There are seven days in a week, seven wonders of the ancient world, and now one more reason to appreciate the number. Welcome to Sunday Seven, where we explore one Vikings topic through seven different entries. Let’s dive in.
Training camp is kicking off with the rookies reporting on Sunday. What’s some stuff we’ll be monitoring throughout the next few weeks?
1. Caleb Banks’ Recovery
The Vikings pulled off a stunner in April when they spent the 18th overall pick on Florida’s defensive tackle Caleb Banks. A massive human being with the requisite athleticism to be a dominant force, Banks wasn’t viewed as a first-round prospect in the days and weeks before the draft. This was for the sole reason that he had suffered a second foot injury that year at the scouting combine and the subsequent surgery.
Now the question is whether the rookie will be ready for training camp, something that has always been the goal for a return. In OTAs and minicamp, Banks worked on a side field. Once he’s fully back, we can monitor his depth chart status and if a big Week 1 role is realistic.
2. Quarterback Competition
Let’s be honest here, the quarterback competition remains the major storyline in the Twin Cities until Kevin O’Connell makes the call. J.J. McCarthy didn’t show enough in his first year as a starter and the Vikings opted to challenge him by signing veteran Kyler Murray for the laughable salary of $1.3 million.
So far, neither passer has clinched the QB1 job. They both have the talent to succeed in this situation, but Murray has to adjust to a new scheme and new teammates, while McCarthy had to overhaul his entire throwing motion and learn the playbook after last season’s “dumbing down” comments. It remains to be seen who adjusts faster.
3. Christian Darrisaw’s Knee
Another injury question is Christian Darrisaw’s knee. A torn ACL and MCL suffered in October of 2024 cost him the remainder of that campaign as well as half of last year. Though he returned in Week 3, he had clearly not recovered from his significant injury and had to check out early several times, as well as sit out some more full games.
The Vikings need their franchise tackle at his best to unlock the full potential of the offense. There’s an argument to be made that he’s the most important player on the roster. After a full offseason to recover, it would be an alarming sign to see his reps managed more than those of other starters.
4. Backup OLB Nowhere to Be Found
The outside linebacker depth was a strength in Minnesota for two consecutive years, but those times are over. In 2025, Patrick Jones departed for Carolina and Jonathan Greenard was traded to Philadelphia in April. Suddenly, the four-deep rotation has been dropped to only two, with starters Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.
A real backup isn’t even around. Unless there’s a sneaky plan in play, the Vikings need one of the special-teamers Jake Golday, Tyler Batty and Bo Richter to break out and show that they can be real alternatives.
Of course, the free-agent market is still open. Other in-house solutions could be interior rusher Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins or linebackers Jake Golday and Eric Wilson, who have also gotten some experience on the edge.
5. Demond Claiborne’s Speed
At running back, O’Connell and his staff will once again rely on veterans Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, who will likely form the one-two punch.
Yet, there’s a wildcard and that’s rookie Demond Claiborne. Sure, he was a late-round pick and expectations should be adjusted, but his high-end speed is just too enticing. Entering the league with 4.37 speed, Claiborne has already turned some heads in the spring practices. Does he live up to the hype or is he just another later-rounder?
6. Harrison Smith (and His Replacement)
Unlike the running back room, the safety group is unsolidified. Harrison Smith has yet to announce his retirement stance. The door remains open for a return at any point. While he’s not around, the Vikings have to replace the irreplaceable franchise great.
Josh Metellus has a starting spot secured. Theo Jackson and Jay Ward both started games last year and will compete for the snaps with each other. And then there’s third-round rookie Jakobe Thomas. Safeties often translate quickly in the NFL, especially those with a ton of college experience like Thomas.
That competition will be one of the most fascinating ones.
7. Is There Another Rookie Standout?
We’ve already mentioned three rookies, but what about the others? Second-rounder Jake Golday is another intriguing player. He brings Flores-style versatility and is a downhill player. Those usually fare well under coach Flo’, but he’s also competing at a stacked linebacker position. Third-rounder Caleb Tiernan is set to be a backup tackle this year.
Fellow third-rounder Domonique Orange could enter the defensive line rotation early in the process. He’s huge with surprising quickness for his size. A sneaky upside player could be cornerback Charles Demmings. The fifth-rounder and FCS standout from Stephen F. Austin is a freakish athlete and that could show on the practice field.
About The Author
