The slow ramp-up to real football took another step Monday as the Minnesota Vikings held their first padded practice of an unorthodox preseason, albeit a shortened one due to NFL regulations. To ensure a gradual acclimation to contact, practice was limited to 90 minutes, but it gave Mike Zimmer and Co. a chance to better evaluate their offensive and defensive lines, where there is a lot of competition.
“You find out if they can keep their pads lower,” Zimmer said of adding pads, “if they can get movement off the ball on both sides of the ball. Change the line of scrimmage. And then past that, in pass protection you can get a few more types of rushes now.”
The Vikings stayed in similar rotations to what we’ve seen at the first two open practices. Dakota Dozier and Aviante Collins alternated at left guard, Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler both rotated in with the first team corners, and Justin Jefferson got occasional first-team work as a third receiver.
Perhaps the most notable development of camp has been the apparent growth of the receiver currently blocking Jefferson on the depth chart. Bisi Johnson was thought to be a nice depth piece at wide receiver but perhaps not flashy enough to merit a real look as a starter. Yet through three practices, he’s taken virtually 100% of reps in two-receiver sets and has made a number of impressive receptions.
“I would say the game has definitely slowed down for me a lot,” Johnson said, “as far as understanding the playbook, being confident in my route running and things like that. It’s just easier to go out there and just play football, really.”
While fans are eager to see the first-round pick Jefferson turn into a star, it doesn’t appear like he’ll be handed the WR2 job by default.
Receivers have largely been bottled up so far in camp, and the secondary had another strong outing Monday. UDFA Nevelle Clarke and third-round pick Cameron Dantzler had pass breakups, while Harrison Smith intercepted Kirk Cousins in 7-on-7s. If fans had been permitted at camp, there wouldn’t have been many of the traditional oohs and aahs that accompany long pass plays — at least through the first three practices.
Mike Zimmer: “We liked [Cameron Dantzler] a lot on tape. Adam Thielen came up to me during practice today and said ‘#27’s gonna be good.'” #KFANVikes
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) August 17, 2020
Here are the rest of Monday’s takeaways:
- Danielle Hunter sat out for a second straight practice with what Zimmer deemed a “tweak.” With Hunter out, Jalyn Holmes continued getting first-team defensive end reps, while Stacy Keely was elevated to the second team along with Eddie Yarbrough. Keely was on a practice squad member last season.
- According to Zimmer, Gladney had a “flare up” to his right knee that prevented him from practicing Friday, but he’s been a participant each of the last two days. The first-round pick had offseason meniscus surgery and is wearing a sleeve on his right leg.
- Ben Gedeon was spotted working out with strength and conditioning coach Mark Uyeyama on an adjacent field. The former starting linebacker is currently on the PUP list, but it’s unclear whether that status is linked to concussions he suffered in 2019.
- Second-year receiver Dillon Mitchell had a forgettable day with at least three dropped balls in various drills.
- Nate Meadors was seen getting second-team safety reps alongside Josh Metellus. Metellus seems to be in the driver’s seat for the third safety job, but any spots beyond him are up for grabs.
Practice resumes Tuesday at 1:45 p.m.
