News

Summer is set to go full swing, but so is the action around Winter Park. Organized Team Activities (OTAs) will launch this week for the Vikings, and over the next several weeks there will be a lot to watch as the team continues its preparations for the 2013 season.

Here are just 10 of the storylines we’ll be chasing during the Vikings 10 OTAs and 3-day mini-camp…

1. Greg Jennings in Purple and Gold
The Vikings passing game is poised to take a big step forward in 2013, and Jennings is a big reason for that. The 29-year old 2-time Pro Bowler will be a leader of the WR group, both in production and in the meeting room.

2. Jared and Adrian Return
The team’s 2 biggest stars are also 2 of its hardest workers, and it won’t be surprising to see either Allen or Peterson attend the voluntary OTAs.

3. Will Rhodes and Patterson Steal the Show?
As Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier said in last week’s Wobcast, it’s easier to notice skill position players in OTAs than it is players who do their work in the trenches. Expect WR Cordarrelle Patterson and CB Xavier Rhodes to standout first among the draft class, even ahead of DT Sharrif Floyd. There’s no concern about Floyd contributing right away, but with the restrictions applied to football activities this time of year it’s harder for a DT to make an impact.

4. Man in the Middle: Erin Henderson?
A big question all offseason has been about the Vikings fix for the middle LB position. Last year’s starter – Jasper Brinkley – moved on via free agency to the Arizona Cardinals. So the Vikings have decided to go the organic route to find a long-term answer rather than look to the quick fix of free agency. Erin Henderson, a starter at outside LB last year, will get a crack at it. So too will veteran Tyrone McKenize and 2nd-year player Audie Cole. Rookie 7th-round pick Michael Mauti is in the mix, too.

5. Changes Coming in the Passing Game?
Jennings is here, Percy Harvin is gone, Kyle Rudolph is coming off a 9-TD season capped by a MVP performance in the Pro Bowl, Jarius Wright is a year more experienced and Cordarrelle Patterson, a 1st-round pick, has been added to the mix. The substance of the passing game has changed, but will the style change?

6. Joe Webb at WR
A move many Vikings fans have desired – Webb to WR. We’ll get our first look at the athletic playmaker with his new position group.

7. How Does Greg Childs Look?
Another popular player on the roster, at least in terms of fans emailing me about his progress. There is a lot yet unknown about Childs and his prospects for playing football, but we know he’s been working tirelessly since last August to rehab and recover. OTAs and/or mini-camp represent another landmark in his attempt to make it back from a serious injury.

8. Calling For Backup
The Vikings signed Matt Cassel this offseason to be Ponder’s backup, and while the 8-year pro has experience both as a starter and a backup in the NFL, he has work to do in terms of getting to know the Vikings offense inside and out.

9. Daily Highlight Package
vikings.com is your place to see on-field highlights during OTAs and the mini-camp, so don’t forget to check each day to stay on top of the latest Vikings news and see the latest highlights.

10. You Tell Us
The website is your playground, Vikings fans. Please let us know what you want covered during OTAs and mini-camp by leaving your thoughts in the comments section below this entry.