Yahoo Sports Senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson is on the road covering training camps. Today’s stop: the Minnesota Vikings
About the QB
Rookie JJ McCarthy is on a traditional rookie rollercoaster, with positive days and setbacks. But it’s clear that serious consideration is being given to his development. Sam Darnold had a strong training camp on Friday, and the better he plays, the more patient Minnesota can be with McCarthy. Embrace that as a good thing.
Rookie to watch
All eyes are on McCarthy and first-round edge rusher Dallas Turner, but Minnesota may have two seven-rounders — center Michael Jurgens and defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez — who could make the team. Rodriguez even raised some eyebrows among first-team defense reps on Friday. If both make the 53-man roster, it would be a huge win for the class.
I keep my eye on
2022 sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor has been impressive and there’s a sense he could be a solid contributor as a third receiver. He plays fast, nicknamed “speedy,” and was expected to make a splash at Michigan State if he took his extra year of pandemic eligibility. He didn’t, and the result looks like a player who will graduate at the NFL level.
Fantasy thought
Even with Aaron Jones on the roster, there is an abundance of confidence in Ty Chandler in the running back rotation. Especially after finishing the season with a strong last four games. This seems like it’s headed toward a pretty clear-cut split backfield rotation. Draft Jones and Chandler with that in mind.
What I saw was interesting
Wideout Justin Jefferson getting a “vet day” of rest on Wednesday, followed by a team-wide day off on Thursday, was a testament to the Vikings’ dedicated approach to his hamstring health. While 25 is a young age for load management, that’s the reality of his four-year, $140 million contract extension. Missing games isn’t an option.
Wildcard
It remains to be seen when tight end TJ Hockenson can realistically return from his torn ACL injury, though there is optimism he can push the timeline back during the season. One thing is clear: After Jefferson, Hockenson could be the next biggest addition to the development of McCarthy, who was adept with tight ends at Michigan. His healthy return is crucial.
