Minnesota Vikings: 5 Storylines to watch at 2018 training camp
By Joe Kipp
3. Who will emerge at kicker?
Despite re-signing Kai Forbath early in the offseason, the Vikings saw the need to draft Daniel Carlson almost a month later. Forbath hasn’t necessarily performed poorly during his time with the Vikings, though. During his two seasons with the team, he’s converted 47-of-53 field goals, good enough for an 88.7 percent conversion rate.
But at the same time, Forbath has missed some critical kicks when he’s been needed most, having missed eight extra-points since joining the team in the middle of the 2016 season. Although Forbath’s spot isn’t taken just yet, don’t expect Carlson to just lay down and hand him the job.
Whether he was worth the fifth round selection the Vikings spent on him is up for debate. But what isn’t in question is Carlson’s talent. The rookie-to-be converted all 141 extra-point attempts at Auburn, while also garnering 156 touchbacks on 222 kickoffs. He also stands at 6-4, 223 pounds, an incredible size for a kicker.
2. Kirk Cousins’ connection with his new receivers
A connection isn’t something that develops overnight. Kirk Cousins may be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history, but he’ll need to build a strong rapport with his receiving corps if he’s to perform up to expectations.
Although he’ll have arguably better talent to throw to, Cousins hasn’t had the experience needed to build a relationship with his top receivers. Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph make an excellent trio, but if the two parties aren’t on the same wavelength it won’t matter.
But that’s what training camp is for, because practice makes perfect — at least in theory. Cousins shouldn’t have too much difficulty building a rapport with his playmakers, though. If he gets off to a strong start in camp, that momentum should carry over into the preseason and eventually the regular season.