The Viking Age
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6 biggest battles heading into Vikings 2022 training camp

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 09: Ihmir Smith-Marsette #15 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 09: Ihmir Smith-Marsette #15 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports) K.J. Osborn /

Punt Returner

  • K.J. Osborn vs. Ihmir Smith-Marsette vs. pretty much everyone

Kene Nwangwu was one of the best kickoff return specialists in the NFL during his rookie season but the Minnesota Vikings have yet to find that explosive and consistent player to hand punt return duties for the team.

Both K.J. Osborn and Ihmir Smith-Marsette have gotten looks to return punts but neither has done enough with their opportunities to be considered the favorite for the job going forward. Sadly, they are the top options on the ESPN and Ourlads depth charts.

Odds are that the Vikings will try several different players for this job during training camp and results will vary wildly. With the number of players on this team with excellent hands and great acceleration and speed, the options could be numerous.

This is by far the most open position on the roster and this is anyone’s game. Although Osborn and Smith-Marsette seem to be the favorites, an outside candidate like Jalen Nailor could slide and win the job.

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