The Minnesota Vikings put on their shorts and helmets before hitting the field for the first week of organized team activities this week.
Players were participating in a variety of drills and workouts, which will continue over the next couple of weeks ahead of mandatory minicamp in June.
There have been plenty of fun stories coming out of the early practices, including running back Dalvin Cook calling linebacker Za’Darius Smith “crazy” for his work ethic and the way he pushes his teammates. Even Smith himself admitted coach Kevin O’Connell had to tell him to take it down a notch, during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.
The regime change in Minnesota has seemingly brought a new energy to the team as they work to end a three-year playoff drought this season. Here are some of the highlights and notes from the first week of OTAs.
An expanded role for Cook
The Athletic’s Chad Graff touched on the Vikings wanting to utilize running back Dalvin Cook in more of a receiving role this season. It makes sense considering the versatility he’s consistently shown on the football field.
Why not use it to scare the bejesus out of opposing linebackers?
Cook himself seems to be excited about the idea of getting more opportunities to make an impact on the offense. He even sent out a tweet of himself making a play with his hands instead of just his legs.
Coach O’Connell and the Vikings could be cooking up a “Dalvin special” in 2022.
Reed and Davis starting at right guard
Graff also noted that Jesse Davis and Chris Reed were rotating with the starters at the right offensive guard position, which has been a trouble spot for the Vikings.
Oli Udoh has struggled mightily to fortify the position, and Wyatt Davis hasn’t lived up to expectations. Rookie Ed Ingram was reportedly watching from the sidelines as well, but he’s expected to factor into the competition once he gets up to speed with…
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