Minnesota Vikings 2022 Training Camp Preview
After an uninspiring last two seasons, the Minnesota Vikings head into 2022 with newfound optimism with a new head coach, former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, and new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. With an improved defense and most of the offensive core intact, the Vikings look to make the noise in the NFC North and make the postseason for the fifth time since the start of 2010.
Three Position Battles to Watch:
Right guard: Jesse Davis, Chris Reed, Ed Ingram
Minnesota’s interior line has been, well, not good for the last several years. It appears to be sticking with Garrett Bradbury — who’s had significant struggles of his own, partly due to the lack of size — at center with 2020 second-round selection Ezra Cleveland slotting in at left guard.
With Oli Udoh slotting back to tackle, it will be a battle between Jesse Davis and Chris Reed — two offseason signees from the Dolphins and Colts, respectively — and second-round pick Ed Ingram. Reed has graded a 63.0 or better in each of the last three seasons at guard, per PFF, while Davis significantly struggled at tackle in Miami. It can honestly go either way between Davis or Reed; I don’t think Ingram starts Week 1.
Third wide receiver: K.J. Osborn, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Bisi Johnson, Albert Wilson
Minnesota didn’t have a true third wide-receiver next year. Heading into last year, it was a competition between Bisi Johnson, Chad Beebe, Ihmir-Smith Marsette and Tajae Sharpe, who signed with the team last March.
Nobody stood out, rather it was K.J. Osborn, a 2020 fifth-round pick, who was fourth in the team in receptions (50) and third in receiving yards (655) and touchdowns (7). I would dub Osborn the favorite entering 2022, though it’s still a popular debate. The team signed former Dolphins target Albert Wilson to a one-year deal in late May and it still remains a noteworthy competition alongside Johnson and Smith-Marsette.
Backup quarterback: Kellen Mond, Sean Mannion
Barring injury, we all know who’s going to be starting behind center this season: Kirk Cousins. But a contentious debate surrounds who’s going to be the backup quarterback between 2021 third-round pick Kellen Mond and veteran Sean Mannion.
Mannion started just one game a year ago — in a Sunday night, Week 16 showdown against the Green Bay Packers — going 22-for-36 for 189 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The most memorable moment, by far, was center Garrett Bradbury having his own “immaculate reception” highlight at the end of the third quarter in Minnesota’s very forgettable 37-10 loss.
Mond attempted just three passes that evening for five yards, which ultimately ended in a snide postgame remark from head coach Mike Zimmer.
O’Connell seem rather bullish on Mond in spring camp, unlike his brass predecessor. I expect Mannion to begin the season as the backup quarterback, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Mond snagged it. It’s up for grabs.
Ready to Breakout: Irv Smith Jr.
Smith missed the entire 2021 season after undergoing meniscus surgery and didn’t finish as a top-20 tight end in both standard and PPR formats in each of his first two seasons, tallying 66 combined receptions, 676 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith played alongside Kyle Rudolph in both of those two seasons and that’s not the case now, hoping to be an every-down tight end entering 2022. His route-running, hands plus fluidity are just too good for him not to pop off and be third in targets for a team that lacks target share outside of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Expect him to be used a ton in O’Connell’s offense.
Rookie To Watch: Lewis Cine
Lewis Cine, man. Watch five minutes of Cine tape and you’d be ready to run through a wall — he’s quick, tough and man, can he HIT. I would bet on he or second-round corner Andrew Booth getting the most snaps as rookies. Though I expect Cine to eventually earn the starting safety job next to Harrison Smith if he’s not starting Week 1.
Fantasy Sleeper: Kirk Cousins
It was either he or Smith … or Greg Joseph. Okay, maybe not the last option. If you haven’t learned anything already, never trust a Minnesota Vikings kicker. Never! I’m warning you…yes, YOU!
Okay, back to Cousins.
He was dubbed the 11th-best fantasy quarterback last season, per Fantasy Pros. That’s not terribly low, but I can see him creeping into the top-7/8 range if he has a great season. Projecting quarterbacks with new head coaches can be tricky, but I think it’ll work in Cousins’ favor with 1.) A pretty favorable schedule 2.) An offense catered more towards the aerial attack and 3.) A head coach who actually likes him.
This is a more optimistic approach rather than what might actually happen. I mean, it is Kirk Cousins we’re talking about here. He’s not bad, but draft him at your own risk.
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