It seems as if there's always one Vikings player who makes his first Pro Bowl each season.
It happened with defensive end Danielle Hunter in 2018 and wide receiver Adam Thielen the season before. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Linval Joseph were first-timers in 2016, and defensive end Everson Griffen made his inaugural trip in 2015.
Who will it be this year?
Marc Sessler of NFL.com recently took a look at each of the rosters in the NFC and **picked out a potential first-time Pro Bowler**, and went with running back Dalvin Cook in Minnesota.
Sessler wrote:
Lost to a devastating knee injury as a rookie, Cook was held to 615 ground yards last season in a pass-happy offense that saw him split time with Latavius Murray and miss five games with a hamstring injury. Coach Mike Zimmer appears determined to run the ball to a fault in 2019, signaling a breakout — and bell cow — year for Cook. Cook's biggest challenge is staying on the field. His talent will pave the way if so.
Cook has flashed plenty of potential when he has been able to stay healthy.
The 2017 second-round pick has 969 total rushing yards on 207 attempts in 15 games over two seasons, good for 4.7 yards per carry. The former Florida State standout has four career rushing touchdowns.
Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer recently praised Cook's work ethic and performance when asked about how the running back looked this spring.
"I think Cook has had a really, really good spring," Zimmer said at the conclusion of minicamp. "[Vikings Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Advisor] Gary [Kubiak] and I were talking about him this morning.
"He looks really, really good, especially the things we're trying to do in the running game," Zimmer said.
Cook has also made plays in the passing game in his career, as he has 51 receptions for 395 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Holmes hosts youth football camp in hometown
Jalyn Holmes's mind isn't completely away from football during the break before training camp.
The Vikings defensive tackle recently hosted his inaugural youth football camp in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia.
Megan Plain of WTRK 3 News was at the camp and **caught up with Holmes**, who said he was glad to be able to give back to those close to him.
"It's so fun, seeing these kids smiling and competing," Holmes told Plain. "You got a little trash talking going on, you got a little of everything going on, and that's everything I stand for.
"I just want to teach them to learn how to compete," Holmes added. "Whether it's the football field or classroom, you always have to compete and sometimes if you lose, it's OK. You got to keep going."
Holmes, a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, played at defensive end and defensive tackle in his rookie season.
He chatted with the Twin Cities media during minicamp and said he was eager for his second season in the league. Holmes is among a handful of defensive tackles looking to earn playing time behind starters Linval Joseph and Shamar Stephen.
"Just getting stronger with my hands. Playing the guy in front of me instead of trying to do everything at one time," Holmes said. "Just fundamentals of the 3-technique.
"I feel like I have a home at 3-technique," Holmes added. "Now I'm just trying to get better every day."
