EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Vikings held their initial practice of rookie minicamp Friday afternoon at Winter Park, the first chance for rookies to get a robust taste of the NFL.
The Vikings went through individual, 1-on-1, 7on-7 and team drills for almost 90 minutes on a picturesque spring afternoon.
Here are three observations from Friday's session:
1. First impressions
A collection of skill players, including running back Dalvin Cook, flashed early potential.
Cook, the 41st overall pick in last week's draft, moved well and showed quickness and agility. The Vikings ran a good amount of running plays, and although players weren't in full pads, Cook showed why he accounted for 48 total touchdowns in three seasons at Florida State.
Bucky Hodges also looked good, as the mammoth rookie tight end showed off his athleticism in 1-on-1 drills against linebackers.
A pair of rookie wide receivers, Rodney Adams and Stacy Coley, also impressed on the first day of practice.
Adams and Coley both lined up at punt returner and looked fluid on offense.
2. They've been here before
A handful of players at rookie minicamp were with the Vikings last season, including practice squad players or a few who were at training camp.
Players such as cornerbacks Terrell Sinkfield and Tre Roberson, wide receivers Cayleb Jones, Mitch Mathews and Moritz Böhringer and tight end Kyle Carter benefitted from having previous NFL experience.
Böhringer and Jones each made athletic catches, and Mathews made a leaping grab near the sideline. Sinkfield and Roberson also displayed solid coverage skills.
"I was here last year, obviously as a receiver, but I kind of got a little edge now that I was already here," Sinkfield said. "I know the ropes and a couple of the guys … it's just knowing what they expect and what to do when I'm out there."
3. A noticeable energy
There was a buzz surrounding Winter Park as players trickled into the field Friday afternoon.
Players donned helmets and shorts under sunshine and a light breeze. Despite players having a limited amount of time to learn Minnesota's schemes and terminology, the practice was fairly clean. The Vikings showcased a crisp pace during team drills with hardly any mulling around between plays.
The Vikings will hold a pair of rookie minicamp practices this weekend, and the entire roster will get together May 23 for the first organized team activity practice.
