I’m back after a one day break, and a huge shout out to Ed for covering and providing everyone with a Stock Report after Day 2 of Vikings Training Camp. If you’re new here, this year at Climbing The Pocket, we are going to do our best to report back daily with a Vikings Training Camp Stock Report. Essentially, relaying the information we hear and see from our fellow Vikings beat writers about who is trending up or down at Training Camp, and who we should be watching for in the coming days.
Trending Up 📈📈📈
K.J. Osborn– On the first day of Vikings Training Camp I had put K.J. Osborn as someone to watch, and it literally only took a few days for him to make his way onto Trending Up list. He was given more opportunity today as Bisi Johnson went down with his injury, but he was well on his way to make the Trending Up list before then. We’ve heard Zimmer and Rick both state how impressed they’ve been with Osborn this spring. On top of his impressive Spring, Osborn also was reportedly working out with fellow WR Justin Jefferson this past offseason. I think a lot of fans we ready to write Osborn off after last season, but he’s starting camp off strong and making a run for that WR3 spot.
Mackensie Alexander– A very strong day of camp for the returning cornerback. Slotted to be the starting nickel corner this upcoming season, his maturity was praised in Zimmer’s opening Training Camp presser. After just a few days, we’re starting to see him match his maturity with his play. He had a phenomenal day today according to Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated, posting at least 3 pass breakups, and making plays in 11 on 11 drills. The Vikings lacked cornerback depth last year, but bringing back Mackensie Alexander should help fill that void as he’s entirely capable, and knows Mike Zimmer’s defense.
Irv Smith Jr.– Typically I only plan on doing two Trending Up Players, but how can you not include Irv today. He literally was the talk across all of Twitter. He was making incredible catches over defenders and making continuous highlights in Friday’s practice. After Kyle Rudolph’s departure, the expectation was for Irv to step up and fill that role. He had a busy offseason by attending “Tight End U” and we’re already starting to see some of the improvements and work that Irv put in this offseason in the first few days of camp as he prepares for a successful season.
Trending Down 📉📉📉
Bisi Johnson- I really hate putting Bisi up here again for the 2nd time in 3 days, but this one feels a bit more warranted; albeit unfortunate. Bisi Johnson went down with an injury early in practice and was luckily able to walk off under his own power. But it was reported later that he had a brace covering his right leg. This doesn’t bode well for Bisi in a surprisingly competitive WR battle. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Bisi!
Who To Watch 🔎🔎🔎
Wyatt Davis- As the first few days have progressed we’ve started to hear Wyatt Davis’ name more an more. We continue to hear the Vikings are shifting around the OL to get people in different spots, and we’ve even seen Wyatt Davis practice giving snaps to Kellen Mond. I believe Davis will continue to get opportunities to showcase his skill and if he doesn’t secure the RG position, he could be a versatile depth piece on the OL
Number 3 Linebacker – It’s been pretty quiet in this battle thus far, but we’ve heard names like Nick Vigil, Cameron Smith, Chazz Surratt, and Troy Dye. As practices continue to occur this will be a battle to keep an eye on to see if any of the names I listed above start making some waves.
Thanks for checking out the latest Vikings Training Camp Stock Report, be sure to check back Sunday for a Stock report following the Vikings Night Practice! Skol Everyone!