Training camp in-depth: Access Vikings position previews

July 26, 2013 at 7:05PM
Vikings receiver Jerome Simpson (81) joked around with quarterback Christian Ponder (7) during morning practice on Friday.
Vikings receiver Jerome Simpson (81) joked around with quarterback Christian Ponder (7) during morning practice on Friday. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

Quarterback Christian Ponder rolls out for a pass during Minnesota Vikings OTA practice Wednesday June, 5 2013 in Eden Prairie, MN.
(Jerry Holt — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

The Vikings, with a significant part in place in Adrian Peterson and with new pieces coming on board, seem positioned best to advance in the playoffs among Minnesota’s four top pro teams.
(Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

Vikings receiver Greg Jennings took part in an offseason conditioning program Wednesday May 1, 2013 in Eden Prairie
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

Vikings' center John Sullivan was injured an a first quarter series.
(Dml - Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69)
(Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50)
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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.

Josh Robinson
(File photo/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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 is watched closely by Coach Leslie Frazer.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Punter Jeff Locke.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier
Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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DAN WIEDERER, Star Tribune

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