The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings training camp: Day 6 stock report

By Josh Zinger

Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer addresses his team after the afternoon session of training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer addresses his team after the afternoon session of training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) looks on prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) looks on prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

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Stefon Diggs earned himself a spot on this list for the second day in a row with a practice that topped even yesterday’s spectacular performance. Diggs absolutely dominated the 1 on 1 period, at one point completely turning Xavier Rhodes around as he jab stepped right and cut back to the left for a touchdown in the front corner of the end zone. Diggs won all his match-ups in the period, getting open underneath and over the top of defenders and catching multiple touchdowns. The highlight of the day came when Diggs torched Mackensie Alexander on a go route in 11 on 11s and caught a perfect pass from Teddy Bridgewater 45 yards downfield. Diggs has by far been the star of training camp, and all signs point to a dynamite sophomore campaign for the lightning-quick receiver.

Charles Johnson appeared to recapture his 2014 form today, showing impressive speed and route-running ability. In 11 on 11s, Johnson made Rhodes look silly on back to back plays, sending him off-balance with a quick cut on a comeback and then gaining five yards of separation on a quick in-breaking route, catching both balls. Later, Johnson made a nice adjustment for a touchdown on a fade against Rhodes in red zone drills. Johnson culminated his excellent day by catching a shallow crossing route and turning on the jets, accelerating straight past Andrew Sendejo for what likely would have been a touchdown. Johnson’s been taking most of the first-team reps so far, and if he keeps playing like this he should hold onto the job.

Trae Waynes had by far his best day of practice, improving on yesterday’s performance and earning himself a spot on this list for the second day in a row. After shutting down Laquon Treadwell yesterday, Waynes played with the first-team extensively today as Terence Newman rested. Waynes more than took advantage of the opportunity, coupling consistently tight coverage in 1 on 1s and teams drills with a number of splashy plays. In 11 on 11s, Waynes jumped a comeback route and fought through contact to make a beautiful interception. Later, Trae covered Adam Thielen step for step on a red zone slant and dove for a tough pass deflection. In year two, Waynes appears to have found the balance between physicality and pass interference, something that he struggled with last year.

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