6 Vikings players set to turn heads at 2021 training camp
By Dean Jones
Which Minnesota Vikings players are set to turn heads at 2021 training camp ahead of the new season?
Things are about to get intense for the Minnesota Vikings as preparations for the 2021 season turn up a notch at training camp. There is a growing sense of expectancy surrounding Mike Zimmer’s men following a busy time in free agency and the draft, which will hopefully come with a stark turnaround in their fortunes when competitive action begins.
A disastrous start to 2020 put pay to any hopes Minnesota had of making the postseason. Things look more promising this time around, although much will depend on just what quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides to do in regards to his ongoing dispute with the Green Bay Packers.
At the very least, the Vikings should be in with a shot at making the playoffs. If things click into place, then a potential Super Bowl tilt might also be in the offing.
It’ll be an intriguing few weeks at camp that will shape their season. Here are six Vikings players set to turn heads during team drills.
Player No. 1
Irv Smith Jr. – TE
Kyle Rudolph is no longer on the Vikings after he became an expected salary-cap sacrifice. Simply put, now is the time for Irv Smith Jr. to make the necessary strides forward.
From a physical standpoint, Smith has everything. The Alabama product has tremendous athleticism and the ball skills to match, so a positive training camp may lead to increased targets despite the presence of Tyler Conklin in the tight end room.
Smith has all the talent in the world, even if he hasn’t shown it as often as Minnesota would like. However, that might be about to change in 2021.