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Minnesota Vikings: 5 Storylines to watch at 2018 training camp

By Joe Kipp

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - MAY 3: Helmets belonging to the Minnesota Vikings are seen during a rookie minicamp on May 3, 2012 at Winter Park in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - MAY 3: Helmets belonging to the Minnesota Vikings are seen during a rookie minicamp on May 3, 2012 at Winter Park in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings walks into the locker room after getting injured on a play in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings walks into the locker room after getting injured on a play in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

5. How Dalvin Cook looks coming off injury

Last season, Dalvin Cook had one of the best starts a rookie could ask for. Until falling injured, he was on pace for well over 2,000 yards from scrimmage — a magic number for many running backs. Cook tore his ACL in Week 4 which forced him to forego the remainder of his rookie season.

Entering 2018, Cook will easily be one of the top candidates for comeback player of the year. That is, if he’s healthy enough to compete. One of the biggest things to watch for in camp will be how Cook looks at full-speed in pads. Of course, we’ve seen what he looks like already from earlier in the offseason, but it’s a much different ball game when it’s just a helmet and shorts.

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Cook will likely look just fine, especially since his injury occurred early in 2017. Assuming he comes out firing on all cylinders, the hype train for him will be at an all-time high. If Cook looks fully-healthy in camp, expect a full workload for the sophomore runner in 2018.

4. Who secures the starting slot cornerback position

The Vikings have a nice problem on their hands. At one of the most crucial positions, cornerback, Minnesota has nearly enough talent to field two sets of starters. The problem is that only so many can play at once, though. A heavy rotation of depth should create a heated competition for the slot cornerback spot.

Last season, Terence Newman and Mackensie Alexander saw the most time in the slot. Both players certainly had their moments, but clearly the team saw the need to bring in more talent. After drafting Mike Hughes in the first round of this year’s draft, and signing UDFA Holton Hill, the competition just got far more exciting. Alexander, Hughes and Newman will all be in the hunt to lock down the starting role in the slot.

Also watch for Hughes to make a run for playing time as a return specialist. Hughes was excellent at returning kicks in college and should challenge Marcus Sherels for the role — which could put Sherels on high alert for making the roster.

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