Competition will be key for the Minnesota Vikings during training camp
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings have multiple competitions going on during training camp this year to ensure they have the best possible players for the 2018 season.
After looking at the roster for the Minnesota Vikings heading into the 2018 NFL season, it is clear there won’t be many competitions going on for starting positions. Either returning players of high-profile will have a grip on a majority of those spots, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be battles.
Free agent acquisitions, draft selections, and undrafted free agents will join the team for training camp to fight for spots on the Vikings 53 man roster as well the team’s practice squad, with a majority of the new faces in camp being released.
Still, having those bodies in camp allows an atmosphere that can bring out the best in everyone. Recently, general manager Rick Spielman spoke with Paul Allen on KFAN’s 9 to Noon show about the upcoming camp battles as shared by the official Vikings team website.
Minnesota Vikings
"“The whole objective of getting these guys in here, whether it’s college free agents, draft guys, maybe we find a guy or two who’s coming in on a tryout basis, is to create the most competitive 90-man roster you can heading into training camp.”"
Of those 90 individuals, 53 will make the active roster and 10 will find a home on the practice squad. That means at least 27 players will likely be released leading up to Week 1 of the regular season, assuming other transactions are made before then to add/release talent.
The players who emerge victorious from those battles will be rewarded with a spot on the team while a positive impression during camp or the preseason can land an individual a chance to return to camp next year or get a look from another team.
"“When you can create competition at every position, it elevates everybody’s game. It also gives you the opportunity to hopefully have two guys where you love both of them but you take the best one.”"
Next: 15 best Vikings first-round picks of all time
As training camp and the preseason approach, The Viking Age will be breaking down some of the biggest position battles entering the 2018 NFL season. Until then, we would like to wish the best of luck to all those following their dreams to play in the National Football League and congratulate them for getting a shot with the Minnesota Vikings.