Our Official Predictions for Vikings Training Camp

Jul 30, 2021; Eagan, MN, United States; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) participates in drills at training camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images. When VikingsTerritory is slapping its training camp predictions on the record, you know the time is near. Our official predictions for Vikings training camp 2025 have arrived. From breakout players to surprise developments, here’s what we’re putting on record. Camp kicks off three weeks from today, and folks are stoked about the 2025 club, mostly because J.J. McCarthy will get his first crack at leading the franchise into the future. So, in keeping with our annual tradition, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to submit formal predictions, putting their reputations on the line. Here’s what they came up with. You can read last year’s training camp predictions here — the bold version. Our writers kept it a bit more grounded this year. Vikings Training Camp Predictions … 3 Weeks Out VikingsTerritory writers predict the future. 1. Tai Felton Puts Jalen Nailor on Notice From: Ted Schwerzler Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Tai Felton gets to work during 2025 rookie minicamp in Eagan, Minnesota. Felton, drafted in Round 3 out of Maryland, is under contract through 2028 and enters camp with high expectations. Mandatory Credit: Team Source. Tai Felton comes in and puts Jalen Nailor on notice. It won’t be a shock when he takes the job by Week 3. 2. You Fear Nothing about Theo Jackson From: Kyle Joudry Theo Jackson takes a major bite out of the concerns about the secondary. Yes, Camryn Bynum’s dance moves will be missed, but Jackson actually ends up looking like an improvement at free safety and not just an adequate replacement. 3. Dallas Turner Looks like a Legitimate Starter From: Cole Smith Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) lines up on defense during first-half action against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 17, 2024. Turner joined the team after a standout college career at Alabama. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images. My prediction for training camp is that Dallas Turner will blur the lines of being a starter. Brian Flores won’t be benching Jonathan Greenard or Andrew Van Ginkel, and he certainly can’t keep the 17th overall pick from the 2024 draft off the field if he grasps the playbook. They will all be considered starters with fluid roles and titles. 4. A New Punter Swipes Ryan Wright’s Job From: Ali Siddiqui Another punter will be signed and beat out Ryan Wright. 5. Silas Bolden Hype Train Hits Fever Pitch From: Dustin Baker Bolden, an undrafted rookie from the University of Texas, will become the talk of camp as onlookers realize his speed, agility, and utility on special teams and offense. He’s not very big — 5’8″ and 160 pounds — but folks won’t care because he’s not an every-down wide receiver. Texas Longhorns wide receiver Silas Bolden (11) electrifies the crowd with a punt return touchdown against Arizona State during the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2025. Bolden’s return gave Texas early momentum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images. By the end of camp, Bolden makes everyone’s 53-man roster projections as a return man, and Kevin O’Connell might even sprinkle him in on offense. Here’s what a Longhorns-themed site said about Bolden before the draft: “The most viable path for Bolden is to carve out a niche as a dangerous returner who can be inserted on offense for situational usage.” “At 5’8, 170 pounds, Bolden unfortunately has his work cut out to once again prove that he can compete at the next level, but his contact courage is an undeniable trait. Bolden also has elite speed with his 40-yard dash times from the Texas Pro Day ranging from 4.38 to 4.41 in addition to a 32-inch vertical.” More speed on special teams and offense would be ideal for the Vikings. Bolden is that. Jacob Neidig added, “If Bolden doesn’t hear his name called, look for him to sign an undrafted free agent deal and find a way to showcase his return skills and athleticism. Size has never been a deterrent to Bolden, and nothing suggests that this time will be any different.” 6. Ty Chandler Cut, FA Running Back Signed From: Brevan Bane Ty Chandler loses RB3, and the Vikings bring in a free agent back off the street to play the role. 7. The Brians Extended From: Tony Schultz I think a feel-good story happens with two guys getting something they deserve. First, I think the Vikings can utilize the remaining cap space this year by restructuring and extending Brian O’Neill, which will alleviate some stress next year. He deserves to finish his career as a Viking. The other guy is Brian Flores. As long as that lawsuit hangs in the air, the head coaching job stays just out of reach. Kwesi gives him a bag to stay around and keep the coaching staff strong for a few more years. t8. It’s All about Isaiah Rodgers Indianapolis Colts defenders Isaiah Rodgers (34), Rodney McLeod (26), and Grant Stuard (41) react during second-quarter play versus the Minnesota Vikings on December 17, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts led big before collapsing in historic fashion. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports. From: Wesley Johnson Isaiah Rodgers will quickly become a fan favorite. Brought in to potentially fill a starting role at corner, Rodgers will quickly prove himself. He will make enough plays on the field to solidify himself as the starter opposite Murphy Jr. It’s his interactions with the fans, both on the side of the field and on Twitter, that will garner the most attention and fandom. t8. Isaiah Rodgers Is the Talk of the Town From: Adam New Isaiah Rodgers is the talk of training camp and puts aside any ideas of needing another cornerback with his high level of performance. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily ... More about Dustin Baker