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On the Ascension (OTAs)


swede700

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16 hours ago, SemperFeist said:

That’s actually the first I’ve heard of a team putting a rookie through rehab classes, without it being required by the league. 

Not sure if the team initiated it, or if it was player initiated. That tweet doesn't actually specify.

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Zimmer: “I think this is our fourth day in the red zone, we’ve spent an awful lot of time. I think it’s just important we get a lot of work in there. We put a big emphasis on it last year. We’re going to continue to do so.”

Cousins: “That’s why we’re doing it. It’s not easy, it is condensed. You have to be on the screws. Your throws have to be that much more accurate. The routes have to be that much more perfect in terms of the depth, the cut and the timing. That’s why we’re practicing it right now."

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/05/31/vikings-concentrating-on-red-zone-work-for-kirk-cousins/

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  • 2 weeks later...

The Minnesota Vikings begin mandatory minicamp next week. Here are 10 things we learned about the team during the three weeks of organized team activities…

 

Dalvin Cook is getting healthy

As he recovers from an ACL tear, the Vikings had hoped Cook would be ready to return to practice by training camp, but he was participating in the final week of OTAs. The 2017 second-round pick got off to a hot start to his career, only to have it derailed after four weeks. Now Cook will be adapting to a new offense while working himself back to 100 percent health.

 

The offensive line is taking shape

During the first week of OTAs, Mike Remmers played tackle and a combination of Tom Compton and Danny Isidora filled in the guard position. Over the final two weeks, Remmers played guard and Rashod Hill started at right tackle with the first team. We have a long way to go before Week 1, but the favorite for starting offensive line would be: Riley Reiff – Nick Easton – Pat Elflein – Mike Remmers – Rashod Hill.

 

It will take time for Kirk Cousins to be fully comfortable as a leader

While Cousins has an entire offseason to adapt, learning a completely new offense with all new teammates can’t be the easiest thing on earth. The Vikings’ new quarterback has spent the offseason working on chemistry with his teammates and new coaches.

 

Mike Hughes will get a shot to win the nickel corner job

Mackensie Alexander took the majority of the first-team reps at nickel corner during the OTA sessions open to the media, but the Vikings’ first-round pick has been working in at nickel with the second team. It’s too early to draw conclusions on his play at that spot. We won’t know until training camp and preseason whether he is better fit for the spot than Alexander. We can, however, tell that he’s going to get a shot to steal the starting job.

 

John DeFilippo is a big Stefon Diggs fan 

Not only did DeFilippo have rocky quarterback play in 2015 with Cleveland, he didn’t have a whole lot of offensive weapons. Now he does in the form of two top-notch receivers with Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. DeFilippo raved about Diggs’ abilities.

 

Contract statuses will be a significant story heading into camp

Anthony Barr missed Week 1 of OTAs while he sorted out paperwork for an insurance policy to protect him against an injury while he works with the team toward an extension. Barr said he wants to get a long-term deal done with the team, but thus far they haven’t broken through with a deal. The Vikings have historically completed key contracts around the beginning of training camp. We will be keeping a close eye on any developments for Barr, Stefon Diggs and/or Danielle Hunter as the offseason unfolds. 

 

The kicking competition might not go down to the wire

In the sessions open to the media, rookie Daniel Carlson out-kicked Kai Forbath. Zimmer was quick to point out that grading a kicker off OTA boots vs. real games is difficult, but the fact that the Vikings spent an asset on Carlson gives us an idea that they would prefer him to win the job.

 

Laquon Treadwell could still have a role in the offense

Yes, it is far too early to declare Treadwell is set to take a big step forward. But he might have some type of role if he shows marginal improvement.

 

The receiver competition will be wide open

The very, very early player to watch could be CFL standout Brandon Zylstra, who made several good catches during the Week 3 season. There will be a fascinating battle going on throughout the offseason with veteran Tavarres King in the mix along with last year’s seventh-round pick Stacy Coley, Korey Robertson, who the Vikings spent significant dollars to sign as an undrafted free agent.

 

There are some dinged-up players to keep an eye on 

Everson Griffen and Andrew Sendejo were in attendance, but did not participate in OTA practices. We have not received updates on whether they will be practicing in mandatory minicamps. Center Pat Elflein is also recovering from offseason surgery. He should be ready by the start of training camp.

 

http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/06/10-things-learned-vikings-otas/

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