Our Early Predictions for Vikings Camp Battle Winners

Story by

Story by
Our Early Predictions for Vikings Camp Battle Winners

Our Early Predictions for Vikings Camp Battle Winners — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) lines up against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC wild-card round on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Richter contributed on defense and special teams during Minnesota’s postseason appearance as the Vikings battled the Rams under the playoff spotlight in one of the franchise’s biggest games of the season. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Dustin Baker · Vikings Territory

Mon, May 25, 2026 ·

5 min read

About Our Ads

Minnesota Vikings training camp is two months away, and the club will host about seven notable roster battles, which is the case every summer. From a pre-June perspective, we’re here to predict the winners.

Minnesota’s summer depth chart already has a few competitions with clear early favorites.

The Vikings are forecasted to win eight or nine games in 2026, according to oddsmakers. Let’s examine these preliminary battles.

Seven Battles Will Highlight the Vikings’ Summer

It’s Year No. 5 for head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Kyler Murray plays against the Chargers during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Vikings camp battles — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) plays against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 27, 2022, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Murray operated Arizona’s offense during the interconference matchup while attempting to spark the Cardinals against a Chargers defense that pressured him throughout key stretches of the regular-season contest at home. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

1. QB1

The Contenders: Kyler Murray | J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings’ messaging over the last few weeks has been oddly insistent that Murray and McCarthy will have a genuine competition at training camp. That’s fine — but Murray is clearly the better quarterback, possessing more arm strength, speed, and passing accuracy. He also averages 30 passing and rushing touchdowns per 17 starts.

It would be sweet if McCarthy had the juice to dethrone Murray, but we’re not really buying it.

Prediction: Kyler Murray

2. OLB3

The Contenders: Bo Richter | Tyler Batty |Jake Golday |a Free Agent

Without Jonathan Greenard , Minnesota’s EDGE depth quickly became skimpy, at least compared to the last couple of years.

Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner lead the group. Beyond them, the Vikings are relying on Richter or Batty to step into a significant OLB3 role by September — a considerable leap for both. Richter has only played 81 defensive snaps in two seasons, while Batty logged just 42 as a rookie.

While there is potential, especially under Brian Flores , neither player has demonstrated enough in live games to fully solidify the Vikings’ depth behind Van Ginkel and Turner.

That highlights why adding a veteran EDGE remains a sensible move. The team doesn’t require another superstar, but rather one more reliable pass rusher. This would stabilize the unit should injuries mount or if Turner’s development takes more time than anticipated.

We pick Leonard Floyd because of his link to O’Connell from the LAR days.

Prediction: Vikings sign Leonard Floyd

3. Center

The Contenders: Blake Brandel | Michael Jurgens |Gavin Gerhardt

Brandel is the favorite at center heading into camp. He’s is the most realistic outlook, especially after Minnesota waited until Round 7 to draft Gerhardt from Cincinnati — a late-round rookie who projects more as a developmental prospect than an immediate starter.

Many fans likely anticipated a more direct draft investment at the position. Players like Connor Lew , Logan Jones, Jake Slaughter, and Sam Hecht all seemed like solid Day 2 options. Instead, O’Connell’s staff opted to wait, drafting Gerhardt and giving Brandel the inside track.

The only significant wildcard remains a potential trade. Should Minnesota make a bold move and inquire with Miami about Aaron Brewer , the landscape would shift dramatically. For now, however, Brandel is the safe bet, while Gerhardt remains a long-term lottery ticket.

Prediction: Blake Brandel

4. Free Safety

The Contenders: Jay Ward | Theo Jackson |Jakobe Thomas

Ward quietly surpassed Jackson on the depth chart late in 2025, a development that received surprisingly little attention.

Jackson began last season in a more favorable position. He had more experience, a familiar role, and seemed like the next man up if Harrison Smith slowed down or retired. But then Ward began to usurp his role.

Jay Ward sacks Clayton Tune and forces a fumble during a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings camp battles — Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward (20) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) and forces a fumble on Aug. 26, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Ward delivered one of Minnesota’s top defensive plays of the preseason opener, helping create early momentum as the Vikings wrapped up exhibition action before the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

The shift is significant now. Ward is faster, more aggressive, and still has a year left on his rookie deal. Should Smith retire, Minnesota should give Ward the first opportunity at an expanded role. Jackson can still contribute, but Ward has greater upside and stronger late-season momentum.

Prediction: Jay Ward

5. Nose Tackle

The Contenders: Domonique Orange | Levi Drake Rodriguez

The nose tackle position presents a Week 1 question mark. Long-term, Orange is expected to be the Vikings’ future nose tackle, a role for which he was drafted. However, Week 1 could tell a different story.

Rodriguez has seen action for Minnesota over the past two seasons, and Flores might decide there’s no need to thrust Orange into the heart of the defense immediately. The Vikings have also been notably cautious with rookies recently, partly because Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s draft classes haven’t forced their way into starting roles. Put plainly, most of Adofo-Mensah’s draft picks weren’t very good.

While Orange represents the future, Rodriguez could still be the early-season answer.

Prediction: Domonique Orange

6. Punter

The Contenders: Johnny Hekker |Brett Thorson

Minnesota faces a clear old-versus-new battle at punter.

Hekker, once considered the best punter in football — in 2015 —may no longer be at his peak, but he can still get the job done. The Vikings then signed Thorson after the draft, setting up a genuine competition.

Thorson was one of college football’s top punters in 2025. Despite some draft whispers projecting him as a middle-round pick, he went undrafted. Minnesota now has that upside without spending a draft pick.

Hekker represents the safer, more established option, while Thorson is the livelier, high-upside bet.

Prediction: Brett Thorson

7. RB3

The Contenders: Zavier Scott |Demond Claiborne

Claiborne presents the stronger case for the RB3 spot, especially if pre-draft assessments hold true.

Demond Claiborne participates in drills during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Vikings camp battles — Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne (RB03) participates in drills during the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 28, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Claiborne showcased his speed and athletic traits in front of NFL evaluators as teams studied running back prospects ahead of the draft during one of the league’s premier pre-draft scouting events. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

He offers 4.37 speed, a build reminiscent of De’Von Achane, and a compelling connection to the coaching staff, as Minnesota now employs Frank Smith, Achane’s offensive coordinator in Miami for the past three seasons. While that doesn’t guarantee that Claiborne will replicate Achane’s success, the alignment of skill sets and size is undeniable.

Scott has earned respect by diligently working his way up the depth chart. However, his most realistic role might be limited to practice squad depth. Claiborne possesses more explosive potential, higher draft capital, and a clearer path to making a dent in the offense.

Prediction: Demond Claiborne

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: