This week has marked the kickoff to full-team OTAs for the Minnesota Vikings, and there are already good vibes going around the organization.
The Vikings are coming off an impressive 14-3 record with Sam Darnold leading the team at quarterback. Minnesota's playoff experience in the 2024 season was not as remarkable as the team lost in a blowout to the Los Angeles Rams, 27-9.
After quarterback rumor mills were running rampant, with $300 million spent in free agency, the Vikings are settling into the 2025 campaign. They are off to a great start with something they are doing that other teams have been able to achieve within the first week of OTAs.
Minnesota Vikings already winning against the rest of the NFL one week into their 2025 OTAs
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke to the media on Wednesday, answering questions regarding the team's OTAs. O'Connell's first comment was how everyone on the Vikings was at OTAs and how important it was for them to be together during this time.
"We got darn near 100 percent participation. Had a couple of things come up here and there, but to have really the totality of your football team here in the month of May, working together and so much coaching and teaching, guys learning, growth, development, all the things we love as coaches and our players know to get to where we want to get to this season.
This is certainly going to be a part of it, and excited about what we have going on here on a daily basis."
It's a good sign to have everyone at OTAs for the Vikings, especially since they need the time together. One reason in particular is their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, needing to build rapport with his wide receivers and the offensive line. Fans realize the importance of these OTAs when Justin Jefferson is there, trying to get his chemistry going with McCarthy.
The offensive line also needs some work together, as there are potentially three new starters working together. Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and rookie first-round pick Donovan Jackson need that time to ensure everyone is working and communicating effectively together.
Minnesota's defense has had their fair share of concerns over the secondary so working through different lineup rotations will be important as well. It gives veterans like Harrison Smith time to help out the younger players in the secondary.
Not many NFL teams can say they have 100 percent of their players at OTAs and working out. For Minnesota, this feels like a good omen for how the 2025 season will turn out.