Minnesota Vikings training camp began six days ago, and through action on the practice field and exchanges between players and media members, the club is already deconstructing widespread narratives held by some throughout the spring and early summer. The team has its first preseason game in 12 days, so here’s what to know about what’s changed at training camp.
The assumptions are listed in ascending order (No. 1 = most important assumption that has been challenged).
The First Week Has Already Changed the Picture
5. Jamal Adams Is a Student, Not a Savior
Because Adams is an elder statesman in NFL speak, most fans assumed that he’d waltz onto the Vikings’ depth chart, grab a roster spot, and perhaps steal somebody’s job. And while Adams may still earn a major role in Brian Flores’s defense, he’s very much a student – – like many of his peers.
Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. said about Adams last week, “He actually comes to me a little bit for help. And that’s cool. So I just try to do what I can to help him and then learn from him, too.”
Specifically, a role for Adams in 2026 might put Pace Jr. on notice, but at training camp, the two are friendly, and Adams is even asking for advice. Perhaps there’s an outcome where the Vikings keep Adams and Pace Jr. on the September roster.
4. The Rushing Offense May Actually Be Good
Minnesota hired Frank Smith as its new assistant head coach near the start of the offseason, bringing four years of experience from the Miami Dolphins as Mike McDaniel’s offensive coordinator. One of his specialties? Running the football – – which the Vikings have not done effectively on head coach Kevin O’Connell’s watch.
When O’Connell committed to the run down the stretch of 2025, his team won five consecutive games and closed out the season with a 9-8 record despite poor quarterback play. O’Connell also mentioned the roles of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at training camp, mainly those players’ duty in taking the pressure off the ground game and even blocking downfield.
What’s more, Jordan Mason is in phenomenal shape this summer. O’Connell noted, “You guys can probably even tell just the way he looks. He’s in unbelievable shape right now.”
Various Vikings defenders have also stated the rushing offense “feels a little different,” according to O’Connell, including veterans like Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman, Jalen Redmond, and Josh Metellus who evidently made the observations independently.
This could be the year, alas, that O’Connell unlocks the rushing offense.
3. Blake Brandel Is the Starting Center — No Mysteries
Wondering about the Vikings’ starting center in 2026? You can stop. It won’t be 2024 draft pick Michael Jurgens, and rookie Gavin Gerhardt from Cincinnati is not in the mix. It’s Brandel, who’s been a part of the Vikings since 2020.
Minnesota had about a dozen offseason options at center from free agency and the draft. When they acquired none, it’s not because the franchise settled for Brandel – – that was the preferred outcome. Left guard Donovan Jackson even called Brandel “the brains of the operation” regarding the offensive line last week. Right tackle Brian O’Neill also pounded the table for Brandel.
Center should not be perceived as a roster battle for the 2026 Vikings. It’s Brandel’s job beyond the shadow of a doubt.
2. The Defensive Secondary May Not Be Thin after All
James Pierre (although hobbled the last few days in Eagan) will play on the outside of Flores’s defense, allowing Byron Murphy Jr. to patrol the slot, his bread and butter. Pierre even intercepted a Kyler Murray pass last week. Flores can also deploy three-safety packages as he sees fit. The Vikings also signed the aforementioned Adams, who has linebacker-safety hybrid utility. And rookie Chuck Demmings is showing early that he could have the chops for regular season playing time.
Between Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre, Chuck Demmings, Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, Jakobe Thomas, Jamal Adams, and maybe Harrison Smith (if he returns), the Vikings’ secondary is shaping up as a strength, not a question mark.
Demmings especially gives the defense a cake-topper. If he’s ready to ball, the cornerback room will be four players deep.
1. Vikings Rookie Class Not Heading for a Redshirt Year
Read ’em and weep:
a | Demmings is making a name for himself early at camp.
b | 1st-rounder Caleb Banks ran with the 1st-team defense at defensive tackle.
c | Domonique Orange has rotated in and out of the nose tackle spot with Levi Drake Rodriguez.
d | LB Jake Golday is receiving some 1st-team reps as an EDGE.
e | Jakobe Thomas is firmly involved in the safety rotation.
A full depth chart won’t be revealed for a couple of weeks, but the Vikings’ 2026 draft class is not buried into redshirt oblivion.
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VikesNow Verdict: Six days of camp cannot settle an entire roster, but the Vikings have already provided reasons to reconsider some offseason narratives. Brandel looks entrenched at center, multiple rookies are receiving meaningful opportunities, and Flores may have more secondary combinations than expected. The rebuilt running game remains the most important development to watch.
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