The Minnesota Vikings have completed their first round of OTAs and five key storylines have already emerged.
1. Andrew Sendejo v. Michael Griffin
Round one of OTAs saw Andrew Sendejo working with the first team at safety and recently-acquired veteran Michael Griffin rolling with the second team. Vikings DBs coach Jerry Gray made it clear that neither Sendejo nor Griffin has locked anything down yet (via ESPN):
"“That’s what we told our guys on the back end,” Gray said. “You’re going to get a chance to compete for a starting job, but it’s not going to be handed to you.”"
Sendejo re-signed with the Vikings on a four-year deal while Griffin came aboard on a one-year contract. If contract length were any indication, Sendejo would have to be considered the favorite to lock down the position that might as well officially be called “safety spot next to Harrison Smith.”
In this case however I’m not sure we should count on contract status as an indicator of anything. Griffin is a savvy veteran who has performed well as a center fielder. Sendejo is a decent run support safety but he is a liability on run defense. Mike Zimmer could end up rotating both players as matchups warrant.
2. John Sullivan battling back
John Sullivan missed all of 2015 with a back injury but thanks to Joe Berger the Vikings didn’t miss a beat. What happens now that Sullivan is ready to return? Initially at least, Berger has remained with the first team while Sullivan has been placed with the second team.
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In keeping with the whole “nothing is being handed to anyone” theme, Mike Zimmer indicated that Sullivan will have to win back the starting job (via Minneapolis Star-Tribune):
"“Sullivan has actually looked really good,” Zimmer said. “He has worked real hard in the weight room this offseason and he has kind of changed his body composition and he’s moving real well. Get the pads on in training camp and we’ll let him fight it out.”"
Something to keep in mind: The Vikings have a new offensive line coach in Tony Sparano. All the players along the offensive line, be they established veterans or young players, will have to convince Sparano that they fit with what he’s trying to do. To put it plainly, there could be some surprises when final cuts are made.
3. Trae Waynes
How worried should fans be about second-year cornerback Trae Waynes? It’s still too early to be too concerned. Right now, Waynes is still behind veteran Terence Newman on the depth chart, but that is possibly just a tactic being employed by master motivator Mike Zimmer.
The last thing Zimmer ever wants is for his players to get too comfortable and complacent. Waynes was a high first-round pick and the assumption is that he will start at some point, but Zimmer wants Waynes to absolutely 100% earn the job before he lets him have it.
At what point should fans start worrying that Waynes might be a bust? I would at least give it until the preseason. If we get a couple games into preseason and Waynes still isn’t being trusted to start, that might be the time to get a tad concerned.
4. Cordarrelle Patterson showing improvement?
Is it possible that Cordarrelle Patterson is actually taking this thing seriously now? The receiver reportedly looked pretty good in early OTA practices, flashing the footwork he was seen working on in Instagram postings earlier this year.
Well okay, Instagram videos and early OTA practices don’t really prove anything, but I guess maybe we should give Patterson some credit. Apparently, Patterson is trying harder this year to become a reliable wide receiver.
So maybe – maybe – there is reason for optimism with Patterson. On the other hand you have to ask yourself, why did it take him this long to begin treating his job as serious business? Where was this effort last year and the year before?
I guess some guys hit that contract year and realize they better start busting their butt. Not picking up Patterson’s fifth-year option may have been a very smart move.
5. Teddy Bridgewater’s mechanics
Yes, Teddy Bridgewater is working on coming more over the top. So get used to tweets like this.
Teddy Bridgewater's new release point looks fantastic. pic.twitter.com/HzXoBGtMAq
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) May 25, 2016
Every time Teddy Bridgewater drops his arm from now on, we’re going to hear about it. Every time Bridgewater overthrows a receiver, underthrows a receiver, misses a receiver wide…yup, it’s going to be reported.
Next: 5 best safeties in the North
Everyone knows that this season is all about Teddy Bridgewater. If Bridgewater takes the next step, the Vikings will be major contenders. If that step isn’t taken, the Vikings will not be able to move up to the next level as a team.
Dear Teddy, please remember to keep that arm slot up. Remember to keep that elbow high. Remember to step into your throws. Please Teddy. Skolbadiah and all your fans are counting on you. Don’t disappoint Skolbadiah.