By next week, head coach Kevin O’Connell, defensive coordinator Brian Flores and the rest of the MN Vikings coaching staff will start getting serious about who will make the final 53-man roster, not to mention where those who do make the it will fit into the Vikings’ week one regular season depth chart.

One position where Minnesota has a ton of talent and one of the best starter groups in football, is EDGE rusher (or outside linebacker in the Vikings’ base 3-4 defense). Last season, a now 28 y/o Jonathan Greenard and 30 y/o Andrew Van Ginkel combined for 23.5 sacks, 91 tackles and 41 QB hits.

Greenard has been excellent today against Decker. Pressure allows Van Ginkel to strip Goff pic.twitter.com/qtKkXSeJxp

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) October 20, 2024

In 2025, the Minnesota Vikings hope to inject more of sophomores Dallas Turner and Gabe Murphy into their EDGE rotation, to help keep Greenard and Van Ginkel fresh, and opposing offensive lines guessing.

Dallas Turner underperforming at MN Vikings camp + preseason?

But a KFAN radio rant on Wednesday, from popular voice of the Vikings, Paul Allen, seems to call into question everything from Turner’s development to his role within Minnesota’s defense for the upcoming season.

PA clearly came away feeling underwhelmed by Dallas Turner’s performance last weekend, and concerned that O’Connell might feel the same way, though he makes it clear that he hasn’t spoke to the Vikings head coach, about Turner, since Saturday.

For the audio crowd 👀

(Via: @KFAN1003) https://t.co/M3g3n3ILGp pic.twitter.com/3D0Z9IFtvQ

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 13, 2025

“What do you do with Dallas Turner? I’m just going to lay it out like that. What do you do with Dallas Turner? Where do you play him, how much do you play him? Do you care that he was a first round pick, do you care that Gabriel Murphy is outperforming him in training camp and the Texans game?

Do you care that O’Connell came into the Texans game really, really excited to watch the Dallas Turner performance. I certainly can’t say the HC of the Minnesota Vikings thought it was a bad performance, I wouldn’t know.

I just know that there wasn’t a lot said about [Turner] after the Texans game, and there was a lot said about [Gabe Murphy]. So I guess that would be the potential proverbial dark cloud on the horizon.”

Paul Allen – KFAN Radio

Dallas Turner, Gabe Murphy trying to rebound from slow rookie starts

Behind their two Pro Bowl outside linebackers, the Vikings get young at OLB dangerously fast. They selected a now 22 y/o Dallas Turner with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, shortly after they took QB JJ McCarthy at No. 10 overall.

Then, shortly after the 2024 draft ended, Minnesota signed a now 24 y/o UCLA undrafted rookie free agent, Gabe Murphy. Last year, Turner played in 300 total snaps over 16 regular season games, totalling 4 sacks, 20 tackles and 5 QB hits, not to mention how good he was last preseason.

Dallas Turner walks Trent Williams right back into Brock Purdy's lap (also, the Vikings essentially only rushed two on this play). pic.twitter.com/yfpPONl80A

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) September 16, 2024

Related: Patriots Head Coach Taking Joint Practices vs Vikings VERY Seriously

Murphy immediately impressed Vikings coaches and staff during last year’s summer workout, and all the way through 2024 training camp. Unfortunately, he wound up on the injured list to start the regular season, and only played 35 total defensive snaps in 2 games.

Early on during summer workouts and 2025 training camp, comments made by coaches and reports from local media suggested nothing but good things behind the scenes, for the former first round pick.

Dallas Turner in the backfield stole
Howell’s lunch, snack, and dinner.

Wooooof😤 pic.twitter.com/jcBmvyiOz9

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 28, 2025

Dallas Turner showed up at TCO Performance Center looking noticeably bigger, and he seemed to be winning more reps against Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen. More recently, however, all that optimism has faded a bit, which makes this critique — from a very plugged-in Paul Allen — are worrisome, at the least.

But for those inside of TCO Performance Center, this week is much more important. Not only do they have another preseason game on Saturday against the New England Patriots, once dominant AFC contender is coming to town a few days early for a couple midweek joint practice sessions too.

It’s at this week’s joint practices where many MN Vikings starters, on both sides of the football, will get most of their training camp and preseason work in. These joint practices are competitive and, by design, incredibly intense.

Minnesota Vikings player stocks on the rise entering week 2 of preseason

Without a doubt, this week’s visit from the Pats will help Minnesota’s coaching staff decipher who on the Vikings’ 90-man roster is a contender for final spots on the regular season 53-man roster, compared to who is a pretender.

These sessions will also go a long way toward deciding position battles that are being had throughout the depth chart. So, with one 20-10 exhibition victory now in their back pocket and a big week up ahead, let’s take a look at which Vikings players have bumped their training camp stock, thus far.

MN Vikings Stock 📈: QBs Max Brosmer, Sam Howell

This is the only spot where I have two players listed next to each other. That’s because it felt wrong to leave either Max Brosmer or Sam Howell off this list, but I also didn’t want to use up two spaces on depth quarterbacks.

I wrote more on the current standing of the Minnesota Vikings’ QB room, after all three of them played in the first preseason game of the summer on Saturday. But combined, Howell and Brosmer completed 16-of-21 passes for 152 yards and 1 touchdown, immediately answering the 53-man roster questions surrounding both quarterbacks.

For the first week or two of training camp, Sam Howell struggled badly enough to where multiple local beat writers and plugged-in media members were wondering if it was time for the Vikings to start exploring outside backup quarterback options.

If general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in that same headspace, and actively making calls last week on QB options not currently in purple, I’d imagine he hung up the phone by halftime of Minnesota’s preseason win over Houston.

Sam Howell had one hell of a day in his MN Vikings preseason debut. pic.twitter.com/OSLpeC9Y9c

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 10, 2025

Related: JJ McCarthy’s Leadership on Full Display in Vikings Return; O’Connell Giddy…

Howell may not be the best executor of Kevin O’Connell’s offense during the week, especially right now, coming in new. But the one-time UNC standout proved over the weekend that, if needed in a pinch, the soon to be 25-year-old QB with 18 games of starting NFL experience would be a perfectly viable option.

Meanwhile, Max Brosmer has impressed coaches, teammates and media members throughout the early-part of 2025 training camp. Still, most believed the former Gopher was destined for the Vikings’ 2025 practice squad.

Following his performance in week one of the preseason, however, that is no longer a guarantee. With two games remaining, both of which Brosmer is expected to get A LOT of playing time, the 24-year-old has an opportunity to make himself uncuttable by the time Minnesota’s exhibition schedule is completed.

Nice Max Brosmer throw to Myles Price, who has impressed in training camp pic.twitter.com/jhdgcpdi6s

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 9, 2025

B1G Connection @maxtbro @Myles_price3

📺: @FOX9 | @NFLNetwork
📻: @KFAN1003 pic.twitter.com/Au4atULnVg

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 9, 2025

Stock 📈: EDGE Gabe Murphy

Gabe Murphy isn’t new to any list that includes Minnesota Vikings training camp standouts. In 2024, after signing as an undrafted free agent, Murphy was one of the earliest rookies to stand out last summer.

Unfortunately, he suffered an injury at the end of camp that landed him on injured reserve for a large chunk of the regular season. But exactly one year later, Murphy has picked up right where he left off prior to his injury this time last preseason.

Even prior to Saturday’s exhibition contest, Murphy was a player being regularly mentioned as an undrafted free agent making an impact at Minnesota Vikings practices. Against the Texans, he doubled down on that optimism with 3 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 5 QB hits, disrupting Houston’s plans all afternoon in both their run and pass game.

#Vikings edge rusher Gabriel Murphy was really impressive yesterday. Remember, he had a strong camp last year before his injury:

(@WillRagatz)pic.twitter.com/XUDbI27ESG

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 11, 2025

Murphy finished Saturday’s preseason game with a 80.2 PFF grade on defense, a number that was buoyed by his 85.3 pass rush grade. Neither he nor Bo Richter will wow viewers in pass coverage — Murphy scored a 61.4 coverage grade vs Texans — but Gabe excelled everywhere else (69.6 Run DEF, 72.0 tackle).

There isn’t a lot of room on the Vikings’ 53-man roster at outside linebacker, behind Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner, but Gabe Murphy has to be the current leader for the remaining 1-3 spots that are available.

MN Vikings Stock 📈: K Will Reichard

On Saturday, Will Reichard kicked four total field goals (2 XP, 2 FG) and hit all four in convincing fashion, including a 48-yarder that capped off a 13-play drive from the Minnesota Vikings starters early in the first quarter.

WILL REICHARD WITH THE LEG TO GIVE THE VIKINGS THEIR FIRST POINTS & LEAD OF THE PRESEASON! pic.twitter.com/vBWBvV4QLY

— Adam (@vikingsman_28) August 9, 2025

This time last year, that would not have surprised anyone. Reichard came in as a 6th round pick out of Alabama and Vikings coaches were so impressed by his summer workouts that they cut his veteran competition, John Parker Romo, prior to their first preseason game.

Will Reichard went on to hit 14 of his first 14 regular season NFL field goal attempts, to start out his MN Vikings career (along with a perfect XP mark – 23/23). Unfortunately, the rookie kicking phenom suffered an injury in week 9, which resulted in the first two misses of his career.

Related: Insiders Lukewarm on Minnesota Vikings Future

Reichard was placed on the injured list from week 10 to week 13, and when he returned, he was no longer Mr. Automatic, converting on just 4-of-6 field goal attempts. Both misses came from 40-49 yards, where Will had been automatic since becoming the starter in Alabama.

After getting healthy over the offseason, most fans and media pundits expected the 24-year-old kicker to regain last year’s camp form early this summer. Reality didn’t play out that way, however. Instead, Reichard struggled with accuracy during the first few weeks of training camp.

One of Will Reichard’s misses… with the doink on the left upright. pic.twitter.com/cEsIxKI4Dr

— Skol Geek (@SkolGeek) July 29, 2025

Thankfully, over the past week or two, it sounds like Will has turned things around. He was perfect during the Vikings’ night practice last weekend, and hit on all four of his attempts against the Texans. Let’s hope whatever had been going on since last season’s injury is now behind the Minnesota Vikings’ present and future at kicker.

Stock 📈: RB Zavier Scott

Lastly, we cannot make a 2025 Minnesota Vikings camp stock risers list without including rookie undrafted free agent running back, Zavier Scott, who has been one of the top standouts early on in training camp.

Well, on Saturday against the Texans, he did absolutely nothing to slow down his preseason hype train. After his top competition for RB3, Ty Chandler, took 5 handoffs for a total of just 5 yards (1 YPC) — plus 3 receptions for 20 yards — Scott was given his first NFL preseason opportunity.

And he was not going to let it go to waste, rushing 7 times for 40 yards (5.7 YPC), including a 12-yard toss play in the third quarter that showed off his speed and tackle-breaking abilities. Scott, a former wide receiver, also caught one screen pass for 11 yards and a first down.

End zone view of #Vikings RB Zavier Scott's 51 yards from scrimmage on 8 touches against the Texans.

6'1", 219. Former college WR. He's got some juice! pic.twitter.com/pDxIKnrRg9

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 11, 2025

Related: What We Learned About the MN Vikings’ QB Situation vs Texans

I don’t know if the Minnesota Vikings are ready to hand Xavier Scott the RB3 position just yet. But at this point, there is nothing that Ty Chandler does better than Scott out of the backfield (other than being one of the fastest players on the team).

The converted Maine/UConn receiver can run the ball inside and outside, can obviously catch passes at a high level, and unlike Chandler, he can block a little bit too.

J.J. McCarthy missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Although he attacked the rehab process and put himself in a position to succeed this year, the practice opponent isn’t making it easy on him.

If there’s a positive when considering the test that McCarthy is currently facing, it’s that he’s cutting his teeth against one of the best units in the sport.

Minnesota Vikings defense pushing JJ McCarthy

The Vikings made it official. J.J. McCarthy will start on Saturday against the Houston Texans. That is expected to be his only preseason game action before Week 1. He’ll get a chance to work against a defense that is not his own, and one that theoretically will generate a lesser challenge. The Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer spoke of how the purple on purple experience has gone.

The Vikings defense has had the upper hand over the young McCarthy throughout training camp, and Monday night was no different.

McCarthy was often flustered from the pocket and throwing on the run during 11-on-11 drills at TCO Stadium, where the team holds its annual night practice for fans. His longest pass sailed over the head of wide receiver Jordan Addison about 20 yards downfield.

McCarthy’s operation also had a couple of false starts while working with backup center Michael Jurgens, who replaced Kelly, the injured starter, for the night.

Andrew Krammer – Star Tribune

It’s not surprising that a well-polished defense would present challenges for a young quarterback. It’s also a positive that Brian Flores isn’t taking his foot off the gas and is throwing everything he can at McCarthy.

McCarthy won’t have injured wide receiver Justin Jefferson with him on Saturday. T.J. Hockenson and Ryan Kelly could both be out as well as they nurse minor maladies.

Related: Veteran Addition May be MN Vikings Secret Weapon

What Kevin O’Connell has to be hoping for is a calm and level of poise that sets McCarthy up to move forward. He’s going to see another defense next week with the New England Patriots in town for joint practices. That may be his best opportunity for increased growth prior to the regular season.

No reason to panic for MN Vikings JJ McCarthy

It would be more problematic for the Minnesota Vikings if McCarthy was picking apart the newly upgraded defense. The fact that he’s not allows for the coaching staff to impart additional points of wisdom.

Last year McCarthy threw 17 passes (completing 11 of them) and a pair of touchdowns in his preseason game against the Raiders. It’s unlikely he sees that level of exposure as the guaranteed starter to open the season.

Every throw from JJ McCarthy in his debut vs the Raiders@Vikings #Vikings pic.twitter.com/VzQNgPfc0J

— awthentik (@awthentik) August 11, 2024

Minnesota will likely want to see how well he appears to exhibit comfort in the pocket during his first game action since the injury. The results will be nitpicked, and they could be glorified if the performance stands out too. Really though, this is more of a process superior to results situation.

The Vikings are just over one month away from their Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. September 8 is the day O’Connell, McCarthy, and everyone else has circled for things to be dialed in by.

While there are battles further down the depth chart, you’d be misguided to think that starting talent doesn’t want to assert themselves as well. The offense has had to deal with difficult Brian Flores schemes, and that means they’ve had to earn every inch.

Individually guys are going to want standout moments, but that doesn’t mean it won’t draw the ire of the competitors around them. Enter linebacker Brian Asamoah.

Brian Asamoah hurls a haymaker in MN Vikings practice

It has been an interesting career for Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah. There was a time he seemed like a breakout candidate, but now he could be on the roster bubble. After lighting up Aaron Jones on a tackle, a scuffle broke out.

This was followed more feistiness. Tyler Batty tackled Aaron Jones to the ground in the backfield. And J.J. McCarthy came in and shoved Batty. Entire team is now in the middle of the field hearing it from Kevin O’Connell, who had a hard no-fighting rule. https://t.co/L83ijvSay8

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 2, 2025

Asamoah and Batty are both little more than additional depth, but they are trying to stand out in relation to their peers. Asamoah is a former third round pick that has yet to substantiate himself. Batty went undrafted and would love a shot at the practice squad.

Related: Former Vikings Draft Pick At Risk of Getting Cut?

Of course quarter J.J. McCarthy isn’t going to put up with the beef up front or his starting veteran running back being knocked around. While he still needs to show his prowess as a contender when games start to count, it matters that he shows protection for those around him too.

Vikings need poise during joint practices

This is just training camp in its infancy still. There will be plenty more high contention situations to arise as the roster trims down and the regular season draws nearer.

O’Connell clearly was not thrilled with what he saw from the Minnesota Vikings displaying a level of infighting today. It’s one thing to see tensions rise with your own team. It’s completely another to almost expect it against the competition.

In the lead up to their second preseason contest against the New England Patriots, the Vikings will share the TCO Performance Center practice fields with the competition. Joint practices always seem to bring out additional frustrations.

Related: 4 Vikings Defenders Who Could Earn Bigger Role During Training Camp

Regardless of their roster status or the mark they’d like to make, Vikings players will need to remain in check the rest of the way.

Last season Minnesota needed to swing a trade for tackle Cam Robinson after Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending injury. This time around they have veteran Justin Skule in tow, but Matt Nelson joins him as another potential option.

Matt Nelson signs with Minnesota Vikings

Ideally the Minnesota Vikings wouldn’t need any help at either of their tackle positions. Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw are among the best bookends across the entire league. If depth is to be called upon though, they have at least continued to make that a focus.

The #Vikings have signed OL Matt Nelson and waived/injured DL Alexander Williams.

📰: https://t.co/8d3WZiR9qY pic.twitter.com/l3jDIDgUbw

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 31, 2025

Matt Nelson joins the Vikings after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions. Undrafted out of Iowa, he has 43 professional games under his belt and has drawn 14 starts. He originally worked as a defensive tackle for Detroit, but shifted to right tackle in 2021 and started 11 of the 13 games he played that season.

He was signed by the New York Giants in March of 2024 but was a roster cut in August and didn’t play in the league last year.

Related: Former MN Vikings RB Hangs Up Cleats

Minnesota waived Alexander Williams to make room for the new tackle. Williams started his college career in 2018 with Ohio State, and finished it by playing six games for Middle Tennessee State last season.

There was a time this offseason that Kirk Cousins being added as a veteran backup seemed like a possibility. Instead Minnesota made a trade for former fifth round pick Sam Howell and that brought depth to the quarterback room.

Max Brosmer joined the roster as an undrafted free agent, and Minnesota has not been shy about their love for Brett Rypien. Howell would seem to be the favorite for the backup job, but not everyone is sold on that reality.

Brett Rypien emerging as MN Vikings backup QB

The Minnesota Vikings have never started Brett Rypien in a game. His last action came for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 and he has just 10 professional games under his belt. This team likes him though, and The Athletic’s Alec Lewis sees enough of it to call him the Vikings backup quarterback.

“The backup situation is fluid. Howell performed better throughout the majority of Monday’s practice, but then a throw into traffic resulted in a tipped interception. Rypien must prove he can be consistently accurate to earn the job, and it’s always possible Minnesota could look externally.

Brosmer’s confidence and consistency are nothing to scoff at, either. The rookie has been rock solid and would be a shoo-in as a practice-squad candidate.”

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Lewis has both Brosmer and Howell out on the 53-man roster. Of course the Gophers signal caller could wind up on the practice squad. The notable news would be Rypien overtaking Howell for the backup role.

WHAT A SNAG! pic.twitter.com/3ahFW9k1FP

— Dustin (@Dust_Vikings) July 29, 2025

After a successful career with North Carolina, Howell went to the Commanders in the fifth round. He played in a single game during 2022 before starting all 17 in 2023. He threw for 3,946 yards with a 21/21 TD/INT ratio. It wasn’t good, but there was clearly something to dream on.

Last season Howell operated as the backup to Geno Smith in Seattle. He brings a veteran presence and level of experience to the MN Vikings, but O’Connell may like his other options better.

It would be somewhat jarring to see either Rypien or Max Brosmer emerge as the unquestioned backup behind McCarthy. However, the Gophers quarterback has drawn rave reviews early on in his pro career.

Related: Vikings Front Seven Living Up to Hype Early

During his one season under P.J. Fleck, Brosmer put together arguably the greatest quarterback season in Gophers history. He threw for 2,828 yards with a 66.5% completion rate and 18/6 TD/INT. His arm may leave something to be desired, but his instincts are top-notch.

J.J. McCarthy on Max Brosmer: "Max is the man. Super detail-oriented. Works his butt off. I can't say enough good things about that guy. An awesome human being, and he can sing pretty well, too. He's got a song out there. Old Jack Daniels. Check it out."

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) July 30, 2025

Rypien seems like an underwhelming option that could be replaced by an run-of-the-mill veteran. If Brosmer elevated himself to the QB2 role with O’Connell’s belief behind him, things could get exciting.

Arguably the two greatest positional battles for the Vikings come at the third wide receiver and cornerback positions. On offense it’s who is behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. On defense it’s who plays with Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers.

There is an injury keeping both Jefferson and Rodgers from practicing. That allows for guys looking to make a name for themselves an opportunity.

Lucky Jackson stands out for Minnesota Vikings

Jalen Nailor is firmly entrenched as the MN Vikings third wide receiver. He is the incumbent and scored six touchdowns across 17 games last year. However, there is opportunity with Jefferson out, and a possible suspension for Addison looming. Ben Goessling noted Lucky Jackson as a player who has stood out early.

“I guess the first name that comes to mind for me, the opportunity has come to him because of Justin Jefferson, but Lucky Jackson. He’s gotten a lot of time with the 1’s and has looked like a guy that can contribute there. He’s not seeing all of the top corners with Isaiah Rodgers not practicing, but the times he’s gotten with the 1’s and the plays he’s made when he’s been there, I think have been noteworthy. Had another nice catch yesterday [Monday], and he just looks like he’s played the position, he’s been in this offense for a while now…he has been impressive to me.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings

Lucky Jackson went undrafted out of Western Kentucky and has spent time on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He was active for three games in 2023 but played just three offensive snaps and another 32 on defense. He has yet to record a catch in a regular season game.

Lucky Jackson has a nice one handed grab from JJ McCarthy in 7 on 7’s. pic.twitter.com/HHQFwLf5QW

— Skol Geek (@SkolGeek) July 29, 2025

Jackson would be considered as the elder statesman among potential down-roster wide receiver depth. Tai Felton was a 2025 draft pick, and Silas Bolden was signed as an undrafted free agent.

Related: Vikings Front Seven Living Up to Hype Early

Kevin O’Connell is going to need someone from the group behind Jefferson, Addison, and Nailor to step up. Minnesota utilized more than just three wideouts last year. Now they are dealing with uncertainty regarding both of their top two.

Jeff Okudah a MN Vikings defensive standout

The Minnesota Vikings cornerback position seems to leave something to be desired on paper. Behind Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers there is uncertainty. They did bring in former third overall pick Jeff Okudah, but he hasn’t worked out in any of his previous stops. Something may be clicking at TCO though.

“I haven’t seen a ton of things just myself observing this short camp we’ve had, but Jeff Okudah continues to get these reps as the third corner. This can age very quickly because they’ll bring in Stephon Gilmore in late August and things can change obviously. But, Brian Flores was really complimentary yesterday [Monday] talking about Jeff Okudah and how he’s been since he got him. He’s been great in the building, in the locker room, great on the field. It doesn’t sound like a coach ready to give up on this guy the way that the NFL seemingly has before.”

Andrew Krammer – Access Vikings

Krammer goes on to note that even undrafted cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn has gotten reps ahead of Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern. It’s Okudah who has seen real run above all of them.

After the Lions took Okudah third overall in 2020 he played just 25 games (22 starts) across three seasons for them. The Ohio State product then went to Atlanta and Houston before joining the Vikings.

Related: MN Vikings O-Line Getting Healthy Fast

It’s beyond plausible that the Vikings bring in a more established veteran. Okudah can be strong depth if Minnesota believes in him either way. For now though, he’s clearly taking the opportunity and running with it.

While Brian Flores has often been lauded as an exceptional asset from the sideline, he may have his best defense yet. The front seven has earned early praise, and now we’re seeing it come to life on the field.

Training camp opened last week for the Vikings. Media has been present a bit longer than fans have. The takeaways may be the same.

Defense steals the show early for Minnesota Vikings

Plenty of excitement exists for the Vikings with J.J. McCarthy being healthy and commanding the offense. He’s going to have plenty of time to establish himself this year. How much heavy lifting he has to do will be a reflection of the defense, and they were the talk of the latest Access Vikings episode.

“I think the front seven has certainly been the big one [takeaway]. Certainly yesterday [Monday] first day in pads, I think that was the big takeaway. Just how diverse that pass rush can be. With Dallas Turner looking like he’s going to get a bigger role alongside Van Ginkel and Greenard. You add those tackles to it. I mean the pass rush was very disruptive in that first day…we’ll see that continue as we go.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings

“Yeah, I agree with Ben. I think when all of us media were sitting there just watching. Greenard get after it. The first pass rush rep was between Van Ginkel and O’Neill. That one was a great rep and a great matchup to watch throughout. The interior. I talked to O’Neill afterwards and he mentioned Jonathan Allen has moves that frankly none of our defensive tackles I’ve played with before have done. He’s mentioned the hump pass rushing move that Reggie White made famous back in the 90’s. He’s saying this guy does it better than anybody that I’ve seen. O’Neill went as far as saying, just as far as dudes and talent, this is the best defensive line I’ve seen us face thus far in camp.”

Andrew Krammer – Access Vikings

It’s good that there is a consensus on the Vikings defensive front. It’s also validating from the perspective that it was a clear focus in free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah went out and targeted interior help. The additions of Allen and Javon Hargrave only heighten the impact of the edge rushers.

While the secondary is going to have some new faces, the front seven can help to impact the opposing passing game. The more that Flores can scheme his group to get home, the better the unit as a whole will be.

Related: MN Vikings O-Line Getting Healthy Fast

Minnesota kicks off the exhibition slate on August 9th against the Houston Texans. McCarthy will be under center and the pass rush will get a chance to show off what they have. Fans can also flock to TCO Performance Center in Eagan, and it may be best while the New England Patriots are in town for joint practices.

It’s unlikely we see very much of the starting offensive line that day, or for much of the preseason, given the importance their health plays into the success of Minnesota during the 2025 regular season. But because there are so many new faces, don’t be surprised if we see them for a drive or two.

Minnesota Vikings offensive line looking healthier

Of course, that’s assuming the entire o-line is available. Future All-Pro left tackle Christian Darrisaw and newcomer right guard, Will Fries both came into camp rehabilitating from injury.

Fortunately, the latter returned to team drills this week and the former is expected to do the same on Friday, according to insider Andrew Krammer via the Star Tribune’s “Access Vikings” podcast.

“Will Fries got team reps [Tuesday], the guy who signed the 5-year, $88 million deal coming off the broken leg. He was good enough to progress and get into some 11 on 11 action right out of the gate.

And then O’Neal had mentioned to me yesterday that that Christian Darrisaw will progress to that point by the end of this week. So, they should have their entire offensive line together by at least Friday. And so that’s a good sign for McCarthy and for this offense in general.”

Andrew Krammer – Access Vikings

Prior to his knee injury, Christian Darrisaw (26 y/o) was on the way to implanting himself as one of the top tackles in the NFL with his 81.4 PFF grade. Once he left the line, Sam Darnold’s blindside was never the same.

👀 pic.twitter.com/PRTv6N0nh2

— Dustin (@Dust_Vikings) July 30, 2025

Yes, that is Darrisaw operating in a full capacity while going 11-on-11 in pads Wednesday. Minnesota has no reason to make public comments on his status, but it appears the bookend is trending towards Week 1 availability.

Related: Dallas Turner Might Be a Problem This Season…

Over at right guard, Will Fries (27 y/o) has already resumed his role as starting right guard in most team drills. His 2024, prior to injury, was going even better than Darrisaw’s, according to PFF, which gave Fries a 93.0 grade in 5 games.

What we don’t know is how the Minnesota Vikings will look after a 14-win campaign and the departure of quarterback Sam Darnold. The roster is set to win now, and Brian Flores’ defensive front looks like an absolute force.

Although he’s not currently a starter amongst that group, Dallas Turner appears primed to live up to his first round pick billing. If he’s going to break out this year, it would be hard not to notice, and he’s already turning heads in Eagan.

Minnesota Vikings ready for Dallas Turner breakout

Last season the Minnesota Vikings jumped back into the first round of the NFL Draft in order to land Dallas Turner. The cost was substantial and he only played a rotational role last season as a rookie. ESPN’s Kevin Siefert is already liking what he has seen from the Alabama product during training camp in year two.

On Dallas Turner … in video form. pic.twitter.com/3Np8XXmLJr

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) July 29, 2025

“One of the pleasant surprises of the Minnesota Vikings early part of training camp has been linebacker Dallas Turner, who was the second of their two first round picks in 2024. He didn’t play a lot as a rookie. He had two Pro Bowlers in Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel ahead of him on the depth chart. The question coming into camp was how are they going to get Dallas Turner on the field more with those two guys also back with the team? The answer has been pretty simple. The Vikings have been happy to have all three of them on the field together when the first-team defense is on the field.

First part of full pads practice, first-defense against first-offense, Dallas Turner had a sack and also tipped a pass that nearly led to a pick-six. Really having a lot of flash plays so far from what we’re seeing from Dallas Turner. A lot of times when coaches and players are noticing him, he keeps playing like this it’s not going to be a question of when he gets on the field, or how much he gets on the field, but how much of an impact he’s actually making.”

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

As Seifert alluded to, Turner’s impact was minimal in year one. Although he played in 16 games, he had just three sacks and 20 total tackles. Turner racked up 300 defensive snaps, but that was just 28% of the total. He spent 53% of the special teams plays on the field.

Dallas Turner ghost move. Sells power and bends the edge. pic.twitter.com/8GeUTsGpMe

— Best Blitz (@BestBlitzFilmz) July 29, 2025

If the Vikings are going to get more from Turner in year two, their defense could be among the best in the league. There are still question marks at the cornerback position, but a pass rush including Turner, Greenard, and Van Ginkel all producing seems unfair.

Turner led the SEC in sacks as a junior with 10. He has long been a menace for opposing quarterbacks, and there’s a reason the Minnesota Vikings prioritized a jump up in the draft to go get him.

What does a good year from Dallas Turner look like for the MN Vikings?

Ultimately it will be up to Brian Flores when it comes to positioning his edge rushers. The Vikings finally have a strong interior defensive line with the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They could get crazy and go grab Christian Wilkins too.

Finding a way to deploy Turner, Greenard, and Van Ginkel at a substantial clip is probably something Flores has happy thoughts about. That can’t be a good feeling to be under center looking at that trio bearing down on you.

Related: Brian Flores Interested in Newly Available Star Free Agent

Turner doesn’t need to generate the 12 sacks Greenard had last year, or the 11.5 sacks Van Ginkel posted. He doesn’t need to focus on making the Pro Bowl either. If Turner can up his sack total to something above five, and be on the field for more than 50% of the defensive snaps, that seems like positive development.

This is a big year for the young linebacker. How much of an impact he makes might be limitless with the opportunity expected to grow.