The Vikings have numerous players who are putting together a strong showing at training camp.
Mark Craig of the Star Tribune thinks one player has singled himself out as the star in Mankato.
Craig wrote:
A lot of guys look good to great, but defensive end Everson Griffen is at the top of that mountain. The Bengals aren't going to like the pace Griffen will be practicing at next week in Cincy.
Some have suggested Everson looks especially good because he's going against the inconsistent Matt Kalil. But I actually see Kalil stepping up his game and competing hard. Like offensive coordinator Norv Turner told me, guys in Kalil's shoes either get better or get embarrassed on every snap when they face a guy like Griffen. Kalil, I think, is getting some value out of this.
Everson has had two very good seasons and, to me, is a better all-around player than Jared Allen was. But it says something that Griffen is this determined to get even better.
Griffen has 22.5 combined sacks over the last two seasons and has 40 career sacks in his first six seasons in the league.
Craig has also been impressed with left guard Alex Boone, who is in his first training camp with the Vikings. The 6-foot-8 Boone signed with Minnesota as a free agent this offseason.
Craig also mentioned linebacker Edmond Robinson and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as players who have stood out to him at camp.
Vikings pass test against NFL officials
A handful of zebras were in attendance for Thursday's practice as the Vikings were under the watch of league officials.
Brian Murphy of the Pioneer Press wrote that Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said his team was praised by the referees.
*NFL officials arrived Thursday for three days of oversight and education as the Vikings prepare for their first full scrimmage and next week's preseason opener against Cincinnati. *
*So far, so good, according to coach Mike Zimmer. *
"They said we were outstanding with our hands today — best they've seen this early in camp with a team," he said.
*Referee Craig [Wrolstad] and a couple members of his crew will lead a seminar for Minnesota players and media about new rules for 2016 and points of emphasis. *
"Just talk to the guys if you see something throw the flag, and we'll try to get it corrected," Zimmer said.
