3 rookies whose stock has risen during Vikings training camp
The Minnesota Vikings began training camp one week ago and there are already some players that are making a positive impression.
With Minnesota getting ready for its preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, here are some players whose stock has risen in the opening week and what it could mean as the Vikings get closer to the regular season.
Aug 5, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a pass during training camp at Twin Cities Orthopedic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Addison
Perhaps the worries with Jordan Addison were overblown but after missing a majority of the offseason program with an undisclosed injury and being cited for speeding days before camp, Addison has looked the part of a game-changer for the Minnesota offense.
Addison has lined up throughout the formation in Kevin O'Connell's offense and showed the route-running ability that helped him create separation during his collegiate career at USC and Pittsburgh.
Addison also may have benefitted from a meeting with Cris Carter early in camp as he's shown an ability to make highlight-reel catches along the sideline.
The ability to make catches in tight windows will be key for Addison as he didn't come into the league with the best athletic profile. But as Kirk Cousins said this week, elite athleticism doesn't always translate to production and the ability to make catches in tight windows will be something that benefits Addison in his rookie year.
"More than anything...I want to see greatness at the catch point," Cousins told reporters this week. "In this league, you're going to make so many contested catches because coverage is going to be tight. I'm going to have to throw it in tight windows and you've got to show me that with somebody draped over you or someone about to come hit you that you will have strong hands and make the catch. ... You can have all the athleticism in the world but with all these guys covering you, if you're not strong at the catch point, it's going to be hard to consistently be successful."
Ivan Pace Jr.
Pace was one of the most productive linebackers in college football last season but went undrafted mainly because of his 5-foot-10, 230-pound frame. While Pace hasn't hit a growth spurt entering camp, he's shown the ability as a heat-seeking missile that should fit into Brian Flores's defense.
“There’s always that small DB who can play,” Flores told reporters this week. “Or that small linebacker, small defensive tackle, etc. These guys who have those instincts, who have (the) ability to overcome height, weight, whatever it is.”
In the early stages of camp, Pace has overcome his physical limitations thanks to Flores's willingness to send his linebackers at the quarterback. With SI's Will Ragatz noting that Flores has sent up to seven defenders at the quarterback during camp, Pace's pass-rushing ability that allowed him to rack up 10 sacks with the Bearcats last season has translated to the practice field.
Pace's performance has even grabbed the attention of Harrison Smith, who declared the rookie a player to watch during Thursday's preseason opener against Seattle.
If Pace can live up to the hype, it should mean great things for the Vikings' defense.
Mekhi Blackmon
Another rookie that is making progress is Blackmon, who was a third-round pick out of USC. Blackmon began camp getting second-team reps behind Joejuan Williams at the nickel spot but has ascended Williams in nickel sets, working between Byron Murphy Jr. and Akayleb Evans.
While Flores cautioned that there isn't too much to read into, the Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer reported that Blackmon hasn't ceded many reps since working with the third team and could get playing time moving forward.
"I'd say Mekhi has done good with his opportunities," Flores told reporters. "He asks a lot of questions. He tries to execute the technique and fundamentals [position coach] Daronte [Jones] gives him. I think if he continues on this trajectory, he'll set himself up for some playing time."
According to Pro Football Focus, Blackmon played just over 20 percent of his snaps in man coverage during his senior season at USC but held receivers to three catches with two interceptions and a 0.0 passer rating on 15 targets. That ability in man coverage will play well in the slot and should help Blackmon acclimate himself in Flores's man-heavy scheme.
