EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Wednesday held their fifth Organized Team Activity practice and second session open to media members.
Players wore helmets but no pads during a practice that included individual position drills, as well as a couple of 7-on-7 passing periods and some 11-on-11 reps.
Minnesota enjoyed a gorgeous day outside and utilized two practice fields for much of the afternoon, splitting the squad into the first-team offense and defense going head-to-head on one and the developmental groups facing each other.
Here are three observations from Wednesday's OTA practice presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Meeting in Minnesota
Two of the dozen-plus players signed during free agency met quickly Wednesday.
Aaron Jones headed out of the backfield, but a pass intended for the former Packers running back was deftly broken up by veteran cornerback Shaq Griffin.
It was a smooth play by Griffin against his 2017 NFL Draft classmate, but Jones bounced back to make multiple receptions at different spots of the field.
Darnold made multiple nice connections with Jones and had a nice completion to Brandon Powell.
Rookie J.J. McCarthy took several reps in 7-on-7, placing a deep pass down the sideline to Thayer Thomas and rifling quick passes to Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor on snaps in the red zone.
When the Vikings split into two groups, McCarthy and Jaren Hall headed to the developmental field while Nick Mullens and Darnold worked with the first group.
View photos from the Vikings fourth OTA practice, which took place on May 28 at the TCO Performance Center.
2. Offensive line combo
Last week, the Vikings opened with Blake Brandel at left guard, but this week it was veteran newcomer Dan Feeney lining up between left tackle Christian Darrisaw and center Garrett Bradbury.
Ed Ingram was again at right guard, and Brian O'Neill was again at right tackle.
The Vikings did have veteran tackle David Quessenberry take some reps at left tackle with the first group, as well.
3. A couple of notes on defense
To open 7-on-7 passing, Minnesota used the linebacker combination of second-year pro Ivan Pace, Jr., and veteran newcomer Kamu Grugier-Hill patrolling the middle of the field.
Cornerbacks Jaylin Williams and A.J. Green III recorded pass breakups on consecutive plays.
The defense was able to hold its own with solid coverage on multiple plays.
