As the Minnesota Vikings begin full practices, it is time to dive into the roster. Minnesota is fresh off a trip to the NFC Championship game, so they have already have a talented roster in place. Here are a few under-the-radar players to watch in Vikings camp.
Offensive Players to Watch at Minnesota Vikings Camp
Colby Gossett, Offensive Guard
Colby Gossett was selected by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2018 draft. The team’s struggles along the offensive line are no secret. Gossett is running with the third-string offense to start camp, but he has a chance to fight for a starting role down the line. He needs time to develop, especially considering he came from a small school in Appalachian State, but he has shown glimpses of what he can become. Second-round rookie Brian O’Neill will receive a lot of attention, but Gossett could be just as valuable for the offensive line. If injuries continue to be a problem for the offensive line, Gossett could see himself playing sooner than many expected.
#Vikings OL combos this morning…
(Reminder that this is without Elflein, and on first day the full team is here)
1st group: Reiff, Compton, Easton, Remmers, Hill
2nd group: Collins, Isidora, Andrews, Edison, O’Neill
3rd group: Joseph, Lang, Quinn, Gossett, Norton.
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) July 28, 2018
Kyle Sloter, Quarterback
The Vikings nabbed Kyle Sloter off of waivers after he was released by the Denver Broncos prior to last season. He dressed for several games in 2017 after all of the injuries to the quarterbacks, but he did not see any playing time. With Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Bradford, and Case Keenum all finding new homes this off-season, Sloter is the only remaining quarterback from last year. The former Northern Colorado signal-caller is looking to make a name for himself this summer. Minnesota traded for Trevor Siemian this off-season, but Kyle Sloter could beat him out and be the backup quarterback in 2018.
I'm curious to see #Vikings QB Kyle Sloter in training camp. Last preseason, he turned heads in Denver with limited experience at QB (converted WR). He's someone that can develop in the shadows w/ JDF-Stefanski. Arm strength, ability to drive the ball, and accurate on the run. pic.twitter.com/2lZ3GdTReo
— Daniel House (@DanielHouseMN) July 15, 2018
Stacy Coley, Wide Receiver
The Minnesota Vikings selected former Miami receiver Stacy Coley in the seventh round of the 2017 draft. Coley played sparingly as a rookie, appearing in four games and returning one kickoff for 19 yards. He had an impressive preseason in 2017, grabbing 10 passes for 165 yards. Now, the shifty receiver will compete for one of the final spots on the depth chart alongside Tavarres King, Brandon Zylstra, and others. According to Andrew Krammer, Coley is currently being held out of practice as he recovers from a couple of injuries. The Vikings have a solid wide receiver group heading into 2018, so Coley will have to impress throughout the preseason to keep his spot on the roster.
#Vikings WR Stacy Coley, who had been rehabbing right heel injury, now being held out of practice today due to a strained groin, according to a source.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) July 28, 2018
Brandon Zylstra, Wide Receiver
Remember that Adam Thielen guy? Brandon Zylstra is hoping to follow the fellow Minnesota native’s path to the NFL. Zylstra is from Spicer, Minnesota and played his college ball at Concordia. The 25-year-old wide receiver is coming off an astounding season in the Canadian Football League. Last year, Zylstra led the CFL with 1,687 yards on 100 catches for the Edmonton Eskimos. He also racked up five touchdowns in 16 games. With Cayleb Jones suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season, Zylstra has the chance to stick out and make the roster. The Minnesota Vikings love homegrown talent, and Brandon Zylstra is next up for the purple and gold.
Stay tuned for the defensive players to watch in Minnesota Vikings training camp. To see positional battles taking place, check out the biggest camp battles in Eagan.
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