The Vikings hit the field for their first full-contact workout Friday afternoon. Over the next several weeks, things will become clearer to Leslie Frazier and his coaching staff about the players who will make the final roster. Here's a position-by-position look at what they'll be watching for in Mankato.
Quarterback
We'll have our eyes on Christian Ponder, checking to see if his decision making can be more reliable, his deep throws more accurate and his leadership galvanizing. Read about the timeline for making those judgments here.
Quaterback Christian Ponder
Running backs
As superhuman as Adrian Peterson seems to be physically, the Vikings will certainly pump the brakes on his preseason workload when they can. Read about Peterson and the rest of the ruinning backs here.
Running back Adrian Peterson
Wide receivers/tight ends
Is Greg Jennings ready to be Christian Ponder's go-to guy? Will Cordarrelle Patterson make an impact quickly? What about those issues and the tight end position here.
Wide receiver Greg Jennings
Offensive line
John Sullivan's recovery from knee surgery will be a major issue for the team, which gave offensive tackle Phil Loadholt a new four-year team. Read about what to expect (and when) here.
Center John Sullivan
Defensive line
Jared Allen and Brian Robison were each hampered significantly in 2012 by injuries. Are they back to 100 percent? Read about their recoveries and rookie Sharrif Floyd here.
Defensive end Jared Allen
Linebackers:
Five words: Desmond Bishop and Erin Henderson. Read about how they'll settle who plays where, and who plays at all here.
Linebacker Erin Henderson
Secondary:
This may be, perhaps, the scariest unit for head coach Leslie Frazier to analyze at this point. Read about the compeititon for positions here.
Defensive back Josh Robinson
Special teams:
To say all eyes will be on a punter would either be a gross overstatement or a sign of temporary insanity. Read about rookie Jeff Locke and the other special teams issues here.
Punter Jeff Locke.
