8 biggest battles heading into the Vikings 2021 training camp

Kicker

Top competitors:

• Greg Joseph
• Riley Patterson

Dan Bailey was supposed to be the answer to the Vikings’ kicking woes in 2021, but his struggles last season saw Minnesota move on from the veteran and look for a replacement during the upcoming season.

Neither of these names should make anyone comfortable but there are some reasons to be excited about a competition involving a rookie and a high-potential free agent deciding who will be attempting to put the ball through the uprights.

Greg Joseph has only attempted 20 field goals in his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns but connected on all 11 of his attempts within 40 yards as his three misses all came on long attempts. He missed four of his 38 extra point tries and only registered a touchback on approximately 68 percent of his kickoffs.

On the other hand, Riley Patterson made 64 of his 83 kick attempts at Memphis and connected on all but four of his 246 extra point attempts. He missed some of OTAs this year and the team will get a better look at him during camp.

Unless a more established veteran is brought in, this job looks to be Greg Joseph’s to lose. Experience as a kicker can be great for confidence and it can also remove any doubt of succumbing to pressure at the NFL level. Plus, Minnesota should be able to stash Patterson on the practice squad if they like what they see from the young kicker and watch him develop.

Projected winner: Greg Joseph