Quarterbacks matter. In the words to follow, they don't matter at all.
The 5 Vikings players to watch for the upcoming Ravens practices span the offense and defense. Some hang out in the trenches while others can be found surrounded by plenty of green grass. Look for who needs a couple of huge days in what is a climactic moment of training camp.
Player No. 1 – DT Caleb Banks
Nov 16, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) celebrates with the ball after a fumble recovery against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Quite possibly, there's nobody who faced more scrutiny for the Giants preseason game than Caleb Banks .
The hulking defensive tackle sees the size of his frame matched only by the size of his potential. Unlocking that potential isn't automatic. Part of the problem has been injury, keeping him off the field in the same way that J.J. McCarthy missed development time due to injury. Banks wants his career's trajectory to move in a very different manner.
So far, there has been quite a lot of chatter about the DT's pad level. The conversation should consider his ability to stay sturdy against double teams, pack electricity into his mitts, and offer the competitive snarl that he promised after speaking to the media when getting drafted. Pushing around the Ravens' o-lineman — including Baltimore 's own 1st-Round selection in Vega Ioane — would inspire optimism.
Player No. 2 – WR Myles Price
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (4) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown reception during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Consider something that may not be super obvious to the casual observer. That terrific one-handed Myles Price touchdown catch to end the play was only possible due to his release coming off the line of scrimmage at the beginning of the play.
Everybody agrees that Price worked hard in the offseason. Where that showed up is not just in the quality of his hands. It also showed up in the shifty explosion coming off the line of scrimmage. Seeing him do some of that against Baltimore's impressive secondary – Malaki Starks , Kyle Hamilton , Marlon Humphrey — would be another gust of wind in Price's sails.
Player No. 3 – CB Chuck Demmings
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stephen F Austin defensive back Chuck Demmings (DB07) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
He prays, he raps, and he challenges receivers in man coverage. Can't help but be impressed by the young lad.
Baltimore's top receiver is Zay Flowers . The shifty WR1 is capable of shaking most corners out of their cleats. Does he get a chance to do so vs. Demmings? Nobody is looking for the 5th-Round rookie to become the CB1 in his debut season. Seeing him push for CB3 snaps would become likelier, though, with a strong effort against a strong opponent.
Player No. 4 – FB Max Bredeson
Jan 6, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (44) looks on during a practice session before the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports – Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Deemed " adequate " as a pass catcher by OC Wes Phillips, FB Max Bredeson is more than merely adequate as a blocker. He's going to earn a beefy workload as a rookie.
Baltimore's defense has veteran linebacker Roquan Smith at the center of things. Taking on the former top-ten selection isn't for the faint of heart; Smith's All-Pro honors have been well earned. Can the rookie fullback still hang with one of the players to be recognized as the gold standard of LB play in recent seasons?
Player No. 5 – C Blake Brandel
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images – Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
At Oregon State, Blake Brandel played offensive tackle. He then got drafted with the ambition of seeing him become a strong OT3. Along the way, Brandel figured out that learning every o-line position would make him more valuable to the team, something he told Vikings Territory .
Fast forward from 2020 into the summer of 2026. Brandel is now the Vikings' C1. Some have concern about his abilities, or lack thereof. Some of the recent social media hubbub has mentioned Brandel's snapping. Does that prove to be an issue when lined up across from DT Nnamdi Madubuike and Calais Campbell ?
