EAGAN, Minn. — We're 68 days away from a Vikings game day and 98 days out from the real thing.
For now, however, Organized Team Activity practices must suffice. In the leadup to Minnesota's exhibition opener against the Texans and its 2025 season-ignitor on the road at Chicago, there's plenty to monitor.
Like, how the Vikings secondary takes shape after several departures, and how the defensive front incorporates a couple well-schooled newbies; how the offensive line progresses with two presumptive starters on the mend from major injuries, not to mention getting a first-rounder up to NFL speed; and, maybe, most importantly, how a fully recovered J.J. McCarthy gels with what's now his team.
It helps, obviously, that star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is voluntarily in the building, and on the field, strengthening his rapport with the highest-drafted quarterback in franchise history.
"I got to know him a lot last year, but of course him being my quarterback this year, being able to talk to him or just pick his brain a little bit more, see what he likes, what he doesn't like, how he throws the ball, all that is a big factor into a quarterback," Jefferson shared with Twin Cities media members at the conclusion of Monday's session. "So just trying to learn every bit that I can, even off the field – just trying to chop it up and make sure we are well connected."
Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips followed Jefferson at the outdoor podium and for more than a dozen minutes discussed topics, including what Pro Bowl players Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave bring to the d-line room, and why he feels so strongly, and so good, about what Minnesota was able to accomplish in the spring.
"It's exciting when you see the moves that they made and you see the drive from the top down, from our ownership, to our head coach, to our GM, to our coaching staff," Phillips said after a reporter applauded his energy. "The push that they're showing, and confidence in us, makes us work even harder in the offseason, and makes us want to make our coaches and our organization, and fans, proud as well.
"You'd hate to be the one loose chain on the link," he continued. "Our entire team feels that same way."
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Climate check-down
Temps were in the mid-to-high-80 degrees at Monday's practice. Granted, it didn't feel at all too warm because of near 30 mph gusts of wind that made some footballs sail.
In an 11-on-11 setting framed in the latter portion of practice, the Vikings offense worked in lots of off-tackle runs that repped combination blocks and exercised o-line advancements to the second level.
Beyond outlet passes to tight ends and running backs, a popular choice for quarterbacks McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer, one of the more effective options on Monday happened to be a dig route that resulted in catches for Jefferson, Jalen "Speedy" Nailor and a mix of others.
Brosmer showed good field vision on a corner route to undrafted receiver Myles Price for six points. On the very next snap, the former Gopher connected with third-round rookie Tai Felton on a shallow crosser at the front of the goal line.
Overall, Vikings quarterbacks regularly took what their defense – and the weather – allowed.
2. Mister Rodgers' neighborhood
Super Bowl champion Isaiah Rodgers was absent the opening week of OTAs, but introduced himself accordingly Monday, coming up with the defense's lone takeaway early in a half-field 7-on-7 period.
Extra noticeable in popping gold cleats and color-coordinated gloves, Rodgers, signed this offseason on the heels of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy with Philadelphia, flashed his pedigree and ability by reading and jumping a mid-level pass from McCarthy to Jordan Addison on the left sideline.
On the subsequent snap, McCarthy redeemed himself by zipping a completion over the middle to Jefferson. He tried for a back-to-back to "Jets" right after, as well, but missed the All-Pro streaming up the sideline – overthrowing him slightly, out of bounds – with Byron Murphy, Jr., tight on Jefferson's trail.
Although there weren't any other takeaways in competitive drills by the defense Monday, several guys had what would've qualified as a pass breakup. Notably, in a low-red zone 7-on-7 sequence, Jeff Okudah and Jay Ward stifled passes intended for Vikings receivers.
3. On the o-line
McCarthy worked behind a couple offensive line groupings Monday.
From left to right, the starting five featured veteran newcomer Justin Skule, 2025 first-round draft pick Donovan Jackson, first-year Viking and four-time Pro Bowl selection Ryan Kelly, and returners Blake Brandel and Brian O'Neill. Again, tackle Christian Darrisaw and guard Will Fries were non-participants.
Darrisaw is continuing rehabilitation for the season-ending knee injury he suffered in Week 8 last season at the Los Angeles Rams, while Fries, one of Minnesota's prized free agents, is recovering from a broken leg that shelved him after five games in the 2024 campaign. Fries is anticipated to play right of Kelly.
In a second iteration of the o-line, Kelly and O'Neill traded places with 2024 Day 3 choices Michael Jurgens (7th Round) and Walter Rouse (6th), at center and right tackle.
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