The Minnesota Vikings just wrapped up rookie minicamp and will have their schedule released on Wednesday, May 15th. News might not be moving very quickly during a relative dead portion of the offseason, but there is a lot to be excited about nonetheless.
As we look ahead toward what is to come for the Vikings, it's important to look at all angles. Doing so will give you the best picture of what this team can become in 2024.
This past weekend, I put out a call for questions to see what fans of the Vikings want to know and it resulted in a diverse range of questions and topics.
Biggest impact among Minnesota Vikings rookies
Out of all of this year draft picks. Who do you think will have the biggest impact on the upcoming season?
— Michael (@Michael92963117) May 13, 2024
This is a fascinating question for many reasons and they all revolve around the quarterback position. The Vikings have their quarterback of the future in J.J. McCarthy, but when he will play is still a major mystery.
After his first rookie minicamp practice, things looked good for the former Michigan signal caller. However, there is a big difference from one rookie minicamp practice to playing in a regular season game. At the end of the day, his development and the presence of Sam Darnold could prevent McCarthy from playing this season.
Once we take out McCarthy from the equation, it boils down to two names: edge rusher Dallas Turner and kicker Will Reichard. Yes, a kicker. Why? Well, those who follow the Vikings know how much a kicker can impact the game. It can do a lot to change the tide of the game, including potentially seal the victory. The Vikings haven't been able to find a kicker to be consistent for the longest time and Reichard could be that guy.
The other option is Turner, who the Vikings traded up to get in the 2024 NFL Draft. His movement skills are incredible for an edge rusher. That kind of versatility is going to make a major impact on the Vikings' defense.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores knows how to use a player with those kinds of traits and the three-edge rusher package that he deployed so many times in the 2023 season is set to be impactful again. Now, how much will Turner play on rushing downs? That is the biggest question right now. With Andrew Van Ginkel's versatility, we could see a lot more of Turner earlier than we might have on other teams.
The most impactful rookie is still yet to be decided for many reasons, but my money is on Turner.
