Vikings' Matt Daniels Identifies Three Special Teams Standouts in Training Camp

Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels was asked this week if any players have stood out in his phase thus far in training camp, and he offered up three interesting names.

"There's been a couple of guys that quickly come to mind," Daniels said. "I think Will Kwenkeu's been doing a great job, coming off of (an) injury that he had during OTAs. He's bounced back really strong. Ivan Pace (Jr.) has flashed a lot, been showing some really great punch within the box, really showing to be able to be slippery in terms of taking on guys, working edges. Lucky Jackson has been quite a surprise, just looking at his background and how far he's come through the XFL to where he is now. He's really starting to put in some good work and I'm excited about watching him play."

Daniels' comments here don't necessarily mean a ton, but they're at least worth keeping in mind when thinking about who might make the team four weeks from now.

Kwenkeu, a linebacker who signed as an undrafted free agent last year, spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad. He played 94 special teams snaps and made a key block on Kene Nwangwu's kickoff return touchdown against the Patriots.

Pace is an undrafted linebacker this year who is getting a ton of buzz for his play on defense during training camp. He was a unanimous All-American at Cincinnati who wasn't picked in seven rounds due to his lack of size. Pace feels like a lock to make the roster and contribute on special teams right away.

Jackson is a wide receiver who comes from the XFL and CFL after playing at Western Kentucky. He's fairly far down the depth chart at the position, so special teams could be his path onto the practice squad.

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