7 bold predictions for the Vikings 2022 training camp
By Chris Schad
Garrett Bradbury will lose his starting job
When the offseason began, one player that was presumed to be on the way out was Garrett Bradbury. The former first-round pick has been a bust through his first four years in the NFL, and although he’s bulked up, it’s hard to imagine he has the strength to suddenly take on elite nose tackles.
That’s why it was shocking when O’Connell praised Bradbury during the NFL Scouting Combine. It was even more surprising when the Vikings didn’t take a center in the draft or sign a free agent to compete with Bradbury.
Entering training camp, the job is Bradbury’s for the taking, but it’s hard to believe he’ll have a sudden revelation.
At 27-years-old, Bradbury has likely reached his final form. There is a chance that O’Connell’s scheme can put him in more advantageous situations, but it’s more likely that Bradbury will be the same player that’s been moved with ease, leaving the Vikings to scramble for a replacement.
The best bet to take over for Bradbury is Chris Reed, but the Vikings could still dip into free agency. With J.C. Tretter still on the market, the Vikings could strike an 11th-hour deal before training camp and have him compete for the starting job.
That scenario grows more unlikely with each day, but if Bradbury struggles, the Vikings could make the call.