7 bold predictions for the Vikings 2023 training camp

Bold Prediction No. 7

Josh Metellus will be “Mr. Mankato”

Ever since Adam Thielen walked onto the practice field just outside of Blakeslee Stadium, fans have wondered who will be the annual recipient of the Mr. Mankato Award.

OK, so it’s not an official award, and there’s no trophy that comes with it. But it is an important exercise when trying to figure out who the standout of this year’s camp will be, and in the early going, it could be Josh Metellus.

At 5-foot-11 and 207 pounds, Metellus has made a name for himself with a pair of blocked punts late last season. He also was rotated into the secondary as Kevin O’Connell attempted to keep Harrison Smith fresh for the playoffs, and he made the game-sealing interception in a Week 3 win over the Detroit Lions.

Last season may disqualify him from receiving the actual award, which was coined by SKOR North, but Metellus could have the biggest breakout thanks to his new role in Flores’s defense. 

According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Metellus lined up at safety and slot cornerback while also rushing the passer at times during OTAs. Metellus also told KSTP’s Darren Wolfson that he considers his position to be “football player” more than “safety.”

While this is the role that Vikings fans have imagined for Lewis Cine, Metellus could be the player that brings it to life. That could create a dynamic weapon for the defense and could pave the way for Metellus to make himself a household name.