RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesThe Vikings held another training camp practice today, this one in shells. Overall it was a lighter practice- tomorrow’s practice is to be a longer, padded practice, so not as many things to report from this practice, but certainly some tidbids here and there.
On the Quarterback Competition
It was a decent day for both quarterbacks generally. Both had some mildly good throws between team and redzone drills and some inaccurate ones. Probably more par for the course rather than terribly concerning. No deep bombs again today. Mostly short stuff with some intermediate throws mixed in for both QBs.
There was a lot of mixing and matching between 1s and 2s and even 3s today on both sides of the ball.
Some of the team drills today looked more like a half-speed install. The offense was working against staff members while the defense was doing the same on the other field.
However, it was noteworthy that in the last portion of full-speed team drills that Kyler Murray was exclusively with the first-team and J.J. McCarthy was exclusively with the second-team. Perhaps a sign of things to come.
Other Notes
I said it yesterday and I’ll say it again today: Charles Demmings looks like the real deal. He had multiple PBUs again today and plays with swagger. So far, he looks like the best draft pick of the bunch. He can be physical, and he may have to tone that down to some degree to avoid penalties, but he plays with confidence no matter which receiver he is up against- and its often either Jefferson, Addison, or Felton. He looked to be getting regular reps with the first-team defense today.
Christian Darrisaw did not practice today, nor did Andrew Van Ginkel and I believe Blake Cashman. It was kind of a veteran’s day off today between two padded practices.
Domonique Orange was in uniform today, but I didn’t see him participating in team drills. Still, probably a positive sign that he should return sooner rather than later.
Demond Claiborne participated in team drills as well, although he had a drop in red zone drills.
I watched most of the offensive line drills today and I don’t think there will be a serious challenge to either Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens at center. Vershon Lee is more cross-training at center but still primarily a guard. I don’t see either Gavin Gerhardt or Walter Rouse making the team at this point, although they have a shot to change that- but probably not a big one. They are last in the pecking order and I’m not sure Rouse will have much of an opportunity to compete at guard. He’s not going to win a roster spot at tackle with Ryan Van Demark and Caleb Tiernan basically roster locks.
Jauan Jennings is not a dynamic athlete compared to the other receivers on the roster. He has value as a blocker and can win contested catches with his size and physicality, but he’s not likely to create much separation as a route runner.
Tai Felton could earn some reps this year on offense as a more dynamic third wide receiver.
Caleb Banks had a few snaps with the first team, but that was it. That was the case yesterday too. They are slowly working him in and hopefully will begin to increase his snap count.
Jake Golday had a couple nice plays in run defense- disrupting runs in the backfield
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins continues to work with the first-team and had a nice TFL on a run play.
The third-string defensive tackles got more snaps today- this was a practice where backups got more reps generally- including Eric Johnson and Taki Taimani.
TE Gavin Bartholomew continues to have a good training camp. He looks like he could end up as TE3.
That’s all I have for today. I’ll be back tomorrow.
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