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Question: what position battles could shake things up??

 

 

Team commentator Paul Allen admitted to being intrigued with some of the things he’s seen during the spring practices from second-year running back/return specialist Kene Nwangwu. The lightning quick speed and smooth change of direction made him an immediate hit as a kick returner. But given the arrival of a completely new coaching staff, spearheaded by head coach Kevin O’Connell, he’s now a threat to potentially overtake Alexander Mattison on the depth chart as the No. 2 option at running back.

Allen: “Mattison would be prohibitively favored, but everything is new. So Alex doesn’t roll in and go like, ‘Oh I know that play. I know that. I know that. I love that.’ It’s all new and Kene’s fast. …If Kene can catch passes, then he can usurp Alexander.”

https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2022/07/05/vikings-commentator-thinks-kene-nwangwu-could-beat-out-alexander-mattison/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2by_UBJ4intQzYeMejkJLOlrIm5DIKz6zeFGfrtEo2oEl11AxAQW-gscI

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I think Mattison ends up being traded in training camp. We aren't going to keep 4 running backs and Ham, and Chandler isn't making it to the practice squad. Mattison is on the last year of his deal, and while he's been a fantastic backup, we aren't giving him a big contract. He's also the back that seems to least fit what KOC is trying to do. 

I wish there was a way to keep all of them though. When Cook went down last season, Mattison was excellent 

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Right Guard is probably the biggest position battle and will have the biggest impact on the offense. If any of the guys they brought in can come in and be an above average starter, this offense will be even more potent that it was last season. If Kirk doesn't have to worry about pressure up the middle on every play, he's going to dissect defenses. 

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The biggest position battle, outside of RG, IMO, is the RDT (or whichever is the DT opposite Dalvin Tomlinson).  While Armon Watts is favored in my opinion, he could be pushed by James Lynch or Jonathan Bullard for that spot.  Bullard worked with the DL coach last year, which is why I think he might make a push. Honestly, I think they might be the only true competitors for the starting spot, because Twyman has a lot of work to do after missing out on last year and I don't believe Otomewo will be ready yet...and I won't necessarily count out TY McGill for a depth spot, because he's managed to stick around the league for 7 years as a UDFA.  The others, including Jullian Taylor, are really just camp bodies.  

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I'm interested in the CB battle. I don't think there's a lock at CB2. With all of the youth at the position, and some holdovers from the last regime, it will be interesting to me to see that depth chart. My hope is that Peterson and Booth secure the outside spots, and that they work with Booth to be able to play slot while Dantzler stays outside. I'm also intrigued by Evans. I think he could be diamond in the rough.

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On 7/6/2022 at 4:12 AM, wcblack34 said:

I think Mattison ends up being traded in training camp. We aren't going to keep 4 running backs and Ham, and Chandler isn't making it to the practice squad. Mattison is on the last year of his deal, and while he's been a fantastic backup, we aren't giving him a big contract. He's also the back that seems to least fit what KOC is trying to do. 

I wish there was a way to keep all of them though. When Cook went down last season, Mattison was excellent 

I think it's more likely Ham doesn't make the team. If there's a market for Mattison, I'm all for trading him though, especially if the trade is worth more than his potential comp pick. 

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On 7/15/2022 at 9:09 AM, swede700 said:

Cutting Ham would not be a surprise to me, but the one benefit of keeping him is that he has HB history as well and would be a suitable replacement for Mattison's style should they move him instead.  

Ham can also catch the ball well and his FB experience allows different looks. Sure, you can put a TE in the backfield as a FB from time to time, but I think it’s better to have someone who has done it.

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I don’t see Ham getting cut. O’Connell has brought up CJ multiple times as a guy who brings an important piece to the team. 
 

If people are expecting to see the Vikings just turn this team into a copy of the Rams, I think they are going to be severely disappointed. 

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  • 2 weeks later...
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The battle for position on the cornerback depth chart is going to be one of the big ones to watch as Minnesota Vikings training camp progresses over the next few weeks. While we know Patrick Peterson (likely) has one starting spot locked down, there’s going to be some competition across from him in the form of third-year man Cameron Dantzler and rookie Andrew Booth Jr.

Largely due to his experience, the safe assumption might be that Dantzler has the inside track. He was a surprise addition to some watch lists during the offseason, leading us to ask whether or not he could make the leap in his third season. Now Pro Football Focus has gotten in on the act, naming Dantzler as the Vikings’ “Secret Superstar” to keep an eye on this season.

 

https://www.dailynorseman.com/2022/7/28/23281914/more-steam-cameron-dantzler-hype-train-minnesota-vikings

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