State (undrafted free agent)

Hope Adebayo — St. Thomas (invited as tryout)

Jarod Epperson — Augustana (invited as tryout)

Zavier Scott — Maine (already rostered)

Wide receivers (8)

Silas Bolden — Texas (undrafted free agent)

Tai Felton — Maryland (2025 third-round pick)

Dontae Fleming — Tulane (undrafted free agent)

Montigo Moss — Maine (invited as tryout)

Jeshaun Jones — Maryland (2024 undrafted free agent)

Robert Lewis — Auburn (undrafted free agent)

Robert McMinn — Alabama State (invited as tryout)

Myles Price — Indiana (undrafted free agent)

Tight ends (3)

Gavin Bartholomew — Pittsburgh (2025 sixth-round pick)

Bryson Nesbit — North Carolina (undrafted free agent)

Ben Yurosek — Georgia (undrafted free agent)

Offensive linemen (6)

Zeke Correll — N.C. State (undrafted free agent)

Logan Brown — Kansas (undrafted free agent)

Elijah Ellis — Marshall (invited as tryout)

Joe Huber — Wisconsin (undrafted free agent)

Donovan Jackson — Ohio State (2025 first-round pick)

Marcellus Johnson — Missouri (already rostered)

Related: Minnesota Vikings Expected to Play Multiple Games Overseas in 2025

Defensive linemen (6)

Anthony Campbell — Miami (invited as tryout)

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins — Georgia (2025 fifth-round pick)

Nathan Kapongo — Akron (invited as tryout)

Quantez Mansfield — N.C. Central (invited as tryout)

Alexander Williams — Middle Tennessee State (undrafted free agent)

Elijah Williams — Morgan State (invited as tryout)

Outside linebackers (5)

Tyler Batty — BYU (undrafted free agent)

Chico Bennett — Jr. (invited as tryout)

Chaz Chambliss — Georgia (undrafted free agent)

Brody Grebe — Montana State (invited as tryout)

Matt Harmon — Kent State (invited as tryout)

Related: Minnesota Vikings’ Greatest Position of Need – Per Mr. DVOA

Defensive backs (10)

Trashawn Adams (S) — Stephen F. Austin (invited as tryout)

Bubba Bolden (S) — Miami (already rostered)

Keenan Garber (CB) — Kansas State (undrafted free agent)

Tommi Hill (CB) — Nebraska (invited as tryout)

Robert Jones III (CB) — Howard (invited as tryout)

Paul Lewis III (S) — Akron (invited as tryout)

Javerius McGuinn (CB) — Missouri Western (invited as tryout)

Mishael Powell (S) — Miami (undrafted free agent)

Reddy Steward (CB) — Troy (already rostered)

Zemaiah Vaughn (CB) — Utah (undrafted free agent)

Linebackers (4)

Kobe King — Penn State (2025 sixth-round pick)

Austin Keys — Auburn (undrafted free agent)

Dorian Mausi — Auburn (undrafted free agent)

Max Tooley — BYU (already rostered)

Kicker (1)

Mitch Jeter –Notre Dame (invited as tryout)

Punter (1)

Oscar Chapman — Auburn (International Player Pathway Program)

Long snapper (1)

Austin Riggs — Rutgers (invited as tryout)

Minnesota Vikings running back Tre Stewart
Credit: Dave Hyatt / Special to the Gadsden Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There are plenty of different reasons a talented NFL-caliber player gets passed over during all seven rounds of the NFL Draft. And when high-caliber players fall through the cracks, the Minnesota Vikings have been really good at identifying those who can play in the league. This year’s class was no different.

Expect MN Vikings UDFAs to claim roster spots

FantasyLife.com NFL Draft guru Thor Nystrom has ranked Minnesota’s undrafted free agent class top five every year Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell have been the head decision makers. In 2025, however, he ranked them No. 1 overall.

In this year’s UDFA class, Thor specifically pinpoints Logan Brown (his top-rated UDFA), his former linemate Joe Huber, Gopher QB Max Brosmer, RB Tre Stewart, along with EDGE Tyler Batty. One coach not in the MN Vikings organization even believes that UDFA linebacker Austin Keys will beat out sixth round pick Kobe King.

The Vikings’ class is headlined by Kansas OL Logan Brown, my top-ranked overall UDFA. Brown, seen as a mid-rounder by most analysts heading into the draft, is going to make this roster… OG Joe Huber is also someone to monitor in camp. Brown and Huber—former teammates at Wisconsin—will battle 2024 draft picks Walter Rouse and Michael Jurgens in camp for bench spots.

QB Max Brosmer and RB Tre Stewart, meanwhile, will take on QB3 Brett Rypien and RB3 Ty Chandler, respectively. Each has a legitimate shot. Because of the team’s precarious depth situation at tight end, TEs Benjamin Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit might ultimately be battling with one another for a roster spot. If neither impresses this summer, look for the Vikings to be monitoring August tight end cuts from other rosters.

EDGE Tyler Batty was right on the draftable line for me. He’s a four-year starter at BYU with a north/south game, generating speed-to-power. Batty has the frame and game to hang around as a 3-4 defensive end.

An NFL coach—not on the Vikings staff—told me after the draft that LB Austin Keys might have been a fifth-rounder were it not for injuries. This coach believes Keys will beat out sixth-round pick LB Kobe King if Keys stays healthy this summer.”

Thor Nystrom – Fantasy Life

Nystrom also points out in his piece that six UDFAs have made the Vikings’ Week 1 roster over the past three years — Ryan Wright, Ivan Pace Jr., Gabriel Murphy, Taki Taimani, Bo Richter, and Dwight McGlothern.

Related: MN Vikings QB JJ McCarthy Reminds TJ Hockenson of Who…?

Although Donovan Jackson was drafted to immediately start at left guard for the Minnesota Vikings, Thor seems to have a lot of faith in both Logan Brown and Joe Huber hanging around the team this season too, even if that is just on the practice squad. Thor isn’t the only guy who likes Brown, either.

Minnesota Vikings supplemented a small draft class

Part of the talking points heading into the 2025 NFL Draft was about just how few picks the Minnesota Vikings had at their disposal. But with Kwesi running the show, the Vikings are gaining a reputation for finding talent on the fringes, then developing those players into legitimate NFL contributors.

Silas Bolden is another player worth keeping an eye on. The Texas Longhorns wideout handled 30 punts last season and his 315 return yards paced the SEC. He even housed one for the second straight season.

As camp goes on this summer, there will be other unknown names that emerge from the list of rookies above. The more of them that hit, the greater opportunity Minnesota has at upside options with cost-controlled contracts.

]]> Sat, 10 May 2025 08:33:39 +0000 Minnesota Vikings MN Vikings Minicamp: KOC Reveals First Impressions of QB Max Brosmer https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/rookie-minicamp-max-brosmer-kevin-oconnell/ Fri, 09 May 2025 22:48:03 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=63063 The Minnesota Vikings offseason continues to cook along. It seems like just yesterday fans were anxiously waiting for purple colored smoke clouds to flow out of the Lucas Oil Stadium chimney during the NFL Combine back in February, as if those early offseason rumors would reveal all of the Vikings’ plans.

That was three full months ago. It’s now May. The NFL free agency pool is mostly dried up, the NFL Draft has come and gone and all 32 teams have a full roster of youngsters already competing for 2025 roster spots at rookie minicamp. The Vikings — who made just five picks in last month’s draft — opened their 2025 rookie minicamp on Friday.

While their 2025 draft class was lighter than normal, their crop of 20+ undrafted free agents — which includes former Minnesota Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer — has garnered attention from those plugged into the college scouting and NFL Draft process.

The aforementioned Brosmer was one of the most expensive UDFAs signed by Minnesota last month, agreeing to a contract that included $250,000 in guaranteed money. So, why did the Vikings target the one-and-done Gopher quarterback and what have they learned about him so far?

Vikings rookie minicamp: Kevin O’Connell already noticing Max Brosmer

Head coach Kevin O’Connell gave media his first impressions of Brosmer on Friday, in a short press conference he held to open 2025 Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp. In summary: He doesn’t know enough yet, but the former FCS superstar is impressing those at TCO performance Center already.

Max Brosmer burst onto the Dinkytown scene and into the U of M football record books last year, tossing for 2,828 yards (66.5%), 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. His one season at Minnesota put Max in the top-10 of most Gopher single-season statistical QB categories.

Related: Every Player at 2025 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp, Including Top Ranked UDFA Class

But it’s everything else Brosmer did that caught the attention of PJ Fleck, the Minnesota Gophers coaching staff and his teammates. Now — just a hop, skip and jump away — in Eagan with the Vikings, we’re already hearing more of the same.

“I think a lot of it was on display today. The starting point of him being a pretty efficient thrower of the football, from the standpoint of fundamentals and technique and his ability to get generate some pretty good revolutions and RPMs on the ball with pretty limited movement in the pocket

I have a lot of respect for PJ and his staff and how they coach football over there. [Max’s] high-football IQ, I think shows up when he can arrive here, spend a couple hours in meetings and he’s out there making corrections in the middle of a 7-on-7 walk through leading into a period, or whatever it is.

So, you’re already seeing a lot of the things that we identified in Max, to bring him into a quarterback room that we’re really excited about. I think he had a great first day.”

Kevin O’Connell – MN Vikings rookie camp on Friday

Minnesota Vikings head coach shouts out Minnesota Gophers head coach

O’Connell then went into how closely he followed the Minnesota Gophers program last season, while Max Brosmer was at the helm. Not only does he like to watch the local college team, in order to pick out possible NFL talent, but he and Gophers head coach PJ Fleck are good friends.

That’s also part of the reason why KOC and the entire Minnesota Vikings coaching staff attends Gophers Pro Day every year, including the past two, both of which Brosmer performed at. Not only did Max show off his arm talent a couple of months ago, but he was able to throw for the 2024 U of M Pro Day, shortly after he transferred from New Hampshire.

“Not only has PJ had some really good rosters, but also to support what he’s doing over there, as a good friend of mine. [Brosmer] got a chance to throw last year, and he caught my eyes then. I didn’t get a chance to watch them in person, but obviously any time the Gophers were on TV, I could see it.

And we spent some time with the coaching staff a little bit, you know, sharing ideas, how we do things and some of the ways we teach things. So there’s some good carryover for things that he’s done in his time with the Gophers…I felt pretty good about Max as a thrower, when we were able to get him here.”

Kevin O’Connell – MN Vikings rookie camp on Friday

Related: Minnesota Vikings Expected to Play Multiple Games Overseas in 2025

Obviously, Max Brosmer has a long ways to go before he even makes the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, let alone ever throw a football that matters in the NFL. But it is no surprise that his football brain and talented arm are already catching the attention of coaches at TCO Performance Center.

I expect more of these comments and reports, as the Vikings’ offseason training program continues this summer. I am very interested to see where he stands and how he looks, once preseason reps are handed out this fall, too.

]]> Sat, 10 May 2025 08:50:26 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Wait… Sam Darnold Threw How Many Interceptions at Vikings Minicamp?! https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-rumors/minnesota-vikings-sam-darnold-minicamp-interceptions/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 16:29:51 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=52184 Before the Minnesota Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy at pick No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft, they signed quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency to a one-year deal. At first, Darnold was brought in as a hedge piece in case the Vikings weren’t able to land one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.

Now that the draft has come and gone, most fans were initially expecting McCarthy to start right away but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Darnold has shined this spring and is poised to be the Vikings starter week one.

Sam Darnold threw only one interception at Minnesota Vikings’ minicamp?

At this point, nearly every Minnesota Vikings’ beat writer has raved about Darnold’s performance throughout the offseason. However, there was a new nugget released to the public by Alec Lewis (The Athletic). Apparently, Sam Darnold only threw one interception all of mandatory minicamp… and wasn’t even his fault.

QB Sam Darnold: Looked sharp. Might have thrown only one interception in mandatory minicamp, and that might have been a byproduct of a poor route by his receiver.

Alec Lewis (The Athletic)

This is quite impressive if this is true. Although this will be Darnold’s first year in Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell’s scheme, he spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan.

O’Connell’s scheme is very similar to what Shanahan runs with the 49ers. Case and point, Darnold has a leg up on McCarthy understanding the terminology of the offense and what is required of the quarterback to execute the scheme.

Sam Darnold 2024 outlook with the Minnesota Vikings

This isn’t the first time Darnold has performed well in the offseason. Darnold has been noted to “shine” in the offseason because he’s unbothered. But when he’s in games, it’s not always the same.

Related: Vikings Push More Sam Darnold Hype Through ESPN Insider; Temper J.J. McCarthy Expectations

In the end, the starting job for Darnold is his to lose. The Minnesota Vikings have stuck to their guns with bringing along McCarthy very slowly, while continuing to emphasize Darnold’s success this offseason. Darnold will head into training camp as the starting quarterback with the goal of playing all 17 games this season.

]]> Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:43:06 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Rumors Minnesota Vikings Vikings WR3 Job is There for the Taking and *Surprise* Jalen Nailor is Nowhere to be Found https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-news/minnesota-vikings-jalen-nailor-update-minicamp/ Sun, 09 Jun 2024 01:10:39 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=51867 Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver Jalen Nailor was part of the first draft class under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell. Nailor was selected in the sixth-round of the 2022 NFL Draft at pick No. 191 overall.

Although he was drafted in the sixth-round, Nailor has the traits that can succeed in the NFL and he’s shown flashes to teammates, coaches and media members. Jalen is extremely fast, versatile, and he can catch the football, an underrated trait for that position.

Despite such talent, he can’t put together a long enough stretch of being healthy. That makes it difficult to climb the depth chart on the practice field or contribute during games. And to nobody’s surprise, Nailor was absent at mandatory minicamp too.

Jalen Nailor absent from Minnesota Vikings’ minicamp due to illness

According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), Nailor missed all three days due to an illness. For someone who has as much potential and talent as he does, this is quite disappointing. Especially, in an offseason where there is a legitimate battle for that third wide receiver spot, after K.J. Osborn departed in free agency.

Jalen Nailor, who was one of the more impressive Vikings performers throughout the first few organized team activities, was not present this week. The Vikings said he missed workouts due to an illness. Absences have been a theme for the 2022 sixth-round pick, who lost time last year because of a lower-leg injury and concussion.

Alec Lewis (The Athletic)

At this stage of Nailor’s career, its boom or bust. If he wants to make the 53-man roster, yet alone get snaps on game days, he has to stay get on the field. In two NFL seasons, Nailor has only 12 receptions, 208 receiving yards, and one touchdown.

Is Jalen Nailor always injured?

Not only could Jalen Nailor compete for reps at WR3, but he’s also got immense potential as a punt returner too. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) coming out of Michigan State University was 8.09. At that time, that was ranked 534 out of 2,785 wide receivers from 1987 to 2022.

From illnesses, to hamstrings, to concussions, he seems to battle with about every type of health impediment imaginable. Not only that, Nailor the same types of issues in college. He played in only 28 games over four seasons, but when he was available, Jalen’s productivity and a big-play abilities were off the charts.

Related: Sam Darnold Shines at Vikings Minicamp

Overall, if Nailor wants to make it in the NFL, he’s going to have to start participating at offseason workouts and battle through these ailing injuries. If he’s not on the field for a majority, if not all, of training camp and puts together a solid showing, his time is likely done in Minnesota.

]]> Sat, 08 Jun 2024 20:10:43 +0000 Minnesota Vikings News Minnesota Vikings Sam Darnold Shines at Vikings Minicamp https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-rumors/minnesota-vikings-minicamp-rumors-sam-darnold/ Fri, 07 Jun 2024 21:20:43 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=51827 The Minnesota Vikings’ signed quarterback Sam Darnold during free agency this offseason in the hopes that he provides a smooth bridge transition to eventual starting rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. At this stage of the offseason, it’s quite clear the Vikings plan is to start Darnold for most, if not all, the regular season.

This is not a knock to J.J. McCarthy in any sort of way, but it’s been preached and heavily emphasized by head coach Kevin O’Connell that they are going to be very patient with McCarthy’s development.

Despite the coaching staff being patient with McCarthy, it already sounds like Darnold is flourishing in O’Connell’s scheme. One beat writer for the Minnesota Vikings had high praise for what Darnold has been able to do over the last three days at mandatory minicamp.

Sam Darnold looks calm and confident running the Minnesota Vikings’ offense

According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), Darnold has looked calm, confident, and showed consistency over mandatory minicamp taking place this week from Tuesday, June 4th to Thursday, June 6th. Not only did the 26-year-old impress, but he also took every first-team rep over the course of those three days.

Darnold looked calm, confident and prepared for what is likely to be another starting opportunity. Thursday, he surveyed receivers in a seven-on-seven rep, then placed the ball perfectly in stride toward second-year receiver Jordan Addison. Once Addison caught the ball and turned upfield, multiple teammates who had been watching from behind Darnold yelled, “Thatta boy, Sam!”

Darnold’s consistency stood out for three days. He connected with Jefferson on a couple of over routes Wednesday, dropping the ball into hard-to-see windows. He anticipated cuts and displayed touch.

Alec Lewis (The Athletic)

Is Sam Darnold the Minnesota Vikings’ starter this upcoming season?

Not only did Lewis note how calm and confident he looked, but he also mentioned the connection he already has with wide receivers’ Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Even defensive tackle Harrison Phillips — who played his college ball at Stanford in the PAC-12 at the same time as Darnold, while he was at USC — complimented his arm talent.

“I know firsthand how much arm talent he has. This is the best team he’s been on. This is the best system for him. He’s hopefully going to find the ceiling of his play this season for us.”

Harrison Phillips (The Athletic)

It’s becoming more and more definitive that Darnold will be the opening day starter this season. Lewis specifically mentioned how prepared he appeared to be, for what might be his final training camp QB1 opportunity. Meanwhile, McCarthy literally isn’t even on the same practice field as the starters many times.

It’s clear the Vikings preference is to have J.J. McCarthy sit as long as possible behind Darnold. In a perfect world, that likely means the entire season, however, nobody knows how the season will go.

Related: Mike Florio Accuses Vikings Beat Writers of Burying Justin Jefferson Trade Rumors

If the Minnesota Vikings go on a losing streak or Darnold continues to turn the ball over, like has in the past, his leash could get extremely short. In the end, it’s Sam’s job to lose at this point. Will he continue to shine into regular season games or will he continue to only be an “offseason all-star“? Only time will tell.

]]> Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:20:47 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Rumors Minnesota Vikings Will Justin Jefferson be at Minnesota Vikings Mandatory Minicamp? https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-rumors/2024-minnesota-vikings-minicamp-justin-jefferson/ Sun, 02 Jun 2024 19:29:00 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=51642 One of the most important Minnesota Vikings’ storylines this offseason is still pending a conclusion, and that would be when will wide receiver Justin Jefferson sign his extension. Jefferson has yet to report to TCO Performance Center this offseason for organized team activities.

However, this really isn’t something to worry about as everything has been voluntary thus far. That changes on Tuesday, June 4th when the Vikings officially kick off mandatory minicamp.

Will Justin Jefferson report to Minnesota Vikings mandatory minicamp?

There hasn’t been anything concrete as to whether or not Jefferson will show this week to mandatory minicamp, outside NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero anticipating Jefferson does report to minicamp a couple weeks back. Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) via his most recent episode of the Access Vikings Podcast seems to be in-line with that same thinking.

Ben doesn’t rule out a possible holdout. Instead, thought, his guess would be that Jefferson reports to mandatory minicamp and does a “hold-in” instead, similar to what T.J. Hockenson and Danielle Hunter did last year in training camp, before they got their new deals.

It’s going to attract headlines if he’s not here, certainly. And I would look for those as soon as the night before, if it leaks out that he’s not going to be here, that’s probably coming from his camp… My guess is he shows up, he does the, you know, kind of a hold-in thing. Although, I say that, and we have not seen him do that before. Typically, when he’s been here, he’s kind of gone and done his thing.

Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) via Access Vikings

It sounds like anything could still happen this week, including a contract extension. But if that doesn’t happen, Goessling believes Jefferson will at least show up, even if that means pulling a “hold-in”. Even if he doesn’t participate, the Vikings would not be able (or forced) to fine him, since he’d still technically be in attendance.

What if Justin Jefferson does not attend Minnesota Vikings mandatory minicamp?

There definitely is a realistic scenario where Jefferson does decide not to attend mandatory minicamp this week. Goessling noted in the podcast episode that if Jefferson does decide to skip minicamp this week, leaks regarding his plans to play hookie would start to leak out tomorrow, via his team.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Dedicated to Paying Justin Jefferson a ‘Market-Altering’ Contract Extension

There is still plenty of time to get a deal done and some expect a new contract as soon as this week, which would make sense if the Vikings want their superstar wide receiver at practice and available to gain rapport with new quarterbacks Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy.

But even if Jefferson is a no-show at TCO Performance Center this week, it isn’t the end of the world, in the grand scheme of things. Whether it’s tomorrow or next month, it’s likely a deal gets done prior to training camp. If no deal is in place by then, that’s when Vikings’ fans should start to get nervous.

]]> Sun, 02 Jun 2024 14:29:04 +0000 Minnesota Vikings Rumors Minnesota Vikings