It’s time.
Our 9 Bold Predictions for Vikings Training Camp | 2024
Minnesota Vikings training camp is about 24 hours away, as first-year players report for duty in Eagan. Veterans join on Tuesday, and fans return next weekend.
So, we asked VikingsTerritory writers for their bold training camp prediction about the purple team.
These are their responses.
1. Jalen Nailor Absolutely Busts Out
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
My biggest, boldest camp prediction is that Jalen Nailor will take off and secure himself as not only the clear WR3 but also show enough to prove he can fill in for Jordan Addison (if he gets suspended).
2. By Early August, QB1 Isn’t Even a Debate
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
Monitoring J.J. McCarthy’s progress will be fun, rest assured, but by August 7th or so, there will no longer be a QB1 debate. Sam Darnold will have the job all wrapped up as folks realize that McCarthy’s insertion in the first-team offense will be gradual.
If there is any quarterback debate, it will be whether McCarthy earns the QB2 job — or which quarterback doesn’t make the team between Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.
3. Kwesi Pulls off 2 Trades by the End of Camp
Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pulls off a pair of trades and adds a pair of draft picks to his total for 2025.
4. Brandon Powell Takes the WR3 Job by the Neck
Prediction Maker = Brevan Bane
Brandon Powell takes the WR3 role by force, confirming the theory that Kevin O’Connell and the coaching staff didn’t bring in any wide receivers via the draft or free agency because they saw promising possibilities out of the former Ram.
5. Levi Drake Rodriguez Wins a Starter’s Job
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
The Vikings have significant problems on the interior defensive line. Other than Harrison Phillips, none of the remaining players is really moving the needle. This is where seventh-round rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez emerges as a starting lineman. He faced lower-level competition at Texas A&M Commerce, which makes his unlikely rise even sweeter.
6. J.J. McCarthy Earns the QB3 Job — Not QB1 or QB2
Prediction Maker = Wes Johnson
This may not be bold, per se, but after looking past the surface, there is merit that it actually might be true. Many fans and media members have pegged McCarthy as QB1 or QB2 this summer, and it’s very well possible that Kevin O’Connell has him within that range, too.
But I can see the former quarterback, O’Connell, setting a scenario where McCarrthy has to climb up the depth chart as part of “having him hit certain benchmarks.” So prepare yourself for a heavy dose of Nick Mullens early on. McCarthy will get there when he’s earned it.
7. Michael Jurgens Makes His Mark
Prediction Maker = Adam New
There are still many question marks over the Vikings’ iOL, but I predict there will be some good news on that front. Seventh-round rookie Michael Jurgens will beat out Dan Feeney for the backup center spot, giving cause for optimism about his future.
8. Dwight McGlothern Puts Other CBs on Notice
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
Dwight McGlothern will rise, proving the prowess that could have been expected from Khyree Jackson. He may not start right away, but Akayleb Evans and Mekhi Blackmon will be put on notice.
9. Dwight McGlothern Emerges as CB4
Prediction Maker = Henrique Gucciardi
After Ivan Pace Jr. last season, the Vikings’ fan base will pay more attention to the UDFA guys. McGlothern is a big, physical corner that can thrive in Flores’ scheme and make a case for playing time — to the tune of CB4
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
2. By Early August, QB1 Isn’t Even a Debate
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
Monitoring J.J. McCarthy’s progress will be fun, rest assured, but by August 7th or so, there will no longer be a QB1 debate. Sam Darnold will have the job all wrapped up as folks realize that McCarthy’s insertion in the first-team offense will be gradual.
If there is any quarterback debate, it will be whether McCarthy earns the QB2 job — or which quarterback doesn’t make the team between Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.
3. Kwesi Pulls off 2 Trades by the End of Camp
Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pulls off a pair of trades and adds a pair of draft picks to his total for 2025.
4. Brandon Powell Takes the WR3 Job by the Neck
Prediction Maker = Brevan Bane
Brandon Powell takes the WR3 role by force, confirming the theory that Kevin O’Connell and the coaching staff didn’t bring in any wide receivers via the draft or free agency because they saw promising possibilities out of the former Ram.
5. Levi Drake Rodriguez Wins a Starter’s Job
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
The Vikings have significant problems on the interior defensive line. Other than Harrison Phillips, none of the remaining players is really moving the needle. This is where seventh-round rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez emerges as a starting lineman. He faced lower-level competition at Texas A&M Commerce, which makes his unlikely rise even sweeter.
6. J.J. McCarthy Earns the QB3 Job — Not QB1 or QB2
Prediction Maker = Wes Johnson
This may not be bold, per se, but after looking past the surface, there is merit that it actually might be true. Many fans and media members have pegged McCarthy as QB1 or QB2 this summer, and it’s very well possible that Kevin O’Connell has him within that range, too.
But I can see the former quarterback, O’Connell, setting a scenario where McCarrthy has to climb up the depth chart as part of “having him hit certain benchmarks.” So prepare yourself for a heavy dose of Nick Mullens early on. McCarthy will get there when he’s earned it.
7. Michael Jurgens Makes His Mark
Prediction Maker = Adam New
There are still many question marks over the Vikings’ iOL, but I predict there will be some good news on that front. Seventh-round rookie Michael Jurgens will beat out Dan Feeney for the backup center spot, giving cause for optimism about his future.
8. Dwight McGlothern Puts Other CBs on Notice
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
Dwight McGlothern will rise, proving the prowess that could have been expected from Khyree Jackson. He may not start right away, but Akayleb Evans and Mekhi Blackmon will be put on notice.
9. Dwight McGlothern Emerges as CB4
Prediction Maker = Henrique Gucciardi
After Ivan Pace Jr. last season, the Vikings’ fan base will pay more attention to the UDFA guys. McGlothern is a big, physical corner that can thrive in Flores’ scheme and make a case for playing time — to the tune of CB4.
