Quarterbacks:
http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikin ... arterbacks
Player to watch: Bridgewater was impressive during the Vikings' OTAs and minicamp, throwing a better deep ball than many expected him to have and making a number of difficult sideline throws down the field. He's shown an eagerness to learn the Vikings' offense and was already making checks at the line of scrimmage during minicamp, after about a month in the playbook. He hit 53.5 percent of his passes under pressure at Louisville last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information; Ponder hit only 46.9 percent of his throws under pressure, while Cassel was at 38.5 percent. Defenses will certainly be tougher in the NFL, and Bridgewater will have to make even quicker decisions, but his success under pressure in college gives him a good foundation for the NFL.
Running Backs:
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 95061.html
THE BURNING QUESTION: How are the Vikings going to use McKinnon? We got a glimpse during offseason workouts and the minicamp, but we will get a better idea during training camp. McKinnon is quick, shifty and one of the most athletic players on the roster. To put his skill set to use, though, they will have to take Peterson off the field -- or find creative ways to use them together. Could a Sproles-type hybrid role be in the plans for the rookie? We’ll soon find out.
Offensive Line:
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 29201.html
THE BURNING QUESTION: Will Kalil return to form this season? He’s expected to be a full participant this week in training camp after recovering from minor left knee surgery. Whether that’s the reason for his subpar performance last season is unknown, but Kalil regressed from an impressive rookie season at left tackle. Defensive ends blew right by him with ease at times last year. Kalil’s quarterback hits allowed jumping from four to 12 and quarterback hurries from 20 to 33 last year. Kalil still has the ability to return back to the performance level of his rookie season, that’s not in question. Will he, on the other hand, is something he’ll have to answer in September.
Defensive Line: http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 15932.html
WHERE THINGS STAND: Outside of Brian Robison, the defensive line looked, well, different this spring without a pair of longtime defensive cornerstones in Kevin Williams and Jared Allen. The Vikings allowed those two to leave in free agency, instead hitching their wagon to talented but unproven youngsters in Sharrif Floyd and Everson Griffen. Still, new head coach Mike Zimmer, who relied on a deep defensive line rotation in Cincinnati, said last month that he thinks the Vikings will have enough talent and depth along the defensive line. He couldn’t say definitively, though, because a few key contributors were either sidelined by injuries or ineligible to practice due to NFL rules. Griffen and free-agent signee Linval Joseph, a big nose tackle, were limited this spring, as was versatile backup defensive end Corey Wootton. And fellow end Scott Crichton was stuck at Oregon State until the mandatory minicamp. The return of those four to active duty will boost the defensive line in training camp, giving Zimmer’s coaching staff a lot to evaluate.
Defensive Backs: http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikin ... sive-backs
Quotable: "The thing that Captain has done is, he is a smart guy, he has got some knowledge about things, but he's been very good in the slot," coach Mike Zimmer said. "He understands route concepts, he communicates well, so that part has been good to have him in there. If I can continue to get him to do what I want him to do then he is a calming factor."