It may not seem like it, but it’s been about three weeks since the Minnesota Vikings first reported to this year's training camp.
Like any training camp, several Vikings players have climbed the ranks and made a big push for a roster spot. While other players may be losing their grip on a starting job or could be on the way out of Minnesota altogether.
It may be hard to keep up with the ebbs and flows of training camp, but this is where we come to the rescue. Here’s a look at three players who have seen their stock rise throughout camp and who could wind up being big winners when Minnesota makes their final cuts ahead of the September 8th opener at the New York Giants.
3 winners from the first three weeks of Minnesota Vikings training camp
Jalen Nailor - WR
Jalen Nailor has had plenty of talent but he has an extensive injury history dating all the way back to Michigan State. While his college teammates Jayden Reed (Green Bay Packers) and Keon Coleman (Buffalo Bills) have been put in situations to succeed, Nailor hasn’t been able to establish himself working behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
K.J. Osborn’s departure opened the door for Nailor and he’s taken advantage of the opportunity. Nailor has worked as the No. 3 receiver throughout camp and could be in for a larger role if Addison is suspended this season for his recent DUI arrest.
Once again, the biggest question surrounding Nailor is health. If he can stay on the field, he could be on the path to a traditional third-year breakout.
Theo Jackson - S
Theo Jackson isn’t on the verge of overtaking Harrison Smith or Camryn Bynum for a starting spot. He may also still be behind Josh Metellus on the Vikings’ loaded depth chart at safety, but Jackson has laid the foundation for a bigger role, which is a huge victory in training camp.
Jackson was a sixth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 and is starting to gain attention in the Vikings locker room. Jackson surprised many by earning a roster spot during last year’s training camp, but he’s taken his game to another level and is picking the brain of Smith.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis recently predicted that Jackson could be Smith’s heir apparent down the line. If he can force his way onto the field a year early, it could give defensive coordinator Brian Flores another option to work with.
Gabriel Murphy - OLB
If the Vikings' defense is to succeed this year, they’re going to need a big effort from their edge rushers. Injuries have weakened the cornerback position, and the defensive line continues to be a no-name group headlined by Harrison Phillips, Jonah Williams, and Jonathan Bullard.
But the edge-rushing group carries the most excitement, including UDFA Gabriel Murphy. Murphy isn’t a big surprise on this list, considering he received a $20,000 signing bonus to join the Vikings after the draft, but he still had to earn his roster spot.
A projected third round pick, Murphy has shown the chops to at least become a pass-rushing project and may have jumped 2023 UDFA Andre Carter II on the depth chart.